VOIP service for Linux, Mac

Version 1.0 Skype for Linux and 1.0 for Apple`s Mac OS X are available for downloading from the Internet, Skype Technologies announced yesterday.

According to Information Week, the releases were previously available in beta test status. Skype says VOIP service is now available for "cross-platform" use, as Windows was already supported.

The company reported that it has 23.9 million registered users, of which 735 000 have signed up for its paid SkypeOut service.

Skype-to-Skype callers can use the service free of charge.

Apple will increase the speed on its line of PowerBook G4 laptops, the company announced yesterday.

The change will see the high-end processor increase from 1.5GHz to 1.67GHz, while the refreshed laptop line gains 512MB of standard RAM, faster graphics, faster hard drives, as well as standard 802.11g-based wireless networking.

Furthermore, all 15- and 17-inch PowerBooks now feature backlit keyboards that are up to 10 times brighter than previous models, PCWorld reports.

The 17-inch model will also feature a combined optical digital input/audio line-in mini-jack, similar to the one included on Apple`s AirPort Express wireless networking hub. Users can connect the PowerBook to either an optical digital or analogue audio source through the new jack.

The Mozilla Foundation has unveiled part of what lies ahead for its Firefox browser, New Factor Network reports.

Lead project engineer Ben Goodger says the roadmap for Firefox 2 will include an alpha release developer preview in March and a beta release preview in April.

Firefox will be a critical delivery vehicle for Gecko and XULRunner technology, he adds.

"Our goal is to continue to build a `best of breed` browser product for Windows, Linux and Mac OS X."

No specific details have been given about what Firefox 2 might include, but Goodger suggests plans may include improvements to bookmarks, accessibility compliance, and improvements to the extensions system, toolbar and software-update functionalities.

Vodafone`s Japanese division has launched a mobile phone that recognises and responds to movements.

The V603SH phone was devised mainly for mobile gaming, although users can also access other phone functions using a pre-set pattern of arm movements, reports BBC.

One game allows aspiring golfers to improve their swing. A 'shoot-`em-up` game lets users fire the phone like a gun in order to shoot the zombies in the mobile version of Sega`s House of the Dead.

Other features include a display screen that allows users to watch TV and can rotate 180-degrees.

It also doubles up as an electronic musical instrument. Users have to select a sound from a menu that includes clapping, tambourine and maracas and shake their phone to create a beat.

It is being recommended for the karaoke market.

The phone will initially be available in Japan only and is due to go on sale in mid-February.