Apple Release OS X Lion USB Thumb Drive

Andrew Edney
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0
Apple Release OS X Lion USB Thumb Drive

Apple have now released the OS X Lion USB Thumb Drive for those people who can’t, or won’t download Lion. Unfortunately you have to pay £55 for the pleasure.

MD256

Here is how Apple describe the drive:

OS X Lion is available on a USB thumb drive for installation without the need for a broadband Internet connection. Just plug the drive into your USB port and follow the instructions to install. OS X Lion is also available for a lower price as a digital download from the Mac App Store.

Lion Thumb Drive

Personally I think £55 for putting the £20.99 software on a USB thumb drive is a little excessive – that’s £34 for a thumb drive!

Don’t forget our two guides for doing it yourself:

How To Use Mac OS X Lion Recovery Disk Assistant How to Create a Mac OS X Lion Install DVD or USB

More Screenshots of Grid Junction for Windows Home Server 2011 Released

Andrew Edney
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4
More Screenshots of Grid Junction for Windows Home Server 2011 Released

We told you last month about Grid Junction for Windows Home Server 2011 coming soon. Now Alexander has posted a few more screenshots.

293649_242169925822613_199978363375103_681363_2216113_n299149_242188099154129_199978363375103_681408_3783821_n300739_242169909155948_199978363375103_681362_2935738_n

Here is what Alexander posted on Facebook:

Here are a couple more Grid Junction v2 screenshots which offer a more detailed look at the UPS management add-in for Windows Home Server 2011 and Small Business Server Essentials 2011.

So not long now!

StableBit DrivePool Moves to Beta M3 Build 3696

Andrew Edney
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0
StableBit DrivePool Moves to Beta M3 Build 3696

There has been another beta build from CoveCube! StableBit development marches on – now is build 3696.

600px-Stablebit_drivepool_screen_thu16

Here is how CoveCube describes this application:

  • Combine all your hard drives into one big storage pool (except the system drive with the OS).
  • Add and remove drives from the pool at any time without re-partitioning or manually moving folders.
  • Create duplicated folders on the storage drive pool that are protected against single drive failure. If a drive fails on which a duplicated file was stored, the contents of that file will remain readable even without the drive.
  • All your data is stored in standard NTFS files. You can always access your files even if the Windows Home Server completely crashes or this add-in can’t be used.

This version’s change log:

1.0.0.3696 ———-

* Shared folder security propagation is now asynchronous.

* Added new function to folder links that will clean up any shares pointing to non-existent paths.

* More minor HomeGroup synchronization improvements.

* Fixed various issues with folder renaming.

Get More Information About the Beta Here Download Stablebit Drivepool build 3696 here

Save £100 Off Tranquil’s Windows Storage Server 2008 R2 Leo SS4

Andrew Edney
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0
Save £100 Off Tranquil’s Windows Storage Server 2008 R2 Leo SS4

We have talked about Storage Server 2008 R2 Essentials (codename Breckenridge) previously. Today Tranquil PC have announced their Leo SS4 Server powered by Storage Server 2008 R2 Essentials has £100 off.

What do you get

  • Leo SS4 Home Server appliance
  • Windows Storage Server 2008 R2 Essentials
  • 2TB Low Energy Primary Hard Disk
  • 2GB DDR3 RAM
  • Intel 2nd Generation Core Processor (i3-2100T 2.5GHz)
  • Innovative storage expansion manager (to create storage pools,
    and also manage data duplication)
  • Media Kit including PC Restore CD and Server Restore DVD
  • 24 month RTB (return to base) warranty

All of this for a retail price of £679 (+VAT) – recently reduced from £779 +VAT

Take a look at the Leo SS4:

http://www.tranquilpcshop.co.uk/leo-ss4/

Raxco PerfectDisk 12 Service Pack 2 Available Now

Andrew Edney
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0
Raxco PerfectDisk 12 Service Pack 2 Available Now

We told you at the start of the month it was coming, now Perfect Disk 12 SP2 is now available.

PerfectDisk-12-for-WHS-install-2_thu[1]

The PerfectDisk 12 Client and Enterprise Console have been updated to Build 285. These latest builds include various bug fixes.

You can “Check For Updates” in the products or wait for Autoupdate.

 

Client fixes:

  • S.M.A.R.T. tab incorrectly displayed some drives (SSDs) which were not supported as well as incorrectly reporting temperature for several drives which should have displayed correctly. These issues were fixed.
  • Default defragmentation methods were changed for drives in a virtual environment. PerfectDisk disabled all defragmentation methods if it could not determine the drive type in a virtual environment. This has been changed.
  • The tray icon incorrectly allowed control of hidden drives. This has been fixed.
  • The S.M.A.R.T. graphs did not follow the user settings for time (24 hour vs 12 hour with AM, PM).
  • The Global Setting dialog threw an error on opening when the Nvidia video driver was installed. This is due to a bug with the nvidia dll (nvsvc64.dll, v7.15.11.7923). PerfectDisk has worked around this issue.
  • Corrected an installation bug. When installing PerfectDisk Server edition, on a computer running the PerfectDisk Enterprise Console, it indicated the installation needed to be to the same folder. This is a hold over from PerfectDisk v11 and is no longer required.
  • After a selected file defragmentation pass from the Most Fragmented files list the list was not refreshed to show the file had been defragged. This has been fixed.
  • File exclusion was not working properly when performing a Defrag Only pass. This has been fixed.

Console fixes:

  • Version 12 allowed connecting to a v11 console database even though this is not supported. v12 Console now blocks this.
  • Summary alert email is now sent in a tabular format to improve usability.
    There was an issue with the license count table, such that the console displayed incorrect license counts. The bug has been fixed, however if there is bad data currently stored in the “installs” table the rows will have to be deleted. They will repopulate on the first synch task.
  • Schedule info for the Synch schedule was not displayed. This has been fixed.
  • Control of the Optiwrite settings from the Console Configuration Profile did not work for Windows XP clients. This was because the driver (PDFsFilter.sys) cannot be stopped on Windows XP due to operating system limitations. This was fixed.
  • An enhancement was made to the Console data base configuration to allow reusing an existing logon.
  • Self diagnostic dropped PING, since this routinely failed and is not used as a communication port, so is meaningless.
Read our review of PerfectDisk 12 Home Server edition for WHS 2011 Read our review of PerfectDisk 12 Home Server edition for WHS V1

Kingston Wi-Drive Now Available for Apple iPad, iPhone and iPod Touch Users

Andrew Edney
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1
Kingston Wi-Drive Now Available for Apple iPad, iPhone and iPod Touch Users

Back in June we told you about the Kingston Wi-Drive being announced – well now it’s available.

Wi Drive Box

Kingston Wi-Drive Features and Specifications:

  • Capacities*: 16GB, 32GB
  • Dimensions: 121.5mm x 61.8mm x 9.8mm
  • Operating Temperature: 32°F to 122°F (0°C to 50°C)
  • Storage Temperature: 14°F to 185°F (-10°C to 70°C)
  • Wireless Network Interface: Wi-Fi 802.11g/n with wireless security (WPA/WEP)
  • Rechargeable Battery: up to four hours of continuous use
  • Cable: Mini-USB to USB cable included. User can upload files and content from their desktop or laptop to the Wi-Drive using the USB cable
  • Portable: Uses Flash-based technology for durability and reliability
  • Convenient: pocket-sized for easy transportability
  • Simple: just plug into a USB port
  • Guaranteed: one-year warranty
  • App: downloadable at Apple’s App Store
  • Compatible with: iPad, iPhone 3G/3GS/4, iPod touch (3G is limited to iOS 4.2.1+)
  • Configurable APN (access point name) and Key functions to connect to Wireless Access Point (Internet Connection)
  • Supported File Formats:
    • Audio: AAC, MP3, WAV
    • Video: m4v, mp4, mov, Motion JPEG (M-JPEG), AVI
    • Image: jpg, bmp, tiff
    • Document: pdf, doc, docx, ppt, pptx, txt, rtf, xls
Kingston Wi-Drive
Part Number Capacity and Features MSRP (inc. VAT)
WID/16GBZE Wi-Drive 16GB £89
WID/32GBZE Wi-Drive 32GB £119

Here is the full press release:

Kingston Expands iPad, iPhone and iPod Touch Capabilities with Wireless Flash Based Solution

  • Share  – Wireless sharing of documents and media files with  three users
  • Light and Durable – Flash memory based device makes it the perfect external storage companion on the move
  • Sleek Design and Easy to use – simply drag and drop files from your desktop or laptop
  • Kingston Wi-Drive  Recognized as “Most Innovative Flash Memory Consumer Application” at Flash Memory Summit 2011

Sunbury-on-Thames – August 15, 2011 — Kingston Digital Europe Ltd, an affiliate of Kingston Technology Company Inc., the independent world leader in memory products, today announced the launch of the sleek and functional Kingston Wi-DriveTM in the UK. Built to address the ever-increasing storage needs of Apple iPad®, iPhone® and iPod touch® devices, the Wi-Drive, a wireless, Flash memory based portable storage solution, allows users to expand the number of documents, images, music and video files they can access from Apple devices. The combination of this storage expansion, file sharing and a rugged portable form factor makes it a perfect companion device.

Check out the Wi-Drive in action online:

  • Images on the Wi-Drive
  • Wi-Drive video demonstration
  • iTunes Podcasts in Kingston Technology Channel

Wi-Drive, along with its app “Kingston Wi-Drive” from the App StoreSM allows users to play videos, access music or share files with other Apple device owners. The distinctively designed, pocket-sized Wi-Drive utilizes Flash memory based technology to store data from a USB-compatible desktop or laptop. These files are then easily retrieved via Wi-Drive’s built-in wireless signal without requiring cables or an Internet connection. Three users can work simultaneously with different file types from a single Wi-Drive even whilst staying connected to the Internet.

“Wi-Drive allows Apple device owners to wirelessly manage document and media files, and choose to share them with others, while on the go for work or pleasure,” said Krystian Jaroszynski, European Product Marketing Manager – Flash, Kingston. “This unique functionality, combined with the durability of a Flash memory based device, will satisfy both casual users and the most discerning technophiles.”

To begin using Wi-Drive with any of the compatible Apple products, users simply drag and drop files from their desktop or laptop to Wi-Drive via USB cable, similar to a typical USB Flash drive data transfer. Users then download the Wi-Drive application from the App Store before connecting the Wi-Drive to their device. For more information on the Wi-Drive go to: http://www.kingston.com/ukroot/flash/wi_drive.asp?id=8

Wi-Drive™ has been chosen by the Flash Memory Summit as a Best of Show award winner for 2011 in the Most Innovative Flash Consumer Application category. For more information see full press release: http://www.kingston.com/press/2011/flash/08d.asp

Kingston offers Wi-Drive in both 16GB and 32GB sizes and the product will be available only at Apple Premium Resellers such as: Cancom, solutions inc., Square Group, Farpoin, Western Computer, MCC Group, Micro Anvika stores and online at Ebuyer.

Google to Acquire Motorola Mobility

Jim McCarthy
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0
Google to Acquire Motorola Mobility

From our good friends in Mountain View comes the news that they are acquiring Motorola Mobility, the operation that produces cell phones and tablets under the Motorola name.

image

Motorola Mobility (NYSE: MMI) is the portion of Motorola that has focused on cell phone and lately, tablet technology.  It was spun out of the Motorola mother company on January 4, 2011 in order to better focus the operation on success in the mobile marketplace.  From this investor package, we see that they are a struggling unit, with losses and negative operating cash flows the norm since Q1 2009.

Here is what Google is saying about the acquisition:

MOUNTAIN VIEW, CA and LIBERTYVILLE, IL – AUGUST 15, 2011 – Google Inc. (NASDAQ: GOOG) and Motorola Mobility Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: MMI) today announced that they have entered into a definitive agreement under which Google will acquire Motorola Mobility for $40.00 per share in cash, or a total of about $12.5 billion, a premium of 63% to the closing price of Motorola Mobility shares on Friday, August 12, 2011. The transaction was unanimously approved by the boards of directors of both companies.

The acquisition of Motorola Mobility, a dedicated Android partner, will enable Google to supercharge the Android ecosystem and will enhance competition in mobile computing. Motorola Mobility will remain a licensee of Android and Android will remain open. Google will run Motorola Mobility as a separate business.

Larry Page, CEO of Google, said, “Motorola Mobility’s total commitment to Android has created a natural fit for our two companies. Together, we will create amazing user experiences that supercharge the entire Android ecosystem for the benefit of consumers, partners and developers. I look forward to welcoming Motorolans to our family of Googlers.”

Sanjay Jha, CEO of Motorola Mobility, said, “This transaction offers significant value for Motorola Mobility’s stockholders and provides compelling new opportunities for our employees, customers, and partners around the world. We have shared a productive partnership with Google to advance the Android platform, and now through this combination we will be able to do even more to innovate and deliver outstanding mobility solutions across our mobile devices and home businesses.”

Andy Rubin, Senior Vice President of Mobile at Google, said, “We expect that this combination will enable us to break new ground for the Android ecosystem. However, our vision for Android is unchanged and Google remains firmly committed to Android as an open platform and a vibrant open source community. We will continue to work with all of our valued Android partners to develop and distribute innovative Android-powered devices.”

Google forward integrating into handsets is an interesting development.
Major partners commented to Engadget here:

Peter Chou, CEO, HTC:

We welcome the news of today’s acquisition, which demonstrates that Google is deeply committed to defending Android, its partners, and the entire ecosystem.

Bert Nordberg, President & CEO, Sony Ericsson:

I welcome Google’s commitment to defending Android and its partners.

Jong-Seok Park, President & CEO, LG:

We welcome Google’s commitment to defending Android and its partners.

This is a major development for Android and should have repercussions in the industry.  Since the Android partners all said the same thing about defending Android and its partners, I surmise that this is in part a response to the Microsoft strategy of enforcing patents purchased from Nortel and developed in-house.  We’ll have to keep an eye on Motorola and Google to see how they integrate going forward.

Google Press Release Motorola Mobility Financial Presentation Engadget Article

StableBit DrivePool Moves to Beta M3 Build 3664

Andrew Edney
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0
StableBit DrivePool Moves to Beta M3 Build 3664

Since this mornings post about 3660, there have been another two beta builds from CoveCube! StableBit development marches on – now is build 3664.

600px-Stablebit_drivepool_screen_thu16

Here is how CoveCube describes this application:

  • Combine all your hard drives into one big storage pool (except the system drive with the OS).
  • Add and remove drives from the pool at any time without re-partitioning or manually moving folders.
  • Create duplicated folders on the storage drive pool that are protected against single drive failure. If a drive fails on which a duplicated file was stored, the contents of that file will remain readable even without the drive.
  • All your data is stored in standard NTFS files. You can always access your files even if the Windows Home Server completely crashes or this add-in can’t be used.

This version’s change log:

1.0.0.3664 ———-

* Fixed deleting folders.

1.0.0.3661 ———-

* Suspend folder links while renaming.

Get More Information About the Beta Here Download Stablebit Drivepool build 3664 here

StableBit DrivePool Moves to Beta M3 Build 3660

Andrew Edney
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2
StableBit DrivePool Moves to Beta M3 Build 3660

Yet another beta build from CoveCube! StableBit development marches on – now is build 3660.

600px-Stablebit_drivepool_screen_thu16

Here is how CoveCube describes this application:

  • Combine all your hard drives into one big storage pool (except the system drive with the OS).
  • Add and remove drives from the pool at any time without re-partitioning or manually moving folders.
  • Create duplicated folders on the storage drive pool that are protected against single drive failure. If a drive fails on which a duplicated file was stored, the contents of that file will remain readable even without the drive.
  • All your data is stored in standard NTFS files. You can always access your files even if the Windows Home Server completely crashes or this add-in can’t be used.

This version’s change log:

1.0.0.3660 ———-

* Fixed HomeGroup maintenance. Many changes. HomeGroup access is now synchronized across renames / duplication changes / folder moves. Symptoms of a broken HomeGroup are inaccessible folders stuck in the HomeGroup that don’t exist on the server. The easiest thing to do to get rid of those folders is to make your server leave the HomeGroup and then re-join. This change will keep the HomeGroup synchronized properly with your pooled folders.

* Fixed media streaming library maintenance. Many changes. Media library is now synchronized across renames / duplication changes / folder moves. Symptoms of a broken media library is inaccessible videos stuck on the media library portion of the remote web access site, or through your DLNA device.

* Changed folder links format to not include the duplication count.

Get More Information About the Beta Here Download Stablebit Drivepool build 3660 here

UWHS Giveaway – SteelSeries 5Hv2 Headset Medal of Honor Edition

Andrew Edney
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8
UWHS Giveaway – SteelSeries 5Hv2 Headset Medal of Honor Edition

So it’s time for another UWHS giveaway, and this time we have the SteelSeries 5Hv2 Headset Medal of Honor Edition for you worth €89.99.

UWHS Giveaway - the SteelSeries 5Hv2 Headset Medal of Honor Edition

The SteelSeries 5Hv2 Headset Medal of Honor™ Edition is the premium quality headset designed for PC gamers who seek comfort and quality sound reproduction in a unique design specifically created for Medal of Honor™ gamers. The XL-sized, hear-through, cloth ear cushions that fit comfortably around the ear offers players a relaxed audio experience while reducing background noise. With the custom built soundscape via 40mm SunDancer(SCS) units, gamers can pinpoint the direction of noises and movement throughout the game from footsteps to approaching vehicles. The headset features a durable, double-braided, nylon cord and dismantles into 3 separate parts. Its retractable, unidirectional microphone presents users with adjustable, convenient and clear voice communication. This product was made in cooperation with Electronic Arts® and is part of a limited edition series of products.©2010 Electronic Arts. Medal of Honor is a trademark of Electronic Arts Inc.

Want to Win?

Ok, so what do you have to do to win this cool prize worth €89.99?

Make sure that you follow us on Twitter (@aedney) and then tweet the following:

I want to win the MoH Headphones from SteelSeries with @aedney and UWHS. Visit http://bit.ly/Ct7vB and RT for your chance to win.

Or just click the Tweet button below to do it automatically.

[twitter style=”horizontal” text=”I want to win the MoH Headphones from SteelSeries with @aedney and UWHS. Visit http://bit.ly/Ct7vB and RT for your chance to win.” float=”left”]

The giveaway will run until Monday 22nd August, and which point we will pick a winner at random who tweeted and post it on the site.

Good luck! And thank you to our friends at Steelseries for the cool headphones.

Review of the Fujifilm FinePix Z900EXR Camera

Andrew Edney
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0
Review of the Fujifilm FinePix Z900EXR Camera

If you are in the market for a compact digital camera, then you might want to take a look at the 16 megapixel Fujifilm FinePix Z900EXR, with it’s 5x optical zoom and full HD movie capture capabilities, to name but a few!

UWHS Review - Fujifilm Z900 035

This is how Fujifilm describe the FinePix Z900EXR:

The Z900EXR has stepped up the camera game this year as it sports an exciting new BSI EXR-CMOS sensor, CMOS Shift Image Stabilisation and a NEW Advanced Slide Show mode.

This feature packed digital camera is going to be a head turner as it struts its stuff down the camera catwalk this spring. This camera combines a slim stylish design, with innovative new technology which is sure to satisfy any style-conscious individual, that is dressed to impress.

  • 16 megapixel EXR-CMOS sensor
  • 5x optical zoom covering 28-140mm (35mm equivalent)
  • NEW EXR Auto mode featuring 27 scenes
  • 3.5 inch touch-screen LCD with Multi Touch functionality
  • Rich User Interface
  • CMOS Shift Image Stabilisation
  • Up to ISO 6400
  • 1600% wide dynamic range
  • High speed shooting – up to 12 frames per second
  • Full HD movie capture using H.264 (MOV)
  • Mini HDMI port
  • 360° Panorama mode

The Z900EXR comes in either Red, Blue, Pink or Black. For this review we had the Red one!

Specifications

Specs

Media Center Master Updated to Version 1.32

Andrew Edney
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0
Media Center Master Updated to Version 1.32

Peter Souza IV has released version 1.32 of his excellent Media Center Master software.

MCM_SS_01_450

What is Media Center Master?

Here is how Peter describes Media Center Master for those of you who don’t know what it is:

Smooth, powerful interface to organize your media collection.
Support for the built-in Windows Media Center Video Library strip (dvdid.xml) as well as MediaBrowser extension (mymovies.xml).
Movies, television, and adult title search from a variety of configurable meta data sources.
Built-in, fully-automated episode torrenting from multiple sources. Keep your T.V. series updated through the internet for free.
Full meta-data editor with tools to automate movie and T.V. episode renaming.
Theatrical trailer downloader with options for automatic re-encoding.
Extendable fetcher system allows other programmers to write fetchers — sample source code included in the forums.
Configurable to download actor/actress thumbnails and movie/T.V. posters, fan art, backdrops, and banners.
Flexible post-processing allows command-line operations after a movie title has been fetched — works great with Stark Covers.
…and a whole lot more…

What’s Included in this update?

Lots — full rewrite of the T.V. episode downloading engine, rewrite of the download parser, updates to all download fetchers, fixes to YouTube trailer downloading, improved handling on network errors, several IMDB fixes to stay consistent with their formatting, and a lot more

Download the latest verion of Media Center Master from here

BYOB Podcast Episode 54 Out Now

Andrew Edney
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0
BYOB Podcast Episode 54 Out Now

The guys over at the BYOB podcast, including our very own Tim Daleo have just released episode 54.

BYOB300_thumb_thumb_thumb

Here is what is included in this weeks show:

[box style=”rounded” border=”full”]Today we spend some time talking to Steve Dail (aka: Timekills) from our forums. We walk through his VM build, network, and HTPC. We also cover some SSD stuff and Tim talks about the new line up of Z68 boards from EVGA.[/box]

As usual you can listen to the show from here.

StableBit DrivePool Moves to Beta M3 Build 3486

Andrew Edney
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0
StableBit DrivePool Moves to Beta M3 Build 3486

Yet another beta build from CoveCube! StableBit development marches on – now is build 3486.

600px-Stablebit_drivepool_screen_thu16

Here is how CoveCube describes this application:

  • Combine all your hard drives into one big storage pool (except the system drive with the OS).
  • Add and remove drives from the pool at any time without re-partitioning or manually moving folders.
  • Create duplicated folders on the storage drive pool that are protected against single drive failure. If a drive fails on which a duplicated file was stored, the contents of that file will remain readable even without the drive.
  • All your data is stored in standard NTFS files. You can always access your files even if the Windows Home Server completely crashes or this add-in can’t be used.

This version’s change log:

1.0.0.3486 ———-

* WhsCommands now has a ttl timeout.

* Disabled folder reconciliation for now.

* Fixed issue that was crashing the service periodically. This could have been responsible for the sporadic mount errors / service startup issues that people have been seeing recently.

Get More Information About the Beta Here Download Stablebit Drivepool build 3486 here
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