Facebook for iOS has been updated to version 5.0 and has been rebuilt so it’s faster and easier to use.
* Scrolling through news feed is faster than ever
* New banner lets you tap to quickly see more stories – no need to refresh
* Photos open fast and close with one downward swipe
* Instant access to your notifications
Apple has just released OS X update 10.8.1 for Mountain Lion.
This update includes general operating system fixes that improve the stability and compatibility of your Mac, including fixes that:
Have you installed it yet? Let us know by leaving a comment below,
Today saw Microsoft change it’s logo for the first time in 25 years!
This is what Microsoft posted on its blog:
It’s been 25 years since we’ve updated the Microsoft logo and now is the perfect time for a change. This is an incredibly exciting year for Microsoft as we prepare to release new versions of nearly all of our products. From Windows 8 to Windows Phone 8 to Xbox services to the next version of Office, you will see a common look and feel across these products providing a familiar and seamless experience on PCs, phones, tablets and TVs. This wave of new releases is not only a reimagining of our most popular products, but also represents a new era for Microsoft, so our logo should evolve to visually accentuate this new beginning.
The Microsoft brand is about much more than logos or product names. We are lucky to play a role in the lives of more than a billion people every day. The ways people experience our products are our most important “brand impressions”. That’s why the new Microsoft logo takes its inspiration from our product design principles while drawing upon the heritage of our brand values, fonts and colors.
So what do you think of the new logo? Let us know by leaving a comment below.
Last week Mad Catz Interactive announced the S.T.R.I.K.E.7 Professional Gaming Keyboard for PC. Designed to deliver the highest levels of customization and performance, the S.T.R.I.K.E.7 features a unique modular design and the V.E.N.O.M touch screen interface.
The unique V.E.N.O.M. touch screen interface enables the gamer to take control of their gaming environment, launch games or applications at the swipe of a finger, deploy custom macro commands, program chat, game, media settings and more.
“The S.T.R.I.K.E.7 is the first in a line of new keyboards and rounds out our PC gaming range of F.R.E.Q. headsets and R.A.T. gaming mice.” said Darren Richardson, the President and Chief Executive Officer of Mad Catz Interactive, Inc. “Our engineers created a keyboard that delivers unprecedented customization and performance. We believe the S.T.R.I.K.E.7 will capture the imagination of passionate gamers and continues to demonstrate our ability to innovative in the core gaming sector.”
Additional information and purchase options are available at: www.madcatz.com/strike7
The S.T.R.I.K.E.7 is shipping now.
We recently got an opportunity to test out the S.T.R.I.K.E.7 and will be posting that up soon!
Mad Catz Interactive announced the shipping of the Tritton Warhead 7.1 Wireless Surround Headset, for use with the Xbox 360.
The flagship in the Company’s exclusive range of Xbox 360 gaming headsets, the Warhead 7.1 is the first headset in the world to deliver two-way communication via the Xbox 360 console, negating the need for a chat cable or adapter to be connected to the gamers’ controller.
“We believe premium products such as the Warhead 7.1 have longer product life spans and offer the best means for us to target competitive and passionate gamers who demand the best.” said Darren Richardson, the President and Chief Executive Officer of Mad Catz Interactive, Inc. “In addition to our focus on creating new products, we also look forward to leveraging our expanded geographic footprint and worldwide sales and marketing initiatives to bring added visibility to this one-of-a-kind product.”
The Warhead 7.1 Wireless Surround Headset features 5.8GHz wireless technology and DolbyHeadphone 7.1 surround sound. In addition, the Warhead 7.1 offers gamers an array of features including twin ‘hot-swappable’ rechargeable lithium-ion battery packs, Selectable Voice Monitoring (SVM), EQ modes for movies, music and gaming and an on screen battery-indicator display.
The Warhead 7.1 Wireless Surround Headset is available for purchase from Best Buystores, www.bestbuy.com, and Mad Catz store www.madcatz.com.
Additional information is available at http://www.trittonaudio.com/prod/warhead.asp
We recently got an opportunity to test them and will be posting that up soon!
Today saw the launch announcement for the new XS range of Android tablets from Archos. We had some hands-on with the 101 XS tablet and accessories.
The 101 XS tablet has a 10.1 inch screen which is very clear, with a resolution of 1280 x 800. It also has a microSD slot that currently supports up to 64GB of expansion but Archos tell us it will also support up to 128GB too. It also has HDMI out for connecting to a television or monitor, and the quality is excellent (the presentation we were given was using this feature). There are also all the usual ports you would expect.
The Coverboard is light-weight and easy to use and is only 5mm thick. The keyboard is very nice and easy to use and it feels very natural. It is a proper Android keyboard with Android shortcut keys rather than just a keyboard Archos has added. It is magnetic and feels very sturdy and secure.
If you are fan of Google’s Chrome browser you can now get it as an app for both the iPhone and iPad and it’s just been updated to version 21.0.1180.77.
Browse fast with Chrome, now available on your iPhone, iPod touch and iPad. Sign in to sync your personalized Chrome experience from your computer, and bring it with you anywhere you go.
Share webpages via email or G+, Facebook, Twitter
Stability and security improvements
Many bug fixes addressing user feedback
Have you tried it yet? Be sure and let us know by leaving a comment below.
Download Google Chrome for iOS now
ARCHOS announced two new Android 4.0 powered tablets. Read on for details.
ARCHOS announced two new Android 4.0 tablets today, with an interesting take on keyboards. First, a little about ARCHOS:
Archos, pioneer in the portable audio and video player market, and now specializing in Android tablets, has repeatedly revolutionized the market for consumer electronics since 1988. Today, ARCHOS offers Android Tablets, Tablet PCs and MP3/MP4 players. In 2000, ARCHOS launched the Jukebox 6000, the first MP3 player combined with a hard disk. Then in 2003 ARCHOS introduced the first portable multimedia players with TV recording. In 2006 Wi-Fi is implemented and then touch screens in 2007. In 2008, Archos launched the first generation Internet Tablets, and then the first ever Android powered tablets in 2009. ARCHOS has offices in the United States, Europe and Asia. ARCHOS is quoted on Compartment B of Eurolist, Euronext Paris, ISIN Code FR0000182479. Website: www.archos.com.
And now, a little bit about the new tablets:
ARCHOS’ new Gen10 XS tablet line offers super-fast web-browsing, an extra slim design, and a unique magnetic Coverboard for protection, docking and easy typing
Denver, CO – (August 22, 2012) – ARCHOS, an award-winning innovator in consumer electronics, is pleased to announce the unveiling of its Gen10 XS tablet line. The ARCHOS 101 XS, a 10.1-inch tablet that weighs only 21 ounces and measures 0.31 of an inch thin, will be the first of this new line of extra slim Android™ tablets to debut mid-September followed by the release of the ARCHOS 97 XS and ARCHOS 80 XS later in 2012.
In addition to creating a new standard of thin for tablets, ARCHOS continues to push the technological boundaries with the innovative Coverboard, a unique magnetic keyboard conceived for each tablet model that will offer protection, a kickstand, docking and easy typing. The Coverboard is included in the box with each tablet.
The entire Gen10 XS line is Google™ certified, features Android 4.0 and allows full access to Google Play™ featuring over 600,000 apps. The range will be upgradable to Android 4.1 Jelly Bean in Q4 2012.
“As the pioneer in the Android tablet market, we strive to continually push the technological boundaries of tablets and user experience,” says Henri Crohas, ARCHOS Founder and CEO. “We are taking our tablets to the next level by releasing an entirely new design that will redefine thin while providing more functionality and a better price than any current Android tablet in the market.”
Magnetic Coverboard: 4 Steps Ahead
The ultra-thin magnetic Coverboard included with all Gen10 tablets enables users to protect, stand and dock the tablet as well as type with a full-size QWERTY keyboard.Protect
The 0.2” thick protective cover is secured to the tablet with magnets. To open, the Coverboard simply twists to separate and reveal the full keyboard and magnetic kickstand.Stands
The magnetically guided docking system enables perfect alignment on the keyboard, eliminating the need for clips or stands. The integrated magnetic kickstand holds the tablet to the Coverboard as one solid unit, allowing users to sit back and enjoy their music and movies comfortably.Docks
When docked the Coverboard is powered by the tablet providing hours of productivity. The Coverboard also has a DC in, so when it’s plugged into a power outlet the keyboard functions like a dock and charges the tablet.Types
The Gen10 XS series come fully equipped with a chicklet-style QWERTY keyboard and a complete version of OfficeSuite Pro 6, a $14.99 value. This critically acclaimed application allows you to view, create, edit, print and share Word, Excel and PowerPoint files as well as open attachments and read PDF files. Combine that with a full QWERTY keyboard that also has integrated Android shortcut keys for direct access to main tablet functions for the ultimate in productivity.Play Anything and Share Wirelessly with the ARCHOS Media Center
ARCHOS Gen10 XS tablets come with tailor-made Media Center apps for full HD video, complete codec and format support, jackets & meta-data for your music, videos and wireless sharing over your home network. In addition, each tablet features a Video Carousel for a video library experience like no other including automatic jacket download and an easy to use search tool for finding title, series, actor, subtitle or other information. Other media center functions include:
- Wireless streaming, home file sharing and read media from external storage
- ARCHOS remote control app
At the start of December we reviewed PressReader, an app for devices to read newspapers and publications. PressReader has just been updated to version 4.1.12.0821 on Android devices.
PressReader is a free application that enables you to download your favourite publications to your PC, Mac, tablet, mobile device or eReader allowing you to read them even when you’re offline.
Enjoy your favorite daily read from a selection of more than 2,000 newspapers and magazines from 95 countries in 51 languages with PressReader!
With every article, advertisement, crossword puzzle and cartoon presented in its original context, PressReader offers many of the same rich user interface and intuitive interactive features PressDisplay.com users have come to love.
And with the added convenience of being able to hold your favorite publication directly in your hands and read it from cover to cover just the way you would in-print, PressReader makes reading full-content digital replicas an absolute delight with features such as:
✓ New high-performance PDF rendering engine
✓ Enhanced text view when reading in non-SmartFlow mode
✓ Improved support for Google Nexus 7, Kindle Fire and Kobo Vox eReader
✓ Dynamic screen support for ASUS Padfone
✓ New look Settings menu
✓ Ability to view publication cover when placing order
✓ “New” ribbon removed once publication is opened (previously removed after swiping 3 pages)
✓ Ability to tap and pause downloads
✓ Various improvements and fixes
NOW TV, powered by Sky, is now live on Xbox 360.
The instant-access movies service which has launched in the last month across PC, Mac, iPhone, iPad, selected Android smartphones and YouView, offers easy and flexible access to Sky Movies – the UK’s most popular subscription movies service – with no contract, set-up costs or installation. New customers can also take advantage of a free 30 day trial of the service.
Customers who have already registered for NOW TV will be able to access the service on the additional platform at no extra cost. This will allow them to stream their favourite movies to their main TV as well as continuing to access them on the move through their smartphone, tablet or laptop. All NOW TV customers can register up to two devices through which to access the service.
The Xbox experience will include high quality streaming at 720i resolution and access to all 11 Sky Movies live channels for those taking up the Sky Movies Pass. From today, Xbox users will be able to find the App on the homepage for instant access to the service. Kinect for Xbox 360 owners will also be able to navigate using voice and gesture controls.
NOW TV is developing for other platforms and devices, including Sony Playstation 3 and the Roku streaming player.
For more details on NOW TV, please visit: www.nowtv.com
Try it free for 30 days here
Turn 10 Studios and Playground Games, creators of the upcoming “Forza Horizon” for Xbox 360, have announced details on the VIP membership programme for “Forza Horizon.”
Like a backstage pass to the summer’s hottest musical acts, the “Forza Horizon” VIP programme is an exclusive ticket to new levels of content, excitement, and access in this autumn’s biggest racing game, “Forza Horizon.” VIP membership is included as part of the Limited Collector’s Edition of “Forza Horizon” and includes the following exclusive content.
· 2012 Audi R8 GT Spyder — Going topless in an all-wheel drive super car might be illegal in some places, but just try and catch this culprit. The R8 GT Spyder has enough power and traction to leave nothing but the brief memory of its taillights in the mind of anyone trying to match its pace.
· 2011 Koenigsegg Agera — The Agera is one of the most interesting of the current breed of hypercar. It certainly has the requisite manic power numbers courtesy of a 940 horsepower twin-turbo 5-litre V8. With a top speed of greater than 260 mph and a sub-three-second 0-60 mph time, no one can deny its performance.
· 2011 Lamborghini Sesto Elemento — Faceted like a cut diamond, there’s no mistaking the Sesto Elemento for anything else on the road—even other Lamborghinis. Sesto elemento is Italian for “sixth element”; aka carbon, a not-so-subtle hint that the body is composed entirely of carbon fibre.
· 2012 Pagani Huayra — When one thinks of Pagani cars, it’s natural to think of craftsmanship, performance, and a platonic ideal of automotive beauty. The Huayra has been a long time in the making as designer Horacio Pagani began work on the car in 2003. But, like all works of art—automotive or otherwise—true beauty takes time.
2011 RUF Rt 12 R — Starting with the traditional 911 body-in-white, RUF completely rebuilds or replaces the rest of the componentry, and the result is stunning—730 horsepower and 693 ft-lbs. of torque, enough to rival all but the most extreme supercars. While the R can do things that few cars can equal, it does so precisely and without drama; a skilled driver can use this car as a finely tuned racing tool.
In addition, “Forza Horizon” VIP members will receive the following benefits:
· Special recognition in the community as a VIP member with a VIP icon affixed to their Gamertag in “Forza Horizon”
· VIP Rivals Mode Events: VIP members will have access to exclusive Rivals Mode events in “Forza Horizon”
· Exclusive in-game gifts from the Forza Motorsport community team
· Expanded Storefront: VIP members receive extra slots for things like photos, liveries, videos, etc.
· Expanded MyForza Gallery Space: VIP’s can store an additional two videos and/or Big Shot images in their MyForza Gallery on www.forzamotorsport.net
“Forza Horizon” Limited Collector’s Edition is Instant VIP: You can get your VIP membership by purchasing the Limited Collector’s Edition of “Forza Horizon” (£59.99 ERP), exclusively from GAME and gamestation now, with the game launching on 26 October. “Forza Horizon” Limited Collector’s Edition owners will also receive these benefits:
· Custom-designed Steelbook™ packaging
· Horizon Festival ticket to access exclusive Xbox LIVE content
· Day 1 Add-on Pack with five cars (more details to come soon)
· Horizon Accelerator Token Pack
· Five exclusive LCE Car Pack liveries (more details to come soon)
Where Cars Belong: “Forza Horizon” will be available in the UK on 26 October in a Limited Collector’s Edition (£59.99 ERP) and a Standard Edition (£49.99 ERP), both available for pre-order now. The game is rated PEGI 12.
The Dropbox app for Android has been updated to version 2.1.9.
Dropbox lets you bring all your photos, docs, and videos anywhere.
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 Android device, 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 Android in a taxi, your stuff is always safe on Dropbox.
• Always have your stuff with you, no matter where you are.
• Save photos and videos to your Dropbox.
• Share your photos and docs with family and friends.
• Save email attachments straight to your Dropbox.
• Easily edit docs in your Dropbox.
• Video thumbnails
• UI improvements for Nexus 7 tablets
• Open Dropbox files directly from other apps
• Other bug fixes
Ubisoft have announced the Raven Strike DLC pack, the second Tom Clancy’s Ghost Recon: Future Soldier DLC package.
A throwback to traditional Ghost Recon gameplay, Raven Strike features larger maps, complex missions and an increased level of difficulty. It contains three campaign missions and a new Guerilla Mode map, each playable with up to four players.
Additionally, Ubisoft disclosed that the Ghost Recon: Future Soldier development team is hard at work on further DLC content planned for release later this fall.
Raven Strike DLC content includes:
3 new missions in Campaign Mode
• Secure Dawn: a foggy marsh in Kazakhstan where the Ghosts will not be allowed access to advanced technology (no optical camouflage, drone or sensor grenade)
• Cold Walker: a train depot on the Russian countryside
• Argent Thunder: a nighttime urban setting in Moscow
1 new map in Guerrilla Mode
• Sawmill: face 50 waves of enemies on a foggy Russian countryside
Raven Strike will be available for purchase for 1200 Microsoft points on Xbox Live or $14.99 in the US and £11.99 in the UK on the PlayStation Network.
Raven Strike will be available on September 11th for the Xbox 360 and Sony PlayStation 3. It will be available on Windows PC at a later date.
Do you play Ghost Recon? Let us know what you think of the game by leaving a comment below.
One of my all time favourite computer games on the ZX Spectrum was Jet Set Willy, and now it’s coming to the Xbox 360 and Windows Phones.
Elite Systems, the long established UK based developer and electronic publisher of games for portable, mobile and other devices has confirmed that its second Xbox Live Indie Game, JET SET WILLY 360 has passed ‘peer review’ and has been scheduled for release during the weekend of 24th August, 2012 … the game will also be released for Windows Phone at that time.
JET SET WILLY 360 is the near-100% original ZX Spectrum game, as written by Matthew Smith in 1984 and is being brought to Xbox Live Indie Games as an officially licenced product.
Elite MD, Steve Wilcox noted, “The release of JET SET WILLY 360 as an Xbox Live Indie Game and as a Windows Phone game is the next exciting step in bringing classic ZX Spectrum games to a new audience, via new devices and platforms and in the process restoring some order to the market. We began doing this some 22 months ago with our ZX Spectrum: Elite Collection Apps for iOS devices and in the intervening period there have been more than 100,000 paid instances. The release of JET SET WILLY 360 follows the positive reception and a successful launch of MANIC MINER 360 as an Xbox Live Indie Game and as a Windows Phone game … it’s expected to be followed by more classic ZX Spectrum Games.”
JET SET WILLY 360 features:
– full-screen and bordered portrait play / display modes
– pixel filtering on / off option
– ‘auto-save’, on exiting the game
– authentic ‘Spectrum’ sound
– infinite lives option
Personally I can’t wait!!!
Did you play Jet Set Willy? Share your memories by leaving a comment below.
