Microsoft creates core Windows team

Microsoft has created what it is calling Windows Core Operating System Division (COSD) within the Windows Platform Group topped with some heavy hitters, to push along the development of Windows. While the company insisted previous announcements about schedules for Longhorn (the next version of the operating system), and security enhancements for current products would not be affected, communications from Microsoft on the subject were infused with the sense that the company is stepping up several gears. So perhaps the company's schedules would have been affected had it failed to renew focus on driving development. ...more

EU warns Microsoft over Vista feature set

The EU Competition Commissioner has warned Microsoft that it will not be allowed to sell Windows Vista in Europe if contains certain features. Neelie Kroes wrote to the company last week to express her concerns, which centre on Microsoft's plans for Internet searching. A spokesman for Kroes said that the EU is concerned that Microsoft could use Internet Explorer 7 to 'unfairly direct computer users to Microsoft's own search service'. ...more

Residential gateway servers for the networked home ask to be let in

Sun has released Java Embedded Server (JES) 2.0, the small footprint software framework that is targeted at the home networking market. It runs in a residential gateway and enables the on-demand delivery of managed services. ...more

States' repeat of late evidence trick annoys judge

The nine states have thrown out plans to demonstrate the feasibility of a modular version of Windows, days after having persuaded the presiding judge to agree to see it. The states claim that they are in as good a position to win as they could be and that presenting this extra evidence would mean prolonging the case, as Microsoft has said it would need indefinite extra time to prepare its response. However, not only Microsoft expressed concern at the states' move. ...more

Epson res's up with bumper scanner

Epson announces world-first 3200x6400 dpi scanner. Espon has announced its Perfection 3200 PHOTO flat-bed scanner, which it claims is a world-first for a consumer-targeted device with a 3200x6400dpi optical resolution. As well as high optical density, the scanner offers 48-bit colour depth. ...more