Internet-enabled newspaper?

A research project led by the University of Central Lancashire is creating what it believes to be the first Internet-enabled newspaper, Journalism.co.uk reports.

The project, called Interactive Newsprint, plans to create a printed publication using a type of "smart" paper that responds to the human touch.

"We are developing an entirely new platform for community news and information by connecting paper to the Internet to create what is believed to be the world's first Internet-enabled newspaper," Paul Egglestone, digital co-ordinator at UCLan's school of journalism, media and communication, said.

According to BBC, working with technology company Novalia and colleagues from the universities of Dundee and Surrey, the Preston-based project aims to revolutionise the way people create and consume media.

The aim of the new technology is to bridge the digital gap, giving people access to the Internet through a new platform, and also to encourage new forms of community news, communication and social engagement.

The platform is capable of 'capacitive touch interaction' - which means that by touching various parts of the page, readers can activate content ranging from audio reports to Web polls or advertising - all contained within the paper itself.