BenQ launches design-led TFT

BenQ is emphasising its new 17in TFT as a stylish display, boasting that it takes monitor design to another level. With a response time of 25ms, the FP72V is not aimed at gamers, but it works to an SXGA resolution of 1,280 x 1,024, has a 1,000:1 contrast ratio and can display up to 16.7 million colours, and allows a viewing angle of 178 degrees. ...more

No consolation for Sega's console

The rumours are not exaggerated. The Dreamcast is dead. Sega has officially announced it will can the console in March and is warning of record year-end losses of as much as $689m. ...more

Google launches AdWords over the airwaves

Google is bringing its AdWords programme to digital radio listeners in the states, offering a new radio ad distribution channel for Google advertisers. The search giant has announced an agreement with XM Satellite Radio - a satellite radio service in the States, with 7 million listeners - to open up advertising slots on non-music channels. The automated system, which has undergone months of trialling, is designed to provide targeted messages to the listeners. ...more

Microsoft readies MSN Messenger 7

A beta version of MSN Messenger 7.0 is reported to be released for private testing this week. Amongst the new features to be tried out across six countries are ones specifically targeted at the 13-24 year old age group. ...more

99 cent Napster 2 is US only

The relaunched Napster will only be available in the US, though no-one will be particularly surprised by that. However, the fact that arguably the best-known online music brand has been unable to secure international rights to the music is sells suggests that the exporting of similar US-only services, such as Apple's iTunes Music Store (iTMS), is still some way off. Napster 2. ...more