BT launches Entertainment division to exploit broadband content

BT is looking to make broadband a more attractive proposition, in terms of the content that is delivered rather than just the throughput of the connection - the company has announced the formation of a new division called BT Entertainment. Its official remit is to 'enable content providers to reach broadband customers through platforms and services backed by the quality of the BT brand'. What this means in practice is cultivating partnerships with third-party content providers to deliver music, games and movies into BT-connected homes. ...more

PocketZip hits 100Mb

Iomega has released a 100Mb version of its PocketZip drive. Previously limited to 40Mb, the PocketZip drive could be an ideal way of keeping your data mobile while keeping down the costs of doing so. The drive will be backwards compatible and able to read and write to the 40Mb disks and the 100Mb disks will still be inexpensive (about $10 each when bought in a ten-pack - currently 40Mb disks cost about ?8 each in the UK in boxes of ten, so expect that figure to be slightly more for the 100Mb version by the time it reaches our shores). ...more

Apple and U2 to unveil black iPod

Apple is holding another of its special events - for which read high-profile product announcement - next week, where CEO Steve Jobs will be joined by U2' Bono and The Edge to unveil U2-themed iPods, pre-loaded with the band's new album. US business website Forbes.com reports that, 'Sources close to the group say the U2 edition of the popular digital music player will come preloaded with the band's new album, How To Dismantle An Atomic Bomb, along with portions of the Irish supergroup's 25-year catalogue. ...more

Google does the Writely thing

Google has added yet another online service to its ever expanding portfolio with the acquisition of Upstartle, a small company that owns Writely.com. Writely is one of a new breed of websites that provide functionality that had traditionally been the domain of desktop applications. ...more

NEC gets radical with high-power organic battery

NEC has announced plans to develop a high-power battery that would protect computers from data loss if the power supply is interrupted. By connecting four 35W cells, the organic radical battery (ORB) would pack enough punch to power a 140W desktop PC, though its application could extend to any high-power device including household electronics. The battery is connected to the power unit of the PC and when a power failure, blackout or voltage drop (of 20 per cent or more) occurs, the ORB supplies power to the PC while data is backed up and the computer shut down. ...more