MP3 is all around us

The creators of the MP3 format - the Fraunhofer Institute - are planning to extend the encoding system to simulate surround sound. Dubbed MP3 Surround, extra data is added to the sound files to encode directional information, enabling the simulation of surround sound without having to record audio data on separate channels. The Institutes states that the new system will be compatible with existing MP3 software and music players, but obviously new players will be needed to take advantage of the new sound support. ...more

Google betas Toolbar 3

Google has introduced a beta version three of its IE toolbar on its site to try and extend its usefulness beyond pure search. Two of the new features are more to do with browser usability than search and may be an early indication of Google's intentions having now hired some of the Mozilla Firefox development team. The toolbar now offers a spellchecker which will automatically check, suggest changes and, if you want, correct any input via the browser. ...more

Charity recycles printer cartridges for heart research

The British Heart Foundation (BHF) has launched a new recycling initiative that will raise funds for vital heart research The programme seeks to turn the 150 million laser cartridges used every year in the UK into cash. The BHF will receive ?1 for every recyclable printer cartridge donated to the scheme. The BHF notes that improvements in the quality of printers and increased use of digital photography has lead to a significant increase in the use of printer cartridges, most of which are thrown away and dumped in landfill sites. ...more

Pioneer denies dual-format optical drive

Pioneer has scotched reports that its forthcoming BDR-103 optical drive will support both the Blu-ray and HD DVD high definition formats. The company said that rumours originating at the IFA consumer electronics fair in Berlin were inaccurate. 'Currently we have no plans to do so,' the company said although it did not rule out the possibility at some later date. ...more

Nokia plays the multi-access card

Nokia has announced a PC card module that adds wireless access across a range of standards for people on the move. The Nokia D211 fits PC card type II and III slots and offers wireless network access via GPRS, HSCSD (High Speed Circuit Switched Data) and WLAN (IEEE 802.11b), offering up to 40. ...more