If imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, there can be no higher tribute to the influence of US technology group Apple than a walk around the Mobile World Congress this year.

The traditional space-eating bookshelves and libraries at home and in public spaces will soon be replaced by audio books, mobile telephone books, e-books and video clips of famous novels.

British Prime Minister Gordon Brown is looking for a new butler at 10, Downing Street and angry Conservatives say advertising the £30,000 per year job is hardly a crunch-time activity.

Despite the missing lavish parties, frenetic crowds, and seductively clad "booth babes" of years past, the CES offered many new next-gen products.

German audio equipment maker Blaupunkt and Australia's miRoamer have teamed up to produce the first Internet car radio, giving drivers access to tens of thousands of Web radio stations.