SOAP speeds binary data across the Net

The body that governs Internet standards is bidding to speed the transmission of large amounts of binary data over the Net. The World Wide Web Consortium (W3C) has released three W3C Recommendations to improve SOAP (Simple Object Access Protocol)-based Web services. These involve the inclusion of binary data along with XML documents (XML-binary Optimized Packaging, XOP), improved addressing for SOAP messages (Message Transmission Optimization Mechanism, MTOM) and the ability to access cached copies of external data (Resource Representation SOAP Header Block functionality, RRSHB). ...more

Sony launches portable Net and TV device

Sony says it has produced the Walkman of the new Millennium - the Airboard. The gadget allows you to surf the Net, send e-mails and watch TV from a 10.4 inch screen, which incorporates a touchpad. ...more

Intel cuts the cost of Celerons

Intel has cut prices for its Celeron range of processors, which is targeted at budget systems. The top of the range 2.4GHz Celeron drops from $103 to $84, a fall of 18 per cent. ...more

TiVo applies for patent on personalised TV recorders

US company TiVo has applied for a patent on personalised TV recorders that will identify which person in the household is watching and modify its settings accordingly. The technology will pick out the closest RF tag embedded in clothing or jewellery and from the information received will tailor content such as currently broadcasting and recorded television programmes and music playlists. The patent application refers to both digital video recorders and MP3 players. ...more

SCO now takes on DaimlerChrysler in Linux dispute

SCO has filed suit against DaimlerChrysler for not responding to letters sent to Unix licencees demanding they perform a software audit proving they are complying with the confidentiality provisions and other terms of the software licence. SCO is seeking an injunction to bar DaimlerChrysler from further violations of that licence, to fix past violations and be awarded damages to be decided in court as well as costs. However, the violation in question is simply that of not responding to the audit request, rather than any misappropriation of trade secrets or use of Linux as with other litigation SCO is pursuing. ...more