MS to push IE7 automatically

Microsoft is to push Internet Explorer 7 (IE7) automatically to Windows XP users when the browser update is ready later this year, but users will still be able to choose whether to accept the update or not, reports News.com.

According to the report, IE7 will be delivered in the fourth quarter using the Windows XP automatic update facility, which is typically used for security updates. Microsoft says the justification for the move is that IE7 includes some significant security enhancements and the company is recommending all Windows users install the new browser when it becomes available.

IE7 will be the first major update to Microsoft`s Web browser in five years. Security has been a priority in IE7`s development following severe criticism of IE6 because of its many security vulnerabilities. A third and final beta of IE7 was released late last month.

Samsung has introduced a 4GB solid-state disk (SSD) for Vista PCs, based on its new high-speed NAND flash memory technology.

Daily Tech says the SSD can be used in conjunction with traditional hard disk drives (HDDs) to increase input/output performance in Windows Vista. The SSD uses Microsoft`s new Windows ReadyBoost technology to improve system responsiveness and eliminate application delays.

Windows ReadyBoost will automatically cache user data to the flash SSD and when the user or an application requests data, it is retrieved much faster than with traditional HDDs. Typically, an HDD can perform 100 to 200 requests per second, but Samsung`s SSD can service up to 5 000 requests per second.

Skype has released a beta version of its latest voice over Internet Protocol client for Mac OS X users, reports News.com.

The report says much of the functionality in the new Mac beta of Skype 1.5 includes features that Windows users have enjoyed for some time, such as menu-selectable dialling codes and easy importation of address book contacts.

However, the Mac OS beta does not yet include video calling, which will be added at a later stage. In the meantime, Skype released Skype for Mac Video Preview. Both are available for download from the Skype Web site.

British Telecom (BT) has signed a deal with Universal Pictures that will enable broadband users to download movies on the same day as the DVD release, from the beginning of next week.

BBC News says in terms of the deal, any broadband user in the UK will be able to download a movie, make a DVD and keep two digital copies for a charge of up to lb16.99.

BT plans to add a rental service when it introduces its BT Vision broadband pay-for-view TV and film service later in the year.

After saying online downloading would lead to the death of the album format, heavy metal band Metallica has finally agreed to make its music available through Apple Computer`s iTunes online music store.

E-online says Metallica has had to give in to demand from an ever-growing number of fans using online sites like iTunes.

Metallica`s music was previously available for download only in album or concert format through various sites, but the iTunes collaboration marks the first time listeners can purchase a single song.