Technology changes: hang on for the ride of your life

9:15am Friday 25th April 2008

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You probably wouldn't normally link the latest technological developments with riding a bike - but you should. Technology is now, more than ever, a fluid, moving vehicle and if you jump on for the ride, it looks like it will be fun. Here's a quick tour of what old technology is doing to give itself a new look. The speed of change is incredible.

RE-cycling' technology...

An American living in the UK has won funds to support his cycle jacket that changes colours when the rider applies the brakes. Michael Chen designed the hi-tech jacket after noticing drivers responded to his rain jacket with LED lights held on it with gaffer tape.

Read about it on: www.bikeradar.com Watch it on YouTube: http://mx.youtube.com/watch?v=aWhcyLA-a_g BBC joins forces with Wii...

Fusion media was taken to the next level this week as BBC teamed up with Nintendo Wii. Unlikely bedfellows? Not in this day and age. Everyone with something to offer is teaming up with anyone else who has a product that can enhance their service to users. Now you can not only watch your favourite BBC shows on your computer using iPlayer, you can watch them on your TV if you have a Wii. For instructions, and details about a plug you need to have, go to http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/latest/.

PS3 plays the TV game...

Sony's Play TV is now ready to order and is expected to arrive in the UK in July. This means your Play Station 3 plus your TV can transform how and when you watch TV programmes. TV programmes will be able to be stored onto your PS3 hardrive, to be played back at your leisure. But you may want to have a read of some feedback before jumping in. And all this with a slim PS3 also in the works.

http://stuff.tv/news/PlayTV-coming-to-UK-in-July/ More and more is happening and it all seems to be about a joined-up' approach. The power of partnerships can only benefit the end user, and hopefully reduce the number of tech toys we need to make our entertainment world go around. Keep in touch with it all - the speed of change is impressive.

Places to find out about new technology.

BBC Click: A weekly technology show, available on iPlayer. http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/programmes/click_online/default.stm Engadget: A superb what's new' site - which generates lots of comments on its featured items. These comments give the news a great added dimension. http://www.engadget.com/ Stuff TV: A great place to read about gadgets, gear and technology - with a forum so you can really find out what others think. http://stuff.tv/news/PlayTV-coming-to-UK-in-July/ Web Monkey: If you already know about web design but would like to be part of a community and share tips and information, join the Web Monkey world online. http://www.webmonkey.com/