The week that was 5 years ago: Sony previews blue laser optical discs

Taking a look back, five years ago this week... ...more

RIAA condemns US fair rights proposals

An attempt by two US congressman to introduce fair use rights for digital copying has been condemned by the major record companies, who claim that it would 'legalise hacking'. The Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA), which represents the interests of the major labels, said that the bill would allow companies to encourage people to break the law. It would enable exemptions to the Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA) that would permit DRM systems to be cracked in order to enable private copying. ...more

Google faces legal action 'click fraud'

Google is facing legal action over allegations that it failed to protect users of its AdSense advertising technology from 'click fraud'. Click Defense, a retailer of online marketing tools, claims that it has lost at least $5mn to click fraud, an industry term for the practice of deliberately clicking on Web advertisements to artificially inflate the figure for the number of times an ad is clicked. Because Google charges advertisers on a per-click basis, the practice can prove very costly. ...more

Game controls for the Palm

If you enjoy playing games on your Palm but are sick of trying to blast the aliens using those tiny keys, Worldwide Widget Works will give you a hand. The company has developed a new device that clips onto the HotSync connector at the bottom of the Palm and sports a control assembly very similar to that of the Nintendo Gameboy. The new casing has a D-controller, two fire buttons and two controller buttons. ...more

Microsoft returns to EC legal battle

Microsoft has filed a second appeal against the European Commission ruling that it must share certain server software code with rival companies. Microsoft spokesman Tom Brookes said this latest appeal was motivated by the need to protect its intellectual property rights. 'Microsoft has filed an application for annulment with the Court of First Instance specifically concerning the issue of broad licenses, in source code form, of communications protocols which are based upon Microsoft's intellectual property,' he said. ...more