Blu-ray and HD DVD struggle to contain DRM

Some major movie studios and consumer electronics manufacturers have decided not to restrict access to high-definition content on Blu-ray and HD DVD players, according to a report. Der Spiegel [in German] does not specify which companies have dropped support for the Image Constraint Token (ICT) feature of both next-generation optical disk players but says that they have committed to disabling it until 2010 at the earliest. Sony, which has a hand in both the CE and movie industry camps, is believed to have been the major influence behind the decision, with strong backing from by Microsoft. ...more

And also today (29-August-2001), for the record...

Here, in brief, are some of the day's other stories. Gateway cull begins Gateway is to cut 25 per cent of its workforce - about 4,600 jobs. At the beginning of the month, Gateway signalled the massive cut backs. ...more

Apple updates X11 implementation

Apple has released a new beta version of its software for running X11-base Unix applications within Mac OS X. The update comprises more than a dozen new features, enhancements and bug fixes. X11 0. ...more

New Motorola phone comes with a Jaguar

Using a mobile phone in your car is hardly a new thing, but Motorola and Jaguar have teamed up to put stylish handsets into the new range of Jaguar cars. The Jaguar Dual-Band Fixed Telephone will be featured in the Jaguar XJ and XK series vehicles. The phone is built-in to the car's front console, and integrated into the car's electrical system to increase performance and will offer the driver hands-free operation. ...more

Office workers sick of decrepit computers

Old and unreliable computers make office workers unhappy and more likely to take sick time, according to a new survey. The poll of 2,700 office workers in the UK, France and Germany found that as computers age workers become significantly less happy. British workers said old computers were the single most irritating thing about office life. ...more