Microsoft enters desktop search fray

Following the lead of Google and Yahoo!, Microsoft has announced a 'beta' version of a desktop search tool, the 'Toolbar Suite'. Using the company's domination of desktop applications via Office and Outlook file formats, the company claims that the tool will be able to comprehensively index and search the broadest set of files amongst the rival offerings. The MSN Toolbar Suite is, as its name suggests, a set of toolbars for a range of applications beyond the familiar MSN search tool for Internet Explorer. ...more

IBM opens European RFID lab

IBM has opened its own RFID Testing & Solution Center based at La Gaude in France. This will be the third such centre in the world, the others being located in in Gaithersburg in the US and Tokyo, Japan. RFID or Radio Frequency Identification is being viewed as the likely successor to barcode inventory tracking. ...more

ATI updates Catalyst graphics tuning suite

ATI has updated its Catalyst software for its range of graphics processors. It claims a number of firsts for version 5.6, including a real-time video preview with on-the-fly adjustments, monthly software upgrades for notebooks, plug-and-play HDTV connectivity and a simpler Linux driver installer for open-source uses. ...more

RIM sues Samsung over BlackJack trademark 'dilution'

Research in Motion has filed a lawsuit in the US alleging trademark infringement by Samsung's new BlackJack smartphone. RIM claims that the phone's name is too similar to that of its own BlackBerry range of handheld devices and 'constitutes false designation of origin, unfair competition, and trademark dilution'. The company wants the US District Court for the Central District of California to stop Samsung selling the BlackJack and is seeking unspecified damages. ...more

Intel pushes Mobile Pentium 4 past 3GHz

Intel has boosted notebook performance with new Mobile Pentium 4 and Celeron processors, and the 3GHz milestone has been passed. The latest models, however, mark the end of the road for Mobile Intel Pentium 4 and Mobile Intel Celeron processor families. There will be no further speed enhancements. ...more