Foxconn iPod factory 'one of the better ones'

Foxconn's iPod factory is 'one of the better ones' according to Ken Tidwell, who recently visited the plant in LongHau, China. Apple is currently investigating allegations of poor working and living conditions at the plant, but Tidwell told macintouch.com that 'the five hundred staffers I recently lectured to were all in good spirits and clearly satisfied with their jobs and working conditions'. ...more

ASUS SK8N Motherboard for 64-bit AMD Opteron Processor now shipping

Motherboard specialist ASUS Computer has started delivering its new SK8N motherboard. Optimised for the new 64-bit AMD Opteron processor the new board also features the Nvidia nForce3 Pro 150 platform processor. The Nvidia chip provides compatible networking optimisation for Nvidia Quadro-based graphics. ...more

MP3.com artists hit

For quite a few years, amateur musicians have been able to sign up to MP3.com and take part in their Payback for Playback scheme and actually get paid for people listening to their music. This service is free, but that is all going to change. ...more

Robot servants understand voice commands

Silicon-enhanced receptionists and bionic butlers coming soon. Researchers in Japan have designed a robot capable of recognising and 'understanding' human voices. The unit could be used as a tourist guide or receptionist, according to Japanese media reports last weekend. ...more

Microsoft returns to EC legal battle

Microsoft has filed a second appeal against the European Commission ruling that it must share certain server software code with rival companies. Microsoft spokesman Tom Brookes said this latest appeal was motivated by the need to protect its intellectual property rights. 'Microsoft has filed an application for annulment with the Court of First Instance specifically concerning the issue of broad licenses, in source code form, of communications protocols which are based upon Microsoft's intellectual property,' he said. ...more