Ballmer berates Google's primadonna posing

Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer has accused Google of demanding special treatment in its failed bid to change the default search engine in the new version of Internet Explorer. Google, Ballmer alleged, 'wants us to prompt the users to change the defaults. They want to see a list of search providers, with the number one search provider listed first. ...more

Sony announces new all-in-one multimedia PC

The convergence of computers and home electronics in the living room continues with the release of the Vaio V3, described by Sony as an AV-IT multitool. The all-in-one device combines PC, TV, DVD and music playing functionality. Featuring a 17- or 20-in display (XGA 1024 x 768), with Sony's X-black LCD technology for improving contrast, the V3 runs on a 3. ...more

PalmOne polishes the Treo smartphone

Palm has unveiled a new Treo smartphone: the 650. Combining a mobile phone with email, messaging, Web access, a personal organiser, MP3 player and Bluetooth support, there's also a digital camera capable of capturing video. However, the main upgrade from its 600 predecessor is the 65,000-colour, 320 x 320 resolution, touch-sensitive display: addressing criticisms of the 160 x 160 display of the Treo 600. ...more

Google turns to Europe to flesh out Book Search

In its mission to build the world's largest library of printed works, Google is expanding its controversial Google Book Search programme in Europe with an aim to scan every page of hundreds of thousands of non-English language books on library shelves and in publisher's archives. But the megalithic search engine is treading with a rare bit of caution. Stung by lawsuits in the United States from authors and publishing houses who claim the programme violates copyright protections, Google is still weathering questions about its intentions for the 18-month old initiative. ...more

Apple files lawsuit against leakers of Mac OS X 10.4 Tiger

Apple has filed a lawsuits against three men who distributed test copies of Mac OS X 10.4 Tiger on the Internet. The men were members of Apple's developer community and received advanced copies of the OS on the strict condition that they remained confidential. ...more