Today Apple updated it’s MacBook Pro range.
The changes appear to be small bumps in the processors – if you are looking to buy a new MacBook Pro then now is the time!
http://store.apple.com/uk/browse/home/shop_mac/family/macbook_pro
StableBit DrivePool Moves to Beta M3 Build 4114
There has been another beta build from CoveCube! StableBit development marches on – now is build 4114.
Here is how CoveCube describes this application:
- Combine all your hard drives into one big storage pool (except the system drive with the OS).
- Add and remove drives from the pool at any time without re-partitioning or manually moving folders.
- Create duplicated folders on the storage drive pool that are protected against single drive failure. If a drive fails on which a duplicated file was stored, the contents of that file will remain readable even without the drive.
- All your data is stored in standard NTFS files. You can always access your files even if the Windows Home Server completely crashes or this add-in can’t be used.
This version’s change log:
1.0.0.4114 ———-
* [D] Fixed startup system crash.
* Disabled BETA M2 migration on startup (M2 expired).
Get More Information About the Beta Here Download Stablebit Drivepool build 4114 hereAndroid Videos Application Now Works With Non-Honeycomb Devices
Google’s Videos application, which allows Android users to rent videos, is now available to non-Honeycomb devices. Read on for details.
Google has a movie rental service that started out being aimed at Honeycomb devices. It was recently updated and will run on devices sporting Android 2.2 and up, like the 2.3.3 version on my Verizon Droid2. Here is how Google describes the application:
Official video player for Android Market movie rentals.
Official player for the movies you rent from Android Market. Select from thousands of movie titles in Android Market and begin watching instantly — no wires, no syncing, no hassle! Make your movie rentals available for offline use on your supported Android device so you can watch even when you’re not connected.
Also get quick access to your personal video collection, including those you’ve taken yourself using your phone or tablet camera.
The application was updated on September 21, 2011, and this is the change log:
What’s in this version:
- ability to +1 a movie
- improved playback performance while streaming
- on phones: access to an HQ stream
- bugfixes
Rentals are $3.99 for new releases and are good for 30 days; you have 24 hours to watch after beginning to watch the movie. Here are the offerings at the top of the New Releases per the application’s website this morning:
Andrew flagged me about this application on Friday, so I downloaded it and will be taking it for a spin. Look out for that review.
One thing to note from customer reviews: this won’t work if you have rooted your Android phone, probably due to DRM issues.
Good news for those Android users in the UK: The Telegraph ran a story on October 21st that this service is now available to you too!
If you are sporting Android 2.2 or above, download it and check it out. The download is free!
Google Videos on Android Market Telegraph ArticleTwo Minute Review of the Thumbs Up Retro Cassette Cover for iPhone 4
Do you remember cassette tapes? If you do, and you are looking for a retro case for your iPhone 4 then you should take a look at the Retro Cassette Cover from Thumbs Up!
Go back to the future with the fantastic iPhone cover that looks like an old cassette.
This brilliant, retro-tastic, uber realistic Retro Cassette iPhone cover will have you re-living your youth while protecting your handset from bangs, scrapes and dust.
The fantastic silicon cover is designed to look exactly like an old audio cassette, complete with its own case. However, instead of holding a compilation mix of all your favourite back in the day tunes, this cassette gives complete protection to your iPhone (which probably already contains all your favourite back in the day tunes).
But wait, there’s more – not only does this perfectly fitting cover keep your handset safe, the cassette case – when fully opened – also turns into an ideal stand for your phone.
This is the perfect gift for fans of the latest cool, quirky gadget, or for that iPhone owner who wants a memento of his/her youth.
Now compatible with iPhone 4
>> High quality silicon protective casing
>> Identical to an audio cassette
>> Protects the handset from impact and dust damage
>> Cassette case doubles as iPhone stand (cassette case measures 12.8 x 7 x 2cm)
>> Compatible with iPhone 4G
Who Are Thumbs Up?
Thumbs Up designs, develops and distributes the most innovative gifts, gadgets and toys on the market. The R&D team is famed for having a ‘no limits’ approach to product development and prides itself on its imagination, creativity and sheer unwillingness to accept the norm. Established in 2004, Thumbs Up has developed a reputation for selling high quality novelty gifts and exciting gadgets
For more information about Thumbs Up visit http://www.thumbsupworld.co.uk
What’s in the Box?
The box contains the cassette case stand and the silicon case for the iPhone.
A Closer Look
Fitting the iPhone into the Case
It is very simple to fit the iPhone into the silicon case – no real effort is required. All the required speaker holes and buttons are in the case as well.
Connect a set of headphones is easy as well – just plug them in!
Using as a Stand
You can use the cassette case as a stand – just drop you iPhone into the case and that’s it.
Final Thoughts
If you are as old as me, then you will have very fond memories of cassette tapes – either because you made mix tapes or because that’s what we used to use to load computer games.
When this case and stand crossed my path I couldn’t help but smile!
It’s a cool little case and using the cassette case as a stand as well is genius.
The cost is only £12.99 so it will make a great Christmas stocking filler (yes, Christmas, it’s not that far away!). There is also a version for the iPhone 3 as well.
Buy it from Find-Me-a-Gift.com
Unboxing the Tranquil iOne Atom PC
At the start of October we told you about the latest PC from Tranquil – the iOne Atom. We now have our hands on this tiny little box and here is our unboxing.
Here is how Tranquil describe the iOne:
The newest edition to the Tranquil range is here, the iOne. It is milled out of a solid block of aerospace grade aluminium onsite in our new machine shop before being anodised locally to the highest standard. It does not only offer great looks but due to its manufacturing process it’s the most solid piece of kit we have had the pleasure of manufacturing, our precision milling machine mills within a tolerance of 0.001mm giving superb CPU cooling contact. The chassis is also completely sealed protecting the motherboard, memory and hard disks to give overall better protection and longevity of the product.
The iOne is fitted with Intel’s D525MW motherboard consuming a mere 15w but offering a high performance from its dual core 1.8GHz processor, supporting up to 4GB of DDR3 memory and a maximum of 1TB internal storage. The iOne is an ideal computer for the home user and excels in industry due to its solid design, with the option to have a 2nd LAN port iOne would also be ideal as a firewall.
The iOne is also the smallest computer we have ever designed measuring in at 186mm (w) x 199mm (d) x 55mm (h) incl feet, and weighing approximately 4KG, not light but it was a 8kg solid block of aluminium prior to being machined and has a real feel of quality when held.
Specification (I/O)
CPU / Cooling : Intel Atom D525 / Fanless
RAM : DDR3 (SODIMM) 2 slots 4GB Max
HDD Support : 1x 2.5″ (max 1TB)
PCI Support : None
Main board : Intel D525MW
Front panel : Power SW, Power LED
Rear I/O : 12VDC, PS2 (2), USB2 (4), GBE LAN, RS232, Parallel, VGA, Audio (in/out), 2nd Lan option
Internal : SATA (2), MiniPCIex (1)
Environmental : Acoustics (0dBA with SSHDD)
Power consumption : <15W with 1x SSHDD installed
And just to show how small it actually is, here it is with my iPhone 4S.
This is the first of our new range of chassis to be designed, manufactured and assembled at our factory in Manchester by our dedicated team, so to promote this we are offering a pre order discount of £60 if ordered before the 23rd of October, and orders placed before this date will be given priority to be delivered before the end of October, just use the code “IONE10” when checking out to receive this discount. Prices start from £279.00 plus VAT.
Learn more about the Tranquil iOne Atom hereWatch out for our full review in the next day or so. So far I really like it, its small and it looks great!
Two Minute Review – The Gorillapod Video from JOBY
It’s time for another one of our Two Minute Reviews. This time its the Gorillapod Video from JOBY.
The Gorillapod Video is the most adaptable on-the-go video tripod system. Designed for mini and pocket camcorders, point-and-shoot cameras and other video recording devices, it provides omni-directional aliminum positioning with a smooth 360 degree pan and 135 degree tilt. It also has a quick release plate for easy filming on and off the tripod.
Who are JOBY?
From their website:
JOBY creates well-designed, revolutionary products that inspire the creative and active lifestyle.
JOBY is a young, high-growth company that revolutionized the camera accessories market in early 2006 with its GorillaPod line of flexible tripods and continues to redefine the consumer electronics market with its GorillaMobile and GorillaTorch product lines. The brand has a strong and loyal following of consumers who are passionate about both innovative design and functional performance. Founded in 2005, JOBY is a privately-held company headquartered in San Francisco, CA, with offices in Santa Cruz, CA; Geneva, Switzerland; Tokyo, Japan; Singapore and Shenzhen, China.
Specifications
Designed For : Mini and pocket camcorders (FlipVideo and Kodak Zi8) and point-and-shoot cameras with video capabilities
Holds Up To : 11.5oz (325g)
Connection : Universal 1/4-20 screw
Size : 1.2″ (dia.) x 7.2″ (30 x 183mm)
Weight : 2.8 oz. (80g)
Materials :
- Machined aluminum
- High quality ABS plastic
- Powerful neodymium magnets
- Corrosion resistant steel
- Durable TPE grip rings
Price : £24.95
What’s in the Box?
The box contains the Gorillapod Video and an instruction manual.
A Closer Look
You can position the legs in many different ways and it is very simply.
Using the Gorillapod Focus
After fitting your device to the top of the Video (which was just a case of screwing it in place), you then just position the legs into whatever position you want to use it in. They can easily bend into a variety of positions, and having magnetic feet as well holds the whole thing firmly in place.
You can even wrap them around objects and they hold the Video into position firmly and securely. Here you can see my Bloggie hanging from a curtain rail using only the magnetic feet!
Final Thoughts
The Gorillapod Video is very simple to use, and it can be positioned in many, many different ways and on a variety of surfaces (even and uneven).
I found it very easy to use and it took very little effort to get it into position, whether that was using in on my desk, wrapping it around my desk or hanging it from a curtain rail.
It felt very secure and I wasn’t concerned for a moment that it would drop!
If you have a need to use your device in such a way then you should seriously take a look at this, you won’t be disappointed.
The price is cheap at £24.95 and it is small enough to carry around in your bag.
The Gorillapod Video is available now from the JOBY website.
If you need something bigger and you want to hold a heaving device, such as a DLSR, then take a look at the Gorillapod Focus.
BYOB Podcast Episode 63 Out Now
The guys over at the BYOB podcast, including our very own Tim Daleo have just released episode 63.
Here is what is included in this weeks show:
[box style=”rounded” border=”full”]This week we talk Home Automation with special guest Ted Singh, co-founder and Business Development Manager for Embedded Automation about his mControl product. We did have a few Skype issues but we hope you enjoy this interview. We want to thank Ted for his time and for sharing his wealth of information on the subject.[/box]
As usual you can listen to the show from here.
StableBit DrivePool Moves to Beta M3 Build 4108
There has been another beta build from CoveCube! StableBit development marches on – now is build 4108.
Here is how CoveCube describes this application:
- Combine all your hard drives into one big storage pool (except the system drive with the OS).
- Add and remove drives from the pool at any time without re-partitioning or manually moving folders.
- Create duplicated folders on the storage drive pool that are protected against single drive failure. If a drive fails on which a duplicated file was stored, the contents of that file will remain readable even without the drive.
- All your data is stored in standard NTFS files. You can always access your files even if the Windows Home Server completely crashes or this add-in can’t be used.
This version’s change log:
1.0.0.4108 ———-
* [D] Small change in status return codes to directory queries that don’t find any files.
* [D] Direct file I/O for deleting files. (off by default …)
* [D] Direct file I/O for misc. file related APIs, including getting file dates, file allocation information, etc… (off by default …)
* [D] Direct file I/O for NTFS-like security. (off by default – enabled by master Direct file I/O switch in options)
Get More Information About the Beta Here Download Stablebit Drivepool build 4108 hereBBC iPlayer (Global) App Updated
This week saw the BBC iPlayer (Global) app updated to version 1.25 – and this update includes AirPlay streaming.
Watch a selection of the best classic and contemporary British shows on demand, including Doctor Who, Top Gear and Gavin & Stacey. Download the app and explore plus enjoy free clips and taster episodes. Subscribe today for unlimited access – even when you’re offline.
– Watch high quality video and audio streaming over Wi-Fi or 3G
– Download programmes to watch even when you’re not connected
– Browse classic and contemporary programmes by Genre, Most popular, Just in and A-Z
– Set parental locks on content not suitable for kids
– Enjoy exclusive programmes that have never before been seen outside of the UK
This service is English language only. Programme availability is subject to change and may not be the same in all countries. Streaming and downloading of content is only available using an internet connection via Wi-fi or 3G. Offline viewing is only available for previously downloaded content.
What’s New In Version 1.2.5
Watch video on your TV using AirPlay! (AppleTV and iOS 5 required)
Gte the BBC iPlayer App now from the App StoreStableBit DrivePool Moves to Beta M3 Build 4105
There has been another beta build from CoveCube! StableBit development marches on – now is build 4105.
Here is how CoveCube describes this application:
- Combine all your hard drives into one big storage pool (except the system drive with the OS).
- Add and remove drives from the pool at any time without re-partitioning or manually moving folders.
- Create duplicated folders on the storage drive pool that are protected against single drive failure. If a drive fails on which a duplicated file was stored, the contents of that file will remain readable even without the drive.
- All your data is stored in standard NTFS files. You can always access your files even if the Windows Home Server completely crashes or this add-in can’t be used.
This version’s change log:
1.0.0.4105 ———-
* [D] Implemented Direct file I/O, directory listing. (off by default – see options) Fast directory querying, written entirely in the kernel.
* Asynchronously queries all the disks for their directory lists.
* Buffers the results in memory, while returning the master list to the application in parallel.
* Fast algorithm, O(Log(N)) speeds @ up to 65k files per directory. Speed decreases above 65k files, but will still work.
Get More Information About the Beta Here Download Stablebit Drivepool build 4105 here