Next-gen Memory Sticks push 32GB

Sony has announced improved versions of its Memory Stick Flash memory cards at CES. A new Memory Stick PRO format is optimised for recording video, with capacities specified up to 32GB. It boasts a minimum write speed of 15Mbits/sec and a theoretical maximum of 160Mbits/sec. ...more

iTunes 5 accompanies the iPod nano

Apple has released iTunes 5 to coincide with the unveiling of the new iPod nano. The latest version of the jukebox software and music store portal adds: a new Search Bar - which Mac OS X 10.4 users will recognise has more than a passing similarity to Spotlight; the ability to organise playlists into folders; Smart Shuffle, designed to let you adjust the 'randomness' (though surely something is either random or it isn't) of shuffled playback; and parental controls to restrict access to podcasts, the iTunes Music Store, shared music and explicit content. ...more

Gamer gives insurers the finger

PC gamer Alex Nikitin has insured his fingers for a meaty ?375,000 ahead of the Korean Cyber Games in Korea this week. The Telewest sponsored player quite rightly considers his pinkies to be one of his greatest assets. Obviously, the speed and intensity of the championship has given Nikitin cause for concern, prompting him to take out the policy. ...more

Apple's Intel-based Macs to include Rosetta technology

Apple embraces Intel and spurns PowerPC platform Apple's new Intel-based Macs will include a technology called Rosetta, which will enable them to run PowerPC applications on the Intel processors. Named after the Rosetta Stone, this will be the key element in ensuring as seamless a transition as possible. Unlike Classic - Apple's technology for running OS 9-compatible applications in OS X - Rosetta will be transparent to the user, although applications which rely upon it will not run as efficiently as they would if compiled for the new Intel platform. ...more

HP updates entry-level LaserJet range

HP has announced what it describes as its 'smallest and most affordable monochrome printer ever' - the entry-level LaserJet 1010, aimed at home users and small businesses. Additionally, accompanying the 1010, HP has announced LaserJet 1012 and 1015 printers, which have slightly faster print speeds and additional memory. The 1015 is also Mac compatible. ...more