Microsoft Announces Availability of Windows 8 Release Preview

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Windows 8 Release Preview is now available!

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Microsoft announced the release of Windows 8 Release Preview and also a pricing deal to allow for Windows 7 to Windows 8 upgrades for PC’s purchased through January 31st, 2013.  Here is what they announced:

Windows Upgrade Offer introduced, which gives consumers a path to Windows 8 upon general availability.

REDMOND, Wash. — May 31, 2012 — Microsoft Corp. today announced the availability of the Windows 8 Release Preview, the next milestone of the highly anticipated Windows 8 operating system. Available for download today in 14 languages at http://preview.windows.com, the Windows 8 Release Preview delivers a fast and fluid experience, along with a new user interface that responds equally well to touch as it does to keyboard and mouse. Since the February release of Windows 8 Consumer Preview, which was downloaded more than 1 million times in the first 24 hours, Windows 8 has become the most tested Microsoft operating system of all time, and with today’s release, it enters its final phase of development before it releases to manufacturing.

“We’re thrilled to be at this milestone with the Windows 8 Release Preview,” said Steven Sinofsky, president of the Windows and Windows Live Division at Microsoft.

New Apps Provide an Even Richer Experience

Windows 8 Release Preview delivers new apps from Microsoft and partners. Highlights include Bing Travel, News and Sports apps, as well as Gaming and Music Xbox apps that integrate with your Zune pass. The Windows 8 Release Preview also features notable improvements to the Mail, Photos and People apps that initially debuted with the Windows 8 Consumer Preview. In addition, Microsoft has worked closely with its partners to deliver apps from around the world through the Windows Store.

Beyond the new apps from Microsoft and partners, customers testing the Windows 8 Release Preview will also experience tens of thousands of refinements across the product, such as increased personalization options for the Start screen, improved multimonitor support, refinements to the way people find and download apps through the Windows Store, and new Family Safety features. The new Internet Explorer 10 redefines browsing, particularly for touch-enabled devices. The Web is as fast and fluid as any app, and with new capabilities in the Windows 8 Release Preview such as “flip ahead,” it is just as intuitive. A touch-friendly and power-optimized Adobe Flash Player is now integrated into Internet Explorer 10, and it is also the first browser to feature Do Not Track “on” by default, giving customers more choice and control over their privacy.

AViiQ Unveils 2nd Generation Portable Charging Station

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AViiQ unveils a new version of their portable charging station.  Read on for details.

AViiQ Logo

AViiQ, the Ontario, Canada-based mobile electronics accessory and design company, announced the second generation of their portable charging station.  Here is what they announced:

Acclaimed travel companion with new convenient Cable Rack System charges 4 USB devices using only one outlet port

SANTA ANA, Calif – May 30, 2012 – AViiQ, the award-winning mobile electronics accessory and design company specializing in solutions for on-the-go users, announces the availability of the AViiQ Portable Charging Station with Cable Rack System, a portable sleeve that simplifies on the go charging while eliminating tangled or misplaced cables.

The AViiQ Portable Charging Station with Cable Rack System enhances the original design by incorporating removable cable racks to create a simple and organized solution to store and transport cables.  Designed to charge up to 4 USB devices by using only one outlet port, the new Portable Charging Station is perfect for users seeking versatility, portability and convenience.

“We created AViiQ after experiencing much frustration by the lack of portable travel solutions, and tangled or misplaced cables were one of the biggest headaches,” said Alan Yeung, Co-Founder of AViiQ.  “We all travel with multiple electronic devices and the new Portable Charging Station with Cable Rack System gives users an easy way of storing and organizing cables, and charging multiple devices at the same time.”

In addition to charging devices with different power requirements, including tablets which require higher wattages, the new AViiQ Portable Charging Station is available in different trims, including Black Genuine Leather.

The AViiQ Portable Charging Station with Cable Rack System comes with a 30-day money back 100% satisfaction guarantee and is available starting from $79.99 at www.AViiQ.com.

Additional Specs
•    Dimensions: 10” x 5” x 1.5”
•    Weight: Less than 0.5 lb
•    Material: ABS Plastic & Nylon Fabric
•    Warranty: 3 years

ABOUT AViiQ

AViiQ adheres to the tenet that form should follow function.  Founded to create consumer mobile electronic accessories that maximize productivity through enhanced functionality and high-end design, AViiQ offers the finest in function and style.  Laptops revolutionized the computer world by adding the freedom of mobility and AViiQ transforms that freedom into power.  For more information about AViiQ please visit www.AViiQ.com.

AViiQ Portable Charging Station

We just took a trip to Florida for vacation (DisneyWorld) and I had a mess of charging cables with me.  This product would be nice for frequent road warriors.

Satechi Announces New 4 Port USB Hubs

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Satechi announced new four port USB hubs today.  Read on for details.

Satechi Logo

Satechi announced two new four-port USB hubs today, one aimed at Mac users.  Here is what they announced:

Convenient 4-Port USB hubs allow users to connect digital cameras,
phones, external hard drives and more

San Diego, CA – May 31, 2012 – Satechi, a leading mobile accessories manufacturer, is pleased to announce the availability of two new 4-Port USB Hubs.  The Premium Aluminum 2.0 4-Port USB Hub and 3.0 4-Port USB Hub provide users a sleek and compact way to support additional devices without creating bulk and require no software or a complicated installation process.

The Satechi Premium Aluminum 2.0 4-Port USB Hub is the perfect companion to any Mac user’s computer.  The shiny and sleek design features an aluminum finish and white cable complimenting the Apple aesthetic.  The Premium Aluminum 2.0 4-Port USB Hub features a compact, strip-shape design taking up little desktop space and allowing for maximum portability.

The slim and convenient Satechi 3.0 4-Port USB Hub supports up to four additional USB devices at up to 10x faster speeds than USB 2.0.  Similar to the Satechi Premium Aluminum 2.0 4-Port USB Hub, the 3.0 4-Port USB Hub boasts a thin and portable design.

The Satechi Premium Aluminum 2.0 is available now for $24.99 at Satechi.net and Amazon.com.
The Satechi 3.0 4-Port USB Hub is available now for $39.99 at Satechi.net and Amazon.com.

For more on the new Satechi 4-Port USB Hubs and all of Satechi’s award winning products, follow us on Facebook.com/Satechi and @Satechi.

Now some product pictures:

Satechi Hubs

These look nice, especially the aluminum version.

Windows Server 2012 Release Candidate now available

Microsoft has pushed the button on the release candidate for Windows Server 2012.

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The next release of Windows Server, Windows Server 2012, will offer businesses and hosting providers a scalable, dynamic, and multitenant-aware, cloud-optimized infrastructure. It securely connects across premises and helps IT Professionals to respond to business needs faster and more efficiently.

Windows Server 2012 Release Candidate (RC):

  • Takes you beyond virtualization
  • Delivers the power of many servers with the simplicity of one
  • Opens the door to every app on any cloud
  • Enables the modern work style

Need more information? See the product details page.

Download the Windows Server 2012 release candidate from here

MSI Now Shipping Gaming Notebooks with NVIDIA GeForce GTX 675M Graphics

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MSI is now shipping gaming notebooks with the fastest discrete graphics card in the business, the NVIDIA GeForce GTX 675M.  Read on for details.

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First, a little about who MSI is.

About MSI
Founded in 1986, MSI designs, manufactures and markets superior technology solutions and products, including Tablets, Notebook PCs, All-in-One PCs, and PC components including IPCs, Servers, Motherboards and Graphic Cards.  Committed to innovation and style, MSI products are available in more than 120 countries and employ more than 14,000 people worldwide.  To learn more about MSI’s complete line of products, visit us.msi.com or follow us on Facebook at facebook.com/MSI.ComputerUS and Twitter at http://twitter.com/#!/msiUSA.

Now, the announcement.

Superb performance and state-of-the-art graphics deliver unmatched immersive gaming and multimedia experience

City of Industry, Calif. – May 31, 2012 – MSI Computer Corp, a leading manufacturer of computer hardware products and solutions, challenges mobile gaming limits once again by upgrading their acclaimed GT70 gaming beast with NVIDIA® GeForce® GTX 675M discrete graphics card.  Heralded as the fastest single-unit laptop GPU, the GTX 675M adds even more power to GT70s deadly combination of performance and multimedia experience.Already outfitted with Intel© HM77 Chipset, Killer™E2200 Game Networking, SteelSeries backlit keyboard, Dynaudio Speakers with THX Surround Sound and more, the GT70 now further immerses gamers in blistering frame rates, extreme special effects and unmatched 3D experience without sacrificing battery life.
MSI also announces the availability of GE70 and GE60, two gaming notebooks designed for gamers seeking a balance in performance, portability and affordability.  The new 17-inch and 16-inch units feature a futuristic design and are equipped with the latest Intel© HM77 Chipset, NVIDIA® GTX 660M GPU, SteelSeries keyboard and Headset AMP + Gold Flash Jacks, giving them more than enough horsepower to handle the most demanding tasks.

“MSI believes that exceptional performance starts with outstanding components, and we’ve exemplified that belief in our spectrum of gaming notebooks, from high performance to budget-conscious,” said Andy Tung, Vice President of Sales for MSI US.  “We’ve given our flagship gaming notebook even more power with NVIDIA’s GTX 675M, but also unveiled the GE70 and GE60, which packs affordable power for your entire daily gaming needs.”For more information about the GT70, GE70 and GE60 models, please visit http://www.msimobile.com.GT70, GE70 and GE60 Full Specs

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Those look like pretty nice machines!  Are you in the market for a gaming laptop with bleeding-edge graphics cards?  Check these out.

Amazon’s LOVEFiLM launches HD streaming service

Today saw Amazon’s LOVEFiLM launch a new HD streaming service.

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Here is the press release:

AMAZON’S LOVEFiLM LAUNCHES HIGH DEFINITION STREAMING – HD DAY – 31st May 2012

LOVEFiLM, an Amazon company, today announced the launch of high-definition (HD) service, giving LOVEFiLM Instant members crystal clear viewing.

The HD functionality, available from today in the UK and Germany, will allow members of LOVEFiLM – Europe’s largest subscription service instantly streaming films and TV series over the internet and sending DVDs and games by post – to stream top quality films and TV series on demand and for no extra charge in HDTV resolutions up to 1080p.

LOVEFiLM members in the UK, using PC or Mac, will enjoy content in full 1080p high definition, while members using their Xbox 360 or Samsung and LG connected HDTVs will enjoy 720p resolution. In Germany, HD content will be available initially on PC and Mac in full 1080p high definition.

The catalogue of HD films available to LOVEFiLM members will expand over the coming weeks and months. In the UK titles will include teen sensation The Twilight Saga: Eclipse, family favourite Gnomeo and Juliet and British comedy Four Lions. Top US TV dramas including LOST and Ghost Whisperer will also be available alongside a whole host of British titles, including the BBC’s popular documentaries Human Planet and David Attenborough’s critically acclaimed Planet Earth.

Jim Buckle, MD of LOVEFiLM, commented:
“LOVEFiLM is the number one consumer choice for subscription film and TV series streaming in Europe. The introduction of HD quality content further strengthens the offering and marks another key milestone in delivering our members the best possible service with exceptional value.”

Films and TV series available in HD will automatically stream with the improved quality where an internet connection can support it. For 720p streaming members will require a minimum internet connection of 4mbps, while those with connections of 12mbps or higher will enjoy full 1080p where possible.

LOVEFiLM offers thousands of on-demand films and TV series via LOVEFiLM Instant, together with the largest selection of DVD, Blu-ray and games with packages starting from as little as £4.99 per month.

Have you tried it yet? If so, let us know what you think of it.

Learn more from the LOVEFiLM website

TRENDnet Shipping Four New IP Cameras

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TRENDnet announced that they are now shipping three new IP cameras for your SMB/SOHO surveillance needs, with a fourth on the way in early June.  Read on for details!

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TRENDnet announced the other day that they are now shipping three new IP cameras with one more to ship in early June, as well as a free mobile app and an updated computer control software suite.  Two of these cameras come with pan/zoom/tilt controls.  Here are the highlights:

TRENDnet’s new line of IP Cameras feature upgraded image quality and free industry leading software


TORRANCE, Calif. –May 29, 2012TRENDnet, a best-in-class wired and wireless networking hardware brand, today announces the availability of four new IP Cameras which offer upgraded image quality, a free mobile app to view video while on the go, and new industry leading free camera management software.
“TRENDnet’s new line of cameras set a new standard in the SOHO and SMB IP Camera space,” stated Zak Wood, director of global marketing for TRENDnet. “Following this initial launch, eight additional megapixel cameras will be launched over the next six weeks.”

TV-IP551W
Wireless N Internet Camera
TV-IP551W features include: a high speed wireless n connection; one-way audio; 640 x 480 (VGA) video at up to 20 frames per second (fps); a free mobile app; free industry leading software to manage up to 32 cameras; and a wall / ceiling mounting kit.

TV-IP551W Availability: Currently shipping to TRENDnet’s online and retail partners.
TV-IP551W MSRP: $109.99

TV-IP551WI
Wireless N Day / Night Internet Camera
TV-IP551WI features include: night vision for distances of up to 7.5 meters (25 feet); a high speed wireless n connection; one-way audio; 640 x 480 (VGA) video at up to 20 frames per second (fps); a free mobile app; free industry leading software to manage up to 32 cameras; and a wall / ceiling mounting kit.

TV-IP551WI Availability: Currently shipping to TRENDnet’s online and retail partners.
TV-IP551WI MSRP: $129.99

TV-IP651W
Wireless N PTZ Internet Camera
TV-IP651W features include: remote 340° Pan and 115° tilt functionality; a high speed wireless n connection; one-way audio; 640 x 480 (VGA) video at up to 20 frames per second (fps); a free mobile app; free industry leading software to manage up to 32 cameras; and a wall / ceiling mounting kit.

TV-IP651W Availability: Will be available from online and retail partners in early June.
TV-IP651W MSRP: $189.99

TV-IP651WI
Wireless N Day / Night PTZ Internet Camera

TV-IP651WI camera features include: night vision for distances of up to 7.5 meters (25 feet); remote 340° Pan and 115° tilt functionality; a high speed wireless n connection; one-way audio; 640 x 480 (VGA) video at up to 20 frames per second (fps); free industry leading software to manage up to 32 cameras; and a wall / ceiling mounting kit.

TV-IP651WI Availability: Currently shipping to TRENDnet’s online and retail partners.
TV-IP651WI MSRP: $209.99

Here are some product images:

TV-IP551WTV-IP551WITV-IP651WTV-IP651WI

And some video of the camera control software:

If you are in the market for IP video cameras, these new options from TRENDnet look interesting!

TRENDnet Press Release

IK Multimedia now shipping the iRig MIC Cast microphone for iPhone and iPad

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IK Multimedia have today announced that iRig MIC Cast, the ultra-compact microphone for the iPhone, iPod touch and iPad is now shipping.

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iRig MIC Cast is a miniaturized  microphone, that plugs into the iOS device mini-jack, designed specifically for recording podcasts, interviews, videoconferences, lectures, voice memos, speeches, music and more.

iRig MIC Cast provides a pocket-sized voice recording solution with crystal-clear aural quality thanks to its tight pickup pattern that minimizes background sounds so that you can capture the audio you want while cancelling out extraneous noise. The unidirectional condenser capsule isolates the intended audio source, yielding dramatically better results than an integrated microphone.

Uses include:
Capturing interviews and presentations for Podcasts
Transmitting a clear audio signal on FaceTime, Skype videoconferences
Recording notes, meetings, speeches, and lectures
Creating videos with greater intelligibility and an improved audio track
Documenting your own recitals and performances — or for concerts

The iRig MIC Cast also features a dual gain setting that provides two different sensitivity settings for either close-up or distant sources.  So, whether you are recording a one-on-one interview or a class in a lecture hall – the iRig MIC Cast can be adjusted to accommodate the situation. Users can have confidence in what is being recorded, via a stereo mini-jack headphone output that enables real-time monitoring.

The iRig MIC Cast is literally about the size of a large coin and its bumper-friendly jack makes it possible to plug in — even if your iPhone, iPod touch, iPad is in a protective case. It can easily fit in your pocket, briefcase or computer bag for easy transport.

The included tabletop stand makes it possible to set up your iPhone or iPod touch so that users have a clear view of the screen and so the camera can “see” the user for FaceTime or Skype meetings. For recording, simply place the stand wherever convenient for hands free operation.

As with other IK Multimedia microphones, two free apps are available for the iRig MIC Cast: iRig Recorder, an easy-to-use voice recording/editing app, and VocaLive, a multi-effects processing app for singers.

iRig MIC Cast Features:
Stereo mini-jack headphone output which enables real-time monitoring of what is being recorded using headphones or speakers
Includes an adjustable desktop stand for convenient iPhone/iPod touch positioning during recording
Incredibly flat frequency response with zero tonal coloration
Ultra-compact profile that can be carried anywhere with ease
Has a bumper-friendly mini-jack connector that fits the majority of iPhone/iPod touch cases
Works also with all regular phone calls and any Voice-Over-IP app

iRig MIC Cast costs €29.99 (ex. VAT) and is available from electronic and music retailers around the world.

For more information on iRig MIC Cast visit www.irigmiccast.com

The Digital Lifestyle Show #356 – Betrayed

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This weeks Digital Lifestyle Show has just been released – and it’s show 356.

DLS Show

Here’s what Ian says about this week show:

Welcome to show number 356, this week Andrew joins me to talk over the weeks news including his new Raspberry Pi and I have some tips on backing it up, we talk about DVBLogic’s new server and the update to their software, Amazon instant video, ITV Player, Samsung’s plan for world domination,  ICS for the Andypad, Ceton mobile apps and I have an update on our user group.

You can listen to or download the show from here.

Orange unveils the San Diego Android smartphone powered by Intel

Orange today unveiled the San Diego, a new high-performance Android smartphone powered by Intel Inside, which will be available exclusively on Orange from 6th June nationwide.

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The San Diego (previously codenamed ‘Orange Santa Clara’) is the first Intel powered smartphone to launch in Europe and will deliver users the latest in innovative smartphone capabilities at an affordable price point.

The handset  is powered by the Intel Atom processor Z2460 and supports HSPA+ with the Intel® XMM™ 6260 Platform.  Together, these Intel solutions deliver users a fast and responsive browsing experience.

The San Diego features High-definition (HD) video, helping it to support a rich entertainment offering along with 1080p video capture, image stabilization and HDMI out. What’s more, the handset boasts an 8 mega-pixel camera which features ‘Burst’ mode allowing it to take 10 pictures in under a second to ensure you capture all the action and can choose the very best pictures to keep and share.  The San Diego also comes with mobile HD voice for outstanding audio quality, and features a 4.03” capacitive display, A-GPS and Bluetooth 2.1.

From the home screen, the San Diego will come with quick link access to:
Orange Wednesdays: 2-4-1 cinema ticket app – allowing you to read reviews, watch trailers as well as redeem 2-4-1 vouchers all from your handset
Your Orange: To help customers keep up to date and manage their Orange account
Orange Gestures: Allowing users to draw natural and intuitive gestures on their home screen which can give one-stroke access to their favourite applications or services

The San Diego will be available for £199.99 on Orange Pay As You Go, when customers top up by £10 in Orange shops. When they take out the handset on pay as you go, they will also receive a free monthly allowance of 250Mb of mobile data per month for 12 months. Alternatively, for launch, the handset will be free to customers who take a 24 month price plan from £15.50 a month until the 25th of July 2012. The package includes 50 any network call minutes, 50 texts, as well as 100MB of mobile data a month.

Paul Jevons, Director of Products and Devices, Orange UK commented: “We’re proud to be working with such an exciting partner as Intel, and offering our customers the first Orange Intel powered smartphone on the market.

“The San Diego is a great addition to our own-branded device portfolio, and is testament to our heritage in offering consumers great value innovation.”

“We congratulate Orange on the launch of their ’San Diego’ smartphone with Intel inside,” said Mike Bell, Intel Vice President and General Manager of the company’s Mobile and Communications Group. “Orange is truly a progressive operator who has its finger on the pulse on its customer base. The new Intel-based smartphone exemplifies Orange’s focus on delivering a well executed product to its users, from the quality and feel of industrial design to the overall software and applications experience.”

San Diego customers will also benefit from access to T-Mobile’s signal too, meaning they can call, text and access high speed mobile internet in more places across the UK, as well as benefit from Quick Tap Treats – the UK’s first mobile contactless retail reward scheme, and discount on Orange home broadband.

The handset will be supported by a multimillion pound advertising campaign, featuring the Orange ninja creative which will commence in June. The advertising campaign will feature across TV, outdoor, print and online.

The San Diego will be available from 6th June from Orange shops, Orange telesales and the Orange online shop.