silicon.com :

Mixed results for green IT goals

editorial@silicon.com (BBC) — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 12:53:01 +0000

A majority of public sector employees do not know about environmentally friendly IT targets set out in government's Greening ICT Strategy, the BBC writes.

Wife of Sir John Sawers, the future head of MI6, in Facebook security alert

editorial@silicon.com (Times Online) — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 12:43:01 +0000

The wife of the future head of M16 has posted pictures and details of family holidays on social networking site Facebook, causing a potential security alert, Times Online reports.

Phorm shares fall as BT opts out

editorial@silicon.com (BBC) — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 12:22:01 +0000

The BBC reports that shares in the online targeted advertising company Phorm have dropped by a third following news BT said it has no immediate plans to use the service.

Jonathan Ross tops the Twitter 'Most Influential' List

editorial@silicon.com (The Telegraph) — Thu, 07 May 2009 12:36:01 +0000

Chat show host Jonathan Ross has topped a list of the 'most influential Twitterers', The Telegraph reports. The list is complied based not just on how many followers a person has, but also on the number of replies, how many times their name is mentioned, etc.

'The future is going to be very exciting'

editorial@silicon.com (The Guardian) — Thu, 07 May 2009 12:10:01 +0000

"The head of Google's new university, Ray Kurzweil believes the advance of technology will solve the energy crisis, upgrade the human genome and even lead to everlasting life". The Guardian's Ed Pilkington met futurist Ray Kurzweil for a chat, and found out the inventor's plans for everlasting life.

The rise and rise of e-readers

editorial@silicon.com (BBC) — Thu, 07 May 2009 11:47:01 +0000

Amazon's latest iteration of its e-book reader, the wireless Kindle DX, is more than double the size of the original and is aimed at viewing newspapers. The BBC suggests that this latest launch points to a time where the lines between digital and analogue publishing begins to blur.

Social sites eclipse email use

editorial@silicon.com (BBC) — Tue, 10 Mar 2009 17:34:01 +0000

Social network sites such as Facebook and MySpace are now more popular than personal email, according to a report on the BBC.

Collins looks to Bebo generation for 'piff' ideas for new dictionary

editorial@silicon.com (The Guardian) — Fri, 13 Feb 2009 16:46:01 +0000

Anyone over 21 might struggle on Bebo, the social networking site that's as popular with UK teens as Facebook is with office workers. Publisher HarperCollins has teamed up with Bebo, reports the Guardian, to tap some of that "youth juice", calling on the social networking site's audience of more than 10 million UK web users to suggest cool slang words for the next edition of the Collins English Dictionary.

Samsung Blue Earth: Solar Powered Phone

editorial@silicon.com (Techtree.com) — Fri, 13 Feb 2009 16:33:02 +0000

Just when you thought phones could not get any greener, here comes Samsung with its eco-friendly phone called the Blue Earth that takes the theme to a new level, says Techtree.com. The Pebble shaped handset is made from recycled plastic and has an "eco-mode" which will optimise Bluetooth, screen brightness and backlight duration.

Coder's Half-Million-Dollar Baby Proves iPhone Gold Rush Is Still On

editorial@silicon.com (Wired) — Fri, 13 Feb 2009 16:06:01 +0000

An iPhone app developer has reached the half-million-dollar mark with his game for Apple's smartphone, Wired reports. iShoot reached number one on the paid-for apps list three weeks ago and has stayed there ever since. The secret to success? A Lite version made available for free, once users were hooked they were willing to shell out the $3 for the full version.

Microsoft offers $250,000 reward to find worm creator

editorial@silicon.com (The Times) — Fri, 13 Feb 2009 15:56:02 +0000

Queen launches new-look website

editorial@silicon.com (BBC) — Thu, 12 Feb 2009 15:07:02 +0000

The Queen is to relaunch her website at a reception in the company of Sir Tim Berners-Lee. The royal site, which started in 1997, will include more video material as well as historical documents. At present about 250,000 people worldwide visit the site each week.

Understanding strategy

editorial@silicon.com (Director) — Fri, 23 Jan 2009 16:45:01 +0000

Strategy: it is often seen as the secret of long-term success and one of the hallmarks of leadership. It unites people, develops opportunities and, crucially in these difficult times, ensures survival. But what exactly is strategy? How does it differ from "vision" and "tactics"? And how can you tell a good strategic plan from a bad one? Director Magazine explores this issue.

Streaming music: even better than the real thing?

editorial@silicon.com (The Guardian) — Fri, 23 Jan 2009 12:45:02 +0000

Is social-networking and the advent of cloud-based computing contributing to the death of downloads? A Guardian report discusses how the cloud is increasingly ensuring it is no longer necessary to download or store music. So, the article asks, will downloading music soon go the way of the dodo?

Children spending half as much time in class as they do looking at screens

editorial@silicon.com (The Times) — Thu, 22 Jan 2009 15:11:02 +0000

According to a new book discussing how businesses harness 'pester power' and target children through new media, kids today spend twice as must time in front of a telly or computer as they do in the classroom, reports The Times.

CXOs unplugged: John Timpson

editorial@silicon.com (BNET.co.uk) — Wed, 10 Dec 2008 13:11:02 +0000

What's the secret of survival on Britain's high street? Try delegating control to your managers. John Timpson, chairman of 143-year-old shoe repair and locksmiths chain Timpson, explains the concept of 'upside down management'.

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 (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

Despite grandiose claims for open source software, the truth about it has been evident for some time. But at least as a niche technology, businesses can take it seriously, says the Naked CIO.

Is the debate about open source finally over? The practicalities of managing open source in a business context became clear years ago. In that environment, open source is difficult and cumbersome, so surely the honeymoon period should have ended long ago. Exclusive Special Report: CIO Agenda 2008 Find out what's hot on the top tech execs' agendas for 2008 ♦ Video: CIO Agenda 2008♦ Naked CIO: The true cost of IT♦ Why IT must escape the belt-tightening♦ Cost-cutting tops CIO priorities♦ Recession fears hit IT budgets♦ What governance can really mean to business♦ The CIO shopping list

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 (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 (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 (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 (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 (Kable) — 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 (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.