Alleged production threat to Microsoft Xbox

Microsoft has denied that the 8 November launch of the much-heralded Xbox games console may be hit by production problems, following reports on the Internet that its partners may be unable to deliver essential components on time. The New York Times quotes a Wall Street brokerage's allegation that "a flaw in Intel's motherboard design" may delay manufacturing for three to four weeks, with Microsoft having just 50,000 units ready for the launch date. Moreover, according to sources, game developers are facing difficulties when it comes to compiling the final code for Xbox games. ...more

Intel tools up programmers to speed 64-bit ports

Intel is helping to bring 64-bit software to the Xeon and Pentium 4 platforms with the release of new compilers and development tools. The company's oft-repeated mantra - in the face of AMD's introduction of its AMD64 platform with server and desktop chips - was that 64-bit processors for the desktop would appear when there was demand for applications requiring such support. What this means, in practice, is 64-bit Windows. ...more

MySpace founder charges News Corp with undervaluing social networking giant

The founder of MySpace has called for an enquiry into the social networking site's sale to News Corp., labelling it 'one of the largest mergers and acquisitions scandals in US history'. Brad Greenspan, who made $47 million from the 2005 deal, claims on his Free MySpace website that Rupert Murdoch's media company paid much less then they knew MySpace was worth. ...more

Google debuts website creation tool

Google has introduced a new do-it-yourself website builder facility. The initiative, known as Google Page Creator, attempts to simplify the creation of web pages with minimal knowledge of HTML and allow non-techies to get a web presence as quickly as possible. The service - which requires a Gmail account before being able to log in - provides a simple template with heading, subhead and body. ...more

Napster and record industry go another round

MP3-swapping software firm Napster was in court again on Monday, and this hearing didn't progress the argument much. Both Napster and the record industry set out their cases again to three federal judges, who are expected to make a decision in around a month. Whichever way the verdict goes, the loser is likely to appeal to the US Supreme Court. ...more