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Last broadcast on Mon, 5 Oct 2009, 16:30 on BBC Radio 4 (FM only).
Synopsis
Simon Cox presents the topical magazine series covering the latest developments and issues in the world of IT.
Simon discovers how computer modelling technology used by Hollywood movies is being used to ease congestion in London's Oxford Circus. And he fills his home with gadgets to explore another type of congestion - how household devices could be interfering with WiFi networks.
Public WiFi
As European mobile operators complain that demand for mobile broadband is crippling the networks, Click On asks whether people will return to public wifi for internet access on the move.
Simon learns about the technology used to provide wifi access on buses and trains; and is joined in the studio by Dave Hughes from BT and The Economist's Tom Standage to ask whatever happened to the dream of widespread public wifi networks.
Wireless Interference
Household appliances such as cordless phones and baby monitors can interfere with home networks. Adrian Wagstaff, author of an OFCOM report about wireless congestion, helps Simon solve his home wireless problems.
Oxford Circus remodelling
The pedestrian crossings at Oxford Circus, a source of much misery for London shoppers, are being redesgined - with the help of some sophisticated computer models. Simon braves the rush hour crush to find out how software used to generate armies in the Lord of the Rings movies played a role in designing the new "Oxford Circus diagonals".
Penguin biometrics
Biometric technology is increasingly being used to keep track of human movements - but a group of researchers at Bristol University have developed computer vision system that identifies one penguin from another, by examining the markings on their chests. Physicist Peter Barham explains how it works.
Broadcast
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Mon 5 Oct 200916:30
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