iPod mini audio problems surface

The first signs of dissatisfaction with Apple's iPod mini surfaced over the weekend, with users reporting a crackling noise when any buttons are pressed. A number of mini owners have found that the problem starts to occur after about five weeks, though Apple has been happy to replace affected units. The reports have been made via a thread in the iPodlounge forums; one account, posted by raul, says, 'the life expectancy for the mini is between 35 and 40 days; my new one is doing ok, but now i have that feeling that it will happen again. ...more

Optimising the Web for mobile devices

AvantGo has expanded its free Internet service for mobile device users to incorporate UK-specific content. The AvantGo Mobile Internet Service allows users of PalmOS, PocketPC and WAP phones to surf the web online via a wireless connection or offline via synchronisation with their desktop computer. The service, available at www. ...more

Mandrake serves up a polished version of its Linux

Mandrake has taken version 10.1 out of the cooker and onto the plates of Linux enthusiasts in the form of MandrakeLinux 10.1. ...more

Tiger widget vulnerability highlighted

Apple's Dashboard technology - one of the high profile new features in Tiger - could leave users vulnerable to hacker attacks by allowing the installation of a malicious widget. The vulnerability was discovered by a widget developer, going by the name stephan.com. ...more

Google serves up new music search

Google is looking to capitalise on the fast growing music downloads market with the introduction of a 'music search' function to its standard search interface. Having noticed that a lot of people search for information about music (its amazing what you can find out when you have 3,000 PhDs in Computer Science working for you), Google is now offering a single box at the top of a results page that it has decided is about music. Clicking on a link will give you a standard list of links to official pages and fan sites, and news and pictures for the News and Images indexes. ...more