Half a keyboard = faster typing

Do you own a PDA? Are you constantly banging your head against the wall whenever you want to write a document using a stylus? Well your prayers could be answered in the shape of the Half Keyboard - it is exactly what it says on the box, half a keyboard. The keyboard was designed with Palm and Handspring PDAs in mind and the people behind this unique input device say that you can type even faster using half as many keys. Matias, who designed the Half Keyboard, has also developed a version that can be worn on the wrist. ...more

Website bids to reduce volume of junk mail

An environmental campaigning website is trying to reduce the volume of unwanted postal mail by highlighting the role of the Mailing Preference Service (MPS). It is backed by the Direct Marketing Association (DMA). And we are happy to highlight Planet Ark's effort, too (not forgetting the equivalent Telephone Preference Service, also). ...more

Joint venture to produce organic displays

Samsung and NEC have announced a joint venture worth 500bn Korean won (?288m) to develop low-power screens for use in mobile devices. The new company, called Samsung NEC Mobile Display, will produce organic electroluminescent (EL) displays - a self-emitting light technology - that don't need background lighting and consume less power. It is also claimed to be faster and more compact than current TFT LCD displays. ...more

PC markets to grow 25 per cent over six years

Established PC markets will grow just 25 per cent over the next six years, according to Forrester Research. The current global figure for the number of personal computers is pegged at around 575mn, and established markets such as the US and Europe will not add more than 150mn to that figure by the end of the decade. Emerging markets however are set to explode and more than make up for the stagnant waters of established territories. ...more

BBC Beethoven success hoped to revive Classical sales

Classical music enthusiasts are hailing the unexpected popularity of the free Beethoven symphony downloads which the BBC recently made available. The nine symphonies, released in two batches over the space of a fortnight, were downloaded 1.4 million times. ...more