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AFP – Japan’s Sony Corp. said Thursday that it would next month launch the world’s first high-definition camcorder that records video while snapping smiling photos at the same time.

Reuters – Chinese authorities gave the green light to a number of firms to run online video-sharing services, after ordering dozens of firms to halt operations earlier this year.

AP – Google Inc.’s YouTube is setting up a virtual screening room to bring the work of independent filmmakers to a global audience.

AP – Google Inc.’s YouTube is setting up a virtual screening room to bring the work of independent filmmakers to a global audience.

PC Magazine – The company’s latest high-def video camcorder features Smile Shutter technology, which automatically takes pictures of people who flash a smile in your direction.

AFP – France moved Wednesday to clamp down on Internet piracy with a bill that would set up a new agency to track down cybersurfers who illegally download music, videos and movies from the web.

AFP – A software-developer dad eager to share the fun of online video with his young children has single-handedly created a tot-friendly version of YouTube.