Hitachi’s hard drive is 2,000 times smaller

Researchers of Hitachi Ltd have created the world’s smallest disk drive heads which are 2,000 times smaller than a human hair. They minimised to ‘nano level’ a key component in hard drives to achieve this miracle. This will enable them to make hard drives of up to 4 terabytes for desktop computers and 1 terabyte for laptops in the next four years creating a revolution of sorts in computing. Even a one-terabyte hard drive can hold a mammoth amount of data, equivalent to the text contained in one million books. It is learnt that Hitachi will unveil its achievement at a conference in Tokyo this week. The technology used is similar to magneto-resistance that earned the Physics Nobel for this year.

MS ties up with IISc

Microsoft Research is joining hands with the Indian Institute of Science for major research projects on advanced computing platforms. This is part of Microsoft Research’s programme to link up with major institutions of the world for development of advanced computing based on its Microsoft Windows Computer Cluster Server 2003.

It will be helping IISc scientists take up projects in life sciences including biological data mapping. Microsoft Research is collaborating with 20 leading research institutions arou-nd the world. The agreement with IISc is its first in India. It will provide funds and expertise to IISc in the next three years for these projects.

UMG takes on Apple iTunes

Universal Music Group, the world’s biggest music label, is getting ready to take on Apple’s iTunes by launching its own free music service along with Sony BMG Music. There are also reports that Warner Music may join this alliance to give a triple knock to Apple. UMG has announced that it would give purchasers of certain mobile phones and media players free subscription to its proposed ‘Total Music’ service. It will be tying up with major mobile phone manufacturers for this. The manufacturers will pay the subscription free for the service and sell it as an add-on to the mobile device. If it clicks, Apple, which dominates the digital music world, might get very sore.