The outlook is frosty between Microsoft and AOL

The forecast is for further frost in the relations between Microsoft and AOL, with news emerging of attempts by Bill Gates to throw a late spanner in the works of AOL's proposed merger with Time Warner. The New York Times is reporting that Bill Gates has telephoned the chairman, and other members, of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) urging them to investigate AOL's dominance with its Instant Messaging service. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has already given its approval to the merger, so the FCC remains the next best chance of influencing the conditions imposed. ...more

Apple makes Windows Rendezvous

Apple has released a technology preview of the Windows version of its Rendezvous networking technology. Rendezvous enables automatic discovery of computers, devices, and services on IP networks. Also known as zero-configuration networking, using industry-standard IP protocols to allow devices to automatically find each other without the need to enter IP addresses or configure DNS servers. ...more

BlackBerry flavour for Motorola mobiles

Motorola is the latest mobile phone company looking to benefit from the success of the BlackBerry mobile communications platform. It has signed an agreement with BlackBerry maker Research In Motion, that will see BlackBerry services such as push email available on some phone models. RIM signed a similar agreement with Siemens earlier this month. ...more

Nokia invites developers to take on Series 60

Nokia opens a competition for developers to build Series 60 applications. Series 60 is the widely adopted platform for powerful mobile phones. Nokia is now encouraging developers to improve on the applications that are available on the handsets. ...more

UK company pioneers self-destructing text messages

A UK company has developed a technology for sending text messages that self-destruct. Not only will StealthText messages be automatically deleted once they have been read they can only be read by the recipient in possession of the necessary 'secret code'. It will be possible to reply to messages, but not to forward them. ...more