Sony unveils compact HD camcorders

Sony has introduced two new HD camcorder, the HVR-A1E, its most compact professional HDV camcorder to date, and the HDR-HC1E, a digital high definition video camera providing professional high definition video quality in Handy size. The HVR-A1E is designed for professional users seeking the quality of the HDV 1080i format in a small, light package yet with full 1080 line resolution. It includes built-in down-conversion to Standard Definition, two-channel Audio XLR inputs, a 16:9 Viewfinder and a 2. ...more

UPDATED: iPod firmware update breaks Real 'hack'

Apple's most recent firmware update for the iPod, released last month, breaks Real Network's Harmony technology, which enable songs bought from Real's online store to be played on the device. The change was not mentioned by Apple at the time and whether it has been effective has not yet been verified. Nor is anyone clear if it applies only to the iPod photo, or to any iPod with the update installed. ...more

XP's SP2 geared for August launch

Microsoft has confirmed the imminent release of XP Service Pack 2, which contains significant security enhancements for the latest Windows platform. A spokesperson confirmed that August would see the appearance of the long-awaited update. The August date refers to both RTM (release to manufacturing, for production of CDs, which creates a lead time of up to a month before public availability) and also RTW (release to Web). ...more

Napster and Ericsson team up for mobile music

Napster and Ericsson have announced a global partnership that will provide, in their words, the world's first fully integrated digital music service for mobile operators. The Napster-branded service will combine elements of the PC music store and Ericsson's own personalised music service and will grant operators a share of revenue from music sales. It has been designed for existing handsets - so long as they support DRM - and network infrastructures but can also accommodate the next generation of phones built for faster networks. ...more

Google signs deal with NASA

Search engine Google has signed a deal with NASA to collaborate on a range of research and development activities. The plans envisage that the two organisations work together in a number of technology based projects such as massively distributed computing of which Google is an acknowledged world leader, bio-info-nano convergence, and what is referred to as the 'encouragement of the entrepreneurial space industry'. 'Our planned partnership presents an enormous range of potential benefits to the space programme,' said NASA Ames Centre Director G. ...more