Google to launch eBay competitor?

Google watchers were agog when a new service from the world's biggest search engine briefly made an appearance and then disappeared again. The service called Google Base appeared to be a classified advertising service that would allow users to post their items for sale. The page itself explained that Google Base allows users to 'add all types of content. ...more

AMD adopts power naming with new Geode chips

More numbers, not names, for processors. In a similar manner to its regime for desktop processors, AMD is applying a new numerical nomenclature to its embedded processor systems. The company is introducing a performance-power rating to 'aid evaluation' of its x86 embedded processors, which means a new model number system for its Geode systems. ...more

Software patents: the directive's cut

Denmark looks set to overthrow the formal adoption of an EU directive on computer implemented inventions when it comes under the scrutiny of an EU meeting on today. The current directive draft has caused a commotion ever since it won majority support in a vote last May - a majority that has subsequently melted into thin air as member states began to have concerns over what this directive might mean to their own burgeoning software industry with the formal legalisation of software patents. The fight against the draft directive is as gripping as the latest page-turning best-seller or DVD release: there's the injustice of the unrecognised majority in opposition; the sinister moves of multinational corporates, with reports of Bill Gates threatening to move business out of Europe should software patents not be recognised in the EU; the coming together of hundreds of small businesses, hopeful that, united, they may be able to apply enough pressure to have the directive changed. ...more

IBM print spin-off begins operations

InfoPrint Solutions, a joint venture of IBM and Ricoh, formally begins its operational life today. Formerly IBM's Printing Systems Division, the formation of the new printing company was announced earlier this year. Under the terms of the original deal, Ricoh owns 51% of InfoPrint and its eponymous line of printers and print management systems. ...more

Liverpool raids target counterfeit games and DVDs

A six-month investigation into the distribution and sale of counterfeit CDs, DVDs and computer games has resulted in 29 arrests, following a series of dawn raids in the Liverpool area. Benefit fraud was also investigated. The operation, involving police and trading standards officers, targeted 17 addresses in Liverpool, Sefton and Skelmersdale. ...more