This week Adam Walton discusses the RNIB Cymru project designed to help blind and visually impaired people get more from their home computers. We have a report about the world's biggest consumer electronics show, and we hear about some award winning applications for mobile phones.

Community Project

RNIB Cymru's ATIC project (Accessible Technology In Communities) has been nominated for an e-Government award. The project uses RNIB-trained "digi-champons" to give one-to-one training to blind and partially sighted people on the use of computer technology. Around one hundred people are currently getting help from ATIC. We hear more from RNIB Cymru senior policy officer Kate Hughes, and "digi-champion" Mike Taylor. To contact RNIB Cymru about the scheme you can call 02920 450440 or visit the website below.

The big show

The annual CES (Consumer Electronics Show) has just come to a close in Las Vegas and, despite the economic climate at the moment, there was plenty of shiny new technology on display, including 3D televsion and games, hand-held "pico-projectors" and a preview of the next version of Windows, called windows 7, which is now available in a test version. Paul Douglas, editor of TechRadar.com joins Adam on mousemat with more details.

Award winning apps

As mobile phones become more sophisticated, there is a an increasing array of "apps" or applications that can be downloaded and used on them. GetJar, who distribute apps, recently announced the winners in their annual awards for mobile innovation, handing out gongs to Google Maps, Opera Mini and ScanR to name but three. We hear from Patrick Mork, vice president of GetJar.

Recycle, recycle, smash?

Following last week's chat about recycling technology, we hear about a report from Which? Computing that says that the only certain way to permanently erase the data on your computer's hard-drive is to smash it with a hammer. We discuss this drastic advice, along with alternatives, with Jaclyn Clarabut, the assistant editor of Which? Computing. Before taking drastic measures, she advises that software such as McAfee Shredder, Tune-Up and DP Wipe do a good job of removing data effectively.

Links

• RNIB Cymru
• TechRadar
  
• CES 2009
  
• GetJar
  
• Which?Computing
  
• BBC online report about "smashing your hard-drive"