IBM adds to Java Security

IBM has released a number of free tools to help improve the security of Java applications. Among the tools on offer is automatic data encryption for Java. The company says that the IBM Secure Shell Library for Java automatically encrypts data transmitted from one computer to another, including passwords and information stored in files, therefore preventing it from being exposed to hackers and other online menaces. ...more

CES: Fossil's PDA watch released

Fossil's Wrist PDA watch finally goes on sale in the US today after two years of delays and redesigns. The company unveiled the concept at CES two years ago, and has been pushing back release dates ever since. But a sample will be on show at this year's event, as Fossil tries to create a market for PDA watches that provide quick and easy access to news, weather reports and stock quotes. ...more

Xbox could take five years to show profit

According to a recent analysis by the Wall Street Journal Microsoft's Xbox console could take as long as five years to break even, losing $2bn in the process. Once the investment period is over, though, the console is set to add $1bn per year to Microsoft's operating profit. Microsoft has not commented on the report. ...more

Independent labels back file sharing

A body representing 175 artists worldwide has attacked the Recording Industry Association of America's latest attempt to shut down peer-to-peer music sharing networks. Dust Traxx manages 27 house and techno labels and claims to have been the largest producer, manufacturer and distributor of house music in the world during 2002. It's promotions director Chuck Paugh says the RIAA 'is deceptive in its claim to represent the recording industry' and in fact only represents a handful of large record companies. ...more

iMacs harness flower power

Last night in Tokyo Apple CEO Steve Jobs unveiled the latest incarnations of the iMac - Flower Power and Blue Dalmation - complete with CD-RW drives, but retaining the 15-inch screen. Apple has resisted demands for a G4 iMac, instead opting for G3s, with a 600MHz chip in the top model. The 600MHz model comes with 128Mb RAM, 256K of level 2 cache at 600MHz, an ATI Rage 128 Ultra video card with 16Mb RAM and a 40Gb hard drive. ...more