Sony plans peripheral bonanza

Sony Europe has announced plans to 'significantly strengthen' its computer accessories range over the next six months. This month the company will introduce a new SRS-DZ10 multi-channel speaker system and unveil a headset with retractable microphone. In the second quarter it will unveil new mice, USB multi-format memory card readers and HDMI cables. ...more

Firebird 0.7 released

The Mozilla Organisation has released a new version of its standalone Web browser, Firebird. The update adds two new features: AutoDownload and Web Panels. AutoDownload is a feature present in most other browsers, allowing you to specify where downloaded files are automatically saved to, while Web Panels is similar to Internet Explorer's Page Holder, allowing you to store a page (usually one with lots of links) in the sidebar so you can quickly click from link to link without having t go back and forward every time. ...more

Average laptop worth $1m

New research by a computer security firm has estimated the value of the average laptop to be worth close to $1mn. Symantec discovered that that is the value of intellectual property and commercially sensitive data stored in emails and while the average is high enough, some laptops were carrying around information potentially worth ?5mn. However only 42 per cent of the companies automatically backup emails, with 45 per cent leaving it up to the employee, which leaves 13 per cent that just do not bother. ...more

Microsoft settles anti-trust law suit with South Dakota

Microsoft has settled its legal disputes with another state - South Dakota. The class action lawsuit had alleged that Microsoft violated South Dakota's unfair competition laws. Under the terms of the settlement agreement, $9. ...more

UK games chart: Pro Evolution Soccer 5 takes early lead

Today we dig deep into the sports locker of metaphors as football - soccer, footer, the beautiful game, call it what you will - dominates the ELSPA UK games chart. Top of the league is the new entry Pro Evolution Soccer 5, Konami's multi-format game, with another new entry, Sega's Football Manager 2006, breathing down its next. And last weeks number one, EA's FIFA 06 is at number three. ...more