Gates draws Windows-shaped future at CES

Microsoft's Bill Gates has delivered his tenth annual keynote at the 2006 CES tech show in Las Vegas. In it he outlined a future where Redmond's growing ties with the entertainment industry lead to a world where consumer content, devices and networks are roads leading to one platform: Windows. Gates' whirlwind tour stopped off to preview the URGE music store: a tie-up with MTV to provide access to more than 2m songs and exclusive content through a service integrated into the upcoming Windows Media Player 11. ...more

CeBIT 2007: Skype's the limit for VoIP phone makers

Considering that few people would have even heard of Skype two or three years ago, the company has rapidly established itself as the industry standard in VoIP software - as a flurry of new products launched at CeBIT 2007 proves. Literally dozens of companies are selling Skype-related products at this year's show. Among them is RTX, which has launched two new products based on the software. ...more

Oftel watches over BT's property

Oftel is keeping a close watch on BT's proposed ?2bn property sell-off, warning the company that the sales to reduce its debts must not affect the phone and Internet services it provides. Among the properties for up for grabs, BT is selling the leasehold on telephone exchanges, and Oftel is particularly concerned that the local loop unbundling programme goes ahead as planned. David Edmonds, Director General of Telecommunications, said, "Oftel will want to be assured that the planned disposals will not affect BT's ability to meet its licence and other obligations, including those relating to provision of the universal telephone service and local loop unbundling. ...more

Telewest revival renews NTL merger rumours

Telewest shares jumped 10 per cent yesterday after the company's managing director predicted that the cable operator would make a trading profit in the fourth quarter of 2003. The news renewed suggestions that Telewest may merge with rival cable operator NTL in 2004. Talk of merger before now has always been overshadowed by the vast debts both companies had incurred whilst swallowing up the UK's cable franchises However, Telewest is expected to complete the restructuring of its ?5. ...more

Sun to preview easy-to-use Java

At its SunNetwork 2003 Conference in Berlin, Sun has announced a technology preview release of Sun Java Studio Creator. Formerly code-named Project Rave, this is claimed to be an easy-to-use environment for Java development. With the drag-and-drop creation of user interfaces, the use of components, and simplified access to databases, Java Studio Creator is intended to speed the creation of corporate apps - think of a Java equivalent of VBA. ...more