Microsoft to support RSS in Longhorn and IE 7

Microsoft has revealed that its next version of Windows, codenamed Longhorn, will support the RSS format. The new version of Internet Explorer is also expected to support RSS when it appears later this year. The moves are expected to give a sizable push to the technology particularly when Longhorn appears next year. ...more

Ask Jeeves asks Google

Ask Jeeves has picked the Google AdWords system on its UK site to supply sponsored links. The deal is said to be 'exclusive' which presumably means that Ask Jeeves UK will be dropping Espotting from its listings. The Google AdWords will be in addition to Ask Jeeves UK's advertising and pay per inclusion programmes. ...more

Arizona settles up with Microsoft

Another US state has been crossed off Microsoft's list, as it reaches a settlement over the violation of anti-trust laws. A financial agreement has now been reached with the south western state of Arizona. Microsoft's settlement of the class action lawsuit follows the model of previous states, such as North Carolina and South Dakota. ...more

Toshiba and Sony table talks for single hi-def DVD format

The major movie studios have begun talks with electronics manufacturers in an attempt to reach a compromise over high-definition DVD formats. Currently, studios are being frantically courted by Sony and Toshiba to support their rival Blu-ray and HD-DVD formats. But they want to avoid the costly, not to mention consumer-unfriendly, situation of having to release DVDs in both formats. ...more

Apple to open 20 UK stores - real estate agent

Apple is planning to open up to 20 new stores in the UK, according to a real estate agent. 'Apple wants to open in the best 20 retail locations in the UK,' Chris Braithwaite, a director of Cushman and Wakefield,' told the Scotsman. 'It has just told us to get on and find the space. ...more