Microsoft sees end of Windows era

Microsoft has kicked off a research project to create software that will take over when it retires Windows, says The BBC.

Called Midori, the cut-down operating system is radically different to Microsoft's older programs. It is centred on the Internet and does away with the dependencies that tie Windows to a single PC.

It is seen as Microsoft's answer to rivals' use of "virtualisation" as a way to solve many of the problems of modern-day computing.

HSBC Bank is placing its bets on a technology consolidation scheme to boost revenue as group profit in the first trading quarter plunged, says Computing.co.uk.

The bank reported a 28% fall in profit for the period due to a $14 billion hit caused by exposure to bad debt. The loss comes despite an increase of 2% in total operating income.

To help mitigate the effects of its exposure to the credit crunch, the bank launched a programme, 'One HSBC', which aims to increase the bank's proceeds and reduce costs by standardising technology in the developed markets in which it operates.

A Thai video game distributor has stopped selling Grand Theft Auto, after a local teenager went on a self-confessed GTA style murder and robbery rampage, reports The Register.

The 18-year-old high school student, who's now in custody, recently robbed a taxi driver and stole his car, but ended up stabbing the 54-year old driver to death when he fought back with the teen.

The Thai teen reportedly told police that he wanted to see if it was as easy to rob a taxi in real life as it was in the video game.

The House Energy and Commerce Committee is expanding its inquiry into potential privacy violations of online advertising that is based on consumers' Web-surfing activities, reports The Washington Post.

The lawmakers have written to 33 telecommunications businesses to learn whether, how and when Internet companies might have engaged in such practices. Their aim in part is to determine whether existing laws sufficiently protect consumers' privacy in online behavioural advertising or whether new legislation is needed.

"The Committee is interested in learning how pervasive this practice is among cable, phone, and Internet companies, what safeguards are in place to ensure that consumers are aware of the practice, and how best to preserve their privacy," committee Chairman John Dingell, said in a letter Friday to firms including AOL, AT&T, Comcast, Cox, Google, Time Warner Cable, Microsoft, Yahoo and Verizon.