The CemTrex SmartDesk might be one of the most impressive desks we've seen to date-- it might not be made of expensive wood, but it does feature a built-in computer complete with three 24-inch gesture-controlled touchscreens.

Desk PCs are not exactly a new concept. For instance, Taiwan's Lian-Li has the DK line of motorised adjustable desk PC cases. However CemTrex takes the idea a step further by adding the aforementioned three displays, as well as an embedded wireless phone charger, built-in VoIP business phone, wireless earbuds hidden inside a little pull-out drawer, and even a scanner built right inside the glass surface. Meaning, yes, one needs to just put a sheet of paper on the desk to scan it.

Researchers at the University of Michigan set to beat IBM for the claim of smallest computer in the world by shrinking the Michigan Micro Mote (M3) further, leading to a computer measuring all of 0.3mm to a side.

The previous version of the M3 computer measured 2 x 2 x 4mm, while the IBM claimant to the smallest computer throne is 1 x 1mm. However the race for the tiniest computer has lead to a re-examination of what a "computer" actually is, since both the latest M3 and the tiny IBM machine lose all programming and data as soon as they lose power.

“We are not sure if they should be called computers or not," professor of electrical and computer engineering David Blaauw says. "It’s more of a matter of opinion whether they have the minimum functionality required.”

According to IDC, spending on the Internet of Things (IoT) will experience a CAGR of 13.6% over the 2017-2022 forecast period, reaching $1.2 trillion by 2022 as the diverse market reaches "broad-based critical mass."

Further IoT market drivers include innovative analytics software innovations, cloud technologies and business/IT services.

"The IoT market is at a turning point-- projects are moving from proof of concept into commercial deployments," the analyst says. "Organisations are looking to extend their investment as they scale their projects, driving spending for the hardware, software, services, and connectivity required to enable IoT solutions."

Digital currency transaction processor Coinmint announces a $700 million investment in what it claims is the biggest datacentre dedicated to the mining of cryptocurrencies, such as Bitcoin, Ethereum and Dash.

Located in Massena, New York, the 1300-acre site used to house an aluminium smelting operation that closed 4 years ago. It promises to employ around 150 people, such as security personnel, technicians, electricians, installers and operational staff, over the next 18 months, and runs on hydroelectric power. Coinmint estimates it should run at full capacity within a year.