Mandrake takes on Sun's Sun Ray with ultra thin client assault

Mandrake is to launch an ultra-thin client version of its Linux desktop operating system by partnering with Nexedi. The companies have come up with a product they are calling rentalinux, based on a central server which offers remote access to Mandrake desktop applications via VNC (Virtual Network Computing). Jean-Paul Smets, CEO of Nexedi, told us: 'The term Ultra-Thin Client applies very well to Nexedi DLS appoach since it is based on a thin client protocol, tightVNC, which requires extremely little CPU and can run on thin client devices costing about €100 and available from various sources. ...more

London Underground preps mobile coverage

Transport for London plans to test the commercial and technical viability of mobile coverage on the below-ground sections of the tube network. If a new trial goes as planned, being stuck on the tube will no longer be an excuse for not calling. London Underground (LU) has announced plans to trial mobile phone coverage in below-ground tube tunnels and stations. ...more

MP3 is all around us

The creators of the MP3 format - the Fraunhofer Institute - are planning to extend the encoding system to simulate surround sound. Dubbed MP3 Surround, extra data is added to the sound files to encode directional information, enabling the simulation of surround sound without having to record audio data on separate channels. The Institutes states that the new system will be compatible with existing MP3 software and music players, but obviously new players will be needed to take advantage of the new sound support. ...more

The higher the ghost rating, the deader the site

There are millions and millions of Web pages hosted on servers around the world, but what happens when someone just forgets to update them? One site is dedicated to hunting down the ghost ships that pass in the cyber night. If you pop over to Ghostsites, you can see what happens to the forlorn Web sites that have been abandoned and neglected. If they took canine form, they'd be shipped off to Battersea Dogs' Home until a new owner came along. ...more

Robots seize control of World Cup in Germany

There's an international football tournament going on right now in Germany. But you might not know about it. You see, it's been overshadowed somewhat by the FIFA World Cup. ...more