Microsoft leaks release date for Whistler

Microsoft has set the internal date for the final version of Whistler at 18 April 2001, according to an internal e-mail. ZDNet News reports that the e-mail says the final version of the follow up to Windows 2000 will be minted in the spring and in the shops in the second half of 2001. Beta 1 is due to be released on 11 October and Beta 2 is due on 6 December. ...more

iPod mini audio problems surface

The first signs of dissatisfaction with Apple's iPod mini surfaced over the weekend, with users reporting a crackling noise when any buttons are pressed. A number of mini owners have found that the problem starts to occur after about five weeks, though Apple has been happy to replace affected units. The reports have been made via a thread in the iPodlounge forums; one account, posted by raul, says, 'the life expectancy for the mini is between 35 and 40 days; my new one is doing ok, but now i have that feeling that it will happen again. ...more

Schools to get up to 37 per cent savings on Microsoft software

The British Educational Communications and Technology Agency (Becta) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding, with Microsoft to offer software to schools with up to 37 per cent savings. The deal is expected to save up to ?46 million over three years in English schools with another ?2.5 to ?3. ...more

Google clicks video ads

In the endless search to find new ways of advertising to customers, Google is now introducing a 'click-to-play video ad format' for its properties and partners around the world, and in eighteen languages. Thankfully, 'click to play' means just that. The ads are user initiated and will not start running unless asked to. ...more

Sun and Intel join forces on Solaris

Sun has teamed up with Intel for a new range of 64bit server and workstation systems running Solaris, Windows and Linux on Xeon processors. The new ranges will serve the enterprise and telco sectors and focus on performance and energy efficiency with single, dual and multi-processor sockets. They are expected to become available in the first half of this year. ...more