More news from the frontiers of technology

New research reveals that the UK is a much more 'wired' nation than previously thought. 40% of all adults now have access to the internet.

Not surprisingly, usage varies with age. The great majority of 16 - 24 year olds are wired up - but so are half the 35 - 49 group.

Neilsen Media Research notes: "The internet user's demographic profile in the UK today is very similar to that of North America two years ago. However, UK users are embracing e-commerce much more rapidly than users in North America did in 1997."

And from further north comes news of convergence between wireless and cashless technologies.

Network operator NetCom and electronics company Siemens are using an Oslo site to trial new vending machines. Instead of depositing money or swiping a card, would-be purchasers dial up the machine from their mobiles and request the product they want to buy. Inside 30 seconds, the buyer's credit is checked, the machine is authorised to dispense and the charge is recorded. The machine can even phone for help if it's running low on supplies or needs servicing.

Elliott Chase