Apple Rolls Out OS 8

Apple Computer has introduced a new operating system for the Macintosh personal computer. The Mac O-S-8, a new version of the basic software that controls the Macintosh computer, is expected to generate much-needed revenues for Apple as Macintosh users upgrade their software. Mac OS 8 includes new features and technologies aimed at improving productivity and efficiency, simplifying Internet access and providing state-of- the-art multimedia capabilities.

Apple's Search Begins

Apple says it has hired an executive search firm to help find a successor to former Chairman and Chief Executive Gilbert Amelio. The troubled computer maker says it could take about three months to find a new leader. Amelio resigned suddenly, earlier this month, when it became clear that his turn-around plans for Apple were not going to be realized -- at least not on the predicted timetable.

Something Special For OS 8 Users

For those Mac users rushing out to upgrade to OS 8, here's a way to get some extra benefits from the upgrade -- Excite has produced a special gateway to the World Wide Web for OS 8 users. In a deal that has been long in the works, Excite said Apple has incorporated Excite's Web search, directory and content services into Mac OS 8, unveiled Tuesday, and into its Apple Internet Connection Kit and Cyberdog. The deal enables users of Apple's new system software to set up a customized site with access to Apple and Mac OS news and links, as well as up-to- date information on news, sports, stock portfolios, television listings, and more.

Windows 95 Upgrade Coming

Microsoft is not about to let Apple Computer have the limelight this week as it introduces its long-awaited OS 8 Macintosh operating system upgrade. The software company chose the week before Apple's roll-out to release the first major test version of its updated Windows 95 system, code-named Memphis," sometimes known as Windows 98. However, from what they have seen so far, many analysts believe the new system will offer users few reasons to upgrade from Windows 95.

Internet Phone Draws AT&T Backing

AT&T, which is in the business of long distance telephone service, is taking a strong interest in the concept of voice communications over the Internet, which some see as a threat to the industry. In the latest development, the head of AT&T's Worldnet Internet access is joining a start-up that provides long-distance services via the Internet. Tom Evslin is leaving to head up ITXC, but AT&T retains an option to take a stake in the company. ITXC plans to provide Internet phone service providers routing and settlement services, similar to those that already exist in the traditional phone industry. Analysts say the departure of a top-level AT&T executive to form an Internet phone start-up suggests that the emerging technology has rounded a corner and is gaining acceptance within the mainstream telecommunications industry.

Seimans, Sun In Card Deal

Siemens, the German conglomerate, says its semiconductor unit has licensed technology from Sun Microsystems for a new generation of smart cards. The company says it plans to use technology based on Java -- Sun's programming language that can run on different types of computers -- to make chips for credit- card sized cards that could store bank account, health and other personal information. The chips will hit the market in volume about a year from now.

TCI, Box Make Music Together

Box Worldwide and TCI Music, two growing companies in the music video business, have announced a merger deal that will combine Box's music video channel with TCI's wide-ranging music distribution business via the Internet and other methods. Under terms of the agreement, Box will be merged into TCI Music in a deal valued at about $38 million. As a result of the merger, The Box Worldwide will become a wholly-owned subsidiary of TCI Music.

Encryption Bill Passes First Test

The showdown between the software industry and the White House appears closer than ever after the House International Relations committee approved legislation to substantially relax U.S. export controls on computer encoding technology. The measure is strongly opposed by the White House, which believes law enforcement must be able to break computer "codes" in the interest of national security. The measure as passed would allow U.S. companies to export powerful encryption technology, programs which scramble information and render it unreadable without a password or software "key."

IBM Forms a New Group

IBM has announced a reorganization of some of its major lines of business, a day after reporting earnings that met expectations on Wall Street. The world's largest computer maker says it's creating a new unit that would include its personal computer, network computer and consumer operations because the distinctions among the businesses have grown blurred. Network computers are low-cost machines meant to operate more cheaply than PCs.

License Agreement For Polk

Polk Audio has announced a licensing agreement with Hewlett- Packard. The pact, with HP's home products division, covers a package of trademarks, patents and designs for loudspeakers which will be sold as part of the HP Pavilion line of multimedia computer systems. The company said that actual manufacture of the licensed products will be done by third parties in Asia under Polk's and HP's joint direction.

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