The Internet is electric

For those seeking a home networking system that doesn't involve either setting up a wireless LAN or running cables here, there and everywhere, using the already installed electrical cabling may provide an alternative. PhonexBroadband's NeverWire 14 Powerline Ethernet Bridge comprises two units. The first plugs in to the broadband modem and then into any electrical socket, transmitting the Internet signal to all the other sockets. ...more

Hitachi joins the battery recall list

Hitachi has joined the growing list of computer makers that have recalled Sony-manufactured laptop batteries. The company has announced that it will replace 16,000 batteries installed in Flora 210W and Flora Se210 portables. Apple, Dell, Fujitsu, IBM, Lenovo and Toshiba have already begun recalls, while Acer is investigating whether it needs to join them. ...more

PDF on your phone

Adobe has released a public beta of the forthcoming Acrobat Reader for Symbian OS, the operating system used by an increasing number of 'data-enabled' mobile phones. The beta is available initially for two of Nokia's Symbian-based phones, the 9290 Communicator and the 9210 Communicator and will enable users to read PDFs which they have downloaded from the Web or a computer or received by email. The beta is a free download from Adobe. ...more

Real makes 'let's take on Microsoft' plea to Apple

Real Networks has suggested to Apple that the two companies form an alliance to challenge Microsoft in the digital music market, according to a New York Times report. Real's CEO Rob Glaser proposed a 'tactical alliance' to his Apple equivalent, Steve Jobs, in an email last week. He said that if no agreement could be made, then he might be forced to atempt to join forces with Microsoft. ...more

DTI guns for fat cat bosses at Internet World

The Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, Patricia Hewitt MP, gave the opening keynote speech for Internet World & Smarter Business 2003 at Earls Court London. She used the occasion to confirm that that her department would be launching a consultation process on whether legislation is required to restrict over-generous payments to unsuccessful business executives. While citing the role that British entrepreneurs had played in launching hi-tech products and services within the UK, she said that 'big rewards for big success' were not an issue. ...more