Ultra-Wideband technology given UK go-ahead by Ofcom

uwb-logo.jpgUltra Wideband (UWB) technology, which allows devices to communicate wirelessly at high speed over relatively short distances, has been given the go-ahead by Ofcom to be used unlicensed in the UK.

Normally, equipment which uses a part of the radio spectrum requires a license from Ofcom in order that any interference between different users can be managed. However, UWB technology has a low power output and shouldn’t interfere with other signals.

Digital Divide? Over 50% of new TVs sold in UK last year analogue

tv.pngAccording to the latest figures from GfK, over half of the 7.5 million TVs sold in the past year were analogue (4.4m).

Though the number of digital TVs sold in the year ending May 2007 had increased almost threefold over the previous year, at just over 3m compared to just over 1m, still more analogue TVs were sold, though the figure had dropped from around 5.6m in 2006 to 4.4m in 2007.

Nick Simon at GfK expressed some concern over the figures. “Unfortunately there were still more than 4 million analogue TVs sold in the last 52 weeks, suggesting that there is still a lot of work required to convert all 25 million plus UK households. This is especially an issue when GfK ConsumerScope research reveals an average of two and a half sets per household.”

Shiny Video Interview: Kat chats to Richard Warmsley, Head of Internet on the Move at T-Mobile UK


Last Thursday I grabbed a few minutes to chat with Richard Warmsley, Head of Internet on the Move at T-Mobile UK, about their Web ‘n Walk, Music Jukebox and other services available to customers. And also to tease him about his straight-to-the-point job title. Hey, it’s better than Communications Manager, non?…

PocketSurfer2 handheld mobile Internet device coming to UK in August

pocketsurfer2_portable_internet_communication_device.jpg

Earlier this month we said that DataWind’s PocketSurfer2 was coming soon, and today more specifications, and a definite UK launch date and price, have been announced.

The PocketSurfer2 is an ultra-thin and portable Internet communications device featuring a built-in GPRS modem and SIM card, GPS location information, 5 hours of battery life with 5 days standby, a built-in high performance antenna, 640×240 VGA colour screen with transreflective backlighting, and a backlit QWERTY keyboard.

Ring Alarm may save your marriage

ring_alarm.jpg

One of the perpetual problems of relationships occurs when the couple has to get up at different times. (As a writer, I know this problem well since I never have to get up, ever, so any time anybody wants to get up is at odds with my schedule.) Designer Meng Fandi has come up with a possible solution. The Ring Alarm has two vibrating rings and a computerized charging cradle. The cradle is used to program each ring to vibrate at a certain time. Voila: a buzz for him, and a buzz for her. (Or him and him or her and her; it’s not prejudiced.) A more detailed diagram of this follows the jump. [GT]

Ring Alarm [via SciFi Tech]

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