Intel prototypes new transistor

Chip giant Intel has announced a new type of transistor that, it says, is much faster and consumes less power than traditional silicon based devices. The company says that the new compound could form the basis of processors and other microelectronics devices in the second half of the next decade, further prolonging the life of Moore's Law. Intel researchers, together with those from research company QinetiQ, have demonstrated an enhancement mode transistor based around indium antimonide (chemical symbol: InSb). ...more

Community broadband spreads across the UK

While BT has been trumpeting 96 per cent coverage of broadband across the UK, a whole raft of community broadband networks are spreading across rural areas. Community broadband is said to be breathing new life into areas that previously feared that they would end up on the wrong side of the digital divide. According to a report by the Community Broadband Network, there are now 550 broadband initiatives across the UK. ...more

Music on the move: music downloads and DRM

In the first of a two part series on digital music on the move, we look at the controversial issue of digital rights management (DRM) and consider to what extent - if at all - users are discouraged from using legitimate download services. The music downloads market is becoming ever more crowded - Amazon and Panasonic are only two of the most recent entrants - as illegal file swapping via peer-to-peer networks come under increasing legal pressure and broadband connections increase. So how successful have these services been in meeting the needs of users? Specifically, to what extent have the systems designed to control access to these services deterred or frustrated users who have paid money for legitimate access to the music tracks? Downloads at your service We asked you tell us your thoughts about music on the move and the impact of DRM (digital rights management) on legitimate music download services. ...more

Microsoft unveils new Windows Media DRM

Microsoft has released details of the next version of its Windows Media DRM system., codenamed 'Janus'. The new format concentrates on adding features to simplify the business of 'subscribing' rather than 'buying' digital content. ...more

UK public backs copyright extension - survey

A majority of British consumers support extended copyright protection for UK recording artists, according to a survey commissioned by the BPI. The YouGov Poll found that 62 per cent of those asked agreed that the term of copyright for sound recordings should be extended from its current 50 years to 95 years, bringing UK law in line with the US. Only 20 per cent of respondents did not agree that the copyright period should be lengthened. ...more