The latest figures from U.K. communications watchdog Ofcom show a dramatic increase in the adoption of digital technology in the U.K. -- Ofcom's second-annual Communications Market report found that more than 60 percent of U.K. households now have digital TV, while sales of DAB radio sets increased to more than 1.5 million early this year. Each month, approximately 250,000 households switch to digital TV, a boom driven by Freeview, which has increased its total subscriber numbers to more than 4.6 million households. For the first time ever, more households (30 percent) have broadband connections than dial-up Internet, leading the regulator to predict that, by the year 2010, more people will watch TV on the Internet than on analog TV. "This report shows that U.K. households are now accelerating into the digital age," said Ofcom's Ed Richards. "In parallel, industries formed over decades are being reshaped by digital broadcasting and broadband with every month that passes."
The personal computing device market continues to demonstrate remarkable resilience despite recent fluctuations. According to the latest worldwide market study by International Data Corporation (IDC), global PC shipments are projected to reach 273 million units in 2025—a modest but significant 3.7 percent increase over the previous year. This growth reflects the market's adaptation to post-pandemic realities and evolving technology needs across the globe. Personal Computing Market Development While COVID-19 initially triggered unprecedented demand for computing devices during the shift to remote work and online education, we now see a more measured growth pattern. IDC has slightly adjusted its projections downward, indicating a market growing steadily rather than explosively. "In light of so many challenges around the world, Japan is a much-needed source of double-digit growth this year. Enterprises there as well as SMBs have been quickly replacing PCs in advance of the Window...