Intel reports harder times ahead for PC industry

Wall Street takes the temperature of Intel, as another IT corporation announces its quarterly financial results. Once again, expectations that had been played down in advance have been met, but discouraging noises are being made about repeating the achievement. On the one hand, read record levels of revenue, on the other, heed the warnings (again) about future growth. ...more

iTunes' European debut sparks rivalry

iTunes-rivals Napster and OD2 have both emphasised consumer choice as reasons for Windows users to choose their services over the iTunes Music Store. Adam Howorth, communications director for Napster UK, said that while 'iTunes is a straight download store - pay your money take your tracks' you are only allowed to play them on one portable player, the iPod. 'Napster too offers a store,' he said, 'because we believe in letting music fans choose how they consume their music. ...more

Microsoft to cut costs and reduce perks to increase profits and boost share price

In his annual email to Microsoft employees, CEO Steve Ballmer outlined how the company is about to get tough on selling, saving and pulling the nose up on its stock price. He noted that although Redmond was outpacing its key competitors, the company stock price has changed little since 1998. With more threats and opportunities than ever facing the company it is time to ring the changes - starting with a $1bn cost-cutting exercise. ...more

Robot servants understand voice commands

Silicon-enhanced receptionists and bionic butlers coming soon. Researchers in Japan have designed a robot capable of recognising and 'understanding' human voices. The unit could be used as a tourist guide or receptionist, according to Japanese media reports last weekend. ...more

Napster shuts down its old ways

The file sharing system Napster has effectively shut down its systems and disabled all old versions of its software, leaving users with no service. It is reworking its software to allow for special filtering, as it moves towards a subscription-based service for later in the year. The Napster. ...more