"Breakthrough agreement" for online music services

A big step forward was made today for the licensing of online music services after the National Music Publishers' Association, the Harry Fox Agency Inc (HFA), agreed to allow access to its catalogue of musical works to the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA), and all its member labels and licensees. The Harry Fox Agency, which represents more than 27,000 publishers, is the largest in the industry for licensing the reproduction and distribution of music. The agency will immediately begin licensing its catalogue for subscription services that offer streaming on-demand and downloads. ...more

Apple attacked over fragile nano screens

At first it was feted but now it seems flawed - reports have been growing of problems with Apple's mini music player, the iPod nano. Specifically, problems have been reported with the colour screens scratching or cracking. It seems questions are being raised about the suitability of the nano for everyday pocket use. ...more

Apache breaks open Cocoon 2.1

One from Java Today, the O'Reilly managed 'community news' on www.java.net. ...more

Printer makers sued over dotty technology

The patent dispute has brought in $400 million already. Pitney Bowes is suing a number of companies, including Apple, which it claims have infringed its '272 patent', according to Reuters. The patent - also known as the variable dot printing patent - covers the technology of 'spewing' ink dots to smooth the edges of characters. ...more

SMS still powering ahead in UK mobiles

For one, we still haven't got over our love affair with the text message. Revenues from SMS are up 7 per cent sequentially for the quarter ending September 2002. Meanwhile volumes showed a 37 per cent year on year increase at nearly four and a quarter billion. ...more