From the BBC:

Google is spreading its wings in yet another direction - this time as a network provider, offering super-fast broadband to thousands of US homes.

From Ars Technica

First build of "next-generation" Windows Home Server leaks

Windows Home Server, codename Vail (also referred to as WHS version 2), has been in private testing for a few months, but only now are we learning more about it, thanks to the first leak of the operating system, as first reported by Mary Jo Foley at ZDNet. Windows Home Server Vail Community Technology Preview 4 (CTP4), or build 7360, recently leaked to the Web. Like previous versions of WHS, Vail will come available on new OEM systems, and will also be sold as a standalone software package to system builders. Microsoft released WHS Power Pack 3 three months ago but it's been working on WHS version 2 at the same time.  [More...] [Comments...]

From ArsTechnica:

Apple's January 2010 event is upon us and we will be live on the scene, blogging from the Yerba Buena center in San Francisco. Apple's theme for this event is "come see our newest creation," which is widely expected to refer to the mythical iTablet. Watch as the event unfolds live. Apple's event is set to start at 10am PST (see it in your local timezone) sharp and we'll be keeping you informed up to the second with a live transcription and live photos from the event.

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From C/Net News

WASHINGTON--U.S. Internet companies might soon need to find a new strategy for dealing with China.

In announcing that it is now U.S. policy to advocate a free and open Internet around the world, Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton on Thursday essentially dared U.S. companies to follow Google's lead and put an end to their complicit censorship of Internet content. Google has said it will shut down its Chinese search engine if it can't find a way to offer an uncensored version under Chinese law, and while no one else has jumped on that bandwagon, they may soon have little choice.

From PC World

Thanks to a spate of agile new Web-based and wireless services, cutting ties with your service provider is easier than ever.

I don't like service providers. Cable TV, landline phone and fax, mobile phone, ISP, and even satellite radio companies have so little real competition that they know they don't have to impress me very much to get my business. I either pay the full fees and become connected to them by their cord (physical or wireless), or I don't get any service. Until lately.