Archive

Microsoft launch Xbox Music streaming service

Andrew Edney

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Oct 15, 2012

Microsoft launch Xbox Music streaming service

Microsoft is introducing Xbox Music, the first all-in-one music service that gives you the freedom to stream custom-created playlists for free, subscribe to all the music you want or download-to-own your favourite songs.

Through the power of the cloud, it effortlessly integrates the music experience across your tablet, PC, phone and TV. With more than 30 million songs in the global catalogue, Xbox Music begins rolling out around the world tomorrow on Xbox 360 and later this month on Windows 8 and Windows RT PCs and tablets and on mobile phones, starting with Windows Phone 8 at launch and additional platforms later.

The all-in-one Xbox Music service includes the following:

· Free streaming music on Windows 8 and Windows RT. Enjoy on-demand access to tens of millions of songs for free on all Windows 8 and Windows RT tablets and PCs. Discovering and enjoying free music on Windows 8 and Windows RT is as easy as typing an artist or song name and hitting “play” — songs are instantly available to stream and for you to create an unlimited amount of playlists.

· Xbox Music Pass. Want unlimited access to the songs and artists you care about, including offline access? Get an Xbox Music Pass for ad-free, unlimited playback of any track in our subscription catalogue across your tablet, PC, phone and Xbox 360 for £8.99 per month. Xbox Music Pass also unlocks unlimited access to tens of thousands of music videos on your Xbox 360.

· Xbox Music Store. Want to own the music you love? The Xbox Music Store is a comprehensive MP3 marketplace giving you the opportunity to purchase a single track or entire album on your Windows 8 or Windows RT tablet or PC and Windows Phone 8.

· Smart DJ. Creating a new form of artist-based radio, the Smart DJ feature is a quick and dynamic way to personalise your collection, discover new favourites and create ultimate playlists by launching instant mixes based on your favourite artists. With unlimited skips and a view of the full recommended music stream, Smart DJ puts you in control of your Internet radio experience.

· Cloud Storage. Available in the coming year, a scan-and-match feature will take you beyond the 30 million tracks globally offered through Xbox Music. It will add all the music you own to your Xbox Music cloud catalogue, including music acquired through other services. This means you can add almost any content you have to your personal Xbox Music collection, even if it’s not available in the Xbox Music catalogue.

· Social Music. Xbox Music will add unique social features in the coming year that let you share your music experiences with friends and family.

· Platform Expansion. Xbox Music will become available on other platforms in the coming year.

Xbox Music isn’t just a listening experience that shows your tracks in spreadsheets and lists. Taking full advantage of every screen on which you enjoy music, Xbox Music elevates your music experiences with striking visuals. As you listen on your tablet, PC, phone or TV, your screen comes to life with artist photos, bios, cover art and discography.

Xbox Music launches with a global catalogue on par with iTunes, offering 30 million tracks from some of the leading music labels around the world. It will be available on all Windows 8 and Windows RT tablets and PCs and on Windows Phone 8 smartphones, and it will be part of the 2012 console update for Xbox 360. Free streaming on Windows 8 and Windows RT tablets and PCs launches 26 October in 15 markets worldwide. Xbox Music Pass will be available for Windows 8, Windows RT and Windows Phone 8 in 22 markets worldwide; it will begin rolling out tomorrow on Xbox 360 in the same markets. Xbox Music Store will also be accessible on Windows 8, Windows RT and Windows Phone 8 in 22 markets worldwide as devices become available. Microsoft will continue introducing Xbox Music in new regions around the world throughout the coming year.

App Update: Netflix for iOS Updated to Version 2.4.1

Andrew Edney

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Oct 15, 2012

0

The Netflix app for the iPhone and the iPad has been updated to version 2.4.1.

Just download this free app and you can instantly watch TV shows & movies streaming from Netflix.

* It’s part of your Netflix unlimited membership. Not a Netflix member? Start your FREE trial today.
* Watch as often as you want
* Resume watching where you left off on your TV or computer
* Browse movies right from your iPhone, iPod Touch or iPad

Note: Video out is supported on the iPad, iPhone 4, iPhone 4S, and iPod Touch 4G

What’s New in Version 2.4.1

Netflix is now available in Sweden
Download the Netflix app and watch on iPhone, iPad, and iPod Touch

Download from the Apple App Store

Hauppauge Launches High Definition Video Streamer

Gadgets
Tech

Jim McCarthy

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Oct 14, 2012

0

Hauppage has launched a new high definition video streamer aimed at customers who broadcast live on the internet. Read on for details.

Hauppage has launched a new high definition video streamer aimed at customers who broadcast live on the internet. Here is the press announcement:

StreamEez is an Affordable, Simple to Use, Easy to Install High Definition Video

Streamer Box That Enables Any Organization to Broadcast Live

London, UK, (12 October 2012): Hauppauge Digital, Inc. (NASDAQ: HAUP) has announced the release of StreamEez^TM, a high definition video streamer designed for organisations that want a simple to use, high quality video streamer to broadcast live events over the Internet. StreamEez was designed to serve as a powerful tool for any organisation with live streaming needs. Typical applications could include live streaming over the Internet for organisations sponsoring political events such as town hall meetings, church groups wanting to broadcast religious services and other groups that need a high quality live streaming solution.

The StreamEez box connects to an HD video camera using either HDMI or Component Video, compresses the camera’s video using a built-in high quality H.264 encoder into a form that is compatible with many common streaming video sites such as USTREAM and Justin.tv. StreamEez then connects to a laptop computer (that is equipped with the Hauppauge StreamEez control application) via USB, making a connection to the streaming Internet website for live broadcast.

StreamEez is based on the same high quality video encoders that were developed for Hauppauge’s popular line of HD video recorders, Colossus and HD PVR. StreamEez requires a small laptop computer to act as the video server, an HD video camera that has HDMI or Component Video output, the SteamEez device plus an Internet connection and an account with a streaming video site. All encoding and formatting of the high definition video signal is done inside StreamEez, making the video transmission the highest quality possible.

Since most organisations streaming live events store the video equipment between broadcasts, StreamEez is designed to make set up and removal fast and easy. The StreamEez device is in a rugged housing and connects to the laptop PC via a USB cable. And because it is based on well proven hardware encoding technology, the best possible video stream is created with minimal bit rates, which delivers a superior end-user experience.

StreamEez is compatible with several popular video streaming sites and uses standard protocols such as RTMP. Pricing on the StreamEez box and Windows-based application software starts at £299.

Here is a photo of the product.

So if you are interested in live streaming video events over the internet, check out the latest from Hauppage.

Dell Updates PC Line for Windows 8

Jim McCarthy

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Oct 14, 2012

1

Dell released three new PC designs today, all built around Windows 8. Read on for details.

Dell released three new PC models today. All three models were designed to run Windows 8. In addition, all current models can now be ordered with Windows 8. Here is the press release:

BRACKNELL, UK, October 12, 2012 – Dell is helping customers touch the future with a refreshed portfolio of business and consumer PCs built for Microsoft Windows 8, designed to provide a more intuitive computing experience and address evolving customer desires. Dell’s new systems deliver on the promise of new advances in computing: a leading-edge and intuitive touch experience, the security and manageability required by today’s always-on pace and the design aesthetic, style and precision workmanship customers demand.

Today Dell is making available for pre-order three new PCs in its upcoming portfolio: the XPS 12, XPS One 27 and Inspiron One 23. The systems are currently available to pre-order by customers in the UK, France and Germany and will be available throughout Europe in the coming days. Further, Dell is offering Windows 8 as an option on its current XPS, Inspiron, Latitude, OptiPlex and Precision brands.

“Dell and Microsoft have strived to make technology more accessible and intuitive for more than two decades and the introduction of new Dell PCs and Windows 8 software is another important milestone in this journey,” said Sam Burd, vice president of PC Product Group at Dell. “Dell remains on the forefront of designing the industry’s best range of PCs to meet the diverse needs of its customers – whether businesses concerned with security and manageability or tech-savvy consumers interested in a new device for both personal and business use. Dell’s exciting new XPS product portfolio, part of which is available for pre-order today, addresses this diverse set of needs and is a key catalyst in making exciting new touch-based computing experiences a reality.”

Each product in the Dell XPS portfolio delivers premium materials, craftsmanship and performance without compromise. By combining both the design desired by consumers and the security and manageability features required by businesses, the systems announced today build on the XPS brand’s growing reputation as the best product for users and IT departments to navigate the Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) landscape.

The XPS 12 is two devices in one: a fully-featured, full-powered laptop that easily becomes a fully-featured touch-powered tablet. The unique flip hinge touchscreen display is elegant and innovative and easily transitions between laptop and tablet mode with a simple flip. When in tablet mode, the display completely covers the keyboard, protecting it from dirt and spills. The vibrant Full HD display provides 90 percent more pixels than a standard HD display for an exceptionally crisp reading and viewing experience.

The award-winning XPS One 27 All-in-One is designed for creative enthusiasts with a super high resolution display and performance graphics for multimedia creation and entertainment. The gorgeous, space-saving design features a 27-inch Wide Quad HD Display, which has 78 percent more pixels than a Full HD display, and an articulating stand that tilts the display to a 60-degree angle, providing additional options when using the touchscreen interface. Whether one is designing a digital masterpiece or experiencing HD entertainment, the XPS One 27 delivers the power, sound, graphics and pixels for a brilliant multimedia experience.

Dell is also updating its popular systems in time for the holidays. The award-winning XPS 13 will also be updated with a new specification next week, including the Ivy Bridge chipset. As a result, the new XPS 13 will be up to two times faster than the previous generation XPS 13. The Inspiron One 23 All-in-One PC, with its impressive performance and a bright Full HD display in a space-saving, sleek design, is now available with a touchscreen option for entertainment, education and fun for the whole family.

These products represent a portion of Dell’s upcoming refreshed lineup of PCs. Dell will unveil additional product platforms in the XPS, Latitude, OptiPlex and Inspiron brands, as well as new monitors in the coming weeks.

Availability and Pricing:

The following products are available for pre-order today at the following starting prices including VAT and delivery:

XPS 12 convertible – starting at £999

XPS One 27 with touch – starting at £1,779

Inspiron One 23 AIO with touch – starting at £879

Additionally, all currently shipping Dell PCs and workstations are now available with Windows 8 for pre-order on www.dell.co.uk .

Here is the XPS 12:

And here is the XPS One 27:

And now the Inspiron One 23 AIO:

So what do you think…do any of these models interest you? Sound off in the comments.

Ubisoft releases ZombiU Tower of London Walkthrough video

Andrew Edney

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Oct 14, 2012

1

Ubisoft have released a ZombiU Tower of London walkthrough video exploring the game’s post-apocalyptic vision of the Tower of London for their forthcoming game for the Wii U.

It has been foretold that the world as you know it will end in 2012… London is falling! Are YOU prepared?

For the second time in history, a great plague has descended upon London, infecting the human race with a deadly disease. Big Ben tolls as hundreds upon thousands of the unprepared die or are infected by a sickness worse than death…

You are still breathing, for now. But how long will you survive in the labyrinth of London streets and underground as the infected close in around you? The horrifying remains of humanity ravaged by the foul disease shuffle through the streets, waiting to prey on your living flesh at every turn!

ZombiU is designed to take advantage of the Wii U and its revolutionary new controller and will test your will to survive in a zombie Survival-Horror First Person Shooter. So grab hold of the height of survival kits – your new controller – and stock up your Bug-Out Bag with supplies! Make every second count; you only get one chance.

STAY HUMAN, WE ARE A DYING BREED.

And here is the Tower of London walkthrough:

Are you going to buy ZombiU? Let us know by leaving a comment below.

Call of Duty: Black Ops II new Multiplayer and Zombies screenshots released

Gaming
News

Andrew Edney

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Oct 14, 2012

0

Call of Duty: Black Ops II new Multiplayer and Zombies screenshots released

Activision have released some new screenshots for Call of Duty: Black Ops II showing Multiplayer and a return of the Zombies.

Here are some new screenshots from the game:

And the Zombies are back! Call of Duty: Black Ops II Zombies features three different ways to survive the zombie apocalypse. Unravel the mysteries of a dying Earth in Tranzit, fight endless waves of zombies in Survival mode, or compete in the new 4z4 last-human-standing mode Grief.

Call of Duty: Black Ops II will be released worldwide on November 13 for Xbox 360, PlayStation 3 and PC, and shortly afterwards on Wii U!

Medal of Honor Warfighter – An interview with Rob Jones

Andrew Edney

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Oct 14, 2012

0

Medal of Honor Warfighter – An interview with Rob Jones

We recently got to play some Medal of Honor Warfighter and talk with Rob Jones, the Senior Designer of the game.

Medal of Honor Warfighter tells the personal story of U.S. Tier 1 Operator “Preacher,” as he returns home only to find his family torn apart from years of combat deployment. Trying to pick up the pieces and salvage what remains of his marriage, Preacher is reminded of what he’s fighting for – family. But when a deadly explosive known as PETN penetrates civilian borders and his two worlds collide, Preacher and his fellow teammates are sent in to do what they do best – solve the problem.

The video contains the interview with Rob, and also some new gameplay footage:

Project HONOR

During the interview, Rob mentions Project HONOR, here are the details.

EA’s Project HONOR Campaign is dedicated to raising awareness and generating charitable contributions for fallen warriors from the Special Operations Community in honor of the sacrifices they and their families have made for their country.

EA believes strongly in the missions of the Navy SEAL Foundation and the Special Operations Warrior Foundation and that the awareness and funding generated through Project HONOR will honor and generate significant financial and moral support for the activities undertaken by the foundations in support of this mission.

Stay tuned for our preview soon.

Pre-order Medal of Honor Warfighter now and get some cool pre-order bonuses.

Hell Yeah! Wrath of the Dead Rabbit DLC available 24th October

Gaming
News

Andrew Edney

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Oct 14, 2012

0

Sega have announced some DLC for Hell Yeah! Wrath of the Dead Rabbit.

For Ash, the Prince of Hell, vengeance is neither short nor sweet. If you’re going to kill, you want to look hot doing it and take your time over your options. With over 50 masks for Ash and 11 driller skins available for his deadly jet pack driller, you can create hell in style using the Pimp My Rabbit pack for £1.99. Keep your eyes peeled for some classic SEGA franchise and characters making an appearance such as Jet Set Radio, Super Monkey Ball and Crazy Taxi.

Hold on, you thought that was it? You’re wrong. Test how hot your shooting and speed-running skills are in 50 thrilling challenges adding over 3 hours of gameplay with the The Virtual Rabbit Missions for £3.69. Only the mightiest rabbit can survive!

And don’t forget to watch our interview with Aurelien Regard (who as you will see is just that little bit mad, but in a good way):

Hell Yeah! Wrath of the Dead Rabbit from Sega is available now on the Xbox 360, PlayStation 3 and PC via digital download for £9.99.

Learn more from the Hell Yeah! website

Fable: The Journey – An interview with Lionhead Studios

Andrew Edney

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Oct 14, 2012

1

Fable: The Journey – An interview with Lionhead Studios

A few weeks ago we went to visit Lionhead Studios. While we were there we got a few hours of game-play with Fable: The Journey, and an opportunity to talk to about the game and it’s development.

Fable: The Journey immerses players in the tale of a young dweller named Gabriel and follows him on a journey to change his fate and become the hero that battles the corruption that plagues Albion. As the first Fable title built from the ground up on Kinect for Xbox 360, Fable: The Journey features new territories of an expanded Albion alongside bigger and badder enemies. The game also marks the return of Theresa in her fourth Fable game and greatest role as the spark that fuels Gabriel’s magical evolution.

I was lucky enough to sit down with Gary Car, who is the Creative Director, and Charles Griffith who is a Designer on Fable: The Journey. Charles is the man responsible for the horse elements in the game!

If the sofa looks a little odd it’s because a few seconds before this picture was taken the sofa broke! Long story, and you had to be there…….

So on to the interview:

Fable: The Journey is available now for the Xbox 360 with Kinect. Stay tuned for our review soon.

Have you played it? Let us know what you think by leaving a comment below:

Updated Review of the Hauppauge HD PVR 2 Gaming Edition capture device

Andrew Edney

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Oct 14, 2012

0

Updated Review of the Hauppauge HD PVR 2 Gaming Edition capture device

More and more people want to capture their gameplay and post it to YouTube, we occasionally do this as part of our reviews or interviews, and do so you need a capture box. Hauppauge have released their HD PV2 Gaming Edition device and here is our updated review.

HD PVR 2 Gaming Edition records high definition video from a Sony PlayStation3 or Microsoft Xbox 360 onto your Windows laptop or desktop PC, in a high definition H.264 format. Make video recordings of your best game play in HD. Upload your favourite games to YouTube and share them with other gamers online. Or make a high definition movie of your game play to share with your friends or use it to discuss tactics with your clan members!

You can also play your game play recordings back onto your PC screen or transfer them over your home network for playback on a PS3 or Xbox 360.

Who are Hauppauge?

From their website:

Headquartered in Hauppauge, NY, about 40 miles east of New York City, Hauppauge Computer Works has been bringing TV to the PC since 1992. The Company is the worldwide leader in developing and manufacturing PC based TV tuners and data broadcast receiver products. Hauppauge’s products allow PC users to watch television on their PC screens, videoconference and create both still video images and digital TV recordings. Hauppauge’s flagship product, the WinTV, is the leading branded TV tuner card for PCs.

Hauppauge Computer Works is a division of Hauppauge Digital Inc. In December of 2008, Hauppauge Digital Inc. acquired the Pinnacle PCTV product line from Avid, and now runs PCTV tuner products as a separate division. PCTV has their research and development labs in Braunschweig, Germany.

Specifications

Hardware encoder
- H.264 AVCHD high definition video encoder, with record resolution to 1080p30
  Recording datarate: from 1 to 13.5 Mbits/sec
  Recording format:
  - AVCHD (.TS and .M2TS) plus .MP4
  Video down conversion: from 1080p to 720p
No delay HDMI passthrough:
- HDMI in to HDMI out – up to 1080p
- Component Video in to HDMI out – up to 1080i
Input/output connections
- HDMI in, from HDMI sources without HDCP such as Xbox 360
- Component video in, with stereo audio
- S-Video and composite video in, with stereo audio
- HDMI output
Size: 6 in wide x 6 in deep x 1.5 in high
Power: 6V at 1.6 amps
Weight: .75lb / .34 kg / 12 oz

Bundled software applications

ArcSoft ShowBiz, with these features
- Video capture for recording video game play
- Trim your videos
- Upload videos to YouTube

System requirements

Laptop or desktop PC with 3.0 GHz single core or 2.0 GHz multi-core processor
Microsoft Windows 7 (32 or 64-bit), Windows Vista or Windows XP Service Pack 3
TV set with HDMI input
512 MB RAM (1 GB recommended)
Graphics card with 256 MB memory
Sound card
220 MB free hard disk space
CD-ROM drive (for software installation)

What’s in the Box?

HD PVR 2 Gaming Edition high definition H.264 personal video recorder, USB 2.0
6V 1.6 amp power supply
USB cable – 9 ft.
HDMI input cable
HDMI output cable
PlayStation 3 component video gaming cable
Installation CD-ROM
Quick installation guide

Exclusive Far Cry 3 Single Player and Multiplayer gameplay footage

Andrew Edney

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Oct 14, 2012

3

Exclusive Far Cry 3 Single Player and Multiplayer gameplay footage

A few weeks ago we were invited to play a few hours on Far Cry 3, and we have some exclusive gameplay footage we can share with you.

Here is part one of the Single Player gameplay video:

Here is part two of the Single Player gameplay video:

Here is the Multiplayer gameplay video:

Check out our Far Cry 3 interview with Dan Hay and Jamie Kean Subscribe to our You Tube Channel for more gameplay videos

Far Cry 3 will be released at the end of November, and if you pre-order now you get some cool bonus items.

Are you going to order the game? Let us know by leaving a comment below.

App Update: Twonky Beam Browser for iOS updated to 3.2.1

Apple
News

Andrew Edney

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Oct 14, 2012

0

App Update: Twonky Beam Browser for iOS updated to 3.2.1

Twonky have just updated their Twonky Beam Browser for the iPhone and iPad.

Twonky Beam Browser provides you with a simple and familiar way to discover and enjoy Internet videos with your tablet or phone and beam them to your TV or other media players on your home network.

When you visit your favorite websites, or discover new ones, Twonky Beam Browser will display a Twonky Beam button over the media files that you are able beam to your TV or sound system. The home page of Twonky Beam Browser contains links to popular websites with great content you can beam. Browse many pages at once through tabs, with the home page always available to you as the main tab. You can also create and manage bookmarks, so that you can easily find your favorite sites.

A simple tap of the screen will beam the chosen content to your selected player, such as your Airplay enabled, UPnP or DLNA certified device. The beaming mode in Twonky Beam Browser can be toggled on and off, allowing you to use the application to discover and enjoy content locally on your tablet or phone.

One of the best ways to use Twonky Beam Browser is with Internet video, but it also works with audio and photos. You can also create playlists with a queue of multiple selections that will play continuously in the order you added them, or you can change the order and delete items from your queue. It is always possible to continue browsing, either on the current site or another site, while your media plays on the device.

What’s New in Version 3.2.1

• Improved address bar (provides visual cue that address bar can also be used for entering Google search terms)
• Improved accessibility of side panels (configurable option to show buttons at the edge of the screen for accessing side panels)
• Automatically select “This Device” as the renderer when it is the only renderer available
• Improved reliability playing long DTCP-IP encrypted videos
• Resume playback automatically when interrupted by screen lock/unlock
• Added support for more languages (in addition to English and Japanese): French, Italian, German, Spanish, Chinese (simplified), and Chinese (traditional)

Download now from the Apple App Store

App Update: Action Movie FX for iOS from Bad Robot updated to version 2.0

Apple
News

Andrew Edney

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Oct 14, 2012

0

Last year Bad Robot Productions released a really fun app for the iPhone called Action Movie FX that enables you to easily add cool special effects to whatever you might film. Now it has an update, including new content.

What’s New in Version 2.0

– 4 ALL NEW BLOCKBUSTER SCI-FI FX
— NVADERS PACK: ALIEN BURST & SPACE DESTROYER
— CYBORG PACK: ROBO ATTACK & LASER BLASTER
– HD Ready versions of ALL FX
– NEW iPAD FEATURES including:
— Pinch to Zoom
— Drag to Place FX
— Swap FX
– Optimized for iPhone 5 & iPad!

*ALL FX HAVE BEEN UPDATED*
Choose “Restore Purchases” to update your previously purchased packs.

Download the Action Movie FX app now

App Update: PressReader for iOS updated to version 3.1.3

Apple
News

Andrew Edney

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Oct 14, 2012

0

At the start of December we reviewed PressReader, an app for iOS devices to read newspapers and publications. PressReader has just been updated to version 3.1.3.

What is PressReader?

PressReader is a free application that enables you to download your favourite publications to your PC, Mac, tablet, mobile device or eReader allowing you to read them even when you’re offline.

Enjoy your favorite daily read from a selection of more than 2,000 newspapers and magazines from 95 countries in 51 languages with PressReader!

With every article, advertisement, crossword puzzle and cartoon presented in its original context, PressReader offers many of the same rich user interface and intuitive interactive features PressDisplay.com users have come to love.

And with the added convenience of being able to hold your favorite publication directly in your hands and read it from cover to cover just the way you would in-print, PressReader makes reading full-content digital replicas an absolute delight with features such as:

Flipping pages like you’re reading a real publication
The ability to pan, zoom or rotate pages, articles and photos
Navigating publications using thumbnails or table of contents
Opening full articles in easy-to-read text views
Listening to publications using on-demand audio
Searching online across titles and selecting the titles you wish to download

What’s New in Version 3.1.3

✓ Support for iPhone 5 and iOS 6
✓ Right-to-left article display in text view for Arabic publications
✓ Localized country and language list in store catalog
✓ Improved performance on iPod Touch (4th Gen)
✓ Various fixes and improvements

Note: Support of iPhone 3G, iPod Touch 1st and 2nd gen has been dropped. Minimum requirement is iOS 4.3. This is the last version running on iOS 4. Next release will run only on iOS 5 and up.

Download PressReader for iOS from the Apple App Store