Synology Announce DiskStation Manager 4.0 Beta Program

Andrew Edney
-
4
Synology Announce DiskStation Manager 4.0 Beta Program

Synology today announced the official start of the DiskStation Manager (DSM) 4.0 beta program. During the beta program, all owners of ’08 models and newer are invited to test drive Synology’s newest NAS OS iteration, and offer feedback, including the new Cloud Station.

DSM3.2_banner_2

Cloud Station offers users a simple way to keep their data in sync, including change history, from anywhere. The QuickConnect feature allows users to sync without the complication of port forwarding.

“DSM 4.0 and Cloud Station put you in control of your own personal cloud,” said Doug Self, Product Marketing Manager at Synology America Corp. “Unlike traditional cloud services, your cloud can grow with you with no recurring fees.”

IT administrators will appreciate the additional tools DSM 4.0 brings to the table; simplifying management, and saving money and time:

  • iSCSI LUN backup software is included- saving thousands in licensing fees
  • Enhanced ADS/ACL support- edit and audit ACLs quickly and easily within DSM, regardless of OS
  • Flexible notification system, allowing granular control of alerts and delivery methods (email, IM, push notifications)
  • Improved Apple support- added support for Airport Express/Extreme and integration with
  • iCloud saves time in configuration
  • Scheduled SMART scans to keep admins in the know before problems arise

DSM 4.0 brings advances for home and small office users, too, with improvements.

  • Revamped GUI with powerful and intuitive tools to improve work flow for both novice and advanced users
  • Improved Package Management- most applications (ie. Photo Station, Surveillance Station, etc.) are now packages, added at need
  • Antivirus package- free antivirus scanning for the DiskStation
  • Enhanced mobile support- updated apps for iOS, Android (including tablets), and Amazon Kindle Fire

Synology DSM 4.0 Beta Reward Program

Synology will hand out DiskStations to three beta testers who provide the most valuable assistance and feedback during the program. For more information, please go to http://www.synology.com/support/beta_2011_dsm4.0.php

Synology DSM 4.0 beta is free to download for users who own a DiskStation x08 series and onward. Supported models include:

The download will be available at http://www.synology.com/support/beta_2011_dsm4.0.php  (as of right now it says coming soon)

We will be meeting with Synology tomorrow at CES 2012, so will have more to share then.

CES 2012–Griffin and Crayola Announce Kid-Focused Products

Jim McCarthy
-
0
CES 2012–Griffin and Crayola Announce Kid-Focused Products

On Monday, Griffin and Crayola announced several new products aimed at children.  Read on for details!

Crayola

Griffin and Crayola have teamed up to introduce apps and accessories for children.  My daughter received a Crayola coloring pen and app, called ColorStudio HD, that works on the iPad for Christmas.  She really likes it, so this news release caught my eye.  Here is the news release announcing the new products.

Griffin and Crayola to Unveil Expanded Lineup of Kid-Friendly Apps and Accessories at CES 2012
New Crayola-branded headphones, coloring apps and customizable iPod touch cases further extend Crayola into kids’ digital world
Las Vegas – January 9, 2012 – Griffin Technology, one of the world’s foremost creators of innovations for everyday life, and Crayola, whose products have inspired creative expression in children for more than 100 years, are excited to announce a new lineup of kid-friendly apps and mobile accessories at CES 2012.“With these new products kids can enjoy taking photos, listening to music and using their iOS devices in a totally new and colorful way,” said Mark Rowan, President of Griffin Technology. “Making technology fun and accessible for children is both exciting and rewarding; we look forward to a continued collaboration with Crayola in 2012 to bring kid-friendly creative experiences to the digital world.”“Our successful Crayola ColorStudio HD launch last year made it clear that kids want more Crayola experiences on their digital devices,” said Warren Schorr, Crayola Vice President, Licensing.  “We’re excited about the new lineup we’ve brought to life with Griffin and the many ways kids can bring their originality to life by customizing Crayola accessories and creating with new apps.”

Crayola MyPhones lead the 2012 lineup, available in two styles: earbuds and headphones. Both styles have built-in volume-limiting circuitry that keeps the sound pressure down to levels recommended safe for young ears.
Crayola MyPhones Earbuds come in a range of bright colors all bearing Crayola’s iconic design. Each set of earbuds comes with its own carrying case shaped like a Crayola crayon, that opens to reveal the earbuds and 3 sizes of soft silicone ear cushions, sized just right to fit kids’ ears. Crayola MyPhones Earbuds will be available this spring in purple pizzazz, cotton candy, caribbean green and blue berry for $14.99.
Kid-friendly and durable, Crayola MyPhones Headphones are designed to fit over the ears, so nothing enters the ear canal. Each set of headphones comes with stickers and Crayola markers so children can customize their headphones and make them unique and personalized. Crayola MyPhones Headphones will be available this spring in two color combinations, pink/purple and blue/green, for $24.99.New Crayola-inspired coloring apps keep young artists entertained for hours. Crayola Lights, Camera, Color! HD turns photos taken on an iOS device into personalized digital coloring pages starring your young artist. Snap a photo or grab one you’ve already taken, and Lights, Camera, Color! HD drains the color from the picture and morphs into a coloring page. Decorate the personalized coloring page digitally with stickers, simulated strokes of Crayola crayons, colored pencils and markers.
Children can put their face to a coloring page with Crayola Silly Face Swaps HD. Each coloring page character has a cut-out where they can place a  photo of their face, a friend’s face, or even a pet’s. Young artists can further personalize their coloring page by coloring it in with digital Crayola coloring tools including crayons, colored pencils and markers.
All artwork from Crayola Lights, Camera, Color! HD and Crayola Silly Face Swaps HD can be saved to a gallery, e-mailed, uploaded to Facebook, or printed out. Crayola Lights, Camera, Color! HD is now available on the iTunes App Store for $1.99. A free lite version is available, as well. Look for Crayola Silly Face Swaps in the iTunes App Store this Spring.
Crayola Case Creator is a unique combination of protective case and app to give you everything needed to create a one-of-a-kind case for iPhone or iPod touch. Let your imagination soar in the free Case Creator app by decorting a photo with digital stickers, or free-draw in Doodle mode using built-in crayons, paints and pens. Once you’re done, print your creation on the included case inserts. They’re perfectly sized to slide into the clear plastic shell to protect your artwork and iOS device. Crayola Case Creator app and case with inserts will be available for $29.99 this Spring.
The line also includes two additional ways to showcase your colorful creations and protect your iPod touch at the same time with new Crayola cases: Color Clickers and Crayon Classics.   Crayola Color Clickers, $24.99, gives you 28 interchangeable color stripes that snap onto a polycarbonate shell to create new color combinations every day.
The Crayola Crayon Classics cases for iPod touch look just like the familiar, beloved Crayola crayon wrapper, and protect your iPod touch in a variety of colors: purple pizazz, cotton candy, caribbean green, and blue berry, priced at just $24.99.
For more information about Griffin Technology, visit www.GriffinTechnology.com/crayola.
About Griffin Technology
Founded on Paul Griffin’s kitchen table in 1992, Griffin Technology Inc., is today one of the world’s foremost creators of accessories for home, mobile and personal technology. Unique products such as iTrip®, PowerMate®, iFM®, iMic® and Evolve® Wireless Speaker System have broken new ground in consumer electronics and created loyal fans the world over. Today, Griffin products are conceived, designed and developed in-house, and continue to push the envelope of the industry they helped create. Learn more about Griffin’s entire range of ingenious designs at www.griffintechnology.com. Follow Griffin Technology on http://www.facebook.com/griffintech and on Twitter, @griffintech.

About Crayola
Crayola has provided children with colors to share all that inspires them since the first box of Crayola crayons were introduced in 1903.  Whether it’s providing tools to put a purple octopus on the moon, or enabling teachers to bring arts-infused learning into the classroom, Crayola is passionate about helping parents and educators raise creative and inspired children. For more information, visit the Crayola website and join the Crayola community on Facebook.

 

HP Releases TouchPad webOS Update

Jim McCarthy
-
0
HP Releases TouchPad webOS Update

HP released a nice update to webOS for TouchPad users.  Read on for details!

tp-front-horizontal

HP continues to update webOS for TouchPad users.  Here is the blog post from HP explaining what they changed:

webOS 3.0.5

The HP webOS 3.0.5 update enhances core apps like Email and Calendar, improves the video calling experience, and fixes additional bugs.

  • Faster switching between Day, Week, and Month views, and faster event display in Calendar.
  • Faster scrolling when reading an email message.
  • Email attachments are now saved with draft messages.
  • Added sender photos and IM presence indicators in Email.
  • Improved stability when watching video in the Web app.
  • Improved handling of MP3s that are transferred from a computer using USB Drive mode.
  • Added a dedicated view of contacts available for a video call, for quicker setup of a video call.
  • New alert when video quality might be lower because of network issues.
  • When typing, pressing the space bar twice inserts a period. This can be toggled on and off.
  • Auto-correction can be turned off directly from the onscreen keyboard.
  • Added support for HTTP Live Streaming.

I updated my TouchPad tonight and noticed some improvements, particularly in the calendar and email applications.  If you are also sporting a TouchPad, go ahead and do the over the air update!

HP Updates webOS For TouchPad

Microsoft Reaches Licensing Deal With LG on Android

Jim McCarthy
-
0
Microsoft Reaches Licensing Deal With LG on Android

Microsoft announced another deal related to Android licensing, this time with LG.  Read on for details!

microsoft_gray

Microsoft has been working to enforce their patent-related intellectual property with Chrome OS and Android partners for some time.  Today, they announced a deal with LG.  Here is what Microsoft had to say:

Microsoft and LG Sign Patent Agreement Covering Android and Chrome OS Based Devices

Agreement provides broad coverage under Microsoft’s patent portfolio.

REDMOND, Wash. — Jan. 12, 2012— Microsoft Corp. and LG Electronics have signed a patent agreement that provides broad coverage under Microsoft’s patent portfolio for LG’s tablets, mobile phones and other consumer devices running the Android or Chrome OS Platform. The contents of the agreement have not been disclosed.

“We are pleased to have built upon our longstanding relationship with LG to reach a mutually beneficial agreement. Together with our 10 previous agreements with Android and Chrome OS device manufacturers, including HTC, Samsung and Acer, this agreement with LG means that more than 70 percent of all Android smartphones sold in the U.S. are now receiving coverage under Microsoft’s patent portfolio,” said Horacio Gutierrez, corporate vice president and deputy general counsel, Intellectual Property Group at Microsoft. “We are proud of the continued success of our program in resolving the IP issues surrounding Android and Chrome OS.”

Microsoft’s Commitment to Licensing Intellectual Property

The agreement with LG expands upon a pre-existing agreement, and it is another example of the important role IP plays in ensuring a healthy and vibrant IT ecosystem. Since Microsoft launched its IP licensing program in December 2003, the company has entered into more than 1,100 licensing agreements and continues to develop programs that make it possible for customers, partners and competitors to access its IP portfolio. The program was developed to open access to Microsoft’s significant R&D investments and its growing, broad patent and IP portfolio.

More information about Microsoft’s licensing programs is available at http://www.microsoft.com/iplicensing/.

It is interesting to note that Microsoft is now receiving licensing fees for 70% of Android smart phones currently being sold in the US.

Microsoft Press Release

CES 2012–I’m Watch Announces Smart Watch System

Jim McCarthy
-
3
CES 2012–I’m Watch Announces Smart Watch System

Italian firm I’mWatch announced their new product, a smart watch at CES.  Read on for details.

image

I have to say that this is an interesting product.  Italian firm I’mWatch introduced their Smart Watch system at CES.  The watch is intended to work with your phone and can extend your smart phone functionality.  Here is how the company describes the product:

THE PRODUCT Italian design and technology, multitasking, ultra high-resolution, a multi-touch screen on a curved surface are all performances and characteristics that have never been seen before on such a small object. Only a few months away from its online presentation, the first smartwatch compatible with the iPhone, did not go unnoticed by Apple fans and technophiles. This smartwatch uses Android as an operating system, the great “rival” of Apple and iOS. It is important to understand that this device is not meant to replace the iPhone. On the contrary, the I’m Watch can directly manage the iPhone thanks to the Bluetooth communication and the use of the new “Personal Hotspot” that Apple rendered available with its latest version, iOS 4.3. I’mWatch can connect not only to iPhones but also to other smartphones, Android, Windows Phone 7 and Blackberry.

THE COLLECTIONS Five different collections are available.

  • i’m Color: the youthful and colorful versione of the i’m Watch with many color options: white, pink, blue, red, yellow, green or black
  • i’m Tech: includes i’m Titanium and i’m Carbonium for a watch as strong as titanium or as light as carbon
  • i’m Silver: the elegant silver version
  • i’m Jewel: for luxury lovers, a small and timeless masterpiece: i’m Yellow Gold, i’m Pink Gold, i’m White Gold & Diamonds, i’m Black Gold, i’m Special.
  • i’m Italy: the limited edition with only 1000 pieces, made in Magnesium and with the tricolor of the Italian flag, a tribute to Made in Italy expertise

image

The price of the i’m Watch varies from 249 euros to 14 999 euros.

i’market: each App that you download brings new features to your i’m Watch. You will be able to do the impossible with such a small device: social networks, foto and videos, news and Internet, email and messages; the extraordinary becomes possible!

i’music: unlimited access to million of songs on demand, radio station access and custom-made playlists that can be directly linked and posted on your favorite social medias. You can listen to music the easy way: if you have an incoming call, the i’m Watch pauses so you can hear the phone ring. You will only need to click on the earphone icon to get the call!

i’m Developer: is the portal designed for developers who can create all kinds of apps to enrich the functionality of their i’m Watch to render it even more useful to all their personal daily needs.

FEATURES AND TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

  • analog or digital clock format
  • caller ID: name & phone number
  • calls made by dialing number or selecting name from the phone book
  • talk hands free
  • SMS preview on screen
  • Email preview: name of the sender & email object
  • international weather forecast
  • Facebook™, Twitter™ & other social media notifications
  • music download from i’music
  • applications download from i’market
  • photos and images gallery
  • stock market notifications
  • appointment and schedule reminders
  • creation and development of custom-made apps

Technical Specifications

  • Size & Weight Height: 52,60 mm Weight: 40 mm Depth: 10 mm Weight: 70 gr
  • Capacity Flash Drive: 4GB
  • RAM: 64 MB/128 MB
  • Processor CPU: IMX233
  • Display 1.54” (diagonal) color TFT display 240×240 pixel resolution 220 ppi
  • Operating System Android
  • Sensori (solo versione da 128 MB) Accelerometer Magnetometer
  • Battery Built-in rechargeable Li-Po 450 mA
  • Charging via USB to computer system or power adapter.
  • Standby time (without Bluetooth connection): up to 48 hours. Standby time (with Bluetooth connection): up to 24 hours.
  • Hands free time: up to 3 hours.
  • Time for other uses: up to 5 hours.
  • Smartphone compatibility and operating system

A lot of the i’m Watch functions require an Internet connection via tethering. The operating systems and phones to have this characteristic are the following: Android (HTC, Samsung, Motorola, LG, etc) RIM (Blackberry) iOS (Apple iPhone) Bada (Samsung) Symbian (Nokia) Windows Phone 7 Important Not all versions of the same operating system allow tethering. Not all versions of the same phone allow tethering. Not all service providers allow phone tethering.

Note: Some features of the i’m Watch can also function without Internet connection on devices that allow it (Android, Blackberry) via the i’m Sync application (Android, Blackberry).

Note: It will be possible to use SMS notifications with devices that support Bluetooth “Message Access Profile” (MAP).

Audio/video playback Compatible formats: mp3, AAC

Materials Jewel Collection: Yellow Gold, White Gold, Pink Gold, Black Gold

Tech Collection: Titanium, Carbonium

Color Collection: Aluminum. Color: White, Pink, Light Blue, Red, Yellow, Green, Black

Italy Collection: Magnesium.

image

This is an interesting product.  If you are looking for a watch companion for your smartphone, check out I’m Watch today!

I’m Watch Website

CES 2012–Rydeen Announces Android-Powered Car Radio

Jim McCarthy
-
1
CES 2012–Rydeen Announces Android-Powered Car Radio

Rydeen North America announced a new Android-powered automotive stereo unit, the Rydeen DV621 Android-powered Multimedia Receiver.  Read on for details!

Rydeen

Rydeen was looking to make the in-dash stereo experience better, and decided on an Android interface for their latest unit.  It combines a receiver, amplifier, Bluetooth radio for streaming, and several other features.  Here is the press release announcing the product:

Rydeen Showing Android-Powered Radio at CES 2012
The DV621 features double-DIN size, 6.2-inch touch screen and Android 2.2
Las Vegas – In an era when automotive aftermarket companies are working to integrate portable media players and phones to factory and aftermarket car audio systems, Rydeen Mobile Electronics is taking a different tack at the 2012 Consumer Electronics Show (CES), held in Las Vegas, Nev. The renowned provider of vehicle safety and convenience solutions is showing a beta version of the upcoming DV621, a double-DIN head unit that uses a native Android® user interface. Visitors to CES can see the DV621 at booth #6421 in the Driver Safety / Location-Based Services (LBS) Tech Zone in the North Hall of the Las Vegas Convention Center, Jan. 10-13.
“We have looked at many head units that try to mimic the ‘touch and swipe’ user experience of today’s smartphones and tablets, only to fall short due to poor processing power and other drawbacks,” said Marcos Duran, product director at Rydeen. “Still others have endeavored to recreate the icon-based interface using a connection to the smartphone. We’ve decided to remove these natural roadblocks and give users the exact experience, by turning the head unit into an Android device.”The Rydeen DV621 Android-powered Multimedia Receiver features hardware buttons, a main control knob and a 6.2-inch WVGA TFT color touch screen at 800×480 pixels that displays a customized version of the Android interface. The UI is designed to be ergonomically applicable to the vehicle environment with large icons that are well-spaced, minimizing driver distraction. TheDV621 is powered by an ARM Cortex A8 1GHz processor overlaid with Android OS 2.2. The head unit includes an add-on GPS antenna to deliver Rydeen’s visual map navigation software, or the user can select to use Google Navigation via the app selection. Internet / email access is achieved using a customer supplied dongle, which connects via a rear USB port.Like a traditional multimedia head unit, the DV621 includes a built-in, 4-channel amplifier that delivers up to 45 watts per channel. Two sets of low-level RCA audio connectors plus a dedicated subwoofer output allow the addition of aftermarket amplifiers. An additional audio/video output enables connection of additional video monitors for the rear seat, and dual-zone functionality allows rear-seat passengers to watch different content. The disc slot enables playback of MP3, WMA, JPEG, H.264 and MPEG4 on CD and DVD, and inputs for SD cards, USB drives and auxiliary audio/video are accessible from the front panel. The PLL AM/FM tuner is complemented by 18 FM and 12 AM station presets.

Built-in Bluetooth with the A2DP protocol allows the DV621 to function as a handsfree system as well as deliver streaming music from a connected portable device through the audio system. The mic is built into the front panel of the unit, though a separate mic connection is also available.

“It’s not just about making a pretty interface, it’s also about leveraging the customer’s trained interaction,” continued Duran. “Android-powered smartphones are the hottest sellers, and more people in the U.S. own Android-powered handsets than any other operating system. This means they are used to finding their favorite apps, moving them into the ideal places for easy access, and creating a personalized experience. We tried to keep that same interaction sequence as much as possible without adding the potential for distraction. As a result, there is a faster mastery of the system and higher satisfaction with the head unit because the user does not have to learn yet another interface.”

About Rydeen
Rydeen North America, Inc., melds the best of today’s technology into smart, practical devices that are easy to use, and makes them available to consumers at an affordable price. Headquartered in Torrance, Calif., with a local staff that lives and breathes consumer electronics, we create unique products focused on driver safety, convenience and lifestyle enhancement. For more information, visit our Website at www.rydeenmobile.com.

It’s really interesting to see where Android pops up next.  If you are in the market for a new car stereo unit, check out this one from Rydeen!

CES 2012—QNAP Updates NAS Product Range

Jim McCarthy
-
0
CES 2012—QNAP Updates NAS Product Range

QNAP announced an update to their popular NAS product range during CES.  Read on for details!

qnaplogo

QNAP announced an update to their Atom-powered NAS units and their surveillance products.  Here is the news release with details:

QNAP Unveils New Intel Atom Powered Turbo NAS Server Range and its Latest VioStor NVR Video Surveillance Systems at CES 2012

LAS VEGAS, NV CES Booth 36816, January 10, 2012 – QNAP® Systems, Inc. today unveils the next generation of its extremely popular and award-winning TuboNAS server lineup, along with its latest VioStor NVR video surveillance systems. In addition, the company is pleased to debut new NAS Firmware (3.6) and a new storage expansion solution for its business-class Turbo NAS.

New Business-Ready NAS Range

The new NAS series, available in 2, 4, 5, 6, or 8-drive versions, are powered by a high performance dual-core Intel® Atom™ processor. This new range provides the perfect blend of performance, business-ready features and value that make QNAP the ideal networked storage choice for small and medium-sized businesses.

New Expansion Solution for High-end NAS

At CES QNAP is also showcasing its recently announced TS-x79 ultra-high performance high-end SMB-class Turbo NAS models. At the same time the company is pleased to announce the launch of a complimentary storage expansion solution to the TS-x79 series, the JB-1200U-RP. This provides IT administrators with a flexible and economical way to expand their storage infrastructure as their business needs grow, providing over 200 TB of additional capacity.

New NAS Firmware

QNAP also announces its latest V3.6 NAS management firmware. It provides highly anticipated features including VPN Server, LDAP Server, Proxy Server, cloud music and photo sharing via a web browser, enhanced backup features, a new version of MyCloudNAS 1.2, QPKG center, and an increased range of compatible IP camera and UPnP routers.

New VioStor NVR Video Surveillance Systems

Capture HD video with robust and reliable storage from QNAP Security. The 48-channel VS-8148 Pro+ provides real-time audio-video monitoring, simultaneous playback of multiple network cameras and megapixel recording at up to 10-megapixel resolution. Store up to 24 TB of footage, or 3 TB per hard drive, with hot-swappable RAID for data redundancy. The VS-8148 Pro+ supports H.264, MxPEG, MPEG-4, and M-JPEG recording from up to 48 network cameras.

“QNAP continues to innovate and evolve NAS beyond what many thought was possible,” said Ivan Hsu, product marketing director of QNAP Inc. “During these challenging economic times QNAP has continued on a path of strong growth due to our unrelenting commitment to excellence and delivering products that meet and exceed the expectations of our broad range of customers, from the consumer right up to the most demanding enterprise data center.”

About QNAP Systems, Inc.

QNAP Systems, Inc. is a privately held company founded in 2004 and is dedicated to bringing world class NAS storage, professional NVR video surveillance, and network video players to consumer, small/medium business, and entry level enterprise market segments. QNAP leverages not only hardware design but also a growing core competency in software engineering that is precisely focused on bringing to market products that offer the highest available performance coupled with outstanding reliability, scalability, and ease of installation and use. QNAP is a multi-national company with headquarters in Taipei, Taiwan, and subsidiary offices in China and the United States.

QNAP Press Release: Update to NAS Line

CES 2012 – Buffalo Announce cloudstor Powered by Pogoplug

Andrew Edney
-
0
CES 2012 – Buffalo Announce cloudstor Powered by Pogoplug

This week at CES, Buffalo announced their new personal storage solution called cloudstor and it’s powered by Pogoplug!

1-4-11-cloudstor1

Buffalo’s CloudStor Enables Users to Seamlessly Access and Share Their Content with Anyone, Anywhere.

Here is what was said:

Buffalo Technology, a global leader in the design, development and manufacturing of wired and wireless networking and network and direct attached storage solutions, today announced the revolutionary Buffalo CloudStor™ personal storage solution. Powered by Pogoplug, CloudStor goes beyond simple storage, creating a portal to freely access and share photos, videos, music and much more with anyone, anywhere through the cloud. Unlike online storage services, CloudStor has no capacity or service fees. Just plug it in, turn it on and create your free account at mycloudstor.com. CloudStor comes with everything you need to get started. You just have to be free to share.

“The consumption of digital content is rapidly moving beyond traditional channels along with how that data is stored and accessed,” said Ralph Spagnola, vice president of sales at Buffalo Technology. “Buffalo’s CloudStor delivers on the promise of data mobility and allows your content to be shared freely with anyone, anywhere.”

CloudStor is secure because no content resides in the cloud; users own and store their files and decide what to share. Whether at home, the office or on the road, the CloudStor user experience remains the same. It looks and operates just like a hard drive inside your computer, accessible via a drive letter on PCs and as a device through Finder on Mac® computers. And with Pogoplug apps for mobile devices and easy Facebook and Twitter integration, you’ll always be seconds away from your content.

“Sharing and managing digital assets have moved beyond traditional storage and are no longer confined to one computer or network,” said Daniel Putterman, CEO of Cloud Engines, Inc. “Buffalo’s CloudStor is the first Pogoplug device with integrated storage, and coupled with the easy-to-use interface, consumers now have an out-of-box ready Pogoplug storage solution that is free of service and data fees.”

At the center of every CloudStor is Pogoplug’s cloud service. The popular service connects users to their storage and allows them to freely access and share their storage anywhere in the world. CloudStor is the first and only Pogoplug device with integrated storage. Files are securely shared between people and there is no need for user setup; just email a link to your family and friends. Consumers’ digital content always resides on CloudStor and the online service is only used to connect users and guests to specified files on the device.
In addition, CloudStor offers many traditional consumer network attached storage features including private share support for LAN based network sharing and pairing with the popular µTorrent client, allowing users to offload the task of downloading torrent files from computers to CloudStor. Buffalo CloudStor can also stream to popular media devices, including Sony PlayStation® 3 and Xbox 360®. Plus, CloudStor has an integrated Time Machine backup system that allows Mac users to use Time Machine to backup their systems to CloudStor when at home.

The Buffalo CloudStor is backed by a limited one-year warranty that includes toll-free 24/7 US based technical support. CloudStor will be available February 2011 at an estimated street price of $169.99 for the 1 TB CloudStor (CS-WX1.0TL) and $269.99 for the 2 TB CloudStor Pro (CS-WV2.0TL).

UWHS Talks to Actor Greg Grunberg About His App Yowza!!

Andrew Edney
-
1
UWHS Talks to Actor Greg Grunberg About His App Yowza!!

Last night we met up with actor Greg Grunberg and talked about TV, movies, social media and a very cool app he wrote called Yowza!!

yowza

What is Yowzaa!!

Yowza!! puts savings in your pocket by bringing you exclusive deals and coupons from over 15,000 merchants nationwide! All you need is a smartphone! And it’s free!

Here is the video we took of Greg – he explains it better, he could be an actor:

UWHS Talks to Greg Grunberg about yowza

 

Greg was very generous with his time last night – we talked about the app and why he wrote it, and he told me all about two of his new movies that are coming out (both sound fun) and we even talked about Hawaii Five-0!

The app looks great, and as he says on the video, it’s also coming the UK very soon!

AE and Greg Grunberg

Download Yowza!! Now

CES 2012 : Video of Samsung’s Smart Interaction TV

Andrew Edney
-
0
CES 2012 : Video of Samsung’s Smart Interaction TV

Here at CES, Samsung are showing of TV’s with their new Smart Interaction features, which means you can control your TV with your voice and with gestures, and even sign-in to the TV using facial recognition. UWHS had a demon and here is the video.

UWHS - Samsungs Smart Interaction TV - 6

The show floor at CES is not only heaving with people, it is very noisy, so Samsung had some fairly sound proof booth set up for the demonstration.

Smart Interaction enables you to use voice, motion and your face to control your TV, be it changing the channel, the volume, or clicking links on a web page.

UWHS - Samsungs Smart Interaction TV - 1

It acts very much like Microsoft’s Kinect device – you use the features by saying “Hi TV” then whatever you want to say or do afterwards.

UWHS - Samsungs Smart Interaction TV - 2

UWHS - Samsungs Smart Interaction TV - 5

There is even a Bluetooth connected IR blaster that can be used to extended the controls to other devices.

UWHS - Samsungs Smart Interaction TV - 4

There is a camera built into the top of the TV screen, it is very small and discreet so no large and obvious devices here!

UWHS - Samsungs Smart Interaction TV - 3

The demo was very impressive, especially given the location and surround movement and noise of CES. We look forward to seeing more of this technology in the coming months.

And here is the full video of the demo:

UWHS–Samsung Smart Interaction at CES 2012

What do you think?

CES 2012 – A Look at the WD My Book Thunderbolt Duo

Andrew Edney
-
2
CES 2012 – A Look at the WD My Book Thunderbolt Duo

Tonight at CES, UWHS was invited to a private event with Western Digital where they showed off their forthcoming WD My Book Thunderbolt Duo external hard drive.

UWHS - A Look at the WD My Book Thunderbolt Duo - 6

The drive itself looks very impressive, and you can daisy-chain up to six of them to increase your available storage.

UWHS - A Look at the WD My Book Thunderbolt Duo - 1UWHS - A Look at the WD My Book Thunderbolt Duo - 2UWHS - A Look at the WD My Book Thunderbolt Duo - 4UWHS - A Look at the WD My Book Thunderbolt Duo - 3UWHS - A Look at the WD My Book Thunderbolt Duo - 5UWHS - A Look at the WD My Book Thunderbolt Duo - 7UWHS - A Look at the WD My Book Thunderbolt Duo - 8UWHS - A Look at the WD My Book Thunderbolt Duo - 9

The speed tests that were running were very impressive!

UWHS - A Look at the WD My Book Thunderbolt Duo - 10

More info on this drive in the coming months.

CES 2012 : BOND 50 – The James Bond Blu-Ray Collection

Andrew Edney
-
0
CES 2012 : BOND 50 – The James Bond Blu-Ray Collection

Yesterday at CES, MGM and 20th Century Fox announced BOND 50, a Blu-Ray collection of all 22 James Bond films, and two former Bond girls were on hand to help.

James Bond 50th Anniversary

Here it the press release:

In celebration of James Bond’s monumental golden anniversary, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios and Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment today unveiled BOND 50, a collectible box-set featuring all 22 James Bond films on Blu-ray Disc for the first time in one complete offering. The longest running film franchise of all time, the Bond 50 collection marks the debut of nine James Bond films previously unavailable in high definition Blu-ray.  Fans around the world can pre-order now with participating online retailers.

Acclaimed Bond directors John Glen (five Bond films including For Your Eyes Only, Octopussy, A View to a Kill, The Living Daylights & Licence To Kill), Martin Campbell (GoldenEye, Casino Royale) and Michael Apted (The World Is Not Enough) with special guests Olga Kurylenko (Quantum of Solace) and Caterina Murino (Casino Royale) made the Blu-ray announcement today during a Directors’ Panel discussion in the Panasonic Booth at the annual Consumer Electronics Show.

BOND 50 showcases fifty years of Bond neatly packaged into one cool, sleek collectable box-set featuring all six iconic James Bond actors.  Produced using the highest possible picture quality and audio presentation, the collection includes all 22 James Bond feature films from Dr. No to Quantum of Solace and more than 130 hours of bonus features including some new and exclusive content.

“With all 22 feature films available on Blu-ray in one collection for the first time this is a great way for fans to catch up on 007’s epic journey before Skyfall hits theaters next Fall,” said Michael Brown, Senior Vice President, MGM Home Entertainment.  “Now viewers can enjoy the intense action of the innovative franchise in the most immersive home experience possible.”

“We have a whole program of exciting activities planned for our 50th anniversary year, beginning with today’s announcement, by Fox, of the release of all 22 films on Blu-ray for the very first time,’’ added Michael G. Wilson and Barbara Broccoli, with Eon Productions.  “We are also delighted that Fox has unveiled a specially designed anniversary poster which we hope the fans will love as much as we do. Our website, 007.com will be regularly updated with all the latest anniversary news and events.”

James Bond 50th AnniversaryJames Bond 50th Anniversary

CES 2012 – Buffalo AirStation WZR-1750H 802.11 ac Router in Action

Andrew Edney
-
0
CES 2012 – Buffalo AirStation WZR-1750H 802.11 ac Router in Action

Here at CES, Buffalo have announced their AirStation WZR-1750H 802.11 ac router, a router capable of speeds up to 1300 Mbps, and we got to see the prototype in action.

UWHS - Buffalo AirStation WZR-1750H Router -6

As you can see from the photo above, at the moment the prototype is just a chipset on a board, but it works and was running perfectly well. Buffalo told me that it is likely to look like their current router hardware when it is released towards the later half of 2012.

During the live demo at CES, there was a screen showing the network speed. The camera caught it at 790.5 Mbps, but I saw it exceed 820 Mbs during the demo.

UWHS - Buffalo AirStation WZR-1750H Router - 1

The theoretical maximum speed is 1300 Mbps, but Buffalo are quick to point out that those speeds are unlikely due to various factors.

There was a nice graph showing the speed of ac against the other wireless standards.

UWHS - Buffalo AirStation WZR-1750H Router -4

All in all this looks like a very fast router indeed, and we will bring you more information when it becomes available.

Microsoft Releases Windows Critical Security Patch

Andrew Edney
-
0
Microsoft Releases Windows Critical Security Patch

Microsoft issued Security Bulletin MS12-004, which is a Critical patch affecting Windows Media – Vulnerabilities in Windows Media Could Allow Remote Code Execution (2636391).

Microsoft-office

This security update resolves two privately reported vulnerabilities in Microsoft Windows. The vulnerabilities could allow remote code execution if a user opens a specially crafted media file. An attacker who successfully exploited the vulnerabilities could gain the same user rights as the local user. Users whose accounts are configured to have fewer user rights on the system could be less impacted than users who operate with administrative user rights.

This security update is rated Critical for all supported editions of Windows XP, Windows Server 2003, Windows Vista, and Windows Server 2008; and Important for all supported editions of Windows Media Center TV Pack for Windows Vista, Windows 7, and Windows Server 2008 R2.

If you have automatic updates enabled you should have the update now, if not, do a manual download and consider enabling Windows Update.

1...1,3921,3931,394...1,616Page 1,393 of 1,616