IDF, Fall 2004: Wireless USB; DTCP-IP; Home Theatre 2.5

A round up of developments at Intel's Forum Wireless USB and ultra-wideband NEC, Texas Instruments, Intel and Wisair performed the first multi-vendor interoperability demonstration of the Wireless USB and ultra-wideband (UWB) specifications (pictured). 'This demo shows the reality of WUSB and Multi-Band OFDM-based UWB technology, and that these technologies are on track for introduction into the market in 2005,' said Jeff Ravencraft, Intel technology strategist. Wireless USB has a targeted bandwidth of 480Mbit/sec, working within distances of 10m. ...more

iPod: 'A memory stick with bad software'

The president of Lenovo Europe, Milko van Duijl, delivered his scathing verdict on the iPod to a roomful of European IT journalists, as part of a larger speech on the importance of design. 'The iPod - it's a memory stick with bad software,' he said. 'You can't even delete a song on it without linking it up to a computer. ...more

Dell plans to open two retail stores

Dell has announced plans to open two retail stores later this year, abandoning its adherence to Internet and mail order sales. The Austin-American Statesman reports that the computer maker will open a store in Dallas, close to its Texas home, and one in New York in bid to capitalise on rising consumer sales. The company has always insisted that retail stores would be loss making, but Apple's success in generating over $1bn worth of sales in a single quarter through its network of more than 100 stores appears to have presaged a change of heart. ...more

Nigeria pledges 419 action to the London Action Plan

The government of Nigeria has signed up to the London Action Plan to work with members from the other 26 countries represented to combat 419 scams that originate in the country. From a UK perspective, the Nigerian authorities will be working with the Office of Fair Trading to combat the threat. Internet caf?s in Nigeria and West Africa are now being closely monitored. ...more

Ofcom paves way for low-cost mobile phone services

UK telecoms regulator Ofcom has begun auctioning low-power radio licences which could lead to a range of low-cost mobile phone services. The licences are expected to attract interest from companies hoping to offer mobile calls at landline rates in specific locations, such as workplaces and university and business campuses. Potential applications of what will effectively be private GSM networks, may include coffee shops, with one company, UK start-up Coffee Telecom, already showing an interest. ...more