Pakistan strips satellite images of quake-stricken region from Net

Aid agencies working in Pakistan following the recent earthquakes can no longer gain access via the Internet to satellite images of the devastated areas after the government asked for them to be removed. The images provide vital information such as the extent of the devastation in the more highly populated areas and the condition of roads. They were particularly useful in Pakistan, where many areas hit by the earthquake were cut-off. ...more

Second Life goes open-source

Linden Lab is taking its Viewer application of its popular online world Second Life open-source in order to push development. Second Life has become a high-profile example of the growing interest in participating in online worlds, yet with a development team of 50 or so programmers, there is pressure to expand and secure the platform. The source code will be licensed under the GNU General Public Licence version 2. ...more

Xpherix announces PDA pummelling iPhone

Online contacts and operator at the end of a GPRS call. Xpherix has announced iPhonebook - its online contacts service that gives mobile professionals quick access to all their phone numbers. Nick Walker, CEO at Xpherix, said: 'Wireless access to an entire address book is essential to mobile professionals and it is a service that they will be looking for from their mobile operators, especially those professionals that depend on contacting people for their livelihood. ...more

Microsoft returns to EC legal battle

Microsoft has filed a second appeal against the European Commission ruling that it must share certain server software code with rival companies. Microsoft spokesman Tom Brookes said this latest appeal was motivated by the need to protect its intellectual property rights. 'Microsoft has filed an application for annulment with the Court of First Instance specifically concerning the issue of broad licenses, in source code form, of communications protocols which are based upon Microsoft's intellectual property,' he said. ...more

BPI calls on Apple to open up iTunes

The BPI has called on Apple to open its iTunes Music Store and make it compatible with portable players beyond its own iPod range. 'We would advocate that Apple opts for interoperability,' BPI chairman Peter Jamieson told the House of Commons Select Committee for Culture, Media & Sport inquiry into New Media and the Creative Industries. Jamieson acknowledged the huge contribution that Apple has made to the development of the digital music business as well as the 'enormous appeal' of its integrated hardware and software. ...more