Webscape

By Kate Russell Click Webscape-r

Kate Russell gives us her latest selection of the best sites on the World Wide Web.

Advertisement

DOUBLETWIST (www.doubletwist.com)

doubleTwist

This site has an application that allows users to store, organise and sync files on a range of devices, such as a BlackBerry, iPod and MP3 players.

Once the software has been downloaded to a PC, just plug the device in and select your syncing options - files can also be shared with others.

This software is currently in public beta, but the creators say the standard features will remain free even after the beta period has closed.

NEWSMAP (http://newsmap.jp)

Newsmap

Newsmap is powered by information from the Google News aggregator which provides a visual guide to the latest headlines.

The relationships between stories are shown using a bold colour-coded tree map, which is a good way to keep up to date with the news at a glance.

A preview of each news article pops up when the mouse is hovered over a headline - click on it to be taken to the full story.

Users who register can customise the homepage to always open with their preferences set.

ISTOPOVER (www.istopover.com)

iStopOver

People with a spare room can register on this site to offer accommodation to holiday makers, backpackers or even business travellers.

Lodgers set their rates and availability, and anyone interested can negotiate and make arrangements through the site.

The rental is only released to the hosts after the visit is over, and the site takes a 9% fee for the service.

MYHANDLE (https://myhandle.com)

MyHandle

Myhandle.com lets users set up a one-stop e-mail address for various e-mail accounts.

After registering a handle, users need to sync it up with their accounts and invite people to join their network.

This forwarding service sends all mail to one place, so it does not matter how many times someone changes their e-mail address.