Comdex on the skids?

Exhibition organiser Key3Media was teetering on the brink of bankruptcy even as its showcase event Comdex Fall opened its doors in Las Vegas yesterday The event specialist, which organises IT trade shows around the world, reported third quarter losses of US$315.7 million and said it was in negotiations with creditors and considering restructuring or filing for bankruptcy. The company blamed weaker demand as the IT sector struggles to overcome its recession, with exhibitor and attendee attendance down at shows across the board. ...more

Sundance Online Film Festival looks for digital directors

The fourth annual Sundance Online Film Festival has been announced, for January 2004. In the words of the organisers, it is designed to 'showcase the most innovative and creative storytellers using new digital technology'. And they are inviting budding digital directors out there to submit works for consideration. ...more

PlayStation Portable to arrive in the UK on 1 September

After much delay, Sony Computer Entertainment has announced that the PlayStation Portable handheld entertainment system will be launched in Europe on 1 September 2005 almost a year after it was originally scheduled to arrive. The PAL version of the machine will be available as a so-called 'value pack' costing ?179 (€249). The pack will include the PSP system itself, a 32Mb Memory Stick Duo, a battery pack, headphones with remote control, an AC Adaptor, wrist strap and a video/music/game sampler disk which will include several non-interactive game demos. ...more

BT puts WiFi in payphones

BT is to install WiFi access to its public phone kiosks, with more than 200 Openzone access points installed by Christmas. Dave Hughes, chief executive of BT Wireless Broadband, said: 'The deal to put Openzone in some of BT's vast network of payphones is evidence that we are serious in our aim to take wireless broadband to every street in Britain. We have carefully targeted kiosks which cover nearby small hotels or restaurants so that workers will be able to take advantage of the power of mobile broadband from a comfortable and secure location. ...more

Emoticons show real expression

Researchers at Bournemouth University have developed a technology that can turn a human face into a series of emoticons for use in instant messaging applications. The NewScientist reports that the system works by allowing users to map expressions such as smiling or frowning to the face. Users simply take an expressionless photograph and then use a mouse too mark points on the face, such as the corners of the mouth and the ends of the eyebrows. ...more