KIOSK GIVES VOICE TO E-MAIL

Think e-mail lacks the personal touch? Think again. BCE Media has unveiled a kiosk that allows users to transmit both their voice and facial expression via e-mail. The Bell-branded video e-mail booth made its debut at the Ex-Centris complex in Montreal, as part of the Montreal International Festival of New Cinema and New Media (FCMM). Moviegoers have been using the booth to deliver their opinions of programmed films directly to the FCMM Web site.

WEARABLE PCS THE NEXT FASHION TREND

They might never sashay down a catwalk in Paris, but Bell Canada’s field service technicians are soon going to be sporting the latest fashion accessory – wearable PCs. As the result of a deal between IBM Canada, Xybernaut Corp. and Bell Canada, Bell technicians are going to be conducting the first large-scale market trial of the Mobile Assistant IV wearable computer. The lightweight MA IV, which can connect users to the Internet and provide a wireless voice connection, can be worn several different ways, including as a vest or belt. The device will be tested by Bell’s technicians in all weather and working conditions, before it is released publicly.