The Digital Lifestyle Show #333 – Spandex

This weeks Digital Lifestyle Show has just been released – its show 333.

DLS Show

Here’s what Ian says about this week show:

Unfortunately Andrew couldn’t join us this week (find out why in the show) so Garry and I talk over the weeks news including the new version of DVBLink, Windows 8 Store, Xbox 360 WTV playback, TV apps updated for the iPad and we talk about my installation of Sky and how a Sky box compares to Windows Media Center.

You can listen to or download the show from here.

And don’t believe everything you hear!

PRADA and LG Launch the PRADA Phone by LG 3.0

The PRADA and LG partnership launches the PRADA phone by LG 3.0 combining the ultimate in form and function.

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This new phone runs Android Gingerbread, and as yet there is no word on the price or when to expect it hitting the streets – we will tell you more when we know!

Here is the press release:

With a heritage of producing handsets that combine the best in style and substance, PRADA and LG today unveiled the partnership’s latest must-have smartphone, the PRADA phone by LG 3.0. This highly anticipated handset is the third phone to come from the collaboration and represents a key design venture for both companies.

The PRADA phone by LG 3.0 combines PRADA’s distinctive style with LG’s innovative technology, including one of the biggest and brightest screens in the world with 4.3inch and 800-nit screen.

Styled with PRADA’s clean and sharp design philosophy, the handset features a full glossy touchscreen to the front and PRADA’s signature Saffiano pattern to the back, all finished in classic black. With every detail designed for chic simplicity, this handset also boasts LG’s signature Floating Mass Technology, optically enhancing the thinness of its already impressive 8.5mm depth, with minimal hardkeys completing the sleek simple finish.

As effective as it is striking, the PRADA phone by LG 3.0 boasts a 1.0GHz Dual-Core/Dual-Channel architecture for high-speed performance, and dual-band wi-fi for high-speed surfing on the go.

The smartphone’s sleek design is also reflected once switched on. The PRADA phone by LG 3.0 offers a specially created user interface featuring a unique black, grey and white menu and icons. Through this interface users can enjoy all the latest benefits of Android’s Gingerbread OS, with a future scheduled upgrade to Android’s Ice Cream Sandwich.

This unique user interface experience can be enjoyed on the device’s 800-nit, 4.3inch NOVA High Brightness Display, allowing users to view all their favourite photos and content even in direct sunlight. Plus with an 8MP camera and up to 8GB of user memory, all Life’s Good moments can be captured and enjoyed in high quality.

To complement the handset, users will have access to a full line of PRADA phone accessories such as a PRADA branded cradle and Bluetooth ear set. Users can also carry their PRADA phone by LG 3.0 in a range of stylish pouches.

Key Specs:

o Operating System: Android Gingerbread
o Memory: User 8GB
o Size: 4.3-inch
o Resolution: WVGA (800 x 480)
o NOVA Display: 800 nit
o Camera: 8MP
o 1.0GHz Dual-Core/ Dual Channel Processor
o Battery 1540mAh

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History of PRADA-LG Collaboration

The collaboration between PRADA and LG, which began in 2006 and resulted in two premium phones being introduced in 2007 and 2008, focuses on key elements within the smartphone, including software and user interface down to its design and packaging.

The PRADA phone by LG 1.0, a pioneer in the fashion-house mobile phone space, was an
unqualified success, selling over one million units. This premium handset combined high-end
technology with a design embodying superior style. As evidence of its place in design history, the PRADA phone by LG 1.0 is part of the permanent collection in New York City’s Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) and the Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA) in Shanghai.

The PRADA phones by LG were revolutionary in the technology they offered to users. The PRADA phone by LG 1.0 was the world’s first touchscreen mobile phone, and the 2.0 provided an innovative mobile experience through its unique watch with Link technology, which allowed for easy access to caller ID, SMS text messages, call history, call block and two-way alarm notification.

Gmail App for iOS Devices Updated to Version 1.1

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Google have released an update to it’s Gmail for iOS app.

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With the Gmail app, you can:

● Receive notification badges for new messages
● Read your mail with threaded conversations
● Organize your mail by archiving, labeling, starring, deleting, and reporting spam
● Keep track of important messages with priority inbox
● Auto-complete contact names as you type
● Send and receive attachments
● Search through all your mail

The Gmail app is available for devices running iOS 4+.

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What’s New in Version 1.1

– Nested Label Improvements
– (iOS 5 only) A new custom sound for sound notifications
– Mobile Signature and Vacation Responder, accessible via the gear settings icon at the top of the menu view
– Numerous bug fixes and UI improvements

Get it from the App Store now.

Netflix App for iOS Updated to Version 2.0

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The Netflix app for the iPhone and the iPad has been updated to version 2.0.

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Just download this free app and you can instantly watch TV shows & movies streaming from Netflix.

* It’s part of your Netflix unlimited membership. Not a Netflix member? Start your FREE trial today.
* Watch as often as you want
* Resume watching where you left off on your TV or computer
* Browse movies right from your iPhone, iPod Touch or iPad

Note: Video out is supported on the iPad, iPhone 4, iPhone 4S, and iPod Touch 4G

What’s New in Version 2.0

1. Netflix now available in Latin America for iPhone and iPad
2. New iPad UI for all regions – US, Canada, Latin America – requires upgrade to iOS 5
3. Addressed stability issues
4. For support questions please contact us at mobilesupport@netflix.com

Download Netflix for iOS from the App Store

T Mobile Announces Nokia 710 Release

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T Mobile announced that they are releasing the Nokia 710 Windows Phone device today.  Read on for details.

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T Mobile announced that they are releasing the Nokia 710, a Windows Phone model, on January 11 2012.  Here is what they said:

T-Mobile Brings Nokia Lumia 710 to the U.S.
Nokia and T-Mobile deliver a leading entry-level Windows Phone experience to the nearly 150 million Americans still to make the transition to smartphones

Bellevue, Wash. and Sunnyvale, Wash. — Dec. 14, 2011

2011-12-14 12:43:31

T-Mobile USA, Inc. and Nokia today announced the upcoming availability of the Nokia Lumia 710, the first Windows Phone from Nokia in the United States. Targeted at the nearly 150 million Americans who haven’t purchased their first smartphones, the Nokia Lumia 710, capable of running on T-Mobile’s 4G network, delivers high-performance hardware, Nokia’s best social and Internet experience, and access to popular smartphone applications and services from Windows Phone Marketplace.

Running on America’s Largest 4G Network, the Nokia Lumia 710 benefits from the unique people-first approach of Windows Phone, bringing together all interactions with family and friends in People Hub. The Nokia Lumia 710 also provides one-click access to popular services, such as Netflix, T-Mobile TV with mobile HD1 and a leading mobile Web experience with Internet Explorer® Mobile, Bing Search with voice activation and Local Scout for locally relevant search results. The smartphone also brings access to signature Nokia experiences, such as Nokia Drive for voice-guided, turn-by-turn navigation and ESPN for exclusive sports content.

“We’re excited to team with Nokia in bringing its first Windows Phone to the U.S. with the elegantly designed Nokia Lumia 710,” said Cole Brodman, chief marketing officer, T-Mobile USA. “Windows Phone offers a compelling mobile OS choice for people who want a smartphone built around them, their family and friends. We expect it to play a more prominent role in our lineup and marketing efforts in 2012.”

Today, people are increasingly upgrading to smartphones, and many are doing so for the first time. According to the NPD Group, U.S. smartphone sales reached 59 percent in the third quarter 2011, an increase of 13 percent since third quarter 2010. With an increasing demand for smartphones, the Nokia Lumia 710 offers a compelling experience aimed at addressing the needs of the nearly 150 million people in the U.S. who have yet to upgrade to their first smartphones.

“Our research shows nearly everybody in the U.S. wants a smartphone, but many believe they can’t afford it,” Brodman said. “That’s where T-Mobile shines. Our Unlimited Value and Monthly4G plans make it more affordable than ever to step up to mobile data on our 4G network.”

”The Nokia Lumia 710 is the perfect first-time smartphone: a well-designed product that delivers the most compelling Windows Phone experience in its price range and with access to great content and thousands of applications,” said Chris Weber, president, Nokia Americas. “This is the perfect first Nokia Lumia experience and the start of our re-entry into the U.S. smartphone market.”

Available in a black or white finish, the Nokia Lumia 710 features a 3.7-inch ClearBlack WVGA scratch-resistant display for outstanding outdoor viewing and a Qualcomm 1.4 GHz Snapdragon™ processor providing speedy access to entertainment and information on-the-go. It also features a 5-megapixel camera with Nokia’s leading camera technology, enabling people to take pictures in almost any light condition and share on social networks in seconds. With the most integrated work-life solution of any mobile platform via the Windows Phone Office Hub and an interactive mobile gaming experience via Xbox LIVE®, the Nokia Lumia 710 is the complete all-round first-time smartphone experience.

Availability

The Nokia Lumia 710 is expected to be available at T-Mobile retail stores, select dealers and retailers nationwide, and online at http://www.t-mobile.com starting Jan. 11. The Nokia Lumia 710 is expected to cost $49.99 after a $50 mail-in-rebate card, with a two-year service agreement and qualifying Classic voice and data plan. For more information, visit http://www.t-mobile.com/lumia.

For more information on T-Mobile’s Unlimited Value and Monthly4G plans, see: http://family.t-mobile.com/phone-plans.

1 Mobile HD TV can deliver a bit rate of 800kbps and 16:9 resolution; the bit rate and resolution you experience will vary based on many factors, e.g., programming, network connection and device.

So if you’re a T Mobile fan looking for a Windows Phone 7 device in January, this is up your alley!

T Mobile Announces Nokia 710

Try Spotify Premium Free for 30 Days This Christmas

Want to see what the Premium service of Spotify is all about? Then why not try it free for 30 days as a Christmas present from Spotify.

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Here is what they said:

Take our entire catalogue, millions of tracks and counting, and all your playlists with you on the go with the award-winning Spotify Mobile apps for iPhone, Android, Symbian and Windows Phone. With ‘Offline mode’ you can listen even when no internet connection is available.

What do you get with Premium?

  • Spotify on your mobile.
  • Unlimited music without ads.
  • Offline mode for your playlists.
  • Enhanced sound quality.
  • Take your music abroad.
Get your 30 Day Free Trial to Spotify Premium from here

Stephen Fry Lends Voice to TomTom

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Stephen Fry today becomes the latest talent to lend his mellifluent tones to TomTom sat nav devices.

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In a recent poll Fry was voted the person we’d most like to give a lift to, and now TomTom drivers can have him as their navigator and enjoy witty Fry-isms on their sat nav such as:

“Now when possible, could you turn around.  Ideally don’t do it when impossible.  Bless!”

“So, let’s see now, after 300 yards turn left then go straight on.  This is going awfully well isn’t it”?

“Now then, after 500 yards you have reached your destination.  Congratulations.  I think I may be falling in love with you”.

Developed by Locutio Voice Technologies, the voice of the actor, author, journalist, broadcaster, film director, uber-tweeter and all-round gadget lover is now available to download from www.tomtom.com priced £7.95

Renowned for his exceptional memory and extensive knowledge, Fry has been described as the Monster of Minutiae and the Titan of Trivia and he now follows in the illustrious footsteps of fellow intellectual giants Homer Simpson, Bugs Bunny and Spongebob Squarepants in lending his voice to TomTom navigation.

Other popular celebrities include John Cleese, Billy Connolly, Brian Blessed and – a best-seller this Christmas – Jeremy Clarkson.

To hear samples of Fry’s navigation instructions visit:

http://www.tomtom.com/en_gb/products/voices/stephen-fry/index.jsp

You can also post suggestions for voices you’d like to hear on your TomTom sat nav at http://twitter.com/uktomtom

Pogoplug Series 4 Announced

One month after launching its new Pogoplug Cloud service, Pogoplug has announced the next generation of its flagship cloud expansion device: Pogoplug Series 4.

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Pogoplug’s free Pogoplug Cloud service gives users 5GB of online cloud storage optimized for mobile phones and tablets. New users can sign up directly from their phone to create their free Pogoplug Cloud account.

Key features of the Pogoplug service include:

1. Store: Automatically upload photos and videos from your mobile phone to your Pogoplug Cloud—no sync required.

2. Share: Instantly share anything in your cloud through email, Facebook, Twitter and Google+. Create shared folders, and collaborate with friends and colleagues.

3. Stream: Stream HD videos, photos and music from your Pogoplug Cloud to your phone.

Pogoplug Series 4 allows users to add unlimited cloud capacity to their Pogoplug account by hosting their own storage, with no monthly fees or limits. The high-performance Pogoplug Series 4 model provides plug-and-play support for Seagate® GoFlex™ external drives and other storage products that have adopted the new Universal Storage Module standard (USM), as well as the following inputs:

  • USB 3.0 x 2
  • SD x 1
  • USB 2.0 x 1
  • 2.5” SATA/USM/Seagate GoFlex ultra-portable drives x1

“User growth on our new Pogoplug Cloud service has been phenomenal,” said Daniel Putterman, CEO and co-founder of Pogoplug. “Pogoplug Series 4 gives users a great way to add unlimited storage capacity with the latest off-the-shelf USB 3.0 and SATA-based disk drives.”

Pricing and Availability

Pogoplug Series 4 is $99 and available now at select retailers. Pogoplug offers 5GB of free cloud storage, available now at http://www.pogoplug.com. Pogoplug’s iOS and Android apps are FREE and available for download in the iTunes Store and Android Marketplace. The full range of Pogoplug hardware and software products are available at http://www.pogoplug.com/expansion.

2 Series4 Input Callouts3 Input Callouts 2

Learn more from the Pogoplug website

Raxco Release PerfectDisk 12.5

Raxco have just released version 12.5 of their PefectDisk software.

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PerfectDisk 12.5 is now available. This new release is free to all PerfectDisk 12 users. PerfectDisk 12.5 is free to all licensed PerfectDisk 12 users – even if you are not on Support & Upgrade Protection. If you are a licensed PerfectDisk 12 user, you are entitled to PerfectDisk 12.5 at no charge.

For all PerfectDisk 12.5 components, there are enhancements to OptiWrite that provide up to a 20% improvement in OptiWrite performance, as well as bug fixes.

PerfectDisk 12.5 Professional for home consumers includes the Space Management features described below.

All other versions include both Space Management and Peer-to-Peer Remote Capability described below.

Space Management

  • Duplicate File Finder: recovers disk space by detecting and removing duplicate files such as text documents, pictures, music, and videos.
  • Recycler: purges the Recycle bin and removes temporary files so that your drive remains clutter free.
  • Space Reports: lets users view graphical and statistical reports of file usage and allocation.

Peer-to-Peer Remote Capability

  • Remote Control: allows users to take control of any client running on a remote computer with the power to access features normally only accessible via a local client.
  • Remote Management: allows users to make on-the-fly changes to client configurations and behaviors without the need to use Remote Desktop.
  • Console Integration: supports direct connections to remote clients via the PerfectDisk Enterprise Console.
Check out our review of PerfectDisk 12

New Entertainment Apps for Xbox 360

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Following the Xbox 360 Dashboard update last week, there are some new entertainment apps available.

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Here is what Major Nelson posted:

Following up on last weeks Xbox 360 system update, today we have released the following twelve customized entertainment apps to the Xbox LIVE service:

  • blinkbox (UK): blinkbox gives access to a wide range of movies online. With more than 10,000 movies titles movie fans can watch their favorite films immediately with no additional subscription required.
  • iHeartRadio (U.S.): Listen to more than 800 of the nation’s most popular live broadcast radio stations from 150 U.S. cities or create your own Custom Stations with the New iHeartRadio.
  • MSN Video (Australia, Canada, Germany, Italy, Mexico, US and UK): MSN brings you the latest breaking news, sports, celebrity gossip and more from around the globe.
  • MSNBC.com (U.S.): MSNBC.com bring you the best of NBC News, MSNBC, Fox Sports, Access Hollywood, original programming and more, on-demand and up-to-date 24/7/365.
  • MUZU.TV (Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Netherlands, Norway, Spain, Sweden and UK): MUZU.TV the music video site, offers nearly 80,000 music videos at your command. Brand new releases from the world’s biggest artists, great music videos from every decade, up and coming bands and the latest music news and interviews.
  • Rogers On Demand (Canada): Rogers On Demand provides select TV shows and movies to everyone for FREE. Rogers customers can also catch up on their favorite premium programming anytime, from anywhere in Canada.
  • SBS ON DEMAND (Australia): SBS ON DEMAND is a catch up TV service that lets you watch full episodes, of your favorite SBS television programs.
  • TMZ (Canada, U.S.): Your all-access pass to the latest TMZ entertainment stories and breaking news videos everyone is talking about!
  • RTVE (Spain): Complete episodes from series, news programs, documentaries and the best Spanish audiovisual content from RTVE.
  • Verizon FiOS TV (U.S.): Get Verizon FiOS TV with 26 live channels like MTV, Spike, Food Network, Comedy Central, HBO, CNN and Nickelodeon – with more to come. Plus with Kinect, change channels with your voice.
  • YouTube (Available in 24 countries globally**): From your favorite web original video to gaming tips, a universe of compelling content is available through YouTube on Xbox LIVE.