Microsoft has launched a new "Decision Engine" that it hopes will rival Google. Named Bing, the search engine will initially be focused on searches relating to health conditions, local businesses, purchasing choices and trip planning and its creators hope it will break new ground when it comes to search engine usability. Steve Ballmer, chief executive of Microsoft, claimed that many search engines currently "don't do a very good job of enabling people to use the information they find".

Fri, 29 May 2009 09:40:11

A large number of internet domain names relating to the subject of pets are up for auction. Websites such as colliedogbreeders.com, yorkiesforsale.com and buypuppies.com are among those available for purchase. Click Medium, the company behind the sale, claimed that it "could be considered the greatest collection of dog and pet related domains ever".

Wed, 27 May 2009 16:40:47

A robot that can express emotions while performing tasks has been created in Japan. Researchers from Waseda University and robot manufacturers Tmsuk designed the machine, named KOBIAN, to be able to show a number of emotions, including surprise and disgust. KOBIAN can convey feelings thanks to motors in its face that move its lips, eyelids and eyebrows.

Tue, 26 May 2009 12:00:46

A new Bluetooth watch has been created by Citizen that allows the wearer to interact with their mobile phone. Named the AIBATO M, the watch can wirelessly connect to a phone and if used with particular handsets it can remotely work a camera, check emails and deliver message alerts, slashgear has reported. Set to be released in Japan on July 1st, the 100 gram watch will be offered in either black with a rubber strap or silver with a metal strap.

Fri, 22 May 2009 15:18:23

The Japanese do it best when it comes to gadgets, of that there is little doubt. While robots that do the cleaning are often thought to be the stuff of futuristic utopias, a Japanese company has made it a reality. Fukitorimushi was unveiled late last month at the Tokyo Fiber Senseware exposition in Milan.

Fri, 22 May 2009 12:15:06

A DVD with 2,000 times the capacity of the disc currently on the market has been developed in Australia. Researchers from Swinburne University of Technology have created a "five dimensional" disc that could lead to a change in the way DVDs are manufactured. Professor Min Gu, one of the researchers behind the discovery, said that the extra dimensions were "the key to creating ultra-high capacity discs".

Thu, 21 May 2009 10:59:51

Microsoft has applied for a patent on a new games console control that could rival Nintendo's Wii remote. Newly-released information shows that the computing giant applied for a patent in 2007. The Wii remote allows game players to have more physical interaction with the game that they are playing, an idea that Microsoft are clearly keen to cash in on with their Xbox.

Wed, 20 May 2009 16:06:06

The world's thinnest TV panel is currently in development, LG Display has revealed. When completed the TV panel will measure just six millimetres deep, making it the world's thinnest. It is due to come in two sizes; the 42-inch screen, which would weigh only 6.1 kilograms and the 47-inch screen that would weigh slightly more at 7.3 kilograms.

Wed, 20 May 2009 10:15:42

A new search engine that is intended to be the first serious new rival to Google has been launched. Named Wolfram Alpha the new system, created by Dr Stephen Wolfram, is known as a "computation knowledge engine" and is designed to make the results produced by a search more relevant. Dr Wolfram's brother Conrad told the Daily Telegraph that the search engine was "more like having your own personal analyst who takes the question you've got and tries to come back with a specific set of answers unique to your question".

Mon, 18 May 2009 13:51:47

Mobile advertising is yet to significantly challenge other platforms, it has been claimed, despite being a growing medium. UK Media Web has suggested that the area still needs more development, although there is a lot of interest and investment. Andrew Lim, editorial director of the firm, said that there is "scope" to do "much more targeted and more creative campaigns" due to the introduction of smartphones into the mobile market.

Fri, 15 May 2009 16:07:33