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ArchivesEU and U.S. at Loggerheads Over Governance of InternetAuthored by Mark Hefflinger on September 30, 2005 - 3:39am.
Geneva - The EU has set the stage for a major showdown with the U.S. after insisting the Internet be overseen by a United Nations body composed of government representatives and the private sector. As it is, Internet governance is the sole province of the U.S. Earlier this week in Geneva, the EU pitched the idea of wresting U.S. control over the Internet -- particularly the management of its addressing systems and traffic routing -- at the last preparatory meeting before November's pivotal World Summit on the Information Society in Tunisia. The U.S., however, has flatly rejected the idea. "We will not agree to the UN taking over the management of the Internet," said Ambassador David Gross, coordinator for international communications and information policy at the U.S. State Department. "Some countries want that … we think that's unacceptable."
Army Finds No Fault in Initial Probe of Site With Porn, Iraq War PhotosAuthored by Mark Hefflinger on September 30, 2005 - 3:37am.
Washington - Just days after announcing the investigation, the U.S. Army said that no felonies have been committed and furthermore that it failed to determine whether gory Iraq and Afghanistan battlefield photos on a U.S. website were submitted by U.S. soldiers, Reuters reported. NowThatsFuckedUp.com offers free amateur pornography to soldiers, in exchange for photos of themselves posing with dead and mutilated bodies. "It's entirely inappropriate for the military to do such a cursory investigation of something that is really casting a very negative light on our nation's military and can only serve to further damage America's image and interests throughout the Islamic world," Ibrahim Hooper, a spokesman for the Council on American-Islamic Relations, told Reuters. However, the Army said it has not ruled out a formal criminal investigation, or the possibility of limiting troops' use of their own cameras and computers in war zones. "We're not blowing this off," Army spokesman Col. Joe Curtin told Reuters. "There are multiple challenges here. One is the anonymity of the sources, dates, times, locations, units, anything that is reasonably identifiable that we can work off of."
Canadian Record Industry Lobbies for Tougher Copyright LawsAuthored by Mark Hefflinger on September 30, 2005 - 3:35am.
Toronto - The Canadian Recording Industry Association (CRIA) this week launched a national campaign to promote its anti-piracy agenda, ahead of public hearings this fall on proposed new copyright legislation in Canada. The CRIA cited a recent poll it commissioned, which found that 14 unauthorized files are downloaded for every commercial song download purchased in Canada, data that it says coincides with a $541 million decrease in physical music sales between 1999 and 2005 in the country. The Pollara study also found that Canada's 12-24 year-old demographic -- 21% of the population -- accounts for 78% of unauthorized music downloads. The group also tried to link downloading to other unethical activity, citing another study from Environics Research Group that found 18% of Canadians who downloaded free music also cheated on exams, versus 7% of non-downloaders. "Not only does music file-swapping harm artists, but it also points to an erosion of respect for intellectual property that threatens Canada's economy and values at the core of our society," said CRIA president Graham Henderson. "We need stronger copyright laws, comparable to those of our global competitors, to ensure the continued growth of copyright-based industries."
RIAA Sues Another 757 File-Swappers for Copyright InfringementAuthored by Mark Hefflinger on September 30, 2005 - 3:32am.
Los Angeles - The Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) has sued another 757 suspected Internet song-swappers for copyright infringement. Among those sued were 64 allegedly trading songs on college campus computer networks, including some using the i2hub service on the ultra-fast Internet2 network. This latest round of lawsuits brings the total number of individuals the RIAA has sued over file-sharing to over 14,800. In addition to the "John Doe" defendants sued in the latest batch of lawsuits, the RIAA said it filed copyright infringement lawsuits against 163 individuals earlier this month who were identified by their ISPs through previous "John Doe" lawsuits. In the wake of a recent Supreme Court ruling that found providers of file-sharing software also liable for copyright infringement, the RIAA has also recently sent letters threatening legal action against seven of the most popular file-sharing firms, prompting WinMX to shut down and eDonkey to announce plans to convert to a legal, for-pay service.
Microsoft Loses Patent Office Ruling in Dispute With EolasAuthored by Mark Hefflinger on September 30, 2005 - 3:29am.
Washington - Microsoft came out as the loser in a recent U.S. Patent Office ruling that validated a patent held by the University of California and Eolas Technology, which is at the heart of a contested $500 million jury patent infringement verdict against Microsoft. "It is the second time that the patent office has thoroughly vetted the patent claim," UC spokesman Trey Davis told CNET News.com. "We're pleased that the ruling confirms our position all along." Eolas sued Microsoft in 1999, claiming the company's Internet Explorer browser utilizes plug-ins and other technologies covered by a Eolas patent; a jury agreed with Eolas in 2003 and awarded over $500 million in damages -- a verdict Microsoft is still appealing. The ruling from the patent office this week does not bode well for Microsoft's prospects in its appeal of the jury verdict. "This is very disappointing news, but we remain committed to seeing this case through to a successful resolution," a Microsoft representative told News.com. Some have speculated a Microsoft loss in the court case may compel the company to make changes to Internet Explorer that would affect millions of Web pages.
Mobile Entertainment Firm Dwango Wireless Lays Off 30% of StaffAuthored by Mark Hefflinger on September 30, 2005 - 3:28am.
Seattle - Mobile entertainment publisher Dwango Wireless announced on Friday that it will lay off 30% of its staff as part of a plan to reduce expenses and focus on "high-potential" branded services for Rolling Stone, Napster, Playboy and USA Today. Seattle-based Dwango, which powers Napster's branded ringtone retail service, said that it will provide severance for affected employees. The company anticipates severance costs of $34,000 in the third quarter, and expects the restructuring will result in annual savings of $1.5 million.
Tiger Telematics Seeks Nasdaq Listing As U.S. Gizmondo Launch NearsAuthored by Mark Hefflinger on September 30, 2005 - 3:26am.
Jacksonville, Fla. - In anticipation of the U.S. launch of its Gizmondo multi-functional handheld game console, Tiger Telematics announced this week that it has filed for listing on the Nasdaq. The company, whose shares are currently traded on the Pink Sheets, said the Nasdaq listing will allow it to engage a much larger investor base, and will result in its stock being considered a marginable security for loans. Florida-based Tiger has already released its Gizmondo device in Europe, and plans to begin selling the game console in the U.S. next month. The company said Friday it hired ID Agency to deliver a $30 million marketing campaign for the launch, including staffed kiosks in 50 shopping malls where users will be able to demo and purchase the Gizmondo.
EU Proposes Creation of Market for Trading Radio BandwidthAuthored by Mark Hefflinger on September 30, 2005 - 3:23am.
Brussels - The European Commission has proposed the creation of a single pan-EU market for the trading of radio bandwidth by the year 2010. Currently, each of the 25 EU member states runs a different system for regulating bandwidths, which can vary from 400 MHz for TV to 5,000 MHz for Wi-Fi. The Commission believes the status quo is too inefficient and that a unified market would free up more of existing bandwidth and ensure that a greater range of operators are able to use parts of the spectrum. "Radio spectrum is fast becoming the lifeblood of the Information Society, whether you use a mobile phone or watch a TV broadcast," said EU Information Society and Media Commissioner Viviane Reding. "The direct economic contribution of industries using the radio spectrum is already considerable, between 1 and 2% of national GDP in the EU, but could be greatly increased if national regulators and all stakeholders can identify common approaches at EU level to create a single market for equipment and services using radio spectrum."
Sony PSP Software Update to Close Hacker Security BreachAuthored by Mark Hefflinger on September 30, 2005 - 3:21am.
San Francisco - Sony plans to release a software update for its PSP handheld game system that closes a loophole that allowed hackers to create and run their own software and potentially pirated games on the device, CNET News.com reported. "It is not...what the device was designed for," Sony Computer Entertainment America spokesman Patrick Seybold told News.com. "We plan to deal with this issue with the next system update." The release will be the second such update; when hackers cracked the software that shipped with the PSP, Sony offered an upgrade that patched the hole, and also included a Web browser and Wi-Fi photo sharing capabilities in attempt to entice users to download the optional software.
STMicroelectronics Ships 10.5 Million XM Radio ChipsAuthored by Mark Hefflinger on September 30, 2005 - 3:19am.
Geneva - Chipmaker STMicroelectronics announced on Friday that it has now shipped 10.5 million XM Satellite Radio decoders to XM's radio manufacturers, which include Delphi and Pioneer. The system-on-a-chip products integrate all the specific functions needed to manufacture an XM Radio receiver. XM expects to count 6 million subscribers by the end of the year.
Nielsen to Measure "Tethered" Digital Music DownloadsAuthored by Mark Hefflinger on September 30, 2005 - 3:17am.
New York - Audience ratings provider Nielsen Entertainment announced that its Broadcast Data Systems (BDS) plans to commence measuring the tethered digital music downloads offered by providers including Napster, RealNetworks' Rhapsody, and MusicNet partners like AOL, Yahoo, Virgin Digital and Cdigix. The "tethered" download services permit unlimited downloading of songs to a PC or portable device, so long as the user remains subscribed to the service. The new data on how many times U.S. consumers listen to specific song titles in the subscription service music libraries will be added to existing Nielsen BDS data on programmed and on-demand digital music streaming.
FUNimation to Launch 24-Hour Anime Digital TV NetworkAuthored by Mark Hefflinger on September 30, 2005 - 3:15am.
Fort Worth, Texas - FUNimation, a unit of Navarre Corp. that imports Japanese anime content into America, has announced plans to launch the FUNimation Channel, a 24-hour digital network featuring top-rated anime brands. The company partnered with OlympuSAT, a satellite distributor of independent digital programming, to make the video service available nationwide. FUNimation titles include "Dragon Ball Z," "Yu Yu Hakusho" and "Fullmetal Alchemist."
Toshiba Introduces 3G Music PhoneAuthored by Mark Hefflinger on September 30, 2005 - 3:13am.
Tokyo - Consumer electronics firm Toshiba this week introduced its first music player 3G phone, which will be offered exclusively to Vodafone subscribers in the U.K. An external 1.3-inch screen will display song and playlist data; the phone will also feature a 2.2-megapixel camera, stereo speakers and Bluetooth connectivity. Toshiba did not provide pricing details or a launch date.
Electronic Arts Ships "FIFA Soccer 06"Authored by Mark Hefflinger on September 30, 2005 - 3:11am.
Redwood City, Calif. - Electronic Arts on Friday announced the release of its "FIFA Soccer 06" title in North America and Europe. Developed by Vancouver-based EA Canada, the title for PlayStation 2, Xbox, GameCube, PC, PSP, Game Boy Advance, DS and mobile features Freddy Adu, Ronaldinho, and Omar Bravo as cover athletes.
VU Games to Include Concert DVD with "50 Cent: Bulletproof"Authored by Mark Hefflinger on September 30, 2005 - 3:09am.
Los Angeles - Vivendi Universal Games said on Friday that it will offer an exclusive live performance DVD from hip-hop artist 50 Cent to those who pre-order its "50 Cent: Bulletproof" video game for PlayStation 2 and Xbox. The "No Fear, No Mercy Live" promo DVD includes 9 live performances. The video game is scheduled to ship in the fall; a version for PSP will be released in 2006.
Eidos Delays Release of M-Rated "25 to Life"Authored by Mark Hefflinger on September 30, 2005 - 3:07am.
San Francisco - U.K. video game developer Eidos announced this week that it is pushing the release date of its "25 to Life" title from October until some time in 2006. The company did not provide a new launch date for the M-rated game. Separately, Eidos said it shipped its "Total Overdose: A Gunslinger's Tale in Mexico" title for PlayStation 2, Xbox and the PC. The PS2 and Xbox versions will come with a DVD bonus disc preview of the company's upcoming "Lara Croft Tomb Raider: Legend."
Patrick Stewart, Others Provide Voices for Bethesda's "Elder Scrolls"Authored by Mark Hefflinger on September 30, 2005 - 3:05am.
Rockville, Md. - Bethesda Game Studios announced on Friday that it has signed actors including Patrick Stewart, Sean Bean, Terrence Stamp and Lynda Carter to provide voice talent for its forthcoming "The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion" title. The sequel to "Morrowind" is slated for release on Xbox 360 and the PC.
Planetwide to Develop Games With DIRT MotorSportsAuthored by Mark Hefflinger on September 30, 2005 - 3:03am.
Norman, Okla. - Independent developer Planetwide Games announced on Friday that it has signed an agreement with Oklahoma-based DIRT MotorSports to develop a line of video games based on DIRT's World of Outlaws Sprint Series. The first titles under the license will be released some time in 2006.
Wired News: Web Comedians Land Gigs on "Saturday Night Live"Authored by Mark Hefflinger on September 30, 2005 - 2:50am.
San Francisco - Wired News on Friday reported on how three Los Angles-based comedians used Web distribution of short-form content with Creative Commons licenses to land performing and writing gigs on the upcoming 31st season of "Saturday Night Live." Andy Samberg, Jorma Taccone and Akiva Schaffer -- all members of the Lonely Island comedy collective -- produced cheap Web comedy series like "The 'Bu" and "Awesometown," and songs including "Ka-Blammo," some of which were featured on IFilm.com.
Congress Declines Action on File-SharingAuthored by Mark Hefflinger on September 29, 2005 - 4:18am.
Washington - Although one U.S. Senator and the Register of Copyrights argued that Congress should step in and legislate file-sharing, a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing on Wednesday concluded that Congress will not enter the fray for the time being, CNET News.com reported. Sen. Diane Feinstein (D-Calif.) said that despite the recent Supreme Court ruling that holds peer-to-peer software providers accountable for copyright infringement, users of the software have since increased. "If we don't stop it, it's going to destroy these intellectual property industries," said Feinstein. The U.S. Copyright Office's Register of Copyrights, Mary Beth Peters, argued that Congress should create a "blanket" license to improve efficiency in licensing of digital works. But as the hearing closed, it appeared Congress will not introduce file-sharing legislation for the time being. "At least in the short term, I think we'll carry out the wishes of those who want us to do nothing," said Judiciary Committee chairman Sen. Arlen Specter (R-Penn.). Meanwhile, distributors of two of the most popular file-sharing services -- BitTorrent and eDonkey -- have both announced plans to convert their software into legal media distribution platforms.
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