New SpeedTouch drivers

Alcatel has updated the drivers for its SpeedTouch USB and 330 modems. No details have been released, so the best advice is to download the updates only if you are currently having problems. Driver versions 2. ...more

Samsung launches new notebooks

Electronics giant Samsung has come up with a novel take on the notebook. The new M70 model has a 19-inch detachable screen. It has also released the X1 that, according to Samsung, is the thinnest and lightest machine of its kind on the market. ...more

UK public backs copyright extension - survey

A majority of British consumers support extended copyright protection for UK recording artists, according to a survey commissioned by the BPI. The YouGov Poll found that 62 per cent of those asked agreed that the term of copyright for sound recordings should be extended from its current 50 years to 95 years, bringing UK law in line with the US. Only 20 per cent of respondents did not agree that the copyright period should be lengthened. ...more

Pfizer, Microsoft crack down on 'generic' Viagra pedlars

Drugs giant Pfizer has carried out its threats to take legal action against spammers promoting 'generic' versions of its Viagra erectile dysfunction (ED) medication. It is joined by Microsoft and the two are filing parallel suits against two international pharmacy spam rings. The two operate websites - CanadianPharmacy and E-Pharmacy Direct - that allegedly sell illegal and purportedly generic versions of Viagra. ...more

GameCube rains on Xbox's parade

The battle of the superconsoles warms up with news that Nintendo has announced the street price of the GameCube and that it will be $100 (?70) cheaper than the Xbox. In a move that could signal the start of a pricing showdown, Nintendo announced that the new GameCube will be available in the US three days before the Xbox on the 5 November and will cost $199 (?140). There will be six game titles available on that launch date, retailing at an expected $49. ...more