Dell sees growth amid PC decay

Dell has been making positive noises about market share growth ahead of publishing its quarterly results today. The CEO and company founder Michael Dell has highlighted research data from IDC which apparently indicates that Dell is the one major PC builder to increase sales over the last quarter. 'We have minus signs behind everyone in the top five, except Dell,' an analyst at IDC is quoted as saying, on FT. ...more

Helios, the EasyNet aeroplane

A Mac-driven aeroplane is to be used to relay broadband Internet signals in the sky, for around five per cent of the cost of launching a new satellite. SkyTower plans to solve the problem of last-mile, local loop broadband coverage by providing wireless links via Helios, a plane developed by its parent company AeroVironment. Funding support comes from the US space agency NASA. ...more

Microsoft launches no-frills XP Starter Edition for South East Asia

Starting in October, Microsoft is shipping a modified version of Windows XP geared for the Asian markets. Specifically, in Thailand, Malaysia and Indonesia. Dubbed Windows XP Starter Edition, it will be available for low-cost desktop PCs from official Microsoft OEM distributors. ...more

Google kick starts Code Jam Europe

Google has opened the registration for this year's European Code Jam programming competition. According to Google, it will 'grab your interest, entice your mind and engage your skills', and there are cash prizes up for grabs. Note that the coding challenge - solving increasingly difficult algorithmic problems within set time periods - is also a thinly disguised recruitment exercise for the search giant, which is on the lookout for technical talent. ...more

BT Totals broadband

BT has launched its BT Total Broadband package, which includes a number of products and services built around theoretical download speeds of up to 8Mbps. The range of offerings reflects BT's increasing move towards being a Web-friendly service provider rather than simply a physical line data carrier. The Yahoo!-partnered package, built around the BT Home Hub (pictured), includes Internet voice calls, video calls, 'hi-definition sound' handsets and anti-virus and anti-spyware protection, and the BT Fusion package is also included, for cheaply routing mobile calls through home lines when within range. ...more