So I get this call. Would I like an exclusive briefing on a new technology that's going to turn text into speech - the first one to do this 'native'.

Forgive me, but no I don't. This typifies, in my view, the all-too-common view that a technical advance ought to be done for the sake of it. Let's examine a few facts:

1. There are numerous text to voice facilities on the Web. OK, they don't do texting but they do a lot else.

2. I'm really quite good at reading.

3. If I'm in a position in which I can't read a text - by which I take it we mean 'I'm driving' - I don't want to be distracted by the message either. It's bad enough that the wonders of Bluetooth have forced me to take calls.

4. Oh lookee here, I've been sent a thing to review called a CV 9040 from Bury Technology. And it does, wait for it, voice to text among other things. I've had it on my desk for two months.

So no, I'll cope without an 'exclusive' on a new technology that does...er...something I've had on my desk for months. Yes, I'm sure the new tech does it in a different way, but ciuld someone remind me why anyone should care?