Very small robot alert

So we've had robots that walk like humans, robots that look like animals and most recently, robots that can do the cleaning for you. The Sandia National Laboratories have developed a mini-robot as part of its research. When we say mini-robot, we mean a small device that is no bigger than a ten-penny piece. ...more

Telewest broadband undercuts dial-up

By a penny, for three months... ...more

Dell plans to open two retail stores

Dell has announced plans to open two retail stores later this year, abandoning its adherence to Internet and mail order sales. The Austin-American Statesman reports that the computer maker will open a store in Dallas, close to its Texas home, and one in New York in bid to capitalise on rising consumer sales. The company has always insisted that retail stores would be loss making, but Apple's success in generating over $1bn worth of sales in a single quarter through its network of more than 100 stores appears to have presaged a change of heart. ...more

Creative push out an audio first

Audigy 2 to offer first Advanced Resolution DVD-Audio quality for the PC Creative Labs has announced its Sound Blaster Audigy 2 range that allows PC owners with a DVD drive to listen to their audio files at five times the detail of conventional CD-audio. Creative CEO Sim Wong Hoo said: 'With the introduction of the Sound Blaster Audigy 2, we are setting an audio standard for the PC that is currently emerging in consumer electronics.' The Audigy 2 is the only standalone card with the audio quality assurance of a THX certification. ...more

Google Earth goes 3D for search and mapping

Google has launched a new satellite imagery-based mapping environment that combines 3D buildings and terrain with mapping capability and Google search. Google Earth enables users to fly from space to street level views to find geographic information and explore places around the world. Key features of Google Earth include 3D buildings in major cities across the United States; 3D terrain showing mountains, valleys, and canyons around the world; integrated Google Local search to find local information such as hotels, restaurants, schools, parks, and transportation; dynamic navigation; video playback of driving directions; and tilt, rotate, and activate 3D terrain and buildings for a different perspective on a location. ...more