Intel peers into the future

The future of computing lies in peer-to-peer technology, according to a senior Intel figure. Speaking at the Intel Developer Forum (IDF), Intel's chief technology officer Pat Gelsinger outlined his vision of "self-organising webs," in which users share computing resources - such as storage and processing power - to work towards common goals. He also announced the formation of a peer-to-peer working group of 18 companies, chaired by Intel, and including IBM and Hewlett-Packard, to develop standards in this field. ...more

Ofcom clamps down on rogue broadband charges

Regulator Ofcom has launched an industry-wide review into additional fees charged by telecoms companies following customer complaints that many of these charges were unfair. 'The review will consider whether additional charges are sufficiently transparent, whether the charges or their levels are unfair, and what action, if any, is necessary,' the telecoms regulator claims. Consumers have to pay additional charges to providers of home phone, mobile, broadband or pay-TV services for missed or late bill payments and earlier-than-scheduled termination of services. ...more

UPDATED: Apple unveils the iPod mini

Apple has unveiled the business card sized - albeit 13mm thick - iPod mini, capable of storing around 1,000 songs on its 4GB hard drive. Available in five colours - silver, gold, pink, blue or green - it features enhanced, 'Click Wheel' navigation technology, has an eight-hour rechargeable battery and weighs a mere 102 grams. iPod mini will not be available on these shores until April at the earliest. ...more

Digicam becomes jewellery

Fujifilm has announced a digital version of its curvy Q1 camera for ?100 inc VAT. Fujifilm's Christmas gambit will be available from November and will produce images up to 1,600 x 1,200 pixels in dimension. It uses a CMOS rather than the higher quality CCD sensor, but it's still a more than functional camera with Flash, red-eye reduction, 1. ...more

Lavigne label defends 'file-sharer'

Canada's leading independent record label has volunteered to pay all the legal fees and any fines of a Texas family facing legal action over p2p file sharing in the US. Among the tracks David Gruebel's family is accused of sharing is Avril Lavigne's 'Sk8er Boi' and it is Lavigne's label, Nettwerk Music Group, that has leapt to his defence. 'Suing music fans is not the solution, it's the problem,' said Terry McBride, Nettwerk's CEO. ...more