W3C sets standard for technical illustrations on the Web

W3C and Oasis have published WebCGM 2.0, a new standard for technical illustrations in electronic documents. Computer Graphics Metafile, or CGM, is an ISO standard for a tree-structured, binary graphics format that is widely deployed in the defence, aviation, architecture and transport industries for displaying 2D technical illustrations in electronic documents. ...more

Microsoft is fined over unfair trade practices

A federal court has ordered Microsoft to pay Bristol Technology $3.7m in costs, as well as an award of $1m, over unfair trade practices. US District Judge Janet C. ...more

VoIP operators face setbacks in US telephony market

VoIP operators' face a significant setback in their attempts to capture the US telephony market. Under Federal Communications Commission rules they have until 29 November to ensure that they can route 911 emergency calls directly to despatchers and provide them with the location of the caller. However before that they must inform customers about types of 911 services available. ...more

First Hi-Definition DV camcorder for home users announced

Sony has announced the first HDV camcorder for the non-professional market, and plans to follow it wth a high-definition Handycam. The HDR-FX1E is compatible with the HDV1080si specification established by Sony, Canon, Sharp and JVC in September 2003. It provides an image resolution four times greater than the DV format and can be played back on TV screens more than 50in. ...more

mmO2's xda pda is aok

The improbably-named mmO2 (formerly BT Cellnet) has put its PocketPC 2002-based xda handheld device on UK high streets. First spied at the launch of Microsoft's PocketPC 2002 operating system back in October, the device adds another OS to mmO2's multi-string strategy that now includes Handspring's Treo PalmOS device and RIM's Blackberry handheld. The xda will go on sale throughout mmO2's territories, comprising the UK, Germany, the Netherlands, the Isle of Man and Ireland. ...more