Belkin boosts Bluetooth hands-free headset

A new Bluetooth headset lets you leave your mobile in your bag The Bluetooth Hands-Free Headset from Belkin has an answer and end button on the ear piece so that you can answer calls from up to 10m away from your (Bluetooth-enabled) mobile. It also supports voice dialling (if your phone does) so that you can make calls too. However, it will also work with any Bluetooth device that can benefit from a wireless headset, such as computers and PDAs, for activities such as Internet phoning and chat, speech recognition and games. ...more

Password-protected malware surges

Security experts are warning that there has been a surge in viruses sent in the form of apparently trustworthy password-protected zip file attachments. Messaging security specialist Email Systems says more virus writers than ever before are delivering their malicious code as either an encrypted or password-protected email, causing even the security-savvy to fall victim unwittingly. The first viruses hidden in supposedly safe zip attachments were identified six months ago, said Greg Miller, marketing director at Email Systems. ...more

UPDATED: Linux distro files for bankruptcy protection

Linux distributor MandrakeSoft has filed for banruptcy protection, although version 9.1 of its software is still scheduled for April release. France-based MandrakeSoft filed for a 'declaration de cessation des paiements' (similar to going into reveivership or the US Chapter 11-Reorganisation) on 13 January. ...more

Wanadoo turns to VoIP for new telephony services

Broadband provider Wanadoo is turning on Internet telephony for its subscribers with the launch of Wanadoo Wireless and Talk. For ?4 a month, Wanadoo broadband users can hire a Livebox wireless router and simply plug in a standard phone to enjoy free evening and weekend calls. Those that already have a Livebox will find the device has been updated already - although the phone service will still cost the same. ...more

UK paper rapped for rights greed on public snaps

The Daily Telegraph has been criticised for unfairly exploiting the new phenomenon of citizen journalists. The phenomenon came to the fore immediately after the 7 July bombings in London, when photographs taken by bystanders with mobile phones and digital cameras created a new kind of instant photo-journalism. The Telegraph is encouraging readers to send in pictures, but terms and conditions that give the newspaper exclusive rights have been described as 'draconian' by the head of the Scoopt picture agency. ...more