Next-gen hi-definition discs built on DVD-R production jigs

A group of Japanese companies has announced the successful development of prototype recordable HD-DVD discs that can be manufactured on existing DVD-R production lines. Hitachi, Maxell and Mitsubishi have separately tested and verified write-once discs, using a new organic dye developed specifically for blue laser products such as HD-DVD. The discs should be ready for manufacturing on a large scale by the spring of 2006, when the first HD-DVD recorders are expected to go on sale, and the first drives appear in PCs. ...more

Ballmer promises 'responsible' Microsoft

Speaking for the first time since the approval of the antitrust settlement, Steve Ballmer, CEO at Microsoft, commented on how the company will shape up to the terms of the remedy At yesterday's event, hosted by the Brookings Institute in Washington DC, Ballmer told of the company's committment to complying with the terms, including setting up an antitrust compliance committee. 'We've already made many of the necessary changes, and we are dedicated, from the top down, to really living those obligations. We've taken a number of steps to disclose additional technical details about Windows, and to make the design and contractual changes required by the decree,' he said. ...more

Samsung unveils 'world first' laptop with detachable screen

Samsung Electronics is set to lure thrifty users with the world's first notebook to come with a reusable monitor. The Korean giant unveiled its latest innovation, the M70, at IFA Berlin 2005 on Friday and said that its unique design will compete with both notebooks and desktops thanks to a mammoth 19in detachable monitor. The M70's LCD monitor can be placed in a dock to give the appearance of a conventional desktop PC, but Samsung's real selling point is that the M70 will allow users to upgrade with minimum expense. ...more

Patent Office seeks examples of creative works banned by copyright

The Patent Office in its new role as overseer of all UK intellectual property rights is seeking evidence of certain creative practices that are forbidden or restricted by current copyright laws. The Office has been given responsibility for implementing changes to the law recommended by last years government-sponsored Gowers Review of Intellectual Property. Among exemptions to copyright restrictions suggested by the review are where content is used for creative, transformative or derivative works' and 'caricature, parody or pastiche'. ...more

Apple reseller pre-installs Windows XP

The unthinkable has happened. A US Apple reseller is using Apple's Boot Camp beta software to offer MacBook Pro laptops with Windows XP pre-installed. Expercom says it will hive off a 20GB partition on which it will install XP - all for $2,029. ...more