Panic, but only in the way we have planned

The design of stadiums and other public buildings could benefit from a new computer model that predicts how panicking crowds will behave. According to a report from the BBC, scientists in Germany and Hungary created the program to track how people respond to being pushed together during emergencies. Obviously, the model could be used to test the ability of concourses and corridors to cope with disasters. ...more

i-Station docks iPod in stereo

Logic3 has added to its range of iPod accessories with a combined docking station and stereo speakers, The i-Station is a 12W RMS 2.1 sub-woofer speaker system with an integrated 3D surround sound processor and includes line-in for use with audio devices other than iPods. Doubling as a docking station, it supports full syncing via FireWire or USB, recharges the iPod and includes and adapter for the iPod mini. ...more

UK games chart: Rival football franchises fight it out

It's tight at the top of the league with EA Sports's FIFA 2005 and Konami's Pro Evolution Soccer 4 swapping positions, according to this week's ELSPA UK games chart. Only Activision's Tony Hawk's Underground 2 remains steady, at number three. To complete the top five, Star Wars: Battlefront finds more force to climb back up to number four, followed by the next-generation Sims. ...more

Apple fix takes heat off MacBook Pro

MacBook Pro users are reporting that yesterday's firmware update appears to fix widely reported overheating problems. Although Apple revealed scarcely any information about the release - save that it provides a System Management Control update that fixes 'intermittent boot problems' - MBP owners have discovered that said is the specialised controller that manages thermal and power conditions and is in charge of running the portable's fans. Users report that after installing the update fan usage increased an machines were running up to eight degrees cooler. ...more

And also today (1-October-2001)...

Here, in brief, are some of the day's other stories. Excite@Home folds Excite@Home has filed for bankruptcy and sold its broadband business to the US telecoms giant AT&T, for $307m. The Chapter 11 filing enables Excite@Home to continue its operations during the sale. ...more