Nod's as good as a click for a mobile gadget

COMPUTER scientists are developing ways of operating gadgets using "body talk", such as the nod of a head.

They say joggers may soon be able to change tracks on digital music players without touching a button. And "texters" will no longer run the risk of an accident as they send a message while walking down a busy street.

The research at Glasgow University aims to allow safe communication with any hand-held device such as a mobile phone or Palm Pilot while on the move.

The breakthrough will allow these devices to be activated by gestures such as a nod or a hand movement.

Professor Stephen Brewster, who is leading the project, said: "We hope to develop interfaces that are truly mobile, allowing users to concentrate on the real world while interacting with their mobile device as naturally as if they were talking to a friend while walking."

He hoped gestures could eventually be used to change music tracks, access websites or send e-mails.