We know where you are

Nokia has successfully trialled a new mPosition technology that allows operators to pinpoint a mobile phone to within 100m. The enhanced observed time difference (E-OTD) positioning technology was trialled over Finnish operator Radiolinja's GSM900/1800 network and could lead to a range of location-specific services such as traffic reports, Location Messaging and would also support emergency calls. Additionally, the mPosition technology was successfully trialled combined with WAP over an 'always on' GPRS network from a moving vehicle, which would enable more sophisticated data services to be delivered. ...more

iPod Mini achieves 'room-sized sound' with speaker system

The company that makes portable speakers for the iPod has gone one better, or is that smaller, and unveiled iMmini, the 'complete speaker system' for the iPod mini. Altec Lansing's 178x111x25mm unit features two 25mm and two 18mm neodymium micro drivers encased behind perforated aluminum grilles and an onboard 4-watt Class D digital amplifier with MaxxBass technology powered for up to 24 hours by four AA batteries. The iPod mini slots into the unit's dock and is recharged as it plays through the speakers. ...more

Last century codecs for next-gen Blu-ray

As Sony prepares for the introduction of the first commercial Blu-ray products early next year, its film and TV division is planning to release its first movies on the format using a decade-old codec. Don Eklund, senior vice president of advanced technology for Sony Pictures, has revealed that the it will encode with the same MPEG-2 technology used for DVDs. 'Advanced formats don't necessarily improve picture quality,' said Eklund. ...more

Microsoft investigates release of Internet Explorer 6

Microsoft is investigating the unauthorised release of beta versions of IE6, after it was posted up on the Web. Someone has been breaking non-disclosure agreements. The browser - beta build 2403 - was released to a wider world than authorised testers when it started to appear on various software enthusiast sites, for example The-Ctrl-Alt-Del. ...more

DRM costs revealed by Korean music service

A Korean digital music service has worked out the monetary 'value' of its DRM technology: about 12p per track. Soribada has agreed a two-tiered pricing structure with the Korea Music Producers' Association (KMPA); tracks with DRM will cost 700 won, 41.4p, while unencumbered songs will be sold for 500 won, 29. ...more