Mobile phone fire puts US man in hospital

A California man was badly burned at the weekend after his mobile phone spontaneously combusted. Luis Picaso of Vallejo suffered second and third-degree burns on half his body, after his polyester-blend trousers and nylon shirt caught fire. The fire also melted the plastic chair that he had been napping in. ...more

Poll touts e-voting as turnout booster

As the UK's largest trial of e-voting kicks off with local elections next week, a poll reveals these alternative methods of casting your vote should boost turnout. The idea of being able to stay in while boosting turnout figures appeals to 55 per cent of UK adults, according to the poll, conducted for the Electoral Commission by Taylor Nelson Sofres. In particular, three-quarters of 18 to 24-year-olds said that these new technologies would encourage them to vote. ...more

AppleShare IP upgraded

AppleShare IP, Apple's server management software, has been upgraded. Version 6.3. ...more

Archos guns for the iPod mini with a 20GB player

French digital player maker Archos has announced a new product of the same proportions as the iPod mini but with a capacity of 20GB. The Gmini XS200 is a petite 76 x 59 x 19mm in dimension and weighs 120g. In comparison, the iPod mini 91 x 51 x 13mm and weighs 103g, with a 4GB disk capacity. ...more

Apple facing new iPod nano lawsuit

Apple is facing a fresh lawsuit over allegations that it shipped defective iPod nanos. The suit has been filed on behalf of California purchasers of the nano and demands that Apple recall and repair the defect without charge or refund the purchase price. Apple has accepted that there was a problem with some early nanos that led to excessive scratching, which in some cases rendered the portable music player's screen unusable. ...more