Cops Raid Cebit Show March 17, 2007

Read more Digital Audio , Gadgets , Gizmodo UK , MP3 , Peripherals , Portable Media , Technology , Trade Show

Wow, when I read something about the fuzz raiding this year’s Geekathon at Cebit this morning I thought I was in for some potential terrorist action, a geek-punch between Apple and Microsoft stand reps maybe, or – optimistically - a steamy tale of all those scantily clad booth babes getting in on an impromptu mass shower. Ah well, you can always hope.

Instead, the cops were looking for patent dodgers. Yes, it really is that exciting. Just like last year, the police were hunting [successfully] for companies showing off products that were infringing MPEG audio patents. In other words, those companies building MP3 and other products without ponying up for the rights.

The companies that were nabbed are being kept under wraps for now but it's safe to say we’re talking minnows here, not sharks. Now, back to that shower scene…-Martin Lynch

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Nintendo Kicking Console Ass March 17, 2007

Read more Consoles , Entertainment , Gadgets , Games , Gizmodo UK , Home Entertainment , PS3 , Technology , Wii , Xbox

It seems that the US can’t get enough of the wee little console that allows relatives to assault each other and destroy their TVs without arrest. February sales figures from NPD showed that the best-selling consoles were the Nintendo DS and the newer Nintendo Wii, racking up sales of 485,000 and 335,000 units, respectively. I am a little surprised at the DS being so strong but, there you go.

Games for these platforms also cornered three of the top four sales slots but Crackdown for the Xbox 360 was the best-seller for Feb.

Interestingly, third spot in console sales was held by the PS2, which notched up an impressive 295,000 sales. So where the hell is the Xbox 360 or the PS3? Find out after the jump.-Martin Lynch