DVD+RW Alliance announces 8-speed write specs

The DVD+RW Alliance has announced 8-speed write specifications for its optical format, claiming the fastest current write speed in the world. Devices designed to the 8-speed specification will write at 88Mbits/sec, claims the association, taking less than 10 minutes to write a full disc. Currently the -R format is limited to 4-speed. ...more

Woolworths stocks cut-price home software

Woolworths has begun selling a cut-price range home software programmes comprising a word processor, spreadsheet, database and picture management application. Developed in partnership with Formjet Innovations, the 'Home Office' pack will cost ?16.99 and is compatible with Microsoft Word, Excel and Access. ...more

EC proposes greater surveillance to combat crime

The European Commission has accepted proposals to log details of all telephone, email and Internet traffic in an attempt to combat terrorism and serious crime. The proposals, which are designed to harmonise data retention practices across the EU, will need the backing of all 25 member states. However some states believe they have been watered down in response to pressure from telecommunications firms and civil rights groups. ...more

You have registered mail

The US Postal Service has launched a service - NetPost.Certified - for the secure delivery of sensitive documents over the Internet. Designed only for use by government agencies, the system allows the secure transfer, and confirmed delivery, of medical documents, birth certificates and such like. ...more

Nokia handsets in Hannover

CeBIT in Hannover, Germany, has proved to be the launchpad for a host of consumer electronics devices. Nokia, in turn, has set a few handsets off the leash boasting colour screens, multimedia messaging capabilities and more. Prepare for debriefing. ...more