Quantum trick for mobile devices

Handheld devices could soon have pressure-sensitive touch-screens and keys, thanks to a UK firm's material that exploits a quantum physics trick, reports the BBC.

The technology allows, for example, scrolling down a long list or Web page faster as more pressure is applied.

A division of Samsung that distributes mobile phone components to several handset manufacturers has licensed the "Quantum Tunnelling Composite". The approach could find use in devices from phones to games to GPS handsets.

The latest research from Websense Security Labs paints a dreary but familiar picture of the state of online security threats. Echoing the bad news of other such recent reports, it seems the vast majority of the Web consists of malware and spam, according to Ars Technica.

Worse yet, even legitimate, well-known sites are being used to pump malware, SEO poisoning, or phishing attacks.

Websense uses a global network of systems to scan and analyse over 40 billion Web sites every hour, tracking malware and other unwanted content.

Google has quietly acknowledged that $350 is a bit too much to charge consumers who ditch its Nexus One smartphone, states the San Francisco Chronicle.

The company's terms of sale for the device now state customers, who cancel their Nexus One accounts within 120 days of purchase, will have to pay a $150 equipment recovery fee.

Previously, Google had been charging a $350 equipment recovery fee for customers who backed out of their Nexus One deals after 120 days.

India is considering a proposal for a private placement of shares in state telecoms firm BSNL, due to opposition from unions for an initial public offer or stake sale to a strategic investor, the Business Standard said, according to Reuters.

The telecommunications department is working with the disinvestment ministry to privately place 5% to 10% of Bharat Sanchar Nigam, the newspaper reported today, citing an unnamed government official.

The move was also prompted by the muted response to the follow-on public offering by state-run power producer NTPC, it said.