Audiobooks get hip

If you're a true gadgetphile, you've probably already got your hands on the Iomega HipZip, but did you know that Iomega has just signed a deal with audiobook service Audible. If you are not familiar with the Audible site, you can download (or stream) a number of popular books in audio format to your PC - it's the ultimate site for lazy oiks like me who can't be bothered to read. The files can be downloaded and played back using either Windows Media Player, RealAudio player or Audible's own player. ...more

UK PTO workshop divides lawyers and engineers over patents

The extent of the division between attorneys and software engineers over software patents was crystallised at a series of workshops run by the UK Patent Office. Delegates comprised a mix of patent attorneys and software engineers and were tasked with testing a number of patent applications against different definitions of the 'technical contribution' criteria. It is this test that determines the approval of software patents in current law and within the formative CII directive on the issue at the EU. ...more

Yahoo! shares Internet bookmarks

Yahoo! is looking to give its users an easier way to organise, search and share favourite Web pages. It also says it is introducing a simplified version of the Yahoo! toolbar that features a one-click way to bookmark Web pages. The toolbar is a menu of key Yahoo! services that is embedded along the top border of Web browser software programs. ...more

VIA Launches New PT800 Chipset for the Pentium 4

Taiwanese manufacturer VIA has launched a new chipset for the Pentium 4 which supports 800MHz FSB and Intel Hyper-Threading Technology and a range of high performance connectivity options. Built around on VIA's V-MAP (VIA Modular Architecture Platform) Architecture, the VIA PT800 chipset features VIA's advanced FastStream64 DDR400 Memory Controller and an AGP8X graphics port in a synchronised North Bridge design. Paired with the VIA's South Bridge architecture, the VT8237, and the VIA DriveStation Controller Suite, the PT800 is said to offer support for a range of high performance storage options. ...more

Advertising Standards Authority slams AOL ads

The Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) has upheld a complaint by BT over 'misleading' ads from AOL. At issue was a direct mailing to BT customers and an email which stated: 'It's not just the money, it's the principle Dear XXX , BT know that people are more likely to change their mortgage than their phone provider. That's how they get away with such high call charges. ...more