Ceton Releases Mobile Device Media Center Companion App

Ceton has released a mobile device companion app for Media Center, and it works with any Media Center implementation.  Read on for details.

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Ceton has released a mobile device Media Center companion app, which will allow you to remote control your Media Center and turn your mobile device into a remote control unit.  I would really like this if they also delivered streaming to the mobile device.

Here is the announcement:

New Ceton Companion Enables Mobile Control of Windows Media Center From iOS, Android and Windows Devices
Manage Your Media Center Experience on Phones and Tablets From Inside and Outside the Home

KIRKLAND, WA–(Marketwire – Sep 7, 2012) – Ceton, the world leader in digital cable tuner solutions for the PC, today unveiled its new Ceton Companion, a family of mobile apps that extend the Windows Media Center PC and Ceton home entertainment experience to Apple iOS, Android and Windows smartphones and tablets. Ceton Companion puts total control of Media Center PCs in users’ hands, wherever they are, inside or away from home.

The Device Becomes the Remote

With Ceton Companion, the mobile device becomes the remote control. Users can easily browse the TV program guide as well as their DVR recordings and personal movie libraries. They see an integrated view of all shows and movies in one place, eliminating back-and-forth shifting between TV, movie and DVR sections. Universal Search finds movies and shows whether they’re in a personal media library, recorded on the DVR, or airing soon in the program guide. Users can even choose where they want to watch a program, whether on a TV connected to a Media Center PC or one in another room connected to a Media Center extender. The Ceton Companion also serves as an elegant, touchscreen remote to play, pause, record, fast-forward, rewind, and more.

“Ceton customers represent some of the most enthusiastic Media Center users in the world. They love the Ceton experience we enable on the PC, and with the Ceton Companion we’re bringing that to the mobile phones and tablets they also rely on,” said Gary Hammer, president and CEO, Ceton Corp. “From integrated TV and movie galleries to universal media search, remote DVR management and a cool touchscreen remote, the Ceton Companion gives people a new way to enjoy their media, along with some of that Ceton magic that our customers have come to expect.”

Even Our Competitors Will Love It

Ceton Companion works on most current smartphones and tablets, including iPhone, iPad, Android phones and tablets, Kindle Fire and Windows Phone devices. The Companion is compatible with Windows 7 Media Center PCs, including PCs using Ceton TV tuners, PCs using non-Ceton tuners and PCs that do not have a TV tuner.

How to Get Ceton Companion

Ceton Companion consists of two components:

  1. Ceton Companion Services – core software that is installed on the Windows PC
  2. Ceton Companion – app that is installed on the mobile phone or tablet

Ceton Companion Services and apps are available today for download at the links below.

Ceton Companion Services:

  • Companion Services for Windows download (no charge)

Ceton Companion app stores:

  • Apple iTunes download ($4.99)
  • Google Play Store download ($4.99)
  • Windows Phone Marketplace download ($4.99)
  • Amazon Appstore for Android ($4.99) – coming soon

This should work with any Media Center installation and looks like a nice remote control application, and at $4.99, it looks like something that I’ll try out.  How about you?

Check Out Ceton’s Website!

Football’s coming home with Lords of Football from Geniaware

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If you like games like the Sims, and you also like football, then you might be interested in Lords of Football from Geniaware when it’s released on the PC soon.

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In Lords of Football, which is described as a football lifestyle simulation, you’re able to control all aspects of a players life; from what they get up to outside of the training ground, to the ins and outs of a weekly training schedule. When it comes to the packed stadium on Saturday, you’ll have 50,000 fans screaming “You don’t know what you’re doing!” and it’s your job to prove them wrong.

Lords of Football brings you a totally unique 3D match engine with all new Match Commands. Being a master of the beautiful game isn’t just about training; it’s about commanding the dugout and giving your team the tools to win when going into battle on the pitch. Giving instructions such as tight man marking or even something as simple as hoofing the ball long can be the difference between three glorious points, or another day of humiliation on the back pages.

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Using Lords of Footballs innovative match commands interface. This gives you the ability to pause the match as it plays out, assess the situation at hand and then issue your desired actions for the team to carry out. Select individual players and command them to make forward runs, tackle a player or shoot on sight. Team wide commands can also be issued such as counter-attack, to take advantage of your opponents compromised position. With match commands control the midfield, defend your territory and dominate the opponents; with Lords of Football, You’re in control.

Developed by Geniaware under the watchful guidance of Gianluca Vialli, Lords of Football offers unprecedented freedom in the world of football, bringing true lifestyle features to a simulation for the very first time. It’s the only game where what happens on the pitch is directly related to what happens off it.

I’m not a huge football fan, but this looks like it could be interesting and it sort of takes me back a little to my childhood when I played Football Manager, only this time it’s a lot more than just the match itself and rolls up the fun of the Sims as well!

Lords of Football will be released on the PC soon.

Learn more from the Lords of Football website

Carnage Racing from Jagex coming to Facebook in November

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Jagex today unveiled the first details of their latest title, Carnage Racing, which will be released exclusively on Facebook in November 2012.

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The title has been developed by the company’s newly established Californian studio, staffed by the team behind the hugely popular Midnight Club series. Carnage Racing promises to bring free high-quality multiplayer racing to the world’s largest social network for the first time and marks the RuneScape developer’s first foray into social media gaming. Featuring platform defining 3D graphics and some of the most addictive gameplay around, Carnage Racing aims to take multiplayer Facebook gaming to a new level in graphical fidelity.

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Carnage Racing offers racing fans a fast-paced experience, complete with a wide variety of vehicles, weapons, warps, boosts and tricks to test even the most experienced gamer race after race. With every completed contest, players collect experience points and game currency which can be traded-in for new vehicles, more powerful weaponry and special features which could propel players to the front of the grid. Regardless of whether you prefer racing head to head with up to seven friends, an achievement player looking to top the fastest times table, or even a single player looking to test your skills against the games AI, there is something in Carnage Racing for everyone.

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Arash Amini, Producer, said; “Carnage Racing perfectly blends arcade style gameplay mechanics with AAA graphics to give racing fans a Facebook gaming experience like no other. With a vast array of customisation, upgrades and an army of waiting competitors, Carnage Racing is set to change the way people think about racing games on Facebook.”

Commenting on the announcement, Rob Ollett, Jagex’s VP of 3rd Party Publishing said, “Carnage Racing is set to bring the development quality of AAA gaming to Facebook by presenting racing fans with a truly compelling and unbeatable multiplayer racing experience. With Carnage Racing, we are determined to offer a console-like experience which capitalises on Facebook’s vast network to match player’s race after race, in what promises to be the best 3D racer on Facebook.”

Aston Villa’s Darren Bent and Medal of Honor Warfighter

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Aston Villa footballer, Darren Bent, fronts a trick-shot awareness test with the hottest freestyle talent – and it’s all to do with Medal of Honor Warfighter so take a look.

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Can you count the number of touches from the team in orange? Watch to test your ability…

How did you do? Let us know!

Do you want to play Medal of Honor Warfighter now? If so, download the demo and fight alongside the most elite Special Forces units in the world in the Open Beta. Create a two man squad of death, your FIRETEAM, and fight together for rewards. Take to the battle in one of the unique, real world terrorist hotspots in the only authentic modern military shooter this holiday. Plow through shrapnel, debris, fire, and more as the Frostbite 2 powered multiplayer frenetically connects you to the battle.

The demo is free to download as long as your are an Xbox Live Gold member.

Learn more from the Xbox Live Marketplace

Review of the ZOTAC ZBOX nano XS AD11 Plus

Are you looking for a small, and I do mean small PC that can do media playback? Well take a look at the ZBOX nano XS AD11 Plus from ZOTAC – and here is our review.

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Here is how ZOTAC describe the ZBOX nano XS AD11 Plus:

Experience a high-definition computing experience with rich graphics and web content with the extra small and pocket able ZOTAC ZBOX nano XS AD11 Plus. An AMD E-450 with Radeon™ HD 6320 graphics processing forms the heart of the ZOTAC ZBOX nano XS AD11 Plus and delivers stunning hardware-accelerated HD video online and offline, outstanding system-responsiveness and Microsoft® DirectX® 11 compatibility.
Storage in the ZOTAC ZBOX nano XS AD11 Plus is handled by a 64GB solid-state drive that delivers lightning-fast boot times for an instant-on computing experience. The tiny ZOTAC ZBOX nano XS AD11 Plus packs plenty of expansion capabilities and features with USB 3.0, USB 2.0 and eSATA expansion and an integrated IR receiver with bundled Media Remote to easily take control of the mini-PC from the comfort of a sofa.

Who are ZOTAC?

From their website:

Established in 2006, ZOTAC is the world’s largest and most innovative manufacturer of graphics cards, mini-ITX motherboards and mini-PCs. ZOTAC system components, and mini-PCs can be found in all continents around the globe.

Derived from the terms “zone,” for being distinct in the PC components and systems business, and “tact,” for our superior skill, experience, quality and manufacturing capabilities. Combined, “ZOTAC,” represents technological strength and experience blended with a fresh approach on the industry’s ever-changing needs.

ZOTAC entered the market with an expanded lineup of NVIDIA® GeForce® based graphics cards, which included the passive-cooled ZOTAC GeForce® ZONE Editions and class leading overclocked ZOTAC GeForce® AMP! Editions, in addition to the standard GeForce® series lineup. ZOTAC has since expanded its focus to include motherboards, mini-PCs and innovative accessories worldwide.

ZOTAC products are manufactured to the most rigorous quality standards that combine world-class quality control, reliability, features and performance with superior end-user and channel support.

With 44 SMT lines, over 6,000 workers and a combined 100,000 square-meters of factory space, ZOTAC features a full array of state-of-the-art facilities and machineries. In addition, ZOTAC has over 130 R&D professionals in Hong Kong, China with warranty and service centers in strategic countries to enable effective and efficient worldwide as well as localized sales and marketing support.

Since the introduction of ZOTAC into the PC components, ZOTAC products continually win awards from influential media all around the globe and continually exceed customer and journalist expectations.

The ZOTAC commitment to our customers is to bring the latest products and technologies to the market with superior value and quality. Needless to say, ZOTAC is the right choice for high-quality and high-performance components with exceptional value.

Specifications

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What’s in the Box?

The box contains :

1 x ZOTAC ZBOX Nano XS AD11 Plus
1 x MCE compatible remote
2 x CR2032 batteries (for remote)
1 x USB IR receiver
1 x 802.11n USB WiFi adapter
1 x VESA mount
1 x AC adapter
1 x Power cord
1 x Warranty card
1 x User manual
1 x Driver CD
1 x mini-Optical to Optical adapter

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App Update: Google+ for iOS Gets Updated to Version 3.2

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Google have just updated it’s Google+ app for iOS devices.

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What’s New in Version 3.2

✓ Support for iPhone 5 and iOS 6
✓ Google+ page owners can view, post and comment from mobile
✓ Ability to edit posts
✓ Ability to save photos to camera roll
✓ Ability to search for people and posts on iPad

Go get it now from the Apple App Store.

App Update: Snapseed for iOS updated to version 1.4.2

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We first told you about Snapseed back at Christmas when Apple gave it away free for a day as part of it’s 12 Days of Christmas campaign. Now it’s been updated again.

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Snapseed is the only photo app you’ll want to use every day. It makes any photograph extraordinary with a fun, high-quality photo experience right at your fingertips.

Anyone can enhance, transform, and share their photos with ease using incredibly advanced features from the leader in digital photography software.

What’s New in Version 1.4.2

Snapseed now supports iOS 6 and the iPhone 5

Flickr Support has been temporarily disabled due to a violation of the Apple App Store Guidelines. We are working with Flickr and Apple to find a solution to bring Flickr support back to Snapseed.

Download Snapseed now from the Apple App Store

Hollywood Visionaries David Fincher and Tim Miller Create Halo 4 Launch Trailer

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Today Microsoft and 343 Industries announced renowned Hollywood director David Fincher (“Fight Club,” “The Social Network,” “The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo”) as executive producer and acclaimed visual effects lead Tim Miller (“Scott Pilgrim vs. the World,” “The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo”) as the director of the launch trailer for the most anticipated blockbuster game of the year, “Halo 4.”

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In partnership with 343 Industries and agency twofifteenmccann, Fincher and Miller will help deliver an emotionally-charged look at the backstory of “Halo’s” iconic hero, the Master Chief.

The extended two-minute trailer will make its world premiere during the 18th October episode of “Late Night with Jimmy Fallon” (airs weeknights on NBC at 11:35pm CT) before the launch of “Halo 4” on 6th November.  It will be available on Halo Waypoint and the Xbox YouTube channel immediately following the broadcast debut (around 6am BST).

Titled “Scanned,” the trailer is an action-packed cinematic production that offers a captivating look at the backstory of Master Chief, and provides a glimpse of the new threat he will encounter in “Halo 4.” Filmed in Prague, “Scanned” continues the franchise’s tradition of expanding the universe through award-winning live-action stories, adding to the lore and anticipation for the next chapter in the landmark franchise that has sold more than 43 million game copies worldwide and generated more than $3 billion in franchise sales.

“I’m excited about the opportunity to direct the ‘Halo 4’ launch trailer in creative partnership with 343 Industries and David Fincher,” said Miller, who also collaborated with Fincher to create the title sequence for the Academy award-winning 2011 film, “The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo.” “‘Halo is one of the most iconic sci-fi universes, with a depth that allows for amazingly cinematic and emotionally riveting stories.  The chance to tell a story that explores never-before-seen facets of Master Chief’s journey is an honor. Our goal is to deliver a blockbuster, Hollywood-quality trailer that raises the bar for the award-winning legacy of live-action ‘Halo’ storytelling and gets fans stoked for the return of Master Chief.”

Reinforcing the talent behind the powerhouse team, Fincher stated, “I enjoy collaborating with Tim Miller, who is at the visual and technical forefront of hybridised live-action/CGI – not only pushing the boundary but defining it.”

“As a studio, we’re incredibly excited to be working with one of Hollywood’s most acclaimed directors and one of its top visual effects leads to bring our creative vision for the launch trailer to life,” said 343 Industries’ franchise development director Frank O’Connor. “Their involvement is a testament to the significance of ‘Halo’ as a pop culture touchstone, and we think fans are going to be blown away when they see the final piece.”

 

Exclusive Far Cry 3 Interview with Dan Hay and Jamie Kean

A few weeks ago we were invited to a location in the heart of London to play the first three hours of Far Cry 3 from Ubisoft, and to also interview some of the people involved in the game.

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I’ll save out thoughts on the game for another article, so for this one we get to speak to Dan Hay, who is the Producer of Far Cry 3, and Jamie Kean, who is the Lead Game Designer.

We talk about the game, Jason (the new lead character), we talk about Multiplayer, the in game editor, and also get a sneaky question in about DLC!

We also have some exclusive gameplay footage in there as well.

CDW - Far Cry 3 Interview

So take it away guys:

And here I am trying to fight off the inhabitants, or should that be fellow games journalists at the event!

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Far Cry 3 will be released at the end of November, and if you pre-order now you get some cool bonus items.

  

Are you going to order the game? Let us know by leaving a comment below.

Win a signed and framed Sleeping Dogs print by Tyler Stout and a copy of the game – The Winners

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To celebrate the launch of Sleeping Dogs, a gritty and visceral open world cop drama videogame set in the vibrant city of Hong Kong, Connected Digital World teamed up with Square Enix to offer one lucky winner the chance to win a signed and framed Sleeping Dogs print by Tyler Stout (60cm x 90cm) and a limited edition copy of the game. And it’s time to announce the winners.

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Famed artist Stout’s credits include alternative movie posters for The Avengers, Blade Runner and Inglorious Basterds, and his design of the Sleeping Dogs box art is his first foray into the world of videogames.

Sleeping Dogs, which catapults players into the role of an undercover cop, has a movie quality storyline voiced by a fantastic cast including Emma Stone and Lucy Liu. Players assume the identity of Detective Wei Shen, tasked with infiltrating the underground Triad society and bringing them down. The game has been developed in collaboration with legendary mixed martial arts (MMA) champion Georges St-Pierre to bring a thrillingly realistic element to the combat elements of the game, and offers players an awesome driving experience fit to rival any bespoke racing game!

Additional limited edition Xbox 360 copies of Sleeping Dogs were up for grabs for four lucky runners up.

And the winners are….

The main winner of the signed print and a copy of the game was:

Chris Hare

The four runners up were:

Stuart Edwards

Tom Worthington

David Hutchinson

Jo Boyd

Congratulations guys, you should have or about to receive you prizes.

And a big thank you to Square Enix for the prizes.

Check out our review of Sleeping Dogs here