The first week of the new year has already seen a flurry of tech stories that indicate some of 2006's biggest trends. Voice over Internet Protocol provider Skype has joined forces with Netgear to develop a Wi-Fi enabled phone that can make VoIP calls - the gadget is likely to be available before April, and claims to be designed for consumers and small firms.

Meanwhile, Wi-Fi operator The Cloud has announced its intentions to create a cluster of new wireless hotspots in key towns and cities, including Edinburgh, Leeds, Manchester, Birmingham and parts of London in a project that will ultimately provide Wi-Fi access for some four million users.