Press & PR

Although he may be on his way out of the top job at Microsoft, the firm's chairman Bill Gates revealed his keen interest in the future of technology even after his departure from the limelight.

Speaking to a packed audience at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, Mr Gates suggested that the next step for digital technology is "the fulfilment of so many dreams and promises made over the years".

He explained that computing power is now advancing to a point where "during the next digital decade, technology will make our lives richer, more connected, more productive and more fulfilling in profound and exciting way".

Among the innovations he saw as being key were new methods of connecting with technology rather than through keyboard and mouse, as well as the growth of 'cloud computing', where information and services rely on internet access.

Consumers can already benefit from the web by tapping into the future of communications technology with an internet telephony plan from Vonage.

Unlimited voice calls to the UK and Ireland are charged at a flat rate of £5.99 a month under Vonage V-Plan 1, while other plans can include up to 25 other countries from around the world.