Opera files an anti-trust complaint against Microsoft

“We are filing this complaint on behalf of all consumers who are tired of having a monopolist make choices for them,” said Opera CEO Jon von Tetzchner. The complaint comes after the European Commission confirmed a ruling in September that Microsoft had illegally bundled Windows Media Player with Windows, resulting in the introduction of special versions of Windows XP with it removed, for the European market.
Read more

Opera shows off ‘Dragonfly’ developer tool kit

Opera has launched the first public Alpha preview of its suite of developer tools, until now known only by the codename ‘Dragonfly’. The tools promise to help web developers debug site elements including DOM, CSS and JavaScript. Available as part of the most recent Beta release of Opera 9.5, the Dragonfly tools currently do not support inline editing of code, although this is planned for the next preview release.

The tool is also designed to help debug sites designed for mobile phones, consoles and TV devices through a regular desktop or laptop computer, as long they are capable of running Opera 9.5.

Dragonfly will also be updated automatically over the web, without any user intervention.

Big Apple Forces Rumour Site To Shut Down

After years of protracted legal batties, a website dedicated to news and rumors about upcoming Apple products has been shut down. In a settlement with Think Secret owner Nicholas Ciarelli, the website will cease operations, but will not disclose the names of its sources. Further details of the settlement will remain confidential. A four-line statement on the website is the only information available about the deal, calling it “a positive solution for both sides”. Read more

The Pirate Bay To Sue Anti-Piracy Agencies For Damages

The Pirate Bay, which calls itself the world’s largest bittorrent tracker, has announced its intention to file for damages against The International Federation of Phonographic Industry (IFPI) an organisation which claims to represent the interests of recording industries worldwide. The website want compensation for the traffic that was blocked by a Danish ISP after a court ruled that it had assisted copyright infringement after allowing access to the site. The ruling apparently contravened European Union Law. Read more

What Do The Tech Giants Do For The Environment?

Everyone need to do their bit to save the planet. Rising levels of CO2 in the atmosphere is leading to excessive global-warming, which will adversely affect humans as well as the planet….

Here’s what some socially responsible IT companies are doing :

ACER:

Acer has an environment policy to phase-out chemicals and other substances used in IT products that are harmful to the environment and to human health.

Acer says its products are RoHS complaint, in keeping with its worldwide policy. Power savings are built into its products too. Acer claims its L310 small form factor PC can reduce power consumption by 65 percent. In addition, Acer products come bundled with the Acer ePowerManagement tool that lets you select from pre-configured power usage profiles, or to create your own customized profiles.

INTEL:

Intel says its processes and materials comply with the RoHS directive. It considers its products to be within the scope of the WEEE Directive. Last year, Intel announced the elimination of the last amount of lead (less than .02 grams/package) from its 45nm CPU and 65nm chipset products; these are now completely lead-free. Intel has announced that its 45nm CPU and 65nm chipset product platforms will convert to halogen free packaging in 2008. Apart from this, Intel works with industry groups. For instance, Intel worked closely with the US EPA to develop the Energy Star standard and also developed the IAPC power management.

MICROSOFT:

Microsoft says it supports the recycling, recovery and handling of waste associated with electronics. This includes compliance with the WEEE and RoHS Directives issued by the European Union (EU). Microsoft works cooperatively with treatment facilities with governmental agencies to provide information that enables the successful treatment of Microsoft WEEE products. Additionally, Microsoft provides information to reuse centers, treatment and recycling facilities regarding new Microsoft electrical and electronic equipment as required by the WEEE Directive.

PHILIPS:

Philips has a ‘Sustainability’ program that aims to improve lives through technology and products, without compromising the ability of future generations to meet its own needs. This means causing less harm to the environment by cutting down on hazardous materials in its products, and creating energy-saving alternatives. All environmental friendly products from Philips bear the Green Tick logo on their packaging.

Philips has also created an atmosphere of sustainability within the company, and it makes its partners and suppliers aware about it.

« Previous Page — Next Page »