Computer games used to treat 'lazy eye'

Computer games are being used by researchers to help treat the condition of amblyopia, or a 'lazy eye' as it is colloquially known, reports the BBC. Successfully navigating the specially developed games will automatically strengthen the gamer's 'weak' eye. Because one eye works better than the other, the traditional approach is to strengthen the 'lazy' eye by forcing its use, for example by wearing a patch over the good eye. ...more

Security firm renews campaign for .bank domain

F-Secure has renewed its campaign for the introduction of a .bank Web domain that it believes could help to reduce instances of phishing data and identity theft. The security company is seeking a sponsoring organisation that is willing to promote the domain as part of ICANN's recently announced public consultation on possible new top-level domains (TLDs). ...more

Oftel watches over BT's property

Oftel is keeping a close watch on BT's proposed ?2bn property sell-off, warning the company that the sales to reduce its debts must not affect the phone and Internet services it provides. Among the properties for up for grabs, BT is selling the leasehold on telephone exchanges, and Oftel is particularly concerned that the local loop unbundling programme goes ahead as planned. David Edmonds, Director General of Telecommunications, said, "Oftel will want to be assured that the planned disposals will not affect BT's ability to meet its licence and other obligations, including those relating to provision of the universal telephone service and local loop unbundling. ...more

Anti-terrorism threatens PC privacy

US President George Bush has approved a bill to boost US national security that threatens the privacy of computer users around the world. The full extent of the new arm of the US government - called the Department of Homeland Security - is still being determined, but it will ensure that computer operating systems, hardware, data and the Internet are secure. The US government will be able to access these computer systems to fulfil its remit of protecting national security. ...more

Three new Canon cams

Canon has announced three additions to its digital camera line-up - the IXUS v3 and two PowerShots, the G3 and S45. Canon acclaims the Digital IXUS v3 as 'the world's smallest 3.2 megapixel camera'. ...more