Ask Jeeves gets new look

The popular Ask Jeeves search engine has joined the trend for a Google-like look and feel with a new streamlined look and new services. The new service claims to be 50 per cent faster and has followed the trend among search engines to offer a separate pictures, products and news libraries and a dedicated browser tool bar. Joining other search services such as Google, FAST and Yahoo, visitors can now specify whether to search for pictures and news directly from the homepage. ...more

Messenger picks up the receiver

Microsoft has announced it will offer a download to enable Windows Messenger and MSN Messenger users to make PC-to-phone calls. The download will be available after the 25 October launch date of Windows XP and will contain several upgrades to the service in a file less than 1Mb. XP users will be able to make PC-to-PC voice calls as well. ...more

Networks for Business 2003: show roundup

Other news and notables from the networking show Satellite broadband Rapid Technologies has launched a new Two-Way Satellie Broadband service. Its targeted at organisations in remote areas of the UK who presently have no access to ADSL or cable services. Its MD, Mark Stevens, emphasises that 80 per cent of the UK, geographically, remains outside the reach of ADSL or cable. ...more

UK games chart: Pro Evolution Soccer 6 is number one

Konami's Pro Evolution Soccer 6 (PC, PS2, Xb360, DS, PSP) goes straight in at number one in this week's ELSPA UK games chart. Playing its way to the top of the charts, the football gamer's football game offers greater player control and more accurate simulation. Specifically in the latest version, player AI has been upgraded, with players running into space when not in possession of the ball, and defenders learning to back off slightly to prevent being turned by opponents. ...more

UPDATED: Samsung makes colourful claims for new monitor

Samsung has introduced its latest 19in, 1,280x1024 LCD monitor - the SyncMaster 931C. Other aspects of the display's technical specification include a 2000:1 dynamic contrast ratio, 2ms response time, 160? viewing angle and 250 cd/m? brightness. It's the claims for colour reproduction, however, that Samsung is pushing hardest. ...more