Yahoo! calls on record labels for DRM-free downloads

The head of Yahoo!'s digital music service has called for record labels to allow downloads to be sold free of any DRM restrictions. Dave Goldberg told the Music 2.0 conference in Los Angeles that DRM has created a barrier for consumers between their music and what they can do with it, such as transfer it the portable device of their choice. ...more

Microsoft launches Korean anti-trust appeal

Microsoft has appealed against the South Korean authories ruling that it broke anti-trust regulations, according to The Seattle Times. The Redmond response to the charges has been filed in the Seoul High Court, reports the newspaper. The issue revolves around the bundling of the Windows Media Player and instant messaging software as part of the Windows operating system, and the effect this had on competition from third-party software providers. ...more

AMD rejigs processor pricing

In the wake of the new Athlons unveiled last week, AMD has shaken up its pricing for processors. As expected in the wake of a major release - in this case the unveiling of the Athlon XP 2600+ and 2400+ - pricing of existing models has been adjusted to make way for the new arrivals. The headline figures involve, unsurprisingly, the desktop Athlon XP offerings, but significant changes are also made in the mobile Athlon XP segment. ...more

Apple launches speedy PowerBooks

Described by Apple as 'faster and more affordable', there are new 12-,15- and 17-inch PowerBooks. Featuring processors running at speeds of up to 1.67 GHz, and priced from ?1,049, the machines are aimed at creative and business professionals. ...more

Zen feels the power of LLU

Zen Internet has announced that it is joining the ranks of local loop unbundling ISPs. The Rochdale-based company will run a trial offering 4Mbps and 8Mbps connections through its local exchange. Zen customers in the area will be warned that they may lose their broadband link for a few minutes while their line is switched. ...more