Open-source rivals isolate Novell

Novell is becoming increasingly isolated as its open-source rivals speak out to distance themselves from the pact it made with Microsoft. In an open letter, the company's CEO Ron Hovsepian outlined Novell's insistence that the patent covenant between it and Microsoft was in no way an admission that Linux infringes Microsoft's IP, and pointed out its continuing efforts in the open-source community. Hovsepian said that its help in founding the Open Innovation Network (OIN), a body tasked with acquiring patents for the good for the open-source community was a case in point. ...more

RealPlayer goes console crazy

RealNetworks has announced a number of deals to put its RealPlayer 8 technologies in a number of consoles and Internet-enabled devices, including the likes Sony's PlayStation 2 and Nokia's Media Terminal. PS2 owners will be able to enjoy streamed content such as sport, breaking new and entertainment straight to their consoles. Sony is also using RealNetworks' RealSystem iQ technology in its Dynamic Network Authentication System, which will deliver content in a secure format. ...more

Microsoft woos Sony to tackle Apple dominance of online music

Bill Gates has suggested that Microsoft should team up with Sony to tackle Apple's dominance in the online music market. In an interview, Microsoft's chief software architect said that the two companies 'have a lot of incentive to work together'. Microsoft is trying to position itself as the protector of 'freedom of choice' in contrast to Apple's 'closed shop' of the iPod and iTunes Music Store. ...more

Off-road robot race recruits VIA

VIA has announced its favourite for the DARPA Grand Challenge 2005 off-road robot race. It is sponsoring The Prodigies' eXpeditor contender, built by 15-year-old Nicholas Hoza and 20-year-old Christopher Medrzycki as their bid for the $2mn prize. 'The DARPA Grand Challenge is the most exiting, fun and challenging project I've ever participated in - knowing that I'm building something completely unique makes every small achievement exhilarating,' said Hoza, the team captain, 'As my team's . ...more

Universal gets Zune pay-off

Microsoft will pay Universal Music a cut of proceeds from its forthcoming Zune portable media player, in a deal that will give Microsoft more freedom to allow music sharing between Zune users. Neither company would reveal the financial details of the agreement, which news agencies say will be formally announced later today. Chris Stephenson, general manager of global marketing for Microsoft Entertainment, told AP that the company is seeking similar deals with the other major record companies. ...more