Google helps power broadband over electricity lines

Google is looking to boost broadband over power lines. It is among a group of companies making new investments in this specialised form of Internet access. Specifically, Google, the Hearst Corporation and Goldman Sachs are investing in Current Communications Group. ...more

UK games chart: PlayStation 3 blasts the charts

A feast of new entries in this week's ELSPA UK Games Chart as the debut of the PS3 on these shores makes waves, along with the final arrival of a major PC game in the form of S.T.A. ...more

Apple to patent athletic iPod tech

For any athletic avante-garde jazz fans that struggle with matching a 13:7 beat on a three-mile jog, Apple may have the answer. According to patent number 20060107822, for which Apple Computer has applied, a handheld device - read iPod - would contain technology able to monitor a user's body motion or heart rate rhythms and pick out music with an appropriate tempo. Alternatively, your iPod could even control the tempo of the music, ensuring that all the music you listen to while exercising plays at the same pace. ...more

Google extends its AdWords programme

Google is making changes to its AdWords programme. Advertisers now have the option of picking the sites where they want adverts to appear. Google is also moving beyond the familiar text only ads and will be supporting a range of graphical ads. ...more

Microsoft's five-year plan for Zune uncovered

Microsoft is prepared to commit five years and millions of dollars to making a success of the Zune portable media player, a company executive revealed. Robbie Bach, president of Microsoft's entertainment and devices group, told analysts that the company does not expect an immediate pay-off from what has inevitably been dubbed the 'iPod killer'. 'This is something that's going to be a three-, four-, five-year investment horizon,' Bach said during a meeting in the company's Redmond HQ. ...more