SkyDrive for iPhone and iPad updated to version 2.1

Andrew Edney
-
0
SkyDrive for iPhone and iPad updated to version 2.1

Microsoft have just updated SkyDrive for the iPhone and iPad, taking it to version 2.1.

mza_5070525636804073212_320x480-75_t

What’s New in Version 2.1

•    Bug fixes.
•    Updated to support iPad, including the new iPad with Retina display.
•    Choose multiple photos or videos to upload from your iPhone or iPad.
•    Share your files and photos—send a link in email or get a link you can copy and paste.
•    Manage your files—move, delete, rename, or create new folders.
•    Open your SkyDrive files in other iOS apps.

Are you using SkyDrive yet?

Take a look at the day with spent with Microsoft using SkyDrive Download now from the Apple App Store

NVIDIA to release Windows 8 certified R302 drivers next week

Andrew Edney
-
0
NVIDIA to release Windows 8 certified R302 drivers next week

NVIDIA have announced that they will be releasing Windows 8 WHQL-certified graphics drivers next week.

nvidia

This is what NVIDIA posted:

In conjunction with today’s launch of Microsoft Windows 8 Release Preview and the opening of the Microsoft Windows Hardware Quality Labs (WHQL) for Windows 8, NVIDIA has received Windows 8 certification for its new R302 graphics drivers.

The WHQL certification of R302 drivers highlights the fact that NVIDIA is in lock-step with Microsoft and is fully prepared for Windows 8.

The new Windows 8 WHQL-certified GeForce R302 drivers will be available for download early next week from GeForce.com (Note: R302 drivers will be Windows 8 only. Other Windows operating systems will continue to use R300 drivers).

NVIDIA’s Windows 8 drivers support all the features in the new Windows Display Driver Model (WDDM) v1.2. The drivers also support award-winning NVIDIA 3D Vision and 3DTV Play products, allowing you to play more than 600 games, watch Blu-ray movies and view photos – all in 3D.

So let’s keep an eye out for them next week.

We will also be meeting with NVIDIA at E3 next week to talk about their Tegra 3 enhanced gaming offerings.

E3 Computer and Video Games Show next week

Andrew Edney
-
0
E3 Computer and Video Games Show next week

Next week sees the annual E3 Computer and Video Games show in LA, and CDW will be there to cover it!

E3

E3 is the world’s premier trade show for computer and video games and related products. The show is owned by the Entertainment Software Association (ESA), the U.S. association dedicated to serving the business and public affairs needs of the companies, publishing interactive games for video game consoles, handheld devices, personal computers, and the Internet.

E3 draws tens of thousands of professionals to experience the future of interactive entertainment. The most influential people leading the most innovative companies in the business attend E3 to see ground-breaking new technologies and never-before-seen products for computers, video game consoles, handheld systems, mobile, and the Internet.

So expect lots of tweets, pictures and news as we see what’s coming this year, and next!

We will be attending all the big press conferences from Microsoft, Sony, EA Games, Nintendo and Ubisoft, so keep checking out CDW for the latest news.

Is there anything you would like us to cover? Just let us know.

Microsoft updates AutoUpdate for Mac to version 2.3.4

Andrew Edney
-
0
Microsoft updates AutoUpdate for Mac to version 2.3.4

Microsoft have released a small update to it’s AutoUpdate for Mac tool, taking it to version 2.3.4.

Screen Shot 2012 06 02 at 08 31 10

If you are running Office for Mac you should go update now.

RIM Releases PlayBook Os 2.1 Beta

Jim McCarthy
-
0
RIM Releases PlayBook Os 2.1 Beta

RIM announced the release of BlackBerry PlayBook OS 2.1.0.560 to developers.  Read on for details!

PlayBook_onBlack_front

RIM  released the latest beta version of BlackBerry PlayBook OS, version 2.1.0.560, recently.  Here is what RIMm had to say about this beta:

Today we are releasing a beta of BlackBerry® Tablet OS 2.1.0 for developers to test their applications with. Developers can test using devices or a simulator, and there are some items that I think will be of particular interest.

The WebKit implementation on BlackBerry Tablet OS continues to keep pace with the latest updates to the WebKit project. There are numerous updates included which keep the BlackBerry PlayBook tablet at the forefront for Tablet Browsers in the market, as seen by our HTML5 Test Score (391 and 10 bonus points).

This latest score at html5test.com is a bit out of date, but I’m sure that won’t last long once you’ve got your hands on the beta. The beta is an improvement of 18 points and 1 bonus point over 2.0.1, most due to the inclusion of the FileSystem API.

There are three major enhancements to the Android™ Runtime in 2.1.0:

  • Each Android app will now run in its own window. This greatly improves the user experience and consistency among the other application runtimes.
  • Access to the Camera hardware is now supported for Android apps, allowing many more application types to work on the BlackBerry® PlayBook™ tablet.
  • In-App Payment is now supported through the BlackBerry Payment SDK, so Android applications can include virtual items for sale in their applications.
But wait, there’s more!

There are a couple other items I noticed that I think will appeal to some developers. Full device encryption is now supported, so that the whole device and personal partition can be secure. If you develop an application that deals with sensitive personal information, you may want to include a suggestion to your users that they turn this feature on. Finally, there is a minor update I noticed which developers asked for and will be well received: screenshots are now saved in lossless PNG format. That should help quite a bit when you want to promote your application and add screenshots to the BlackBerry App World™ storefront.

For those of you wandering around the rest of the BlackBerry PlayBook OS 2.1 beta, you’ll notice a few extra enhancements geared towards end users such as:

  • Portrait support for Email, Calendar and Contacts
  • Improved folder support including IMAP folder support

The other 2.1 features will come full steam when the new OS is commercially released. The 2.1 Android SDK will be released in beta coinciding with the OS release, and the 2.1 Native SDK will be posted next week, with an update to the Adobe® AIR® SDK to come shortly after.

playbook2_toronto_1384c09f

I  reviewed this tablet here and and found it lacking in email and calendar apps, so these changes are welcome indeed.  If you are a developer, go and get your beta and test your apps!

Register and Download PlayBook OS Beta

Virgin Media and London Underground name first stations for London Underground WiFi launch

Andrew Edney
-
0
Virgin Media and London Underground name first stations for London Underground WiFi launch

London Underground and Virgin Media have named the first London Underground stations that will be WiFi enabled for free this summer. Stations including Oxford Circus, Stratford, Liverpool Street, Leicester Square and King’s Cross will be among the first to launch, with around 80 stations WiFi enabled by the end of July.

Wi-Fi technical testing on London Underground 4

With the eyes of the world on London this summer, Virgin Media’s next generation WiFi service will be made available to all Tube passengers for free throughout the summer. Millions of commuters and visitors to London will be able to get online at Tube stations and find their way around the capital with up-to-the-minute TfL travel information, access social media whilst they wait for their next train on the station platform or browse the web to discover the very best London has to offer this summer.

Gareth Powell, London Underground’s Director of Strategy and Service Development, said: “Our customers will soon be able to connect to the internet for live travel information while they are on the move through stations.

“Bringing a next generation WiFi service to one of the world’s oldest underground transport networks is progressing as planned and the forthcoming service is testing well.

“The first stations include some of our busiest and most well-known destinations and we’re on-track for a successful launch this summer – all delivered at no additional cost to fare payers or tax payers.”

Jon James, Executive Director of Broadband at Virgin Media, said: “In partnership with TfL, we’ve been working around-the-clock to install and test WiFi on London Underground and are about to connect some iconic and world famous Tube stations with a WiFi service London will be proud of.”

Virgin Media and London Underground engineers continue to test and prepare the forthcoming WiFi service, including recent capacity testing at Chancery Lane underground station where hundreds of devices were connected to the station’s WiFi service at exactly the same time to reproduce the service experience of a busy Tube train arriving at the station.

The new free online portal will offer up-to-the-minute TfL service information including TfL’s journey planner and entertainment and news content useful for a commute to work or trip into town.

The London Underground stations planned for installation by the end of July 2012 are:

Tube Stations

Samsung finally releases ICS for UK Galaxy Note owners

Andrew Edney
-
0
Samsung finally releases ICS for UK Galaxy Note owners

Today saw Samsung finally release ICS for UK Galaxy Note owners.

UWHS Review - Samsung Galaxy Note 028

Both Dan and I have Samsung Galaxy Notes, and we have been eagerly awaiting the release of ICS (Android 4.0) for the Note for a while now. A few people managed to somehow get it, but for most us it’s been a waiting game of constantly tapping Check for Updates, that is until today.

Dan texted me to say that his Note was telling him the update was available. Strangely mine wasn’t!

So I tapped the Check for Update and got the usual message:

CDW - Samsung Galaxy Note ICS Update - 1

I thought I would check via KIES as well, and after a quick KIES software update I was rewarded with this message:

CDW - Samsung Galaxy Note ICS Update - 7

So I tapped Updated and read the Notice telling me what was in the update….

CDW - Samsung Galaxy Note ICS Update - 2

Then I waited while the update downloaded, was prepared and then installed….

CDW - Samsung Galaxy Note ICS Update - 3CDW - Samsung Galaxy Note ICS Update - 4CDW - Samsung Galaxy Note ICS Update - 5

Finally I was told it was ready!

CDW - Samsung Galaxy Note ICS Update - 6

Then after the Note rebooted, and I was told that a number of my apps needed updating I saw what I had been waiting to see:

CDW - Samsung Galaxy Note ICS Update - 8

Have you got your update yet? Let us know how you got on.

Read Dan’s review of the Galaxy Note here

Microsoft talks about Web Browsing in Windows 8

Andrew Edney
-
0
Microsoft talks about Web Browsing in Windows 8

In the next of their Build articles, Microsoft talks about Web Browsing in Windows 8.

windows 8 web browsing

This is how they start this new article:

We built a new browsing experience in lockstep with Windows 8 to give you all the advantages that Metro style apps offer. We built that experience by extending IE’s underlying architecture to provide a fast, fully hardware-accelerated browsing engine with strong security and support for HTML5 and other web standards.

Internet Explorer 10 is designed to make website interaction fast and fluid for touch as well as for heavy mouse and keyboard use. With IE10, websites participate in the Metro style experience in Windows 8, including the Start screen, charms, snap, and more. IE10 also provides the best protection from malicious software on the web while providing convenient control over your online privacy.

The Metro style browsing experience is a better way to browse on a desktop computer with a big screen, mouse and keyboard, or on a touch-enabled mobile device. As people browse more “chromelessly” on their phones, they’ve become accustomed to a more immersive and less manual browsing experience compared with the desktop. Metro style browsing offers you a full-screen, immersive site experience with every pixel of the screen for your favorite sites. With IE and Windows 8 you can always use the charms to accomplish what you want to do next with a website (e.g. share, print, search…). We’ve heard from many people – even those with the most enthusiastic and intense browsing patterns – prefer Metro style browsing because it’s fast, fluid and more focused on what you browse than on how you browse.

To continue reading, click here.

Learn about the Windows 8 Release Preview here

Habey USA Releases New Embedded Atom-Based Board

Jim McCarthy
-
0
Habey USA Releases New Embedded Atom-Based Board

Habey USA today announced a new fanless Atom-based embedded board, with both commercial and industrial grade SKU’s.  Read on for details.

HABEY Logo

Habey USA announced today a new embedded board, using an Atom processor and fanless design.  First, some background on who Habey is:

HABEY is North American arm of NORCO Intelligent Technology Inc in China. Founded in 1991, the company has become one of the leading design and manufacturing companies in the Industrial PC field. Our products include Embedded Computing Platforms, Panel Computers, Industrial PC platforms, Server Storage Products and Network Appliances. HABEY’s products are widely used in computer-based applications such as factory automation, computer telephony integration, Network Appliance, security system, POS system, in industries like defense, police administration, banking, transportation, communication, and medical instrument.

Having multiple manufacturing facilities in China, a state-of-art research and development center, over 30 branch offices in China and across the globe allows us to delivery to our customers the most affordable products while still providing superior quality and services. HABEY is an Associate Member of the Intel® Embedded Alliance, a community of developers and solution providers utilizing Intel technology in the development and deployment of solutions. We offer board level, system / barebone level industrial and embedded PC customized design and integration service for the IPC market. Based on our professional ODM/OEM service, the customers will receive the competitive advantages with the effective reduction of the TSC (Total System Cost) and time-to-market.

Being recognized as the TOP BRAND of China in the industry, HABEY believes it is set to emerge as one of the global big names in the IPC field.

And now, today’s announcement:

Habey USA, a leading manufacturer of industrial chassis and embedded computers, today releases its new 3.5″ compact embedded board with enhanced performance from Intel® Atom™ N2800/D2550 processor offered in both commercial and industrial grade models. Built with embedded chips, the EMB-3930 offers rich connective I/Os for flexible machine to machine connection and provides provide faster processing power to increase efficiency. In addition, the new compact (5.75? x 4.00? or 146mm x 105mm) EMB-3930 embedded fanless board benefits from the Atom processor’s 10W power and low heat to function in a fanless and/or battery-operated configuration to provide greater flexibility and cost-savings. Designed to operate in space constrained environments, EMB-3930 is ideal for applications such as medical devices, industrial automation and handheld gaming, home entertainment, network devices, high-end vending machines and in-vehicle infotainment, and non-security-based applications such as VPN, network monitoring and gateway.

Product Highlight

Based off the Intel NM10 chipset, the EMB-3930 is able to use up to 4GB DDR3 memory with I/Os including 2 Intel 82574L Gigabit Ethernet controllers to ensure network connectivity, 4 RS-232 serial connection with 1 full RS-232/422/485, 6 USB 2.0s, 1 KB/MS, 2 SATAII, and 1 LPT to offer connectivity with a long-life cycle support inherent in every HABEY product. Support for VGA and LVDS displays provides diversified display functionalities including dual independent displays while offering a maximum native resolution of 1440×900 (D2550). For expansion slots, a mini-PCIe slots with option to configure to mini-PCIe SSD, 1 PC/104 slot for expansion cards, and GPIO are given for more flexibility for variety of applications. With ultra low power consumption, the EMB-3930 3.5’ uses a 12VDC input for applications that require mobility such as in-vehicle infotainment, transit systems, and much more.

Key Advantages:

– Intel NM10, onboard Intel Atom N2800/D2550 up to 1.86 GHz

– Low-footprint, Low-power consumption board with 12VDC

– 1x DDR3 800/1066MHz SO-DIMM, up to 4GB

– Support VGA+LVDS dual independent display

– 2x Gigabit Intel 82574L Ethernet

– 2x SATAII /6x USB2.0 /4x COM /1x Mini PCIe/1x LPT

Habey Atom Pic 2Habey Atom Pic 1

Pricing was not available.  Operating systems supported include Windows Embedded, Windows 7, Windows XP, Windows Vista and Linux.

Check Out the Data Sheet Here!

FireCore update Apple TV ATV Flash to version 1.6

Andrew Edney
-
0
FireCore update Apple TV ATV Flash to version 1.6

FireCore have today released an update to its ATV Flash software for the Apple TV 2, taking it to version 1.6.

overview_ui_screen

This is what FireCore posted on their blog tonight:

Hot on the heels of the new Seas0nPass release we’re happy to present to you a brand new version of aTV Flash (black). Version 1.6 adds a bunch of great new features including integrated subtitle downloads, expanded codec support, refined video playback, improved networking, additional translations and a truckload of other improvements and bug fixes.

Integrated Subtitle Downloads

By popular request we’ve added one-click subtitle downloads, courtesy of OpenSubtitles.org. Now instead of spending hours searching for the right subtitles they can be easily downloaded right from your Apple TV in a matter of seconds. Check out the screenshots below to see this feature in action.

Full Changelog

  • Added integrated subtitle downloads from OpenSubtitles.org
  • Added support for purchased iTunes content (matching iTunes login required)
  • Added video deinterlacing option
  • Added Wake-on-Lan (WOL)
  • Added Portuguese (Portugal) translation
  • Added support for displaying subtitles in lower ‘black bar’
  • Added support for .WTV files
  • Added support for multiple simultaneous AFP connections
  • Improved bulk fetching & added automatic artwork caching
  • Improved automatic downscaling for large thumbnails
  • Improved metadata reloading for images
  • Improved buffering over AFP
  • Resolved various audio synchronization issues
  • Resolved possible overflow in 5.1 AC3 audio
  • Resolved issues with zoom for 4:3 movies
  • Resolved missing audio for .dvr-ms files (ASF containers)
  • Resolved rare SRT file crash
  • Resolved issues with slideshow animation
  • Resolved file specific metadata fetching issues
  • Resolved rare ISO file crashes
  • Resolved issue with displaying identical thumbnails for images with the same name
  • Resolved metadata loading issues for files containing non-latin characters
  • Resolved rare 5ch audio file crash
  • Resolved issues with incorrect metadata for files with ‘<TVShow Name>/S01E0.avi’ pattern
  • Resolved auto-start issues in Couch Surfer
  • Reduced memory footprint for large software-decoded videos and slideshows
  • Other minor UI improvements & bug fixes

Great! Where can I get it?

If you’re already running a version of aTV Flash (black) the new 1.6 version can be installed through the Maintenance –> Manage Extras menu. Links for the new version can also be found in your account under the Downloads tab.

If you’re new to aTV Flash (black) you can learn about all the great benefits here.

Let us know what you think.

Win an NVIDIA GeForce GTX 690 graphics card and tour of Overclockers

Andrew Edney
-
0
Win an NVIDIA GeForce GTX 690 graphics card and tour of Overclockers

Overclockers UK are running an interesting contest. Two people are in with a chance at winning either a crate containing a GTX 690 or a crate full of sweets. Either way, good times!

comp

All you have to do to be in with a chance to win is buy a 5 series card between the 1st June and the 30th June.

Learn more from the Overclockers UK website

DVBLogic releases DVBLink v4.5 beta 2

Andrew Edney
-
0
DVBLogic releases DVBLink v4.5 beta 2

DVBLink TVSource, DVBLink Connect! Server and DVBLink EPG Loader for Digiguide v4.5 are released for public beta – now it’s beta 2!

dvb_thumb1_thumb1_thumb3_thumb_thumb

DVBLink products beta 2 is available! Now with the whole product line!
What is new and fixed from the previous beta / previous version:
General

– Fixed: Disappearing channels from channel selection

– Fixed: Channel preview does not work until previous preview stops

– Additional fix for growing mcepg database size

– Added: Manual trial activation

– Fixed: xmltv source not parsing xmltv files correctly

DVBLink for Dreambox

– Fixed: Channel streaming consumes hard disk space

DVBLink for Kartina.TV

– Added: support for video library and archive (Архив и Видеотека)

Notes:

– This version is not binary compatible with version 2.x, 3.x and 4.0/4.1. You will have to uninstall them completely before installing this version. Do not forget to make a backup!

– 1geek1tool products are not supported (yet) in this version

– v4.5 products use new licensing engine. This means that at the moment only trial activation is possible (e.g. your licenses for already purchased DVBLink products cannot be used with this version while it is in beta phase).

– The 4.5 update will be free of charge update for all v4 users. For v3 users the current paid upgrade rules apply.

Download Beta 2 from here

Microsoft talks about the Windows Store for Windows 8 Release Preview

Andrew Edney
-
0
Microsoft talks about the Windows Store for Windows 8 Release Preview

Hot off the heels of the Windows 8 Release Preview, Microsoft have posted the next in their series of Build articles, this time on the Windows Store.

Windows store
Here is how this new article starts:

Since we first introduced the Windows Store, we’ve highlighted many of the different investments we’ve made toward providing a fantastic catalog of apps for every Windows customer and a great, global developer value proposition. We’ve showcased everything from a user experience that supports app promotion and discoverability to language support to app licensing and analytics. After all, a thriving Store ecosystem depends on great customer and developer experiences.

The Release Preview Store contains a number of improvements for both customers and developers. The Store also continues to grow—we now have more apps from more locales, being delivered to more locale-specific catalogs. We added 33 new developer submission locales just since the Consumer Preview, and we now support 38 markets for app submission with support for more markets on the way.

The Store now offers a unique app catalog for customers in 26 markets, increasing the Consumer Preview number by 21. This number, too, will continue to grow as we continue to expand the service globally. In the meantime we continue to include a “rest-of-world” catalog for those locales we have yet to support.

To continue reading it, click here.

Learn more about the Windows 8 Release Preview here

Acer announces the Aspire One 756 netbook

Andrew Edney
-
1
Acer announces the Aspire One 756 netbook

Yesterday saw Acer announce their new Aspire One 756 netbook.

Acer Aspire 756

Slim, light and with optimal performance and battery life, the Aspire One 756 is the perfect travel companion to let you enjoy fantastic entertainment and be productive whenever and wherever you want.

Just about 1 inch thick, it weighs about 1.40 kg and with a compact form factor (29.5 cm or 11.6 inch), it’s slim and light enough to be carried around at all times.  Available in four colours – Dewdrop Silver, Ladybug Red, Ash Black, Feather Blue – this netbook looks just as great as it works. The smooth surface makes this netbook comfortable to carry, while the rounded design brings a fresh personality to this netbook series.

The full-size Acer chiclet keyboard with wide keys enhances typing comfort and provides greater tactile feedback, requiring less effort and improving productivity.

The Aspire One 756 comes with a choice of Intel Celeron processor and Intel Pentium processor, Mobile Intel HM70 Express Chipset, and Intel HD Graphics with 128 MB of dedicated system memory, for a brilliant combination of great performance, low-power enhancements, multitasking for everyday computing, and enthralling visuals with superb colour and motion.

Connectivity-wise the Aspire One 756 is equipped with Wi-Fi network connection, supporting Acer SignalUp antenna technology for enhanced transmission and reception, optional Bluetooth 4.0 plus Fast Ethernet LAN: a complete set of connectivity options to keep you in touch with everyone you care about.

Use the built-in Acer HD CrystalEye webcam and digital microphone to chat live, capture photos or video conference. The card reader makes it easier to share your favourite pictures.

On the high brightness Acer CineCrystal LED backlit panel with 1366×768 HD resolution and 16:9 aspect ratio you will be able to fully appreciate the superior quality of high definition content. And, if you want to enjoy your favourite movies or games on a big screen, an HDMI™ port provides convenient connection to the latest high-definition systems via a single cable link.

What’s more, thanks to low energy consumption components, the Aspire One 756 can extend your wireless freedom and digital fun with up to 4.2 hours of battery life.

Powerful, light and compact the Aspire One 756 is the right tool for efficient multitasking and smooth communication at home or away.

Aspire One 756 specifications

Operating system[1]

Genuine Windows® 7 Home Premium 64-bit2 Service Pack 1

Genuine Windows® 7 Starter Service Pack 1

Color choices

Ash Black, Feather Blue, Ladybug Red, Dewdrop Silver

Dimensions and weight

285 (W) x 202 (D) x 20.95 /27.35 (H) mm (11.22 x 7.95 x 0.82/1.09 inches)

1.38 kg (3.05 lbs.)3 with 4-cell battery pack

CPU and chipset

Intel® Pentium® processor 967/987

Intel® Celeron® processor 877

Mobile Intel® HM70 Express Chipset

Memory

Up to 4 GB of DDR3system memory, upgradable to 8 GB using two soDIMM modules (for 64-bit OS)

Up to 2 GB of DDR3 system memory (for Windows® 7 Starter only)

Display

11.6″ HD 1366 x 768 resolution, high-brightness (200-nit) Acer CineCrystal™ LED-backlit TFT LCD

Graphics

Intel® HD Graphics with 128 MB of dedicated system memory, supporting Microsoft® DirectX® 10.1

Storage

Hard disk drive: 320/500 GB, 2.5-inch form factor1,

2 -in-1 card reader, supporting: SD™ Card, MultiMediaCard™ (MMC)

Audio

High-definition audio support; Two built-in stereo speakers; MS-Sound compatible;

Built-in analog microphone

Webcam

Acer Crystal Eye HD webcam with 1280 x 720 resolution; 720p HD audio/video recording

Wireless and networking

WLAN:

Acer InviLink™ Nplify™ 802.11b/g/n Wi-Fi CERTIFIED™

Acer InviLink™ 802.11b/g Wi-Fi CERTIFIED™ (available only in Russia, Pakistan, Ukraine)

Supporting Acer SignalUp™ wireless technology

LAN: Fast Ethernet

[1]Specifications vary depending on model

I had a few minutes hands-on time with one on Wednesday evening and I liked what I saw.

No information yet on a UK release date or price, but we will keep you posted.

1...1,3081,3091,310...1,615Page 1,309 of 1,615