Archive

Fitbit first to sync to Android through Bluetooth 4.0

Andrew Edney

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Feb 12, 2013

Fitbit One and Fitbit Zip, the latest wireless activity and sleep trackers from Fitbit in the UK, now sync directly to select Android devices using the latest Bluetooth 4.0 technology thanks to a new app available today.

This makes them the only activity trackers on the market globally and in the UK that offer Android owners the ability to track activity on the go, with live stat syncing and real-time progress updates direct to their phone or tablet.

The new app, available from the Google Play Store, allows Zip and One owners to use their smartphone or tablet as their dashboard, giving real-time progress updates and providing access to Fitbit’s rich graphs and tools on the go to keep them motivated throughout the day.

Using the Fitbit mobile app, users can set goals, see stats updated, and track progress when they are on the go. And because the Fitbits sync wirelessly throughout the day, users also receive notifications on their phone when they are close to their goals to keep them motivated and, when they meet their goals, to celebrate achievements.

The updated Android app will be compatible with the Samsung Galaxy SIII and Samsung Note II with more devices available shortly. This compliments Fitbit’s existing Bluetooth 4.0 capabilities on iOS Bluetooth Smart Ready devices, including the iPhone 4S, 5 and iPad 3.

The Final Hours of Tomb Raider Episode Five: The End of the Beginning Part One

Andrew Edney

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Feb 12, 2013

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Crystal Dynamics today launched the fifth in their series of behind the scenes documentaries entitled, The Final Hours of Tomb Raider: The End of the Beginning.

In the penultimate episode of The Final Hours we head back to Redwood City, to the studio of Crystal Dynamics, where host Zachary Levi explores what happens during the last days of Tomb Raider’s development.

Featuring discussions with key members of the team at Crystal Dynamics, who elaborate on the culmination of hard work required to optimise and polish the game in time for release.

See Crystal on their home stretch: the long days, and nights, are coming to an end and the finish line is in sight; stay tuned to see second part of this Final Hours episode coming very soon.

Here is episode five part one:

I am a huge fan of the new Tomb Raider game, and you can check out both our preview of the first three hours of the game and also some gameplay footage.

Not long now until March!

Sonos introduces the PLAYBAR soundbar

Andrew Edney

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Feb 12, 2013

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Sonos today introduced 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 will retail 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.

Disney release new images of Monsters University Play Set and Toy Box mode for Disney Infinity

Gaming
News

Andrew Edney

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Feb 12, 2013

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Disney Interactive has released new images of the “Monsters University” Play Set and Toy Box mode for Disney Infinity, its most ambitious gaming initiative ever.

These new assets provide the first in-depth look at the characters, world and gameplay of “Monsters University” within Disney Infinity – including new screenshots, character artwork and high-res images of the Mike and Sulley interactive character figures.

For the first time, Disney and Pixar Animation Studios’ most popular characters come together in a magical storytelling experience. Disney Infinity is an all-new gaming platform that combines Disney’s most popular franchises with one of today’s hottest trends in toys – interactive figures that come to life in video games. Players can place real-world toy versions of their favourite Disney characters onto a device called the Disney Infinity Base and transport them into the virtual game worlds of “Monsters University,” “The Incredibles” and “Pirates of the Caribbean,” as well as into a giant Toy Box where they can create their own Disney experiences.

This all-new game universe will launch this summer across all consoles and will have a phased roll out across mobile and online devices throughout 2013.

The Disney Infinity Platform includes:

· Disney Infinity Interactive Pieces – Initially a line of 40 collectible interactive pieces will be introduced that allow players to expand and customize their play experiences.

· Disney Infinity Interactive Character Figures – Seventeen character figures will allow players to experience a variety of their favourite characters in true to property experiences and in “Toy Box” mode.

· Disney Infinity Base – When figures are placed on the Infinity base, they unlock the world and play experiences of Disney Infinity.

· Disney Infinity Power Discs – Interactive discs can be placed on the Infinity base to power up characters and “Toy Box” with unique powers, customizations and gadgets.

Development for Disney Infinity is being led by Disney Interactive and Avalanche Software. For additional information, please visit www.disney.com/Infinity

WD announces My Book AV-TV drive for TV recording and playback

Andrew Edney

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Feb 12, 2013

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WD today introduced My Book AV-TV, allowing customers to instantly enable their TV recording features to store and playback hundreds of hours of entertainment by simply connecting the My Book AV-TV drive directly to a compatible TV.

Additionally, customers watching live TV with the My Book AV-TV connected can press pause and rewind, or fast-forward afterward, to control and enjoy live TV at their convenience.

My Book AV-TV, available in 1 terabyte (TB) and 2 TB capacities, easily connects directly to televisions with built-in recording capability to provide plentiful storage capacity for standard or high-definition entertainment programming. Built with WD GreenPower Technology, the drive inside is engineered for the audio/video market in order to optimise the customer experience with smooth video playback of recorded content. Additionally, the WD GreenPower Technology is engineered to use less power and stay cool even in a hot entertainment centre full of electronics.

The drive’s super-fast USB 3.0 connection enables multiple HD streaming for simultaneous recording and playback for customers that connect their My Book AV-TV to a dual-tuner television. The simultaneous recording feature allows customers to record their favourite programme while watching a different channel at the same time.

Additionally, the sleek and compact design of My Book AV-TV ensures that the drive fits neatly in most entertainment centre consoles. It can stand upright or lay horizontally, making it easy to neatly position the drive near the television while maximising airflow and minimising heat around the drive.

I got an opportunity to see the My Book AV-TV in action at the Panasonic 2013 Conference in Nice yesterday and I have to say it works very well – but more on that soon.

Compatibility

For the latest list of compatible TVs and AV devices, visit www.wd.com/mybookavtv.

Availability

My Book AV-TV will be available at major consumer electronics online at www.wdstore.co.uk

Microsoft announces that 76 million Xbox 360 consoles have been sold

Andrew Edney

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Feb 12, 2013

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Microsoft have just released figures that show a whopping 76 million Xbox 360 consoles have been sold worldwide.

Here are the highlights:

· 76 million Xbox 360 consoles have been sold around the world to-date

· Xbox 360 has been the #1 selling console in the US for 24 consecutive months, selling three times the number of original Xbox consoles

· 24 million Kinect sensors have been sold around the world to-date

· The Xbox LIVE community has grown to 46 million subscribers, a 15% YOY growth

· In 2012, the amount of TV and entertainment offerings on Xbox almost tripled, nearly surpassing 100 custom, voice-controlled Xbox LIVE apps

· 2012 was the biggest year for entertainment and games usage on Xbox:

o Xbox delivered 18 billion hours of entertainment in 2012, over 10% YOY growth

o The average user now spends 87 hours a month on Xbox, a 10% YOY growth (Base: Gold subscribers in the U.S., includes all Xbox activity)

o Entertainment app usage grew 57% year over year globally (hours calendar year 2012 vs. 2011)

o Online multiplayer gaming also grew during 2012

Sonos system updates coming today, including iPhone 5 display support

Apple

Andrew Edney

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Feb 12, 2013

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Today Sonos will release a number of updates to its system.

This update will deliver the following three enhancements:

Sonos Favourites:

– Add any track, album, playlist or radio station from any music source to your Sonos Favourites

– Quickly find and play the music you love simply by selecting your Sonos Favourites from the music menu in any Sonos Controller

Sonos Controller for Android:

– A new widget allows you to Play/Pause or skip tracks from your home screen. The new widget also displays album art and metadata so you can quickly see what’s playing without having to launch your Sonos app.

– Improved Search feature enables you to find new music from any screen within the Sonos Controller.

iPhone 5 display support:

– We optimized the Sonos Controller for iPhone so you can enjoy the app on the larger iPhone5 screen.

Let us know what you think of the updates by leaving a comment below.

New Xbox Rumoured to Require Always on Kinect

Gaming
News

Chris Hare

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Feb 12, 2013

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Microsoft’s next Xbox is rumoured to require Kinect at all times.
According to a Kotaku source known as SuperDaE, who claims to have access to a development kit of Microsoft’s next console, Kinect will no longer be an optional accessory with the new system.

The new Kinect sensor will be included with every console, and will need to be plugged in and calibrated in order for the console to run.

Kinect on Durango, the console’s codename, will be able to track up to six individuals at once. The skeletons tracked with the new Kinect will be more sophisticated than the current sensor, with the ability to sense individual finger movements and possibly even facial expressions.

The technology may be related to a patent filed by Microsoft last year for parental controls and limiting the number of viewers for content based on Kinect tracking data.

The new Xbox has reportedly entered beta, with a shipment of brand new prototype kits having made their way to developers.

Alleged Xbox 720 patent filings suggest Microsoft’s next console will feature two CPUs, one for gaming and another for multimedia applications.

The filings support some of the details discovered within a set of alleged leaked Xbox 720 documents from 2010.

The 56-page set was removed from the web following an intervention by Microsoft’s legal team.

It claimed that the Xbox 720 will launch during the 2013 holiday season and feature Kinect 2.0, 3D technology and the long-rumoured Xbox TV.

Apple releases iOS 6.1.1 for iPhone 4S users

Apple

Andrew Edney

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Feb 11, 2013

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This update addresses the cellular performance and reliability issues with the iPhone 4S caused by iOS 6.1.

If you have an iPhone 4S go get the update now, its available via OTA.

App Update: Spotify for iOS Updated to Version 0.5.10

Apple

Andrew Edney

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Feb 11, 2013

0

The Spotify app for iOS has been updated to version 0.5.10.

Get free access to Spotify Premium now! With Premium you’ll get access to 15 million tracks from thousands of albums and artists on your iPhone, iPod Touch & iPad. If you haven’t tried Premium before, you can try it on your mobile for 48-hours, completely free. You don’t even have to enter credit card details. Simply download this app and log in.

Great features

– Instant access to over 15 million tracks
– Stream online
– Listen offline – no mobile connection needed
– Share music with your friends
– Star your favourite tracks
– Wirelessly sync your own MP3s to your iPhone, iPod Touch & iPad
– Create and sync playlists
– Send the tracks you listen to direct to Last.fm & Facebook

* If you don’t have log in details – simply register for a free Spotify account on the Spotify website. Full mobile terms of Use & 48-hour free trial terms and conditions can also be found on the Spotify website.

What’s New in Version 0.5.10

• Spotify is now available in Polish and Italian.

Download now from the Apple App Store

Sony Computer Entertainment Europe Introduce a new YouTube App for PlayStation 3

Gaming
News

Andrew Edney

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Feb 11, 2013

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Sony Computer Entertainment Europe (SCEE) and YouTube, today unveiled a new YouTube application for PlayStation 3.

From the 11th February, the YouTube application will be available as a free download via the XMB, in ‘My Channels’ under the TV / Video Services icon.

Designed for the big screen and PS3 controls, the YouTube app has search tools to find videos faster and easier, the option to sign-in to see all your subscribed channels including official music videos, and the ability to control the app using your smartphone.

The YouTube app will be available in YouTube Serviced Territories (as determined by Google) where PlayStation®Store (PS Store) is also available. These SCEE territories include: Australia, Belgium, Czech Republic, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, India, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Netherlands, New Zealand, Poland, Russia, South Africa, Spain, Sweden, and United Kingdom.

Users may have watched YouTube on PS3 before, but with the introduction of the app they will be able to access completely new and improved features, these include:

Search: Finding videos is easier than ever, with search suggestions and instant video results while you type.
Access to subscriptions: Sign in to find the latest videos from your YouTube subscriptions, which now also includes official music videos.
Your smartphone as a remote: With a quick pairing process, you can control YouTube on PS3 with a smartphone. Find a video on your phone and with the click of a button it’ll play on the big screen. While the video is playing you can control it from the phone, or keep browsing YouTube for the next one.

Key Features
User Experience:
• User Interface Optimized for TV
• Video Search
• Ability to Browse and Search for videos while watching
• PS3 Game Controller Support
• HD (Up to 720p)
• Content Flagging
• Closed Caption
• YouTube trending and popular video playlists

Smartphone and Tablet Pairing
• Browse and search for videos on phone/tablet while watching on PS3
• Fling videos to PS3 from smartphone or tablet
• Control video with smartphone
• Comment on phone while watching

Signed In Experience
• Sign-In and Channel Guide
• User’s liked videos
• Watch later videos
• User’s playlists
• Subscribed channels
• Search History

Let us know what you think of it by leaving a comment below.

Office for Mac 2011 14.3.0 update released

Andrew Edney

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Feb 11, 2013

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Microsoft have released update 14.3.0 for Office for Mac 2011, bringing with it fixes and improvements.

Here is what the update includes:

This update provides the latest fixes to Office for Mac 2011. These include the following:

Meeting invitation times are displayed inaccurately in Outlook for Mac
Fixes an issue that causes meeting invitation times from non-Exchange calendar servers to be off by one hour during certain times of the year.
Slides in collapsed sections cover other slides in Slide Sorter view in PowerPoint for Mac
Fixes a display issue that involves collapsed sections in Slide Sorter view.
Hash tags (#) in hyperlinks aren’t saved correctly in PowerPoint for Mac
Fixes an issue in which hyperlinks that contain hash tags (#) aren’t saved correctly.
Crash occurs when you use Paste Special with a partial table in PowerPoint for Mac
Fixes an issue that causes PowerPoint to crash when you use the Paste Special option to copy and paste part of a table.
RTF text that’s saved in PowerPoint for Windows can’t be pasted into PowerPoint for Mac
Fixes an issue in which RTF text that’s saved in PowerPoint for Windows can’t be copied and pasted into PowerPoint for Mac.

The update is 106 MB in size and is available now.

Minecraft PI Edition available to download in case you missed it

Andrew Edney

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Feb 11, 2013

0

If you have a Raspberry Pi and you love Minecraft you can now download Minecraft PI Edition.

This is what was posted:

The first iteration of Minecraft: Pi Edition is now available! And it’s completely free to download. We’re adding new features in due course, but thought you guys would appreciate us getting something out to you as soon as possible.

Daniel Frisk has provided the following instructions on how to get started.

Minecraft – Pi Edition runs on Raspbian “wheezy” with XWindows. If you need to set that up, visit http://www.raspberrypi.org/downloads and follow the detailed instructions within.

Boot up your Raspberry Pi with Raspbian. If you haven’t set XWindows to start automatically upon boot, type in “startx”.

Next click the icon for LXTerminal to open a new terminal window. Use the following commands (in bold) to download and launch:

To download it: click here or visit https://s3.amazonaws.com/assets.minecraft.net/pi/minecraft-pi-0.1.1.tar.gz
To decompress it: tar -zxvf minecraft-pi-0.1..1.tar.gz
To run it: cd mcpi
Followed by minecraft-pi

Let us know if you download it by leaving a comment below.

Ghost Recon Ghosts to gear up with exclusive Assassin’s Creed items

Gaming
News

Andrew Edney

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Feb 11, 2013

0

Today, Ubisoft announced the cross promotion between Ghost Recon Online and Assassin’s Creed to celebrate the upcoming release of the Assassin’s Creed III DLC pack The Tyranny of King Washington: The Infamy.

Available on Xbox 360 and Windows PCs on February 19 and on PlayStation3 on February 20. Ghost Recon Online players now have the opportunity to equip their characters with exclusive Assassin’s creed items:

– 5 new Recon class items : The legendary Assassin’s Creed Hood and 4 pieces of body armor

– 6 new weapons straight from the weapon racks of Abstergo industries private security forces (F2000 SP AC, Fiveseven AC, MG36 KV AC, P90 C AC, Sentinel SR-1 AC, Pentagun SP AC). These firearms boast superior accuracy and improved recoil control systems

These items are purchasable with Requisition points (Ingame points) or Ghost Coins (Ingame currency) from February 11^th to March 1^st. Bundles with savings of up to 15% are also available and all come with an exclusive avatar.

How cool is that? Let us know what you think by leaving a comment below.