As mobiles become increasingly prevalent in the developing world, a report commissioned by Internews Europe, “Promise of Ubiquity” helps the media understand the opportunities and challenges posed by mobile technology. It questions the viability of mobile as an information channel given the high rates of illiteracy. Through interviews with leaders in the field, it examines current and future trends in mobile technology.
The Times of India announces the launch of a $10 laptop, aimed primarily at children. This follows the recent announcement that One Laptop Per Child (OLPC) is refocusing its mission. Cory Doctorow comes out in favour of OLPC in the Guardian, sparking debate elsewhere.
There has been a surge of interesting developments in the world of social networking. The recently launched Twitterfall – a tool for tracking news via twitter, has been described as an essential tool for aid workers and humanitarian bloggers. Egyptian activists and bloggers have launched Operations General Mait which aims to draw attention to the plight of Mohamed Abdel who was detained because of a photo that was taken with him and a Palestinian Hamas official. In a bid to raise funds for charity, Guardian journalist Paul Smith is travelling around the world in 30 days, staying only in accommodation which is offered to him through Twitter. He might do well to follow the tweets of the Dalai Lama who officially joined the micro-blogging site last week.
Update: The Dalai Lama’s account is still live, but the person behind it has been exposed as an imposter.
