Lightwave 6.5 updated

NewTek has updated the 3D modelling and animation software Lightwave 6.5 - increasing the speed and stability, and adding several enhancements and two new plug-ins. New features include: beginner, intermediate or advanced alert levels for error message displays; 1024x1024 display for OpenGL textures; buttons can be set to reference different sets of layers to ease layer management; a 'shading noise reduction tool'; and new custom objects including CameraMask, FrameRate, RangeFinder and Speedometer. ...more

iTunes pricing complaint referred to Europe

The Office of Fair Trading has handed a complaint about iTunes Music Store pricing in the UK over to the European Commission. The OFT's investigation was prompted by a complaint from Which? (formerly the Consumers' Association), which pointed out that downloads from iTMS in the UK are more expensive than from the German and French stores. Which? has backed the decision to defer to the EC. ...more

Microsoft strengthen business ties with India

Microsoft Chairman Bill Gates announced a partnership with India's information technology giant, Infosys Technologies. The announcement was made at a press conference in New Delhi and the partnership will focus on the development of new software for the Microsoft.Net platform. ...more

Zen and the art of portable media

Microsoft's Portable Media Center will be available in the UK later this month in the form of the Creative Zen. The ?369.99 player is the first Portable Media Center device in the UK, followed by products from the likes of Samsung and others. ...more

Microsoft upgrades Windows Server 2003 with R2

Microsoft has released to manufacturing an update to its flagship server system - Windows Server 2003 R2. While the CDs are being pressed the code will also appear on MSDN. Redmond declares the system is all about 'optimising infrastructure' rather than particular bells and whistles of new features. ...more