64-year-old Erno Rubik, creator of the incredibly popular Rubik's Cube, has released a new puzzle. The new puzzle, named the 360, involves getting six balls in an inner sphere through a middle sphere and into colour matched slots on an outer sphere In the almost three decades since its release the Rubik's Cube has sold 350 million units. Even before its release the 360 generated thousands of inquiries and is expected to sell very well. "It doesn't need batteries and looks as though it should be quite easy. But it is incredibly complicated. There are some really cunning tricks to it," said Rubik brand vice president David Hedley.

Microsoft Caves to EU Demands -- Adds More Browsers

Microsoft Corp. and EU regulators have announced that the new Windows 7 operating system will offer users multiple choices in Internet browsers, and not just come with Microsoft's Internet Explorer. Microsoft has proposed that future users of XP, Vista or Windows 7 who have IE selected as their default browser will also be shown a Web site with five of the most popular browsers in Europe featured for them to choose from. Current users of a Windows OS will be shown a ballot screen from a windows update. The EU antitrust case against Microsoft is heavily supported by Mozilla and Google, both of which have rival Internet browsers on the market.

Blue M&M Dye Mends Spinal Injuries

Research at the University of Rochester Medical Centre shows that the dye used to color blue M&Ms can help mend spinal injuries. The compound, known as Brilliant Blue G, blocks a chemical that kills healthy spinal cord cells around the damaged area. BBG has shown that it not only reduces the size of the lesion, it speeds recovery times as well. So far, tests on injured rats treated with BBG were able to walk again, while those that did not receive the BBG did not. The only side-effect found so far is the skin temporarily turns bright blue; more tests are being done before human trials can begin. Researchers are hopeful that a treatment for spinal cord injuries will be available in the next few years.

UFO Sightings Reported in Russian Documents

A Texas judge has given Microsoft a fine of $ 290 Million and filed an injunction preventing Microsoft from selling its Word program. The fine and subsequent ban stems from a patent infringement claim by a Toronto-based firm over its use of XML. The injunction prohibits Microsoft from "selling, offering to sell, and/or importing in or into the United States" any software that uses the XML technology. A patent claim was filed in 1998 by I4i regarding the use of XML technology Microsoft spokesperson Kevin Kutz said "We are disappointed by the court's ruling - We believe the evidence clearly demonstrated that we do not infringe and that the i4i patent is invalid. We will appeal the verdict." Microsoft has 60 days to appeal.

Apple to Release Snow Leopard this Friday

The wait is almost over: Apple announced today that the new operating system Mac OS X Snow Leopard is to be released ahead of schedule. The original release date was set in September. In a press release, the Apple engineers stated they overhauled almost 90% of the separate projects that make up the operating system. Some of the improvements include faster applications, Safari 4, and freeing up 7GB of space compared to Leopard. As an added bonus, the company is offering the ability to upgrade from Leopard to Snow Leopard for $29 at the Apple Store and can now be pre-ordered.

First Ever Mini Laptop to be Launched

Nokia is planning to launch its first-ever mini laptop, called the 'Booklet 3G', measuring a tiny two centimeters wide and weighing just 1.25 kilograms.\The Booklet 3G will have a Windows operating system and a battery life of twelve hours. The launch is scheduled for September and it is hoped that the new laptop will counter the falling sales of new mobile phones.

Pirate Bay Back Online After ISP Switch

Ebay announced Tuesday that they have sold Skype to an investor group. In total the group is paying $2.025 billion. Ebay will retain a 35% stake in the company. The deal values Skype at $2.75 billion. Ebay explains the sale as being due to a lack of compatibility with their system of e-commerce and online payment. Originally Ebay had planned for customers to discuss sales in real time, which has not happened yet. The investor group includes a venture capital group launched by the founder of Netscape. Silver Lake, the lead for the investor group, expressed hope that Skype would profit from the technological and financial expertise in the group.

MIcrosoft Working to End Net Anonymity

Microsoft researchers have been working on an anti-hacking 'Host Tracker' concept whose goal is to track hackers to their source and de-anonymize the Internet with up to 99% accuracy. This 'Host Tracker' is designed to track hackers who use anonymizing techniques to hide their true location. The tracker cross-references Internet protocol traffic data to identify the source of attacks. The researchers hope that the practical aspects of this project will result in better defenses against online attacks, spam, and adware.

Brand New "Phone" sports Windows XP as its O.S.

A brand new phone called the "xpPhone" was showcased at Computex. Nothing strange so far except for the case that such phone sports "Windows XP" as its O.S. instead of the more common "Windows Mobile". The phone also features a 4.8" LCD display, a Camera, GPS, a QWERTY keyboard, Two dedicated buttons to simulate Mouse Buttons and it supports external USB devices such as Scanner, Printer, Mouse or Keyboard.

Carrier Pigeon Faster Than Broadband