Events

Microsoft Updating Mail, Calendar and People Apps for Windows 8/RT

Jim McCarthy

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Mar 25, 2013

Microsoft Updating Mail, Calendar and People Apps for Windows 8/RT

Microsoft is rolling out much-needed updates to some of the core modern interface apps for Windows 8 and RT tomorrow: Mail, Calendar and People. Read on for details.

Microsoft is rolling out much-needed updates to some of the core modern interface apps for Windows 8 and RT tomorrow: Mail, Calendar and People. Avoid this update if you synch Google Calendar entries to Calendar as Gmail accounts will lose Exchange Active Synch with this update. Here is the blog post making the announcement:

The Mail, Calendar and People apps are getting better!

Starting tomorrow, you will be able to download an update for the Mail, Calendar, and People apps from the Windows Store. These apps are designed to manage communication seamlessly on Windows PCs and tablets across multiple accounts—Outlook.com, Exchange, and others. We know our customers typically have two or more email accounts for personal use and work use, they use these accounts throughout the day, and they have a large volume of email they’re continuously managing. So this update will bring improvements to your Windows experience across your whole life – your personal communication and your work. You will see big improvements to performance and additional new features to make it easier to connect with friends and colleagues, manage your inboxes, create and send email, and manage your calendar.

Once the update is available tomorrow, just tap or click on the “Updates” link that appears in the top right-hand corner of the Windows Store to install the update.If you have the Windows Store pinned to your Start screen, its live tile will alert you that you have an update available. You are required to go to the Windows Store to get the update as it won’t install automatically.

I am really excited about this update for the Mail, Calendar, and People apps. The rest of this post provide more details on many of the new features included in the update.

Keeping my inbox organized:

Like many of us, I consistently check email throughout the day and have multiple accounts for work and my personal life. I am always going between multiple email accounts: one for personal email and another for work. The Mail app allows me to view all of my email accounts and toggle between them to manage all of my email. With the Mail app update – staying in touch and organized across your work and personal life gets easier.

Everyone has their own set of habits when it comes to checking email. For me, I check all my unread messages first, and the Mail app now lets me filter to see only unread emails. I’m also big on organizing my email into folders. You can create and delete folders directly within the Mail app and also select all items within a folder and move them (or delete them all).

I also often flag important emails that will need more of my attention, and the Mail app now lets me do this. Flagged emails will show in your inbox (or any other folder in the account) and in a “Flagged” folder within the Mail app so you can see all flagged email messages. Quick power user tip: the insert key toggles the flag on a selected email message.

Many of these new features are now part of the app commands in the Mail app that can be brought up by swiping from the bottom or top of your screen or by right-clicking with a mouse.

XMI Updates X-Mini Capsule Speaker Line

Jim McCarthy

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Mar 25, 2013

0

XMI, the maker of the diminutive X-Mini Capsule speaker line, has announced several product updates for the X-Mini. Read on for details.

XMI, the maker of the diminutive X-Mini Capsule speaker line, has announced several product updates for the X-Mini. They have announced a move from aluminum to ceramic materials for the tweeters as well as improved battery life, an improved cabling solution and a weight in the base of the speaker to prevent them from jumping around your table like the prior model did. Here is the press release:

XMI PTE LTD INTRODUCES A NEW GENERATION OF X-MINI™ CAPSULE SPEAKERS™

The latest offerings come with a new and improved driver

Singapore – Following the successful launch of the X-mini™ KAI Capsule Speaker™ which picked up both the red dot design and iF design awards, Xmi Pte Ltd headed back to the basics to improve on its basic Capsule Speaker™ models. The latest products from Xmi Pte Ltd, the new mono speaker UNO and stereo speakers MAX represent the upgraded standard of portable sound. Featuring an important change that significantly improves sound quality, there have also been improvements made in several of the other outstanding features of the X-mini™ Capsule Speaker™ series.

SOUND QUALITY

The UNO and MAX offer a new standard in portable speakers with the introduction of the ceramic tweeter. The quality of sound produced from any speaker depends largely on the tweeter material and after months of research, trials and prototype development, the engineering team at Xmi Pte Ltd found that ceramic was the most suitable material to bring the X-mini™ sound to the next level.

The ceramic tweeter brings about several advantages. As compared to aluminum tweeters, the ceramic ones can produce a wider frequency range covering higher and lower sounds. As a result of that, the distortion of sound is also much reduced because the ceramic tweeter is able to withstand high and low frequencies without producing any cracks in the sound.

When a speaker plays low frequency sound, it is difficult to maintain the depth and intensity of the bass produced. A tweeter that does not have a high enough efficiency will not be able to support a strong bass, resulting in soft and clouded music that lacks intensity. The ceramic tweeter is able to is able to produce clear and bright sounds precisely because it is capable of a highly efficient output even at low frequencies.

At each frequency point, the ceramic tweeter is able to perform better hence producing great clarity in sound even when various frequencies are mixed together in one song. With the ceramic tweeter in the UNO and MAX, details in music such as the voice of a singer and the sound of each instrument will be cleaner and clearer.

BATTERY LIFE

The X-mini™ Capsule Speakers™ are known to be able to last for hours and this will be no exception with the new UNO and MAX. In fact, the battery life of the UNO has been improved to last up to 20 hours with each charge while the MAX offers a playback time of up to 18 hours. The built-in Lithium-ion batteries are charged via USB for about two to three hours. With the micro USB ports being more popular now, the charging ports of the UNO and MAX have also been updated which means that users will be able to recharge their product with the same cables they charge many of their devices with.

WEIGHTED BASE FOR THE UNO

The X-mini™ Capsule Speakers™ are known to produce a bass performance beyond what is expected of its size! With the strong bass production from the X-mini™ Capsule Speakers™, it is a common sight to see them bouncing around when playing bass-heavy tunes. Even though many people have been amused at the sight of the X-mini™ Capsule Speaker™ bouncing around, a new feature on the UNO is that a weight has been added to the base so that it will stay in place while you enjoy the bass lines of your favourite tunes.

INDIVIDUAL STOWAWAY CABLES FOR THE MAX

The new stereo MAX speakers that come in a pair now offer an additional option of using each module on its own. Each side of the stereo speakers has its own stowaway cable built into its base, which means that you can just plug it into your media player and use it as a mono speaker. If not, just use the stereo cable that comes with the product, plug both speakers in and connect to your media player to enjoy a true stereo experience. Whichever way you choose to use it, mono or stereo, you will be able to get up to 18 hours of amazing sound!

SIX AVAILABLE COLOURS

The UNO and MAX come in a sleek gunmetal colour which is brand new to the X-mini™ Capsule Speaker™ range. With a snazzy selection of six colours which include the gunmetal and also favourites like blue, green, orange, purple and red, you can spice up your sound according to your favourite colour!

RETAIL PRICE

The UNO will retail for US$39.99 and the MAX will retail for US$59.99.

Check out these product pictures:

I saw these speakers in action (the older model) in January and was struck by the sound coming from these small speakers. These are very portable and sound reasonably good for the price!

Borderlands 2 to get New ‘Psycho Bandit’ Character

Chris Hare

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Mar 25, 2013

0

Gearbox Software has announced that a sixth playable character is coming to Borderlands 2.

The new ‘Psycho Bandit’ character, known as Kreig, focuses on melee combat, allowing players to cause all sorts of damage using the Buzz Axe and Bloodlust weapons, whilst also being rewarded for taking damage when using the Mania skill. When Krieg is on fire his skill mode, Hellborn, also allows you to deal damage.

Krieg will release in May for £6.56 (800 MS points).

In related news for Borderlands 2, the fourth campaign DLC, which Gearbox says is “the biggest yet,” will be released in June. Before that we’ll see a new level cap, raising from 50 to 61, while a new Pearlescent weapons rarity (free to season pass holders) and the new Ultimate Vault Hunter Mode (available to all players (level 50 +)) will also become available in April.

Minecraft Xbox 360 Update 9 Full Changelog

Gaming
News

Chris Hare

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Mar 25, 2013

0

Minecraft Xbox 360 Update 9 Full Changelog

4J Studios has released the full changelog for Minecraft Xbox 360 update 9,with all new dragons and vines and buttons and sheep who regrow their wool, now that’s a cool sheep that regrow their wool for you. The update is apparently now in certification testing with Microsoft, which means it should arrive in a week or two.

– Added ‘The End’, with new layout, and new Enderdragon behaviour.

– Added Climbable Vines.

– Added Fire Charge, Wooden Button, Item Frames, Spawn Eggs, Sandstone Stairs, Spruce Stairs, Birch Stairs, Nether Bricks, Spruce Planks, Birch Planks, Nether Brick Slab, Spruce Slab and Birch Slab.

– Added new music for The End and The Nether from C418

– Made buckets and signs stackable.

– Sheep now re-grow their wool after shearing.

– New gravel texture.

– Can now smelt Netherrack into a Nether Brick in a Furnace.

– Blacksmith buildings in Villages now hold chests with loot of the same type as found in Strongholds.

– Crafting recipe change – Sign recipe gives three Signs.

– Crafting recipe change – Half Slab recipes give six Half Slabs.

– Crafting recipe change – Stone Button now requires one block of stone instead of two.

– Added smoother color transitions between biomes.

– Added beaches to terrain generation.

– Fence Gates can now be opened and closed with Redstone.

– Changed Nether Fortress to make Nether Wart rooms more likely.

– Made Nether Wart spawn randomly wherever Soul Sand is generated in the Nether.

– Nether Wart will now grow in the Overworld.

– Made Dispenser dispense mobs from Spawn Eggs, rather than the egg itself.

– Dispenser will dispense lava/water from a Bucket of Lava/Water.

– Dispenser will shoot Fire Charges.

– Trapdoors can be placed on half slabs and stairs

– Allow players to block with a sword when the ‘Can Build And Mine’ option is unchecked by the host.

– Moved six of the twelve music disc quests in the Tutorial World

– Changed the Tutorial world to add climbable Vines, and some of the new items, and removed/reduced the items in the Brewing, Farming and Breeding chests.

– Don’t show the achievements warning when loading a creative map that has already been saved in creative mode.

– Reduced the volume of the Ghast sound effects.

– Increased the distance jukeboxes can be heard from.

– Improved lighting code performance.

– Improved the loading/saving time.

– Changed the display order in the Minecraft Store to show newest DLC first.

– Added How To Play for The End and Farming Animals

– Added HUD size options for both splitscreen and full screen modes.

– Added Reset Nether option to force regeneration of The Nether. This is helpful for older saves that didn’t have a Nether Fortress.

– Added a toggle for Death Messages.

– Added a toggle to hide or display the animated character in the User Interface.

– Allow individual splitscreen users to have their own settings for HUD.

Battlefield 3 Premium Users To Be Get Battlefield 4 Beta Access

Gaming
News

Chris Hare

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Mar 25, 2013

1

Battlefield 3 Premium Users To Be Get Battlefield 4 Beta Access

It’s being reported that Battlefield 3 premium subscribers will all gain access to the Battlefield 4 beta when it launches later this year.

The news comes via Russian Battlefield fan site MyBattlefield, which has posted the screen seen below from Origin Russia. Although in a different language you can see clearly on the right hand side of the picture the mention of Battlefield 4, with MP1st reporting the translation as “exclusive access to the beta version of Battlefield 4”.

Currently the only way to have gained access to the beta was by having pre-ordered Medal of Honor: Warfighter before it launched last October.

Watch the first 30 minutes of BioShock Infinite

Andrew Edney

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Mar 25, 2013

0

In BioShock Infinite, you play Booker DeWitt, a former Pinkerton agent who is sent to the flying city of Columbia in 1912 to rescue a girl who has been imprisoned since childhood. He is not there by choice, he owes big on some debts and this is his last chance to make good on them.

So here is the first 30 minutes of gameplay, there are a few spoilers so watch at your own risk (and don’t forget to select HD quality for the best viewing experience):

And don’t forget to check out our BioShock Infinite preview. Our review will be up soon.

BioShock Infinite will be released on March 26th for the Xbox 360, PlayStation 3 and PC and looks to be one of the best games of the year so far.

Metro Last Light interview with Huw Beynon

Andrew Edney

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Mar 25, 2013

0

Metro Last Light will be available soon from Deep Silver and we recently got chance to talk with Huw Beynon about the game.

In the year 2034, a nuclear war has turned the world into a post-apocalyptic wasteland. In Moscow, the tunnels of the Metro have become a new home for the former inhabitants of the city. Within the catacombs, they fight for their survival, fending off hordes of hideous mutants born from the toxic atmosphere, as well as other factions desperate to take control of what little hospitable land remains. As they fight, they also search for a doomsday device that could be the key to their victory. A civil war is inevitable. During these dark hours, the players will embody Artyom, and become the last light for all of mankind.

The plot of Metro: Last Light was written by Dmitry Glukhovsky, acclaimed author of the novel Metro 2033 which inspired the creation of both video games. Also, Glukhovsky is responsible for all dialogues in Metro: Last Light. Glukhovskys novels Metro 2033 and Metro 2034 have sold more than 2.000.000 copies worldwide. In 2013, his latest book Metro 2035 will be also available outside of Russia.

Huw is the Global Brand Manager for Metro Last Light, so over to Huw:

For more information about Metro: Last Light, please visit www.enterthemetro.com.

Metro Last Light interview with Dmitry Glukhovsky

Andrew Edney

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Mar 25, 2013

0

Metro Last Light will be available soon from Deep Silver and we recently got chance to talk with Dmitry Glukhovsky about his books and about the game.

In the year 2034, a nuclear war has turned the world into a post-apocalyptic wasteland. In Moscow, the tunnels of the Metro have become a new home for the former inhabitants of the city. Within the catacombs, they fight for their survival, fending off hordes of hideous mutants born from the toxic atmosphere, as well as other factions desperate to take control of what little hospitable land remains. As they fight, they also search for a doomsday device that could be the key to their victory. A civil war is inevitable. During these dark hours, the players will embody Artyom, and become the last light for all of mankind.

The plot of Metro: Last Light was written by Dmitry Glukhovsky, acclaimed author of the novel Metro 2033 which inspired the creation of both video games. Also, Glukhovsky is responsible for all dialogues in Metro: Last Light. Glukhovskys novels Metro 2033 and Metro 2034 have sold more than 2.000.000 copies worldwide. In 2013, his latest book Metro 2035 will be also available outside of Russia.

So over to Dmitry:

For more information about Metro: Last Light, please visit www.enterthemetro.com.

Samsung announces NX300 UK availability in the UK

Andrew Edney

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Mar 25, 2013

0

Samsung announces NX300 UK availability in the UK

Samsung Electronics today announced that the NX300 will be commercially available in the UK at the end of March from John Lewis and Dixons.

Samsung has expanded their NX line by adding the NX300, a one-lens system capable of capturing 1080P video and still shots in 2D and 3D. This is a real looker of a camera, and with a 20.3 megapixel sensor, it should have the imaging chops to deliver.

Central to the NX300’s outstanding imaging performance is the brand new 20.3 Megapixel APS-CMOS sensor, capable of capturing high quality detailed images with sharp, life-like colors that are crisp and clear in all light conditions. The wide ISO range (ISO100-25600) further improves performance, letting users capture beautifully balanced images in even the darkest conditions. A brand new Hybrid Auto Focus (AF) system also delivers fast, accurate phase and contrast detection, while the 1/6000 sec shutter speed and 8.6fps continuous shooting mode ensure you never miss a moment.

Samsung’s unique in-house developed DRIMe IV imaging engine provides outstanding developments in speed, and image quality enabling better color reproduction and greater noise reduction, as well as support for full 1080p HD video capture in both 2D and 3D (when combined with Samsung’s new 45mm 2D/3D lens).

The NX300’s 84mm (3.31”) AMOLED screen makes capturing and reviewing your images a pleasure, while the hybrid touch screen and 5-way manual key interface is simple and intuitive to use. The tilt display makes it easier than ever to take high and low angle shots, letting you capture your world from any angle you choose.

The compact NX300 makes it simple for anyone to achieve pro-like and impressive pictures easily with minimal technical knowledge or time spent adjusting parameters. Using the camera’s Smart Mode, users can choose from 14 different settings, such as Creative Shot, Landscape, Light Trace or Action Freeze which will automatically adjust parameters such as aperture and shutter speed in order to obtain the best shot possible for the desired situation. The NX300 also includes i-Depth, an easy and simple way to adjust the depth of an image using the NX Series’ unique i-Function system, which enables users to modify camera parameters using the lens itself, adjusting the image without ever having to move off target.

The NX acclaimed design returns with the NX300 sporting a stylish yet simple retro feel that is available in either black or white with a contrast silver band, conveying elegance and authenticity.

The NX300’s Wi-Fi connectivity of Smart Camera allows users to share their cherished photos instantly and securely between their camera and smartphone (or tablet). To connect a smartphone to the camera, users simply need to download the Samsung Smart Camera App., which is available for both Android and iOS based application markets, onto their smartphone or tablet and follow the easy steps to create a secure connection with the camera. The NX300 will be able to detect and auto-connect to the smartphone wirelessly whenever any of the Smart Camera features are activated. These include AutoShare; which automatically sends high-quality pho os to your smart phone for safe keeping, and Mobile Link; which allows users to select and transfer images or album from the camera directly to your smartphone at their leisure. The Smart Camera App. also features a Remote Viewfinder function for the NX300, allowing for even more inventive and exciting photography.

The NX300’s enhanced Wi-Fi connectivity also lets users share images with friends and family directly from the camera via social networking sites using the cameras one-touch DIRECT LINK hot key. Alternatively, images can be automatically backed up or stored in the cloud through AllShare Play ensuring they are always safe and easily accessible.

The Samsung 45mm 2D/3D lens (sold separately) opens up an exciting world of 3D imaging possibilities and is the world’s first one-lens 3D system for a consumer camera. Capable of capturing both still pictures and full 1080p HD video, the Samsung NX300 and 45mm 2D/3D lens kit have become the only compact system camera supporting both 3D still and 3D movie. The NX300 is also compatible with Samsung’s entire range of NX lenses and professional standard accessories, giving users an unparalleled range of options when striving for that perfect shot.