Microsoft to open research centers in Europe
Steven Ballmer, the Microsoft chief executive, said that the three "centers of excellence" represented a major commitment to Europe at a time when many companies are nervous about spending on new projects.

In Silicon Valley, storm clouds from a troubled economy
High-tech entrepreneurs, investors and executives now believe the question is when, not if, the financial chaos will have an impact on America's cradle of innovation.

Google uses brand power to lobby for changes in energy policy
Google introduced a plan to wean the United States off use of coal and oil for power by 2030 and to cut oil use for cars by 40 percent.

Nokia bolsters music service to challenge Apple
Users can keep all the music they have downloaded during the 12-month duration of the mobile subscription period.

Ronco is reviving its in-your-face infomercials
The plan is part of an effort to rejuvenate Ronco, the troubled housewares company. Now Ronco is peddling a new product, the Grillwave, and one that has not seen the studio lights in years, the Veg-O-Matic.

Bollywood workers strike over pay and conditions
The walkout comes on the eve of Hindu festival season, when the industry introduces its biggest films in hopes of capturing large audiences.

The iPhone's place in the sun
Also: a portable projector from Dell and waterproof headphones from H20 Audio.

How green is your computer?
From power use to responsible recycling, how to tell whether your laptop or desktop is eco-friendly.

Leaving no tracks
How is using a "private browsing" mode in a Web browser any different from just clearing out the temporary Internet files in a computer?

Studios sue to bar a DVD copying program
Six major movie studios sued RealNetworks over its new software program that allows people to make digital copies of their DVDs.