New and Noteworthy: Apple wants patent on iPod interface; Hitachi to boost 1-inch HDD output in Thailand; more

Apple wants patent on iPod interface CNET News.com reports that in a patent application 20040055446, published Thursday, Apple describes a graphical user interface "and methods of use thereof in a multimedia player." The patent application refers to a hierarchically ordered graphical user interface and lists Apple Chief Executive Steve Jobs as one of three inventors, along with Jeffrey L. Robbin and Timothy Wasko. More.

Hitachi to boost 1-inch HDD output in Thailand - Japanese electronics conglomerate Hitachi says its supply of 1.0-inch disk drives was running behind demand and that it would ramp up output at its Thailand plant as soon as possible to avert further delays of Apple's iPod mini - which is in high demand and short supply. More.

Upstart Competitors Try to Outdo Google The Associated Press reports on some new search engines seeking Google's throne. "One company has an idea for how search engines can catalogue the Web more completely. Another believes it can better divine what a searcher wants. Yet another is trying to synch all that with how the human brain works." More.

Previously we noted:

• "Mirror Agent" and problems shutting down
• Mac OS X 10.3.3 (#9): Lexar releases updated drivers; PDF preview crashes and resource forks; more

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