Microsoft facing ?330 million fine, EU sources indicate

Microsoft is to be fined 497 million euros (?330 million) by the EU for abusing its monopolistic position. According to sources quoted by Reuters, the figure, the highest ever imposed by Europe, has been backed by all 15 member states. The fine dwarfs the 462 million euros which was imposed on Hoffman-La Roche in 2001 for overcharging on vitamins and is said to reflect not only Microsoft's business in Europe but its behaviour world wide. ...more

Fujitsu spins laptop drive as world's fastest

Fujitsu has unveiled what it describes the world's fastest laptop drive with 160GB of storage. The new MHW2160BJ is a 3Gbit/sec Serial ATA 7,200rpm 2.5-inch hard disk aimed at high-performance laptop computers. ...more

U2 Special Edition iPod unveiled

Apple has launched the iPod U2 Special Edition, a black iPod which has a red Click Wheel and the signatures of the four band members engraved on the back. U2 lead singer, Bono said 'We want our audience to have a more intimate online relationship with the band, and Apple can help us do that. With iPod and iTunes, Apple has created a crossroads of art, commerce and technology which feels good for both musicians and fans. ...more

Michael Dell keen to sell Intel-based Macs

The founder of Dell has said that he would like to sell PCs running Mac OS X. 'If Apple decides to open the Mac OS to others, we would be happy to offer it to our customers,' Michael Dell told Fortune . Fortune reports that a number of PC makers have said that they are interested in licensing OS X. ...more

Google Maps adds street-level panoramas

Google says it is introducing street-level map views of various US cities, giving Web users a panoramic, 360 degree images as well as the overhead views Google Maps has offered. With the new 'Street View' feature in Google Maps, street level imagery is available for maps of the San Francisco area, New York, Las Vegas, Denver and Miami, and will soon expand to other metropolitan regions, Google said in a statement. Users looking at Google Maps through a Web browser can navigate around a city, 'virtually' walking the streets, checking out restaurants and landmarks and even zoom in on bus stops or street signs to make travel plans. ...more