Robots head for the sun

We've had robots that look like dogs, robots that look like cats, robots that even look like people. There have also been big robots that make cars and small robots that can pirouette on a ten-penny piece. Now there's a range of solar-powered bots for those of you who fancy a dabble in the world of robotics. ...more

Anti-music is killing music

Forget file sharing, record labels have only themselves to blame for faltering CD sales according to CD mastering specialist Bob Speer. Speer claims that the reason that music fans are not buying as many CDs as before is because they are simply too loud. More accurately in the 'race' to make the music as loud as possible, dynamic range has been sacrificed. ...more

Inaccessible websites widen the digital divide

Most websites are ostracising disabled people by failing to adhere to the most basic accessibility standards, according to a United Nations (UN)-commissioned survey. Just three per cent of websites, including Tony Blair's online presence, passed minimum web accessibility guidelines in the first ever global accessibility survey carried out by usability expert Nomensa. The study was launched following this week's International Day of Disabled Persons, which focused on the theme of e-accessibility this year. ...more

John Wiley signs up Symbian Press

In advance of the release of the EPOC-based Nokia 9290, "Symbian Press" is a new publishing imprint from John Wiley and Symbian, the consortium behind the EPOC operating system that powers Communicator devices. Aimed at developers, Symbian Press will be producing a range of titles designed "to help C++, Java and content developers to add value to the unique technologies offered by the Symbian OS". Essentially, the imprint will help the company share technical information about Symbian WIDs (Wireless information devices) and help establish the wireless industry standards that the company is following. ...more

BT Totals broadband

BT has launched its BT Total Broadband package, which includes a number of products and services built around theoretical download speeds of up to 8Mbps. The range of offerings reflects BT's increasing move towards being a Web-friendly service provider rather than simply a physical line data carrier. The Yahoo!-partnered package, built around the BT Home Hub (pictured), includes Internet voice calls, video calls, 'hi-definition sound' handsets and anti-virus and anti-spyware protection, and the BT Fusion package is also included, for cheaply routing mobile calls through home lines when within range. ...more