Apple's iTunes Music Store comes under fire

The backlash has started. Having enjoyed a free ride from the media and from users since its inception last year, Apple's iTunes Music Store is beginning to attract serious criticism. There have been mutterings of opposition before, concerned with both the price of downloads and the quality, but the ongoing success of the store has largely silenced those. ...more

iTunes heads for a cruising altitude of 30,000ft?

Several manufacturers of aircraft in-flight entertainment systems have had talks with Apple about the possibility of licensing the iTunes Music Store. Flight reports that Panasonic and Thales are among the companies interested in persuading passengers to part with their air miles in return for digital tunes. The proposal is among a number being considered in response to airline demands for a greater range of on-board diversions. ...more

Intel opens parallel application testing lab

Intel and SGI have announced the opening of a Parallel Application Centre to help third-parties to test the scalabililty and performance of heavy duty apps. Employing SGI and Intel-based technology, the centre is intended to be a state-of-the-art development and testing facility for developers and ISVs worldwide. 'The Centre will accelerate the pace of innovation for high-performance computing across leading enterprise and advanced academic environments,' said Richard Wirt, Intel Senior Fellow and General Manager, Software and Solutions Group. ...more

Intel compilers - Itanium processors here we come

Intel has released Intel C++ Compiler for Windows v5.0 and Intel FORTRAN Compiler for Windows v5.0. ...more

Pipex takes new broadband tack

Pipex is following hot on the heels of Lixxus and PlusNet, with high speed 'Pay-As-You-Go' broadband services. It's new Pipex Lite range of services allows customers to have a 2Mbps connection and a monthly data allocation of 2GB, 5GB and 15GB a month. Additional capacity can be prebooked at ?2. ...more