Gadgets learn how to talk in Yorkshire's Silicon Valley

IF your DVD player could talk to your microwave oven, what would it say?

Thoughts like these fascinate Ian Pringle, so it was little surprise when the computer expert was approached by Texas-based Varsity Group to lead a project that could change the way people use computers and electronic equipment.

He accepted the challenge, provided he could carry out research from his base at The Media Centre in Huddersfield.

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Varsity agreed, and by the end of the summer, Mr Pringle hopes to have 25 staff working with him.

"There's no reason we can't have our own Silicon Valley here,'' he said. "There's an assumption that it can't be done here in Yorkshire. My mission is to prove that it can."

Mr Pringle, who also runs web company Ensembli and his own consultancy firm Inteleme from The Media Centre, is heading up software development for the Wireless Grid Corporation, a subsidiary of Varsity.

He is overseeing the development of software that will link up a network of computers, TVs, music systems and even toasters, and allow them to interact with each other.

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Mr Pringle, who holds a masters degree from the University of Huddersfield, said: "It will create a grid which reflects your personal digital infrastructure. You have all your devices and data services on your own grid.

"It might be that you want to turn on the kettle from your iPod or use your phone to set your alarm or music player. Users will be able to share all or part of their grids with others.

"It really will link everything together in a way they never have been before."

So far, he has six full-time staff working on the project in Huddersfield, and he plans to take on three more next month.

"The talent is here. It's all about belief and momentum,'' said Mr Pringle.