Today is the first day of the last month of the year.

On these islands, it is also known as the first day of the Christmas month. And no, it is not the beginning of the holiday season for Filipinos.

We already started celebrating the season way back in September 1. Or did you miss the carols played by almost all radio stations on that day?
 
Customizable Processor

Recently, Intel introduced the Atom E600 microprocessor. Combined with the Altera field programmable gate array in a single package, the Atom E600 is a configurable processor. It offers manufacturers more flexibility and allows them to bring their products to market at a shorter time.

Also, because it comes in a single package, the processor lets manufacturers use smaller boards and enable them to manage their inventories better. The chip is flexible enough to let OEMs integrate various input/output interfaces and connectivity options into their devices.
 
YouTube’s Oui Moment

Online video-sharing site YouTube has entered into a deal with top literary and movie artist groups in France. Hopefully, this agreement will pave the way for posting of more French TV shows and movies.

Previously, YouTube made a similar deal with French music video producers.

Hmm. Artistic levels of the Internet getting a boost?
 
Apple in China

According to media reports, Cupertino-based Apple is trying its best to expand its distribution network in China, soon to be the world’s largest IT market. The company has already revamped its online stores to allow local consumers to buy online.

Apple needs to reach out to China’s expanding middle class in order to grow its revenue in the mainland. Some analysts, however, say that Apple’s expensive products and their “too Western” orientation might limit the company’s ability to expand and grow in China.

China has one of the fastest-growing ranks of middle-class consumers with money to burn.
 
Acer Does Part for the Environment

Local PC vendor Acer Philippines recently donated several desktop PCs to the Non-Timber Forest Products Exchange Programme for South and Southeast Asia (NTFP), a non-government organization that works for the protection of the environment.

NTFP’s main objectives and advocacy points are forest management and sustainable harvesting of non-timber forest products; tenurial security and enforcement of user rights; livelihood security through the enhancement of subsistence uses; and increased income from value addition and marketing.

This corner wishes to commend Acer Philippines for a job well done. May you serve as a shining example for the other companies to follow. For NTFP, more power and good luck in your advocacy for the environment.

That’s all for the meantime, folks. Join me again next time as we keep on watching IT.