Microsoft 'using patents because it can't sell Office'

Microsoft has resorted to claims of patent infringement because it's struggling to sell Office 2007, according to an OpenOffice spokesman. Earlier, this week the software giant claimed the free and open-source software (FOSS) movement had infringed 235 of its patents, including 45 by OpenOffice. 'We're at the FUD [fear, uncertainty and doubt] phase at the moment,' says OpenOffice's marketing lead, John McCreesh. ...more

Beatles demand $15mn for online rights - report

The Beatles are asking $15mn for six months' exclusive rights to sell their catalogue online, according to a News.com report. If true, such a high premium would almost certainly price the world's biggest selling group out of the range of most of the online services. ...more

W3C updates Amaya, its protocol test tool

Amaya 4.1 is a browser-based tool that can be used to demonstrate or test some of the new developments in Web protocols and data formats. It's an Open Source software project that is hosted by the W3C, which is the international body responsible for maintaining Internet-related protocols and standards. ...more

HP packs wireless iPaq

HP has launched a raft of new iPaq PocketPCs - one of which incorporates Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and GPRS wireless capabilities. 'The new line of iPaqs sets the standard by which all other mobile devices should be judged, and includes the flagship h6300, which takes full advantage of the rich digital services that today's wireless networks provide,' said Alex Gruzen, senior VP at HP's Mobile Computing GLibal Business Group. The HP iPaq h6340 (?479 inc VAT) automatically connects to the fastest wireless data network it finds and can switch to another available network on the fly should an existing connection no longer be available. ...more

Intel's USB 2.0 chipset

Intel has introduced a new chipset with integrated support for USB 2.0 and surround-sound with enhanced 20-bit audio as well as on-chip graphic support. Working with Pentium 4 processors, the Intel 845E and 845G chipsets features a 533MHz system bus for handling larger files - 'enabling richer digital media, gaming and broadband experiences' in the words of Intel. ...more