Archive

App Update: Google Maps for iOS updated to version 1.1

Apple

Andrew Edney

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Mar 5, 2013

Google have just updated their Google Maps app, taking it to version 1.1.

Navigate your world with Google Maps, now available for iPhone. Get comprehensive, accurate and easy-to-use maps with built-in Google local search, voice guided turn-by-turn navigation, public transport directions, Street View and more. Use Google Maps to discover great places to eat, drink, shop and play, with ratings and reviews from people you trust. Sign in to save your favourite places and quickly access all your past searches and directions from your computer, right on your phone.

Search
* Find addresses, places and businesses around the world with Google local search.
* Discover places to eat, drink, shop and play, with ratings and local reviews.
* Sign in to sync your searches, directions and favourite places between your computer and your phone.

Directions
* Get voice guided, turn-by-turn driving directions.
* Find your way with train, bus, underground or walking directions.
* Access live traffic information in cities across the world.
Street View and imagery
* View 360-degree panoramas of places around the globe with Street View.
* See inside more than 100,000 businesses worldwide.
* View high-resolution satellite imagery of locations around the world.

Simple and easy to use
* An entirely new Google Maps experience on your iPhone.
* Newly designed and streamlined interface for even easier navigation of your world.
* Use gestures to explore the map and browse results.

What’s New in Version 1.1

* Search your Google Contacts; sign in to see your saved addresses when you search for friends and family by name.
* Search for local places quickly by selecting popular categories such as restaurants, pubs, cafés, petrol stations, etc.
* Choose between kilometres or miles for your preferred distance units.
* Note that some features may not be available in all countries.

Download Google Maps from the Apple App Store now.

Take to the skies with Thunder Wolves from bitComposer Games and Most Wanted Entertainment

Gaming
News

Andrew Edney

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Mar 5, 2013

1

In Q2 2013, bitComposer Games and Most Wanted Entertainment are launching the Thunder Wolves, who will take to the skies in order to wipe the forces of evil off the map.

The organization they work for is secret, but one thing is certain; the Thunder Wolves are the best and most daring pilots in the world, and in this hard-hitting arcade-shooter, they will annihilate anyone who stands in their way.

In Thunder Wolves, the player becomes part of this formidable group of pilots who carry out every order with unequalled precision and speed, no matter whether it requires protecting an oil platform, destroying a chemical factory, or stopping advancing enemies in their tracks. Their goal is nothing less than saving the world, and this requires staying a step ahead of the terrorists by finding out just what they are planning.

Key Features:
– Get ready for some old-school helicopter action in this relentless, adrenaline-pumping arcade shoot ‘em up.
– Let the earth tremble! A fully destroyable environment allows you to unleash unprecedented devastation.
– Choose the right equipment for every job! Nine different helicopters and a wide arsenal of weapons are available.
– See the world! 13 action-packed missions in four different regions.
– Carry out a wide variety of missions, from stealth and escort operations to seek and destroy missions.
– Enemies galore: from terrorist foot soldiers and land vehicles to enemy helicopters.
– Spectacular boss battles will stretch your gaming skills to the limit.
– Local multiplayer mode tag team! Create a unit with a friend and fly into battle in co-op mode as pilot and gunner.

Thunder Wolves is the work of the Hungarian development studio Most Wanted Entertainment, and is being released on Sony Playstation Network, Xbox LIVE Arcade, and Windows PC.

Further information about Thunder Wolves is available at:
http://www.mwent.hu/games/thunder-wolves

App Update: Apple updates iBooks to version 3.1

Apple

Andrew Edney

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Mar 5, 2013

0

Apple has just updated it’s iBooks app to version 3.1.

What’s New in Version 3.1

The iBookstore in Japan now has hundreds of thousands of books available for purchase, including fiction, manga, light novels and more.
This version of iBooks also includes a number of improvements for reading Asian language books.

iBooks 2 is available now for free in the App Store

Team NINJA talks about new NINJA GAIDEN 3: RAZOR’S EDGE details

Gaming
News

Andrew Edney

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Mar 5, 2013

0

Team NINJA today outlined new details for NINJA GAIDEN 3: RAZOR’S EDGE, the latest chapter in the famed action series arriving at retail on April 5th 2013 for PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360.

The famed developer revealed that the game will have a full-featured demo available on both platforms before launch and that the full retail Xbox 360 version will support robust SmartGlass functionality for tablets and smartphones, a first for any Team NINJA game. Additionally, Team NINJA announced the new Golden Scarab upgrade feature and fighting details for the female characters Kasumi and Momiji. To premier these new game elements, Team NINJA has released all-new images highlighting the SmartGlass functionality, Golden Scarabs and fighting moves.

Xbox 360 players will be able to expand their NINJA GAIDEN 3: RAZOR’S EDGE experience with immersive SmartGlass “second screen” features on their internet-enabled tablet or smartphone. They can check their updated personal records and achievements and even watch strategy videos based on their current in-game location to get help. Players will also be able to participate in the game’s community by viewing and commenting on gameplay videos which have been uploaded by players around the world—or take a more active role by uploading their own videos from the game.

Regardless of whether they are using SmartGlass features, all players can boost the capability of Ryu Hayabusa, the game’s iconic ultimate Ninja, by discovering Golden Scarabs hidden throughout the game world. These Scarabs can then be used to unlock new Ninpo or weapons. For instance, Piercing Void, a move that creates deadly sharp vacuum blades to slice up nearby enemies, can be unlocked for 20 Scarabs while the sweeping Lunar Staff weapon can be unlocked for 10 Scarabs. The Scarabs are well hidden, though—players will have to search hard for them!

Team NINJA also revealed fresh intel on the fighting moves that Kasumi and Momiji will add to NINJA GAIDEN 3: RAZOR’S EDGE as playable characters. Kasumi, first seen in the DEAD OR ALIVE series, brings a variety of deadly attacks including her renowned Mugen Tenshin attacks that strike with deadly speed even if delivered from midair. She can also unleash the slow but powerful Kunai Tempest, which creates a giant pinwheel shuriken, and Rending Wind, which channels her aura into a powerful beam of energy. Momiji is no slouch, either. She can double-jump in midair with her unique Heavenbreaker to rain down attacks from high overhead, transform dancing leaves into a circle of flames with her Crimson Lotus, and unleash a powerful fireball with her Autumn Flame.

Available prior to launch, the game’s demo will feature stages for both Hayabusa and Ayane. Any Karma or Ninja Skills acquired in the demo can be transferred to the full version, ensuring that demo play time is put to productive use. More details regarding the demo will be available soon.

NINJA GAIDEN 3: RAZOR’S EDGE is the most action-packed and feature rich NINJA GAIDEN game ever created. Published by TECMO KOEI, the game was designed from the ground up to please core action fans with a brutally redesigned battle system, tough enemy AI, upgraded online features, and the return of dismemberment. The Ninja Skills system lets players use Karma earned in combat to freely purchase weapon and Ninpo upgrades, feats, and costumes. Adding to the variety of gameplay, Kasumi, Ayane, and Momiji all join Hayabusa as playable characters. Ayane will get her own chapters in story mode while all three female characters can be played in the new Chapter Challenge mode and Ninja Trials co-op play with multiple costume options.

NINJA GAIDEN 3: RAZOR’S EDGE is developed by Team NINJA and published by Tecmo Koei.

SEGA announces Sonic Dash for iOS

Apple

Andrew Edney

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Mar 5, 2013

0

SEGA Europe and SEGA of America Inc. have announced Sonic Dash the fast and endless running mobile game.

Following the success of Sonic Jump, this infinite running title is the latest created exclusively for mobile platforms from Hardlight Studios.

Our spikey hero goes on a fast and frenzied 3D dash through the stunning grassy verges of Seaside Hill. Challenge your friends to run as far into the hill as you can and beat their best times!

Sonic Dash will be available on to the App Store soon.

Sonos PLAYBAR soundbar out now

Andrew Edney

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Mar 5, 2013

1

Sonos today released SONOS PLAYBAR, the soundbar for music lovers.

PLAYBAR brings immersive HiFi sound to the TV and, being a full Wireless HiFi System, streams all the music on earth through one easy-to-use player. HiFi meets HiDef globally, beginning 5^th March.

The sophisticated all-in-one design of PLAYBAR combines exposed aluminium with high-performance speaker fabric for a look that’s timeless, understated and because it does not require a subwoofer or speaker wire, easily fits into any room and setup. Its built-in sensors help PLAYBAR automatically adjust EQ and channel orientation so it can lie flat on the TV stand or rotate for low profile wall-mounting above or below the TV.

Under the hood, PLAYBAR gets its punch from nine individually amplified speakers: six mid-woofers to deliver deep, rich low-frequency sounds, and three tweeters for crystal-clear high-frequency detail. PLAYBAR’s advanced speaker array technology combines hardware and software to create a surprisingly wide soundstage beyond the physical soundbar, while maintaining crisp, centered vocals. Whether you are watching a movie, playing a game or streaming a song from Spotify, Napster, Rdio or Last.fm, PLAYBAR will always sound much clearer, not just louder.

Designed for easy setup and use, PLAYBAR connects to the TV with a single optical cable, playing everything that is connected to it, including cable boxes, Blu-ray players and game consoles. It understands common audio formats output by TVs including Dolby Digital. Customers can control the volume or mute with a regular TV remote or with one of the free Sonos Controller apps for iPhone, iPad, Android, Mac or PC. PLAYBAR works seamlessly within the Sonos wireless audio family: Pair PLAYBAR with the award-winning SONOS SUB for deep waves of spine-tingling, jaw-dropping sound and add a pair of PLAY:3s to act as wireless surround speakers for an immersive 5.1 home theatre surround sound experience.

PLAYBAR is available now for £599 and will be available for purchase at Sonos.com, and other UK retail partners. For more information on SONOS PLAYBAR, including technical specifications and more, visit Sonos.com/playbar.

Deep Silver release KILLER IS DEAD trailer

Andrew Edney

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Mar 5, 2013

0

Deep Silver releases reveal trailer for the highly anticipated action game “KILLER IS DEAD” from KADOKAWA GAMES, LTD., to be released on the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360.

Following “LOLLIPOP CHAINSAW,” KADOKAWA GAMES has been working together with GRASSHOPPER MANUFACTURE INC. and executive director SUDA51 on development for this title.

And here is the trailer:

“KILLER IS DEAD” is set in a not-so-distant future similar to (but not the same as) the world we know now. The player takes control of an executioner named Mondo Zappa who wields a Japanese sword in his right hand and brandishes interchangeable weapons in his left artificial arm. His ultimate goal is to execute various heinous criminals scattered around the world and beyond.

Completely unique visuals and outstanding stylish action come together to deliver an unprecedented gaming experience in “KILLER IS DEAD.” This brand-new action title is being jointly developed by KADOKAWA GAMES and GRASSHOPPER MANUFACTURE, with SUDA51 lending his trademark sense of style at the helm. It will be available worldwide in summer 2013.

Visit the Official Site at www.loveandkill.com

NVIDIA releases GeForce 314.14 beta driver

Andrew Edney

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Mar 5, 2013

0

The new GeForce 314.14 beta driver is now available to download. An essential update for gamers jumping into this month’s biggest and best releases, today’s driver ensures maximum system compatibility in games such as SimCity, StarCraft II: Heart of the Swarm, Resident Evil 6, and Hawken, a free-to-play first-person shooter being enhanced with hardware-accelerated PhysX effects later this week.

Other highlights include SLI and single-GPU performance gains of up to 21% in Sniper Elite V2, and 14% in Sleeping Dogs, and smaller gains in Batman: Arkham City, Battlefield 3, and Call of Duty: Black Ops 2.

Rounding out the release is an updated SLI profile for Resident Evil 6, helping increase your benchmark score, and a SLI profile for co-op shooter, Sniper Elite: Nazi Zombie Army.

You can download the GeForce 314.14 beta drivers with one click from the GeForce.co.uk homepage; Windows XP, Windows 7 and Windows 8 packages are available for desktop systems, and for notebooks there are Windows 7 and Windows 8 downloads that cover all non-legacy products.

Sniper: Ghost Warrior 2 Tactical Optics trailer released

Andrew Edney

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Mar 5, 2013

0

Today, CI Games has released the heart pounding Sniper: Ghost Warrior 2 Tactical Optics Trailer.

The trailer shows the precise ways snipers can make stealthy take downs from long distances using an array of tools, including night vision and thermal imaging goggles, that will ensure no enemy escapes from sniping range.

Here is the new tactical optics trailer:

Sniper :Ghost Warrior 2 is the only multi-platform FPS modern shooter exclusively designed around the sniper experience and built using the most advanced game engine in CryENGINE3. It takes all the breathless anticipation, precise controls and skilful fun of sniping and mixes it with stealth and silent elimination play.

Sniper: Ghost Warrior 2 is set for release on March 15^th in UK on Xbox 360, PlayStation 3 and PC.

We recently had the opportunity recently to interview Michael Sroczynski, who is a producer from City Interactive working on Sniper: Ghost Warrior 2. Here is the interview:

What do you think of the game? Let us know by leaving a comment below.

CeBIT 2013: QNAP Demonstrates Multimedia, Digital Signage Solutions

Storage & NAS

Jim McCarthy

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Mar 5, 2013

0

At CeBIT 2013, QNAP showed off some of the multimedia and digital signage capabilities of their TurboNAS line of NAS units. Read on for details!

At CeBIT 2013, QNAP showed off some of the multimedia and digital signage capabilities of their TurboNAS line of NAS units. Here is the press release:

QNAP Demonstrates Ultra Home Multimedia Applications for the Turbo NAS, Unveils Powerful NAS Solutions with VMware VAAI, and More at CeBIT 2013

Taipei, Taiwan, March 5, 2013 – At the CeBIT 2013 opening today, QNAP^® Systems, Inc. presented the multimedia applications for home users, unveiled its high performance business-class Turbo NAS solutions with VMware^® VAAI certification for virtualization applications, and displayed the new VioStor NVR firmware v4.0.0. Visitors could experience the full-spectrum of Turbo NAS series and VioStor NVR series at CeBIT 2013.

Ultra home multimedia applications

QNAP displayed a comprehensive multimedia experience with its Turbo NAS featuring various home applications. The HD Station enables users to obtain Full HD experience with big-screen TV via HDMI and easily enjoy the vast video, music and photo collections stored in the Turbo NAS, surf the web, and even control the entire experience from mobile phones or tablets. The TV Station allows online TV watching, recording, and playback with DVB-T USB TV tuner. Mobile apps including Qfile and Qmanager are available for users to easily upload, share, and manage files remotely with the mobile devices. The new Qfile HD app is particularly designed for iPad users with enhanced user interface. Users can enjoy a smart digital life and entertainment with the feature-rich Turbo NAS.

10GbE ready, 400 TB NAS solution and virtualization-aware storage

QNAP presented a powerful 400 TB NAS Solution for virtualization combining its high-end Turbo NAS TS-x79U series with new additions of REXP-1200U-RP and REXP-1600U-RP. It provides a flexible solution for IT administrators to expand the total capacity of the Turbo NAS up to 400TB. Equipped with many other powerful features including 10GbE ready, SSD cache, VMware VAAI and vSphere Client plug-in, Microsoft SCVMM/ODX, and thin-provisioned volume, the Turbo NAS not only effectively optimizes efficiency and reliability in virtualization applications, but also serves as a high performance NAS for data backup.

“The great storage expansion solution will relieve IT administrators from having to invest big at initial setup,” said David Tsao, product manager of QNAP. “The solution can largely reduce inflexibility in IT budget allocation for businesses that do not see rapid growth of storage demand in the near future, but in some point of time afterward.”

QNAP has been continuously improving user experience in virtualization. The QNAP virtualization-aware solution offers optimal performance for businesses to deploy a virtualization environment.

VioStor NVR firmware v4.0.0

The new VioStor NVR firmware 4.0.0, revamped with a completely new user interface, drag-and-drop control panel, cross-browser support, real-time system alert and much more, was presented for users to enjoy smooth experience with the management of VioStor NVR.

The VioStor NVR supports up to 64-channel display mode for live monitoring and 16-channel display mode for playback, provides practical local display, real-time system alert and E-map function, and offers more management convenience when users experience the powerful surveillance system.

Digital Signage Player

The QNAP digital signage player includes its own embedded software allowing easy content design and control for content placement. The software allows the freedom to schedule message delivery and the flexibility to manage multiple signage players over the network. The latest digital signage series iS-1500, iS-1600 and iS-1620 are available in the exhibition for users to experience.

Availability

The availability of QNAP 400TB solution will be announced separately.

Learn more about QNAP Turbo NAS, VioStor NVR and Digital Signage Player, at www.qnap.com.

Tomb Raider is out so go get it now

Gaming
News

Andrew Edney

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Mar 5, 2013

0

Square Enix today announces that Tomb Raider, developed by Crystal Dynamics, is now available in stores for Microsoft Xbox 360, Sony PlayStation 3. The PC version is also available in stores and via online platforms including Steam.

“Creating something truly special is incredibly challenging. You have got to really want it: you have to be passionate; you have to care about it, and you have to dedicate yourself.” said Darrell Gallagher, Head of Studio at Crystal Dynamics. “We have a studio full of talented people who have put their hearts into making this game – this is not just a game on their resumé, speak to any one of them, they’ve been on a journey. We hope that the game we’ve built will endure and that this is a well deserving renaissance for Lara Croft.”

Written by Rhianna Pratchett and John Stafford, with music composed by Jason Graves, Tomb Raider explores the intense origin story of Lara Croft and her ascent from an untried and untested young woman to a hardened survivor. Armed only with raw instincts and the ability to push beyond the limits of human endurance, Lara must fight to unravel the dark history of a forgotten island to escape its relentless hold. Featuring for the first time a bespoke multiplayer campaign developed by Eidos Montréal.

In addition, the game has been accompanied by a wealth of companion items and interactive media, including Brady Strategy Guides and beautiful companion art book (Tomb Raider: The Art of Survival), a Dark Horse Comic, written by game writer, Rhianna Pratchett, (Tomb Raider: The Beginning), an Official Soundtrack, Tomb Raider online store, and a The Final Hours of Tomb Raider App available on iTunes and the Amazon store.

So are you going to buy Tomb Raider? Let us know by leaving a comment below.

Fractal Design Introduces the Core 1000 USB 3.0 Case

Tech

Jim McCarthy

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Mar 5, 2013

0

Fractal Design introduced a new case, the Core 1000 USB 3.0, the other day. Read on for details!

Fractal Design introduced a new case, the Core 1000 USB 3.0, the other day. It will be available in April 2013 and will MSRP for $39.95. Here is the press release:

Bringing you the Core 1000 USB 3.0!

The Fractal Design Core Series offers a unique combination of design, cooling performance and value.

The Core 1000 USB 3.0 brings forth many features usually only seen in more expensive and larger cases. It supports long graphics cards up to 350mm in length as a result of the innovative, vertical HDD mounting bracket. The front panel is easily removable and pre-fitted with fan filters to ensure a dust free interior.

The sleek black interior is contrasted with white expansion slots while all HDD mountings are fitted with anti-vibration silicone grommets for optimal silence.

Key features

Simple yet elegant mesh front panel allowing for increased airflow through the case

Optimized for performance in a compact, micro-ATX form factor with multiple cooling options

NEW: 1 x USB 3.0 with internal connector, 1 x USB 2.0

One Silent Series R2 fan included: 1 x 120mm in front

A total of 3 fan slots (1 x 120mm in front, 1 x 92mm in rear, 1 x 120mm in side panel)

Innovative HDD positioning with mounts the HDD or SSDs vertically on the mounting bracket with anti-vibration silicone grommets

Supports long graphics cards up to 350mm in length

Supports various combinations of drive sets ups: 3 x 2.5″ SSD, 2 x 3.5″ HDD or 1 x 2.5″ SSD + 1 x 3.5″ HDD

Dust filters for PSU and front fan positions

MSRP:

USD: $ 39.95

EURO: € 39.95

GBP: £ 34.95

SEK: 349:-

Model

Core 1000 USB 3.0

Article Number

FD-CA-CORE-1000-USB3-BL

EAN / UPC

7350041081098 / 817301011099

*Available April 2013

Nintendo Release New Update for Wii U to Version 2.1.3

Gaming
News

Chris Hare

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Mar 5, 2013

1

Nintendo Release New Update for Wii U to Version 2.1.3

Nintendo has released a new software update for the Wii U, adding in “system stability improvements and other adjustments to enhance the user’s experience”.

You can download the 30MB update now, the update brings the Wii U’s software to version 2.1.3.

Unfortunately the update does not include the overall speed upgrades that Nintendo has promised for the Wii U’s lengthy OS load times. A further update is expected at a later date to address this issue.

As well as waiting for Nintendo TVii to launch in Europe, future updates will also include a Virtual Console section in the eShop.

Synology launches DiskStation Manager (DSM) 4.2

Andrew Edney

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Mar 5, 2013

1

Synology have launched their DiskStation Manager (DSM) 4.2 software after a beta period.

DSM 4.2 delivers:

Agile, reliable storage: DSM 4.2 features LUN Snapshot and Clone to provide up to 256 snapshots per LUN and near-instant duplication of virtual copies of a LUN, with no impact on system performance and minimal extra storage space. Synology High Availability (SHA) now supports more DiskStation/RackStation, and together with Global hot spare disks, ensures business continuity across enterprise and SMB environments. Two-step verification reinforces security with a predefined password and a six-digit one-time code.

Optimised manageability: RADIUS server enhances Wi-Fi security and offers centralised authentication for access control. DNS server allows users to own domain names of their choice and centrally host different services. Disk Usage Report visualises storage usage for IT admins, generating storage reports to ensure best storage utilisation. Server management is further simplified with Task Scheduler, which performs assigned tasks according to users’ pre-defined schedule. Furthermore, Synology NAS can provide TFTP service to create a PXE environment, allowing users to boot up systems over the network.

Streamlined cloud architecture: The enterprise-ready Cloud Station supports nearly unlimited user accounts and merges easily in to LDAP and AD environments. Amazon® Glacier BackupBeta provides a budget-friendly data archiving and backup solution. Data management becomes more efficient with up to 52% of performance gains in file transfers to Mac. File Station has made file management even easier by supporting hotkeys and Thumbnail View.

The wonder of multimedia streaming: Video Station supports soundtrack selection, HDHomeRun DVB-T TV tuner and multi-channel TV streaming and recording. It also allows users to watch movies on AirPlay and DLNA devices, with their mobile device as a remote control. With a revamped user interface that realises simplicity in design, Audio Station supports Bluetooth A2DP technology to empower music lovers with the ability to enjoy high-quality sound all around. Photo uploads are more efficient with not only the intuitive drag-n-drop feature in Photo Station but also Photo Station Uploader that additionally accelerates thumbnail conversion.

Full control over data at fingertips: All the data can be automatically and securely synced over SSL encryption via DS cloud, where iOS/Android users can specify sync rules by file type and size, as well as the option to sync only on WiFi connection. DS video is an easy way to stream movies to mobile devices, where users can continue from where they were left off on the last device. DS photo+ can automatically and instantly uploads iOS/Android users’ photos onto Photo Station. QuickConnect now supports DS photo+, DS audio and DS cloud to remove the hassle of configuring port forwarding and make remote data access even more effortless and easier.

For more details about DSM 4.2, please visit http://www.synology.com/dsm/index.php.

Synology DSM 4.2 is free to download for users who own a DiskStation or RackStation x09 series and onward. Supported models include:

DS213+, DS413, DS213, DS413j, DS213air, DS2413+, DS713+, RS10613xs+, RS3413xs+, DS712+, DS212, DS212+, DS212j, RS212, RS812, DS1512+, DS1812+, DS3612xs, RS3412xs, RS3412RPxs, DS112j, DS112, DS412+, RS812+, RS812RP+, RS2212+, RS2212RP+, DS112+, DS3611xs, RS3411xs, RS3411RPxs, DS2411+, RS2211+, RS2211RP+, DS1511+, RS411, DS411, DS411+II, DS411+, DS411j, DS411slim, DS211+, DS211, DS211j, DS111, DS1010+, RS810+, RS810RP+, DS410, DS410j, DS710+, DS210+, DS210j, DS110+, DS110j, DS509+, RS409+, RS409RP+, RS409, DS409+, DS409, DS209+II, DS209+, DS209, DS209j, DS109+, DS109, DS109j, and DS409slim

The download is available at http://www.synology.com/support/download.php

The live demo site is available at http://www.synology.com/products/dsm_livedemo.php

What’s New in Version 1.1

What’s New in Version 3.1

Other Tomb Raider articles you should check out:

Bringing you the Core 1000 USB 3.0!

Key features