The Digital Lifestyle Show 357 Where has my app gone?

This weeks Digital Lifestyle Show has just been released – and it’s show 357.

DLS Show

Here’s what Ian says about this week show:

We are back with show 357, Jason and Garry join me to talk about the news items from the last week including our experiences with the release preview of Windows 8. I have been testing it on a HP TouchSmart, Jason has it running on an Iconia and Garry has it in a virtual machine. We talk about the changes in this build, Flash being including in Windows 8 and the first look at Windows RT tablets.

We also talk about Microsoft’s SmartGlass for the Xbox and try to work out what it is and take a look at DVBLink 4.5 beta 2.

You can listen to or download the show from here.

CyberLink Launches Exclusive CyberLink MVP Program for Video Editing Power Users

CyberLink is launching a new CyberLink MVP – Most Valuable Professional program for power users of its PowerDirector video creation software and other CyberLink products.

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The company will be inviting these elite users to become an exclusive group that will have direct access to CyberLink’s team, latest information and software updates.  More than a million active users participate in the company’s DirectorZone site – the most talented of these will be invited to join the elite CyberLink MVP program.

CyberLink MVPs are film makers, teachers, artists, designers, engineers, wedding planners, and other professionals who possess intense know-how of PowerDirector and have a desire to actively speak out to their communities and share their expertise.  While interacting with their respective communities, MVPs provide valuable feedback for CyberLink which will be highly acknowledged.  Benefits for MVPs include early access to new product information, invitations to exclusive events and webinars and recognition by CyberLink as a MVP.

“CyberLink has a long history of working closely with our most passionate users in the product development phases,” said Alice H. Chang, CEO of CyberLink.  “We are launching the CyberLink MVP program to further strengthen the relationship, build direct communication and systematically provide the latest information and software updates to MVPs around the world.”

MVPs can join by invitation only.  For more information about CyberLink MVP program, please visit http://www.cyberlink.com/cyberlinkmvp.

Raspbmc for Raspberry Pi release candidate 2 available

If you have your Raspberry Pi, earlier this week we told you that Raspbmc was at the release candidate stage. Due to some issues a release candidate 2 has been made available.

CDW---The-Beeb--30-Event-037_thumb1_This is what was posted:

So the RC was initially a complete failure. Keyboard issues, freezing, someone even struggled to get Big Buck Bunny to play, oh the horror. Well it had to be done to advance. The problems emerged because we don’t start XBMC from rc.local anymore, but rather we introduced an upstart initialisation method. The issues are fixed and I’m ready to surge forward in testing. The keyboard issue was caused by the tty devices having the wrong permissions and then s7mx1 discovered the issue again and fixed it (he’s made some big contributions to the project). I’d also like to thank forum users for cooperating by providing logs, feedback and other diagnostic output.

As for the XBMC issues, they were caused, well, by, XBMC. Turns out the new build I compiled which uses AudioEngine is just a tad unstable! Nonetheless, by reverting to the 30/05 build I compiled, everything works again, however, the following features I promised in the RC are taken away, as they were introduced by the new XBMC build:

  • Fix for bluish tint to fanart
  • AudioEngine
  • Menu sounds

Fear not! These features and bug fixes will be back, but only when XBMC is more mature for the Pi. But let’s not be dwell on the negatives, RC2 is not just a bugfix, but also introduces:

  • More refined update system, cheers Snakkles.
  • Completely blank screen now before initialisation
  • File system tweaks
  • Low CPU when idling
  • Less heat output.
  • XBMC configuration tweaks

To get the new beta, you’ll need to reimage your SD card with the installer, available here.

Check out the videos we made with Eben Upton

Amazon Mobile app for iOS updated to version 1.9.1

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This Amazon Mobile app for the iPhone and iPad has been updated to version 1.9.1.

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Quickly search, get product details, read reviews and purchase millions of products available from Amazon.com and other merchants.

Convenient
Sign in with your existing Amazon account to access your cart, payment and shipping options. No need to create a new account to manage your 1-Click settings and wish lists, track your orders and use your Prime membership benefits. Shop just as you do on the web.

Fast
Compare prices and check availability instantly by scanning a barcode, snapping a picture or typing your search.

Secure
All purchases are routed through Amazon’s secure servers.

Universal
Shop Amazon.co.uk, Amazon.de, Amazon.fr, Amazon.com, Amazon.it, Amazon.cn or Amazon.co.jp from a single app.

What’s New in Version 1.9.1

Bug fixes and performance enhancements

Download now from the Apple App Store

LinkedIn app for iOS updated to version 5.0.3

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The LinkedIn app for iOS has been updated to version 5.0.3.

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Get on-the-go access to your professional network with LinkedIn for iPhone & iPad. Find and connect with more than 150M members worldwide, read the latest industry news, keep up-to-date with your groups, and share content with your network from anywhere.

What’s New in Version 5.0.3

  • Miscellaneous bug fixes
  • Improvements in calendar
Download now from the Apple App Store Read Jim’s post about LinkedIn passwords being compromised

E3 2012: Nintendo Announces Wii U

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Nintendo revealed their new console, the Wii U at E3 this week.  We have some details!

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Nintendo revealed the Wii U console at E3 this week.  This is what Nintendo had to say about their upcoming console:

 

NINTENDO’S Wii U USHERS IN NEW AGE OF VIDEO GAMES WITH INTEGRATED SECOND-SCREEN EXPERIENCE

 

The Biggest Names in Video Games Bringing Their Best Franchises to Wii U; Company Provides Details about Social and Broader Entertainment Strategies with Miiverse and Partnerships

LOS ANGELES, June 5, 2012 – Nintendo revealed a massive lineup of first- and third-party video games for its upcoming Wii U home console today, including new games in the Super Mario Bros., Pikmin, Wii Fit, Batman: Arkham City, Scribblenauts, Assassin’s Creed and Just Dance franchises. The Wii U console launches this holiday season and introduces the Wii U GamePad, a controller with a 6.2-inch touch screen that redefines how people interact with their games, their entertainment and one another. Video game publishers from around the world, including Ubisoft, Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment, Electronic Arts, SEGA, THQ and NAMCO BANDAI Games Inc. are demonstrating how their biggest franchises are being reimagined for Wii U.

In addition to the wide array of established brands shown during the Nintendo All-Access Presentation @ E3 2012, Nintendo also revealed new games like Nintendo Land, a Wii U game set in a virtual theme park with a dozen attractions inspired by fan-favorite Nintendo franchises such as The Legend of Zelda and Donkey Kong. Just as the motion-controlled games in Wii Sports helped players discover the fun of the Wii console, Nintendo Land brings the promise of the GamePad to life with a range of single-player and multiplayer experiences.

Nintendo Land introduces the entirely new dynamic of asymmetric game play, where the images being displayed on the GamePad are entirely different than what is seen on the TV. Giving the player with the GamePad different information, viewpoints, advantages and objectives creates completely new cooperative and competitive opportunities and enables novice and advanced players to enjoy games together and not be forced to play above or below their skill level.
“The GamePad doesn’t just introduce a new type of game play, it redefines an entire dynamic. With asymmetric game play, multiple experiences are possible in the same game at the same time. That’s transformative,” said Nintendo of America President and COO Reggie Fils-Aime. “While games are the focus of this year’s E3, the Wii U story also includes the enhanced social connections and integrated entertainment experiences created by the GamePad. We’re providing a glimpse of that with the introduction of Miiverse and by revealing partnerships with some of the biggest content providers on the planet.”

Mario will leap onto Wii U in New Super Mario Bros. U, a new side-scrolling adventure that introduces new transformations for Mario and the ability for players to play as their Mii characters. The game also introduces the new Boost Mode, which can be used to add blocks, to help players avoid enemies, enable Mario to discover secrets or allow multiple players working together to perform a speed run in record time.

Nintendo’s Shigeru Miyamoto, the creator of a number of original and popular Nintendo franchises, joined the Nintendo All-Access Presentation @ E3 2012 to introduce Pikmin 3, the first original entry in the Pikmin franchise in nearly eight years. The game includes new challenges, new characters and mysterious new Pikmin types. The Wii U GamePad creates new player experiences for the real-time strategy franchise by reinventing the control scheme and challenging players in exciting new ways. Pikmin 3 also takes advantage of the HD capabilities of Wii U to more elaborately depict the rich nature landscapes, various creatures and the lovable Pikmin.

SiNG (working title) is a new interactive musical performance game for Wii U that gets everyone at the party involved in the music. With dozens of popular songs to choose from, everyone from novice singers and dancers to budding stars can join in on the fun. The main performer holds the GamePad while others in the room sing, dance and clap along with the music.

Wii Fit U is a new installment in the Wii Fit series, a brand that has sold more than 40 million units worldwide. The game combines fun and fitness with new exercises and activities, and incorporates the GamePad in unique ways. It’s compatible with the existing Wii Balance Board, and Wii Fit and Wii Fit Plus owners can transfer their existing workout data. Nintendo also revealed the Fit Meter, an advanced activity monitor that will be packaged with the game and enables users to track fitness activities throughout the day and upload that data back into Wii Fit U.
In LEGO City: Undercover developed by TT Games and published by Nintendo, players assume the identity of Chase McCain, an undercover detective armed with clever disguises. As players run, drive and even fly through the city, they’ll use the Wii U GamePad as a map, communicator and indispensable crime scanner. This is the first time that the LEGO City play sets have come to life on a gaming platform and it’s exclusively on the Wii U console.

Also exclusive to the Wii U is a new franchise from Ubisoft called ZombiU, which puts players in the middle of London circa 2012 where an outbreak has infected the population, destroying their humanity and turning them into mindless monsters. Ubisoft will also bring the highly anticipated Assassin’s Creed III to Wii U, as well as Just Dance 4, a new installment in the Just Dance series.

Amazon Kindle update 4.1.0 coming with parental controls

In the next few weeks, Amazon will be releasing an update for its £89 Kindle, bringing with it a number of new features, including parental controls.

KT-slate-02-sm._V166936564_This is what is including in the new update:

  • Improved reading font that is higher contrast and crisper so that you can enjoy a paper-like reading experience.
  • Parental Controls that allow you to restrict access to the Experimental Web Browser, Archived Items, and the Kindle Store.
  • Support for books with complex layouts and formats with Kindle Format 8.
  • Support for children’s books with Kindle Text Pop-Up and comic books with Kindle Panel View (which allows you to read a comic book panel by panel). Books that support these features will be available in the Kindle store over the next few weeks.
  • Dictionaries grouped into a collection in Home and Archived Items called “Dictionaries” for better organization.
  • Improved table and image viewing (panning and zooming) on supported titles.

This update will be delivered automatically over Wi-Fi, so keep your eyes open for it. This update is only for Kindle and not compatible with Kindle Keyboard or Kindle Touch.

Check out Dan’s review of the Kindle here

LinkedIn Confirms Some Passwords Compromised

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LinkedIn has confirmed earlier reports of a hack that compromised some member passwords.  Read on for details.

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LinkedIn has confirmed that someone managed to compromise user passwords for some site members.  LinkedIn has disabled current passwords for impacted members and is contacting them to ensure that they reset passwords.  In addition, they are implementing more hardening measures to protect passwords in the future.  Here is the announcement:

An Update on LinkedIn Member Passwords Compromised

Vicente Silveira, June 6, 2012

We want to provide you with an update on this morning’s reports of stolen passwords. We can confirm that some of the passwords that were compromised correspond to LinkedIn accounts. We are continuing to investigate this situation and here is what we are pursuing as far as next steps for the compromised accounts:

  • Members that have accounts associated with the compromised passwords will notice that their LinkedIn account password is no longer valid.
  • These members will also receive an email from LinkedIn with instructions on how to reset their passwords. There will not be any links in these emails. For security reasons, you should never change your password on any website by following a link in an email.
  • These affected members will receive a second email from our Customer Support team providing a bit more context on this situation and why they are being asked to change their passwords.

It is worth noting that the affected members who update their passwords and members whose passwords have not been compromised benefit from the enhanced security we just recently put in place, which includes hashing and salting of our current password databases.

We sincerely apologize for the inconvenience this has caused our members. We take the security of our members very seriously. If you haven’t read it already it is worth checking out my earlier blog post today about updating your password and other account security best practices.

If you can’t log into the service, check your email to see if they disabled your password.  If so, follow the process to reset it.  Here’s hoping that LinkedIn’s countermeasures secure user data, and if there are any developments, we’ll bring them to you.

LinkedIn Blog Post

CyberLink Shows Off Digital Media Applications for Windows 8

Today at Computex in Taipei, CyberLink showed off several digital media applications for Windows 8.  We’ll bring you some of the details.

CyberLink Logo

Today at Computex in Taipei, CyberLink showed off several digital media applications for Windows 8. Here is what they showcased:

CyberLink Showcases Digital Media Playback and Creation Apps for Upcoming Windows 8 Metro at Computex 2012

London, UK5 June 2012CyberLink Corp. (5203.TW), an innovative solution provider for the connected digital lifestyle, will showcase three new apps specifically designed for Microsoft’s Windows 8 Metro interface at Computex 2012. From media playback and camera effect to video editing, the three new apps optimize Metro’s touch-friendly interface to empower consumers to enjoy and create their media content intuitively.

The three new apps for Windows 8 Metro include:

PowerDVD Metro: A universal multimedia player app, PowerDVD Metro offers a complete media gallery support for videos, photos and music, together with premium features like Dolby and DTS audio. The app provides broad video and photo format support including MKV, MPEG, MP4 and M2TS.

YouCam Metro: An intuitive app for built-in camera effects, YouCam Metro allows consumers to capture videos and photos instantly, apply a wide range of fun effects, and tag photos with CyberLink’s FaceMe™ face recognition technology. YouCam Metro is now available in Microsoft’s Windows 8 Beta Store.

PowerDirector Metro: An on-the-spot video-editing app, PowerDirector Metro facilitates video editing and slideshow creation when consumers require their recorded video content to be edited and distributed quickly, directly from their mobile devices. In addition, a selection of Magic Style pro-designed templates allows consumers to create polished movies automatically.

“From the comfort of your home to the energetic on-the-go life style, CyberLink offers a seamless entertainment experience across all platforms,” said Alice H. Chang, CEO of CyberLink. “We are delighted to showcase our three new Metro-style apps, each of which takes advantage of the unique capabilities of the Windows 8 platfom to make enjoyment and creation possible anytime, anywhere.”

Availability:

CyberLink’s Multimedia Apps will be on shelf in Microsoft’s Windows 8 Beta Store upon the launch of Windows 8. Now, the apps can be exclusively previewed at Computex 2012 in Grand Hyatt Taipei, Suite 1148, June 5-9. For a first-hand experience, please contact us to arrange a meeting with us at Computex.

 

XBMC Outlines May Build Changes

XBMC has moved to a monthly build cycle and XBMC outlined the changes from the May development efforts. Read on for details.

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A few days back, we told you that XBMC was adding HD audio to its feature set.  Today, XBMC clarified other changes that were made in May and reminded us that they have moved to a monthly release cycle for beta builds.

As a refresher, this is how XBMC describes its software:

XBMC is an award-winning free and open source (GPL) software media player and entertainment hub for digital media. XBMC is available for Linux, OSX, and Windows. Created in 2003 by a group of like minded programmers, XBMC is a non-profit project run and developed by volunteers located around the world. More than 50 software developers have contributed to XBMC, and 100-plus translators have worked to expand its reach, making it available in more than 30 languages.

While XBMC functions very well as a standard media player application for your computer, it has been designed to be the perfect companion for your HTPC. Supporting an almost endless range of remote controls, and combined with its beautiful interface and powerful skinning engine, XBMC feels very natural to use from the couch and is the ideal solution for your home theater.

Currently XBMC can be used to play almost all popular audio and video formats around. It was designed for network playback, so you can stream your multimedia from anywhere in the house or directly from the internet using practically any protocol available. Use your media as-is: XBMC can play CDs and DVDs directly from the disk or image file, almost all popular archive formats from your hard drive, and even files inside ZIP and RAR archives. It will even scan all of your media and automatically create a personalized library complete with box covers, descriptions, and fanart. There are playlist and slideshow functions, a weather forecast feature and many audio visualizations. Once installed, your computer will become a fully functional multimedia jukebox.

It is difficult to put into words all that XBMC can do, head to the gallery to see some examples, or take the plunge and Try it Today.

And now for today’s news:

XBMC 11.0 – May Cycle

As mentioned previously, we have now moved into a monthly development cycle, in which we merge new features at the beginning of the month and then perform bug fixes through the rest of the month. This means, at the end of every month, developers, bug-reporters, and those willing to deal with potentially highly unstable builds can try a snapshot from the current development cycle, and the organization, in turn, will have a more stable and predictable development process. For those of you who would prefer a stable version of XBMC, we will always recommend the most recent stable release (XBMC 11.0), but for the brave, you are welcome to try the end of the month build. To give an idea of just how unstable/alpha these builds can be, there will almost certainly be months in which some platforms won’t actually have usable builds. As always, we recommend you backup your userdata folder before upgrading.

With that said, let’s review some of the more notable changes in the May Changelog.

AudioEngine

As many of you no doubt already know by now, the really big code update this cycle was the inclusion of AudioEngine, led by gnif, into XBMC proper. For more information on this massive code shift, visit this post or check the wiki.

Hi10P

On an only slightly less frequently requested note, anime fans will be happy to learn that elupus has incorporated Hi10P playback into XBMC. A massive caveat to this development is that, in order to play back 1080p 10bit video, you are going to need an incredibly powerful machine with a very fast CPU (we’re talking desktop grade hardware). Users are reporting that 720p video appears to be at least workable on your lower level CPUs, but any expectations for silky smooth playback on something like the NVIDIA ION platform will almost certainly be met with disappointment. With that said, if you are currently running a fairly powerful machine, XBMC is finally ready to play your anime.

Dropbox App for Android Updated to version 2.1.4.

The Dropbox app for Android has been updated, bringing with it a number of fixes.

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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.

Features:

• 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.

What’s in this version:

• Custom-tailored video streaming for ICS users
• Language support for our Korean speaking friends — 안녕하세요!
In 2.1:
• Automatically uploads photos and videos in the background using Wi-Fi or data plan
• Up to 3 GB of free space for uploading photos automatically (in 500 MB increments)
• Upload files of any size

Download now from Google Play

E3 2012: Ubisoft Announces Rayman Legends for Wii U

Ubisoft announced the game Rayman Legends for Wii U at E3.  We have some details!

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Rayman Legends, the follow-on to last year’s Rayman Origins, was announced the other day at E3.  This game will be released for the Wii U.  Here are some details of the announcement:

UBISOFT EMBARKS ON A LEGENDARY ADVENTURE WITH RAYMAN LEGENDS®

LOS ANGELES — June 4, 2012 — Today at the Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3), Ubisoft® revealed Rayman Legends, a brand new platforming adventure with innovative social features for the Nintendo Wii UTM.

Developed by Ubisoft Montpellier, Rayman Legends is the follow-up to last year’s highly-acclaimed Rayman Origins. Rayman Legends takes full advantage of the Wii UTM controller to bring players innovative multiplayer interactions that go beyond those found in traditional platform games. Players can use the Wii UTM controller’s touch screen to take out enemies or clear paths and use the gyroscope technology to manipulate and rotate platforms on the TV screen. The Wii UTM controller also allows players to continue the adventure of Rayman and his friends on the controller’s screen even while the television is off.

Rayman Legends retains the fantasy appeal of its predecessor while adding a multitude of clever and entertaining gaming modes, new characters, new environments and a new soundtrack. The game features a variety of uniquely-themed levels, including several musical maps set to creative soundtracks and a spooky, medieval theme. Players also can connect online with friends for a variety of challenges that test their skill and speed, and can see where they rank on the worldwide leaderboards. The award-winning team of artists, designers and composers behind the UbiArt engine also have added multi-dimensional gameplay elements, an improved lighting system and improved graphics rendering in Rayman Legends.

“Ubisoft is exploring new concepts in gaming by combining the innovative Wii UTM technologies with the marvelous art direction and creative ambition of the Montpellier team.” said Michel Ancel, creative director at Ubisoft.

Enjoy these screenshots!

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And here is a video walkthrough from Ubisoft’s E3 coverage.

Ubisoft provided no release date. For more information, check out their dedicated website here.

Rayman Legends Website

A closer look at the Nintendo Wii U GamePad

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This morning at the Nintendo press conference there was a Wii U GamePad on display, and it was the black one!

CDW - Nintendo Wii U GamePadHere is some more information on the GamePad:

The Wii U GamePad controller removes the traditional barriers between games, players and the TV by creating a second window into the video game world.

It incorporates a 6.2-inch, 16:9 aspect ratio LCD touch screen, as well as traditional button controls and two analog sticks.

Inputs include a +Control Pad, L/R sticks, L/R stick buttons, A/B/X/Y buttons, L/R buttons, ZL/ZR buttons, Power button, HOME button, -/SELECT button, +/START button, and TV CONTROL button.

The GamePad also includes motion control (powered by an accelerometer, gyroscope and geomagnetic sensor), a front-facing camera, a microphone, stereo speakers, rumble features, a sensor bar, an included stylus and support for Near Field Communication (NFC) functionality.

It is powered by a rechargeable lithium-ion battery and weighs approximately 1.1 pounds (500 g).

So what do you think of it?

Microsoft talk about IPv6 in Windows 8

In the next in their Building Windows 8 series, Microsoft talks about IPv6, and why it is important within Windows 8.

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This is how they start the blog post:

IPv4 is the Internet Protocol that has been used for Internet connectivity for decades. However, IPv4 was never designed for such load and scale, and it is beginning to show signs of strain as the Internet grows—even though the incredible foresight of the original designers continues to power the Internet at a massive scale. Internet service providers are finding IPv4 increasingly costly to maintain; it will require an overhaul to sustain the upcoming onslaught of connected PCs and devices.

For several years, the industry, including Microsoft, has been working to roll out a completely new version of the Internet Protocol – IPv6 – across various devices, services, and network infrastructure. Windows releases since Windows XP SP3 have supported IPv6, making the IPv6 transition possible. We have engineered Windows 8 to keep you (and your apps) reliably connected as this dramatic transition takes place.

To continue reading it, click here.