Archive

Raspbmc for Raspberry Pi is now in beta

Andrew Edney

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May 20, 2012

If you have your Raspberry Pi, you might be interested to know that Raspbmc is now in beta!

Some good news. Raspbmc is now in beta. Let’s face it — project updates aren’t that great, users want to see results and try out what’s in the works, rather than hear about them. So that’s what I’m allowing you to do today. I wanted to make this a closed beta, seeing as release isn’t far around the corner. This was originally because I wasn’t too sure about the stability of the build, but I believe that Raspbmc is good enough for public testing.

When trying the beta, please remember that this is a test build. Some things will be broken and performance won’t be at its very best. What I’m trying to say is that this beta will not reflect the final performance of Raspbmc, and remember, Raspbmc performance and features will improve in future updates too.

The beta comes in the form of an Gzipped image file, available for download here. Windows users can restore directly from USB Image Tool, and Linux and OSX guys can just run something along the lines of:
gunzip -c installer-testing.img.gz | dd of=/dev/mmcblk0
Note: you need at least a 2GB SD card. Raspbmc will use the full size of your card.

Check out a Slice of Raspbery Pi at Sci Fi London Horizons

Have you ordered one? Let us know if you get yours before us, or even after us.

Mine has finally been ordered and should be here in a few weeks time!

Camera module for the Raspberry Pi coming soon

Andrew Edney

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May 19, 2012

0

Camera module for the Raspberry Pi coming soon

Liz has posted some pictures and information about a camera module that is coming soon for the Raspberry Pi and it’s cool!

This is what Liz just posted (head over to the site to see all the pictures):

I was sent this image this morning from Gert (not pictured), Naush (right eye and half-moustache) and JamesH (stripy shirt and chin). It’s not a terribly exciting photo – until you realise that it’s the first picture ever taken from the prototype camera add-on board we’re developing for release later in the year, which will plug into those CSI pins we expose in the middle of the Raspberry Pi. I will ask Gert, Naush and JamesH, who have been working on this in their free evenings, to answer questions in the comments below – they are also very active on our forums, so please come over and have a chat.

We may downgrade the super-duperness of the camera to something with fewer than its current 14 megapixels before release; we need to keep things affordable, and a sensor of that size will end up pricey. Before you ask (I know it’ll be the first question most of you have), we don’t have a price for the camera module yet; we’ll need to finalise exactly what hardware is in it first, but we will, of course, be ensuring that it’s very affordable.

Check out a Slice of Raspbery Pi at Sci Fi London Horizons

Have you ordered one? Let us know if you get yours before us, or even after us.

Mine has finally been ordered and should be here in a few weeks time!

Microsoft talks about Creating the Windows 8 user experience

Andrew Edney

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May 18, 2012

0

Microsoft talks about Creating the Windows 8 user experience

In the next of their on-going series of Windows 8 articles, Microsoft talks about creating the user experience.

This is how the article starts:

At the D: All Things Digital conference in June 2011, we demonstrated for the first time the new user interface that we developed for Windows 8. This new UI is fast and fluid to use, and optimized for mobile form factors such as laptops, tablets, and convertibles, where people spend the vast majority of their time today. Windows 8 works equally well with mouse, keyboard, or your fingers, and has the best pen support of any OS. It supports multiple displays and the widest array of configurations and form factors of any OS. On top of all that, Windows 8 introduces a new kind of app, which we codenamed “Metro style” following the design language that has evolved going back to Windows Media Center and the new Windows Phone. These apps are immersive, full-screen, beautiful, and optimized for the ways that people commonly use devices today.

I thought it would be useful to take a step back and describe a little bit of the background of how the Windows 8 user interface was designed, and discuss some of the decisions we’ve made and the goals of this new experience in more detail.

To continue reading, click here.

My Movies Collection Management for Windows Media Center 4.04 PR4 Released

News

Andrew Edney

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May 18, 2012

0

My Movies Collection Management for Windows Media Center 4.04 PR4 Released

As well as the news versions of My Movies 4.03 PR4 for Media Center and My Movies 2.11 PR4 for Windows Home Server 2011, Brian has also released version 4.03 PR4 of the Collection Management component.

Here is the complete changelog:

Added: TIFF besides TIF as cover file option.
Added: Remote Server API functions for Windows Media Center music control.

Change: Better handling of database upgrades, so that later versions does not need all clients to be upgraded when server is upgraded.
Change: Do not include series/box container title in Media Center option deprecated, is now always true.
Change: “Is Box Set” checkbox removed, and box sets moved up under global data rather than personal data, as preparation for upcoming box set functionality.
Change: Show digital copy in HTML preview.
Change: Media Center Background service updated to later API version

Download My Movies 4 Collection Management Now

What do you think of My Movies?

Check out our review of My Movies for Windows Home Server 2011 2.0 Pre Release 7

My Movies for Windows Home Server 2011 Version 2.11 PR4 Released

Andrew Edney

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May 18, 2012

0

Brian has also released version 2.11 PR4 of My Movies for Windows Home Server 2011.

Windows Home Server 2011

My Movies for Windows Home Server 2011 operates as database back-end for My Movies clients in multi-zone environments.

The My Movies for Windows Media Center or My Movies Collection Management products can be downloaded and installed on client PC’s to maintain movies in the database on My Movies for Windows Home Sever 2011.

My Movies may not be pre-installed on commercial products, nor in any way redistributed or provided to end-users by installers that is not part of our installer program.

Change Log:

Added: Meta-data storage for MediaBrowser (Requires 500 points).
Added: Option to specify target directory name for DVD and Blu-ray’s, and by that also specify to separate the two when copying.
Added: Profiles for New iPad and Apple TV 3
Added: MPEG2 converter profile added. MPEG2 conversion is now removed from a target to be part of video converter.
Added: Possibity to use mencoder in converter profiles
Added: The system will now check media info for titles where the information for some reason could not be read at the time the title was added or edited

Change: Rename of Apple TV profiles from MP4 to M4V which should be better handled by iTunes.
Change: Updated SDK for Nimbie, to support latest Nimbie NB21.

Fix: Error when new converter profiles are added without the converter was restarted.
Fix: Dune meta-data for TV Series was not stored with a full meta-data update.
Fix: Unidentified discs were not updated as expected.
Fix: Universal video converter profile did not have correct supported devices comments.
Fix: Converter could loop on specific discs, when they were seen as TV Series but no episodes could be found (Blu-ray problem).

Before installing a pre release version, you must make a backup of your database using the Collection Management program. There are no guarantee that a pre release version functions as expected, and it should therefore only be used for evaluation purposes. The database backup ensures that you can revert back to the latest stable version.

My Movies for Windows Home Server 2011 2.11 Pre Release 4 can be used as server for My Movies 4.03 Pre Release 4 clients.

You can download the Windows Home Server 2011 edition here Check out our review of My Movies for Windows Home Server 2011 2.0 Pre Release 7

My Movies for Windows Media Center 4.03 PR4 Released

Andrew Edney

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May 18, 2012

0

My Movies for Windows Media Center 4.03 PR4 Released

Brian has just released My Movies for Windows Media Center version 4.03 PR4.

Here is the change log:

Added: Box sets are now contributed to the online service, and can be added as full boxes from service. Please pay attention to new guidelines for contributing Box Sets: /how-to/written-documentation.aspx?Page=Contributing%20Box%20Sets.
Added: Automatic refresh rate changing (experimental). Please read details on http://kb.mymovies.dk/KnowledgebaseArticle50076.aspx. We would like your inputs on how this works on your setup.
Added: Meta-data storage for MediaBrowser (Requires 500 points).
Added: Option to log in with Facebook.
Added: Backdrop fade in time configuration added to Windows Media Center settings.
Added: The system will now check media info for titles where the information for some reason could not be read at the time the title was added or edited
Added: Show digital copy information in HTML preview.
Added: Image contribution number on banners, posters and backdrops of TV Series.
Added: GetTitlePlayOptionsForDune API call.
Added: Data service command to start Windows Media Center.

Change: Different handler for DVP-CS777ES disc changer.
Change: Filter limitation removed from Collection Management, and now only applied in Windows Media Center.
Change: All titles are no counted, even box set container titles.

Fix: There was a problem with the 3D Blu-ray icon.
Fix: DVD chapters structure was not set in the order specified by the PTTs on the disc
Fix: RS-232 changer could load disc in wrong changer.
Fix: Increased waiting time for RS232 changer, solving a problem where it would not play a requested disc.
Fix: Issue with background service not starting, causing disc copying to not work.
Fix: Title synchronization could fail in some situations due to an invalid date.
Fix: Attempt to clean memory better when building Dune index.
Fix: Changed how directory content was checked for being in use. It could cause media info to not be read on some files transferred to another server.
Fix: An issue with an already open database connection when updating backdrops.
Fix: Issue could occur with HD DVD file structure playback if different players were set for HD DVD and Blu-ray file structure.
Fix: An error could occur saying that you do not have player capable of playing Blu-ray or HD DVD file structure, even when you have.
Fix: The sort title box was not limited to 100 characters as it should be.

Before installing a pre release version, you must make a backup of your database using the Collection Management program. There is no guarantee that a pre release version functions as expected, and it should only be used for evaluation purposes. The database backup ensures that you can revert back to the latest stable version.

My Movies 4.03 Pre Release 4 can be used as client for My Movies for Windows Home Server 2011 2.11 Pre Release 4 or My Movies for Windows Home Server 2.00.

Download My Movies 4.03 PR3 now Check out our review of My Movies for Windows Home Server 2011 2.0 Pre Release 7

Apple announces the iTunes Festival with 30 nights of free music

Andrew Edney

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May 18, 2012

0

Apple announces the iTunes Festival with 30 nights of free music

Apple have just announced this years iTunes Festival with 30 nights of free music, and you can apply for tickets now!

The iTunes Festival is coming back in September 2012. We’re inviting more than 60 artists to perform 30 consecutive nights of brilliant live music at the Roundhouse in London. This year’s spectacular line-up includes Usher, Jack White, Norah Jones, One Direction and more.

Every ticket to the iTunes Festival is free—you can apply to win tickets to any performance.

If you can’t make the gigs, watch the shows live or view them afterwards for a limited time on your computer with iTunes, or on your iPhone, iPad or iPod touch with the iTunes Festival app. You can also stream the concerts to your big screen wirelessly using AirPlay and your Apple TV.

Plex Updates their Media Server and Client to v0.9.6.2

Andrew Edney

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May 18, 2012

2

Plex Updates their Media Server and Client to v0.9.6.2

Plex has just released an update to both their Media Server and Client, taking it to version 0.9.6.2 and bringing with it a number of fixes and new features.

Let’s walk through the changes for the media server first:

NEW: Greatly enhanced media analysis. When I asked Max how to describe the changes, he said “it’s awesome”. He’s a man of few words, but I’ll try to explain a bit more. The media server analyzes your media for a few reasons: In order to extract a thumbnail, and to glean details about the exact format and codecs in the file. The latter is critical in order for players to determine what files they can consume without transcoding, which can be Direct Streamed (remuxed), and which need to be transcoded. The world of media is incredibly complicated. A simple MP4 file be optimized for streaming, or not; it can have 64-bit chunk offsets, or not; the H.264 inside it can be a myriad of different profiles, levels and have different features enabled. We now capture all of that information, and it will have many uses, not least in making the DLNA server component truly world-class. One thing you’ll notice is that when you scan in this version, the scan will take a lot longer the first time on an existing section, because the scanner is upgrading the analysis for all your files. Be patient, kick back, open a beer, and let it do its job!
NEW: The default on new installs is to empty trash automatically. This was confusing too many new users, and I think it was the wrong default, not to mention a confusing UX around learning how and why to empty the trash.
NEW: Support for non-DRM iTunes videos and iTunes U.
FIX: Improved segmented MPEGTS output (fixes Roku artifacts). And there was much rejoicing!!
FIX: TV shows didn’t load metadata properly if the episode had a date but no index (e.g. personal media).
FIX: Individual TV episodes can now have their content rating set by the agents.
FIX: A few random crashes observed in the wild.
FIX: (Linux) From scratch installs now work again (e.g. Synology).
FIX: Crash when transcoding (e.g. to LG MediaLink).
FIX: Status text while scanning didn’t show up in the OS X media manager.
FIX: Transcoder recognizes some MPEG2 files correctly now.
FIX: Return the HTTP body from plug-ins even when there’s a failure.
FIX: Audio transcoder wasn’t working for remote clients.
FIX: Regression in the transcoder leading to green/artifacts on iOS/ATV2.
FIX: Many fixes for SRT “burning” during transcode, including subtitles not showing up at all or only partially.
FIX: (Linux) Ensure we kill orphaned DLNA servers.
FIX: (Linux) DLNA server occasionally wasn’t able to start, unable to obtain IP.
FIX: Don’t identify MP4 chapter tracks as subtitles.
FIX: Durations in MP3 files should be analyzed much more accurately.

The Plex client has a number of fixes, and we’ll be paying it more attention in the coming months.

NEW: Developer ID-signed for Mountain Lion.
NEW: (OS X) Support for Crystal HD
NEW: Allow forcing transcoding on local networks (good for older clients).
FIX: Fix a crash when playing video over VNC.
FIX: Apple remote keymap was incorrect in Now Playing window.
FIX: (OS X) Many fixes for optical/HDMI audio output.
FIX: (OS X) Transcoding 5.1 AAC and DTS to AC3 works now.
FIX: When selecting multi-item videos, it always played the first item.
FIX: Occasional flicker when starting videos.
FIX: Respect the “noCache” attribute, fixes some channels not refreshing properly (e.g. Netflix).
FIX: (OS X) RTMP wasn’t enabled properly.
FIX: When playing some WebKit channels, it improperly transcoded, resulting in no audio.
FIX: Saved cookies were making some channels fail to play (e.g. YouTube).
FIX: Skinning issue that could make multiple thumbs appear for some content.
FIX: Only show watched state (and context menu items) for library content.
FIX: Changing display blanking settings required exiting and re-entering full screen to take effect.
FIX: Plex.ToggleDisplayBlanking keymap function restored.
FIX: Plex.RunScript and Plex.RunAppleScript work again (Mac OS only).
FIX: (OS X) Plex.RunScript handles files with the .scpt extension as well as .applescript.

Download Plex Media Server from here

Another Raspberry Pi update from RS Components

Andrew Edney

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May 18, 2012

0

Another Raspberry Pi update from RS Components

If you are still waiting information on your order of your Raspberry Pi from RS Components, then Liz at Raspberry Pi has just posted another update!

This is what Liz just posted:

Just landed in San Francisco for Maker Faire – please come and visit us if you’re in the area this weekend! (I’m near death – this is my fourth trip to and from the US this year, and my soul still thinks it’s somewhere over Iceland.) I found this in my inbox from Jo. RS customers take note!

Hi Everyone. Just a quick update for you on the information Liz posted here on Friday.

As promised last week, we have started inviting the next customers in our queue to place their orders for a Raspberry Pi. Delivery dates for these orders will be through June and July.

By this time next week we expect to have invited everyone that registered for a Raspberry Pi with RS on the first day – some 100,000 of you – to place your order. We’ll also have an update on expected availability for those left in the queue.

As always we will be regularly updating our FAQs and sending further updates to Liz to put on the Raspberry Pi website.

Best wishes

Jo & all the RS Raspberry Pi Team

Check out a Slice of Raspbery Pi at Sci Fi London Horizons

Have you ordered one? Let us know if you get yours before us, or even after us.

Mine has finally been ordered and should be here in a few weeks time!

Sony VAIO T13 Ultrabook pictures and hands-on

Andrew Edney

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May 18, 2012

0

Sony VAIO T13 Ultrabook pictures and hands-on

Back at the start of this month we told you about Sony’s entry into the Ultrabook market, the new VAIO T13. Well we got to see it up close and personal and get some hands-on time with it.

The T13 has a 13 inch screen (hence the 13 bit) and comes with either an SSD or a hybrid HDD/SSD. In terms of battery life, the SSD will get around 9 hours and the hybrid will get around 7 hours.

The T13 will also come with a full copy of Adobe Acrobat X

The T13 will be available “ready made” in Sony’s Online Store, but there will be many variations, including an 11” version, so it would be best to check out Sony’s Configure to Order service before pushing the button.

Having got a chance to use the T13, I have to say that I really like it. I want to test it out for a much longer period, and use it the way I would use it, but so far I am impressed.

It is thin, light-weight, and has that Sony “look” about it. It has a beautifully clear display (1366×768) with a wide (16:9) ratio. There is an HD web camera mounted as part of the screen (its 1.31 megapixels). It also felt very solid, and that included the screen. I have owned and used a number of Sony VAIO’s over the years and one thing that I have found is that some models feel a little flimsy – this is certainly not the case here!

The model I got to try had an Intel Core i3-2367M processor, 4GB RAM and a 320GB HDD. This particular model starts at around £679 and goes up from there, so if you wanted more memory and an SSD instead of the HDD then the price does jump up a fair bit.

There are a number of ports available on the T13, including USB 3.0 with charge capabilities and standard USB 2.0.

There is also an HDMI port, and all the usual ports you would come to expect including a card reader.

Here are some more pictures of the VAIO T13:

The T13 will be available from early June, and I cant wait to try it some more! For Sony’s first entry into the Ultrabook market, I think they may be on to a winner!

Iomega Announces Availability of StorCenter ix2 Network Storage in the UK

Andrew Edney

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May 18, 2012

0

Iomega Announces Availability of StorCenter ix2 Network Storage in the UK

Iomega have announced the availability of Iomega StorCenter ix2 Network Storage in the UK.

The ix2 is an advanced two-bay desktop network storage device available in multiple configurations and designed specifically for content sharing and data protection as well as cloud computing and video surveillance applications at small businesses, work groups, remote offices and distributed enterprises.

The new two-bay Iomega StorCenter ix2 Network Storage offers small businesses and others the flexible advantages of three different models: a diskless unit that allows users and channel partners the option to populate the device according to their specific storage needs and pricing preferences; a partially populated unit with one drive (1TB, 2TB or 3TB of total storage capacity) that gives users the freedom of choice to increase their storage capacity over time; and a fully populated unit with two drives (2TB, 4TB or 6TB of total storage capacity) for immediate RAID mirroring data protection and other multi-drive network storage capabilities.

The diskless version will be immediately available at £119.00 inclusive of vat for the diskless model without any included hard drives, while the partially populated and fully populated are expected to be available starting from June, 3rd.

Based on enterprise-class EMC® storage technology, the new Iomega StorCenter ix2 provides up to 6TB of network storage for small and medium-sized business networks and distributed or remote locations utilizing PC, Mac and Linux computers. The new StorCenter ix2 encompasses many advanced business capabilities usually not available to smaller organizations, including out-of-the-box video surveillance capabilities for up to five IP camera installations. Users can also utilize their choice of cloud backup capability with Mozy, Amazon S3 and EMC Atmos-enabled cloud backup services offered by service providers, as well as Iomega’s revolutionary Personal Cloud technology featuring unparalleled simplicity and versatility for data sharing and protection without any monthly fees or service costs.

Designed for central storage and backup of business files with an array of advanced features, the compact two-drive StorCenter ix2 uses a CD-less setup process with downloaded software that has the unit up and running in a matter of minutes. Web interface accessible in 17 supported languages, the StorCenter ix2 NAS utilizes the acclaimed EMC LifeLine software, a fully-developed Linux operating environment that incorporates select EMC world class storage technologies typically available only for enterprise-level customers

The Iomega StorCenter ix2 series includes a standard three-year limited warranty with phone support up to 13 hours a day, five days a week. Optional service plans include Iomega’s Enhanced Service Plan which includes 24×7 phone support with advance replacement.

Learn more from the Iomega website

Making your TV shows look great in Plex

Andrew Edney

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May 17, 2012

0

Plex have just pushed out a new Local Media Agent, and as part of it has posted all about how to make your TV shows look better.

This is what Plex posted on their blog:

One recurring request we’ve gotten is to make it easier to add posters and background art to TV library sections, especially on Windows and Linux. In some cases, TheTVDB might not have a show, or maybe you want to create a completely custom section to organize your home videos into seasons and episodes. We just pushed a new Local Media Agent (which you’ll automatically get in the next few hours), that makes it really easy!

So what can you add to TV show sections?

Show posters: show.jpg

Show banners: banner.jpg

Show background art: art.jpg or background.jpg

Show theme music: theme.mp3

Season posters: seasonX.jpg

Season banners: seasonX-banner.jpg

Episode thumbs: match the filename of the episode file

You can also use PNG files, if you’re a “losslessite” (I’m sure you listen to FLACs too). One really cool feature is that you can actually have multiple elements; just name them suffixed like show-1.jpg, theme-2.mp3. For multiple season elements, use the suffix a, b, c, etc.

Do that, and you’ll end up with something that looks like the image below. Pretty cool, right? We also fixed a few other bugs in the agent while we were at it:

NEW: Pick up genre in MP3 files.

FIX: Issue where different movie posters were picked up during each scan.

FIX: A stray folder.jpg file could apply to every movie in a folder.

Do you use Plex? Let us know what you think of it and how you use it.

WaterField Designs introduces the CitySlicker urban MacBook Air case

Apple
News

Andrew Edney

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May 17, 2012

0

WaterField Designs introduces the CitySlicker urban MacBook Air case

WaterField Designs, an innovative leader in custom laptop sleeves, and designer bags and cases for digital gear, introduces the CitySlicker, an urban MacBook Air case with an old-world spin that uses modern materials to provide the utmost protection.

Designed to enhance the Air’s lightness without adding bulk, the CitySlicker is compact, even with accessories. WaterField’s thoughtful design combines three layers of protection using impact-resistant plastic, high-grade neoprene, and a padded liner to keep the Air safe from unexpected dings.

“The MacBook Air is unbelievably thin, and we wanted to enhance that look rather than detract from it,” explained Gary Waterfield, company founder. “The challenge was to design something sleek with hard-case protection, while keeping it compact, and to create a look that works on weekdays as well as weekends. We added a rugged, distressed leather flap to complete the ‘old-world meets modern’ look we were after.”

The CitySlicker MacBook Air Case combines sturdy ballistic nylon with a distressed, leather flap that snaps into place, giving the ultra-modern case its old-world twist. The flap covers an accessory nook with four stretchy pockets to keep items snugly in place. A back, semi-opaque pocket with a self-locking zipper stows thin items or accessories. Opt to tuck it under an arm, or to add a handle, a strap, or both. Available exclusively at sfbags.com in four colors: black, chocolate, grizzly and camel.

Availability & Pricing
The CitySlicker for the MacBook Air
11″ MacBook Air–Price: $129. With handle: $139.
13″ MacBook Air –Price: $139. With handle: $149.
With D-rings: +$5.
With D-rings and Simple Strap: +$12.
With D-rings and Suspension Shoulder Strap: +$22.
Colors: Black, chocolate, grizzly and camel.

Available now for pre-order at sfbags.com. Shipping begins May 28, 2012.

I am a big fan of WaterField designs, and we have reviewed a number of their products here at CDW, and I have to say I can’t wait to get my hands on this one!

Dragon Dictation App for iOS Updated to Version 2.0.21

Apple
News

Andrew Edney

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May 17, 2012

0

The Dragon Dictation app for the iPhone and iPad has just been updated to version 2.0.21.

Dragon Dictation is an easy-to-use voice recognition application powered by Dragon NaturallySpeaking that allows you to easily speak and instantly see your text or email messages. In fact, it’s up to five (5) times faster than typing on the keyboard.

With Dragon Dictation you can also update your Facebook status, send notes and reminders to yourself, or Tweet to the world….all using your voice. So when you’re on-the-go, stop typing and start speaking – from short text messages to longer email messages, and anything in between. For best result, speak calmly and clearly.

Dragon Dictation supports a multitude of global languages. For a full list of currently supported languages visit www.dragonmobileapps.co.uk/.

Features

• Voice-to-text transcriptions that may be sent as SMS, Email, or pasted into any application using the clipboard
• Submit update to Twitter & Facebook
• Convenient editing feature that provides list of suggested alternatives
• Voice driven correction interface

What’s New in Version 2.0.21

Localisation updates

Download from the Apple App Store