Microsoft's Office Open XML hits ISO speed bump

Microsoft's bid to have its Office Open XML (OOXML) file format for Office fast tracked through the ISO standardisation process has hit a withering speed bump. Already approved by the European Computer Manufacturers' Association (ECMA), Microsoft had wanted to use the ISO's fast-track process for approving standards already ratified by other bodies to smooth the way. However, no fewer than 19 nations have now raised 'contradictions' to OOXML. ...more

Intel and Motorola ready GHz chips

Both Intel and Motorola have announced plans for Gigahertz chips at the Microprocessor Forum in San Jose. Motorola's new G4 chips, named Apollo, are based on the 0.18micron process and will sport IBM's SOI (Silicon-on-Insulator), according to David Bearden of Motorola's Somerset lab. ...more

Microsoft withdraws Private Folder 1.0

Facing a barrage of criticism from security experts and parents groups alike, Microsoft has withdrawn the Private Folder 1.0 application it introduced only last week. The software was introduced as part of the Microsoft Genuine Advantage and was touted as a way of keeping your desktop files private. ...more

Wi-Fi Alliance looks to wireless future

The Wi-Fi Alliance's European Tour reached London today, where the organisation that develops and promotes wireless networking worldwide set out its roadmap for the next couple of years and beyond. Wi-Fi Alliance board members Kirk Allchorne and Brian Grimm gave a detailed briefing on the role of the organisation, which comprises more than 180 companies involved in the development, production and sales of wireless networking equipment. It's primary concerns are with establishing industry-wide standards, both in quality of service and in network security. ...more

New Net service maps news on the Web

Internet services provider Akamai has begun a new project to map where and when news is accessed on the Web. The Akamai Net Usage Index will measure the number of people accessing over 100 global news portals in real time to create a record of traffic levels and discover which are the most popular stories. The information will be of particular interest to news providers but could have a wider relevance by tracking social and geographic trends, Akamai believes. ...more