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Weary walkers resting on park benches have been promised a digital sound
experience as they watch the world go by. Solar panels on each armrest charge
hidden batteries to power an MP3 audio player buried inside the bench. Plug in
your personal stereo headphones and you can eavesdrop on pre-recorded
information about the area or, perhaps, a locally recorded drama. Designer Mil
Stricevic says the first benches will go live in Barrow-in-Furness, Cumbria, in
July, followed by London’s Richmond Park and New York City.