Freenet releases pre alpha version of 'anonymous' p2p

Despite the recent court victories by the MPAA (Motion Picture Association of America) and others against Grokster and the targeting of users who distribute music files, it seems the peer-to-peer (p2p) business is not about to give up without a fight yet. A group of developers say they are on target to produce a system of anonymous file sharing by the end of the year. If true, this will severely limit the efforts of the authorities in their attempts to stamp out illegal file sharing by prosecuting offenders. ...more

Vodafone unleashes 3G live! service

Vodafone has flicked the switch for the start of its 'Vodafone live! With 3G' service. Its portal of mobile services has had a 3G makeover for UMTS-based (Universal Mobile Telecommunications System) video calls and messages, music downloads, games and also 'mobile TV' for streaming clips to your handset. 'Today is an important day for Vodafone and the start of a new era in mobile communications,' boasted Arun Sarin, Vodafone Chief Executive. ...more

World Net population grows to 300 million

The number of world-wide Internet users is nearing 300 million, with the UK, Germany and Italy leading the way in Europe, says a new survey by analyst firm Nielsen/NetRatings. The US is still the largest wired nation by far, with 137 million people with home access. The second is Japan, at 26. ...more

Real to acquire Listen.com

RealNetworks has announced it will acquire music subscription service Listen.com for $36m. The deal, which breaks down into $17. ...more

Spyware threat needs enterprise-class solution, says analyst

Research group META is highlighting the lack of an enterprise-class tool to prevent spyware. According to the company, businesses will be lumbered with having to cobble together their own methods for combatting the rise of spyware on the Net for some years to come due to a lack of a single solution. 'IT organizations must understand the spyware threat environment and develop a mitigation plan,' said Peter Firstbrook, senior research analyst with META Group's Infrastructure Strategies. ...more