Microsoft unveils coffee table PC
Microsoft has launched a new touch-sensitive table-shaped computer called 'surface'. It will not require a keyboard or mouse, so users can operate the PC with their fingers.
Pocket-lint launches gadget IPTV channel
Gadgets news and review website Pocket-lint has teamed up with Flawless media to produce Megawhat.tv, an online IPTV channel dedicated to gadgets.
Amazon snaps up camera review site
London-based digital photography site dpreview.com has been bought by Amazon in a deal showing the value of trusted reviews on niche products.Started as a hobby site nine years ago, dpreview specialises in independent reviews of digital cameras and accessories, as well as discussions forums and buyers’ guides.
SpinVox co-founder explains voice-to-blog service
SpinVox is a UK company which provides a range of voice-to-text services, primarily its Spin my Vmail service, which converts voicemails into text messages.
Spin my Blog, which SpinVox launched earlier this year, uses the company's patented Voice Message Conversion System (VMCS) to allow bloggers to post articles from their phones.
Barclays uses chip and PIN to combat online fraud
In an attempt to add an extra layer of security to online banking transactions, Barclays Bank has sent out 'PINsentry' machines to its online account holders.
Over half a million Barclays customers will be sent the free PINsentry card readers by the end of the year, which will be used to prevent online banking fraud.
Slacker launches web radio service
A new web radio service called Slacker has launched in beta today. When it unveils its associated music player later this year, it will aim to make internet radio portable and even compete with the mighty iPod.
Slacker has bagged $13.5m (£7m) in funding from Sevin Rosen, Austin Ventures and Mission Ventures, and its team includes Dennis Mudd, who was previously CEO at Musicmatch.
SMS reminds immigrants to go home
The UK government could turn to mobile marketing technologies in an effort to get on top of immigration control.
Among measures proposed by the Home Office, visitors to the country would receive a text message reminding them when their visa is due to expire.
Who needs or wants usability?
I have just given my annual lectures to some postgraduate students about what it’s like doing usability in the real world (i.e. the world where you can’t spend three months redesigning the perfect interface to a toaster).
And one of the issues I cover is why it seems to be so difficult to design usable products. It must be difficult - there are lots of clever designers and few really usable products.
Apple begins iPhone marketing, delays TV
Apple has been forced to roll back shipment of its Apple TV media bridge device by nearly a month.
Reuters in the US last night quoted a spokeswoman as saying: "Wrapping up Apple TV is taking a few weeks longer than we projected, and we now expect to begin shipments mid-March."
Wrigley's lauches Wii adver-games
Chewing gum maker Wrigley has launched a digital marketing campaign with a difference, rolling out a series of games on Nintendo's Wii games machine.
The company opened its CandyStand mini-games portal on the console's Internet Channel.
First launched in 1997, it includes a selection of brand-laden games like Altoids Sheep and The Great Flying Mintini. Availability on the Wii means players will be able to use Nintendo's innovative wiimote controller to interact with the features.
Social media: the best and worst of 2009
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Web 2.0
Graham Charlton
Strategy & Planning
