MPAA sues Torrent and Usenet search sites

The Motion Picture Association of America (MPAA) has opened up a new front in its war against illegal downloaders. The Hollywood studios' trade association has started legal proceedings against search engines and Usenet news groups. Among the sites on the receiving end of the MPAA writs are Torrentspy. ...more

Another anti-virus test defeats Microsoft Live OneCare

According to a new set of tests, Microsoft's anti-malware product, Live OneCare has again trailed in tests against rival products. The software was only one of 17 products that failed to come up to scratch in a run-off conducted by Austrian anti-virus testing company AV Comparatives. Live OneCare only managed to detect 82. ...more

Telecoms and IT hardware posted gains in November

Against a background of a generally flat stock market in November, telecom services and IT hardware bucked the trend and were amongst the best performers in the month. According to figures from the FTSE Group, whilst the FTSE all-share market rose by just 1 per cent, Telecommunication services which includes Vodafone, BT, mmO2, Cable & Wireless, Colt and THUS showed an overall rise of 5.79 per cent. ...more

BPI calls on Apple to open up iTunes

The BPI has called on Apple to open its iTunes Music Store and make it compatible with portable players beyond its own iPod range. 'We would advocate that Apple opts for interoperability,' BPI chairman Peter Jamieson told the House of Commons Select Committee for Culture, Media & Sport inquiry into New Media and the Creative Industries. Jamieson acknowledged the huge contribution that Apple has made to the development of the digital music business as well as the 'enormous appeal' of its integrated hardware and software. ...more

Motorola and Apple dial the iTunes phone

Motorola, Apple and US mobile operator Cingular have unveiled the long-awaited 'iTunes phone'. The Motorola ROKR, which initially will be available only in the US, can store up to 100 songs and once the iTunes key has been pressed provide playback via a familiar iPod-style interface on the 176x220 TFT colour display. Music is loaded via USB from iTunes on either a Mac or a PC and much like the iPod shuffle, you can choose the songs you want to hear or let iTunes pick them. ...more