Real Player critical vulnerability patched

Real has released patches for a critical security vulnerability in multiple versions of its Real Player software. The vulnerability could let a malicious RAM file cause a buffer overflow which could have allowed an attacker to execute arbitrary code on a machine. Real notes that it has received no reports of compromised machines. ...more

Cinemas resist simultaneous digital release of Soderbergh's Bubble movie

Some US cinemas are refusing to show Bubble, the new film by Steven Soderbergh, because it has been simultaneously released on DVD and on cable TV. Cinema chains in 15 states claim that the radical approach will hit ticket sales and ultimately lead to cinema closures. 'It's the biggest threat to the viability of the cinema industry today,' John Fithian, president of the National Association of Theater Owners. ...more

Milton Keynes begins its WiMax network pilot

Milton Keynes may have only kicked off its relationship with WiMax technology back in September, but already the city has started connecting trial customers to the network. The city hopes to extend the trial's reach to around 500 users, delivering connectivity at speeds of up to 10Mbps. It has also started to consider what additional infrastructure will be required to enable it to offer wider commercial services next year. ...more

Acorn Computers name resurrected

One of the most famous names in the history of British home computing has been resurrected to badge a new range of PCs. A new Acorn Computers is now banking on the affection held in the name to sell to the old company's traditional markets in home, education and small business markets Acorn Computers, along with Sinclair Research, was one of the original pioneers of what was then called 'microcomputing' in the UK. The high point for the company was when it won a contract to supply the 'BBC Micro' to accompany a series the corporation was screening at the time. ...more

Panasonic plans Blu-Ray player for September

Japanese consumer electronics giant Panasonic has announced that it expects to introduce its first Blu-Ray DVD player, the DMP-BD10, in September. Although pricing has not been finalised, the company says it expects to start selling the new machines at under $1,500 in the US. The company says that it will also be introducing a high definition television set at the same time to accompany the DMP-BD10. ...more