Xbox 360 stock under pressure for UK launch

Friday 2 December marks the UK launch of the Xbox 360, Microsoft's updating of its Xbox games console. The question is whether Microsoft will be able to meet initial demand. The company reportedly has around 300,000 units available for the European launch, according to Reuters. ...more

OpenOffice 2.0 released

The new version of the OpenOffice productivity suite is now officially released. The open-source suite now sports a more professional looking user interface and a brand new database module. It also features the ace-in-the-hole - the Open Document file format based on the open-standard OASIS format for office applications. ...more

Stop monkeying about

When I was a young lad, there was nothing better than to spend a Sunday morning watching the Planet of the Apes TV series on our small black-and-white TV set. I didn't even realise that there were a multitude of films already in the can! Well, as is the way of Hollywood these days, the powers that be have decided to remake this classic based on the Monkey Planet by Pierre Boulle. Gone is Charlton Heston (though he does make a cameo appearance) and Roddy McDowell, who has retired to the big monkey puzzle tree in the sky, to be replaced by Mark Wahlberg, Tim Roth and Helena Bonham Carter. ...more

Ofcom allocates broadband wireless spectrum

Rural communities may soon have the chance to get wireless broadband. The new telecoms regulator Ofcom has announced the allocation of radiocommunications spectrum which, it is hoped, will provide a new kind of low-cost wireless broadband service to remote communities. Each household wishing to sign up to the service will need to install a terminal to receive the signal. ...more

Confusion over Tiny and Time brands binds administrators

Administrators handling the liquidation of Granville Technology and its Time and Tiny computer brands says it has had interest from 'sensible' people interested in a number of assets, but is unable to determine who owns the Time and Tiny brands. Grant Thornton UK LLP said it has fielded 300 enquiries into the group's various assets, including remaining stock, the Computer Shop high street chain and its client list, according to the Evening Standard. However The Independent reports that the administrators are unable to find out who owns the group's greatest assets: the Time and Tiny brands. ...more