Apple narks developers by closing off source code

Apple has begun restricting access to the source code of key components of Mac OS X, in what looks like a bid to prevent the Intel version from being hacked to run on non-Mac hardware. Two open-source developers have separately reported that code which was previously available is now behind lock and key. 'With the release of Mac OS X for x86 processors, Apple has chosen to not release source to key components of the OS, such as the kernel and all drivers, writes Rob Braun in D?mon News. ...more

Nokia ships first GSM 'push to talk' camera phone

Nokia has announced that the long-awaited Nokia 5140 camera phone has started shipping in Europe and around the world. Nokia claims that the tri-band (EGSM 900, GSM 1800/1900) camera phone is designed specifically for 'outdoor and sports-minded consumers' because of a durable exterior and features such as countdown timers, a stopwatch and a 'Fitness Coach' to help manage training programmes. The phone is also Nokia's first GSM 'push to talk' handset - Nokia brings Push-To-Talk to Europe. ...more

JBuilder 6 is brewed

Borland brings to the brew another version of its Java development system. New features in version 6 - and it is only six months since the debut of JBuilder 5 - include support for the 'visual' drag and drop approach while working with Enterprise Java Beans. For those who model with UML (Universal Modelling Language), there are new code visualisation, unit testing and documentation tools. ...more

Google AdWords expels essay writing services

Google is drawing the line at adverts for essay writing services aimed at cash-rich time-poor students. Following complaints from academic bodies, the search giant is adding the services to its advertising blacklist, which already includes goods such as tobacco and firearms. Specifically, Google's AdWords policy will not allow ad texts and sites that promote 'academic paper-writing services' or the sale of pre-written essays, theses, and dissertations. ...more

IBM offers free DB2

IBM is the latest blue chip IT company to offer a free version of its database manager, in this case the crown jewels of DB2. The company is releasing DB2 Express-C, a version of DB2 Universal Database Express Edition that offers much of the core functionality of the flagship product. DB2 Express-C is a hardware restricted version IBM's flagship database. ...more