This week Adam Walton discusses the evolving world of online encyclopedias. We visit the "Shutdown" technology show in Llandudno, and find out about a BBC project called "visualising radio".

Visualising Radio

The BBC are trying out some ideas designed to bring an extra dimension to radio programmes. A recent experiment with programmes on Radio 1 involved some interactive video content and a text message "swingometer" which gave an update on listeners' opinions. A further trial is planned for later this year. John Ousby, head of BBC Distribution Technology joins Adam on mousemat to explain more.

Online Encyclopedia Evolution

Online encyclopedias have been making the news in the last week. Encyclopaedia Britannica announced that they are now planning to allow readers to contribute article content to its online edition, alongside its established team of experts. While Wikipedia's co-founder has announced that there are plans to tighten up editorial controls on the site following some recent fake death announcements. Ian Grant from Encyclopaedia Britannica and Mike Peel from Wikipedia join Adam to discuss the recent developments.

Computer... can you hear me?

Technology journalist Rhodri Marsden ponders the once futuristic notion that we would, by now, all be able to hold sensible conversations with our computers. But do we really want to talk to machines?

Shutdown... and do something else instead.

Reporter Nan Pickering goes to Llandudno which recently played host to the Shutdown technology conference, and included a discussion about a replicating machine called RepRap, and questions such as "if everyone's on Facebook, who is down the pub?"

Links

• BBC Visualising Radio blog
• Wikipedia
  
• Encyclopaedia Britannica
  
• Rhodri Marsden
  
• bloc: Creative Technology Wales