Events

Apple updates iPhoto for Mac to version 9.4.1

Apple
News

Andrew Edney

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Oct 2, 2012

0

Apple has just updated it’s iPhoto for Mac application to version 9.4.1.

This update includes:

Improves the reliability of syncing to iOS devices via iTunes
Fixes an issue that could cause iPhoto to quit unexpectedly when using the Export command
Addresses an issue that could cause iPhoto to quite unexpectedly when upgrading multiple books, cards and calendars
Resolves an issue with downloading and viewing photos synced from Facebook albums

Do you use iPhoto? If so, tell us what you think of it by leaving us a comment below.

App Update: Twonky Beam Browser for Android updated to 3.2.1

Android
News

Andrew Edney

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Oct 2, 2012

0

App Update: Twonky Beam Browser for Android updated to 3.2.1

Twonky have just released an update to its Beam Browser app for Android.

Twonky Beam Browser provides you with a simple and familiar way to discover and enjoy Internet videos with your tablet or phone and beam them to your TV or other media players on your home network.

When you visit your favourite websites, or discover new ones, Twonky Beam Browser will display a Twonky Beam button over the media files that you are able beam to your TV or sound system. The home page of Twonky Beam Browser contains links to popular websites with great content you can beam. Browse many pages at once through tabs, with the home page always available to you as the main tab. You can also create and manage bookmarks, so that you can easily find your favourite sites.

A simple tap of the screen will beam the chosen content to your selected player, such as your Airplay enabled, UPnP or DLNA certified device. The beaming mode in Twonky Beam Browser can be toggled on and off, allowing you to use the application to discover and enjoy content locally on your tablet or phone.

What’s in this version:

• Improved address bar (provides visual cue that address bar can also be used for entering Google search terms)
• Improved accessibility of side panels (configurable option to show buttons at the edge of the screen for accessing side panels)
• Automatically select “This Device” as the renderer when it is the only renderer available
• Improved reliability playing long DTCP-IP encrypted videos
• Resume playback automatically when interrupted by screen lock/unlock

Download from Google Play

The Final Hours of Tomb Raider Episode 2: Origins of a Story

Andrew Edney

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Oct 2, 2012

0

The Final Hours of Tomb Raider Episode 2: Origins of a Story

Crystal Dynamics today launched the second in their series of behind the scenes documentaries entitled, The Final Hours of Tomb Raider: Origins of a Story.

Hosted by Zachary Levi at Nerd HQ in San Diego during Comicon, this episode dives deep into the heart of Tomb Raider through an exploration of character development and narrative. Featuring Lead Writer Rhianna Pratchett, Narrative Designer John Stafford, and Creative Director Noah Hughes, the trio elaborate on the immense responsibility of reimagining gaming’s leading lady.

Featuring clips of never-before-seen footage, The Final Hours of Tomb Raider: Origins of a Story allows these writers a chance to open up about creating a believable and motivated character, the marriage of gameplay and story and the unique (and often complex) nature of interactive fiction seen through a lens of survival. Camilla Luddington also returns, discussing the emotional spaces and extreme circumstances she’d find herself written into.

Filmed whilst the team were waiting anxiously for the worldwide debut of Tomb Raider’s hands-on demo earlier this year, simultaneously excited and apprehensive for the raw, unfiltered feedback it entails.

Earlier this year Crystal Dynamics announced that they had partnered with Geoff Keighley to produce The Final Hours of Tomb Raider. Each one of the episodes being released goes behind the scenes of specific aspects of the project as they come to a close. At launch, Geoff Keighley will also be releasing an interactive app that will document the entire development process of this iconic reboot.

Here is episode two:

My Movies for iPad version 1.85 Released

Andrew Edney

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Oct 2, 2012

1

My Movies for iPad version 1.85 Released

Brian has just released and update for My Movies for iPad – its now at version 1.85.

What is My Movies for iPad?

My Movies for iPad allows you to catalog your entire movie collection from our high quality online data service containing data for more than 475,000 DVD, Blu-ray and HD DVD titles from various countries. If you have one or more titles that is not in our service, you can report it and it will be created within 48 hours by our staff.

If you would like to evaluate the application, you can install My Movies for iPad Free, which is a freely available identical version with the exception of it being limited to 50 titles, and only 10 items in release and trailer lists.

You can use My Movies for iPad as a standalone product by adding titles by barcode or title searches, use it along with My Movies for iPhone Light or Pro or use it as a companion to our My Movies software packages for Microsoft Windows, allowing you to keep your movie collection synchronized between all devices and clients.

My Movies for iPad requires you to create a user account, or log on to an existing My Movies account to be able to use the program. Your collection will follow your user account through our online servers, allowing you to switch between different clients without ever losing your data. If you log in to an existing My Movies account, your current collection will automatically be synchronized to your iPad, and users of My Movies for iPhone can use it’s batch barcode scanning functionality to quickly add titles and automatically have them synchronized to their iPad.

You can within the program activate an online collection website of your movie collection, allowing you to send friends and family a website that allows them to browse your entire collection.

With My Movies for iPad, you can keep track of movies you own, previously have owned, rented or movies you wish to purchase. Never again will you have to purchase or rent a movie twice. Users of My Movies for Windows Media Center can also use the application to start playback of movies on their Media Center.

Features:
– Add titles by barcode, title search or manual creation.
– Preview titles with complete details before adding to your collection.
– Add titles to different groups (Owned, Wished, Rented, …), and move titles between groups.
– Report missing titles to our staff to have the titles created in our service.
– Report incorrect data to our moderation team if you find an error in our database.
– View movie trailers for titles in your collection.
– Management loans to friends and family by selecting from contacts or typing name.
– High resolution front and back covers.
– Search your collection.
– Browse using our movie wall or list views with large or small thumbnails.
– Sort titles using advanced data options.
– View actors and directors with photos, biography and list of titles the person stars in.
– Update movie profiles from our service to always have the latest, most complete and accurate data.
– Create an online collection website to share with friends and family.
– Upload your collection directly from My Movies Windows software suite as an alternative to synchronize through our online servers.
– See weekly releases of titles on Blu-ray and DVD including all details and trailers. (Release lists are not complete in all countries).
– Start playback of movies in My Movies for Windows Media Center.

What’s New in Version 1.85

– Change of internal images to reduce size.
– Fixes issue with playing YouTube trailers.

Download My Movies Pro for iPad

Windows Home Server Add-in: Lights-Out Service Pack 3 Released

Jim McCarthy

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Oct 1, 2012

0

Martin Rothschink of AxoNet Software GmbH has been in touch to announce Service Pack 3 for Lights-Out, now formally supporting Essentials 2012 and Windows 8. Read on for details.

Lights-Out Service Pack 3 has been released. First, a little bit about the application:

Lights-Out enhances a Windows Server Solution in these areas:

Power management, to run your server on demand

Client backup, to run a scheduled backup and use Wake-On-Lan

Uptime chart, to give a graphical overview of device activity in your network

Client management, wake, suspend or reboot your client computers

Mac OS X Support for WHS v1 and 2011!

Now for the release notes for Service Pack 3:

Current Version 1.5.3 Build 1803

Fixed missing next calendar events for a task which spans midnight and runs every day

Fixed high CPU load in client service if server is offline

Fixed missing status for Apple Mac and mobile devices

Fixed a problem with special characters in name of IP based devices

Fixed a problem with identity mapping in Mac Agent

Changed client standby action initiated from dashboard or Lights-Out Mobile App. Uses hibernation if configured as action after backup, standby otherwise.

Changed network monitor to better handle pulsed transmission used for example by XBMC

Changed uptime chart to suppress server if running 24/7 (Lights-Out configured to do nothing)

Added official support for Window Server 2012 Essentials

Added official support for Window 8

Added official support for Apple Mac OS X 10.8 (Mountain Lion)

Added better support for mobile devices in computer properties

Added detection for WebDAV issues in Mac Agent and Lights-Out Mobile

Added different product titles

Added backup command to client context menu (this combines wake-up, backup and action after backup)

Added backup command to command line client

Added correct sorting to all columns in computer tab

Added Polish translation

Known issues

Resizing the Dashboard to the smallest possible window size creates a distorted Status sub-tab. Workaround: resize the Dashboard

You can’t load an existing Windows Home Server v1 Lights-Out license into this version. Lights-Out for WHS 2011 requires a new license file.

Client GUI application is not started automatically after first client push installation. Workaround: Run via Start->All Programs->Startup, Lights-Out Client or log off and log on again.

Windows Small Business Server 2011 Essentials and Windows Server 2012 Essentials wake up every 30 minutes by Server Infrastructure License Service (silsvc). This bug is logged in Microsoft Connect. See ID 669083 (SBS 2011, closed), ID 761637 (Windows Server 2012 Essentials) and ID 757760 (WS 2012 Essentials, German) and vote for this bug!

If you are running Lights-Out, go head and get your upgrade. And if you are deploying a new Server 2012 Essentials box, look into including this application to improve your control over server power management and WOL for clients!

Lights-Out Service Pack 3 Release Notes

An interview with Frank O’Connor from 343 Industries about Halo 4

Andrew Edney

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Oct 1, 2012

2

An interview with Frank O’Connor from 343 Industries about Halo 4

We recently had the opportunity to play a few hours of the new Halo 4 game. After that we got to chat with Frank O’Connor about it!

Set almost five years after the events of “Halo 3,” “Halo 4” takes the series in a bold new direction and sets the stage for an epic new sci-fi saga, in which the Master Chief returns to confront his destiny and face an ancient evil that threatens the fate of the entire universe. In addition to a rich story and campaign, “Halo 4” introduces a groundbreaking new multiplayer offering, called “Halo Infinity Multiplayer,” that builds off of the “Halo” franchise’s rich multiplayer history and promises to continue to innovate and redefine the way people think about storytelling and multiplayer experiences.

So here is the interview with Frank:

What do you think of Halo 4, is it a game you will buy? Let us know by leaving a comment below.

BYOB Podcast Episode 100 Out Now

News
Tech

Andrew Edney

-

Oct 1, 2012

0

The guys over at the BYOB podcast have just released episode 100 – congratulations guys.

Here is what is included in this weeks show:

[box style=”rounded” border=”full”]This week Jim Collison and John Zajdler join us for an open discussion of technology and hardware. It BYOB’s longest show yet so keep that commute in the slow lane for The 100th episode of The BYOB Podcast.[/box]

As usual you can listen to the show from here.

HP Introduces Sleek and Affordable Consumer and Business PCs in the UK

Jim McCarthy

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Sep 30, 2012

0

HP introduced some new affordable consumer and business PC’s in the UK. Read on for details.

Here is what HP announced:

HP today announced a line-up of new consumer PCs and accessories designed to work with Microsoft® Windows 8 and perfect for savvy, tech-conscious users who desire superb performance and design at a great value.

HP also added one new business desktop and notebook PC with the latest AMD processor to its industry-leading commercial portfolio. AMD’s new A-series Accelerated Processing Units (APUs) deliver a significant leap in graphics performance⁽¹⁾ over their previous generation products, exceptional manageability and an affordable total cost of ownership.

Everyday computing never looked better

The HP Pavilion Sleekbook 14 and Pavilion Sleekbook 15 PCs provide simplicity, style and productivity.

Available in sparkling black, the thin and light Pavilion Sleekbooks feature 14-inch and 15.6-inch diagonal high-definition displays⁽²⁾ respectively, and up to one terabyte⁽³⁾of storage for movies, music and photos. A removable battery delivers up to six hours⁽⁴⁾ of computing time while HDMI, USB 3.0 and USB 2.0 ports keep users connected to mobile devices and accessories. The Pavilion Sleekbook 15 also includes a numeric keypad for increased productivity.

The Sleekbooks include HP TrueVision HD webcams⁽⁵⁾, optional NVIDIA discrete graphics and Dolby Advanced Audio which are ideal for social networking, video chatting and content creation and consumption. They also feature exclusive HP innovations, including HP CoolSense for a noticeably cooler PC and HP ProtectSmart for added hard-drive protection. HP Connected Photo⁽⁶⁾ allows users to access photos seamlessly from one simple interface.

AMD solutions for great value, long-lasting business performance

The HP Compaq Pro 6305 Desktop PC provides outstanding performance and value to maximise productivity for businesses large and small with long, predictable lifecycles of up to 15 months. The improved x86 architecture enables speedy and efficient computing, such as smoother Internet browsing and accelerated file conversion rates.

Powered by AMD’s new A10, A8, A6 and A4 processors, the HP Compaq Pro 6305 delivers up to 21 percent better performance than previous generations, including significant graphics improvement.⁽¹⁾ AMD Turbo Core 3.0 technology automatically boosts system performance when running multiple applications, and the 6305’s AMD Accelerated File Converterenables more efficient Web browsing for smooth webcast videos, trainings and video conferencing. The HP Compaq Pro 6305 helps keep business protected at every level with HP Client Security, and choice of HP Client Management solutions helps simplify system deployment and maintenance.

The HP ProBook 4545s Notebook PCs is equipped with A-series processor and VISION Pro Technology to provide the power to tackle intensive work assignments. AMD Dynamic Switchable Graphics use discrete graphics to create brilliant visuals and allow the PC to automatically switch to battery-saving mode when every day applications are used.⁽⁷⁾ The ProBook s-series notebook PC also provides the option for AMD Radeon Dual Graphics for the high-end 3-D rendering processing performance.

Beauty and Performance

The new HP x2401 60.9 cm (24”) LED backlit monitor for a complete solution that looks as good as it performs. With an 11 millimeter profile, the HP x2401 is strikingly thin and complements any setting with its glossy black-piano finish and brushed-metal case. Its unique, adjustable easel design frees up desk space and adds a touch of modern architecture.

The HP x2401 monitor delivers on functionality and connectivity, offering users image consistency and vivid colour for clear viewing from almost any angle thanks to MVA panel technology and 5,000:1 and 10,000,000:1 static and dynamic contrast ratios. The integrated DisplayPort and HDMI ports and wall-mounting capabilities give users the freedom to design a space around the monitor that’s clean and clutter-free. The HP x2401 monitor also was designed with the environment in mind with mercury-free LED backlighting, BFR/PVC free components and arsenic-free display glass.⁽⁹⁾

Have it all with HP accessories

Pair any HP PC with the latest HP accessories, including new mice, keyboards, the HP 90W Universal Power Adapter and the HP Webcam HD 4310, for an exceptionally productive, comfortable and convenient computing experience. The line-up includes:

– The HP Touch to Pair Mouse, the world’s first wireless mouse with NFC, allows users to instantly connect the mouse to any Bluetooth enabled PC or tablet. Available in November for £34.99.

– The HP Wireless X4500 and X5500 mice feature a sleek, modern design, precise laser sensor and up to 30 months of battery life.Available in October for £29.99 and £34.99, respectively.

– The HP Wireless Mouse X6000 offers HP’s exclusive Exact Track Technology which works on most surfaces including glass. Housed in a solid metal top cover, the X6000 also has four-way tilt scrolling and 2.4 GHz wireless connectivity. Available in October for £54.99.

– The HP 90W Universal Power Adapter is compatible with virtually all notebooks⁽⁸⁾ and features a built-in USB port that lets users charge a notebook and mobile device simultaneously. Available in November for £69.99.

– The HP Webcam HD 4310 lets users instantly connect and communicate with friends and family in widescreen 1080p high definition and offers three-way video calling, auto focus and auto-exposure to ensure images are clear and bright. Available in October for £49.99 .⁽⁵⁾

ICY DOCK Introduces 4-in-3 SATA 6Gbps HDD Backplane Module

Tech

Jim McCarthy

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Sep 30, 2012

0

ICY DOCK has announced a new 4-in-3 SATA 6Gbps hot-swap HDD backplane module. Read on for details.

ICY DOCK has announced a new 4-in-3 SATA 6Gbps HDD hot-swap backplane module. Here is what they announced:

Introducing the MB154SP-B, a 4-in-3 SATA internal RAID backplane for 3.5″ SATA hard drives. This is a lite version of the MB45X series by removing the monitoring features and reducing the overall cost, while keeping the same 3 year warranty and the core tray system for hot swapping and maintenance are kept for the best reliability in the market.

Slimmed Down Design

The MB154SP-B has been redesigned to be a lighter module, while maintaining the same level of quality, build, and service you’d expect from an Icy Dock product. While the design has gone through some changes, the space saving design is still established. The backplane module allows up to 4 x 3.5″ SATA III hard drives, while only consuming three 5.25″ bays. The module has also been redesigned for the type of power connector accepted. 15 pin SATA power is used to provide better accessibility for various host systems.

Efficient Cooling

Along with being a lighter package, the cooling has been improved to provide better air flow to your hard drives. The MB154SP-B uses a full metal body that allows for the best heat dissipation possible in various types of applications. In addition, our enhanced direct air flow design allows the included cooling fan to raise its efficiency to cool down your hard drives, by closing and rerouting any side vents to route incoming air directly to the cooling fan, as well as sealing any vents around the fan for better cooling efficiency. In addition, the backplane logic PCB has larger vents in key areas to allow more air to flow into and exit the MB154SP-B, making it an ideal system to store and cool your hard drives.

The included 80mm cooling fan also can be easily replaced and maintained, as the unit it can be fully removed and replaced with aftermarket cooling fans of the same size. To expand the range of compatible fans, both 2 and 3 pin fan power ports are available and can be easily accessed.

No Hassle Maintenance

The MB154SP-B has kept the same interchangeable EZ-Tray used in MB45X, MB559 and MB561 series. This allows you to continue to use the same trays from these series, or our compatible external 3.5″ models without any issues regarding switching to new designs. The EZ-Tray accepts most 3.5″ SATA hard drives and is very easy to install / remove to the device in two steps – press the release button and pull / push the lever. This allows for easy replacement in case of RAID failure or transporting of data.

Interchangeable hard drive tray with:

Key Feature:

4 in 3 RAID backplane module.

Fits four 3.5″ SATA I / II / III (SATA 6Gbps) hard drives in three 5.25″ device bay & fully supports SATA Hot-Swap function.

80mm cooling fan with full metal body for excellent heat dissipation for the most intense applications.

Compact and space saving to fit multiple drives.

Interchangeable tray design with MB45X, MB559 & MB561 series.

Enhanced Direct Air Flow Design – Shuts off vents while adding larger ventilation on the backplane PCB.

Uses SATA 15 power ports for best compatibility with the newest power supplies.

LED hard drive status notification.

Active Power Technology (APT) – individual led & cooling fan only powers up if there is a drive installed in the bay.

Removable EZ-Tray design for internal drive security, exchangeability, expandability and maintenance capabilities.

Replaceable rear cooling fan for easy maintenance or aftermarket replacement with 2 and 3 pin power ports available.

ICY DOCK 3 year warranty equivalent to hard drive manufacturer warranty to ensure maximum reliability and long life.

MSRP on this product will be $99.99.

ICY DOCK Product Page

Halo 4: Forward Unto Dawn Squad vignette released

Gaming
News

Andrew Edney

-

Sep 30, 2012

0

Halo 4: Forward Unto Dawn Squad vignette released

343 Industries has premiered the fifth instalment of a series of vignettes from the upcoming live-action digital series, “Halo 4: Forward Unto Dawn.”

Meet the newest members of Corbulo Academy of Military Science’s Hastati Squad and find out what led each of them to the UNSC and the civil war that not all of them want to fight.

Check out Squad below:

“Halo 4: Forward Unto Dawn” tells an exciting story of heroism and sacrifice on a scale never before seen in the “Halo” universe, taking fans back to the beginning of the human and Covenant war and leading into the events of “Halo 4.” Set against the backdrop of a United Nations Space Command (UNSC) military academy, a group of highborn cadets are training to be the next generation of soldiers in the UNSC’s ongoing war with insurrectionists in the outer colonial planets. Among these cadets, Thomas Lasky struggles with his doubts about this war, and with the burden of expectations he may not be able to carry. As Lasky comes to terms with his potential as a military leader, the terrifying alien alliance known as the Covenant arrives and turns his world upside down. Inspired by the Master Chief, he must decide what it means to be a hero. “Halo” fans that experience Lasky’s thrilling origin story in “Halo 4: Forward Unto Dawn” will be rewarded with special insights into the story of “Halo 4” and the “Halo Infinity Multiplayer” experience.

Directed by Stewart Hendler (“H+,” “Sorority Row”) and written by Todd Helbing and Aaron Helbing (“Smallville,” “Spartacus”), “Halo 4: Forward Unto Dawn” features a diverse cast of established and up-and-coming Hollywood talent, including Tom Green (“Dance Academy”) as Thomas Lasky, Anna Popplewell (“The Chronicles of Narnia”) as Chyler Silva, Daniel Cudmore (“X2,” “X-Men: The Last Stand,” “The Twilight Saga”) as the Master Chief, Ayelet Zurer (“Angels & Demons,” “Munich”) as Mehaffey, Mike Dopud (“Mission Impossible – Ghost Protocol”) as General Black, Enisha Brewster (“Footloose”) as April Orenski, Masam Holden (“Grey’s Anatomy,” “Elizabethtown”) as Michael “Sully” Sullivan, Osric Chau (“2012”) as JJ Chen, Iain Belcher (“Supernatural”) as Vickers, and Kat De Lieva as Dimah.

“Halo 4: Forward Unto Dawn” is backed by a top-tier production team led by executive producers Lydia Antonini and Josh Feldman, former Warner Bros. and Playtone executives, respectively. Continuing its involvement with the “Halo” franchise, Legacy Effects (“The Hunger Games,” “The Avengers,” “Avatar”) is creating specialised costumes and armor, and visual effects are being designed by an award-winning team led by John Sullivan (“The Pacific”). Production services are provided by Herzog & Co.

An extended, 90-minute Special Edition featuring additional footage and bonus content will be available Nov. 6 in the “Halo 4” Limited Edition and on video on-demand services.

Set almost five years after the events of “Halo 3,” “Halo 4” takes the series in a bold new direction and sets the stage for an epic new sci-fi saga, in which the Master Chief returns to confront his destiny and face an ancient evil that threatens the fate of the entire universe. In addition to a rich story and campaign, “Halo 4” introduces a groundbreaking new multiplayer offering, called “Halo Infinity Multiplayer,” that builds off of the “Halo” franchise’s rich multiplayer history and promises to continue to innovate and redefine the way people think about storytelling and multiplayer experiences.