Author: Jonathan Weinberg
Opinion: Panorama fight video expose proves the web needs policing
Jonathan Weinberg writes…
It takes a lot to shock me and I thought – having worked on and with the internet for the past seven years – that I knew the majority of its positives and negatives. But I’m truly appalled by BBC1’s Panorama investigation into real-life violent videos uploaded onto the web.
Shown on the channel last night, reporters looked at the people who film the sickening scenes, those who have fallen prey to the stupidly named “happy-slapping” attacks (do you see the victims smiling?) and it also focused on the firms allowing such videos to be shown to millions of cyberspace viewers…
Opinion: Free laptop deal looks good
Jonathan Weinberg writes…
Let’s face it, who among us is ever going to turn down a free gift – especially when it’s worth up to £500. Well, that’s the prospect facing techno shoppers at Carphone Warehouse, Currys and PC World this week.
You couldn’t have failed to see the ads in the newspapers over the weekend proclaiming the gratis machines in return for signing up to broadband with the likes of Orange and AOL. ‘So where’s the catch?’ I hear you ask. ‘There’s always a catch!’
Well, you’re right, to get the free laptop you are tied into a contract with the firms for two years and yes, the machines aren’t super-spec’d enough to suit most Tech Digest readers. But in terms of getting people interested in technology and onto the interweb superhighway, it has to be good news…
easyJet go green
They may be known for their garish orange but Stelios seems to fancy a colour change – his budget airline has unveiled a new fuel efficient plane, The Ecojet.
It’s not just a normal flyer with better fuel efficiency, this has two open rotor jet engines at the back of the airplane, which, according to the firm, improve the overall performance of the plane. The wings are swept forward to reduce drag and the body is made with lightweight carbon fibre to reduce the overall weight…
Emirates launch 23inch in-flight TVs
Emirates Airline – you know, the ones who sponsor Arsenal's stadium – have launched 23inch widescreen tellys on their planes. Ok, so that's only in first class but business class passengers get 17inch screens and those in economy 10.6.
It's no wonder the firm has won the best Inflight Entertainment in the World for the past two years. They say the new system provides an authentic home-cinema experience and took three years to develop. They even come with WiFi touchscreen controllers…
IWOOT opens up in Second Life
Gadget retailer iwantoneofthose.com has opened up shop today in Second Life.
The store is housed on the IWOOT island and the firm say it’s the first within the virtual world that lets you buy over the counter with Second Life’s currency Linden Dollars rather than be pushed to an outside website to make the purchase.
As well as buying real products to be posted to customers at home, the shop will also sell virtual versions of popular IWOOT gizmos to be used in the online community. It was launched in 2003 by Linden Lab and has more than seven million registered users living an alternative existence there each day…
Opinion: Can Blu movies make HD exciting?
Jonathan Weinberg writes… IS anyone else bored to tears with the whole Blu-ray v HD-DVD debate. I know I am. Rival film studios and techno firms are falling over themselves to tell us how great their particular new format is,…
Lonely Planet launch pick and mix downloads
Lonely Planet is to launch a create-your-own guidebook service so you can download their top tips straight to your computer. The experts in all the best places to visit across this fine globe will start with content from the Caribbean,…
Top 5 gadgets for F1 star Lewis Hamilton
Formula 1 Formula One Lewis Hamilton Gadgets Celebrity Sport Ferrari shiny media jonathan weinberg top five 5 tech digest
Top 5 Techno-watches
When it comes to techno-watches, any self-respecting child of the 80s will tell you they don’t come much better than the one worn round Michael Knight’s wrist in Knightrider. As a small boy I could often be seen whispering…
Opinion: Gadgets aren't a green issue
Jonathan Weinberg writes…
I’m green – but not in the way all those leftie liberals out there would like me to be. I’m green because I feel sick, sick because some nutters now think my Sony Bravia is responsible for global warming. Do I really need to apologise to the people of South Yorkshire for the damage my TV has done to their flooded homes? Water load of bilge!
