Scientists invent loud speakers for clothes

BOFFINS AT a Japanese firm claimed they developed speakers that can be woven into cloth and wrapped around the face. Hopefully not next to the ears.

The Nikkei Biz Daily describes the invention as a breakthrough, although if we see it in Pashmina scarves, the INQ will probably fall over and faint.

It works by weaving copper wire and magnets into cloth, but to Dutch boffins at Philips R&D centre in Eindhoven, this stuff is really old hat, so to speak.

When the INQ and the famous VNU "Mole" from PC Week were treated to a visit to Philips, nearly 14 years ago now, the boys there were telling us that soon we would see a "PC on a tie".

The microprocessor would be placed in the knot.

We're pleased to say that such a device never emerged, Philips continued to make money making light bulbs, Eindhoven PSV continued to lose soccer matches, and IBM supremo Sir Lou Gerstner picked up on Philips' idea four years later but for shoes. Another idea that still waits its fulfilment. µ