XP in embedded form gets its SP1

Microsoft has released Service Pack 1 for the embedded version of Windows XP, a form of the operating system designed to run in embedded devices. The announcement was made at the third annual Microsoft Windows Embedded Developer Conference in Las Vegas. Possible applications for the embedded OS include home gateway systems, various thin client systems (such as shop terminals and the like) and set-top boxes. ...more

Yahoo! and MSN talk beta

Yahoo! and Microsoft have begun a limited public beta test of interoperability between their instant messaging (IM) services. The trial service lets users of Windows Live Messenger, the successor to MSN Messenger connect to Yahoo! Messenger with Voice, in preparation for the worldwide launch of what will be the world's largest consumer IM community, with close to 350 million accounts. 'This first-of-its-kind interoperability between consumer IM leaders Microsoft and Yahoo! gives our customers tremendous control, convenience and freedom in their Web communication experiences with Windows Live,' said Blake Irving, corporate vice president, Windows Live Platform at Microsoft. ...more

Microsoft warns European employees of fine

Microsoft employees in Europe have been warned that the company faces fines of up to €2 million a day. In an email apparently 'leaked' to a news site, Horacio Gutierrez, a Microsoft Associate General Council, told the Microsoft EMEA staff that the company was doing everything possible to comply. If the Commission decides to go ahead, it will fine the company for not providing sufficient documentation, i. ...more

Apple creates iPod business unit

Apple has created a separate division solely for the iPod, to be headed by hardware chief Jon Rubinstein. Reuters reports that Timothy Cook, VP of worldwide sales, will take over responsibity for the Mac side of the business. An Apple spokemans said, 'This organisational refinement will focus our talent and resources even more precisely on our industry-leading Macintosh computers and the wildly successful iPod. ...more

UK games chart: Need for Speed holds its line

Things have settled down at the very top of this week's ELSPA UK games chart. EA's Need For Speed: Underground 2 keeps ahead of Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas and FIFA 2005. There are two new entries in the top five, however. ...more