CD copy protection to rise

Record companies are preparing to increase the use of copy-protection on music CDs following a report by the International Federation of the Phonographic Industry (IFPI) that the number of CDs sold worldwide in 2001 fell by 6.5 per cent. The IFPI attributes much of the fall to, 'the increased availability of free music via mass digital copying and the Internet. ...more

States' repeat of late evidence trick annoys judge

The nine states have thrown out plans to demonstrate the feasibility of a modular version of Windows, days after having persuaded the presiding judge to agree to see it. The states claim that they are in as good a position to win as they could be and that presenting this extra evidence would mean prolonging the case, as Microsoft has said it would need indefinite extra time to prepare its response. However, not only Microsoft expressed concern at the states' move. ...more

Microsoft finds backing from the US Department of Justice

Microsoft may seek the help of the US Government to challenge the EU's anti-trust ruling at the World Trade Organisation. Brad Smith, Microsoft's general counsel, said that the company would be talking to the US authorities about the terms of the ruling, which are far more severe than those imposed by the US in a similar case. However, US trade officials may be unwilling to back the company, not least because if the WTO overruled the EU, it could set a precedent for decisions by other sovereign bodies, such as the US. ...more

Fujitsu triples the charge on a micro fuel cell

The prospect of fuel cell technology for powering small devices has come one step closer. Japanese electronics giant Fujitsu says it has tripled the charging capacity of fuel cells for mobiles and has now developed a commercial prototype with the Japanese telco DoCoMo. Fuel cells are not only rechargeable but also environmentally friendly. ...more

Intel unveils 3-Series chipset

Intel has unveiled its 3-Series chipset at the Computex computer trade show. Formerly codenamed 'Bearlake', the chips will also run with Intel's upcoming 45nm 'Penryn' processors, which are expected later this year. According to Intel, they will help provide 'consumer electronics-like video and sound quality' and will be the foundation for next-generation Intel Viiv and vPro processors, codenamed 'Salt Creek' and 'Weybridge' respectively. ...more