Linux PDA now a reality

We've already reported on Sharp's plans to bring out a Linux-based handheld computer, but a new device from Agenda is now available for developers of Linux applications. So if you want an alternative to the range of PocketPC or Palm PDAs that are currently on the market, a Linux-based handheld provides an interesting option. The Agenda Linux features a 160 x 240 monochrome touch-sensitive back-lit screen, 7 quick launch buttons and a suite of built-in standard management software. ...more

Never get lost using your PDA

Navman has launched a clip-on GPS system that turns both PalmOS and Pocket PC-based machines into navigation aids. It's a European debut for the GPS receivers that come with Smartpath, GPS-enabled software covering 90,000 towns and cities in 12 different countries. You can simply set locations as destination points and then track your progress. ...more

Microsoft intros new product search service

Microsoft has taken another step towards matching its search competitors with the launch of its own product search engine based on its Windows Live search technology. Known as 'Windows Live Product Search', the service sifts web pages for matching products that are for sale and provides information on products, prices and vendors. Microsoft says it is particularly useful for hunting down those hard-to-find products. ...more

Budweiser teaches the world to say

Are you infuriated by the current batch of Budweiser adverts that are clogging up TV screens everywhere? Well now you can suffer even more with the help of a new Whassup-flavoured messaging system. If you surf over to the Budweiser Web site here, not only can you watch all the adverts in the Whassup series, but you can also download a specially themed messaging system. Using Deskplayer, the system lets you send animated messages to your pals featuring the characters from the adverts. ...more

Gowers considered cutting copyright lifespan

Andrew Gowers has revealed that he considered cutting the 50-year copyright limit on sound recordings in his government-sponsored review of UK intellectual property laws and only decided to recommend that the status quo be retained because it was 'politically prudent' to do so. Gowers told the Out-law podcast that, rather than concede the music industry's demand for longer protection up to 95 years, evidence submitted to the review suggested that there was a strong case for deciding that 50 years is too long. 'We certainly considered it, and if you look at the report that came from the academics that we commissioned to examine the arguments and examine the evidence they also argued very robustly that 50 years could be arguably more than enough,' Gowers said. ...more