Free D animation

Not a Number's free 3D animation software has got some new numbers, as its 2.20 incarnation is made available. The new version, aimed at games creators, includes a flexible armature system for character animation, scene overlays, allowing the use of musical scores and information sharing between scenes and subdivision surfaces, enabling controlled and smooth modelling. ...more

Microsoft unleashes Messenger 5.0 for OS X

Microsoft's Mac software division has announced a new version of the Messenger instant messaging software for OS X, with a strong emphasis on integrating Mac users with Microsoft's corporate instant messaging technology. Messenger 5.0 introduces tabbed viewing so users can simultaneously access personal and corporate Messenger accounts and is compatible with Microsoft Office Live Communications Server 2005 for security-enhanced messaging within and outside the company. ...more

Microsoft appeals second EC fine

Microsoft has formally lodged an appeal with the Court of First Instance against the €280.5mn fine imposed back in July. The fine was imposed on Microsoft by the European Commission following its failure to comply with the March 2004 Decision, requiring the software giant to publish the details of the interfaces to Windows Server 2003 that would allow rival software companies to develop applications on the same basis as Microsoft's own teams. ...more

Microsoft goes mobile

At the recent Cellular Telecommunications & Internet Association conference in Las Vegas, Microsoft launched two mobile telecommunication devices, a two-way pager and a web-enabled mobile phone. The pager, which is to be made by Motorola, will be able to run Microsoft's Instant Messenger software so that two people can have real-time two-way conversations and access e-mail in a Hotmail account. The unit should cost $99 with a $15-a-month subscription. ...more

MSN gets tangled up with freedom and democracy in China

Microsoft China has declined to comment on reports that it has censored MSN content to appease the Beijing government. According to the AFP news agency, users have been prevented from using the terms 'democracy', 'freedom' and 'human rights' on the new Chinese version of Microsoft's Internet portal. Other words and phrases that have been blocked include 'demonstration' and 'Taiwan independence'. ...more