Never get lost using your PDA

Navman has launched a clip-on GPS system that turns both PalmOS and Pocket PC-based machines into navigation aids. It's a European debut for the GPS receivers that come with Smartpath, GPS-enabled software covering 90,000 towns and cities in 12 different countries. You can simply set locations as destination points and then track your progress. ...more

IT Forum 2004: Bill Gates drops strong hints on 64-bit Windows for the desktop

Bill Gates has revealed something of Microsoft's plans for the roll out of 64-bit Windows for the desktop in his keynote speech at the IT Forum 2004 in Copenhagen. Promising that 64-bit computing would arrive by the middle of 2005, Gates addressed the delivery of 64-bit Windows for desktops. He declared that 'testing is in final stages' and revealed that work on the new MSN beta desktop search - Microsoft's answer to Google - was developed using such 64-bit Windows XP systems. ...more

Sony gets sporty with tough new Walkman

Sony has revisited the Walkman brand and launched the Flash memory-based NW-S200 Walkman series, aimed at the more active music lover. Features of the slimline NW-S200 include a 'Shuffle Shake', which is a control system to alternate between shuffle and normal playback modes by shaking the Walkman three times. Also, a 'G-sensor' incorporates pedometer and stopwatch functionality by monitoring step count, distance travelled and calorie usage, and a Music Pacer feature that changes the music according to the pace of the user's step. ...more

Comment: Consumer goods and copyright conundrums

Copyright laws are under renewed scrutiny, as consumers and media corporations go head to head in a power struggle that could determine the future of intellectual property in Europe. Creative industries want to protect their earnings in the face of Internet distribution and piracy, but influential consumer groups believe their tactics are heavy handed, and that the laws governing copyright are 'outdated' and 'absurd'. 'We need to shake up the copyright law to incorporate consumers' 'fair use' rights, including the right to copy for private use,' said Jill Johnstone, director of policy at the National Consumer Council. ...more

My BT Vision of hell

A few months ago, desperately wanting a Sky+ box but refusing to pay hundreds of pounds for one, I ditched Sky - much to the horror of my family - and signed up for BT Vision. As I was already a BT Broadband customer, it seemed like a great deal - a free set-top box with PVR functionality, and just ?90 for setup and installation. Plus, I liked the idea of downloading movies when I fancied for around ?3, so I got rid of our online DVD subscription too. ...more