Major download sites get tough on spyware

Some of the largest names on the Internet have come together to crack down on the spread of adware and spyware through piggybacking hidden software along with legitimate downloads. The companies, which include Yahoo!, AOL, Verizon and CNet Networks - which operates the large downloads.com software library - have agreed to establish industry standards for monitoring and enforcing good behaviour on sites which offer downloadable software. ...more

Blu-ray and HD-DVD - no merger in prospect

The backers of Blu-ray and HD-DVD have given up hope of reaching an agreement to merge the two technologies and create a single standard for next-generation, high-definition DVDs, according to a Japanese newspaper. Yomiuri says that both Sony, the main force behind Blu-ray, and Toshiba, HD-DVD's creator, have conceded that even if an agreement could be reached there is no longer sufficient time to develop a single format before the launch of compatible products. 'Late August is the practical time limit,' said Yoshihide Fujii, Toshiba's corporate senior vice president. ...more

Vodafone signs deal with BT for wireless hotspots

Mobile phone giant has agreed a deal to access BT's network of wireless LAN hotspots. Vodafone hopes to use the BT public network to roll out its own wireless LAN service next year. The deal with BT is said to be a first for Vodaphone and a first for BT which has opened up the wireless LAN network with a wholesale pricing programme. ...more

Tardis-like SD cards

Panasonic is to release high-capacity Secure Digital (SD) cards with an amazing 256Mb and 512Mb capacity. The postage-stamp sized cards, already in use in such devices as PDAs, digital cameras, MP3 players and printers, will also support an increased transfer rate of 10Mb/sec. Panasonic will be showcasing prototype SD products at the Tokyo CEATEC JAPAN 2001 event, including an SD video recorder, multimedia terminal and mobile printer. ...more

The UK Intellectual Property Office is born

The UK Patent Office has announced that it plans to change its name to the UK Intellectual Property Office, in line with the recommendation of the Government's Gowers Review of Intellectual Property. The new name is designed to reflect the Office's wider role, encompassing copyright and trademarks as well as patents. 'The [Gowers] report's main recommendations will help us to enforce intellectual property rights, and support British businesses both at home and abroad,' said Ron Marchant, the Office's chief executive. ...more