iPod set for Redmond rival?

Microsoft is working on plans to develop its own rival to the iPod, a departure from its current strategy of concentrating on developing media player software for other manufacturers, BusinessWeek reports. Presumably Redmond has tired of the failure of Apple's rivals to make any significant inroads into the iPod's huge market share. Contrary to industry expectations, Apple's dominance of the digital media market is growing and, as BusinessWeek notes, Apple's so-far successful venture into video has given Redmond little option if it is not going to surrender the living room - where many see the future of computing going - to its rival. ...more

Google fixes latest Gmail vulnerability

Google has fixed a potentially damaging vulnerability in its Web based Gmail email service. Gmail users risked exposing personal information to hackers when they sent out email according to the Unix community site HBX Networks. The issue arose when Gmail read 'From:mynamehere@gmail. ...more

Microsoft denies further XP Service Pack 2 delays

Microsoft is denying that the important Windows XP Service Pack 2 update has been delayed. 'We are still on target for an August release,' a company spokesperson told us. The much delayed service pack, which includes important security features such as greater protection against viruses and an increase in the default levels of protection, is the source of a new round of Net rumours. ...more

Government sends childcare to the streets

Parents without access to the Internet will now be able to find childcare information via outdoor kiosks. The scheme, organised by the department for Education and Employment, is only operating via I-Plus points in Camberwell and Peckham in South London at the moment, but will be eventually rolled out to all 40 I-Plus points in London. The ChildcareLink site, at www. ...more

Leopard leaks onto the Net

Copies of the Leopard preview handed out to Mac developers last week have begun leak onto the Internet. The 9A241 build of APPLE.MAC. ...more