Google updates YouTube Capture App to version 1.1 bringing 1080p uploads

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Google has released an update to its YouTube Capture app.

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What’s New in Version 1.1

· 1080p uploads!
· Improved audio sync
· More detailed upload feedback
· Share to networks after uploading
· Bug fixes & stability improvements

You can download YouTube Capture from the App Store for free.

Ace Combat Assault Horizon: Enhanced Edition for PC now available

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Namco Bandai today released Ace Combat Assault Horizon: Enhanced Edition for the PC.

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Ace Combat Assault Horizon: Enhanced Edition features controls and graphics that have been optimized specifically for PC users. The PC version will include many of the DLC items released on the console versions of the game. Players will have immediate access to additional aircrafts and numerous aircraft skins as well as skills and maps. The multiplayer portion of the game will feature support through Games for Windows Live from Microsoft.

Here are some new screenshots as well:

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Ace Combat Assault Horizon is now available on Windows PC at retailers and via digital download.

EA announce Origin for Mac trial

If you are a Mac owner then you know Origin, EA’s online game store isn’t available for you – well that is until now. EA are offering you the chance to test the alpha build of Origin for Mac, but hurry as places are limited.

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This is what EA posted about the

Mac gamers rejoice: Origin for Mac will be launching soon, and starting today we’re offering you the opportunity to take it for a spin before the official release (UK fans click here) .This open alpha will only be available to a few thousand users in North America and the United Kingdom, so don’t wait—download your copy of our new Mac client (alpha build) today.

With Origin for Mac we’ll be able to offer the same Origin experience and features that define our PC app — cloud storage, auto-patching, friends list, and more — to Mac users everywhere. We’re very excited about the upcoming launch of Origin for Mac and the opportunity to reach the millions of Mac-based gamers out there.  We’re continuing to build Origin into a gaming service that truly lets you purchase and play anywhere, anytime.

You may notice that the Origin Store tab is not yet live in this alpha trial; rest assured, the store will be live—with a great catalog of EA and partner titles—when we formally release the client. Additionally, we’re not yet able to provide the same one-click streaming live to Twitch in Origin for Mac (we’ll be adding this as soon as possible).

Otherwise, the Mac client feels and behaves exactly like the PC version. Just like PC gamers, you’ll be able to add non-Origin games to your library, use the Origin In Game overlay, chat with friends across platforms and games, and can continue your saved progress from any Origin-enabled Mac.

In order to make sure you can get the most out of this alpha trial, we’ve added a free copy of PopCap’s smash hit puzzle game, Bookworm, to your My Games library. This game is yours to download and keep, on us. We hope you enjoy it.

Finally, you’ll notice a Feedback button in your My Games library; it’s only there temporarily, but we hope you will use it to share your thoughts with us – after all, that’s what alpha access is for! If you have any further questions, check the FAQ here or comment below.

Your participation in this alpha trial is greatly appreciated, and your feedback will help ensure the best possible experience for all Mac gamers when we officially launch. If you have a Mac running OS X 10.6.8 or newer with an Intel Core 2 Duo processor or better, we hope you’ll download the alpha and start gaming today.

Have you signed up yet? Let us know by leaving a comment below.

Buy God of War: Ascension and get a chapter of The Last of Us included

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If like me you are waiting for The Last of Us then you might want to buy God of War: Ascension when its released as a chapter of The Last of Us is included!

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This is what Naughty Dog posted on their blog:

In just a few short months, The Last of Us will launch and put the fate of Joel and Ellie into your hands as they embark on a brutal journey across a post-pandemic United States. Right now, May 7, 2013 might seem like a long way away so to help assuage the excruciating wait we have some very exciting news to share with you. We’re announcing today that you’ll be able to demo The Last of Us when it becomes available prior to launch by picking up a copy of God of War: Ascension. Fans that picked up God of War: Ascension will be the only people to get their hands on this chapter of The Last of Us prior to the launch of the full game!

We teamed up with the development crew at Santa Monica Studio to include a chapter of The Last of Us in every copy of God of War: Ascension so you won’t have to wait too long to get your hands on two of the biggest games of the year. You’ll simply have to load your God of War: Ascension disc into your PS3 and find The Last of Us listing on the main menu. There you’ll find details on how you can obtain The Last of Us demo for free and when it launches. So, shortly after you’re done carving your way through Ancient Greece in Kratos’ quest for vengeance, you’ll be able to get an early taste of the story in The Last of Us without even swapping discs.

We hope you’re as excited about this news as we are and we know what’s likely on your mind now: what will you be able to play? We’ll have more news about what’s in store for you after God of War: Ascension launches in March. We hope your wait just got better!

Are you going to buy either The Last of Us or God of War: Ascension? I really can’t wait to play them.

Check out The Last of Us Q&A panel with Troy Baker and Ashley Johnson at Gamescom 2012

PS Vita System Software Update v2.05 now

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Sony have released the next PS Vita System Software Update (v2.05) and it is available now.

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It improves stability during use of some features

Have you got a PS Vita? Let us know what you think of it.

Check out our review of the PS Vita

Belkin Announces Intent to Acquire Cisco’s Home Networking Business

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Belkin announced that they intend to acquire Cisco’s home networking business, including the Linksys brand.  Read on for details.

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Belkin announced that they intend to acquire Cisco’s home networking business, including the Linksys brand.  Cisco has been looking for some time to sell their home networking business, and the combination of Belkin and Linksys should command about a 30% market share in US home networking equipment.  No financial terms were disclosed, and the deal is expected to close in March 2013.

Here is the press release:

Belkin Announces Intent to Acquire Cisco’s Home Networking Business Unit


Acquisition to Bolster Belkin’s Position in the Home Networking Market, Building on the Strong Linksys Brand and Innovative Suite of Product and Software Solutions

Playa Vista, Calif. – January 24, 2013 – Belkin, a private company based in Playa Vista, Calif., with operations and sales in more than 100 countries, today announced that it has entered into an agreement to acquire Cisco’s Home Networking Business Unit, including its proven products, technology, well-known Linksys brand and talented employees. With global operations, Linksys’ main office is located in Irvine, Calif.

“We’re very excited about this announcement,” said Chet Pipkin, CEO of Belkin. “Our two organizations share many core beliefs – we have similar beginnings and share a passion for meeting the real needs of our customers through the strengths of an entrepreneurial culture. Belkin’s ultimate goal is to be the global leader in the connected home and wireless networking space and this acquisition is an important step to realizing that vision.”

Belkin intends to maintain the Linksys brand and will offer support for Linksys products as part of this transaction. All valid warranties will be honored by Belkin for current and future Linksys products. After the transaction closes, Belkin will account for approximately 30 percent of the U.S. retail home and small business networking market.

“Linksys pioneered wireless connectivity capability around the globe, and has a strong brand renowned for its premium market position, the strength of its installed base and its proven dependability. Linksys users benefit from peace of mind in their home networking environment. At Belkin we have developed great insight into consumer needs, and the experiences, solutions and products we bring to the market, including our WeMo home automation platform, will help us to grow Linksys’ market presence,” Pipkin said.

“Linksys is one of the leading home networking providers and has created a market-leading suite of products and services to meet customer needs,” said Hilton Romanski, VP Corporate Business Development, Cisco. “While part of Cisco, Linksys has continuously innovated, while strengthening the brand and expanding its market leadership. As part of Cisco’s commitment to service providers, we are pleased about this strategic relationship with Belkin to build on Linksys’ position of strength.”

”With complementary innovation and engineering strategies in the combined organization, Belkin will be able to create new opportunities for consumers, distribution partners and resellers, and will have the strongest retail presence in the U.S. networking marketplace. Belkin also will have access to a large installed base that will be able to upgrade their networking environment to take advantage of new technologies in the smartphone, tablet, notebook and home automation arenas,” Pipkin said. “Additionally, Linksys will enhance Belkin’s capabilities to meet the needs of the service provider space and small business users.”

Belkin and Cisco intend to develop a strategic relationship on a variety of initiatives including retail distribution, strategic marketing and products for the service provider market. Having access to Cisco’s specialized software solutions across all of Belkin’s product lines will bring a more seamless user experience for customers. Merging the innovation capabilities of Linksys and Belkin provides a powerful platform from which to develop the next generation of home networking technology.

“At Belkin, we’re committed to enabling great experiences for users of today’s mobile and connected home technologies,” Pipkin said. “The acquisition of Linksys and the combination of Belkin’s and Linksys’ expertise and innovation will position us to meet the demands of today’s rapidly evolving advances in technology. We look forward to honoring the heritage of the Linksys brand and investing in the continuing evolution of its product portfolio. Together, we will provide a powerful, simple to use, and reliable wireless and networking platform for the markets we serve.”

Specific financial terms of the transaction are undisclosed. The transaction is subject to various standard closing conditions and is expected to close in March 2013.

No word yet about potential job losses, but it looks like Belkin intends to maintain the Linksys brand.  We’ll keep you posted.

Belkin Press Release

CES2013: Acoustic Research Introduces Stream Wireless Home Audio System

Acoustic Research announced a new wireless home audio system aimed at iTunes and iOS device users.  It leverages Wi Fi, iTunes and your iOS devices to manage wireless home audio.  Read on for details.

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Acoustic Research announced a new wireless home audio system aimed at iTunes and iOS device users. It leverages Wi Fi, iTunes and your iOS devices to manage wireless home audio.  Here is the press release:

Acoustic Research Introduces the Stream Wireless Home Audio System

 

Two and three room systems put high-performance whole-home audio within reach without custom install or expensive proprietary systems

LAS VEGAS, NV – JANUARY 7, 2013 – LVCC, CENTER HALL, BOOTH 10404 – Acoustic Research® (AR) introduced today the Stream Wireless Home Audio System (STREAM2 and STREAM3), which will grant consumers high-performance whole-home audio by leveraging two technologies consumers already use: Wi-Fi and iTunes. Since the Stream System is wireless, it eliminates the expensive and messy custom installation most consumers associate with whole-home audio. And because Stream uses an existing Wi-Fi network, it skips complicated wireless setup.
“The marketers and developers at Acoustic Research asked a pool of consumers a simple question: if you could have a sound system in your entire home for less than $800, would you be interested? The response was an overwhelming yes. So, we made it happen,” said David Geise, President of VOXX Accessories Corp. “The Acoustic Research Stream Wireless Home Audio System takes the technology many consumers already have in their homes—Wi-Fi and iTunes on their computer—and leverages them to give consumers full, rich sound anywhere and everywhere at home.”

Because the Stream System uses AirPlay wireless technology and specially-tuned speakers, the result is as good as systems that cost several times as much. In addition, the Stream System is as easy to control as it is to set up—select speakers, adjust volume, choose songs and playlists, all through iTunes on a computer. You can even control the Stream System from an iOS device. The Stream Wireless Home Audio System will be available this month in two (2)-room (STREAM2) and three (3)-room (STREAM3) systems, with suggested retail prices of $399.99 and $599.99, respectively.

The Stream Wireless Home Audio System makes high-performance whole-home audio easy and affordable. Wireless means there’s no custom install. And since Stream uses the consumer’s own Wi-Fi network, setting the system up is simple. Each speaker in the system has been specially tuned to provide rich, detailed sound with lossless reproduction via AirPlay wireless.

“The Stream 2 and Stream 3 Audio Systems not only let you hear your entire music library everywhere and anywhere in your home, they also deliver unsurpassed AR-quality sound,” concluded Geise.

Check out this video:

This is an interesting implementation of AirPlay and should be of interest to anyone with iTunes and iOS devices in the home looking to implement a wireless audio solution.  Two room systems will cost $399.99 and three room systems will cost $599.99.

Acoustic Research Stream Press Release

CES2013: Klipsch Announces Its New Line of Klipsch Music Centers

Klipsch announced a new line of wireless speakers for your mobile devices, aimed at audiophiles.  Read on for details.

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Klipsch announced a new line of wireless speakers for your mobile devices, aimed at audiophiles.  These systems sport multiple speakers and a 5 1/4” subwoofer, which should provide excellent sound quality and bass performance.  Klipsch did not bundle a rechargable battery for the portable unit, opting for six D cells; both the table top unit support Bluetooth, DLNA, AirPlay and AptX.  Here is the press release:

Klipsch Music Centers Make Debut at CES

INDIANAPOLIS (January 8, 2013) — Klipsch, a leading global speaker manufacturer, announces today its new line of Klipsch Music Centers, with the Klipsch Music Center Stadium and Klipsch Music Center KMC 3 debuting at CES.
The product line commemorates the brand’s partnership with Live Nation Entertainment and its sponsorship of the Klipsch Music Center amphitheater in its global headquarter city of Indianapolis. Designed to take the concert anywhere, the series of wireless sound solutions connect listeners with their favorite artists—minus the crowd.

Showcasing brushed aluminum cabinetry with soft-touch accents, the Klipsch Music Center Stadium harmonizes with any size and style living arrangement. Equipped with AirPlay®, apt-X® Bluetooth and DLNA, Stadium was created to grant audiophiles the convenience of portable music storage in smart devices, while also ensuring it’s accompanied by high-performance audio. The 2.1 tabletop sound solution features dual 1-inch, horn-loaded tweeters and 3-inch midrange woofers. These components are combined with dual 5.25-inch, built-in subwoofers to ensure premier bass output and sound quality.

In addition to offering aesthetic appeal with its unique soft-feel paint, semi-gloss accents and jewel-like logos, the apt-X® Bluetooth-enabled Klipsch Music Center KMC 3 presents a portable 2.1 system designed for powerful, accurate sound reproductions. With dual 2-inch, full-range drivers and a dedicated 5.25-inch subwoofer, the KMC 3 produce amazingly detailed output while creating deep, realistic bass. Completing the lifelike music experience is 130 watts of digital power produced by the system. A USB charging port is available to keep a streaming device charged, while a 3.5-milimeter input provides wired playback from any other music source.

“We’re proud to have a series of products that represents our commitment to live music,” said Paul Jacobs, CEO of Klipsch. “With the KMC 3 representing our first Bluetooth speaker, we’re eager to diversify our future offerings in the wireless audio category and help change the way individuals share the listening experience with one another.”

The Klipsch Music Center KMC 3 will be available in spring 2013, and the Klipsch Music Center Stadium in summer 2013. Additional KMC systems will join the series throughout 2013 and 2014.

Check out this video of the KMC3:

The KMC3 will be available this spring and will retail for $399.99.  The Music Center Stadium will follow in summer 2013; we’ll keep you posted.

Klipsch Music Center Press Release

CES2013: Voxx Announces ARS60 Portable Wireless Speaker

Voxx announced the ARS60 portable Bluetooth wireless speaker.  Read on for details.

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Voxx announced the ARS60 portable Bluetooth wireless speaker.  This speaker is small enough to be portable, and sounds great.  I was able to demo one in the Voxx booth and came away impressed with the sound from such a small speaker.  Here is the press release:

Acoustic Research Bluetooth Portable Wireless Speakers Sets Your Smartphone’s Music Library Free

Stream and control music wirelessly from your Bluetooth-enabled device

LAS VEGAS, NV – January 7, 2013 – International CES, Center Hall, Booth 10415 – Acoustic Research (AR), a brand owned by VOXX International Corporation (NASDAQ: VOXX), today unveiled a new addition to its line of Bluetooth indoor portable wireless speakers — the ARS60 portable wireless speaker. Using advanced audio coding, this next generation Bluetooth® equipped product offers sound quality that’s indistinguishable from wired systems, with an impressive dynamic range. The ARS60 is shaped to inspire, sized to go anywhere and sounds like miniature audio furniture.

“There are an estimated one billion Bluetooth-enabled electronic devices in the market today, from smartphones and tablets, to computers and more,” said David Geise, President of VOXX Accessories Corporation. “Bluetooth technology offers the fastest and most convenient way to synchronize and interconnect devices, and the ARS60 portable wireless speaker now allows a consumer to access their media content whenever and wherever they want.”

The AR ARS60 Bluetooth wireless speaker lets you bring your favorite music with you no matter where you go. This system lets you stream and control music from your smartphone or tablet, comes with dual drivers and a bass reflex system, and delivers 16 powerful watts of sound. The system also features a NiMH rechargeable battery, offering ten hours of music play time (at medium volume), a 3.5mm stereo input for wired devices, and includes a carrying pouch for safekeeping on the go. The ARS60 will be available in the spring of 2012, with a suggested retail price of $119.99.

This speaker will be available in spring 2013 and will be prices at $119.99.

ARS60 Press Release

CES2013: Voxx Announces 808 Line of Studio-Quality Headphones

Voxx International recently announced a new line of studio-quality headphones at a more reasonable price point.  Read on for details.

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Voxx International recently announced a new line of studio-quality headphones at a more reasonable price point.  These over-the-ear headphones, which are foldable and have a microphone built-in, come with 40mm drivers and are designed to deliver studio sound without the studio pricing.  Here is the news release:

VOXX Accessories Corp. Introduces Its 808 Line of Studio-Quality Headphones
The 808 line brings studio-quality sound and high-performance personal audio to everyone, at affordable prices
LAS VEGAS, NV – JANUARY 7, 2013 – LVCC, CENTER HALL, BOOTH 10404 – VOXX Accessories Corp., a wholly-owned subsidiary of VOXX International Corp. (NASDAQ: VOXX), announced today the launch of its 808 line of studio-quality, high-performance headphones. 808 headphones break down the walls separating regular consumers from high-performance personal audio by delivering studio-quality materials and engineering without the outrageous price. The 808 full-size over-ear models feature powerful 40mm drivers with outstanding response and accuracy in a foldable design and soft, comfortable earcups. 808 full-size headphones also come with multiple detachable cords and a protective travel case. The complete 808 headphone line will add the 808 Drift on-ear models and the 808 Switch in-ear models with detachable cables to the current over-ear headphone styles later this year.
“There are lots of premium headphones on the market that are high performance works of art, with designs and materials that make them more than just products. Studio-quality sound and performance doesn’t need to cost a lot,” said David Geise, President of Voxx Accessories Corporation. “The majority of high-performance headphones in the market today are walled-off from regular consumers by prohibitively high price tags. With many headphones, consumers are paying a premium that has nothing to do with performance. The 808’s have been engineered to deliver the studio-quality and high performance sound that consumers have come to expect from premium headphones, without the outrageous price.”
The 808 full-size headphones are available in three (3) colors: black matte (HPA88BKM), black high gloss (HPA88BKG), and white high gloss (HPA88WHG). Each 808 full-size headphone features 40mm drivers and a foldable design, with two (2) detachable cables (round without mic and flat with mic) as well as a high-quality soft travel case included. These full-size models will be available this month for an MSRP of $99.99. The On-Ear 808 Drifts and In-Ear 808 Switch headphones will be available in the second quarter of 2013.

Check out these product shots:

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And check out this promotional video:

The over-the-ear model is available this month and new models are expected in Q2 2013; we’ll keep you posted.

Voxx Press Release: 808 Headphones 808 Headphones Website

Two Minute Review: iHome iDM8 Bluetooth Speaker

iHome, the brand that sells about 25% of all of the digital speakers sold in the US, recently gave me a model iDM8 portable Bluetooth speaker to review. Here are my impressions!

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iHome, the brand that sells about 25% of all of the digital speakers sold in the US, recently gave me a model iDM8 portable Bluetooth speaker to review.  First, a little bit from iHome on the iDM8:

The iDM8 offers a round world of sound. The spherical rechargeable mono speaker
with Bluetooth capability looks and sounds great anywhere.  The speaker provides crisp sound that’s perfect for your music, games or apps.  An auto-pairing and -linking feature makes Bluetooth setup simple and fast.  The built-in lithium-ion battery is rechargeable, so you can enjoy music on the go without worrying about batteries. 2-in-1 audio/charging cable included.

FEATURES

  • Bluetooth wireless capability
    iPad, iPhone, iPod and other Bluetooth devices connect and play music
    wirelessly through speaker unit
  • Single omni directional speaker
    Specially designed high-end driver delivers 360° of astounding clarity,
    depth and power in single speaker
  • Supplied cable for charging speakers and connecting to
    audio source

    2-in-1 cable has USB plug for charging speaker, with audio plug for
    connecting to audio source– you can charge speaker while listening
  • SRS TruBass
    Built-in SRS TruBass circuitry enhances all your audio: music, apps, games
  • Rechargeable built-in lithium ion battery for portable use
  • Travel lock to save battery life, preserve settings during travel

GENERAL INFORMATION
Product Color(s): Black, red, blue, green, purple
Dimensions W H D
Inches: 3.47 3.07 3.47
mm: 88 78 88
Weight: .06 lbs
Battery: Rechargeable lithium ion battery

This is a small, single-speaker portable speaker that uses Bluetooth or an audio cable to connect your mobile device.  Does it stack up?

Sound Quality

Since this is a small, single-speaker unit with no sub woofer, bass response is a bit low, so some sources like movies sound a bit tinny.  However, the sound is clear, and the volume level is sufficient to fill a bedroom or hotel room with perfectly acceptable quality sound.  The sound quality is just fine considering the single speaker design, size and price point.

Bluetooth Connectivity

This iDM8 connected without issue to the following devices in my home:

  • Samsung Galaxy S3 cell phone on Android 4.1;
  • Samsung Galaxy Tab 2 7.0 on Android 4.1.;
  • Apple iPhone 5 on iOS 6;
  • Apple iPad (Gen 4) on iOS 6;
  • Apple iPad (Gen 1) on iOS 5;
  • Nokia Lumia 822 on Windows Phone 8;
  • Microsoft Surface RT running Windows RT;
  • ASUS EP-121 Windows 7 tablet.

The pairing process is easy and is well-documented in the instructions.  Every device that I tried paired on the first try, and playback of music and movies worked just fine.  This device will have a range of about 30 feet, and the connection was maintained while I walked around the first floor of my house with no issues.

Style and Design

This product looks like the top of a microphone, and sports a rechargable battery good for six hours of operation.  It looks great, is fairly light and easily could go with me on a trip.  In addition, there is a travel lock button on the bottom that locks out the controls while being transported; this prevents the battery from being drained by button pushes while packed away.  It comes in black, red, blue, green and purple, and I’m confident that you’ll find a color that you like.  This will look right at home in a kid’s bedroom or your kitchen, and the spherical shape is fun.  Buttons for controlling the device are wrapped around the middle of the sphere, feel sturdy and give good tactile feedback.  A handy LED status light tells you the current status of the device (connected, pairing, etc.) and volume controls are also placed on the device.  In practice, I set the volume to maximum on the speaker and used the mobile device to set the actual playback volume and that worked just fine.

Overall Evaluation

This is a nicely designed, sturdy single speaker portable speaker with Bluetooth connectivity.  While the bass response was a little light, sound quality was acceptable for this price range and speaker design.  Highly portable and attractively designed, this speaker is a good value at about $45, and is available now.  I give this one a 5/5 Gold Award.

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Check it out on Amazon.com today!

Buy the iHome iDB8 on Amazon.Com

App Update: Skype for Android updated with support for portrait calling on tablets

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Skype for Android has been updated and brings support for portrait calling on tablets.

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Make free Skype-to-Skype video calls, and call phones at Skype rates on the move

Make free voice and video calls to anyone else on Skype, whether they’re on an Android, iPhone, Mac or PC, as well as IMs to your friends and family.

Features:
– Skype to Skype IMs, video and voice calls are free over 3G or WiFi.
– Make low-cost calls and SMS to mobiles or landlines from your Android.
– Send pictures, videos and files to any of your contacts.
– Enjoy high-quality sound when you call anyone else on Skype.
– Talk face to face or show what you’re seeing with front and rear-facing cameras.

What’s in this version:

  • Portrait calling on tablets
  • New languages: Portuguese, Norwegian and English (UK)
  • Performance improvements and fixes
Download now from Google Play

CES2013: NYNE Announces New Smart Media Console

NYNE announced what they are calling “…Smart Media Centers for the home…” at CES2013.  We bring you the details!

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NYNE announced what they are calling “…Smart Media Centers for the home…” at CES2013.  The device is a console with speakers, designed to hide away all of the electronics that run your current home theater system.  The design is stylish and modern.  Here is the press release:

NYNE Introduces New Category of High-End Smart Media Centers for the Home at CES 2013

Oxnard, CA — December 20, 2012 ─ NYNE, a company that enriches consumers’ listening experiences with advanced acoustics, is set to introduce the first product in its category of Smart Media Centers for the home, the SMC-1000, at CES 2013. For the sophisticated audiophile who wants it all, the SMC-1000 is the first of its kind that combines style, function, versatility and superb audio. The SMC-1000 will be available for a private showing and demo at CES in Central Hall booth #11426 and will be available for delivery Q2 2013.

“Finally the discerning audio-video enthusiast can sweep aside those racks, stacks and wires in the living room and replace them with a high fashion, integrated media console,” said Arman Arami, president of NYNE. “NYNE’s SMC-1000 is not just another functional gear box masquerading as a TV stand. It’s a stylish media console with great sound that just happens to also be highly functional. With clean lines and a small footprint, the well-designed SMC-1000 will flatter any modern living room.”

Superior Audio

The SMC-1000 delivers a high performance audio experience with integrated soundbar technology. It boasts a 2.1 stereo system with a robust 400-Watts RMS power from two mid-range drivers, two tweeters and one subwoofer reaching 96db SPL. Whether it’s viewing a movie, listening to music or playing a video game, the SMC-1000’s sound system will impress the most ardent audiophile.

Centralized Connectivity

NYNE’s SMC-1000 is a true connectivity wizard with both wireless and wired connectivity for a wide range of audio and video devices. With 4 HDMI ports, 2 USB ports, Optical and Coaxial digital inputs, built-in Apple Lightning dock, Apple Airplay, 3.5 mm Aux-In and wireless Bluetooth – the audiovisual world is at your fingertips. Plus, for Android-based devices, Near Field Communication (NFC) allows users to connect to the SMC-1000 simply by tapping their device to the unit.

Clean Living

In today’s tech-crazy New World order, it’s all about great sound that includes device integration and a bold, shared experience – with no visual clutter. The SMC-1000 is up to the challenge. All wires and external devices magically disappear, allowing you to focus on superb sound and images instead.

Device Agnostic

This is our way of saying NYNE supports you regardless of the device you are using. Apple, Android, smartphones, media players and portable tablets – just to name a few of the myriad possibilities. NYNE’s SMC-1000 plays nice with them all!

Fuel Efficient Cinematic Experience

Leave the car in the driveway and park yourself on your comfy couch for a personalized cinematic experience – compliments of NYNE’s SMC-1000. Whether your device of choice is a Blu-Ray player, satellite receiver, game console, cable box, or computer, NYNE can accommodate you. So snuggle in with your favorite snack food and enjoy!

State-of-the-Art Gaming Center

Admit it. You complain your kids are addicted to their game console, but secretly wish you could play too – without having to sit on the floor. So grab the console, slip it into one of SMC-1000’s hidden compartments, and quickly connect to a HDMI port. The superb sound effects roaring from the SMC-1000’s sound system will change your definition of addiction to Pure Enjoyment. Hooked!

This certainly looks better than the glass and steel table that houses my electronics in my living room!  Pricing is TBD and the product is expected to be available in Q2 2013.  We’ll keep you posted on this one!

CES2013: NYNE Announces New Bluetooth Speakers

NYNE was showing a new pair of Bluetooth speakers with Lightning and USB connectors for maximum device compatibility at CES.  Read on for details.

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NYNE was showing a new pair of Bluetooth speakers with Lightning and USB connectors for maximum device compatibility at CES.  Like most other vendors showing off speakers for mobile devices, NYNE also announced a move towards Bluetooth to maximize compatibility with other devices and to minimize their reliance on iOS devices and their proprietary connectors.  The NYNE speakers looked and sounded great, and are likely to fit right into your home’s décor.

First a little bit about NYNE:

NYNE is dedicated to harnessing and advancing the revolutionary gains in audio technology by optimizing the functionality of mobile handheld devices in order to simplify and enhance home and business environments.

But unlike other companies, NYNE is not just about gadgets and gear. NYNE has developed an innovative line of home audio products which provide superb acoustics and unparalleled technology integration while freeing discriminating consumers from the clutter of racks, stacks, and wires. These products let owners of mobile devices explore the full potential of their mini media player. NYNE is well on its way to becoming an integral part of the technology revolution, not a bystander.

NYNE’s corporate headquarters are just north of Los Angeles in Oxnard, California. The company’s products are sold worldwide through a network of distributors, retailers, and web-based merchants.

Here is the press release on their mobile device speakers:

Break Free With NYNE’s New Lifestyle-Inspired Bluetooth Speakers at CES 2013

Compatible with All Bluetooth-Enabled Mobile Devices, Audio Entertainment Has Never Been Easier

Oxnard, CA – January 3, 2013 – NYNE, a company that enriches consumers’ listening experiences with advanced acoustics, is breaking ground with its latest Bluetooth speakers. The first models to mark a new direction for the company, the NB-500 and NB-550 feature Bluetooth connectivity and USB charging that maintain compatibility with all mobile devices. Smartphones and tablets can now remain completely mobile and free as intended to be. NYNE will showcase the new models in Central Hall booth #11426 at CES, January 8-11.

“In response to Apple’s Lightning connector, we are not only bringing speakers with the new connector, but also focusing on products with mobile device capability beyond docking all together,” said Arman Arami, president of NYNE. “For the first time at the 2013 CES, NYNE is revealing a series of speakers that are completely ‘Device-Agnostic,’ meaning no confinement to any specific platform. We believe users should not be forced to tie down their mobile devices on a dock or be plugged to a connector, except when they wish to charge them.”

Almost every 21st century home has a variety of mobile devices ranging from Android to Apple to Windows, smartphones to MP3 players to tablets. With Device-Agnostic speakers, the NYNE series can connect with them all. With Bluetooth-enabled devices, changing the source, song or volume can be done from anywhere in the room directly from your mobile device. Since everyone can use the same NYNE speaker, mom and dad can keep money in their pockets.

NB-500 – Impressive and Moveable Sound

The NB-500 is a compact and portable speaker with an impressive, realistic sound experience to please the most zealous audiophile. Bluetooth 4.0 connectivity makes this speaker compatible with current and future devices such as the iPhone 5, iPad mini and Android smartphones or tablets, and allows mobile devices complete wireless freedom. Additional features include USB charging, advanced digital signal processing and an auxiliary input for other audio sources.

NB-550 – Large and Powerful Entertainment

The power of the NB-550 will leave even the most discerning person in amazement. A larger version of the NB-500, the NB-550 is packed with 100-Watts of power for an excellent home audio experience. This audiophile dream speaker allows users the freedom of listening to mobile content through its Bluetooth 4.0 technology or auxiliary input and also features a USB charging port in the back to charge any mobile device. Your friends and family will benefit from music sharing all from one speaker.

The NB-500 and NB-550 will be available the second quarter of 2013 for prices of $199.95 and $299.95, respectively.

These were well-built speakers that looked and sounded great!  We’ll keep you posted on future developments at NYNE.