31921
submission
Californication writes:
gNewSense 1.0 is a new distribution sponsored the FSF. Based on Ubuntu, gNewSense has been stripped of all proprietary firmware, software, and fonts, and access to the nonfree "Multiverse" Ubuntu repository. As expected, members of the Ubuntu community are critical of the new project, questioning whether there is really a need for it. gNewSense developer Brian Brazil says there is: "From what we've seen so far there is quite a lot of interest." In comparing it to Debian, Brazil noted that "Debian unfortunately isn't free as it contains non-free firmware in the kernel, and offer[s] its users the optional non-free component."
31569
submission
PreacherTom writes:
Music on one's mobile phone is nothing surprising: in fact, it is the entire principle of the upcoming iPhone. Downloading it for free is a different matter; both Verizon and Sprint's service directs to a proprietary store and charges up to $2.50 per song. Cingular plans on taking another route, having announced that they are gearing up to offer free music downloads to compatible phones. They hope to make up the difference through fees from the music subscription services for each new reference. The catch: a $15 per month fee.
31563
submission
stupid_is writes:
In addition to a previous submission a judge in Spain is reported to have ruled that under Spanish law a person who downloads music for personal use can not be punished or branded a criminal. This seems to be a teeny bit clearer than the first article, which points out that downloading is a civil, and not criminal, offence for individuals.
The Spanish recording industry federation Promusicae is predictably a bit peeved, and says it will appeal against the decision.