AMD reveals new roadmap

AMD is planning to finally break open Intel's grip on the x86 market for desktops and servers. The company plans to introduce new ranges of multicore and multisocket designs and has invited the industry to join it in creating a more open ecosystem based on AMD technology. Chairman and CEO Hector Ruiz told analysts that the company wanted to create a 'more open and innovation-friendly x86-based platform to those who want to collaborate in the development of differentiated, customer-centric solutions'. ...more

Gluacoma risk linked to heavy computer usage

Researchers at a Japanese university have produced the first reliable evidence of a link between heavy computer usage and the onset of the eye disease, glaucoma, in shortsighted people. The Toho University School of Medicine found that 'intensive' computer users who are already shortsighted are 87 per cent more likely to develop the disease, which ultimately can lead to blindness. The researchers suggested that the optic nerve in myopic people may be more susceptible to damage and that this is exacerbated by computer usage. ...more

Yahoo! and Reuters recruit citizen journalists

Yahoo!, in partnership with Reuters, is inviting the public to contribute eyewitness photos and videos of news events, in the latest move to turn spectators into on-the-spot journalists. The Internet media company said it has created a news contribution system called 'You Witness' and is working with news and information company Reuters, which will edit and distribute selected photos to other news outlets. Yahoo! plans to run selected images contributed by users as part of topical packages on Yahoo! News, which currently offers news from dozens of professional news organizations including Associated Press, CNN and Reuters. ...more

Are you a sexy geek?

It seems there is an award ceremony for just about everyone. The Sexiest Geek Alive contest returns after its successful launch last year, which saw unprecedented media coverage and over 18,000 registrations. If you intend to take part, there are three stages to fight your way through. ...more

Puppy provides fingerprint security

Sony has introduced a new security system that prevents anyone without the right fingerprint being able to access a PC. The FIU-600 Puppy plugs into a USB port and uses capacitance-sending technologies to 'read' your fingerprint. It cannot be fooled by paper copies nor does it require cleaning, says Sony. ...more