Britain's historic city of Bath is to host an experiment in advanced wireless computer technology that could provide the blueprint for developing the world's next generation of mobile phones and lap tops.
Called Cityware, the project will see 30 volunteers using state-of-the-art mobile telephones to access interactive technology and gauge its use.
"Pervasive technology that is available to everyone, everywhere and at all times promises to be the next big leap in mobile computing technology," said Dr Eamonn O'Neill from the University of Bath's Computer Science department.
One reason why Bath was chosen to road-test the new technology was that, as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it attracts millions of visitors each year, who may one day be using the type of technology being tested.
One application for example will be a location recognition tool that uses photographs that people take of buildings.
It will compare the picture with a database on a central server and, if a match occurs, will return information to the phone about the building and other points of local interest.
Another application will consist of users uploading information and pictures to a website that then charts their route through the city.
O'Neill said the commercial roll-out of any city-wide system would need advances in areas such as improved phone interfaces, and making mobiles "aware" of their surroundings and the available services.
