MTV to launch DIY music video site

MTV, the groundbreaking cable TV channel which is credited/blamed with popularising the pop video, is to take on the challenge of MySpace and the like. The brand is about to make its first foray into the social networking phenomenon that has become this year's biggest talking point on the Internet. Combining what it sees as the best of MTV, YouTube and MySpace, Flux will be both a website and a TV channel. ...more

Gates announces Internet Explorer 7.0

Bill Gates has announced that the release of Internet Explorer version 7.0 has been brought forward. Originally intended for release with the next version of Windows (Longhorn) next year, Microsoft has decided to launch a more secure version of its browser this year instead. ...more

Fast Internet access for ?19.99 announced

Broadband outfit Tele2 officially announced the roll-out of its broadband Internet access service today. The DSL services will run over a wireless network at speeds ranging from 150Kbps up to 2Mbps. The synchronous connection (upload and download speeds are the same) requires the installation of a small, square radio dish on the exterior of connected properties, and a large beige box inside. ...more

Forty-eight new broadband exchanges

Forty-eight new exchanges have got their broadband ready-for-service dates, 35 havong reached BT's demand trigger level and the others a result of local initiatives. The dates and exchanges are as follows. ? 10 December 2003: Castlerock, Donaghadee, Martinstown, Portrush. ...more

Universal begins DRM-free downloads trial

Universal has begun testing the viability of DRM-free downloads, albeit in a very limited release of an album by French singer-songwriter Emilie Simon. The Live ? l'Olympia recording is available in unrestricted MP3 and WMA formats through her own website for €9.99, as well as on commercial services such as iTunes with DRM at the same price. ...more