Events

Review of the Toshiba Portege Z830 Ultrabook

Reviews
Tech

Andrew Edney

-

Feb 9, 2012

1

Review of the Toshiba Portege Z830 Ultrabook

It’s time to review another Ultrabook – this time it’s the Toshiba Portege Z830.

Toshiba describe the Portege Z830 thus:

The Portégé Z830 is designed to be the ultimate mobile business laptop. At just 1.12kg light and 8.3mm thin, the Z830 exudes quality and reliability, and has a host of technology and connectivity features, as well as battery life that lasts up to 8 hours. With no moving parts and with the casing made entirely from Magnesium Alloy, the Z830 is built for a mobile life.

Who are Toshiba?

From their website:

Toshiba, a world leader in high technology, is a diversified manufacturer and marketer of advanced electronic and electrical products, spanning information & communications equipment and systems, Internet-based solutions and services, electronic components and materials, power systems, industrial and social infrastructure systems, and household appliances.

Specifications

For this review we had the Z830-10P:

Other models have different specifications.

What’s in the Box?

In the box we got from Toshiba was the Z830 in a sleeve, plus the power supply. The boxed version will have manuals and DVDs.

A Closer Look

Microsoft Talks About Building Windows 8 for the ARM Processor Architecture

Andrew Edney

-

Feb 9, 2012

0

Microsoft Talks About Building Windows 8 for the ARM Processor Architecture

In the next in their Windows 8 series, Microsoft talk about Building Windows for the ARM processor architecture.

One of the notable aspects of Microsoft Windows has been the flexibility the architecture has shown through shifts in technology and expansion of customer usage over time. What started out as an operating system for one person working solo with productivity software is now the foundation of a wide array of hardware and software technologies, a spectrum of connected Windows products, and an incredibly flexible approach to computing. With Windows 8, we have reimagined Windows from the chipset to the experience—and bringing this reimagined Windows to the ARM® processor architecture is a significant part of this innovation. Expanding the view of the PC to cover a much wider range of form factors and designs than some think of today is an important part of these efforts. Windows on ARM enables creativity in PC design that, in combination with newly architected features of the Windows OS, will bring to customers new, no-compromise PCs.

This post is about the technical foundation of what we call, for the purposes of this post, Windows on ARM, or WOA. WOA is a new member of the Windows family, much like Windows Server, Windows Embedded, or Windows Phone. As with those products, WOA builds on the foundation of Windows, has a very high degree of commonality and very significant shared code with Windows 8, and will be developed for, sold, and supported as part of the largest computing ecosystem in the world. Today we’ll focus on the development of WOA and introduce some of the features, along with how customers will experience it. As with x86/64 Windows 8, there are still announcements to be made relative to the business and marketing aspects of the product(s). Today’s blog post is about making WOA, not marketing or selling it.

To read the rest of the article, click here.

XBMCbuntu Beta 1 Released

Andrew Edney

-

Feb 9, 2012

0

As well as releasing XMBC 11.0 Eden beta 3, the guys over at XBMC have also released beta 1 of XBMCbuntu, so if you like LiveCD’s, you will want to check this out!

Here is what they posted:

On top of the many bug fixes though, we are pleased to officially announce the first beta of XBMCbuntu. With this beta release, we have chosen to slightly shift the focus of the pre-built XBMC Live install. In the past, XBMC Live was optimized for a pure set-top box experience. In the switch to XBMCbuntu, we are pushing to a more traditional ‘buntu approach that emphasizes first trying and then ultimately installing XBMC onto the local machine.

There are many benefits to this approach. In particular, XBMC is now built upon a full LXDE desktop environment, which has a web browser (Chromium) with a fully updated (and updatable) version of Flash built-in and a GUI package manager ready to install and update all of the normal Ubuntu programs a typical Linux user might use. The user may now toggle between XBMC, which auto-starts, and a normal desktop if he or she chooses. And, perhaps most exciting for many users, XBMC will now be upgradeable, both from command line and from the GUI package manager, without fear of crashing the XBMC experience.

Naturally, those users who do not want to see the desktop will never need to. When you boot your computer, you will be booted directly into the XBMC homescreen, just as you are right now. The only clear difference is the new power underneath the hood.

For those users experienced in installing XBMC Live, be prepared for a newer, easier graphical installer. Your downloadable Disc Image may be found here. The installer still needs a bit of polish, most notably the slideshow panels, but we will be sure to brush up the cosmetics in time for final release.

Let us know what you think of this approach.

XBMC 11.0 Eden Beta 3 Available Now

Andrew Edney

-

Feb 9, 2012

1

The guys over at XBMC.org have just released the XBMC 11 Eden beta 3.

Here is what they posted:

As we continue moving toward the release of Eden, more and more fixes are slotting into place. With Beta 3, we’ve fixed playlist issues, altered some misbehaving Library buttons, provided a little more control over the way movie sets are scraped, and cleaned up numerous other small bugs.

Download XBMC 11.0 Eden Beta 3 from here

Let us know what you think of it!

Google+ App for iOS Gets Updated to Version 1.0.8.3514

Apple
News

Andrew Edney

-

Feb 9, 2012

0

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

What’s New in Version 1.0.8.3514

– Start a video Hangout from Messenger
– New photos UI
– Bug fixes

Go get it now from the Apple App Store.

Google+ App for Android Updated

Android
News

Andrew Edney

-

Feb 9, 2012

0

Google have just released an update of their Google+ app for Android.

Real-life sharing rethought for the web, wherever you are.

Google+ for mobile makes sharing the right things with the right people a lot simpler.

Features:

Circles let you share the right things with just the right people.
Visit the stream to get updates from your circles or see what people are saying nearby.
Instant Upload automatically uploads videos and photos to your own private album on Google+, making sharing a snap.
Messenger is super-fast messaging for everyone in your circles.
Mobile Hangouts allows you to video chat with up to 9 friends while you’re on the go.

What’s in this version:

Massive performance improvements across the app
What’s Hot!
View who +1’d a post or comment
Stream posts shortened to fit more per scroll
Infinite photos feed in ‘From your circles’
Stream no longer jumps to the top for an automatic refresh

Get it from Android Market now

Skyrim 1.4 Patch Now Available on Xbox Live

Gaming
News

Andrew Edney

-

Feb 9, 2012

0

Skyrim 1.4 Patch Now Available on Xbox Live

There is a new patch available for Skyrim on Xbox Live and it brings new features and lots of fixes!

This are the changes, updates and fixes in 1.4:

NEW FEATURES

Skyrim launcher support for Skyrim Workshop (PC)

BUG FIXES

General optimizations for memory and performance
Fixed occasional issue with armor and clothing not displaying properly when placed on mannequins in player’s house (PS3)
Long term play optimizations for memory and performance (PS3)
Improved compiler optimization settings (PC)
Memory optimizations related to scripting
Fixed issue with dangling scripts not properly clearing from memory
Fixed crashes related to pathing and AI
Fixed crash in “Haemar’s Shame” if player had already completed “A Daedra’s Best Friend”
Fixed rare crash with loading saved games
Fixed issue with accented characters not displaying properly at the end of a line
Fixed issue where dragon priest masks would not render correctly
Fixed issue where quests would incorrectly progress after reloading a save
Fixed issues with placing and removing books from bookshelves in the player’s home
Optimized bookshelf script in player-owned houses that would occasionally block other scripts from properly firing off
Fixed issue where weapon racks and plaques would not work correctly in player’s house if player immediately visits their house before purchasing any upgrades
Fixed issue where the player house in Windhelm would not clean up properly
Fixed crash related to giant attacks and absorb spells
Fixed issue with ash piles not cleaning up properly
Fixed occasional issue where overwriting an existing save would fail
Fixed memory crash with container menu
Fixed infinite loop with bookshelves
Fixed issue where transforming back to human from werewolf would occasionally fail
Bows and daggers will display properly when placed on weapon racks
Fixed occasional audio issue that would play sound effects louder than intended
Fixed bug related to hitching between cell boundaries
Master Criminal achievement/trophy unlocks properly in French, German, Spanish and Italian
Fixed issue where traps in Shalidor’s Maze would not work properly in French, German, Spanish and Italian versions

QUEST FIXES

The Unusual Gem that was inside the Thalmor Embassy is now accessible after finishing “Diplomatic Immunity”
In “Breaching Security”, the quest token is no longer required to receive a fortune reading from Olava the Feeble
Fixed issue where Galmar would not complete Joining the Stormcloaks properly if “Season Unending” was an active quest
Fixed issue where starting “Season Unending” after finishing “Joining the Stormcloaks” would prevent “The Jagged Crown” from starting properly
Fixed issue where progressing through “Message to Whiterun” while “Season Unending” was still open would block progression for both quests
In “Arniel’s Endeavor”, fixed issue where a quest journal would trigger multiple times
In “Forbidden Legend”, the amulet fragment can no longer disappear after player leaves a dungeon without taking it
Fixed rare issue in “Forbidden Legend” where killing Mikrul Gauldurson while sneaking would make his corpse unaccessible
In “The White Phial”, the phial can no longer disappear if player leaves dungeon without taking it
“The White Phial” will now start properly if player already has a briar heart in their inventory
Player can no longer get stuck in Misty Grove after completing “A Night to Remember”
Fixed issue where leaving Riften during “A Chance Arrangement” would prevent quest from progressing
In “Darkness Returns”, a door in Twilight Sepulcher will properly open if the player leaves the dungeon for an extended period of time before completing the quest
In “Revealing the Unseen”, if the player leaves the Oculory for an extended period of time after placing the focusing crystal and returns, the quest will proceed correctly
“Onmund’s Request” will now start properly if player has already found Enthir’s staff before receiving this quest
Fixed instance where Tonilia would stop buying stolen items and also would not give Guild Leader Armor
“Repairing the Phial” will start properly if player already has unmelting snow or mammoth tusk in their inventory
Finding Pantea’s Flute before speaking with Pantea no longer prevents her quest from updating
In “The Break of Dawn”, fixed rare instance where a quest object would spawn incorrectly on the Katariah during Hail Sithis
Fixed rare issue in “The Mind of Madness” where player is unable to equip the Wabbajack
Fixed issue in “Pieces of the Past” where Mehrunes Dagon’s Razor will not trigger properly if player leaves the cell for extended period of time before activating it
“Blood’s Honor” will start properly if you visited and completed Driftshade and an extended period of time passes before starting the quest.
Fixed rare issue where “Dampened Spirits” would not start properly
Fixed issue where player would be unable to become Thane of Riften if they purchased a home first
Fixed issue where killing guards in Cidhna Mine would block progression for “No One Escapes Cidhna Mine”
Fixed numerous issues with “Blood on the Ice” not triggering properly
In “Blood on the Ice”, Calixto can now be killed if player owns a house in Windhelm
In “The Cure for Madness”, killing Cicero then resurrecting him no longer impedes quest progress
Fixed rare issue in “To Kill an Empire” where an NPC would fail to die properly
Clearing Knifepoint Ridge before starting “Boethiah’s Champion” no longer prevents quest from starting.

Amazon Kindle App for Android Updated to 3.4.0

Andrew Edney

-

Feb 9, 2012

0

Amazon Kindle App for Android Updated to 3.4.0

The Amazon Kindle app for Android has been updated, and with it finally comes real page numbers.

I use the Kindle app all the time on my iPad to read books and I know a number of people who use it on their Android devices, so it is really good to see that real page numbers are finally being used!

What’s New in v3.4.0

• Reduced app size

• Real page numbers: track your progress with page numbers that match the printed book. Available for thousands of titles from the Kindle store.

Download the Amazon Kindle app from the Android Market

Activision and Hasbro Announce Battleship Game

Gaming
News

Andrew Edney

-

Feb 9, 2012

0

Activision and Hasbro Announce Battleship Game

Activision and Hasbro have announced the game tie-in with the forthcoming movie Battleship.

Lock, load and prepare for grand oceanic action this spring because Hasbro and Activision Publishing Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Activision Blizzard Inc. proudly present the BATTLESHIP™ videogame developed with Double Helix Games. Inspired by the classic naval strategy game, this seek-and-find adventure is taken to spectacular new heights. As a stand-alone story from Universal Pictures’ upcoming epic action-adventure of the same name, the BATTLESHIP videogame offers a blend of strategic naval command and first-person action gameplay.

“We’re geared up for an outrageous sea and land conflict with the all new BATTLESHIP videogame,” said David Oxford, Activision Publishing. “Inspired by the film’s exciting action and stunning backdrop, the game is next-gen naval warfare that thrusts players into the middle of humanity’s last stand against an unfamiliar menace.”

BATTLESHIP follows elite demolitions specialist Cole Mathis as he clashes against an aquatic-based extra-terrestrial peril in the sand and sea of the beautiful Hawaiian archipelago. Trapped in a veritable communications dead zone, Mathis must command the U.S. Navy fleet in a “siege on the sea,” while simultaneously rallying the troops on land for a terrifying “war on the shore.”

“With a BATTLESHIP videogame, we have an amazing opportunity to take our beloved property and give it a modern-day spin,” said Mark Blecher, Senior Vice President and General Manager of Digital Media and Marketing at Hasbro. “The merging of tactical and action elements immerses players in an epic maritime conflict. Activision is completely up to the task of delivering a high-intensity thrill ride that’s perfectly suited for today’s console owners.”

Combining naval strategy simulation with first-person shooter gameplay, players fend off the enemy beachside while ordering attacks against their marine counterparts. Seamlessly switching between battlefield and overview “Battle Command” map, the Hasbro game is brought to life as carriers, frigates, cruisers, destroyers, submarines and the legendary USS Missouri Battleship pummel the enemy in a race to strategic points that turn the tide of battle. The BATTLESHIP videogame is a next-gen marvel perfectly suited to turn nostalgic game junkies into battle-hardened admirals.

The BATTLESHIP videogame, developed by Double Helix for the Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft and the PlayStation®3 computer entertainment system, arrives in Europe this April and North America this May. In addition, there will be uniquely designed versions for the Wii™ system from Nintendo, Nintendo 3DS™, and Nintendo DS™ hand-held system developed by Magic Pockets, with more details to come at a later date. The game is yet to be rated by PEGI. For more information on the game, please visit http://www.battleshipthevideogame.com. For more information on the upcoming epic action-adventure “Battleship,” visit http://www.battleshipmovie.com.

Vonage Launches New Mobile App Providing Free Calling and Texting to Other App Users around the World

Andrew Edney

-

Feb 9, 2012

0

Vonage Launches New Mobile App Providing Free Calling and Texting to Other App Users around the World

Vonage have launched a new mobile app that provides free calling and texting to other app users.

Savings of more than 70 percent on international calls to those without the app
HOLMDEL, N.J., February 8, 2012 /PRNewswire/ – Vonage Holdings Corp. (NYSE: VG) announced the launch of Vonage Mobile®, the new iPhone® and Android™ app that lets users make free high-definition calls and send free texts to all users of the app, worldwide1.

The app works over Wi-Fi, 3G and 4G wireless data networks.

When calling those who have not yet downloaded the app, Vonage Mobile provides ultra low-cost international calling with per-minute rates that are on average 70 percent less than major mobile carriers and 30 percent less than Skype™2. Users can instantly add calling credit directly from the app through iTunes® or Android Market™ in increments of $4.99 and $9.99.

Vonage Mobile uses the phone’s existing mobile number and contact list, eliminating the need for unique user names and duplicate identities for contacts. Users can instantly build a free global calling and texting network using the app’s multi-invite system from their existing contacts.

“Vonage Mobile consolidates the best features of our prior applications, while adding important functionality, better value and improved ease of use,” said Marc Lefar, CEO of Vonage. “It combines the best of free high-def voice and messaging along with incredible value for traditional international calls, all while using the existing mobile number and address book for unsurpassed ease of use.”

In addition, calls to any phone in the United States, Canada or Puerto Rico from anywhere in the world will be free for a limited time3.

Users do NOT need to be a Vonage customer to use the app. However, as an added benefit to all app users, calls to Vonage home or business lines are also free. The Vonage Mobile app can be downloaded to any iPhone or Android device for free; and it also works on the iPad®, iPod Touch® and Android™ Tablets.

For more information on Vonage Mobile, please go to iTunes, Android Market or www.vonagemobile.com.

# # #
1 Data rates may apply.
2 Based on per-minute rates to the top 50 countries called. Comparison reflects published rates of leading mobile carriers in markets representing the majority of iPhone and Android users.
3 Limited time free calling offer to the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico is for personal, non-commercial calling and excludes calls to certain geographic locations, premium and special services numbers, satellite telephony services and other call forwarding services. Not to exceed 3000 minutes per month.

iPhone and iTunes are trademarks of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries. Android is a trademark of Google Inc. Wi-Fi is a registered trademark of the Wi-Fi Alliance.

Download the App from the Apple App Store Download the app from the Android Market