Apple patents image-sensing screens

Apple has applied for a patent for an LCD screen that doubles as a camera. US Patent Application 20060007222 describes an integrated sensing display where the display elements - the pixels in effect - are integrated with image sensing elements. The result is a screen that, like the telescreens in Orwells' 1984, can see images as well as display them. ...more

Ten Tiny points

Tiny Computers has introduced a 10-point Customer Service Charter as it rolls out 140 Powerhouse concessions across the UK. The idea is to build customer satisfaction from the ground up by offering the same sort of service you'd expect from any high street purchase. James Sanders, Services Director, said: 'We've got 1. ...more

eBay boosts UK household income

eBay is making a significant contribution to the wealth of UK households, according to the Centre for Economic and Business Research. Online auction sites will generate some ?4bn of trade this year for the 50,000 people in the UK who buy and sell via such websites, of which eBay is by far the most well known and successful. The CEBR estimates that auctions could add ?3,000 to the average UK household income. ...more

Seagate ships 160GB notebook drive

Seagate has begun shipping its 160GB notebook drive using perpendicular recording technology. The drive, the first in its Momentus family using perpendicular recording, was first announced in June of last year. Six months later it has now hit the channel and Seagate still claims it's an industry first. ...more

ITV tests broadband television service

ITV is trialling a broadband television service in two south coast towns. Brighton and Hastings will be the first areas of focus for the local service, which offers local news, weather, local films, an entertainment guide, community video and classified advertising. Film-makers will be able to premiere their movies through the service, and local people will be able to make Citizen's TV reports. ...more