Intel links Centrino with Linksys

Intel has announced a joint technology and marketing program with Linksys, the maker of consumer wireless and Ethernet products. The avowed intent is to simplify the use of Centrino technology - Intel's brand for its combination of mobile processor, chipset and WLAN adaptor - with Linksys wireless routers and access points. Specifically, the two will launch joint engineering and co-marketing activities. ...more

Microsoft 'in talks' to buy stake in AOL

Microsoft and media giant Time Warner are in negotiations to merge the MSN and AOL portals according to reports in the New York Post. The Post says that according to its sources the two companies are in 'advanced discussions' to sell a stake in AOL to Microsoft. Under the proposed plan, Microsoft would pay cash upfront for AOL that would leave the two companies roughly equal partners. ...more

Apple strikes FireWire deal with Panasonic

Apple and Panasonic have announced the results of a collaboration that will see FireWire included in a number of Panasonic's professional video products and Final Cut Pro support for its new mini-DV camcorder. FireWire support will be included in 'upcoming' Panasonic DVCPRO50 and DVCPRO HD tape decks, removing two requirements: for a connected computer to have a PCI capture card and for video to be decompressed before transfer. The new tape decks will be 'the world's first' to support full ITU-601 digital 4:2:2 quality video at 50Mbps and high-definition video at 100Mbps. ...more

EU to probe TV companies 'blocking out' new media competition

The European Commission is to investigate claims that big media companies who buy up television rights to big events are blocking out internet and 3G operators. The allegations are that by buying up the exclusive rights to sporting or other events across all media, television companies are effectively blocking out competition. Speaking at a workshop in Brussels, the Competition Commissioner Mario Monti said that his department would use 'all the powerful legal instruments. ...more

Nipper gets web video

HMV renews deal with Virtue Broadcasting to offer even more music webcasting from its site. The two companies have been working with each other for over a year and have decided to consolidate their partnership by signing a three-year deal. In the last year, we’ve seen exclusive webcasts from bands as varied as The Charlatans, Cold Play and Ocean Colour Scene. ...more