ROUNDUPS
For the record 22 February
22-02-2007
by Cian Ginty
Microsoft will demo IPTV on Xbox 360 | Bebo launches writing competition with Guardian
Microsoft is set to showcase internet television (IPTV) on its Xbox 360 games console for the first time in Europe next month. A demonstration will take place at the Connected Home show in London in March and the Xbox TV service will be available in the autumn. Microsoft partners include AT&T, BT Group, Deutsche Telekom, T-Online and Swisscom. "This will be a unique opportunity to witness first hand the possibilities which IPTV offers to service providers and to the online gaming market," said Ian Johnson, managing director of Junction Group and organiser of the IPTV World Forum.
The latest Dare to be Digital competition for student video game developers has called for entries. Close to twice as many submissions are expected this year, with up to 80 students from Ireland and Britain expected to take part. Applications can be submitted here.
A literary competition with a digital twist was launched by social networking site Bebo and the Guardian Unlimited news website on Thursday. The short story writing project is called Nanotales. Authors can summit their stories by signing up as 'Bebo Authors' at Bebo.com and the winners will see their stories published next year in a compilation book. "Nanotales is a bold attempt to bridge the gap between the traditional and electronic delivery of literature," said publisher Franc Roddam.
The Irish Software Association has welcomed the news that US software company VMware has created 369 new jobs in Cork. "These new jobs are good news for Cork and for the software technology sector," said ISA director Michele Quinn. "VMware's decision to expand its activities demonstrates that Ireland is still an attractive location to do business. We must continue to encourage young people to take science and technology subjects that will give them the skills needed to work in this dynamic industry." The software sector employs over 30,000 people and accounts for over 11 percent of GDP and 14 percent of exports, according to ISA figures.
Lenovo's laptops are now ranked fourth in terms of brand awareness, and its ThinkPad range of laptops enjoy greater brand awareness than the nearest rival, according to the Chinese manufacturer. The brand image research comes from a study by Technology Business Research. The survey claims Lenovo's awareness has substantially improved compared to last year.
Caped Koala Studios has built a virtual world for kids, combining education and social networking 