UPDATED: Speed boost for iBooks

Apple has upped the processor speed of its iBook line-up, adding 100MHz to each of the four models. The entry-level 12.1in CD-ROM iBook now runs on an 800MHz G3 processor. ...more

Apple and Creative prep for patent swap deal

Apple and Creative have indicated that they are open to the possibility of a settlement over rival portable music player patents, Bloomberg reports. In a joint court filing the two companies said that they had been negotiating the licensing of Creative's patent to Apple before Creative sued Apple for infringement of the same patent. 'The parties will remain open to the possibility of settlement,' the filing said, although it noted that no specific discussions are planned. ...more

Printers go wireless

A German company has introduced a range of hardware that enables printers to connect to wireless networks (WLANs). SEH Computertechnik has five products compatible with the 802.11b wireless standard, three of which are cards to be fitted inside either an Epson, HP or Kyocera printer and two of which are external boxes for any printer with an Ethernet or either a USB or parallel port. ...more

Broadband Britain still waiting to be activated

A report from the Work Foundation's iSociety has highlighted that the traditional marketing ploy of speed, permanence and film trailers is not what turns the UK public on to broadband services - ISPs need to fix the problems of spam and viruses first. The report - Fat Pipes, Connected People - Rethinking Broadband Britain - shows that public enthusiasm for the Internet, be it narrow- or broad-band has been dampened by the darker side of surfing. Report co-author James Crabtree said: 'Broadband is vital for Britain's future, but the industry must put itself in its customers shoes and see how this tide of rubbish is beginning to ruin the experience of going online. ...more

Microsoft to sponsor Wembley Stadium

The Football Association, which is building the new Wembley Stadium has announced a five-year sponsorship deal with Microsoft. It is believed to be worth ?5m. As a 'Founding Partner' in the construction of the Stadium, Microsoft UK will support the new home of English football over its final stage of construction and for the first four years of its operational life. ...more