Memory Stick goes mobile

When Sony announced that it was putting its Memory Stick technology into its new mobile phone, it was no surprise that the CMD-MZ5 would also be able to play music. The unit is the first Sony GSM mobile phone that uses the Memory Stick technology and comes supplied with a 64Mb Memory Stick, enabling you to enjoy 120 minutes of music. You can listen to your favourite tunes by connecting the supplied headphones or hooking the CMD-MZ5 up to some active speakers. ...more

Lindows ponders new name for Dutch operation

Following its enforced withdrawal under Microsoft's legal muscle, Linux distributor Lindows is looking for a new name for its operations in the Benelux countries. The company has asked its existing users to come up with a possible temporary name which can be used and which will satisfy the courts in the Netherlands. If you can come up with a suitable name which doesn't libel Microsoft or its management and will pass the average spam filter send it to mailto:temporaryName@lindows. ...more

Sony showcase DVR-Blue prototype

Sony and Philips showed off their next-generation optical disks for the first time at the CEATEC 2000 show in Japan. The new DVR-Blue format records data using a special GaN blue diode laser and its optical disk has a single-side capacity of 22.5Gb. ...more

Apple joins campaign against Swiss music player levy

Apple has joined a legal campaign to prevent the Swiss Government from imposing a levy on portable music players such as the iPod. The Swiss want the levy, which could add as much as ?10 to the price of an iPod nano, to 'compensate' the music industry for unauthorised file sharing and copying. However the player manufacturers insist the levy will hurt business and is unfair on consumers who have already paid royalties on the music they have bought. ...more

Google confirms Adscape acquisition

On its official company blog, Google has confirmed that it has purchased the video game advertising firm Adscape. The move will enable it to expand into in-game advertising, said Google. Financial details were not furnished. ...more