iPod success squeezes Sony

The success of the iPod has had major repercussions for the company whose Walkmans once dominated the portable music market. Howard Stringer, head of the company's US division, told the International Herald Tribune, 'We didn't get there, and by that time, Steve Jobs was there.' Sony shares have slumped whilst executives argued about what kind of music player to create to compete with iPod, whilst worrying about the impact of music 'piracy' on CD sales. ...more

Adobe experimenting with Acrobat for Linux

Adobe is planning a Linux version of its Acrobat software, for creating, editing, editing and managing PDFs. In an interview with PC Magazine, Adobe CEO Bruce Chizen said, 'The first [Linux] application that we'll probably do will be a full version of Acrobat. And that's something we're already experimenting with. ...more

Skype incorporates video conferencing

Skype has brought out the beta version 2.0 of its Internet voice calling app, which includes a video-conferencing component. The video component can be used full screen or windowed, or the user can choose not use the option at all. ...more

Forte for Java 2.0 ready for the New Year

Featuring support for just-in-time upgrades and the latest JavaServer Page technology, Sun Microsystems has announced the release of Forte for Java 2.0. It's still in beta, but a full release is scheduled for January 2001. ...more

Dreamcast set-top box unveiled

For those of you saddened by the news that Sega will not be producing any more Dreamcast units, take heart in the first picture of Sega and Pace's new hybrid set-top box. The unit looks very similar to Pace's other digital receivers but, instead of sporting a black case, the unit has a familiar Dreamcast cream livery. The unit doesn't have a CD drive so there won't be any opportunity to play your old DC games, instead users will have to rely on the supplied cable modem to download software and be part of the 'pay-to-play' experience. ...more