ASUS Announces TAICHI Convertible Ultrabook

Jim McCarthy
-
0
ASUS Announces TAICHI Convertible Ultrabook

ASUS announced their TAICHI convertible ultrabook running Windows 8.  Read on for details.

TAICHI 1

ASUS announced their TAICHI convertible ultrabook running Windows 8.  Here is how ASUS describes the product:

ASUS has announced the new sleek and stylish TAICHI — an incredible fusion of notebook and tablet. TAICHI has a unique dual-screen design with two 11.6” Full HD screens and an Intel® Core™ processor for outstanding multitasking performance. Lid open, TAICHI is a fully featured ultraportable notebook with keyboard, multi-touch touchpad and SSD storage; lid closed, it’s a sleek and powerful multi-touch tablet for intuitive fingertip control with Windows 8. TAICHI can display the same image on both screens, different images on each and even be shared by two people using different apps for unparalleled mobile flexibility.

And now the announcement:

ASUS Announces TAICHI — an Incredible Fusion of Notebook and Tablet
with Innovative Dual-Screen Design

TAICHI switches seamlessly between slim multi-touch tablet and fully featured
Ultrabook™ simply by lifting a finger, for unparalleled mobile flexibility

London, United Kingdom(October 23, 2012)—ASUS, a global leader in the new digital era, today announces TAICHI, asleek and stylish Ultrabook™with an innovative back-to-back dual-screen design for unparalleled mobile flexibility. TAICHI features a powerful Intel®Core™ processor and two back-to-back Full HDscreensfor sharing information in exciting new ways, all in a slender profile that tapers to a mere 3mm and weighs just 1.25kg.

Notebook and tablet in one single, stunning design

With a unique dual-display design and stunning black-mirrorfinish, ASUSTAICHI™ combines the best features of both multi-touch tablet and Ultrabook™— and switches seamlessly between the two simply by lifting a finger. Lid open, TAICHI is a powerful Ultrabook™ with a Full HD screen, backlit keyboard and large multi-touch touchpad for making light work of demanding productivity tasks. Lid closed, TAICHI becomes a lightweight tablet with a Full HD multi-touch screen, for easy and intuitive use on the move.

Dual screens for exciting new ways to share information

TAICHI’s back-to-back dual-screens can be used both simultaneously and independently for exciting new ways to share information, enjoy multimedia and work with apps. With the lid open and both screens upright, TAICHI can share a presentation or movie to an audience on both sides, removing the need for a bulky projector or clumsy external display. IPS display technology also ensures a brilliant image on both screens, with extremely accurate colour reproduction and 178° wide viewing angle for outstanding clarity.TAICHI also features a stylus for pinpoint precision with productivity and creative apps.

High-end specification withincredible sound

ASUSTAICHI™ features a powerful Intel® Core™ i7 or i5 processor with 4GB memory, Intel® HD 4000 graphics and a choice of blazingly fast 256GB SSD storage. Dual-band Wi-Fi with Intel® WiDi and Bluetooth 4.0 offer high-performance wireless connectivity, while two USB 3.0 ports provide full support for the latest high-speed external storage devices and rapid mobile device recharging.

ASUS SonicMaster technology, developed with Bang & OlufsenICEpower®, delivers astonishing sound quality on TAICHI with all kinds of listening material. TAICHI also features a 5-megapixel auto-focus camera with 1080p Full HD video recording and second 720p HD video camera, a noise-suppressing array microphone for crystal-clear video chat in challenging environments and up to 5 hours’ battery life (measured with Wi-Fi web browsing).

AVAILABILITY, PRICING &SPECIFICATIONS

ASUS TAICHI will be available from November 2012 in selected markets from authorized ASUS resellers. Please contact your local ASUS representative for further information.

TAICHI 21
· 11.6” Full HD screen· Intel®Core™ i7-3517U processor· 4GB RAM

· 256GB SSD

Here is the product:

TAICHI 1

Check out this product video:

No pricing yet, but with a Core i7, this will not be a cheap product!  Are you interested in this product?

Taichi Product Website

ASUS Launches VivoTab RT

Jim McCarthy
-
0
ASUS Launches VivoTab RT

ASUS has announced the VivoTab RT, their first RT-based tablet.  Read on for details.

VivoTab TF600T 1

ASUS has announced the VivoTab RT, their first RT-based tablet.  Here is how ASUS describes the product:

ASUS VivoTab™ RT is one of the first tablets with Windows RTand Office Home & Student 2013 RT Preview for the perfect combination of productivity and entertainment. Measuring just 8.3mm thin and weighing a mere 525g, VivoTab RT is one of the thinnest and lightest tablets available, yet it packs a 10.1” multi-touch Super IPS+display and powerful NVIDIA® Tegra® 3 quad-core processor. VivoTab RT models will be available in Wi-Fi, 3G and 4G and its optional mobile dock provides a keyboard, multi-touch touchpad, USB port and up to 16 hours battery life for all-day use.

And now the announcement:

ASUS LaunchesVivoTab™ RT

First Windows RT-based tablet in the ASUS lineup

London, United Kingdom (October 23, 2012) — ASUS today announces ASUSVivoTab™ RT, its first Windows RT tablet.VivoTab RTfeatures a mobile dockthat transforms the tablet into a notebookfor increased productivity and longer battery life. VivoTab RT uses the powerful NVIDIA® Tegra® 3 quad-core processor for smooth and responsive use with Windows RT. A 3G version of the VivoTab RT will also be available in the UK through Three and Vodafone. Final pricing and availability will be released closer to the launch date which is expected to be for the key holiday sales season.Please check with each operator for their tariffs and exact on-shelf dates.

VivoTab RT hardware and software features

Microsoft Corp. and ASUS worked closely together to create one of the first Windows RT tablets on the market. With its metallic design, 8.3mm profile and 525g weight, ASUSVivoTab RT is one of the thinnest and lightest 10.1” tablets available. VivoTab RT features the powerful NVIDIA Tegra3 quad-core processor and is available with 64GB of onboard storage.

ASUSVivoTab RT has a ‘hidden hinge’ design for a sleek, streamlined look and fully adjustable screen angle when used with the optional mobile dock. When docked, VivoTab RT becomes an ultra-portable productivity tool with keyboard, multi-touch touchpad and USB port, plus up to 16 hours’ use with the dock’s built-in battery. VivoTab RTwith Windows RTcomes preloaded with Office Home & Student 2013 RT Preview for productivity at home and on the move. With its innovative tablet and mobile dock design, VivoTab RT delivers an excellent combination of performance and portability, both for work and play.

Specifications

Operating System Windows RTOffice Home & Student 2013 RT preview
CPU / Modem NVIDIA® Tegra® 3 quad-core / Icera410
Size / Weight 263x 171x 8.3mm/ 525g
Memory / storage RAM: 2GB DDR3L (low voltage)Storage: 64GB
Connectivity / Network 802.11 b/g/nWi-FiBluetooth 4.0 Wi-Fi Direct(Optional)

3G: DC-HSPA+
Display 10.1” (1366×768)with 178° viewing angleScratch-resistant Corning® Fit GlassOutdoor-readable Super IPS+ technology

Capacitive multi-touch
Camera Rear: 8MP auto-focus with LED flashFront: 2MP with LED indicator1080p HD video recording
Interface 2-in-1audio jack (headphone/mic)1x Micro HDMI1xmicroSD card reader (SDXC)

Internal mic

Quad-speakers with SonicMaster audio technology
Battery Tablet only: 25Wh Li-polymerfor up to 9 hours useWith Dock: 25Wh+22Wh Li-polymer for up to 16 hours use
GPS Supported
Sensor G-Sensor, ambient light Sensor, gyroscope, e-compass, NFC

(1) May vary by SKU and country.

(2) Battery life is measured with 720p video playback, brightness at 100 nits and default volume with headphones

(3) Office Home & Student 2013 RT Preview will update to Office Home & Student 2013 RT. For further details, please go to http://office.com/officeRT.

Here are some product shots:

VivoTab TF600T 1VivoTab TF810C 1

No pricing yet, but at least this one has 3G connectivity!  Is this the RT tablet for you?  Sound off in the comments.

Watch the Windows Phone 8 launch on Monday

Andrew Edney
-
1
Watch the Windows Phone 8 launch on Monday

As well as the Windows 8 launch tomorrow, Microsoft will be launching Windows Phone 8 on Monday and you can watch that too.

Windows Phone 8 launch

The event starts at 5pm on Monday evening and is happening simultaneously in London and San Francisco, so you won’t want to miss it.

We will be at the London event so expect lots of information, and if you want to watch along at home, then you can here.

Are you excited about Windows Phone 8? Let us know your thoughts by leaving a comment below.

And see you all there on Monday!

Watch the Windows 8 Launch tomorrow

Andrew Edney
-
0
Watch the Windows 8 Launch tomorrow

Tomorrow is the Windows 8 launch and you can watch it if you want to.

Windows 8 Launch

Microsoft say “Tune in Thursday October 25 at 11:15 am EDT while we broadcast live from New York City and launch Windows 8.”

Watch the Windows 8 launch here

Have you used Windows 8 yet? If so, tell us what you think of it by leaving a comment below.

Medal of Honor: Warfighter – An interview with a former SAS solider

Andrew Edney
-
0
Medal of Honor: Warfighter – An interview with a former SAS solider

EA will be releasing Medal of Honor: Warfighter at the end of October and they have worked closely with former Tier 1 Special Forces Operators to ensure the game is as realistic as possible. We recently got a chance to talk to a former SAS solider about the game and his life in the regiment.

MOHW_SomaliaStronghold_02_WM_thumb1

Medal of Honor Warfighter tells the personal story of U.S. Tier 1 Operator “Preacher,” as he returns home only to find his family torn apart from years of combat deployment. Trying to pick up the pieces and salvage what remains of his marriage, Preacher is reminded of what he’s fighting for – family. But when a deadly explosive known as PETN penetrates civilian borders and his two worlds collide, Preacher and his fellow teammates are sent in to do what they do best – solve the problem.

Daniel McKean was in the SAS so he is more than qualified to comment on the realism in the game.

Andrew Edney: Hi Daniel, tell us a little about yourself and your background.

Daniel McKean: Sure, my name’s Daniel McKean and I spent 22 years in the British Army with over half of that time in the SAS. I travelled all around the world, met lots of good people and not so many nice people as well in my time. I served in places from the jungle to arid desert environments, the arctic and all over the world, including the Middle East. Different environments posed different challenges, the jungle for example is a hard place to soldier in, and if you can soldier in the jungle you can soldier anywhere around the world, its very very solitary and hard environment to survive in. It degrades your body, everything wants to bite, sting or scratch you and everything rusts. Your weapons and you kit rots, and you’ve got to keep on top of your personal hygiene.

As I said, I’ve served all over the world, the jungle, the desert, Bosnia, the Middle East and I’ve been involved in lots of operations.

AE: So how did you end up in the SAS?

DM: From an early age, from being a child things influence you in life and it may sound a little bit cheesy but I always knew I would serve in the Regiment. I had it in my mind that I would always do it, and that it was something I wanted to do and I just wasn’t prepared to fail. I passed selection first time and got through it all. Believe it or not I watched the film Who Dares Wins when I was a kid as well and it really stuck in my mind. The film isn’t a true representation of the SAS but it whets your appetite and so when the time came I just did it, passed first time and just never looked back.

AE: Tell us some of the things you can talk about from your time in the Regiment.

DM: I’ve clearly got to be careful what I say, like I said, I’ve served all around the world in many operations, including Iraq and been in countless ambushes, involved in hostage rescue scenarios and other various situations. People have asked me in the past what’s it like doing a job like that, and do you get scared, and yeah, of course you get scared and it keeps you on edge – you are a little bit nervous, a little bit worried and it makes the hairs on the back of your neck stand up, and it keeps you alert and alive.

AE: Have you seen much of Medal of Honor Warfighter?

DM: Yes, I’ve played the single player game of Medal of Honor Warfighter, and I really enjoyed it, it was a really good experience, a pleasurable experience and a very lifelike one as well.

AE: So you felt that it was quite realistic?

DM: I did, and I thought it was a fantastic game. What I liked about is the fact that the developers have taken time with the weapons systems. They have recorded the different calibres of weapons – 9 mil, 556, 7.62, 50 cal and so on. When I hear those sounds on that game it really takes me back to my time in the Regiment – that’s how lifelike it is. They really have taken a lot of time to record the sounds and the atmospherics and make the towns look good – they have clearly visited these places. They’ve looked at the style of buildings and picked up on the atmospherics and have then put that into the game which is a great representation – its really good.

AE: Do you play a lot of First Person Shooter games?

DM: It’s a bit of a generation thing, I have started playing them. and a lot of young military guys play these games. It’s almost a big social event just sitting around and playing the games. You go into an accommodation block and every room will probably have a gaming system in with guys sitting around playing the games, its just a good way of socialising.

AE: You’ve said that the sounds and visuals are very realistic – during the various demo’s of the game I have seen this year I’ve spoken to a few Tier 1 Operators who are working on the game. So did it feel to you that they have spent a lot of time making the game as realistic as possible and what was your first reaction when you played it?

DM: Well my first reaction when I played it and saw it was wow, they have really spent a lot of time researching these weapon systems and villages, and just the detail of the equipment and weapon systems is amazing. The way the characters move are really realistic. There is currently a line between gaming a real war and this game is as real as it gets, it really is.

AE: So what have you been doing since leaving the Regiment?

DM: I’ve been doing a lot of security work for different clients both at home and abroad but its a strange transition leaving any military organisation and becoming a civilian, you get institutionalised. I find it hard, I will be honest, I found the first six months after leaving incredibly hard. I will never mirror what I did in the Regiment in any civilian walk of life, that’s a fact, and that’s something I have got to accept, but I’m enjoying it now, it’s nice and settled, so I am ok.

AE: Thank you very much for your time Daniel.

DM: No problems at all, nice talking to you.

So there you have it – a former member of the SAS says that Medal of Honor Warfighter “is as real as it gets”.

Will you be playing when it’s released next week? Let us know by leaving a comment below, and watch out for our review shortly.

     

NVIDIA Release GeForce 310.33 Beta Drivers

Andrew Edney
-
0
NVIDIA Release GeForce 310.33 Beta Drivers

NVIDIA have released a GeForce 310.33 beta driver for it’s graphics cards.

GeForce-Logo_thumb_thumb_thumb

This is what NVIDIA have posted on their blog:

The new NVIDIA GeForce 310.33 beta drivers are now available to download. Featuring GTX 600 Series performance improvements of up to 15%, the new GeForce 310.33 beta drivers are a recommended download for all Kepler users. In addition to performance improvements, the GeForce 310.33 beta drivers include a number of new and updated SLI and Ambient Occlusion profiles that benefit and enhance all GeForce PCs.

You can download the GeForce 310.33 beta drivers with one click from the GeForce.com homepage; Windows XP, Windows 7 and Windows 8 packages are available for desktop systems, and for notebooks there are Windows 7 and Windows 8 downloads that cover all products, including the GeForce GTX 680M.

Performance Improvements

We’ve increased performance in numerous games over the past year, and today we’re increasing performance yet again, with gains of up to 7.5% on the GTX 660, and 15.7% on the GTX 680. Other GTX 600 Series products will see gains also, though the extent of those improvements will of course vary and be further influenced by a user’s software and hardware configuration.

Game Settings & Results:

  • Batman: Arkham City: Performance increased by 3.3% at 1920×1080 when using Very High detail settings, Tessellation High, PhysX Off and 4xMSAA.
  • Civilization V: Performance increased by 2% at 1920×1200 when using DirectX 11 and max settings in a late-game benchmark.
  • DiRT 3: Performance increased by 2.1% at 2560×1600 when using DirectX 11 and Ultra settings.
  • Dragon Age 2: Performance increased by 3.1% at 1920×1080 when using max settings and 8xMSAA.
  • The Chronicles of Riddick: Assault on Dark Athena: Performance increased by 7.5% at 2560×1600 when using max settings.
  • The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim: Performance increased by 6.2% at 1920×1080 when using High settings in an outdoor scenario. At the same resolution, an improvement of 4.1% was measured when using Ultra settings.

Game Settings & Results:

  • Batman: Arkham City: Performance increased by 5.3% at 1920×1080 when using Very High detail settings, Tessellation High, PhysX High and 4xMSAA.
  • Civilization V: Performance increased by 2.8% at 1920×1200 when using DirectX 11 and max settings in a late-game benchmark.
  • Deus Ex: Human Revolution: Performance increased by 3.2% at 1600×1200 when using DirectX 11 and max settings.
  • F1 2011: Performance increased by 4.4% at 2560×1600 when using DirectX 11 and max settings.
  • StarCraft II: Performance increased by 5.6% at 1920×1080 when using Ultra settings.
  • The Chronicles of Riddick: Assault on Dark Athena: Performance increased by 15.7% at 2560×1600 when using max settings.
  • The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim: Performance increased by 10.9% at 1920×1080 when using High settings in an indoor scenario. At 2560×1600, an improvement of 6.9% was measured in an outdoor scenario.

NVIDIA Control Panel Game Enhancements

The GeForce 310.33 beta drivers include a number of NVIDIA Control Panel enhancements that allow you to further increase in-game fidelity in Counter-Strike: Global Offensive, Darksiders 2, and MechWarrior Online:

  • Added NVIDIA Control Panel ambient occlusion support for Cross Fire.
  • Added NVIDIA Control Panel ambient occlusion support for Dragon Nest.
  • Added NVIDIA Control Panel ambient occlusion support for Meng San Guo.
  • Updated NVIDIA Control Panel ambient occlusion support for Counter-strike: Global Offensive.
  • Updated NVIDIA Control Panel ambient occlusion support for Darksiders 2.
  • Updated NVIDIA Control Panel ambient occlusion support for MechWarrior Online.

Each enhancement is easily applied via the respective game’s profile in the “Manage 3D Settings” section of the NVIDIA Control Panel. Simply select the desired quality level of the Ambient Occlusion effect in the dropdown, click “Apply”, and launch the game before basking in the accurately-shadowed surroundings.

New & Updated SLI Profiles

As always, our new GeForce driver includes new and updated profiles for today’s top titles, increasing performance and unleashing the full power of SLI systems.

  • Dirt: Showdown – Updated SLI profile
  • Dota 2 – Updated SLI profile
  • Dou Zhan Shen – Updated SLI profile
  • F1 2012 – Added SLI profile
  • FIFA 13 – Added SLI profile
  • Red Orchestra 2: Heroes of Stalingrad – Updated SLI profile

New & Updated 3D Vision Profiles

New and updated 3D Vision profiles are also included in the GeForce 310.33 beta drivers, helping you get the best possible experience when playing in stereoscopic 3D.

  • Assassin’s Creed III – Rated Not Recommended
  • Bloody Good Time – Rated Good
  • Bullet Run – Rated Fair
  • Call of Duty Black Ops 2 – Rated Good
  • Carrier Command: Gaea Mission – Rated 3D Vision Ready
  • Dark Souls – Rated Fair
  • Dishonored – Rated Fair
  • FIFA 13 – Rated Good
  • Hitman: Absolution – Rated Fair
  • I Am Alive – Rated Fair
  • MLB 2K12 – Rated Fair
  • NBA 2K12 – Rated Good
  • Need for Speed: Most Wanted – Rated Fair
  • Sniper Elite V2 – Rated Poor
  • Tiny Troopers – Rated Fair
  • Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater HD – Rated Good
  • Total War Battles: SHOGUN – Rated Good
  • XCOM: Enemy Unknown – Rated Fair

The GeForce 310.33 beta drivers also include a few new bug fixes, which rectify problems such as performance degradation on Quad SLI systems, and non-functioning MSAA anti-aliasing in Diablo III. For full details, check out the release notes.

You can download the GeForce 310.33 beta drivers with one click from the GeForce.com homepage.

Two minute review of the World of Warcraft Mists of Pandaria Strategy Guide from BradyGames

Andrew Edney
-
0
Two minute review of the World of Warcraft Mists of Pandaria Strategy Guide from BradyGames

It’s time for another one of our two minute reviews, and this time its the turn of the World of Warcraft Mists of Pandaria Strategy Guide from BradyGames.

CDW Review - World of Warcraft Mists of Pandaria Strategy Guide - 2

Spread across 400 lavishly designed pages, the Official World of Warcraft: Mists of Pandaria Strategy Guide represents one of BradyGames’ biggest strategy guides to date, offering beginner-friendly gaming knowledge to ease new players into the land of Pandaria, while providing exhaustive insight into every aspect of the game for master players.

Developed with input from World of Warcraft developer and publisher Blizzard Entertainment, the Official World of Warcraft: Mists of Pandaria Strategy Guide walks players through every region of Pandaria. From picturesque new starter zones to perilous high-level dungeons, BradyGames’ thoroughly researched guide reveals insider tips and tricks for every new quest, raid, gameplay mode and player-versus-player challenge, making it the ultimate resource for new players and seasoned World of Warcraft veterans alike.

CDW Review - World of Warcraft Mists of Pandaria Strategy Guide - 5 CDW Review - World of Warcraft Mists of Pandaria Strategy Guide - 8

The first thing you notice about this guide is that it is not small! At over 450 detailed and colourful pages you are really getting your monies worth with this. And the text is quite small, so it’s not 450+ pages for the sake of it, BradyGames have really packed as much in here as they could.

The guide contains everything you ever wanted to know about Mists of Pandaria, and then some! It is a great guide for both new players (with about a quarter of the book helping out new players with everything from picking the right realm to choosing professions) and seasoned players alike.

CDW Review - World of Warcraft Mists of Pandaria Strategy Guide - 10 CDW Review - World of Warcraft Mists of Pandaria Strategy Guide - 12

Each page contains lots of information, pictures and hints, so it’s up to you whether you read through the guide or you just jump to a section as and when you need help.

If you are new to WoW I would suggest spending a bit of time going through the first quarter of the book as it will certainly help you along the way.

The guide covers both the PC and Mac version’s so don’t worry about which version you have!

This really is a must have if you are a fan of WoW, or you know someone who is (after all, Christmas is just around the corner!) I will certainly be looking at other BradyGames guides in the future.

The Official World of Warcraft: Mists of Pandaria Strategy Guide is available both as an exhaustive Signature Series edition for £14.99, as well as a deluxe, Limited Edition for £19.99. The latter boasts a striking hardcover design, featuring an exclusive piece of collector’s art, along with an additional 32 pages of detailed pre-production artwork and an excerpt from the upcoming novel, World of Warcraft: Tides of War.

As usual have a look around as Amazon for example are selling the guide for £10.49.

CDW-Rating-Banner-black-5

Learn more from the BradyGames website

Skype 6.0 for Mac and Windows Desktop released

Andrew Edney
-
0
Skype 6.0 for Mac and Windows Desktop released

Today saw version 6.0 of Skype for Mac and Windows Desktop released.

Windows20Blog20Photo202_2_thumb1_thu

What’s new:

  • Microsoft and Facebook Account Integration Sign up and sign-in is easier than ever. You can now sign into Skype using your Microsoft or Facebook account – there’s no need to create a new Skype account. This makes it even easier to connect with friends on Skype without having to set up another account.
  • IM friends on Messenger Now you can instant message your Windows Live Messenger, Hotmail and Outlook.com contacts via Skype all in one place. If you use a Microsoft account today, merging your accounts is easy – just sign in to Skype with your Microsoft account.
  • Calling with Messenger friends is coming soon We’re working on polishing a feature which will enable audio and video calls to Windows Live Messenger customers using Skype desktop clients. The feature will be available in coming weeks.

Get it now for Windows or Mac.

New Minecraft Patch To Bring Golden Apples to All

Chris Hare
-
0
New Minecraft Patch To Bring Golden Apples to All

The next Minecraft patch which will bring a number of bug fixes for update 1.8.2, whilst also adding golden apples to the food chain of Minecraft.

4J Studios are currently working on the patch, which will corrects issues such as the game crashing bug or a lack of animals spawning in the Minecraft world. You can catch the full list of compiled bugs here.

Golden apples restore two food points and they also offer enhance regeneration and fire resistance.

App Update: Apple updates iBooks to version 3.0

Andrew Edney
-
0
App Update: Apple updates iBooks to version 3.0

Apple has just updated it’s iBooks app to version 3.0.

mzl_guzbmgsk_320x480-75_thumb1_thumb

What’s New in Version 3.0

• See all your iBookstore purchases in iCloud—right on your bookshelf with iOS 6
• Scroll vertically through your books with the flick of a finger using the new Scroll theme
• Receive free updates to purchased books—including new chapters, corrections, and other improvements
• Look up definitions for words in German, Spanish, French, Japanese and Simplified Chinese with iOS 6
• Share quotes or thoughts about your favorite book with friends on Facebook, Twitter, Messages, or Mail

iBooks 2 is available now for free in the App Store

App Update: WordPress for iOS updated to version 3.2

Andrew Edney
-
0
App Update: WordPress for iOS updated to version 3.2

The WordPress app for the iPhone and iPad has been updated to version 3.2.

wordpress_thumb1_thumb_thumb_thumb

It’s easy to manage your WordPress blog or site from your iOS device. With WordPress for iOS, you can moderate comments, create or edit posts and pages, and add images or videos with ease. All you need is a WordPress.com blog or a self-hosted WordPress.org site running 2.9.2 or higher.

What’s New in Version 3.2

★ Featured Image support
★ Push Notifications for self-hosted blogs using Jetpack *
★ More Accessible Settings

• Almost 70 bugs and crashes fixed, including tweaks to Stats

* Only the owner of the blog will receive push notifications for new comments on their own posts. All authors on a blog will be able to receive push notifications in the next version of Jetpack.

Download from the Apple App Store now

Apple introduces the 4th generation iPad

Andrew Edney
-
5
Apple introduces the 4th generation iPad

As well as the iPad Mini, Apple also introduced the 4th generation iPad last night, only a short while after the New iPad!

compare_hero_ipad_retina

So what are the differences between this one and the last New iPad?

Well, this one has the new Lightning connector (the one the iPhone 5 has). It also has a A6X CPU which Apple claim is twice as fast as the processor in the third iPad. There is also a 5 megapixel rear iSight camera, and the battery life is still at 10 hours.

The new iPad will also support LTE too!

Anyone who purchased the third generation iPad in the last 30 days can swap to the new one!

Skype for Windows 8 Announced

Jim McCarthy
-
0
Skype for Windows 8 Announced

Microsoft is releasing a Windows 8 version of Skype on October 26th.  Read on for details.

Home%20Screen

Microsoft is releasing a new, Metro-styled Skype app for Windows 8, and it will be available on October 26th.  Here is part of what they announced:

Welcome Skype for Windows 8: It’s Fast, Easy and Beautiful

Skype for Windows 8 is almost here and we are incredibly excited by this important new version of Skype. This is our big step forward together with Microsoft to introduce a completely new Skype experience, which is designed to be always on, immersive, effortless and fun to use.

The team at Skype has been building on the Windows platform since the first release of Skype. With Skype for Windows 8 we’ve focused on how people are using Skype today, and re-imagined Skype for everyday communications across our global community.

Focused on the people you care about

Skype puts the people and messages that matter most to you at the heart of our new experience.

Recent chat messages and calls are right there as you launch Skype alongside the people that you contact most often. We’ve made it simple and easy to add your favorite contacts so that they are only one tap or click away.

Always Reachable

On Windows 8, you can be always available and reachable whether you are using a desktop, laptop, tablet or convertible PC with Skype running seamlessly in the background without draining your battery.

You’ll be able to receive voice and video calls and chats even if you’ve navigated away to another app or to the desktop, enabling you to stay more connected with your contacts whatever you’re doing. Skype for Windows 8 will notify you about new calls and instant messages so you’ll always know when someone is contacting you.

Modern design

Skype for Windows 8 is fast, fluid and easy to use. In designing Skype for Windows 8 we wanted to build a truly modern Skype, as comfortable and easy to use with touch as it is with a keyboard and a mouse.

With Windows 8 we have built a new full-screen immersive and uncluttered Skype experience, but also bought other great new Windows features to Skype.

Once you’ve downloaded Skype from the Windows Store, Skype appears on the new Start screen as a live tile. As well as being the launching point for the Skype experience on Windows 8, the Skype live tile provides a window into the app, showing you if you have missed a call or have a new message waiting for you inside.

Check out the rest of the blog post here, and enjoy this video that gives some more details about the Windows 8 Skype app!

Skype Announces Windows 8 App

Apple Updates the iMac

Jim McCarthy
-
0
Apple Updates the iMac

Apple released an updated iMac today.  Read on for details.

image

Apple released an updated iMac today.  Here is the announcement:

All-New iMac Features Stunning Design, Brilliant Display & Faster Performance

SAN JOSE, California—October 23, 2012—Apple® today unveiled a completely new iMac® with a stunning design, brilliant display with reduced reflection, and faster processors.* With third generation Intel quad-core processors, powerful NVIDIA graphics and an innovative new storage option called Fusion Drive, the new iMac is the most advanced desktop Apple has ever made.

“With a stunning design, brilliant display and faster performance, we’ve made the world’s leading all-in-one desktop computer better in every way,” said Philip Schiller, Apple’s senior vice president of Worldwide Marketing. “The all-new iMac is unbelievably thin, yet packs an incredible amount of performance and technology into our most innovative desktop.”

Redesigned from the inside out, the new iMac packs high-performance technology into an aluminum and glass enclosure with up to 40 percent less volume than its predecessor and an edge that measures just 5 mm thin. Built with an unprecedented level of fit and finish, the new iMac delivers an amazing desktop experience in a gorgeous design. The new iMac also features a completely reengineered display that reduces reflection by 75 percent while maintaining brilliant color and contrast. In the new design, the cover glass is fully laminated to the LCD and an anti-reflective coating is applied using a high-precision plasma deposition process. Every iMac display is individually color calibrated using an advanced spectroradiometer.

The new iMac features third generation quad-core Intel Core i5 processors that can be upgraded to Core i7. The latest NVIDIA GeForce processors deliver up to 60 percent faster performance for advanced gaming and graphics intensive apps. Every new iMac now comes standard with 8GB of 1600 MHz memory and a 1TB hard drive, and customers can choose to configure their iMac with up to 32GB of memory and a new 3TB hard drive, or 768GB of flash storage for ultimate performance. With two Thunderbolt and four USB 3.0 ports, the new iMac delivers even greater expandability and support for high-performance peripherals.
Fusion Drive is an innovative new storage option that gives customers the performance of flash storage and the capacity of a hard drive. It combines 128GB of flash with a standard 1TB or 3TB hard drive to create a single storage volume that intelligently manages files to optimize read and write performance. Fusion Drive adapts to the way you use your iMac and automatically moves the files and apps you use most often to flash storage to enable faster performance and quicker access.

Apple also updated the Mac® mini with third generation dual-core Intel Core i5 and quad-core Intel Core i7 processors that are up to twice as fast and have integrated graphics that are up to 65 percent faster.** Mac mini comes standard with 4GB of 1600 MHz memory with support for up to 16GB. Retaining its amazingly compact aluminum design, the new Mac mini now includes four USB 3.0 ports in addition to its Thunderbolt, HDMI, SDXC, Gigabit Ethernet, and FireWire® 800 ports.

Both iMac and Mac mini meet stringent Energy Star 5.2 requirements and achieve an EPEAT Gold rating.*** iMac uses up to 50 percent less energy than the previous generation when idle, and features LED-backlit displays that are mercury-free and made with arsenic-free glass. Mac mini retains its status as the world’s most energy efficient desktop computer, using only 11W when idle. Both the iMac and Mac mini include PVC-free components and cables, contain no brominated flame retardants, and use highly recyclable materials and material-efficient packaging designs.
iMac and Mac mini ship with OS X® Mountain Lion, bringing Messages, Notification Center, system-wide Sharing, AirPlay® Mirroring, Dictation, Game Center and the enhanced security of Gatekeeper to your Mac. With iCloud® built into the foundation of OS X, Mountain Lion makes it easier than ever to keep your content up to date across your Mac, iPhone®, iPad® and iPod touch®.

Pricing & Availability
The 21.5-inch iMac is available with a 2.7 GHz quad-core Intel Core i5 with Turbo Boost speeds up to 3.2 GHz and NVIDIA GeForce GT 640M for a suggested retail price of $1,299 (US); and with a 2.9 GHz quad-core Intel Core i5 with Turbo Boost speeds up to 3.6 GHz and NVIDIA GeForce GT 650M for a suggested retail price of $1,499 (US). The 21.5-inch iMac will be available in November through the Apple Online Store (www.apple.com), Apple’s retail stores and Apple Authorized Resellers.
The 27-inch iMac is available with a 2.9 GHz quad-core Intel Core i5 with Turbo Boost speeds up to 3.6 GHz and NVIDIA GeForce GTX 660M for a suggested retail price of $1,799 (US); and with a 3.2 GHz quad-core Intel Core i5 with Turbo Boost speeds up to 3.6 GHz and NVIDIA GeForce GTX 675MX for a suggested retail price of $1,999 (US). The 27-inch iMac will be available in December through the Apple Online Store (www.apple.com), Apple’s retail stores and Apple Authorized Resellers.
The Mac mini is available with a 2.5 GHz dual-core Intel Core i5 with Turbo Boost speeds up to 3.1 GHz, 4GB of memory and a 500GB hard drive for a suggested retail price of $599 (US); a 2.3 GHz quad-core Intel Core i7 with Turbo Boost speeds up to 3.3 GHz, 4GB of memory and a 1TB hard drive for a suggested retail price of $799 (US); and a 2.3 GHz quad-core Intel Core i7 with Turbo Boost speeds up to 3.3 GHz, OS X Server, 4GB of memory and two 1TB hard drives for a suggested retail price of $999 (US). The Mac mini is available today through the Apple Online Store (www.apple.com), Apple’s retail stores and Apple Authorized Resellers.

Additional technical specifications, configure-to-order options and accessories are available online at apple.com/imac or apple.com/mac-mini.

*Testing conducted by Apple in October 2012 using preproduction iMac configurations. For more information visit apple.com/imac/features/.
**Testing conducted by Apple in October 2012 using preproduction Mac mini configurations. For more information visit apple.com/mac-mini/features.html.
***Claim based on energy efficiency categories and products listed within the EPA ENERGY STAR 5.2 energy database as of October 2012. EPEAT is an independent organization that helps customers compare the environmental performance of notebooks and desktops. Products meeting all of the required criteria and at least 75 percent of the optional criteria are recognized as EPEAT Gold products. The EPEAT program was conceived by the US EPA and is based on IEEE 1680 standard for Environmental Assessment of Personal Computer Products. For more information visit www.epeat.net.

Check out the iMac website here, and sound off in the comments if you plan on buying one of these!

Apple iMac Website
1...1,2381,2391,240...1,617Page 1,239 of 1,617