Satellite tagging for the elderly in prospect

The science minister has said that satellite monitoring tags could be used to help track elderly people with dementia. Malcolm Wicks suggested the idea yesterday, at a House of Commons science and technology committee. 'Some might benefit from being monitored so that families know they are safe and secure,' he said. ...more

Korean portal drops antitrust complaint against Microsoft

A South Korean Internet portal has dropped its antitrust complaint against Microsoft in return for $30m. Daum Communications will receive a third in cash, a third in an advertising commitment and the final third via miscellaneous business agreements, such as Daum content appearing on MSN. Oliver Roll, Microsoft's general manager for marketing in Asia, said that the two companies have 'become friends'. ...more

Bird flu battlers turn to Google

US poultry experts have turned to Google in the battle to beat bird flu. Information about the location of commercial poultry flocks, feed mills and processing plants is being combined with Google Earth's high-resolution satellite images to provide a precise overview of poultry farming. By identifying the exact locations of buildings as well as nearby roads, schools and houses, scientists can plot the potential spread of the disease should it reach the country. ...more

Dell floats its lightest notebook

Dell has unveiled its smallest, lightest notebook. The 12.1in Latitude X1 weighs a mere 1. ...more

Japan leaks nuclear data, again

It seems there are no secrets in Japan. Nuclear secrets, sensitive documents and personal information are publicly, and freely, available. According to reports, the latest instance of the country's information largesse involves sensitive security information about a thermoelectric power plant run by the Chubu Electric Power Company, including the plant's security arrangements, the names and addresses of its security personnel, and other confidential information. ...more