Microsoft hammers Digital Anvil

Microsoft's continued shift into the games market moved up a notch after it was announced that the company is to acquire Digital Anvil. Digital Anvil has worked with Microsoft since 1997 and has developed games such as Mechwarrior and the Links golf simulation titles. In the acquisition, Microsoft will gain the rights to the up-and-coming space simulator Freelancer and an untitled Xbox game that is currently in development. ...more

27-10-2001 Essential news of the week

Brought neatly together and presented on a plate, here is a roundup of some of the week's main news stories from the world of IT. UK winner announced for Europe's IT awards Ericsson's hand forced to reveal big loss Companies rally behind XP XP rolls out Web services the Kylix way MGI Cinematic: one-touch video editing Apple unveils the iPod BTopenworld to launch music subscription service Dusting down Dot Museum Printers get smart Don't forget, we welcome your comments. Just fill out the 'Comments' fields on the right-hand side of the screen. ...more

Ofcom sets standard for MP3 transmitters

Ofcom has formally announced that low power FM transmitters which connect portable music player to in-car audio systems will be legal in the UK from 8 December, as we revealed earlier this week. The regulator notes that while the equipment that was previously available carried a high risk of interference to other broadcast services, new devices are designed to limit the potential of interference to other wireless devices. The FM transmitters that meet the new specifications will therefore be legal to use in the UK will carry a CE mark indicating approval for sale in the European Union. ...more

Intel explains HD DVD decision

Intel has weighed into the debate over high-definition DVD formats, explaining its decision to back HD DVD in preference to Blu-ray. The company abandoned its usual neutrality over a single issue: copying. This was one of six problems with Blu-ray that Microsoft listed when it joined with Intel in backing HD DVD. ...more

LG.Philips flexes its colour e-paper display

LG.Philips LCD has gone colour with its electronic-paper display, producing what it claims is a world's first. The E-paper is similar in size to a sheet of A4, can be viewed from any angle, and can be bent without the image being distorted. ...more