EC anti-competitive ruling challenged by Microsoft today

Microsoft has opened its appeal against the EC ruling in Brussels this morning. The European Commission ruled in March that Microsoft had indulged in anti-competitive behaviour with Windows and set a fine of ?333mn plus orders to produce a version of Windows without the Media Player within 90 days or face further action. Microsoft always intended to appeal, and in a pre-hearing statement, Brad Smith, Microsoft's general counsel, said today: 'We have a lot of confidence in the strength of our case. ...more

LaCie gives CD-RW a USB 2 inFusion

LaCie has made what it calls a 'bold foray' into the emerging market for USB 2 devices by announcing its Fusion CD-RW drive. Designed for portability, the Fusion, no larger than a personal CD player, measures 35x130x173mm. Its aluminium casing provides 'a slender and elegant look while ensuring sturdiness' and helps to keep the weight down to just 750g. ...more

BBC opens RSS to third-parties

The BBC has relaxed its rules on RSS feeds, allowing websites and blogs to carry BBC headlines without a licence. The BBC began supplying feeds in 2003, when the policy of strict licensing was designed to encourage people to access them for personal use via a news feed reader. BBC News website editor, Pete Clifton, said the change is partly a result of the increased popularity of feeds which led to 18 million click-throughs to BBC news and sport in April alone. ...more

Colour LCD shortage hits iPaq

It seems iPaqs have been losing their colour for our American cousins - a shortage of colour LCD screens has meant some drastic measures for Compaq. Drastic is probably too strong a word, but the company has been forced by shortages to launch a black-and-white version of the popular iPaq H3600 PocketPC. The black-and-white model has been available in Europe and most of the world, but this is the first time has been introduced to the US and Canadian markets. ...more

Apple updates RAID storage, software

Apple has increased the amount of storage available in its Xserve RAId system. The 10.5TB capacity comprises 14 750GB Ultra ATA drives as a build to order option and costs an additional ?1,260 (inc. ...more