£70m boost for business technology

The British Government is to invest £70m in electronic technologies aimed at transforming business practices and bringing computer power to everyday gadgets.

The money will be spent on developing so-called thinking machines such as washing machines which can read clothes labels.

A network of business advisers will also be funded to help firms trade online.

Industry Minister Patricia Hewitt said: "The internet as we know it today is only the start of the revolution in information communications technology.

"The UK is already one of the world leaders in mobile Internet and digital TV. Now we are investing an additional £70m to ensure that UK businesses and scientists can be in the lead for the next generation of electronic networks."