My Movies Collection Management for Windows Media Center 4.03 PR5 (Build 2) Released

Andrew Edney
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0
My Movies Collection Management for Windows Media Center 4.03 PR5 (Build 2) Released

As well as the news versions of My Movies 4.03 PR5 for Media Center and My Movies 2.11 PR5 for Windows Home Server 2011, Brian has also released version 4.03 PR5 (build 2) of the Collection Management component.

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Here is the complete changelog:

Added: Option in “Movies” settings section in WMC to hide offline play options on playback if there are online play options.
Added: When you change episode paths, it now checks if other paths are changed as well.
Added: Sort saving for title list in the Collection Management dialog

Change: Various updates to the automatic refesh rate changing functionality.
Change: Added functionality for folder monitoring to recreate watchers if they get lost due to host reboots.
Change: Refresh rate is now reset when leaving My Movies.
Change: Some internal component parts where replaced with others for the UI in Collection Management.

Fix: MediaBrowser setting did not stick.
Fix: Minor fixes to better handle non-AACS Blu-ray’s
Fix: When adding a box set the latest added title will now be the selected one after the adding proces.
Fix: TV Series on Discs did not always have their episode coupled to owned episodes
Fix: Double click on an episode on the season listing under a disc title now jumps to the right episode.
Fix: MediaBrowser XML file was in some situations still encrypted.

MM CM

Download My Movies 4 Collection Management Now

What do you think of My Movies?

Check out our review of My Movies for Windows Home Server 2011 2.0 Pre Release 7

My Movies for Windows Home Server 2011 Version 2.11 PR5 (Build 2) Released

Andrew Edney
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0
My Movies for Windows Home Server 2011 Version 2.11 PR5 (Build 2) Released

Brian has also released version 2.11 PR5 (Build 2) of My Movies for Windows Home Server 2011.

Windows Home Server 2011

My Movies for Windows Home Server 2011 operates as database back-end for My Movies clients in multi-zone environments.

The My Movies for Windows Media Center or My Movies Collection Management products can be downloaded and installed on client PC’s to maintain movies in the database on My Movies for Windows Home Sever 2011.

My Movies may not be pre-installed on commercial products, nor in any way redistributed or provided to end-users by installers that is not part of our installer program.

Change Log:

Change: Updated Nimbie drivers for Nimbie NB21.

Fix: MediaBrowser setting did not stick.
Fix: MediaBrowser XML file was in some situations still encrypted.

MM WHS

Before installing a pre release version, you must make a backup of your database using the Collection Management program. There are no guarantee that a pre release version functions as expected, and it should therefore only be used for evaluation purposes. The database backup ensures that you can revert back to the latest stable version.

My Movies for Windows Home Server 2011 2.11 Pre Release 5 can be used as server for My Movies 4.03 Pre Release 5 clients.

You can download the Windows Home Server 2011 edition here Check out our review of My Movies for Windows Home Server 2011 2.0 Pre Release 7

My Movies for Windows Media Center 4.03 PR5 (Build 2) Released

Andrew Edney
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0
My Movies for Windows Media Center 4.03 PR5 (Build 2) Released

Brian has just released My Movies for Windows Media Center version 4.03 PR5 (Build 2).

1_thumb3_thumb_thumb_thumb_thumb_thu2_thumb3_thumb_thumb_thumb_thumb_thu

Here is the change log:

Added: Option in “Movies” settings section in WMC to hide offline play options on playback if there are online play options.
Added: When you change episode paths, it now checks if other paths are changed as well.
Added: Sort saving for title list in the Collection Management dialog

Change: Various updates to the automatic refesh rate changing functionality.
Change: Added functionality for folder monitoring to recreate watchers if they get lost due to host reboots.
Change: Refresh rate is now reset when leaving My Movies.
Change: Some internal component parts where replaced with others for the UI in Collection Management.

Fix: MediaBrowser setting did not stick.
Fix: Minor fixes to better handle non-AACS Blu-ray’s
Fix: When adding a box set the latest added title will now be the selected one after the adding proces.
Fix: TV Series on Discs did not always have their episode coupled to owned episodes
Fix: Double click on an episode on the season listing under a disc title now jumps to the right episode.
Fix: MediaBrowser XML file was in some situations still encrypted.

Before installing a pre release version, you must make a backup of your database using the Collection Management program. There is no guarantee that a pre release version functions as expected, and it should only be used for evaluation purposes. The database backup ensures that you can revert back to the latest stable version.

My Movies 4.03 Pre Release 5 can be used as client for My Movies for Windows Home Server 2011 2.11 Pre Release 5 or My Movies for Windows Home Server 2.00.

MM WMC

Download My Movies 4.03 PR5 now Check out our review of My Movies for Windows Home Server 2011 2.0 Pre Release 7

Microsoft talks about Designing the Windows 8 Calendar app

Andrew Edney
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0
Microsoft talks about Designing the Windows 8 Calendar app

In the next in their series of Building Windows 8 articles, Microsoft talk about designing the calendar app.

calendar

This is how this article starts:

When we set out to design the Calendar app for Windows 8, there was no shortage of directional possibilities. Given the long history of calendars in society, and the diversity of Windows customers, we asked ourselves: What are the essential attributes of a great calendaring experience and how can we bring them to life by using the uniquely rich capabilities of Windows 8?

At its heart, a great calendar should to do the following:

  • Show your life clearly. You should have crystal clear visibility into what’s happening in your life – at home, at work, and at school.
  • Make it easy to get around. Moving back and forth in time should be quick and efficient. Opening events and appointments should feel natural.
  • Make it easy to add new items. New things are always coming up in your life. A great calendar makes it easy to make new plans.
  • Keep you on time. Well laid plans aren’t very useful if you show up late!
  • Be ready to do more. As you get busier, scheduling gets more complicated. Calendar should gracefully handle your needs as they change.
Showing your life clearly

One of the most important functions of a calendar is its ability to answer the questions “What’s going on for me today?” and “What’s coming up next?” As we designed the Calendar app, we focused on providing that clarity and eliminating distractions. Given all the potential capabilities of a digital calendar, keeping this focus can actually be quite difficult. The temptation to add extra bells and whistles can be very real. At the same time, we realized that focus is one thing paper calendars have always been quite good at — they simply present you with the calendar grid and the information you’ve written on it.

With that insight and the clear principles of what it means to be a great Metro style app, we committed to clarity of presentation. The app focuses on the calendar and your content, above all else.

To continue reading, click here.

I wonder what the next article will be about?

Dropbox app for iPhone and iPad updated to version 1.5.1

Andrew Edney
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0
Dropbox app for iPhone and iPad updated to version 1.5.1

Dropbox has updated it’s iPhone and iPad app to version 1.5.1.

mzl_tsuxouhg_320x480-75_thumb1_thumb

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.
  • Save email attachments straight to your Dropbox.

What’s New in Version 1.5.1

  • Bug fixes
Download now from the Apple App Store

Kinectimals game now available for Android

Andrew Edney
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0
Kinectimals game now available for Android

As well as being available on the Xbox 360, iPad and iPhone, Microsoft has now released Kinectimals on Android.

kinectimals android

This irresistible mobile experience gives you the chance to use your phone to visit the island of Lemuria and play with, care for and fall in love with your very own cub. Bring your pet with you wherever you go! If you’ve already experienced Kinectimals on Kinect for Xbox 360, your phone becomes the key to unlocking five new cubs on your console. Stand-alone mobile game features Kinectimals’ signature visual quality, delightful animation and brand new ways to play with your cub!

The cost of Kinectimals on Android is £1.93.

Kinectimals 1 Kinectimals 2

Buy now from Google Play

Microsoft announces the Kaiser Chiefs as Xbox Summer Stadium ambassadors

Andrew Edney
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0
Microsoft announces the Kaiser Chiefs as Xbox Summer Stadium ambassadors

Microsoft announced today that acclaimed British indie rock band, the Kaiser Chiefs, will be ambassadors for the “Xbox Summer Stadium” sports and entertainment campaign from 15 June until 12 August 2012. As part of their role the band have pledged their support to Microsoft’s charity partner, Right To Play, encouraging fans to take part in donating to a great cause.

MJB_3021

The Kaiser Chiefs have joined Right to Play Athlete Ambassadors including UK High Jumper, Martyn Bernard, and Red Bull Cliff Diver, Blake Aldridge, to deliver a special message asking fans to unite in the virtual world and support the charity. On 16 June 2012 at 6 p.m BST, fans across Europe are invited to take part in the 100m dash on Xbox Kinect Sports game and help break a Guinness World Record for the most people in an online race. Participants will not only have the chance to be record breakers, but Microsoft will also donate funds to Right to Play each time a person is taking part.

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Kaiser Chiefs lead singer, Ricky Wilson, commented: “We’re proud to be supporting Right To Play and want to encourage our fans and Xbox communities to raise funds for a brilliant cause. Tomorrow on 16 June, I’ll be joining people across Europe in the charity fun run on Xbox LIVE. It takes just 10 seconds of your time to do something which will actually help children around the world.”

On the weekend of 15-17 June 2012, Xbox is providing free access to its Xbox LIVE Gold subscription service and for every person who takes part in the charity run on 16 June 2012, Microsoft will make a donation to Right to Play. These contributions will enable Right To Play to use the transformative power of play to educate and empower children facing adversity.

Right To Play Athlete Ambassador and UK High Jumper, Martyn Bernard, commented: “Working with the likes of the Kaiser Chiefs and Xbox helps raise much needed awareness of the great things we can do together to improve the lives of children through sport. With their support and fans we hope that more children from around the world will have access to and benefit from Right To Play’s sport and play programming. Here’s to a fantastic summer of fundraising.”

Sport fans will also have the chance to represent their countries in weekly online tournaments, as well as watch the world’s greatest sports events on Xbox LIVE’s entertainment applications. The Xbox Summer Stadium campaign will culminate with an exclusive and intimate gig by the Kaiser Chiefs broadcast on the closing weekend of 10th August 2012. Xbox Gold members can watch it exclusively on Xbox LIVE via the MUZU.TV entertainment app as well as win tickets to attend the gig.

Elena Branet, Entertainment Marketing Lead for Xbox LIVE added: “We’re very excited to have Kaiser Chiefs join our campaign to bring the community together around entertainment and help raise funds for kids sports. It’s going to be a fantastic few weeks for sport and entertainment and we’re extremely proud to be hosting it all on Xbox LIVE in support of Right To Play’s programmes.  We hope our fans will take part in what promises to be a very memorable summer and enjoy the celebration with this iconic band.”

The donation site will go live on 15 June 2012, full details on how to donate and take part in Guinness World Record attempt on 16 June 2012 can be found at http://www.xbox.com/right-to-play.

We will be taking part – how about you?

Skype 4.0 for Linux Released

Andrew Edney
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0
Skype 4.0 for Linux Released

Along with an update to Skype for Mac, there is also an update for Skype for Linux – yes, Linux!

Skype linux

This is what the Skype team posted on their blog:

First off, we’d like to thank our Skype for Linux users for your patience awaiting Skype 4.0 for Linux, codenamed ‘Four Rooms for Improvement,’ which is now available. With this release, we have finally filled the gap with our other desktop clients and we are now making many of the latest Skype features, as well as a lot of UI improvements, available to our penguin lovers.
You will find four major changes in this release:

  1. We have a new Conversations View where users can easily track all of their chats in a unified window. Those users who prefer the old view can disable this in the Chat options;
  2. We have a brand new Call View;
  3. Call quality has never been better thanks to several investments we made in improving audio quality; and
  4. We’ve worked on improving video call quality and have also extended support for more cameras.

Of course, we have loads of other small improvements and fixes. As you can imagine, the list is so long it would take too much time to write it all, but some are worthy of mention:

  • improved chat synchronization
  • new presence and emoticon icons
  • the ability to store and view phone numbers in a Skype contact’s profile
  • much lower chance Skype for Linux will crash or freeze
  • chat history loading is now much faster
  • support for two new languages: Czech (flag:cz) and Norwegian (flag:no)

Note, the very first time you start Skype for Linux 4.0 might take a few minutes (depending on how lengthy your chat history is). Please do not close Skype during this time. Subsequent starts will load much more quickly.

So what are you waiting for? Try the new version of Skype for Linux and let us know what you like and what you don’t like.

Sky News app for Android updated to version 2.0.0

Andrew Edney
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0
Sky News app for Android updated to version 2.0.0

The Sky News app for Android app has been updated to version 2.0.0.

sky news android

Stay informed, and get the breaking news FIRST – free – from Sky News

The Sky News mobile app is now even better, with added depth on the big breaking news stories.

Delve deeper with image galleries, live blogs, graphs and interactive pictures, all optimised for your Android smartphone

You can read all the top stories from the newsroom with sections for UK News, World News, Politics, Business, Entertainment, Strange News, and a new Technology News section.

Key Features:
– Enjoy a whole new level of depth on the main stories of the day
– Headlines, showbiz and weather bulletins
– A new technology news section
– Send your breaking news story directly into the Sky Newsroom via Your Report

What’s in this version:

– SkyNews v2 brings you a whole new level of depth on the main stories of the day
– Image Galleries
– News Timelines
– Interactive Images
– Live Blogs
– Graphs and Charts
– Improved Tablet Support

Download the Sky News app from Google Play

Dropbox app for iPhone and iPad updated to version 1.5

Andrew Edney
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0
Dropbox app for iPhone and iPad updated to version 1.5

Dropbox has updated it’s iPhone and iPad app to version 1.5.

mzl_tsuxouhg_320x480-75_thumb1

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.
  • Save email attachments straight to your Dropbox.

What’s New in Version 1.5

• Automatically upload photos and videos using Wi-Fi or cellular data plan
• Earn up to 3 GB of extra free space for uploading photos automatically (in 500 MB increments)
• See all the photos and videos you’ve uploaded to Dropbox in Gallery view
• Move and delete sets of files at once
• Upload files of any size

Download now from the Apple App Store

StableBit Scanner 2.0 for Windows Home Server 2011 Beta Updated to 2.0.0.2362

Andrew Edney
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0
StableBit Scanner 2.0 for Windows Home Server 2011 Beta Updated to 2.0.0.2362

StableBit Scanner 2.0 for Windows Home Server 2011 is now available in beta and has been updated to version 2.0.0.2362.

An advanced hard disk surface scanner, monitor and more.

Monitors all your hard drives and ensures that every bit holding your precious data is readable.

2.0.0.2362

* Added option to refresh BitFlock interpretation data (on a delay).

* Added some more BitFlock format types.

* Sorting by Size did not work properly.

* Faster initial startup time for service. Disk enumeration is now parallelized.

* Notification checkboxes in settings now work.

* Added a new method of scanning the disk, using Direct I/O. See Scanner tab in settings. When enabled, verification sector commands will be sent directly to the disk. The drive will read the entire contents of the sector and verify the checksum, without returning any actual data. This will speed up disk scanning over BUS limited devices, such as USB 2.0, or if you have many disks connected to the same controller. Because this scan method hardly consumes any bandwidth, you can scan as many disks at the same time as you want, even on the same controller. Heat throttling continue to function, yielding on overheating disks. Scan throttling still needs to be optimized for this scan mode. Direct I/O scanning requires Direct I/O to be available on the disks being scanned. If it’s not, then the standard scanning method will be used. In addition, the Scanner will perform some statistical analysis while performing sector verification and will disable it on some disks if it is not working properly with your particular enclosure.

Download the latest beta version from here

The Home Server Show Episode 187 Out Now

Andrew Edney
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0
The Home Server Show Episode 187 Out Now

Dave at the guys at the Home Server Show have released episode 187.

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Here’s what Dave has to say about this weeks show:

Episode 187 is ready for you and we are talking about the UR3 Beta for Windows Home Server, Amazon’s music player for Android and iOS, and we go over the SkyDrive app installed on Windows Home Server and how you can get to your files remotely. All this and the week’s news.

Listen to the show from here.

Seagate and LaCie Announce Details for the Acquisition of a Controlling Interest in LaCie

Jim McCarthy
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0
Seagate and LaCie Announce Details for the Acquisition of a Controlling Interest in LaCie

Seagate and LaCie today announced the signing of binding share purchase agreements for a controlling interest in LaCie.  Read on for details.

Seagate logo

Back on May 23rd, we told you about Seagate’s intention to acquire a controlling interest in LaCie.  Here is what we told you:

Seagate (NASDAQ: STX) today announced their intent to acquire the shares of French storage concern LaCie (EuroNext: LAC) for between €4.05 and €4.17, depending on net debt levels at the closing date. The lower end of the range represents a premium of 29% over LaCie’s trading range for the last 30 days. The total transaction would be about €146 million/$186 million. Here is what the press release states as the rationale for the deal:

The transaction would combine two highly complementary product and technology portfolios, adding LaCie’s line of premium branded consumer storage solutions, network-attached storage solutions and software offerings to Seagate’s array of mainstream consumer storage products. The combination would accelerate Seagate’s growth strategy in the expanding consumer storage market, particularly in Europe and Japan, and add strong engineering and software development capabilities, as well as relationships with several key retailers.

Today, Seagate and LaCie announced that the deal had been finalized, with valuation between €4.05 and €4.17 per share, depending on debt levels at the closing date.  Here is what Seagate announced today:

CUPERTINO, Calif. & PARIS–(BUSINESS WIRE)– Following their press release issued on May 23, 2012 announcing exclusive negotiations and the receipt on June 8, 2012 of the opinion of the employee representative body of LaCie S.A. (Euronext:LAC), Seagate Technology plc (NASDAQ:STX) and LaCie announced today that Seagate, Philippe Spruch, LaCie’s chairman and CEO, and his affiliate, have entered into a binding share purchase agreement to purchase all of the shares of Philippe Spruch and his affiliate, representing 64.5% of the outstanding shares of LaCie for a provisional price of €4.05 per share (as may be adjusted downwards depending on the cash and debt position of LaCie at closing). As previously announced, Ricol Lasteyrie & Associés have been appointed as independent expert by the Board of Directors of LaCie on June 23, 2012. The transaction has already received clearance from the US Antitrust Authorities but remains subject to regulatory approval in France (approval of foreign investments by the Ministry of Finance) and Germany (antitrust filing) and to other customary closing conditions.

Following the acquisition of the control of LaCie, Seagate will file an all-cash simplified tender offer on the remaining LaCie shares at a price of €4.05 (as potentially adjusted downwards as set forth above). This price shall be increased by 3% in the event that a squeeze-out procedure is implemented (as a result of the acquisition of 95% of the shares and voting rights), resulting in a maximum potential price per LaCie share of €4.17.

About Seagate

Seagate is the world leader in hard disk drives and storage solutions. Learn more at www.seagate.com.

About LaCie

With operations in the Americas, Europe and Asia, LaCie is the leading manufacturer of storage devices for PC, Apple, and Linux. LaCie has differentiated itself through sleek design and remarkable technical performance. Find out more about our products at www.lacie.com.

Seagate closed the day at $24.03, up $0.185, or 0.77% on the day.  LaCie closed at €3.99, down €0.01 on the day.

Seagate Stock Quote LaCie Quote Seagate Press Release

Microsoft talks about Building the Mail app in Windows 8

Andrew Edney
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0
Microsoft talks about Building the Mail app in Windows 8

The Building Windows 8 articles are coming thick and fast from Microsoft – this new one is all about building the Mail app.

win 8 mail

This is how the article starts:

When we started planning the email experience for Windows 8, our goal was to create an app that embodied the Metro style design principles. It needed to be fast and fluid, be great with touch and a keyboard and mouse, focus on your content, provide the right features at the right time, and fulfill our expectations of email on modern devices. Starting from scratch gave us an opportunity to carry forward the essential functions of an email app, while also designing features with a fresh eye and taking advantage of what Windows 8 offers uniquely.

To continue reading it, click here.

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