CyberLink Announces Windows 8 Update Center for their product range

CyberLink today launched its Windows 8 Update Center – a free service for customers to prepare for the upcoming launch of Windows 8 by determining whether their current CyberLink software is compatible with Microsoft’s new operating system.

cyberlink-logo-apr08

If the system is not compatible, CyberLink will either offer a patch to update the software for compatibility or offer an easy upgrade path for customers to work with the new OS. Unlike other consumer software packages, CyberLink makes it easy for customers to continue creating digital media content, while upgrading to a new OS – never interrupting the creative process.

Visitors to the Windows 8 Update Center will also be directed to free software patches for their CyberLink products that require compatibility updates.

Let us know how you get on by leaving a comment below.

Nexus 7 32 GB Priced at £199.99

A listing in UK retailer Argos’ Christmas Gift Guide indicates that Google and Asus will soon release a 32GB version of the Nexus 7 (Posted by @Rockwell7 From RockTechDaily ) on Twitter.

The tablet is labeled as costing £199.99 (Catalogue Number 508/9325), matching the current price of the 16GB variant in the UK. Android Police has also posted details of the 32GB model, with a listing on Staples’ website. At the time of writing it is not showing up on Argos website.

Picture and Story used with permission from RockTechDaily

Boxee announces the Boxee TV

Boxee have just announced the Boxee TV.

tumblr_mbywxhHAHC1qzx5vp

With Boxee TV you’ll be able watch live TV broadcasts in beautiful HD from channels like ABC, CBS, FOX, NBC, PBS, Univision and many others. It works with antennas and unencrypted basic Cable that deliver the channels listed above, and has 2 tuners so you can watch one thing… and record another.

Boxee TV will cost $99 and will be available in Nov.

Learn more about the features here

Drive Bender v.1.3.7.9 (Tomcat) for Windows Home Server 2011 available now

Today saw an update to Drive Bender for Windows Home Server 2011 released, taking it to version v1.3.7.9, also known as the Tomcat release.

whs_addin_1_thumb1_thumb_thumb_thumb[1]

Release v1.3.7.9 release

    • Bug fix: The settings option is missing in the 1378 build.
    • Bug fix: When using the “drive swap feature” the newly added drive retained its drive letter.
    • Update: A number of changes to how mount points are mounted and unmounted.
    • Bug fix: When checking the “format drive” option, the designated warning messages was not appearing.
    • Bug fix: A number of installer 1378 issues fixed.

Bug fix: A number of minor interface and server issues resolved

For more information check out the Drive Bender website

What do you think of Drive Bender? Let us know by leaving a comment below.

Microsoft Surface RT Now Available for Pre-Order

Microsoft’s Windows RT-based Surface tablet is now available for pre-order on the Microsoft Store website.  Read on for details.

surface_05

Microsoft’s Windows RT-based Surface tablet is now available for pre-order on the Microsoft Store website. We told you about the new tablet here, and here are some details of the product specifications from Microsoft’s website:

Operating System

Windows RT is an exciting new version of Microsoft Windows that is built to run on ARM-based tablets and PCs. Works exclusively with apps available in the Windows Store.

Productivity

Get more done with up to 8 hours of battery life. Surface with Windows RT comes installed with Microsoft Office Home and Student 2013 RT Preview.

Applications

Microsoft Office Home and Student 2013 RT Preview1, (Word, PowerPoint, Excel, OneNote); Windows Mail and Messaging; SkyDrive; Internet Explorer 10; Bing; Xbox Music, Video, and Games.

Security

Surface with Windows RT features device encryption and comes with Windows Defender.

Connectivity

Always connected, even when in standby mode. Connected standby keeps apps up-to-date.

Thinness

9.30mm

Weight

1.5lbs

Battery

31.5 W-h

Storage

32GB, 64GB

Screen

10.6”, 16:9, 1366×768

Ports

Stereo speakers
Full-size USB 2.0
microSDXC card slot
Headset jack
HD video out port
Cover port

The Surface RT is available in Australia, Canada, China, France, Germany, Hong Kong, the United Kingdom and the United States. Here is a chart summarizing the pricing in the US and UK:

Model

Price USD

Price GBP

64GB With Black Touch Cover

$ 699.00

£559.00

32GB With Black Touch Cover

$ 599.00

£479.00

32GB W/O Black Touch Cover

$ 499.00

£399.00

Surface Touch Cover

$ 119.99

£99.99

Surface Type Cover

$ 129.99

£109.99

 

The UK prices include VAT.

These prices are competitive with the iPad.  However, these models omit mobile data connectivity and the screen resolution is less than the iPad.  While these RT model will run Office, they can not run any legacy applications, only applications installed from the Microsoft app store.

Here are some product pictures:

surface_01surface_02surface_03surface_04surface_05

Overall, I think that I will hold off and evaluate the Pro version, which is due out in early Q1 2013, before jumping onboard the Surface bandwagon.  How about you?

Surface RT Pre-Order Site

SONOS Promotion on UK Sales of the PLAY:3 Announced

SONOS has announced a nice holiday promotion for buyers of the SONOS PLAY:3.  Read on for details.

play3_angle

SONOS has announced a nice holiday promotion for buyers of the SONOS PLAY:3.  Here is what they announced:

Turn up the music this Christmas with Sonos

Fed up with the same old Christmas playlists on repeat? Or are you just itching to indulge your passion for Noddy Holder and co? Take control, and give your festive soundtrack a boost this year with access to all the music on earth in Hi-Fi sound on the Sonos PLAY:3.

From 16th October to 31st December, anyone purchasing a Sonos PLAY:3 in the UK will receive a free Sonos BRIDGE plus a six-month free subscription to music service, Napster, giving you unlimited access to millions of tracks. A perfect gift of music, whatever gets you in the Christmas spirit, for just £259.

The Sonos PLAY:3 is a compact wireless Hi-Fi that provides an incredibly easy way to enjoy all the music on earth. It’s simple to set up and control right out of the box. And, with the free six-month Napster subscription, you can create personalised playlists and fill the house with your music. You can also access your iTunes collection and over 100,000 radio stations to create that perfect Christmas party.

It’s easy to add players around the house so you can share your playlists with the family or play different music in every room. Better still, there’s no need to search for the remote – just use the free Sonos Controller app on your iPhone, iPad, Android smartphone or tablet (it also works with Mac and PC), which lets you search and control all the music from the palm of your hand – perfect for sharing the DJ duties!

If you are in the UK and are considering buying a PLAY:3, check out the SONOS website here for details of the promotion.

SONOS Promotion

Lights-Out Mobile for Windows Phone Now Available

Martin Rothschink from AxoNet Software GmbH, who is a WHS MVP, has been in touch to announce Lights-Out Mobile for Windows Phone.  Read on for details.

axonetsmall2

AxoNet GmbH has released Lights-Out Mobile for Windows Phone.  The application is used to wake up, shut down, reboot and otherwise manage your server and attached computers.  Here is some detail on the application:

Features

  • Easily manage your client computers
  • Wake-up, save energy, shutdown and reboot
  • Works with multiple servers!
  • User friendly with adjustable colors

Requirements

  • A Windows Home Server v1 or 2011, Small Business Server 2011 Essentials, Windows Storage Server 2008 R2 Essentials or Windows Server 2012 Essentials
  • Licensed edition of Lights-Out (Community edition does not support mobile equipment)

Here are a few screenshots of the app:

imageimageimage

The application documentation is complete and professional.  If you are running a Windows Home Server or Small Business Server, and also have a Windows Phone, give this one a try here!

Lights Out Mobile for Windows Phone

Borderlands 2 DLC : Captain Scarlett and her Pirate’s Booty

1

Along with the Mechromancer DLC, 2K Games have also released Captain Scarlett and her Pirate’s Booty, which adds a whole load more fun, guns and loot!

Borderlands2_Pirate'sBooty_Header

This new DLC starts off in Oasis, and within seconds you are under fire and fighting for your life (so what’s new in Borderlands)?

BL2_Pirate'sBooty_Screen_Boardwalk01

After you have dealt with those bad guys it’s time to meet a very dodgy character called Shade, who it turns out is the only living person in Oasis. He will give you tasks and tell you stories (but I will let you find out what he has to say).

BL2_Pirate'sBooty_Screen_Boardwalk03

Needless to say it isn’t long before you need to go off and meet with Captain Scarlett – but in order to get there you need to repair a new vehicle called a Sand Skiff (think barge from Return of the Jedi).

BL2_Pirate'sBooty_Screen_Orchid_Vehicle

Then once you meet her you are sent off on a whole new adventure to find pieces of a golden compass which will lead you to lots of trasure, but again, I don’t want to spoil it all for you.

BL2_Pirate'sBooty_Screen_CaptainScarlett

This new DLC adds around 8 – 10 hours of gameplay to Borderlands 2, with lots more humour, guns, loot and booty, and quite a few new bad guys to kill!

BL2_Pirate'sBooty_Screen_Docks BL2_Pirate'sBooty_Screen_AnchorManBL2_Pirate'sBooty_Screen_Sands BL2_Pirate'sBooty_Screen_Boardwalk02

I really enjoyed playing it (admittedly I was playing as a Level 50 Mechromancer) but it was a lot of fun and the time really flew by. There are quite a few challenges in it, so it’s not just walk around and shoot things!

And here is a short video of Captain Scarlett and her Pirate’s Booty in action:

If you love Borderlands 2 then you should definitely get yourself Captain Scarlett and her Pirate’s Booty, it will bring you hours of fun, laughter and loot.

You can buy the Captain Scarlett and her Pirate’s Booty DLC now for $9.99 USD or 800 Microsoft points.  Or if you buy the Season Pass for $29.99 or 2400 Microsoft points this counts as one of the four DLC packs.

Have you got Captain Scarlett and her Pirate’s Booty? If so, let us know what you think of her by leaving a comment below.

Check out our review of Borderlands 2

App Update: Skype for iPhone and iPad Updated to version 4.1.1

0

The Skype app for the iPhone and iPad has been updated to version 4.1.1.

skype-for-iphone-hero-2_thumb1_thumb[1]

What’s New in Version 4.1.1

Fix for iPhone 5 and iOS 6 calling and video issues

Download now from the Apple App Store

New Xbox LIVE update coming soon

4

Microsoft have started emailing people to tell them about the forthcoming Xbox LIVE update.xbox-live-logo_thumb3

This is what the email said:

An Xbox LIVE service update is coming soon. The system update will include several new features to enhance your search experience, making it easier to find the content you’re looking for on Xbox LIVE.

Search refinements – The update will allow you to search for content by category or genre, and then filter your results into a number of subcategories.

Recommendations and Pinning – Find new favourites with personalised recommendations on games and videos in Dash.

Voice Search – Use your voice to easily search for movies, TV shows, music and games with your Kinect for Xbox 360.

Also coming soon:

Internet Explorer – Extend your Xbox experience and surf the web safely and securely with Internet Explorer.

Xbox SmartGlass – Control entertainment on your console with the new Xbox SmartGlass app. Once downloaded, you will be able to use your smartphone or tablet as a companion device for an enhanced game and entertainment experience.

Look out for these updates coming soon to your console.

So watch out for the update very soon!