As another busy week in the technology world draws to a close, we take a look at some of the stories that have captured the imagination of our readers.
This week's hot topics include Amazon's drone delivery plans, the controversial Broadband Delivery UK scheme and the sluggish take-up of Windows 8.
Hi robot
One of the biggest stories of the week was Amazon's revelation that it wants to use unmanned drones in the future to deliver items to customers.
The story prompted one reader to ask if April Fools' Day had come early (or late), but it seems Jeff Bezos and his team at Amazon are intent on using these devices to deliver good within the next four-to-five years.
Maybe at its heart Google is really an alien robot intelligence hell-bent on human domination.
This was followed later in the week by an equally sci-fi-tastic story about Google's 10-year mission to build robots that could be used to automate manufacturing processes and deliver goods.
Both stories have prompted fears from readers these technological developments could pave the way for a dystopian future where we're left answering to some evil robot overlords.
"Maybe at its heart Google is really an alien robot intelligence hell-bent on human domination," squealed regular IT Pro commentator John Hodgson Artist.
Meanwhile, Panoaction said the human race is doomed because we've not watched enough Matt Damon or Arnold Schwarzenegger films or something.
"The poor humans are creating their own end and obviously have not watched films like Terminator and Elysium," he laughed.
Blasting BDUK
BT's involvement in the Broadband Delivery UK scheme came under fire again recently, with the CEO of the Independent Networks Co-Operative Association labelling the telco a "grant junkie" when it comes to securing funding for superfast broadband projects.
As you can probably imagine, BT gave as good as it got in its retort to the claim, but it seems the firm (and the BDUK scheme itself) still has some work to do to win over IT Pro readers.
Terry Barnaby said the internet is an important part of the UK infrastructure, which means schemes like BDUK need to be funded and managed better.
"The Government [needs] to wake up to this fact and properly focus on it and fund it. It is handled by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport with no business angle at all," fumed Barnaby.
Fellow IT Pro reader Andy took issue with BT's response that the payback period for the projects it undertakes through BDUK stretches well over a decade.
"BT must think we are naive to believe they won't be making money sooner rather than later on their BDUK projects. The whole reason they are pushing it forward is because subscribers need faster connections and to access over the top services such as BT Sport...Keep up the pressure, INCA," said Andy.
Windows hate
The operating system market share figures from Net Applications painted a rather bleak picture of how well (or not) Windows 8 is going down with computer users across the globe.
When you already have Windows 7, Windows 8 is a downgrade.
Its findings suggest Windows 8.1 and Windows 8 combined only increased their market share by 0.05 per cent between October and November, which considering Windows 8.1 only came out last month isn't great going.
Thankfully, some IT Pro readers were on hand to share their thoughts on why they think Windows 8 doesn't seem to be all that popular.
"When you already have Windows 7, Windows 8 is a downgrade," remarked Sam101200.
"Why would anyone want that?"
Sigfridii also contested Microsoft's claim that end user feedback has helped to shape the features and functionality Windows 8.1 offers uses.
"Microsoft has not listened to the criticisms of Windows 8. Users don't want the kindergarten UI designed for tablets on their desktop/laptop computers," he said. "Sack the idiots who designed it and return to the familiar pathways on Windows 7."
