Microsoft seeks patent for office ’spy’ software

Posted: 19 Jan 2008 09:10 PM CST

Microsoft is developing Big Brother-style software capable of remotely monitoring a worker’s productivity, physical wellbeing and competence.

The Times has seen a patent application filed by the company for a computer system that links workers to their computers via wireless sensors that measure their metabolism. The system would allow managers to monitor employees’ performance by measuring their heart rate, body temperature, movement, facial expression and blood pressure. Unions said they fear that employees could be dismissed on the basis of a computer’s assessment of their physiological state.

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The pirate bay is being clamped down by Swedish police

Posted: 19 Jan 2008 09:10 PM CST

As the calendar pages turned from 2007 to 2008, one constant remained for the motion picture and music industries: The Pirate Bay’s willingness to ignore their threats (and copyrights) to the point that the Swedish group’s site has become the go-to destination for torrented content on the Internet. But there may be dark clouds looming on the horizon for The Pirate Bay. Swedish prosecutors are close to bringing charges against admins Peter Sunde, Fredrik Neij, and Gottfrid Svartholm.

In May 2006, Swedish law enforcement officials seized The Pirate Bay’s servers and took a couple of the site’s operators into custody. They were soon released, and just a couple of days later, the web site for the Swedish national police was taken down by a DDoS attack. But while the raid may have won Sweden some friends from the world of Big Content, it angered many Swedes. They were upset about reports that the Swedish government carried out the raid at the behest of the US government.

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Ageia Steps Up PhysX efforts

Posted: 19 Jan 2008 09:10 PM CST

Ageia PhysX is stepping up its efforts to generate physics-heavy mods for Epic’s Unreal Tournament 3.

Last November, the physics processor maker introduced the PhysX Mod-Kit for Unreal Tournament 3 (UT3), which was designed to allow developers and modders to customize existing levels as well create new content with physics-based enhancements for the multiplayer shooter. While Epic’s Unreal Engine 3 already supports Ageia’s technology, the PhysX UT3 Mod Kit provides additional tools, guides and other material for additional enhancements and customized content.

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