A forte for Java

Sun releases Forte for Java 3.0. Sun's latest Integrated Development Environment (IDE) is for those working on the Java 2 platform, on an enterprise scale. ...more

Hackers claim to have cracked new "secure" Xbox

Two competing teams of hackers claim to have cracked the new 'secure' Version 2 of the Xbox in under a week. The teams claim that their modifications opens the door to allow the Xbox to perform a number of tricks that Microsoft and graphics chip designer Nvidia would prefer it didn't. Team Xecuter say that their device, which they expect to be selling shortly at around $45 will enable modifiers to run alternate operating systems like Linux and play 'homebrew' code as well as imports and code from all regions. ...more

It's good for consumer electronics to talk, says Digital Living Network Alliance

A group of 145 companies who develop consumer electronics products have joined together to form the Digital Living Network Alliance (DLNA). The group, formerly known as the Digital Home Working Group (DHWG) aims to agree a common set of standards which will allow products to work together. The DLNA is led by the original 16 founding members of the DHWG which includes Fujitsu, HP, Intel, IBM, Kenwood, Lenovo, Microsoft, NEC Personal Products, Nokia, Panasonic (Matsushita Electric Industrial), Philips, Samsung, Sharp and Sony, among others. ...more

Video games score record year

Video games sales had a record year in 2005 in the US according to market research firm the NPD Group. Sales for consoles, related accessories and games, which excludes PC games sales, hit $10.5 billion beating the previous record of $10. ...more

RIAA tells students to drop out to pay fines

The Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) is apparently advising students in the US to drop out of college so they can work to pay off their fines. One MIT student blog details what happened when she negotiated with an RIAA representative over paying the $3,750 fine imposed after she was found to be illegally swapping music over the Internet. After being told that the RIAA does not negotiate settlements, the student was offered a six month repayment plan. ...more