Web Round-Up – W/E 11/04/97

Following the Gaming Board’s decision to grant a licence to Inter Lotto, the company is planning to launch a frequent draw lottery on the Internet next October. Inter Lotto is planning to install playing terminals in pubs, restaurants and high street shops. The screens at point of sale will announce the draw.

Microsoft is set to buy WebTV Networks, the company that has developed technology that will allow consumers to surf the Internet on their TV sets, without having to buy a PC. This move demonstrates Microsoft’s determination to play a leading role in the convergence of home PCs, on-line information services and consumer electronics.

Saatchi & Saatchi’s interactive consultancy, Saatchi & Saatchi Vision has created an energy saving web site at http://www.energy-efficiency.org.uk. The site, produced on behalf of the Energy Saving Trust, shows how to save hundreds of pounds on fuel bills.

For the first time, a whole street in Britain has been wired-up. 78 people in 26 house in an Islington street have been wired up in an experiment designed to measure the potential influence of the Internet on everyday lives. The experiment is to continue for the next six months.