Bang & Olufsen has updated their A8 music system to accept the new Lightning connector used by Apple, and they demonstrated the unit at CES2013. Read on for details.
Bang & Olufsen has updated their A8 music system to accept the new Lightning connector used by Apple, and they demonstrated the unit at CES2013. Introduced in May 2012 with the old-style 30 pin connector, Bang & Olufsen recently announced that they would swap the connector unit for a new Lightning one for free, and also has modified the unit to allow users to completely remove the dock if they are primarily connecting wirelessly. Here is the press release:
B&O PLAY delivers the world’s first music system that is compatible with the new iPhone 5
We are very excited about Apple’s new Lightning connector and have some incredible products coming out this holiday season starting with the award winning music system, BeoPlay A8. Unparalleled flexibility allows users freedom to choose how to listen to their digital music: Wirelessly or docked through either the new or previous connector.
Introduced in May 2012, BeoPlay A8 delivers authoritative acoustic performance, striking design and seamless connectivity. Wireless connection via Apple AirPlay is a breeze, and docking any iPod, Phone or iPad on top of the system delivers an integrated music system that can be controlled with the accompanying remote control.
Now with the flexibility offered by the exchangeable connector module of BeoPlay A8, the music system is also able to cater to the new iPhone 5. BeoPlay A8 even allows you to completely remove the connector module for a clean look if the primary use is wireless.
This unparalleled flexibility offers the user backward and forward compatibility that is particularly useful in the many households with a mix of devices.
All existing and new customers of BeoPlay A8 will be offered the new dock connector free of charge through the “A8 dock upgrade program”. Users can register their email on beoplay.com/A8/dock-upgrade to be notified when more details are available on the dock upgrade program.
This means that customers can today buy the best one-piece music system on the market and be certain that it will work with full functionality, should they choose to upgrade their phone.
BeoPlay 8 makes digital music come alive with power and grace. Whether mounted on the wall or standing on its own, BeoPlay A8 adds musicality to any room. BeoPlay A8 optimizes the sound to three different locations – wall, corner or freestanding.
BeoPlay A8 is available in black or white. Priced at $1149.00 Available today at Bang & Olufsen stores worldwide, at Apple stores in Europe and the US, at select design stores, and online at store.beoplay.com.
Check out these product pictures:
The A8 is striking and minimalist in design and produces clear and strong sound. If you are looking for a premium portable speaker system for your mobile devices, you should consider the A8, available from Amazon.com, Apple’s online store, B&O PLAY online and in B&O stores today; it retails for $1,149.
Bang & Olufsen demonstrated the BeoPlay A9 premium active speaker system, bringing a beautiful design and impressive sound to speakers for your mobile devices. Read on for details.
Bang & Olufsen demonstrated an the BeoPlay A9 premium active speaker system, bringing a beautiful design and impressive sound to speakers for your mobile devices. One of the more interesting product presentations that I attended while at CES2013 was from Bang & Olufsen, who demonstrated a new premium active speaker system. The BeoPlay A9 is intended to bring your music from your mobile device to your home with minimal fuss and maximum style. Compatible with AirPlay and DLNA and packed with five speakers and amplifiers, it fills the home with clear music while looking like a piece of art. Here is the press release from October announcing the A9:
Copenhagen/New York City – October 2012
B&O PLAY, by Bang & Olufsen, Announces the Launch of its Premium Active Speaker System, BeoPlay A9
Featuring a powerful, wireless sound experience, original design and unprecedented placement flexibility
B&O PLAY proudly announces the launch of its latest active speaker system, BeoPlay A9, which integrates an all-star line-up of dedicated components with provocative design to create a complete sound solution that is as easy to listen to as it is to decorate with. With the launch of BeoPlay A9, B&O PLAY extends its innovative range of wireless sound systems with the most powerful performer yet. As BeoPlay A9, features a 2.1 bass reflex loudspeaker system that combines five dedicated speaker units and amps with timeless design to create a complete sound solution. BeoPlay A9 features a fine-tuned DSP (digital signal processor) algorithm that makes ones music collection come alive and deliver surprisingly rich bass tones which are cultivated and cool with the patented Adaptive Bass Linearization technology.
In addition to its striking design and sound performance, BeoPlay A9 presents wireless connectivity and magically simple operation and it caters to individual listening needs as they change throughout the day or night. Just plug it in, connect it wirelessly to an iPhone, iPad or Android device, and BeoPlay A9 starts streaming via AirPlay or DLNA. The sound is big enough to fill even the most spacious room, (as it outputs 480 watts of power) and so lush that it rivals much more complex systems.
According to Henrik Taudorf Lorensen, VP at B&O PLAY, BeoPlay A9 is all about simplicity. “We asked Øivind Slaatto, a young designer who also has a strong interest in music, to create a design that is as free of visual noise as possible, and then had our engineers empower it with truly amazing sound. The result is a liberating take on acoustic performance with a cleanly graphic look that is intuitively easy to use.”
Turning the party dial up – or down – has never been easier. Swipe a hand across the touch sensor to control volume, or mute the system by simply resting a hand on top of it. Additionally, you can select tracks and adjust volume with your smartphone or tablet. The connection panel beneath the unit also includes a mains socket for power, line-in, and a USB socket that lets you soft dock and charge your device.
BeoPlay A9 packs two ¾-inch tweeters and two 3-inch midrange units, all four driven by separate 80-watt class D amplifiers, to deliver sparkling highs and spaciously defined middle tones. An imposing 8-inch bass unit, powered by no less than 160 watts from its own class D amplifier, lays down authoritative and tightly controlled oomph through the bass reflex construction hidden behind the unit. Three pre-set sound modes for wall, corner or freestanding positions optimize acoustic performance depending on how you choose to fit BeoPlay A9 into your home.
BeoPlay A9 is more than willing to both fit in and stand out in your décor, as it can be placed either on the floor or hung on the wall. Screw in the wooden legs to place it on the floor right where you need it, or use the wall bracket to add a circular canvass alongside the rest of the art in your home. You can even choose between a range of colors for the fabric cover, and change them in a snap.
Solid wood legs are available in oak, beech or teak. Fabric covers are available in silver, white, black, red, green and brown.
Prices begin at USD $2,699. BeoPlay A9 will be available at Bang & Olufsen stores, the B&O PLAY online store (store.beoplay.com), Apple Online, and select design stores in select markets from second half of November 2012.
Seagate announced the Wireless Plus, a storage device aimed at mobile device users. With 1TB of capacity and an integrated wi-fi radio and battery, the product is intended to allow you to Take What’s Yours when on the move. Read on for details.
Seagate announced the Wireless Plus, a storage device aimed at mobile device users. With 1TB of capacity and an integrated wi-fi radio and battery, the product is intended to allow you to Take What’s Yours when on the move. This is the follow-on product to the Seagate Flex, and with a much larger capacity and up to ten hours of battery life, this is a welcome product evolution. Here is a quick video to get you oriented:
I was able to play with this device at CES this year, and was able to stream content from the Wireless Plus to an iPad, an Android tablet and a Samsung smart TV. It uses the exact same interface as is used on the Seagate Central, which I told you about here, so if you also use a Central in the home, you’ll be able to use this with no training. In addition to consistency with the Central’s UI, I found the Wireless Plus to be easy to navigate.
Seagate Wireless Plus Mobile Device Storage, Now You Really Can Take It All With You
2013-01-06
LAS VEGAS, NV — Seagate Technology plc (NASDAQ: STX) today announced the next evolution of the company’s wireless storage category, Seagate® Wireless Plus mobile device storage at the 2013 Consumer Electronics Show. Designed to wirelessly stream content for up to eight smartphones or tablets with enough space for up to 500 high-definition movies, this new wireless hard drive, will extend the limits of today’s mobile lifestyle. The new Seagate Wireless Plus now also includes a 10-hour battery life to match that of most tablets and smart phones. With the integrated 1TB drive you’ll have all you need to be entertained anywhere including long road trips or flights – without an Internet connection.
Seagate Wireless Plus mobile device storage is accessed through the mobile Seagate Media app for Apple iOS, Android and Kindle Fire HD devices. The Seagate Media app has been developed for all major mobile devices, including Android, Kindle Fire HD, Apple iOS and will also work with just about any device that can connect to a Wi-Fi network. Additionally, you can use Wireless Plus to enjoy video, photos, music and even documents on the big screen via Apple Airplay, DLNA or an app designed specifically for Samsung Smart TVs and Blu-ray players.
Seagate created this new category of wireless storage devices in 2011 to address consumers’ desire to enjoy more content than tablets and smartphones can hold with their limited storage. A CES 2013 Best of Innovations Award Winner, the new Seagate Wireless Plus includes a new option to save content and files to the drive wirelessly through the new Seagate Media app. For the first time, consumers will be able to enjoy capturing a great HD video on their iPhone and then wirelessly uploading it, in full resolution, to Wireless Plus with its 1TB of storage.
“Smartphones and tablets offer amazing new opportunities for Seagate to provide new consumer storage solutions in an increasingly mobile world,” said Scott Horn, vice president of marketing at Seagate. “Seagate developed the concept of wireless storage to consumers with the freedom to enjoy their documents, movies, photos and music anywhere in the world, especially when they can’t connect to the Internet. Seagate Wireless Plus builds on the success of our first-generation product and takes it even further.”
The new 1TB wireless drive comes with a removable SuperSpeed USB3.0 adapter for quick loading of photos, video, music and even documents. Fill it up and go, for true anywhere access of all your favorite entertainment or much needed work-related files anywhere. Because the Wireless Plus creates its own Wi-Fi network, there is no need to stream or download your content from the Internet or to spend money on a data plan. Everything is with you, where you want it, when you need it with a secure and wireless connection.
“Less than half of U.S. mobile phone users are highly satisfied with the storage of their mobile phone, and almost 20% are dissatisfied with their mobile storage capacity,” said Brett Sappington, Director of Research at Parks Associates. “As consumption of video on smartphones and tablets continues to grow, consumers will seek the best ways to get content to their mobile device without eating up all of the data in their monthly service plan.”
Pricing and Availability:
Seagate Wireless Plus mobile storage is currently available from Amazon and BestBuy.com, for an MSRP of $199.99.
Seagate announced a new product aimed at centralizing storage in the home, called Seagate Central. Read on for details.
Seagate announced a new product aimed at centralizing storage in the home, called Seagate Central. The idea here is to deliver a device that backs up and stores all of your photos, music, movies, and documents, and allows you to stream content to all of your devices inside and outside the home. Would you like a simple solution, easy to install, that allows you to stream to the iPad, TV, Android phone and other devices in the home, even when you are on the road? Then this product is aimed at you. Watch this video to get a better idea of the product and what it does.
Organize Your Home With Seagate Central Shared Storage
2013-01-06
New Award-winning, Simplified Network Backup Solution Easily Brings Access and Sharing to All Your Files
CONSUMER ELECTRONICS SHOW, LAS VEGAS, NV — Seagate Technology plc (NASDAQ: STX) today announced, its next-generation, networked home storage solution, Seagate® Central shared storage, the first storage device to feature a Smart TV app for access to files on the big screen. A CES 2013 Innovations Honoree, Seagate Central delivers automatic backup for the entire home, access to digital movies and music from networked devices, as well as remote access from outside a home network. Seagate has also taken a new step in making Central storage a low-profile horizontal design, which takes cues from home entertainment and looks great in any living room.
Simple, Central – Multi-Computer Backup
Seagate built this product for simplicity. By focusing on the number one need for homes with more than one computer, Seagate designed an easy, centralized backup for each computer in the home, regardless of operating system. Seagate retooled the software and user experience for the Seagate Central shared storage so that it seamlessly provides a backup for each system on a home network, even in a mixed platform environment of Windows OS and Mac OS X computers. In addition to automatic and continuous backup of all the computers in a home, Seagate Central can also backup photos and videos directly from Facebook, a feature first introduced in the award-winning Backup Plus line of external drives.
“This is the ideal backup solution for the family of today, who increasingly have multiple computers, tablets and smart phones,” said Scott Horn, vice president of marketing at Seagate. “We focused on what would make Central easy to use in a home setting. Consumers will find Central storage is easy-to-use as a backup solution with great-looking apps that deliver access to people’s content from the world’s most popular mobile devices, as well as Samsung Smart televisions and Blu-ray players.”
A recent study from Parks Associates found consumers keep content in a wide variety of places including sites like Facebook. The average broadband household has 8% of their music, video, and photo content on social networking sites.
“Consumers are looking for storage solutions that help them consolidate and safeguard the content they’ve got scattered across a growing number of places,” said John Barrett, director of Consumer Analytics at Parks Associates. “Young consumers in particular do not have central repositories of content but rather many places where content naturally ends-up as a result of their media habits.”
Enjoy Your Movies and Music
In addition to its primary role as a total home backup device to organize content in one location, Central storage is also designed for easy media streaming. Once all your files and rich media are safely on the drive, Central storage organizes the content for you according to media type, such as videos, pictures, music and documents. Seagate then makes it easier than ever before to access entertainment and documents by providing free apps for Samsung Smart TVs and Blu-ray players, as well as Apple® iOS devices, Amazon Kindle HD and Android mobile devices. Central is DLNA certified and also works with Apple® AirPlay®, which means nearly any network-connected device can connect to it.
New App, New Look,
The newly designed Seagate Media app, available for Android, Kindle Fire HD and Apple iOS, delivers a seamless, user-friendly experience for accessing, downloading or sharing files from Seagate Central shared storage. The experience is the same within the network or connecting to Central storage remotely. Files are easy to enjoy through the visually appealing app interface. Everything is organized by category as well as folder view. The Seagate media app and Seagate Central storage will ensure that you always have access to the files you need when you need them.
Pricing and Availability:
Seagate Central Shared storage will be available in March of this year for the following MSRP(s) of 2TB, $189.99; 3TB, $219.99; 4TB, $259.99.
About CES Innovations Awards:
The prestigious Innovations Design and Engineering Awards are sponsored by the Consumer Electronics Association (CEA)®, the producer of the International CES, the world’s largest consumer technology tradeshow, and have been recognizing achievements in product design and engineering since 1976.
Activision has released a short trailer for The Walking Dead Survival Instincts game along with some screenshots.
In the game, players assume the role of the mysterious, crossbow-wielding survivor Daryl Dixon. This first-person survival title takes place within the universe of “The Walking Dead” and before the events of the AMC show, following Daryl and his brother Merle on a gruesome journey to reach the supposed safety of Atlanta as the world around them ends.
Here is the very short trailer:
And here are the new screenshots:
The release date is now confirmed for the UK as 29th March 2013 and it will be available on PS3, Xbox 360, Wii U, and PC (digital download).
I am a big fan of both the comic and the TV show, and I really like what TellTale Games have done with their game so I am excited to see what Activision will bring.
LaCie announced a new limited edition hard drive, designed in collaboration with Philippe Starck. Fanless, it relies on aluminum (aluminium for our UK and European readers) cooling fins. Read on for details!
LaCie announced a new limited edition hard drive, designed in collaboration with Philippe Starck. Fanless, it relies on aluminum (aluminium for our European readers) cooling fins. Here is the press release:
LaCie and Starck Craft Limited Edition Hard Drive
January 6, 2013
LaCie, in collaboration with world-famous designer and creator Philippe Starck, announced the Blade Runner. Inspired by the mysterious, incredible power of information technology, the LaCie Blade Runner combines an anthropomorphic metal interior with an angular cage-like shell. It begs the question; can we truly confine technology to a cage?
With only 9,999 produced, the LaCie Blade Runner is a limited edition hard drive for design-conscience consumers. Starck’s influence is evident from the complex design concept to the hands-on manufacturing process. Each unit is custom-built to ensure superb form and function. It is the statement piece in any home office, study or media room. The artistic design combines with the high-speed USB 3.0 interface and cross-platform compatibility to result in a hard drive that is as practical as it is stunning.
“In my design nothing is useless – style, symbolism or functionality,” says Philippe Starck. “In the Blade Runner, the warm interior electronics are encased in a mystifying shell, and the blades are the radiator that cools it down. The suspension gives space for air to circulate around the hard drive, and the metal material increases the temperature conduction.”
Protected by sturdy aluminum, the LaCie Blade Runner offers the most resistant and stylistic choice for a consumer hard drive on the market. The durable exterior shields the hard drive from overheating, making it thoroughly dependable for storing the most precious files. The LaCie Blade Runner also features an LED power button in the form of Starck’s signature symbol that glows to indicate activity.
Twenty years after LaCie’s first collaboration with Philippe Starck, which resulted in the award-winning “Toaster” hard drives, the partnership continues to develop products that are as functional as they are stunning. The LaCie Blade Runner continues to explore this relationship.
AVAILABILITY
The LaCie Blade Runner is equipped with 10GB of complimentary Wuala Secure Cloud Storage and user-friendly backup software. It is available in a 4TB capacity through the LaCie Online Store and specialty retailers for $299.00. For more product information, visit www.lacie.com.
This is a really attractive external hard drive and comes in a 4TB size. A limited edition, only 9,999 produced, this will set you back $299. Check out the product pictures here:
If you are in the market for a fashion statement 4TB drive with USB 3.0 support, check out the LaCie Blade Runner!
LaCie also announced a Thunderbolt version of the 5big Pro NAS, bringing up to 20TB of storage to bear on a Thunderbolt-connected system, perfect for photographers and videographers. Read on for details.
LaCie also announced a Thunderbolt version of the 5big Pro NAS, bringing up to 20TB of storage to bear on a Thunderbolt-connected system, perfect for photographers and videographers. LaCie claims speeds of up to 785MB/s! In addition, since this is a Thunderbolt product, you can easily daisy chain additional Thunderbolt products like portable hard drives to extend the functionality of your system. Here is the press release:
LaCie Debuts Massive 20TB Thunderbolt RAID
January 6, 2013
Today LaCie announced the 5big Thunderbolt™ Series, a massive and lightning-fast five-bay RAID solution. The LaCie 5big features capacity up to 20TB and speeds up to 785MB/s* thanks to five 7200rpm/64MB cache hard disks preconfigured in RAID 0. With this excellent combination of capacity and performance, video professionals have all they need for post-production work including the ability to edit multiple 2K uncompressed 10-bit streams.
RAID FLEXIBILITY FOR CONTENT CREATION
With five disks, the LaCie 5big lets the user custom-make RAID configurations. Create a lightning-fast volume with three disks in RAID 0 and a safe volume with two disks in RAID 1. Plus the disks are hot-swappable**, so the user can simply slide a new disk into the safe volume without switching off the device. Use the fast volume for use with Final Cut Pro X™, Adobe® Premiere® or Aperture™, and the safe volume to back up projects.
The LaCie 5big allows video professionals to move from a heavy desktop workstation to a versatile laptop setup with fast and massive external storage. Their desktop setup stays in the office while the laptop goes on business trips. Plus, with dual Thunderbolt ports, the user can daisy chain up to six Thunderbolt peripherals together.
IDEAL BACKUP SOLUTION FOR IT MANAGERS
The LaCie 5big can also be used as a JBOD array. With five working days a week, an IT manager can assign each disk to a daily backup. It is an ideal backup companion to a Mac® Mini Server for businesses that need a professional IT setup.
DUAL COOLING SYSTEM FOR LONG-TERM RELIABILITY
Additionally, the LaCie 5big’s advanced dual cooling system ensures long-term reliability by preventing overheating. The system consists of three key components: an innovative heat-dissipating aluminum casing, a Noctua® cooling fan and jumbo heat exhausts. Plus, it’s ultra quiet, which makes it perfect for even the most noise-sensitive creative environments.
THUNDERBOLT LEADER
As a leader in Thunderbolt technology, LaCie has brought to market the largest portfolio of Thunderbolt storage solutions. Additional offerings include the LaCie Rugged USB 3.0 Thunderbolt Series, LaCie d2 USB 3.0 Thunderbolt Series, LaCie Little Big Disk Thunderbolt Series, LaCie 2big Thunderbolt Series and LaCie eSATA Hub Thunderbolt Series. Find out more at www.lacie.com/thunderbolt.
AVAILABILITY
The LaCie 5big, design by Neil Poulton, is available in 10TB and 20TB capacities through the LaCie Online Store and LaCie Resellers starting at $1,199.00. Thunderbolt cable included. For more product information, visit www.lacie.com.
WARRANTY
The LaCie 5big is protected by a three-year limited warranty. It includes comprehensive, complimentary web-based resources, expert in-house technical support, and worldwide repair/replacement coverage. Warranty extensions and Advance Care Option can also be purchased. For details, visit www.lacie.com/warranties.
Styling, hardware specs (other than the Thunderbolt support), and NASOS3 are the same as is found on the 5big Pro NAS, which we told you about here. Check out product pictures below.
This is available in 10TB and 20TB versions, starting at $1,199, and is available now.
LaCie announced a new SMB-focused NAS unit running NAS OS3, LaCie’s proprietary operating system, as an update to the 5big NAS line. Read on for details.
LaCie announced a new SMB-focused NAS unit running NAS OS3, LaCie’s proprietary operating system, as an update to the 5big NAS line. Powered by a dual-core 2.13GHz Atom processor and with 4GB of RAM, in addition to 5 disk bays and tight integration with the Wuala cloud service, this will be a very interesting entry for SMB’s shopping NAS products. Here is the press release:
LaCie Announces High-performance 5big NAS Pro for Small Businesses
January 6, 2013
Today LaCie announced the 5big NAS Pro, its latest high-performance 5-bay network-attached storage solution powered by Intel®. Thanks to hybrid cloud technology, the LaCie 5big NAS Pro lets employees collaborate easily using a single interface for both network/cloud storage and remote access. Plus, data stays secure thanks to novice-friendly SimplyRAID and client-side cloud encryption.
FAST PROFESSIONAL COLLABORATION
With transfer speeds up to 200MB/s*, the LaCie 5big NAS Pro boosts business productivity. Powered by a dual-core 2.13GHz Intel 64-bit Atom™ processor and 4GB RAM, it also features dual LAN and link aggregation for optimized network speeds. This performance-driven combination accelerates file sharing, remote access, and backups for small businesses.
TRUE HYBRID CLOUD
LaCie is the only external storage company that owns its cloud storage, Wuala. As a result, the company is uniquely positioned to deliver a seamless hybrid cloud solution. The LaCie 5big, with NAS OS 3 and integrated Wuala, features network-attached and cloud storage in a single view. This means wherever the user is or whatever the device (computer or mobile), they can access data quickly from one convenient interface. Administrators can also easily manage users and groups in two mouse clicks.
FORMIDABLE DATA SECURITY
In addition to industry-standard RAID modes (5, 5+spare, 1**, or 0), the LaCie 5big NAS Pro ships with SimplyRAID, which makes RAID management easy. Behind the scenes, it chooses the fastest and most secure RAID mode according to the number of disks. This way, it’s possible to benefit from RAID security and performance, with zero understanding of RAID. SimplyRAID also lets users get improved available storage compared to traditional RAID solutions when using disks of different sizes. Furthermore, the intuitive browser-based LaCie Rescue utility allows the administrator to install the OS on a diskless chassis or easily recover from a system failure using the included USB key.
Data stored on Wuala is protected by industry-best security. Files are encrypted before they are sent to the cloud so no one, not even a LaCie employee, could access them. While competing cloud storage services could read files due to employee wrongdoing or court order, files stored on Wuala are solely accessible by the user or administrator.
AVAILABILITY
The LaCie 5big NAS Pro, design by Neil Poulton, is available this quarter in 0TB, 10TB and 20TB capacities through the LaCie Online Store and LaCie Partners starting at $549.00. For more information, visit http://www.lacie.com. The product also features a 100GB free trial of Wuala Business Secure Cloud Storage for three months. For more information about plans and pricing, visit http://www.wuala.com.
WARRANTY
The LaCie 5big NAS Pro is protected by a three-year limited warranty. It includes comprehensive, complimentary web-based resources, expert in-house technical support, and worldwide repair/replacement coverage. Warranty extensions and Advance Care Option can also be purchased. For details, visit www.lacie.com/warranties.
LaCie also put out a great video walkthrough of the new unit. Enjoy that here!
Check out the product shots below. This new unit maintains the very attractive styling of the prior product, and with five disk bays and dual gigabit LAN ports onboard, this is a compelling option.
Stay tuned as we are trying to get some hands-on time with one of these once they are available. This product is expected to ship in Q1 and will start at $549 diskless.
Today Three posted a new video showing the Nokia Lumia 920 running on their network. So Three network looks like it will be the first to have the Nokia Lumia 920 running after the Timed Exclusive with EE ended.
Three has been carrying only the HTC Windows Phone 8, to expand that range Three is going to add not only the 920 but the eagerly awaited Lumia 620 too.
Microsoft is offering free points to users who sign up for a NOW TV trial on the Xbox 360.
Users can earn 800 Microsoft Points for trying the service free of charge for one month, and a further 1600 Points for making a subsequent payment of £8.99.
Open to Xbox Live Gold members only, the promotion is available until January 31 through the NOW TV website.The streaming service costs £8.99 a month for the first three months, after which users will be charged a monthly fee of £15.According to the product description, NOW TV offers the latest movies 12 months before Lovefilm and Netflix, and also provides access to Sky’s 11 movie channels.
NOW TV launched on the Xbox 360 in August, offering high-quality video streaming at 720i resolution.
Kinect for Xbox 360 owners are also able to use voice and gesture controls for the NOW TV app.
More content from Sky will be added to NOW TV over the coming months, including Sky Sports and a range of entertainment shows from channels such as Sky Atlantic and Sky1.
Samsung has unveiled a prototype phone with a flexible display, meaning it can be folded almost like paper.
During its keynote speech at the CES 2013 trade show yesterday (January 9), the Korean firm showed off the bendy display technology, as well as a phone with a curved display.
Instead of glass, the flexible phone features super-thin plastic that means it is bendable and unbreakable. The device demonstrated at the keynote ran Windows Phone 8 rather than Android.
Samsung is creating a whole new range of organic light-emitting diode (OLED) flexible displays under the Youm branding.
The screens can be made super-thin and flexible as they use OLED technology, which generates its own light and so does not need to be backlit like traditional LCD screens.
Microsoft’s chief technical strategy officer Eric Rudder came on stage to show a working Windows Phone 8 prototype phone with Samsung’s new Youm screen.
The demonstration unit had the bendy display attached to a box containing the processor. The phone was shown to flex and bend without any major distortion to the colours or icons.
Samsung has been working on flexible displays for several years and previously released a video showing the potential applications for ‘bendy’ smartphones or tablets.
Samsung said that the Youm technology will allow its hardware partners to create a whole new range of devices with “bended, foldable and moulded screens”.
At the keynote, Samsung Display executive Brian Berkeley said: “It won’t break even if it’s dropped. This new form-factor will really begin to change how people interact with their devices, opening up new lifestyle possibilities … allow our partners to create a whole new ecosystem of devices.”
The company also showed off a Youm device with a display that was curved at the edge, designed to give extra screen real estate.
Samsung suggested that the curved edge could be used to display messages to the user while keeping the rest of the display free.
Some reports have suggested that Samsung’s Youm flexible display technology will debut with the firm’s Galaxy S4 smartphone, which is expected to be unveiled this spring.
With 2012 over, what do gamers have to look forward in 2013. Looking at the current potential of the next year we could be in for a very entertaining time indeed!
XBOX 720 and the Playstation Orbis
It seems to me that more and more I’m reading about the “death of the games console” or at least that the old ways are soon to be no longer. Whilst excited about change I can’t seem to help but instantly fight the classic-console corner every time I read an article telling me I might not be looking forward to the next console release in the future.
Avoiding my inevitable (and reasonably dull) rant on how much I like the way things are, with no justification what so ever, we actually saw a damn good year of gaming in 2012. Whilst a lot of developers have been limited by the XBOX 360 and PS3’s relative lack of power, we tend to forget that a lot of them have and continue to impress and show us what can be done with specs that embarrass someone with even basic modern PC hardware.
Microsoft and Sony are currently working on the XBOX 720 and the Playstation Orbis respectively and I am really clinging to hope that they both decide to use some serious hardware this time. To be honest it would be refreshing if Microsoft and Sony manage to provide cooling better than the equivalent of wafting a sheet of paper in front of a very expensive fan heater.
Information is in short supply at the moment but 2013 should bring us more info on the platforms relatively soon. Either way I eagerly await the next gen battle between Microsoft and Sony and hope for a late 2013 release.
The Games
Already there is a truly outstanding roster to look forward to in 2013 with enough completely new titles to get excited about and plenty of AAA sequels to fill it all out nicely. I haven’t managed to get literally every predicted 2013 release here but it should provide a good selection.
Bioshock: Infinite
So far the new Bioshock is looking very nice indeed and I’m sure Irrational Games will not disappoint. It does look at lot less dark and brooding than other Bioshock titles but has a separate plot and setting for us to explore which I’m sure will be great. Looking at a March release for XBOX, Playstation and PC.
Dead Space 3
Probably the best way to pay money to be scared senseless and the only true survival horror game we’ve seen in a long time. Dead Space 3 boasts drop-in/drop-out co-op and a cover system. Sounds a lot like this may be going the way of Resident Evil 5 and the death of one of my favorite franchises but so far Visceral Games haven’t disappointed and hopefully Dead Space 3 will continue this success. Scheduled February release for XBOX 360, Playstation 3 and PC.
Gears of War: Judgment
What is there to know? Gears of War is great, third-person thrills from square one right up to the end with some surprisingly emotional cut-scenes thrown in for good measure. I’ve been lucky enough to play previous installments but as a PS3 owner this is a title truly worthy of my jealousy.
South Park: Stick of Truth
Expected in March 2013 this might actually be one of the best in this list.The South Park humor will undoubtedly be present and by definition remind us all that we’re not quite as sophisticated as we like to think. Obsidian Entertainment are taking the reins to create this RPG, and with titles like KOTOR II, Fallout: New Vegas and Dungeon Siege III under their belt this might make for a surprisingly deep RPG for XBOX 360, PS3 and PC.
Aliens: Colonial Marines
One of the best multiplayer demos I got to try out at Eurogamer completely exceeding my expectations, despite them being quite high anyway. Sometimes its just nice to get on an FPS and kill Aliens, especially with Gearbox at the helm, old school you UGLY…anyway. Feb release date for XBOX 360, PS3, PC and Wii U. Make sure to try the multiplayer, if you can get a squad of friends together all the better.
Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance
Definitely the most ridiculous title here, and possible ever but still, Metal Gear is Metal Gear. Since MGS4 Raiden is definitely a complete and total bad-ass and running around as a ninja robot with weird blood stuff should be cool. Hopefully Platinum games have hit the mark, look for a worldwide release in February for XBOX 360 and Playstation.
Dead Island: Riptide
Coming to us in April on XBOX 360, Playstation 3 and the PC the second installment to the Dead Island series sees our “heroes” getting into another zombie apocalypse situation (like you do) and hopefully sees them crafting machetes with electrocution damage and sticking nails through bats to go and beat the absolute crap out of the horde getting as much blood on your own face as possible while you’re at it. Encore.
Army Of Two: The Devils Cartel
The previous Army Of Two titles remain one of my favorite games this generation so I’m eagerly awaiting the latest installment from Visceral Games. This time around they will be using the very sexy Frostbite 2 engine rather than Unreal Engine 3 so great visuals should be in the bag. New characters and no doubt an overly convoluted plot combined with Frostbite 2, Army Of Two: Devils Cartel hits the XBOX 360 and Playstation 3 in March and is shaping up well.
Grid 2
True there isn’t much to be said about Grid 2 other than the development of a new handling model by Codemasters, absolutely loads of content and stunning visuals. The first Grid was a solid game and if Codemasters have adequately built on it and progressed the mechanics Grid 2 could be an all time great. XBOX 360, Playstation 3 and PC owners should expect a summer 2013 release.
Tom Clancy’s Splinter Cell® Blacklist™
Creating a new organization with Sam Fisher as the commander Blacklist promises the usual espionage, betrayals and silent murder from the worlds most surly OAP. Ubisoft have continued with the increase in action rather than hardcore stealth developing “killing in motion” for the latest Splinter Cell title to kill multiple targets quickly, which looks very organic in the video footage. Splinter Cell: Blacklist is slated for a spring 2013 release on XBOX 360, Playstation 3 and PC.
Grand Theft Auto V
XBOX 360 and Playstation 3 release expected for Q2 2013. Boasting more vehicles than ever before, new car handling mechanics and improved gun-play we’re all but guaranteed that Rockstar will not disappoint, as if you had any doubts. The single player will see the player cycling between three different protagonists, which sounds very cool. Combined with the usual GTA antics, GTA V is almost guaranteed to be great.
Tomb Raider
Crystal dynamics are behind the new Tomb Raider reboot starting the franchise at Lara’s beginnings in March on XBOX 360, Playstation 3 and PC. Tomb Raider looks very pretty indeed and the mechanics are much more realistic than previous titles which coincides with the entire tone of the game. There is a solid RPG perk style leveling system and the game promises to be open world. We’re going to see a very different Lara this time around and so far it seems to be a change for the better.
The Last Of Us
From what we’ve seen of The Last Of Us it has managed to generate a huge amount of excitement. Naughty Dog are behind this Playstation 3 exclusive, due for release in May, so we know it’s in good hands. Set in post-apocalyptic America the game sees two protagonists trying to survive against other survivors and infected humans, rather survival horror style. It looks absolutely brilliant and I reckon it’ll be snatching a couple of awards later on in 2013.
Beyond: Two Souls
Quantic Dream’s latest venture and another Playstation 3 exclusive. Beyond: Two Souls is an interactive movie from the same developer that brought us Heavy Rain and it looks absolutely incredible. There isn’t much info yet but if you haven’t seen it yet, check the trailer out below. You will not be disappointed. Ellen Page is staring which is obvious to see when you start the trailer, it really does look stunning. Have you watched it yet? Do it now.
Watch Dogs
Ubisoft Montreal have developed Far Cry and Assassins Creed in the past and now they bring us Watch Dogs. Watch Dogs sees the protagonist using his phone to hack almost anything imaginable. Using it to disrupt other equipment, altering traffic lights to create a subtle “diversion” or raising a bridge just in time to perform a daring escape. Sounds varied and original, not easy to do these days. Again, if you haven’t already, take a look at the trailer and see for yourself. Personally my game to look out for in 2013.
2013 shows some promising new tech and a huge amount of great looking and original gaming. Now we play the waiting game.
DropBox has released their popular cloud file storage and sharing app for Windows 8 and Windows RT. Read on for details.
DropBox has released their popular cloud file storage and sharing app for Windows 8 and Windows RT. Sharing content with Facebook or Twitter works via the People app, and of course sharing from email links works as well. You can upload and download files from your Windows 8/Windows RT devices. Read more about it on the DropBox blog here. If you are a DropBox user on Windows 8 or Windows RT, go ahead and install the new app!
Dropbox has updated it’s iPhone and iPad app to version 2.0.2.
Dropbox is a free service that lets you bring all your photos, docs, and videos anywhere. After you install Dropbox on your computer, any file you save to your Dropbox will automatically save to all your computers, your iPhone and iPad and even the Dropbox website! With the Dropbox app, you can take everything that matters to you on the go.
Read your docs or flip through your albums when you’re out and about. Save photos or videos to your Dropbox and share them with friends in just a couple taps. Even if you accidentally leave your iPhone in a taxi, your stuff is always safe on Dropbox.
Features:
Always have your stuff with you, no matter where you are.
Add files to “Favorites” for fast, offline viewing.
Easily save photos and videos to your Dropbox.
Share your photos and docs with family and friends.
