Events

Spotify Platform – A World of Possibilities?

Andrew Edney

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Nov 30, 2011

Spotify Platform – A World of Possibilities?

Spotify today announced some exciting new possibilities with it’s Spotify Platform for apps.

Here is the press release:

Spotify, the largest and fastest-growing music service of its kind, today opens up a new world of possibilities with Spotify Platform.

Spotify Platform gives third party developers the opportunity to build innovative, engaging music-based apps. To us, it’s the next big step in musical enjoyment.

These free apps integrate beautifully with Spotify, both visually and functionally, and can be accessed and shared by millions of Spotify users through the new App Finder, launching today as a preview at www.spotify.com/download/previews/

The first generation of Spotify Apps features 16 partner apps, with 12 available from launch today. We’ve been lucky to partner with some of the brightest and best brands in the world to create engaging, fun, and social apps.

The 13 global partners launching on the Spotify App Finder include Billboard, Fuse, The Guardian, Last.fm, Moodagent, Pitchfork, Rolling Stone, Songkick, Soundrop, TuneWiki and We Are Hunted, with Top10 and ShareMyPlaylists apps coming soon. We also have three Nordic partners launching local apps, including Tunigo in Sweden which launches today, Gaffa in Denmark and Dagbladet in Norway, which will be launching local Nordic apps soon.

Our integration with Facebook in September has made more people than ever excited about sharing music again, adding more than 7 million new Spotify users in just over two months. And our users have now created more than 500 million playlists, a number which has doubled since just July.

With Spotify Platform, we want to enable innovation on top of music and add many more layers of music enjoyment. We want DJs to create the best lists, and virtual clubs where people can gather together to hear them, dance, and sing along. We want fans to get closer to their favorite artists, and give great editorial partners and tastemakers a way to recommend music to you.

It’s also what Spotify users have been asking for. Now anyone can enjoy great music reviews, buy tickets for gigs, sing along with the lyrics, all inside Spotify. In addition, you can curate the apps you want and make Spotify yours… and the launch apps are just the beginning.

Music is many things to many people. With Spotify Platform and a whole bunch of clever apps, we hope we can all get more out of music than ever before.

Speaking at the conference, Spotify CEO and Founder Daniel Ek commented: “Once you take a look, you’ll see why we believe this is truly the beginning of something game-changing for digital music. We think this will lead to integrations that keep Spotify beautiful and simple, but layer in great musical experiences designed to be social and fun. It’s what our users have been asking us for.”

Spotify Platform beta goes live later today as a preview, at: www.spotify.com/download/previews/. For more information about the apps please visit www.spotify.com/apps. The full consumer rollout will take place later in December.

If you were unable to watch Daniel make this announcement live in New York, you can watch again here:http://www.ustream.tv/channel/spotify-event Password: l0vemus1c (both times)

Synology Release DSM 3.2-1955 Update Including ARM Performance Acceleration Technology

Andrew Edney

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Nov 30, 2011

1

Synology Release DSM 3.2-1955 Update Including ARM Performance Acceleration Technology

Today saw Synology release another update for it’s DiskStation Manager (DSM) software, taking it up to version 3.2.-1955.

Here is press release:

Milton Keynes – November 30, 2011—Synology® today, introduced Synology ARM® Performance Acceleration Technology in its DSM 3.2-1955 update to deliver a substantial performance boost to its NAS servers.

“Synology strives to optimise the performance of its NAS servers, and today adds to its efforts with the ARM Performance Acceleration Technology,” said Evan Tu, software development group manager of Synology Inc. “The Technology enables a DiskStation to surpass its limit, achieving an up to 18.8% gain in performance while ensuring system reliability and stability at the same time,” added Tu. With the ARM Performance Acceleration Technology, for instance, the DS212+ writes faster at 65.69 MB/sec. For more information, please visit http://www.synology.com/releaseNote/DSM3.2_v1955_ARM.php.

The DSM 3.2-1955 update also improves data transfer stability of USB 3.0 storage devices and the compatibility of iSCSI targets with ESXi servers. Users are thus empowered to manage more data in less time and achieve greater productivity.

Availability The DSM 3.2-1955 update applies to the following models: DS712+, DS212, DS212+, DS212j, RS212, RS812, DS3611xs, RS3411xs, RS3411RPxs, DS2411+, RS2211+, RS2211RP+, DS1511+, RS411, DS411, DS411+II, DS411+, DS411j, DS411slim, DS211+, DS211, DS211j, DS111, DS1010+, RS810+, RS810RP+, DS410, DS410j, DS710+, DS210+, DS210j, DS110+, DS110j, DS509+, RS409+, RS409RP+, RS409, DS409+, DS409, DS209+II, DS209+, DS209, DS209j, DS109+, DS109, DS109j, DS409slim, DS508, DS408, RS408, RS408-RP, DS108j

It is available for free download at http://www.synology.com/support/download.php and in the DSM Update of DiskStation Manager.

FTDX Books Online – A New Way of Publishing

News

Andrew Edney

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Nov 30, 2011

0

FTDX Books Online – A New Way of Publishing

A new online publisher has emerged called FTDX Books Online – and it’s run by a few people you may have heard of!

Who Are FTDX?

Fair Trade Digital Exchange is a revolutionary “digital first” publishing company devoted exclusively to technology topics. Our books are written for business people, developers, IT professionals, and computer enthusiasts. All of our titles are developed with the goal of helping readers turn technology intro productivity. The Fair Trade DX development model lets us turn content from world-class authors into high-quality books and learning products, at a pace that leaves traditional print publishers in the dust. Unlike other publishers, we treat authors as full partners, and our shared goal is to inform, enlighten, and delight readers.

A few of the people involved in this new venture include Ed Bott and Mike Halsey – both are great guys and fellow authors, and I can highly recommend their books.

Congratulations guys – as one author to another this is a fantastic idea!!!!

Learn more and buy some of the books from here

Iomega Launch Iomega TV with Boxee in the UK

Andrew Edney

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Nov 30, 2011

0

Iomega Launch Iomega TV with Boxee in the UK

The Iomega TV with Boxee has been launched in the UK – 11 months after we saw it at CES.

We first told you about the Iomega TV back in January when we were at CES. Well it has finally been launched here in the UK.

Here is what Iomega said:

Iomega TV with Boxee is now shipping in the UK and is available in retail stores and online.

Experience Internet TV. Iomega® TV with Boxee + Network Storage takes everything you love about the Internet – TV shows, movies, music and more – and puts it directly on your HDTV. At the same time, you can manage, share and store up to 2TB of your most important digital content. So you get the best of both worlds – entertainment and network storage.

Features

Everything From The Web on Your TV
Stream HD Content to Your TV
Connect With Friends on Facebook and Twitter From Your TV
Your Digital Collection From Your Home Network on Your TV
Wireless Connectivity and Up to 2TBs of Onboard Storage for All Your Videos, Pictures and Music

Two versions of the new Iomega TV with Boxee are available. One that includes 1TB or 2TB of onboard storage, and another model without an integrated hard drive. Either way, the new Iomega TV with Boxee makes your laptop or desktop a thing of the past for enjoying the web as well as your own videos, photos and music.

Prices start at £220.00.

Sony Release PlayStation 3 System Software 4.00 Update

Gaming
News

Andrew Edney

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Nov 30, 2011

1

Sony Release PlayStation 3 System Software 4.00 Update

Sony have just released a PlayStation 3 system software update taking it to version 4.00 and bringing mainly PlayStation Vita bits.

The PlayStation 3 system software version 4.00 update includes the following:

PlayStation Vita system compatibility

You can copy content such as music, videos and images, games, and other applications between the PS3 system and the PS Vita system.
You can back up the data saved in the PS Vita system to the PS3 system disk drive.
You can update the system software for your PS Vita system using the network features of the PS3 system.

Settings

Upscaler output and Cinema conversion are now supported for Blu-ray Disc (BDMV) content. “Blu-ray Disc” and “Blu-ray” are trademarks of the Blu-ray Disc Association.
You can now select the items you want to update under (System Settings) > [Automatic Update]. This feature is exclusively for use by PlayStation Plus members.
Two new system languages have been added: [English (United Kingdom)] and [Portuguese (Brazil)] are now available under (Settings) > (System Settings) > [System Language] .

I’m downloading the update now.

Sonos Now Offering Android Tablet Support and New Spotify Features

Andrew Edney

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Nov 30, 2011

0

Sonos Now Offering Android Tablet Support and New Spotify Features

Sonos have just updated their System Software to version 3.6, bringing with it Android Tablet support and some new Spotify features.

MORE CONTROL:

Sonos Controller for Android™ now works on Android tablets

Find and play any song, in any room, right from your favorite Android device (running 2.2 and higher) — with one free app.
View your zones, music menu, now playing pane and volume controls all at once. Intelligently scales the screen layout to take advantage of larger screen size.
Set alarms or sleep timer to wake up or fall asleep to your favorite music or station.
Send tweets about what you’re listening to on Sonos.
Access advanced Sonos system settings.
Connects to Sonos over your home WiFi network.
Download it for free from Android Market™.
Available worldwide.

Two more languages: Danish and Norwegian

Now you can control Sonos in 11 languages: Danish, Dutch, English, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Norwegian, Simplified Chinese, Spanish, and Swedish.

MORE MUSIC:

Sonos Labs

Be the first to test out music services before they’re officially added to the Sonos Music Menu.
Access Sonos Labs within More Music on your Sonos Controller. Click on any or all of the music services listed to enjoy them on Sonos.
Remember these services are still in Beta so expect the unexpected.
Provide feedback as you listen—the good and the bad—on the Sonos Labs Beta Feedback website* to help us improve the service.

*You must create a new account to submit feedback. After you log in, you will see a list of music services to choose from.

Spotify enhancements on Sonos

Access your Inbox on Sonos and play music from Spotify’s new releases and top tracks.

Other improvements

MOAPI enhancements for ratings, richer metadata, and error handling.
Support for AAC+ music formats.

Updating couldn’t be easier

On the Sonos CONTROL and Sonos Controller for Mac or PC:

Sonos will automatically notify you when an update is available
Select Update Now and click OK

On the Sonos Controller for iPhone and iPad:

The App Store will notify you when an update is available. Simply visit the App Store and install your system update

On the Sonos Controller for Android:

Your Android device will notify you when an update is available. Simply click on the alert in the notification menu.

On the Sonos Controller 100:

Tap the Music button on your Controller 100 and click on System Settings
Select Online Updates and click OK

Here is what Sonos said:

Sonos, the leading manufacturer of wireless music systems, today announced Sonos System Software 3.6, an innovative update that adds more control and more music to the Sonos Wireless HiFi experience. This free software is available to all Sonos customers via a one button update to their system.

“Today’s feature update reaffirms our commitment to persistently innovate so that Sonos users continue to have the ultimate music experience in every room of the home,” said John MacFarlane, founder and CEO, Sonos, Inc. “Effortless control, endless music and constant innovation are what will keep us as the gold standard for listening out loud in the home.”

The free Sonos Controller for Android now supports Android tablets as well as smartphones, letting you control Sonos from your Android device of choice. With Sonos, you can stream all the music on earth wirelessly in every room, and now control it wirelessly on a larger screen with any Android tablet running 2.2 or higher including the HTC Flyer, Motorola Xoom, Samsung Galaxy Tab, Sony Tablet S, and many others. Plus, Sonos Controller for Android includes new enhancements such as alarms, music library management and Twitter support for Android smartphones and tablets alike. Download it from Android Market.

With Sonos 3.6 software, Sonos is also introducing Sonos Labs, a new Beta environment where customers will be able to test out music services before they’re officially launched on Sonos. New music services will be added to Sonos Labs on an ongoing basis.

Sonos 3.6 also includes improved Spotify integration on Sonos, giving Spotify fans on Sonos access to their Spotify Inbox and ability to play music from Spotify’s new releases and top tracks.

Other features of Sonos 3.6 include:

AAC+ codec support

More local language support with Danish and Norwegian

Full details of Sonos 3.6 software can be found here: http://www.sonos.com/support/software_updates/

HP launches X5000 G2 with Microsoft Windows Storage Server 2008 R2

News
Tech

Andrew Edney

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Nov 30, 2011

1

HP launches X5000 G2 with Microsoft Windows Storage Server 2008 R2

HP have launched a new server, the X5000 G2 running Windows Storage Server 2008 R2.

The new HP X5000 G2 Network Storage Systems is ideal for midsize companies with Windows-centric environments to help them control and file unstructured data cost efficiently. The solution, a two-node Network Attached Storage (NAS) cluster with shared storage built on HP BladeSystem technology and integrated into a converged 3U chassis, provides high availability and greater storage density in one platform.

The HP X5000 G2 Network Storage Systems uses Microsoft Windows Storage Server 2008 R2 Enterprise Edition operating system and is designed to deliver a better file serving experience. Storage technologies such as file deduplication and iSCSI provide unique storage features for these converged file and block I/O network attached storage appliances. HP and Windows Storage Server 2008 R2 management software provide simplified deployment and management.

Comprehensive, Highly Available Network Attached Storage Appliance

•	Two-node, active/active mid-range NAS cluster and shared storage in a single system

•	File and block storage capable – CIFS/SMB, NFS, iSCSI, HTTP, FTP, and WebDAV

•	Advanced storage management features – File deduplication, File Classification Infrastructure, Hosted BranchCache, file screening, storage quotas, and storage reporting

•	All inclusive software license

Simple Deployment and Management

•	All standard hardware and software pre-installed in system

•	Power On to file serving in less than an hour

•	100% compatible with Windows IT infrastructure – Active Directory, Distributed File System (namespace and replication), Microsoft System Center and more

•	Can be remotely managed for lights out data center or remote office locations

Scalable and Affordable

•	Capable of supporting 10,000 plus users on a single system – user number variable based on system configuration

•	Up to 32 TB of capacity inside the system, expands to over 100 TB externally with HP D2000 Disk Enclosures

•	File Deduplication feature can recover up to 40% of disk space

•	File Classification Infrastructure feature provides insight into your data to help you manage it more effectively, reduce costs and mitigate risks based on the data’s business value

•	No need to buy additional hardware for anti-virus screening – any Windows Server 2008 R2 compatible anti-virus software runs right on the system

Built on Windows Server 2008 R2 File Services

•	Enables administrators to provide faster access to files while minimizing the effort required to manage distributed data. Users have fast access to information that can be managed more easily by IT pros

•	Provides organizations with better control over their data using familiar management tools and helps centralize the management of data, which reduces administrative overhead while simultaneously providing insightful information on the file infrastructures

Learn more from the HP website

Apple Update Safari to Version 5.1.1

Apple
News

Andrew Edney

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Nov 30, 2011

0

Yesterday saw Apple release an update to it’s Safari browser, bringing it up to version 5.1.1.

This update contains various improvements, including fixes that:

Improve stability
Address issues that could cause hangs and excessive memory usage
Address issues that could cause webpages to flash white
Allow PDFs to be displayed within web content

ZOTAC Launch GeForce GTX 560 Ti 448 Cores Limited Edition Graphics Card

News
Tech

Andrew Edney

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Nov 30, 2011

0

ZOTAC Launch GeForce GTX 560 Ti 448 Cores Limited Edition Graphics Card

ZOTAC have launched the GeForce GTX 560 Ti 448 cores Limited Edition geared for the latest stunning Microsoft DirectX 11-enabled titles.

Here is what ZOTAC said:

ZOTAC® International, a leading innovator and a channel manufacturer, today unleashes the GeForce® GTX 560 Ti 448 cores Limited Edition graphics card geared for the latest stunning Microsoft® DirectX® 11-enabled titles.

The ZOTAC® GeForce® GTX 560 Ti 448 cores Limited Edition graphics card delivers the performance and visual details gamers crave for an unmatched immersive gaming experience. Equipped with 448 lightning-fast shaders and 1280MB of GDDR5 memory, the ZOTAC® GeForce® GTX 560 Ti 448 cores Limited Edition graphics card packs a performance punch.

“PC gaming is a strong segment that continues to grow and now is the best time to upgrade for the latest DirectX® 11 releases. With the ZOTAC® GeForce® GTX 560 Ti 448 cores Limited Edition, gamers can easily equip their PC to play the latest titles with ultra-quality settings up to 1080p – beyond what a console can deliver,” said Carsten Berger, marketing director, ZOTAC® International.

The ZOTAC® GeForce® GTX 560 Ti 448 cores Limited Edition is NVIDIA® SLI™ ready with dual SLI™ connectors. Up to three ZOTAC® GeForce® GTX 560 Ti 448 cores Limited Editions can operate together for up to 2.8-times the performance of a single card or unlock 3D Vision™ Surround technology for triple-display gaming.

It’s time to play with the ZOTAC® GeForce® GTX 560 Ti 448 cores Limited Edition.

New ZOTAC GeForce GTX 560 Ti 448 cores Limited Edition graphics card
NVIDIA GeForce GTX 560 Ti 448 Cores GPU
Engine clock: 765 MHz
448 unified shaders
Shader clock: 1,530 MHz
1280MB GDDR5 memory
Memory clock: 3800 MHz
320-bit memory interface
Dual DVI, HDMI & DisplayPort outputs
DirectX 11 technology & Shader Model 5.0
OpenGL 4.2 compatible
NVIDIA CUDA technology
Full HD video playback
Blu-ray 3D ready
Loss-less audio bitstream capable
ZOTAC Boost Premium software bundle included

Product Name	ZOTAC® GeForce® GTX 560 Ti 448 cores Limited Edition
GPU	NVIDIA® GeForce® GTX 560 Ti 448 cores
Engine Clock speed	765 MHz
Unified Shaders	448
Shader Clock	1530 MHz
Memory Clock speed	3800 MHz
Memory	1280MB GDDR5
Memory interface	320-bit
Display Outputs	Dual DVI, HDMI & DisplayPort
HDCP	Yes
Cooling	With fan (dual-slot)
DirectX^® version	DirectX^® 11 with Shader Model 5.0
Other hardware features	Hardware accelerated Blu-ray 3D ready
Software Features	Hardware Video Decode Acceleration Technology, NVIDIA^® CUDA^™ technology, OpenGL^® 4.2
Windows 7 capability	Windows® 7 with DirectCompute support