EU seeking to take over responsibility for issuing satellite licenses
The proposal would break national monopolies on managing the radio spectrum and make the commission the clearinghouse for satellite companies seeking permission to offer services in Europe.

Google stargazes where the skies are not cloudy - online
After turning millions of Internet users into virtual explorers of the world with Google Earth, the Internet search giant Google is now hoping to turn many of them into virtual stargazers.

Using voice as the next Internet on-ramp via cellphones
There is one universal input device that is far easier to use than any miniature keypad or even a touchscreen keyboard, and it works with every cellphone: your voice.

Personal data stored by the Monster job-search site have been stolen
A security company disclosed the breach after one of its researchers found that a server computer in Ukraine held 1.6 million records stolen from Monster, a New York company.

Google stargazes where the skies are not cloudy - online
After turning millions of Internet users into virtual explorers of the world with Google Earth, the Internet search giant is now hoping to turn many of them into virtual stargazers.

Hollywood studios split on format to replace standard DVD
Paramount and DreamWorks Animation will exclusively back the HD DVD format for the release of high-definition movies on disc, while Walt Disney said it would release one of its best-known animated movies, "Sleeping Beauty," on Blu-ray.

Tribune Co. shareholders approve buyout of U.S. media conglomerate
The deal, led by the billionaire Sam Zell, still needs approval from U.S. regulators and financing.

RealNetworks and MTV to merge online music services
The combined service, to be called Rhapsody America, will help the partners to compete against Apple's iTunes in the growing online music market.

Technology in Brief: Siemens and Infineon in 'power chip' venture
Also, Sharp displays LCD TV less than an inch thick and Microsoft announces introduction of a game mouse.

Vogue's fashion experience gets online makeover
ShopVogue.TV will offer the products featured in the magazine's print ads for sale, while simultaneously showing videos of runway shows, fashion ad campaigns and serial shows created by Vogue.

Greeting cards employ topical humor to compete with e-mail offerings
Greeting card companies hope to promote the idea that cards can be sent anytime, not just on holidays and special occasions.

Siemens and Infineon in 'power chip' venture

Siemens said Wednesday that it was planning a joint venture with Infineon Technologies, its former semiconductor unit, to develop chips that help reduce energy loss in power transmission systems.

The companies have signed a memorandum of understanding for the venture, in which Infineon would probably hold a 60 percent stake, said Marc Langendorf, a Siemens spokesman.

He declined to give financial details.

The new company will be called Infineon Technologies Bipolar, Siemens said. The so-called Thyristor semiconductors, also known as "power chips," will be mainly used by Siemens's power and distribution unit, the company said.

Sharp displays LCD TV less than an inch thick

Sharp said it had developed the world's thinnest and lightest LCD TVs with enhanced picture quality.

The prototype 52-inch liquid-crystal display TV, which is 0.79 inch thick and weighs 55 pounds, consumes half as much electricity as comparable existing models, the company said. Sharp's conventional 52-inch LCD TV is four times as thick and weighs 67 pounds.

Sharp declined to comment on the price for the new model, but said it intended to start output when its newest LCD factory in Sakai, Japan, came online by March 2010.

Microsoft's game mouse

Microsoft said it planned to introduce a new mouse in October designed for gaming on personal computers, aiming to capture a growing segment of the computer peripheral equipment market.

The SideWinder mouse, to cost $79.95, has a small liquid crystal display between the thumb and index finger to keep track of game functions and settings.

SONY and BT Group announced software that will allow millions of gamers using Sony's PlayStation Portable handheld player to make video and voice calls and send instant messages. The software is set for commercial release in January.

Drillisch, a German mobile-phone reseller, raised its stake in its larger rival Freenet, purchasing an 18.5 percent stake from Vatas International.