MSFT considering buying into Facebook

[NYT] Microsoft, Google and several funds are considering investments in the fast-growing site, according to people with knowledge of the talks, that could give the start-up a value of more than $10 billion.

Unlock iPhone, get a paperweight

[BBC] Apple has warned that anyone attempting to unlock their iPhone to use with an unauthorised mobile network could find their phones irreparably damaged.

Amazon launches DRM-free music store (beta)

[News.com] Each song is encoded at 256kbps, the file quality that Apple offers for its DRM-free iTunes Plus premium music selections, which it sells for $1.29 apiece rather than its usual 99 cents. Amazon's pricing for Amazon MP3 ranges from 89 cents (including the top 100 best-selling songs) to 99 cents; albums are priced from $5.99 to $9.99.

US networks stream online for free

[FT] US television networks believe they have found the business model needed to profit in the digital age – streaming their hit shows over the internet as opposed to selling them to consumers as digital downloads

Mainframe startup challenges IBM

[FT] If Microsoft’s comprehensive legal defeat in Europe last week has wider ramifications in the technology industry, then a Silicon Valley start-up named PSI could provide an early test case. PSI, which has been trying to break into the mainframe computer business, already has a private antitrust suit against IBM pending in the US. At the end of last week it was hinting heavily that it would now try to ride the Microsoft ruling all the way to Brussels.

EchoStar buys Sling Media for $380m

[AP] 'As an early investor in Sling Media, EchoStar has been pleased with the progress and commitment the company has made establishing Sling Media and the Slingbox as powerful and beloved digital media brands,'' EchoStar Chief Executive Charlie Ergen said in a written statement.

GOOG will respect Canada's privacy laws

[Reuters] Google Inc is considering a Canadian launch of its Street View map feature, which offers street-level close-ups of city centers, but would blur people's faces and vehicle license plates to respect tougher Canadian privacy laws, the Web search firm said on Monday.