Novell to give away network software

Networking firm Novell has said it will make its new directory technology free in an attempt to attract developers. The software, called eDirectory, is a management system for IT departments, which organises who should have access to which areas of the network, PCs and peripherals. Novell will roll out the software to multiple server operating systems before offering it free to developers. ...more

Rambus promises fivefold speeding of graphics memory

Memory developer Rambus has announced a new version of its XDR memory interface that, it says, will improve graphics memory speeds by up to five times. Rambus says that the newly announced XDR2 memory interface uses a micro-threaded DRAM core and other circuit enhancements to set the bar for data rates at a hefty 8GHz. Rambus says that makes it five times faster than today's best-in-class GDDR graphics solutions. ...more

Canon and Toshiba team up for SED panels

Canon is teaming up with Toshiba in a ?900m venture to produce the new generation of flat panel displays using SED technology Such investment is a huge commitment to a technology that was first shown in 1998 as a relatively tiny 10in prototype. By comparison the first SED (Surface-conduction Electron-emitter Display) TVs to be sold in Japan in the first half of 2006 will start at 50in. Toshiba is dropping all plasma TV production while Canon is to invest a further ?100m in a new research facility to open in June of next year to develop cheaper SED production techniques. ...more

Microsoft unveils MSN Direct wireless watch info service

Microsoft has unveiled a wireless service in the US called MSN direct that will deliver information such as stock quotes, sports scores, movies and calendar alerts and instant messages. Announced by Bill Gates at this year's CES show, the watches will sport Microsoft's Smart Personal Objects Technology (SPOT), and the MSN Direct service provides an FM radio network throughout more than 100 US cities as the means of delivering the information. Research firm Forrester reckons the technology will do well: 'Priced at $100 to $300 for the watch, and an additional $9. ...more

Celerons break 1GHz speed limit

Intel's "value PC" processor breaks the GHz barrier. At the end of last week, Intel released three new desktop versions of its Celeron processor. Targeting the "value PC market", the new models clock 1. ...more