Benjamin Powers

Benjamin Powers is a technology reporter. He focuses on artificial intelligence, social media and privacy, examining how these areas are reshaping technology regulations, among other topics. He was previously a tech reporter at The Messenger, the tech reporter at Grid and the privacy reporter at CoinDesk.

Illustration of an old arcade video game with a nose flaring inhaling green odor lines

HOLD YOUR NOSE

This AI Smell-O-Vision Device for Video Games Stinks

Gamescent lets gamers experience smells such as burning rubber, gunfire, and explosions. But is it a breath of fresh air or just a stinker?

Benjamin Powers

gif image of mouth with sound waves coming out of it robot voice google alexa human auditory cortex nitish saxena

WHAT’S REAL EVEN

We Can’t Tell the Difference Between a Robot and Human Voice

A study shows that even when people are told to watch out for digitally altered voices, they can’t detect them.

Benjamin Powers

image of elderly person wearing virtual reality vr headset with brain scans behind in pink alzheimer scan virtue uk rehman gorman

RECREATED MEMORIES

How Virtual Reality Can Help Fight Dementia

Immersive experiences have been used for video games and entertainment. But a new therapy could make VR an accessible therapy for dementia patients.

Benjamin Powers