Microsoft previews new version of its componentised OS

Microsoft has posted a technology preview of a new service pack for Windows XP Embedded, a componentised form of its operating system for small-footprint environments, for download. The Windows XP Embedded version of the OS allows developers with only limited memory available to create an image of the OS that contains only the parts needed to drive an application or device. Each 'platform' ships with a database of components (such as Notepad. ...more

High Court absolves ISPs for libelous Web postings

The High Court has absolved three UK ISPs of any liability for potentially libelous Web postings made by their customers. John Bunt was attempting to sue three individuals and their service providers - AOL, BT and Tiscali - for postings on a Usenet message board. Bunt's lawyers based their case on the basis of the 2001 Godfrey v Demon Internet ruling that determined that Demon was liable for posts on its own news server, although the post has been made by an unknown person via another ISP. ...more

Sony unveils its first Walkman phone

Sony Ericsson announced its first mobile under the Walkman brand - the W800. This is Sony Ericsson's bid to convince consumers that a mobile phone really can be a useful and high-quality music player, boasting a 512MB Memory Stick card included, 30 hours battery life when used as a music player (as opposed to a phone), quality accessories such as the included headset and a decent software suite for managing music both on the device and through a PC. Mike Pauwels, Senior Global Product Manager said: 'In the past two years we've concentrated on making the mobile phone a good camera. ...more

Server revenues double forecast

IDC has released its latest figures for the server market in Q3 of this year, showing revenues up by 1.9 per cent rather than the expected 1 per cent. In the second consecutive quarter of growth following nine of decline, revenues for the sector came in at $10. ...more

BT starts legal action defending its hyperlink patent

BT has taken US ISP Prodigy Communications to court in an attempt to recover licence fees over the use of hyperlinks. BT hopes to force all ISPs that use hyperlinks to pay the telco a licence fee. This move is believed to be the first of many, as the company contacted 16 ISPs, including America Online, back in June with a request for licence fees and hired intellectual property licencing firm QED. ...more