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C K Prahalad: Are Your Business Beliefs Outdated?

editorial@silicon.com (BNET.co.uk) — Mon, 01 Sep 2008 16:09:02 +0000

Business has come a long way since the days of Henry Ford's 'any colour as long as it's black' mantra. Now the consumer has the final say, says C K Prahalad in his book The New Age of Innovation. Here BNET.co.uk's editor Joanna Higgins interviews Prahalad on the changing world of business.

Spammers poised to target BlackBerry and iPhone owners

editorial@silicon.com (The Times ) — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 14:46:02 +0000

Security experts have warned that the popularity of the iPhone, BlackBerry and other smartphones is making the devices an increased target for viruses, spam and malware, the Times reports. Neil Cook of Cloudmark said: "Spammers are really very good businessmen. They see new opportunities and new markets," adding where there is significant market share - which the smartphone phenomenon is creating - spammers will follow.

Lewis estate takes on 11-year-old in new battle of Narnia

editorial@silicon.com (The Guardian ) — Mon, 16 Jun 2008 11:41:02 +0000

The purchase of a dot-mobi address referring to the popular Narnia books by C S Lewis by a parent for his 11-year-old's birthday has sparked a huge legal battle, The Guardian reports. C S Lewis Ltd claim the purchaser intends to use the Narnia name for financial gain - a claim strongly denied by the Edinburgh man. The domain name has been frozen while the World Intellectual Property Organisation investigates the case.

'Herds' of wary cars could keep an eye out for thieves

editorial@silicon.com (NewScientist ) — Thu, 05 Jun 2008 16:20:02 +0000

Car alarms are taking a change of direction, in the shape of safety in numbers, the NewScientist reports. Multiple hidden sensors are placed in vehicles that act as a watchdog to other cars. When the driver leaves the car, the signals are switched on and other cars are alerted via these signals. If the car goes out of range - i.e. it moves - before the driver returns and 'unlocks' the signals then the nearest car sends an automated alert to a centralised system

Phone calls database considered

editorial@silicon.com (The BBC ) — Tue, 20 May 2008 11:51:01 +0000

It has emerged that ministers are considering plans for a database that will hold details of every email and every phone call sent and made in the UK, the BBC reports. First reported in The Times, the plans may be included in a draft of the Communications Bill which is due later this year. According to the Home Office, the Bill will ensure "crucial capabilities" for using data for counter-terrorism measures.

Nasa life-hunter closes in on Mars

editorial@silicon.com (The Times) — Mon, 12 May 2008 16:01:02 +0000

Nasa is one step closer to detecting signs of life on Mars, the Times reports. The Mars Phoenix lander spaceship has just two million miles to go on its plus-420 million mile journey to the red planet.

The Naked CIO: Is open source dead?

editorial@silicon.com (Naked CIO) — Tue, 06 May 2008 12:16:02 +0000

Or has it just retired to a cosy spot in web and network security

GPS rival's second satellite launches

editorial@silicon.com (NewScientist ) — Tue, 29 Apr 2008 15:10:02 +0000

The second test of Europe's answer to GPS - the Galileo project - was launched on Sunday. But the project has been plagued by problems since it first launched back in 2005, the NewScientist reports; from being too expensive, to finding a space for it alongside the already dominant GPS system in the US.

Information alert

editorial@silicon.com (The Guardian ) — Tue, 22 Apr 2008 12:39:02 +0000

The myth that the so-called 'Google generation' are completely at home on the internet has been challenged by a report into online behaviour, the Guardian reports. The research claims that people searching for information online only skim read and conduct 'shallow' searches. It suggests they are lacking 'fundamental' internet skills needed to take full advantage of the wealth of information the internet has to offer.

Action urged to keep net neutral

editorial@silicon.com (The BBC) — Mon, 21 Apr 2008 12:31:02 +0000

Net neutrality is under threat, unless tough action is taken to protect its founding principles, a digital rights lawyer has said, reports the BBC. At a public meeting to debate the methods some companies use to manage traffic, Professor Lessig said the FCC must act to ensure traffic flow is equal across the internet.

Coming soon: Superfast internet

editorial@silicon.com (The Times ) — Tue, 08 Apr 2008 11:43:02 +0000

According to the scientists behind it, the internet could soon be a thing of the past. They have pioneered a web replacement which will be capable of downloading feature films in seconds, The Times reports. "The grid" will be 10,000 times faster than the internet and is set to "revolutionise" society, says one of the professors working on the project.

Hydrogen-powered plane takes off

editorial@silicon.com (The BBC) — Tue, 08 Apr 2008 11:14:02 +0000

Aviation giant Boeing has announced it has successfully carried out the first flights of a hydrogen-powered plane with a pilot onboard, the BBC reports. Driven by propellers and powered by hydrogen fuel cells, the aircraft made three short flights and produced only heat and water as exhaust products. The company claims this could pave the way to a "greener future". But there is still a long way to go

Blue LEDs to reset tired truckers

editorial@silicon.com (NewScientist ) — Tue, 18 Mar 2008 15:13:01 +0000

Blue LED lights could be the answer to reduce fatal accidents on the roads. Researchers in the US claim that by fitting these lights in the truck cabs or rest stops and bathing drivers in the right light, their body clocks will be reset, therefore helping them stay more alert.

Digital kids ditch homework for networking

editorial@silicon.com (The Guardian ) — Tue, 04 Mar 2008 16:21:01 +0000

School pupils in the UK are spending too much time on social networking sites such as Facebook and Bebo - at the expense of time which should be spent doing homework, according to a report documented in The Guardian. The report covered 15- to 19-year-olds and also found social networking sites were taking precedence over television.

Listening to internet chatter

editorial@silicon.com (The BBC ) — Tue, 19 Feb 2008 15:14:02 +0000

An electronic art installation at London's Science Museum allows people to 'eavesdrop' on online chats, allowing users to 'hear' the internet. The computer program called Listening Post collects samples from thousands of 'conversations' across the web that are then fed through a voice synthesiser emulating tones and effects. Director of the Art Fund said the Listening Post is where technology and art meets.

After Stumbling, Facebook Finds a Working Eraser

editorial@silicon.com (The New York Times ) — Mon, 18 Feb 2008 16:55:01 +0000

Social networking site Facebook has given in to demands and created a way for users to permanently delete their accounts from the site. But the site has received complaints that even after the 'delete' form has been filled in, some details still remain on the site, The New York Times reports.

Machines 'to match man by 2029'

editorial@silicon.com (The BBC) — Mon, 18 Feb 2008 12:43:01 +0000

Robots will achieve the level of intelligence enjoyed by humans by 2029, according to a report in the BBC. An influential engineer, Ray Kurzweil, has claimed humanity is nearing the stage where tiny chips can be implanted into the brain to increase intelligence and health.

London gets pollution charge

editorial@silicon.com (Kablenet.com ) — Tue, 12 Feb 2008 15:16:02 +0000

The Congestion Charge has turned its attention to the environment in attempts to reduce the amount of carbon dioxide the capital produces, Kablenet.com reports. Cars which churn out high CO2 emissions will have to pay a higher premium to enter the city, whereas those with the lowest emissions will get the fee waived.

Face to face with the future of remote medical consultations

editorial@silicon.com (The Guardian ) — Tue, 12 Feb 2008 14:55:01 +0000

Aberdeen Royal Infirmary is conducting the NHS's latest experiment - examining patients via video link, the Guardian reports. Telemedicine has been used in parts of the UK for linking patients in remote areas with specialists. The Aberdeen trial, backed by Cisco, is the first to bring the technology to a range of GPs and consultants.

Keeping a cool profile on Myspace could just cost you your next post

editorial@silicon.com (The Times) — Mon, 04 Feb 2008 15:41:02 +0000

A leading recruitment company has warned that profiles on social networking sites such as Facebook and MySpace could be detrimental to users' careers, The Times reports. The research found one in five employers admit to using social networking sites to find information on candidates. A quarter of those questioned said they decided not to employ someone based on what they found online.

Wi-Fi music polling device takes heat off the DJ

editorial@silicon.com (NewScientist ) — Tue, 22 Jan 2008 11:20:02 +0000

Bad DJ-ing at a party could be a thing of the past, as computer scientists at the University of California have developed a system that makes a playlist containing the guests' favourite songs. The computer system relies on guests carrying wi-fi-enabled music devices, from which it can then stream the songs onto a central computer and generate a list of popular songs and genres.

'Wii warm-up' good for surgeons

editorial@silicon.com (The BBC) — Tue, 22 Jan 2008 10:51:01 +0000

According to a report in the BBC, the Nintendo Wii games console can improve a surgeon's performance. A US study found the fine controlled movements necessary in some games acts as a warm up and aids a surgeon's ability to perform delicate operations. The study involved trainee surgeons playing certain Wii games for one hour before performing "virtual" surgery on a computer. The researchers say the consoles could be used in poorer countries where expensive virtual reality equipment is not available.

Mobile phone radiation wrecks your sleep

editorial@silicon.com (The Independent) — Mon, 21 Jan 2008 11:21:01 +0000

Using mobile phones before bed leads to disrupted sleep and headaches, according to a study funded by mobile phone companies, The Independent reports. The effects are most worrying for teenagers and children, causing problems such as depression and a lack of concentration. Leader of the study, Professor Bengt Arnetz, said: "We did find an effect from mobile phones from exposure scenarios that were realistic. This suggests that they have measurable effects on the brain."

Are you suffering from password pressure?

editorial@silicon.com (The Guardian ) — Fri, 18 Jan 2008 15:50:02 +0000

A survey has found 61 per cent of us are using the same password online for many different accounts, The Guardian reports. While this seems like a good idea to write down your password so as not to forget it, or better still, store it somewhere on your computer, The Guardian suggests you may as well just hand it over to the cyber criminals, due to the ease at which passwords can be found in seconds by bots and crawlers.

IT help needed in contacting ET

editorial@silicon.com (The FT) — Tue, 15 Jan 2008 11:27:02 +0000

Seti@home - the project which harnesses free space on personal computers to attempt to scan for alien life - is calling for more volunteers, according to the FT. Currently, 320,000 computers are involved in the eight-year old project, but the chief scientist on the project said if enough extra computers come forward "we are 500 times more likely to find ET than with the original Seti@home".

White bread for young minds, says university professor

editorial@silicon.com (The Times) — Tue, 15 Jan 2008 11:12:02 +0000

A professor at The University of Brighton is expected to claim Google is breeding a nation of students with a dulled sense of curiosity and who shy away from debate, The Times reports. Professor Brabazon will claim Google is "white bread for mind", hinting it is filling minds with 'non-nutritional' information.

The Untold Story: How the iPhone Blew Up the Wireless Industry

editorial@silicon.com (Wired) — Fri, 11 Jan 2008 15:39:02 +0000

Many have only seen the iPhone as the slick, finished product it is today, but Wired reports the "untold story" behind the iPhone's route to fruition, from all-night brainstorming to engineers quitting due to lack of sleep. But, as Wired reports, the iPhone "overwhelmed" the market straight from its launch.

Intel 'undermined' laptop project

editorial@silicon.com (The BBC) — Thu, 10 Jan 2008 14:21:01 +0000

Head of the One Laptop Per Child organisation, Nicholas Negroponte, has accused Intel of attempting to undermine the project, according to a report by the BBC. Following Intel's departure from the project, a row has broken out between the chip-making giant and the charity. Negroponte accused Intel of attempting to block contracts for the sale of the XO Laptop, but Intel has dismissed Negroponte's claims as "hogwash".

Heat from the street

editorial@silicon.com ( The Economist ) — Tue, 11 Dec 2007 12:56:02 +0000

Dutch building company Ooms heats its Scharwoude HQ using a system which generates power from the streets outside, The Economist reports. Dr Arian de Bondt, an Ooms engineer, came up with the idea 10 years ago, and now the company is kept cool in summer and warm in winter by the carbon-footprint friendly system.

Electrolux urges EU to offer cash for buyers of green white goods

editorial@silicon.com (The Guardian ) — Tue, 11 Dec 2007 11:34:01 +0000

Swedish home appliance maker, Electrolux, is calling on the EU to offer incentives to consumers to buy more environmentally friendly appliances, The Guardian reports. Electrolux chief executive, Hans Stråberg, claims the cost of purchasing new equipment will be offset by the amount saved on energy bills, adding: "It's time for European decision-makers to realise the potential here."

Give me rice, but give me a laptop too

editorial@silicon.com (The BBC ) — Tue, 11 Dec 2007 10:52:01 +0000

Writing for the BBC, journalist Bill Thompson defends the One Laptop per Child project against criticism. Dismissing claims that the laptop is 'just a little green computer' with no use to Africans - Thompson instead highlights the great benefits of technology and this project.

Networking for charity

editorial@silicon.com (The Times ) — Tue, 04 Dec 2007 11:25:01 +0000

Social networking is now reaching the charity sector, according to a report in The Times. In an attempt to attract new members, charities are racing to develop the latest apps to engage users on social networking sites MySpace and Facebook.

Tiffany and eBay in Fight Over Fakes

editorial@silicon.com (New York Times ) — Thu, 29 Nov 2007 11:16:02 +0000

Tiffany & Co. has taken online auction site eBay to court over claims the site enables the sale of counterfeit goods, The New York Times reports. eBay claims it would be near impossible to police its site that now boasts 248 million users and has approximately 102 million items for sale at any one time.

Facebook backlash over sale of personal data

editorial@silicon.com (The Independent ) — Mon, 26 Nov 2007 17:15:02 +0000

A new advertising tool on social-networking site Facebook has caused outrage among the site's users, The Independent reports, and has raised huge privacy concerns. The tool - called Facebook Beacon - is used to track the online spending habits of Facebook users. It then uses this information for targeted advertising campaigns. Thousands of users in the US have signed a petition calling for the removal of the Beacon.

Laos plans a water-powered future

editorial@silicon.com (The BBC) — Mon, 26 Nov 2007 11:27:01 +0000

Asian country Laos is looking to hydro-electric power to help pull it out of poverty, a report in the BBC has said. The Laos government hopes the country's rich supply of rivers and mountains will help it become the "battery of South-East Asia". Construction of the Nam Theun 2 dam has begun and is being hailed as one of "the biggest and most controversial projects in the region", due to its environmental and social impact.

Win a car in ZDNet.co.uk's Homebrew Challenge

editorial@silicon.com (ZDNet.co.uk) — Thu, 15 Nov 2007 16:10:01 +0000

Calling all techies! silicon.com's sister site ZDNet.co.uk is giving you the chance to win a Toyota Prius T-Spirit VVT-i car worth £20,000. ZDNet.co.uk wants to hear about your pet tech projects you've got going at home. They may be something in the making, or a finished product. Take a look at the competition site to find out how to get involved.

Why VoIP is the next target for spammers

editorial@silicon.com (The Guardian ) — Mon, 05 Nov 2007 17:18:02 +0000

VoIP could be the next hot target for spammers, a report in The Guardian suggests. Hackers have targeted Columbia University - possibly a direct attack on Henning Schulzrinne, co-author of the session initiation protocol (SIP) that's used by all the major VoIP, who is head of computer sciences at the university. Schulzrinne said the phone is "a very tempting new medium for spammers" as people always answer their phone and retrieve voicemails, whereas junk is easily filtered from emails.

Robot cars race around California

editorial@silicon.com (The BBC) — Mon, 05 Nov 2007 17:11:01 +0000

A modified Chevrolet Tahoe called Boss was the first vehicle to cross the finish line in a race of driverless cars in California, the BBC reports. The robotic-car race was organised by the US military's Defence Advanced Research Projects Agency (Darpa), with the aim of developing technology to be used in battle.

Why fashion is flowering online

editorial@silicon.com (The Telegraph ) — Tue, 30 Oct 2007 16:00:01 +0000

The world of fashion is being revolutionised by the internet, thanks to online fashion broadcasting company Showstudio. According to a report in The Telegraph, the site "allows anyone with a web browser and good ideas to participate in the creative process". This site is just one of many embracing the capabilities of web 2.0 - and collaborations are springing up across the web thanks to the likes of Facebook and MySpace.

Google ready ring in changes to mobile sector

editorial@silicon.com (FT) — Tue, 30 Oct 2007 15:59:02 +0000

Google plans to "shake up the mobile communications industry", according to the FT. One rumour expected to become reality in the coming weeks is a software-and-services mobile phone platform designed by Google to support a range of handsets. With support from influential people such as Facebook's co-founder Dustin Moskovitz, Google's ventures into the mobile market will have the industry's existing big players spooked, the paper predicts.