Adobe releases Reader 7.0

Adobe has released the new version of its software for reading PDF documents. Reader 7 has better overall performance than its predecessor, for faster launch times and real-time zooming and panning. New features and enhancements include: an improved search - search for words in annotations, bookmarks, form fields, or metadata, and search within open PDF files or any PDF file residing on local machines; the ability to fill out and submit forms; the ability to view and organise digital editions (formerly eBooks) and view them in landscape or portrait mode; rapid selection of text and images using a unified selection tool; and the ability to save a wide range of files attached to PDF documents, such as word processing documents, spreadsheets, and multimedia files Adobe Rader 7 is a free download for multiple platforms including Mac OS, Palm OS, Pocket PC, Symbian, Unix and Windows from www. ...more

Foxconn iPod factory 'one of the better ones'

Foxconn's iPod factory is 'one of the better ones' according to Ken Tidwell, who recently visited the plant in LongHau, China. Apple is currently investigating allegations of poor working and living conditions at the plant, but Tidwell told macintouch.com that 'the five hundred staffers I recently lectured to were all in good spirits and clearly satisfied with their jobs and working conditions'. ...more

UN body promises greater recognition for open source licencing

The World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) is promising greater recognition of Free and Open Source software licensing in a bid to balance the needs of copyright owners and the public. A group of Non-Governmental Organisations led by the Consumer Project on Technology (CPTech) successfully lobbied WIPO in its 'Geneva Declaration', resulting in a 'development agenda' that includes alternatives such as the GPL. CPTech's director, James Love, said: 'For years, WIPO has pushed to expand the scope and level of intellectual property rights and told developing countries that this would help their development. ...more

Nvidia debuts handheld GPU

Graphics chip developer Nvidia has debuted a new GPU designed for mobile phones. The new chip is aimed at providing high quality graphics for the new range of services currently under development for 3G handsets. Designed for low power consumption, the company is claiming that the new GoForce 5500 handheld graphics processing unit is the industry's first handheld GPU to playback H. ...more

Microsoft allows commercial modification of its embedded Windows system

Microsoft has opened up the source code that powers its mobile and embedded operating systems to developers: the first time Redmond has allowed developers to freely modify its code. Under what the company is calling a Shared Source licence, developers will be allowed to tinker with the code of Windows CE 5.0 and come up with their own commercial versions that they can then sell on, without having to show their work to either Microsoft or other shared source licencees. ...more