Google will distribute Sun office software
Google, Inc. and Sun Microsystems, Inc. have joined hands in a software-distribution partnership to compete with Microsoft Corp.'s Office software. Google has started providing Sun's StarOffice suite consisting of word processing, spreadsheets, and other programs for free. StarOffice, Sun's commercial version of the OpenOffice suite, would cost $70 to download, but Google is distributing it for free. The download package is part of Google's efforts to expand its Internet presence beyond web searches and to control more of its users' online and offline experiences.
Lime Wire will start music download service
LimeWire LLC, maker of the controversial LimeWire file-sharing software, plans to start a new music download service. The company, known for its peer-to-peer (P2P) networking service which allows web users to illegally download music, videos, and other programs, is involved in a legal conflict with the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA). RIAA is hoping to fine LimeWire $150,000 for every song downloaded using the P2P tool. Limewire now hopes to become a legitimate music download store. The store initially will be a stand-alone website which will be accessible from links in the LimeWire file-sharing software. Later versions of the software will allow users to browse and purchase music from within the LimeWire program.
Nokia’s 46 million batteries found faulty
Nokia, a world leader in mobile phones, recently announced free-of-charge replacement for its Nokia BL-5C batteries after 100 incidents of overheating were reported globally. The problem was found to occur when charging phones; the battery would heat up, causing it to expand and come out of its socket. The defective batteries were manufactured by Japan's Matsushita Battery Industrial Co., Ltd. Nokia has many suppliers of the BL-5C batteries who have collectively manufactured more than 300 million such batteries. The product advisory applies to 46 million batteries produced by Matsushita between December 2005 and November 2006.
