Nokia Opens Web Browser Source Code
Nokia on Wednesday released the source code for its S60 WebKit, the engine that powers the company's Web browser for its Series 60 phones. The technology, which is based on Apple's Safari WebKit, includes enhancements designed for mobile browsing and is able to render full Web pages on a small screen with support for DHTML and AJAX.
The S60 WebKit is available under the open source BSD License, which the company says will open the door for setting a standard and reducing fragmentation when it comes to mobile browser applications. Nokia's E Series and N Series phones will be the first to feature the browser. Developers can access the source code through the WebKit Open Source Project.
Windows Live Local Update Adds Traffic
Microsoft early Wednesday rolled out an update to its Windows Live Local mapping service that brings real-time traffic flow and incident reporting, along with the ability for users to create a list of their favorite landmarks and locations that can be shared with others.
When users look up directions using Live Local, the system will now take into account traffic issues as reported by Traffic.com, routing around any potential problems. The feature will only be available in the United States, but Microsoft on Wednesday added general mapping capabilities for Canada and the UK.
Germany Sues 3,500 eDonkey Users
Calling it the "biggest single action against illegal file-sharing internationally," the International Federation of the Phonographic Industry said Tuesday that 3,500 eDonkey users are facing criminal prosecution in Germany. The group was targeted for uploading up to 8,000 music files using the peer-to-peer network. Since 2004, Germany has cracked down on over 7,000 file swappers, averaging a settlement of 2,500 euros in each case.
Police searched 130 premises to gather evidence, the IFPI said, noting that each individual faces at least thousands of euros in fines. "The music industry has run numerous education campaigns aimed at audiences from parents to schools and internet users. Most people clearly know that file-sharing without permission is illegal - unfortunately it takes legal actions such as this make a real impact on behaviour," commented IFPI chairman John Kennedy.
WinFS Beta 2 to Appear at TechEd
Microsoft has been busy working on its next-generation storage technology known as WinFS and will be showing off new features next month at TechEd 2006 in Boston. WinFS Beta 1 debuted last September and Beta 2 is slated for release later this year.
WinFS, or Windows File Store, is Microsoft's new SQL-based file system technology that will be released as an add-on shortly after Windows Vista. The idea of WinFS is to create a "sea of data" that abolishes the need for the standard file and folder hierarchy.
Outlook 2007 Gets SMS Integration
While Outlook 2007 won't be receiving the same user interface overhaul as its fellow core Office applications, the e-mail and organization software will get a number of new features, including RSS integration and improved calendar sharing. Also on the docket: built-in SMS text messaging.
Microsoft has remained mum on the new SMS support, as the company is working to hash out agreements with wireless carriers in the United States. In a demonstration of the new feature to BetaNews earlier this month, Outlook 2007 product manager Jessica Arnold said Verizon was the first company to hop on board.
WinHEC 2006 Brings New Office, Vista
Microsoft Chairman Bill Gates kicked off the Windows Hardware Engineering Conference in Seattle Tuesday, heralding the arrival of the Beta 2 releases of Windows VIsta, Office 2007 and Longhorn Server. Both Office and Vista betas will be available for public download in order to garner more feedback as the products near completion.
The announcement marked the first time Microsoft has simultaneously released test versions of its flagship products. The Redmond company says it has focused on four main areas with the new releases: simplifying how people work together, better content protection and management, improved search and more robust security.
Sony Rootkit Settlement Approved
A New York Judge on Monday approved a class action settlement regarding Sony BMG Music Entertainment use of harmful copy protection software that included a rootkit. Customers who purchased or received a CD after August 1, 2003 with the XCP or MediaMax software are entitled to a claim.
Lawsuits were filed last November in New York and other states by Girard Gibs and Kamber & Associates. The cases claimed that Sony's digital rights management, which attempts to stop computer users from copying a CD's audio tracks to a hard drive, is invasive and damaging to computer systems.
Microsoft Loses Appeal in South Korea
The South Korea Fair Trade Commission this week turned down Microsoft's appeal of an antitrust ruling handed down in the country in February, which ordered Microsoft to unbundle both its messaging and media player software from the Windows operating system.
Microsoft was also fined $33 million, but was given 30 days to appeal the ruling, which it did in late March.
Wired Publishes AT&T NSA Documents
Citing "the public's right to know," Wired News on Monday published 30 pages of documentation regarding AT&T's alleged participation in warrantless domestic wire trapping being performed by the National Security Agency. The documents come from the Electronic Frontier Foundation's lawsuit against AT&T.
The EFF sued AT&T in January for violating laws and the privacy of its users by collaborating with the NSA. The lawsuit stemmed from a report in the New York Times that claimed the NSA was working with major telecommunications companies to monitor traffic moving across their networks, including instant messages, e-mails and phone calls.
Pando Launches File Sharing Tool
Broadband adoption may be soaring around the world, but sending large files over e-mail is still a painful chore. Pando Networks thinks it has the answer to that problem with a new secure file sharing tool designed for individuals and businesses. Pando users can share files up to 1GB in size.
Officially launched Monday, Pando uses BitTorrent technology to send files between users. Anyone with an e-mail address can receive a file from the service, which then activates the Pando client and starts the download. "As a viral product with great consumer benefit, Pando can accelerate the sharing of home videos, photos and large business documents over the Internet for users worldwide," said Pando CEO Robert Levitan.
Motorola Q Debuts on Verizon
Motorola's long-awaited competitor to the BlackBerry and Palm Treo is slated to go on sale next week through U.S. mobile carrier Verizon. The "Q" is powered by Windows Mobile 5.0 and offers a full QWERTY keyboard in a slim form factor that follows the popular RAZR design.
The Q includes Outlook Mobile with support for up to eight e-mail accounts and Exchange Server 2003 synchronization, along with integrated Bluetooth, audio and video playback, and thumbwheel navigation. The phone also takes advantage of Verizon's high-speed EV-DO network.
Microsoft to Offer Pay-As-You-Go PCs
Hoping to bring the success of the prepaid mobile phone business model to personal computing, Microsoft on Monday launched a pay-as-you-go initiative in emerging markets. The program, called FlexGo, will provide low-cost Windows PCs that are subsidized by prepaid cards and subscription fees.
The driving idea behind the program is to offer full-featured PCs in regions where lack of credit, low income and high costs restrict individuals from purchasing a computer. Consumers will essentially pay for the PC as they use it by purchasing computer time on prepaid cards.
Critical Word Vulnerability Uncovered
Security researchers have discovered a zero-day vulnerability in Microsoft Word, which is already being actively exploited by hackers in China and Taiwan. Microsoft's Security Response Center says it is working with antivirus vendors to prevent attacks and plans to release a security patch on June 13.
The exploit is spread as a Word document attached to an e-mail. Users who open the attachment with Word XP and Word 2003 are then infected with a trojan that contains rootkit-like features in order to hide itself from antivirus scanners.
BellSouth Wants Retraction of NSA Story
BellSouth, which has been facing immense pressure from customers and Congress following a report in USA Today that claimed it provided call records on millions of Americans to the National Security Agency, is now asking for the newspaper to retract its story. In a faxed letter, BellSouth said it sought an immediate correction of "unsubstantiated statements."
BellSouth and Verizon earlier this week denied sharing any information on domestic calls with the NSA, but refused to specify what relationship was in place with the agency. AT&T, meanwhile, stated publicly that it does not share customer information without a court order, but did not specifically deny USA Today's claims. USA Today told BetaNews it will be responding to the letter.
8-Megapixel Mini-Cameras Coming
8-megapixel resolution images, traditionally restricted to high-end digital SLR cameras, will soon be possible with small point-and-shoot cameras and cell phones, thanks to a new sensor developed by Micron. The CMOS chip will also eliminate lag between taking pictures.
Micron is expected to begin production of the sensor starting early next year, and the technology could make it into consumers' hands by the end of 2007, the company said. No partners have been announced, but Micron has designed the chip to be included in cameras priced around $200 to $300.
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