Archive

Sony Announce the VAIO E Series 14 laptop

News
Tech

Andrew Edney

-

Apr 10, 2012

Sony Announce the VAIO E Series 14 laptop

Sony announced today a new laptop – the VAIO E Series 14, and it has a new stylish wrap-around design with colour accents.

Stylish new ‘wrap-around’ design with colourful accents
Enjoy sound loud and clear with xLOUD, Clear Phase and Dolby Home Theatre V4
Backlit keyboard and large multi-gesture touchpad
Energy-efficient design with long battery life, performance hybrid graphics and Rapid Wake + Eco

Everyone can express their personal style this spring with the VAIO E Series 14 – the 14” laptop from Sony that’s made for smarter, easier everyday computing.

At home, on campus, or carried easily to the nearest café, the new VAIO E Series stands out from the crowd with its ‘wrap-around’ design. Three fresh colours – white, black or pink – are accented by complementary colour flourishes around the laptop’s edge, lid, touchpad and keyboard. Chic, individual credentials are emphasised further by the aluminium speaker bezel.

The comfortably-spaced isolation keyboard features a handy backlight for error-free low-light typing. It’s activated by an ambient light sensor that also dims screen brightness to conserve power in low-light conditions.

The generously-sized multi-gesture touchpad offers a large clickable surface for intuitive, ‘button-free’ control. There’s plenty of space to navigate pages, edit photos and more with fingertip scroll, flick, pinch/zoom and pivot movements.

Brand new to VAIO, Gesture Control lets you interact with your computer using intuitive hand movements. Just hold your hand up in front of the web camera and swipe left or right to flick though web pages or your photo gallery. Pull your hand down to pause music playback or a slideshow, or adjust music volume up or down with ‘rotate’ movements. Gesture Control is currently supported by Windows^® Media Player, Internet Explorer^® 9, PowerPoint^® and PowerDVD.

Video chats are clearer and crisper with the built-in HD web camera powered by ‘Exmor for PC’. Friends and family will enjoy seeing you with sharper details, higher contrast and rich colours; even in low light where other web cameras struggle with grainy, fuzzy images.

The new VAIO E Series 14P gives you effortlessly clear, sparkling sound to match its good looks. Unique to Sony, xLOUD^TM and Clear Phase^TM technologies boost volume levels without distortion for impressive-sounding movies and games. Alternatively, switch to Dolby^® Home Theatre^® V4 for rich, cinema-style audio, whether you’re listening through built-in speakers, external loudspeakers or headphones.

At work or play, the energy-smart design of the VAIO E Series keeps you up and running for longer. With battery life of up to 7 hours, there’s plenty of power for note-taking in lectures, followed by some ‘me time’ surfing or after-hours social networking.

Hybrid graphics use a dedicated GPU for demanding applications like games, video and photo editing. For less intensive tasks, VAIO automatically switches off the dedicated GPU to boost battery life. Endurance is pushed even further by the efficient VAIO Display and energy-efficient processors, plus an on-board optical drive that shuts down to zero power consumption when it’s not in use.

Can’t afford to hang around? With new Rapid Wake + Eco, you’re ready for action in moments. This energy-saving mode puts VAIO into an ultra-low power deep sleep, keeping all your data safe for up to ten days. Open the laptop’s lid and you’re up and running in seconds, with all your files just as you left them.

Organising, editing and sharing your media collection is even more of a pleasure with the VAIO E Series. Bundled at no extra charge, PlayMemories Home by Sony lets you add effortless polish to your photos and video clips, making home movies and even 3D content creation easier than ever.

The new VAIO E Series 14P is available in a choice of white, black or pink colourways. Other colours and configurable options are available at www.sony.co.uk.

Model	VAIO SVE14A1S1EW
Processor	Intel® Core™ i3-2350M Processor
OS	Genuine Windows^® 7 Home Premium 64bit with Service Pack 1
Memory	4GB DDR3 1333MHz SDRAM
Drive	500GB HDD 5400rpm
Screen	35.5cm (14”) VAIO Display (1366×768) with wide (16:9) aspect ratio
Graphics	AMD Radeon™ HD 7670M (1GB VRAM) + Intel^® HD Graphics 3000
Optical drive	DVD SuperMulti Drive
Others	WLAN 802.11b/g/n; Bluetooth^® Ver. 4.0 + HS; USB 2.0 (x2), USB 3.0 (x1), USB 3.0 with USB charge (x1); HDMI out; stereo speakers with Dolby^® Home Theater^® v4; HD Web Camera powered by ‘Exmor for PC’ (1.31 megapixels); Web, VAIO and Assist buttons; backlit keyboard and touchpad with gesture support
Dimensions DxHxW	Approx. 245 x 22.4 x 341mm
Weight	Approx. 2.3kg (with standard supplied battery)

A Look at the Kingston HyperX 3K SSD

Andrew Edney

-

Apr 10, 2012

0

Earlier today we told you that Kingston had announced their new HyperX 3K SSD, and we got to take a brief look at one today at the Gadget Show Live.

Powered by the second-generation SandForce SF-2281 processor and based on SATA Rev. 3.0 (6Gb/s) interface, Kingston HyperX 3K SSD is the ideal high-performance upgrade solution for budget-minded gamers, enthusiasts, multitaskers, overclockers and system builders.

HyperX 3K SSD loads games and applications faster, increases frames-per-second for an improved gaming experience and allows for quick transfers and edits of large media files. It has incredible sequential read/write throughputs of 555/510MB/s and max random R/W 85,000/74,000 IOPS. HyperX 3K SSD features SandForce DuraClass technology to provide best in class endurance and to maximize life span and durability under the most intensive environments.

Here is a short video we shot today at Gadget Show Live 2012 (apologies about the loud background noise):

Stay tuned for a full hands-on review later this week.

A Visit to the Centre for Computing History at the Gadget Show Live 2012

Andrew Edney

-

Apr 10, 2012

0

A Visit to the Centre for Computing History at the Gadget Show Live 2012

Today was the press day for Gadget Show Live 2012, and one of my first stops (as usual) was at the Centre for Computing History’s stand.

They had an array of cool tech and gadgets from yester-year, all of which were either operational or were sitting there looking pretty.

There were even toys and games on display (that could be played it), some of which I remember having as a kid!

And of course there was the Raspberry Pi! Check out our recent visit to the Beeb@30 event to see more on the Raspberry Pi.

And my arch nemesis, the Furbee!

They even had some merchandise available to buy, so I got myself a ZX Spectrum t-shirt!

This was certainly the highlight of my visit today, and I highly recommend spending some time there if you are going. Well done guys, I can’t wait to see what you do next year!

Check out the Center for Computing History website

TomTom SatNav app for iPhone updated to version 1.10

Andrew Edney

-

Apr 10, 2012

0

TomTom SatNav app for iPhone updated to version 1.10

Last year we reviewed the TomTom SatNav app for the iPhone. Today see an update to version 1.10 wihch fully integrates TomTom navigation with social media applications.

New to version 1.10 of the TomTom Navigation app for iPhone and iPad:

Uses Facebook places and events as a source of turn-by-turn navigation.

Enables drivers to share their destination and arrival time on Twitter, Facebook, by email and SMS text.

The TomTom navigation app for iPhone and iPad fully supports social networks as a source for turn-by-turn navigation. The new version automatically plans routes based on information from Facebook events and places. Additionally, drivers can use the app to share their destination and arrival time on Twitter, Facebook, by email and by SMS text.

The update includes the latest map.

Buy now from the Apple App Store

The TomTom Navigation app for iPhone and iPad is now available for purchase from the Apple App Store, priced £49.99 for UK/Republic of Ireland maps. Existing customers can download the update for free.

Adobe Reader for iOS updated to version 10.2.0

Apple
News

Andrew Edney

-

Apr 10, 2012

0

Adobe Reader for iOS updated to version 10.2.0

Adobe have today released an update to their Adobe Reader app for iOS.

Adobe Reader is the free global standard for reliably viewing and sharing PDF documents across platforms and devices. Easily and efficiently access the widest range of PDF file types—including PDF Portfolios, password-protected PDF documents and Adobe LiveCycle rights-managed PDF files. Now available for iPad, iPhone and iPod touch, Adobe Reader offers fast, high-quality interaction with PDF.

View PDF files
• Quickly open PDF files from email , the Web or any application that supports “Open In…”
• View PDF Portfolios, PDF Packages, annotations and drawing markups
• Read text annotations such as Sticky Notes

Access encrypted PDF files
• Open and view password-protected PDF files
• Access files secured by Adobe LiveCycle Rights Management, which helps protect sensitive documents
• Supports the highest grade of PDF encryption, up to AES256

Interact with PDF files
• Search text to find specific information
• Use bookmarks to jump directly to a section in your PDF file
• Select single page or continuous scroll modes
• Easily zoom in on text or images for a closer view
• Quickly navigate through large files using thumbnails
• Select and copy text from a PDF file to the clipboard

Print and share files
• Print wirelessly with AirPrint
• Share PDF files with other applications using “Open In…”
• Email PDF documents as attachments

Available languages
English, Chinese Simplified, Chinese Traditional, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Spanish, Dutch, Danish, Portuguese, Swedish, Russian, Czech, Polish and Turkish

What’s New in Version 10.2.0

• Easily mark up PDF content with sticky notes, the freehand drawing tool or the highlight, strikethrough, and underline tools
• Add comments anywhere in your PDF file with sticky notes

Download from the Apple App Store

Kingston announce the HyperX 3K SSD

Andrew Edney

-

Apr 10, 2012

0

Kingston Digital Europe today announced the Kingston HyperX 3K SSD, a high-performance, lower priced solid-state drive enabling users to experience ultra-responsive gaming, multitasking and multimedia computing power.

Powered by the second-generation SandForce SF-2281 processor and based on SATA Rev. 3.0 (6Gb/s) interface, Kingston^® HyperX 3K SSD is the ideal high-performance upgrade solution for budget-minded gamers, enthusiasts, multitaskers, overclockers and system builders.

HyperX 3K SSD loads games and applications faster, increases frames-per-second for an improved gaming experience and allows for quick transfers and edits of large media files. It has incredible sequential read/write throughputs of 555/510MB/s and max random R/W 85,000/74,000 IOPS. HyperX 3K SSD features SandForce DuraClass™ technology to provide best in class endurance and to maximize life span and durability under the most intensive environments.

“Kingston is devoted to offering the best upgrade solution for every market segment. The new Kingston HyperX 3K SSD is specifically designed to meet the needs of budget-minded gamers, PC enthusiasts and Audio/Visual professionals looking for powerful upgrades.” said Krystian Jaroszynski European product Manager – USB, SSD & HyperX. “We are thrilled to offer a SSD that combines HyperX performance and Kingston quality at a lower price.”

Shipping in 90GB, 120GB, 240GB, and 480GB capacities, HyperX 3K SSD comes in a sleek black and aluminium case design, accentuating the look of any power user’s system. It is available as either a stand-alone drive or in an upgrade kit to make installation easy and quick. HyperX 3K SSD is backed by a three-year warranty and free technical support.

Kingston HyperX 3K SSD Features & Specifications:

· Form factor: 2.5″

· Controller: SandForce SF-2281

· Components: MLC NAND (3k P/E Cycles)

· Interface: SATA Rev 3.0 (6Gb/s), SATA Rev 2.0 (3Gb/s)

· Capacities¹: 90GB, 120GB, 240GB, 480GB

· Sequential Read/Write (SATA Rev. 3.0)²:

90GB – 555/510MB/s

120GB – 555/510MB/s

240GB – 555/510MB/s

480GB – 540/450MB/s

· Sustained 4KB Random Read/Write³:

90GB – 20,000/50,000 IOPS

120GB – 20,000/60,000 IOPS

240GB – 40,000/57,000 IOPS

480GB – 60,000/45,000 IOPS

· Max 4KB Random Read/Write³:

90GB – 85,000/74,000 IOPS

120GB – 85,000/73,000 IOPS

240GB – 86,000/60,000 IOPS

480GB – 75,000/48,000 IOPS

· Dimension: 69.85mm x 100mm x 9.5mm

· Supports S.M.A.R.T., TRIM and Garbage Collection

· Shock Resistance: 1500G

· Storage Temperatures: -40° C to 85° C

· Operating Temperatures: 0°C to 70°C

· Vibration Operating: 2.17G

· Vibration Non-operating: 20G

· MTBF: 1,000,000 Hrs

· PCMARK^® Vantage HDD Suite Score⁴:

90GB, 120GB, 240GB, 480GB: 60,000

· Power Consumption:

0.455 W (TYP) Idle / 1.58 W (TYP) Read / 2.11 W (TYP) Write

· Warranty/Support: Three-year warranty with free technical support

¹ Some of the listed capacity is used for formatting and other functions and thus is not available for data storage. For more information, please consult Kingston’s Flash Memory Guide at Kingston.com/Flash_Memory_Guide.

²Based on “out-of-box performance” with ATTO Disk Benchmark 2.41. Speed may vary due to host hardware, software, and usage.

³ Based on “out-of-box performance” with IOMeter 2008.

⁴ Test System: ASRock 67 Motherboard, Intel® Core™ i7 2600k 3.4GHz CPU, 8GB System Memory, NVIDIA GTX 460 Video Card, SSD tested as secondary drive with results based on “out-of-box” performance.

Kingston HyperX 3KSolid-State Drives
Part Number	Capacity and Features	RRP
SH103S3/90G	90GB Stand-alone SSD	£110.39 inc VAT
SH103S3/120G	120GB Stand-alone SSD	£129.59 inc VAT
SH103S3/240G	240GB Stand-alone SSD	£255.59 inc VAT
SH103S3/480G	480GB Stand-alone SSD	£525.59 inc VAT
SH103S3B/90G	90GB HyperX Upgrade Bundle Kit	£115.19 inc VAT
SH103S3B/120G	120GB HyperX Upgrade Bundle Kit	£139.19 inc VAT
SH103S3B/240G	240GB HyperX Upgrade Bundle Kit	£263.99 inc VAT
SH103S3B/480G	480GB HyperX Upgrade Bundle Kit	£533.99 inc VAT

WHS Add-in Update : LDisk for Windows Home Server version 3.0.0

Andrew Edney

-

Apr 10, 2012

0

Intelisan’s Windows Home Server add-in LDisk has been updated to version 3.0.0.

LDisk Windows Home Server Add-In adds iSCSI Target Storage capability to your Windows Home Server. Using LDisk, you can create a single appliance to provide all your storage and backup needs.

– iSCSI Target Storage for Windows Home Server

– IP SAN (Storage Area Network)- Block transfer

– iSCSI SAN interface over Ethernet

– Snapshot with schedules, revert, and convert to volume

– Fully protected data using SAN Volume duplication

– Supports all Internal or external drives

– Drive Extender for WHS 2011

– Storage Expansion through iSCSI for WHS 2011

Version 3.0.0.0:

XEN Server iSCSI support
Cosmetic changes in NAS+SAN tab
VMWare/ESX iSCSI support

Learn more from the Intelisan website

Plex for iPhone and iPad update to v2.3

Apple
News

Andrew Edney

-

Apr 10, 2012

0

The Plex application allows you to use your iPad, iPhone or iPod touch to browse and play your media (video, photos and music) using the Plex Media Server installed on your Mac or PC. The latest version, v2.3, has just been released in the App Store.

Description

Plex for iOS brings the power of Plex to your iPad, iPhone or iPod touch. With Plex, you can stream your music, videos and photos from your home computers running Plex Media Server (available from http://www.plexapp.com/) and access content from a wide range of channels. Channels are available for apps like Aperture, iTunes and iPhoto, or online services like YouTube, Vimeo and Revision3. There’s also a remote control feature for Plex Media Center.
Additionally, you can sign up for the myPlex service, which lets you connect to servers shared with you by your friends, queue videos from your web browser to watch later, and connect to your Plex Media Server at home wherever you are in the world via Wi-Fi or a celluar connection, with no configuration necessary!
Plex Media Server streams your media directly from your computer, so there’s no need to convert before viewing. Plex is smart, too – if your media isn’t already in a format your device can play, it’ll convert it on-the-fly.
Limitations:
• DRM-protected content (TV shows, movies and older music tracks from the iTunes store) is not supported.
• ISO images are not supported.
• VIDEO_TS folders are not supported.
• PGS subtitles are not supported.
• Audio formats iOS can’t play natively (e.g. FLAC) are not supported.

What’s New in Version 2.3

This latest update of Plex brings you lots of bug-fixes, Retina Display goodness, and higher quality settings for the latest iOS devices. We’ve also started adding some management functionality, allowing you (finally) to mark videos (un)watched and rate them, and the detail views now feature background art. So pretty!
– NEW: The video player can now be locked to the landscape orientation.
– NEW: Media can be added to or removed from your myPlex queue.
– NEW: Items in your library or your queue can be marked as watched/unwatched.
– NEW: You can change the ratings of items in your library.
– NEW: Easier access to channels & queued media from the home screen.
– NEW: Higher resolution images in the photo viewer.
– NEW: 20Mbps quality setting on iPhone 4S, iPad 2 and iPad (3rd Generation)
– UPDATED: Retina display compatibility.
– UPDATED: Detail view design.
– FIX: Playback of stacked videos.
– FIX: Better handling of audio items with multiple streams available.
– FIX: Scrobbling of items with an unknown duration.
– FIX: Removed connection optimisation which was breaking connectivity when using a VPN.
– FIX: Higher quality settings are now available on 3rd generation iPads.
– FIX: Detection of players launched while the Browse tab is active.
– FIX: The default playback action is correctly remembered.
– FIX: The Remote tab could become enabled incorrectly.

The cost for the app is £2.99.

Download from the Apple App Store

Update for Parallels Desktop 7 for Mac Supports Ubuntu 12.04

Andrew Edney

-

Apr 9, 2012

0

Update for Parallels Desktop 7 for Mac Supports Ubuntu 12.04

Parallels just released an update to Parallels Desktop 7 for Mac, which includes experimental support for Ubuntu 12.04 and more.

Today Parallels Desktop 7 for Mac was updated to provide experimental support for the final beta of Ubuntu 12.04 LTS (codename “Precise Pangolin”), free and open source software for the Linux operating system. The final version of Ubuntu 12.04 will be available on April 26 but in the meantime, Linux users can get ahead of the game and test out this final beta version safely on a Parallels Desktop 7 virtual machine to protect their Mac from any bugs that can occur with beta versions of software.

A free trial of the No. 1-selling Parallels Desktop 7 for Mac software is available for download at www.parallels.com/desktop. Current Parallels Desktop 7 users can get the update by selecting the Parallels Desktop menu and clicking Check for Updates.

This update also adds:

· improved 3D support

· ability to easily download and install Fedora 16 from within the Parallels Wizard

· support for the Dvorak keyboard, Arabic keyboard and French numeric keyboard layout

· improved support for the Swedish keyboard layout

This update comes it at just over 306 MB.

I’ve just updated and it’s running great.

Netflix on the Xbox 360 gets an update; includes Facebook integration

Andrew Edney

-

Apr 9, 2012

0

Netflix on the Xbox 360 gets an update; includes Facebook integration

If you are using Netflix on your Xbox 360 then there is an update for you!

This is what Netflix posted on their blog:

The update includes a number of new features and enhancements to the Netflix experience on Xbox:

Updates:

Skip Forward/Skip Back functions during play allow you to move through movies quickly and move between TV episodes easily

Zoom function during play lets you enlarge letterboxed video content to full screen

Better color contrast, making colors more vivid and black more pure.

If you’re a member in Canada, Latin America, the UK or Ireland, we have also created more opportunities to share TV shows and movies in the connected world and for you to discover more great stuff to watch through your friends. Members that have connected with their Facebook friends on Netflix can now see what their friends have watched and rated on Netflix.

In addition, we have made it easier to decide what you want to share with your Facebook friends when enjoying Netflix on your Xbox:

Single sign on with cloud profile makes it easier to enjoy Netflix on another Xbox 360, wherever you are. For example when visiting a friend’s house you can use their Xbox 360 with Netflix after signing on with your Xbox LIVE credentials

How do you get the new application?
If you already use Netflix on your Xbox 360, you will automatically receive the new Netflix features the next time you access the application and download the update – If you have not previously downloaded the Netflix application on Xbox 360, you can simply download it from the Xbox LIVE Apps Marketplace
A few notes:

An Xbox LIVE Gold membership, Netflix unlimited streaming membership and a high-speed Internet connection are required to stream TV Shows and movies from Netflix on Xbox 360

Kinect for Xbox 360 is required to use voice and gesture control

The Netflix social features are only available to Netflix members outside the United States at this time

Mass Effect 3 Resurgence Pack DLC Available tomorrow for free

Gaming
News

Andrew Edney

-

Apr 9, 2012

0

Mass Effect 3 Resurgence Pack DLC Available tomorrow for free

Tomorrow will see the release of a free DLC pack for Mass Effect 3 called the Resurgence Pack.

In addition to the maps, new weapons, consumables and characters will also be unlockable via reinforcement packs in the game’s multiplayer store. New weapons include the Striker Assault Rifle, Kishock Harpoon Gun and Geth Plasma SMG. The following new consumables will also be available:

Strength Enhancer – Applies a melee damage boost for one mission
Targeting VI – Applies a headshot damage boost for one mission
Stabilization Module – Stabilizes weapons while firing and moving for one mission
Shield Power Cells – Shortens shield recharge time for one mission

The pack will also feature six new characters, including the Asari Justicar Adept, Krogan Battlemaster Vanguard, Batarian Soldier, Batarian Sentinel, Geth Engineer and Geth Infiltrator.

via: IGN

Windows 8 Cheat Sheet: Get Started Easily

Microsoft

Andrew Edney

-

Apr 9, 2012

0

If you are using the Windows 8 Consumer Preview, you might need some help with some keyboard shortcuts.

Dr. Doris Chen is a Developer Evangelist at Microsoft for the Western region of the United States and has published a list of keyboard shortcuts that might help you!

Check out the Windows 8 Cheat Sheet here

Motorola Launches Two New Additions to the Motorola XOOM 2 Family in the UK

Andrew Edney

-

Apr 9, 2012

0

Motorola Launches Two New Additions to the Motorola XOOM 2 Family in the UK

Motorola Mobility UK Ltd. last week expanded the Motorola XOOM 2 family in the UK with the addition of 3G and Wi-Fi capable Motorola XOOM 2 and XOOM 2 Media Edition tablets.

The full range of XOOM 2 tablets, including Wi-Fi only variants, are available both online and in-store at the Carphone Warehouse starting from just £299.99.

“Tablets are quickly becoming a must-have tool for staying connected, getting work done and having fun at home and on the road,” said Victoria McManus, UK and Nordics marketing director, Motorola Mobility. “We are very excited about the latest additions to our tablet portfolio that builds on the success of the original Motorola XOOM and the XOOM 2 Wi-Fi variants to deliver even more choice when it comes to tablet experiences in the UK.”

Motorola XOOM 2 and Motorola XOOM 2 Media Edition both feature Android^™ 3.2, a dual-core 1.2 GHz processor, brilliant displays with scratch resistant Corning^® Gorilla^® Glass and a splashguard coating for a go anywhere, do everything attitude. In addition, all Motorola XOOM 2 tablets include Motorola’s MotoCast^™1 app that lets you stream all your music, photos, videos and documents between your computer and tablet without any media tools, apps, or cords.

Motorola XOOM 2: Lighter and Brighter

Motorola XOOM 2 sports a 10.1-inch widescreen HD display and Android 3.2 Honeycomb like its predecessor, but the similarities end there. The display is brighter and more vibrant than before with color enhancement, and the edges have been strategically designed to make the tablet more comfortable to use. Motorola XOOM 2 is loaded with Business Ready² features like Virtual Private Network (VPN) support and data encryption.

Approximately 100 grams lighter than the original Motorola XOOM, the Motorola XOOM 2 makes it even easier to take on the road, and with a battery delivering more than 10 hours of video playback it will be always be ready when you are³.

Motorola XOOM 2 Media Edition: Beat your Boredom

Motorola XOOM 2 Media Edition is easy to hold with one hand thanks to its 8.2-inch display, and easy to take with you wherever you go, weighing less than the best-selling paperback you’ve been carrying around. Optimised for entertainment, it has a wide, 178 degree viewing angle. Hold it up to someone across the room, or share it with someone sitting next to you, and everyone gets a brilliant view.

Motorola XOOM 2 Media Edition also has a 20 percent improvement in graphics performance over the original Motorola XOOM for smoother gaming, featuring adaptive virtual surround sound with booming bass that’ll delight your ears and make you stand out from the crowd with one of the fastest multi-tasking in its class. It can even be a universal remote control for home entertainment equipment with the personalized, custom remote control app pre-loaded on the tablet.

Accessories to connect to your life easier, from anywhere

With the Work and Play kit, plug your tablet into the HD Multimedia Station to connect to your HDTV, speakers and other peripherals for large-screen entertainment. Get more done, faster with the included keyboard and mouse with Bluetooth^® technology.

Technical Details

	Motorola XOOM 2	Motorola XOOM 2 Media Edition
Processor	1.2GHz dual-core processor	1.2GHz dual-core processor
Software	Android 3.2 Honeycomb	Android 3.2 Honeycomb
Display	10.1” HD display with scratch resistant Corning®Gorilla® Glass	8.2” HD display with scratch resistant Corning®Gorilla® Glass
Special features	Splash-guard and special flattened edges for easier holding	Display optimisation for wide viewing angles that are perfect for video
Camera	1.3 MP front and 5 MP rear-facing HD cameras with digital zoom, auto focus, and LED flash	1.3 MP front and 5 MP rear-facing HD cameras with digital zoom, auto focus, and LED flash
Memory3	1GB RAM; 16GB, 32GB storage	1GB RAM; 16GB storage
Battery life2	10+ hours Web usage (on WiFi) or 9 hours of 720p video playback	6+ hrs Web usage (on WiFi) and more than 3 days of music playback
Sound	3D virtual surround sound	Adaptive virtual surround sound with multiple speakers and booming bass
Dimensions	253.9 mm x 173.6 mm x 8.8 mm	139 mm x 216 mm x 8.99 mm
Weight	599 g	386 g
Enterprise features	Business Ready with enterprise-grade security and Active Sync for work email, contacts and calendar. USB connectivity, pre-loaded Citrix^® Receiver^® and Citrix^® GoToMeeting^®. Preloaded with MotoCast so you can access and stream your files from your computer to your tablet	Preloaded with MotoCast so you can access and stream your files from your computer to your tablet
Preloaded applications	Access to Google Mobile^™ Services, including Google Maps^™ with Navigation, Google Talk^™ and browsing

Pricing and Availability

Both 3G and Wi-Fi and Wi-Fi only variants of both the Motorola XOOM 2 and Motorola XOOM 2 Media Edition are available from today at Carphone Warehouse.

Motorola XOOM 2 Media Edition – Wi-Fi variant	From £299.99
Motorola XOOM 2 – Wi-Fi variant	From £349.99
Motorola XOOM 2 Media Edition – Wi-Fi & 3G variant	From £399.99
Motorola XOOM 2 – Wi-Fi & 3G variant	From £449.99

Bethesda Release Skyrim Update 1.5

Gaming
News

Andrew Edney

-

Apr 9, 2012

0

Bethesda have just released update 1.5 for Skyrim bringing with it various updates and fixes.

NEW FEATURES

New cinematic kill cameras for projectile weapons and spells
New kill moves and animations for melee weapons
Smithing skill increases now factor in the created item’s value
Improved visual transition when going underwater
Improved distance LOD transition for snowy landscapes

BUG FIXES

General crash fixes and memory optimizations
Fixed issue with Deflect Arrows perk not calculating properly
In “A Cornered Rat,” the death of certain NPCs no longer blocks progression
Fixed issue where Farkas would not give Companion’s quests properly
Fixed crash when loading saves that rely on data that is no longer being loaded
Followers sneak properly when player is sneaking
Fixed issue with weapon racks not working properly in Proudspire Manor
Arrows and other projectiles that were stuck in objects in the world now clean up properly
Fixed issue where “Rescue Mission” was preventing “Taking Care of Business” from starting properly
Fixed issue where certain NPCs would fail to become Thieves Guild fences
Fixed issue in “Diplomatic Immunity” where killing all the guards in the Thalmor Embassy before starting the quest would break progress
In “Hard Answers,” picking up the dwarven museum key after completing the quest, no longer restarts the quest
Killing Viola before or after “Blood on the Ice” no longer blocks progression
Fixed issue where Calixto would fail to die properly in “Blood on the Ice”
In “Waking Nightmare” fixed occasional issue where Erandur would stop pathing properly
Fixed issue where letters and notes with random encounters would appear blank
Fixed rare issue where dialogue and shouts would improperly play
Lydia will now offer marriage option after player purchases Breezehome in Whiterun
Fixed issue where if player manually mined ore in Cidhna Mine, jail time would not be served
Fixed rare issue with skills not increasing properly
Fixed issue where the Headsman’s Axe did not gain proper buff from Barbarian perk
In “A Night to Remember” it is no longer possible to kill Ysolda, Ennis or Senna before starting the quest
Fixed issue with the ebony dagger having a weapon speed that was too slow
Fixed issue with “The Wolf Queen Awakened” where backing out of a conversation with Styrr too soon would block progress
The third level of the Limbsplitter perk now properly improves all battle axes
Fixed a rare issue where Sanguine Rose would not work properly
In “Tending the Flames” King Olaf’s Verse will no longer disappear from explosions
Fixed issue with frequency of first person kill cameras
Underwater effects now display properly
Fixed issue where sun would not appear properly after fast travel