My Movies Collection Management for Windows Media Center 4.02 PR6 Released

Andrew Edney
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0
My Movies Collection Management for Windows Media Center 4.02 PR6 Released

As well as the PR6 updates for My Movies 4.02 for Media Center and My Movies 2.10 PR5 updates for Windows Home Server 2011, Brian has also released version 4.02 PR6 of the Collection Management component.

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Here is the changelog:

Added: Option to debug playback by adding DWORD “PlayBackDebug” in HKLM\Software\My Movies and setting it to 1.
Added: “certification” node to NFO XML for YAMJ
Added: TV Series are now synchronized to and from the webserver.
Added: Only added/deleted/changed titles are updated on database sync.

Changed: Series search now uses language search on server.
Changed: Folder monitoring now checks if titles on UNC paths that no longer exists have the above folder existing, and if so, removes the title, where it previously was kept.

Fix: Dune index was broken due to some changes in Windows Home Server part.
Fix: Connection was not closed, causing load of TV Episodes to be slow.
Fix: Playlist files played as audio rather than video.
Fix: Background graphics for watched/unwatched count did not disappear on TV Series when last show was watched or unwatched.
Fix: Unidentified disc dialog could come up when it should not.
Fix: Watched changes on from a season did not update all seasons or visa versa.
Fix: Reverting fix to help proper stop, as it gave problems.

 

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

My Movies 4.02 Pre Release 6 can be used as client for My Movies for Windows Home Server 2011 2.10 Pre Release 5 or My Movies for Windows Home Server 2.00.

MM CM 4.02 PR6

Download My Movies 4 Collection Management Now

I’m updating from 4.02 PR5 right now!

What do you think of My Movies?

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

My Movies for Windows Home Server 2011 Version 2.10 PR5 Released

Andrew Edney
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0
My Movies for Windows Home Server 2011 Version 2.10 PR5 Released

Brian has also released version 2.10 PR5 of My Movies for Windows Home Server 2011.

Windows Home Server 2011

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

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

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

Change Log:

My Movies for Windows Home Server 2011 2.10 Pre Release 5

Added: Title Collection

Fix: Report unidentified disc had incorrect label.
Fix: AnyDVD controls was not hidden by default on installer installations as it should have been.
Fix: Filenaming on conversion of TV Series disc without mapping is now with the disc title first and the title index at the end.
Fix: minor GUI error when scrollbar is not visible on Disc Copier.
Fix: A lot of small fixes for converter, when adding all disc titles.
Fix: Conversion and automatic backup will now not run simultaneously anymore.
Fix: Add to converter queue now adds the whole title (all discs and sides).

MM WHS 2011 2.10 PR5

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

My Movies for Windows Home Server 2011 2.10 Pre Release 5 can be used as server for My Movies 4.02 Pre Release 6 clients.

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

My Movies for Windows Media Center 4.02 PR6 Released

Andrew Edney
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1
My Movies for Windows Media Center 4.02 PR6 Released

Brian has just released My Movies for Windows Media Center version 4.02 PR6.

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Here is the change log:

Added: Option to debug playback by adding DWORD “PlayBackDebug” in HKLM\Software\My Movies and setting it to 1.
Added: “certification” node to NFO XML for YAMJ
Added: TV Series are now synchronized to and from the webserver.
Added: Only added/deleted/changed titles are updated on database sync.

Changed: Series search now uses language search on server.
Changed: Folder monitoring now checks if titles on UNC paths that no longer exists have the above folder existing, and if so, removes the title, where it previously was kept.

Fix: Dune index was broken due to some changes in Windows Home Server part.
Fix: Connection was not closed, causing load of TV Episodes to be slow.
Fix: Playlist files played as audio rather than video.
Fix: Background graphics for watched/unwatched count did not disappear on TV Series when last show was watched or unwatched.
Fix: Unidentified disc dialog could come up when it should not.
Fix: Watched changes on from a season did not update all seasons or visa versa.
Fix: Reverting fix to help proper stop, as it gave problems.

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

My Movies 4.02 Pre Release 6 can be used as client for My Movies for Windows Home Server 2011 2.10 Pre Release 5 or My Movies for Windows Home Server 2.00.

MM WMC 4.02 PR6

Download My Movies 4.02 PR6 now Check out our review of My Movies for Windows Home Server 2011 2.0 Pre Release 7

StarTech Announce Standalone 1:3 Hard Drive Duplicator Dock

Andrew Edney
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0
StarTech Announce Standalone 1:3 Hard Drive Duplicator Dock

StarTech have just announced a new standalone hard drive duplicator dock that is capable of duplicating a single hard drive to three drives.

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StarTech.com, a leading manufacturer of hard-to-find connectivity parts has announced the release of the (SKU: SATDOCK4U3RE) USB 3.0/eSATA to SATA Standalone 1:3 Hard Drive Duplicator Dock, which enables users to perform 1:3 sector-by-sector duplication from a single SATA hard drive onto three others simultaneously, without having to connect the dock to a host computer. The Duplicator Dock also includes a SATA to IDE adapter, which provides the option of connecting an IDE hard drive in one of the SATA slots.

“IT professionals are always looking for ways to make their jobs more efficient and this new multi-drive duplicator allows them to accomplish just that,” commented StarTech.com Senior Product Manager, Carey Cline. “The ability to perform a sector by sector duplication on up to three drives simultaneously, frees up the user’s time to perform other functions while the back-ups are created in the background. The fact it acts as a standalone unit also means it doesn’t use up resources on their computer system.”

The duplicator dock can also be used as an external 4-bay hard drive dock, connected through either USB 3.0 or eSATA, providing an easy way to add and remove bare external hard drives from a computer system.

Other features and benefits of the Hard Drive Duplicator Dock (SATDOCK4U3RE) include:

· Up to 72 MBps data transfer rates between drives, when used for hard drive duplication

· Up to 5Gbps or 3Gbps data transfer rates (connected through USB 3.0 or eSATA, respectively), when utilized as an external drive docking station

· Secure Erase feature simplifies erasing/wiping drive contents for further cloning use or disposal of a hard drive

· Dual 60mm cooling fans mounted beneath the drives help to keep docked hard drives at optimal operating temperatures

· Supports 2.5” or 3.5” form factor hard drives (HDDs) or Solid State Drives (SSDs)

· Integrated LCD displays duplication progress and duplicator options menu

· Included SATA to IDE adapter enables users to dock an IDE hard drive in place of a SATA hard drive in one of the four bays, making it possible to copy the contents of an IDE hard drive onto three SATA drives where necessary, when IDE drive is used in source slot

The USB 3.0/eSATA to SATA Standalone 1:3 Hard Drive Duplicator Dock (SKU: SATDOCK4U3RE) is available for purchase from leading technology resellers including Misco, ebuyer.com, Insight, Amazon and Dabs.com and is distributed by Ingram Micro, EntaTech and Micro-P. RRP for this product is £453.99 in the UK.

Check out our review of the StarTech Hard Drive Duplicator and Docking Station

Motorola Mobility Launches Two New Tablets in the UK and Ireland

Andrew Edney
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0
Motorola Mobility Launches Two New Tablets in the UK and Ireland

Motorola XOOM 2 and Motorola XOOM 2 Media Edition are powerful, portable and ready to take on the world – according to Motorola.

XOOM2_mediaedition_Dyn_R_horiz_MovieFlemming_Front_1, 8/10/11, 3:52 PM, 8C, 4800x3300 (648+2456), 100%, Bent 6 Adjuste, 1/20 s, R72.8, G60.0, B89.6

The new Motorola XOOM 2 and Motorola XOOM 2 Media Edition both feature Android 3.2, a dual-core 1.2 GHz processor, brilliant displays with Corning Gorilla Glass and a splashguard coating for a go anywhere, do everything attitude. In addition, both tablets include the new MotoCast app that lets you stream all your music, photos, videos and documents between your PC or Mac and tablet without any media tools, apps, or cords.

Motorola XOOM 2: Lighter and Brighter

Motorola XOOM 2 with Wi-Fi sports a 10.1-inch widescreen HD display and Android 3.2 Honeycomb like its predecessor, but the similarities end there. The display is brighter and more vibrant than before with colour enhancement, and the edges have been strategically designed to make the tablet more comfortable to hold — this tablet is easy on the eyes, and easy on the hands. It is compatible with the optional Motorola Stylus that is great for note-taking, hand-writing emails and sketching. Motorola XOOM 2 is loaded with Business Ready features like VPN support and data encryption.

Motorola XOOM 2 with Wi-Fi features MOTOPRINT integrated into key apps so you can print wirelessly from your tablet. It is approximately 100 grams lighter than the original Motorola XOOM to make it even easier to take on the road, and can withstand poolside use, spilled drinks or dashes out to the car in the rain thanks to its new splash-guard coating. A battery delivering more than 10 hours of video playback means it can go with you wherever you need to be.

Motorola XOOM 2 Media Edition: Beat your Boredom

Motorola XOOM 2 Media Edition with Wi-Fi is easy to hold with one hand thanks to its 8.2-inch display, and easy to take with you wherever you go, weighing less than the best-selling paperback you’ve been carrying around. Optimised for entertainment, it has a wide, 178 degree viewing angle. Hold it up to someone across the room, or share it with someone sitting next to you, and everyone gets a brilliant view.

Motorola XOOM 2 Media Edition has a 20 percent improvement in graphics performance over the original Motorola XOOM for smoother gaming, features adaptive virtual surround sound with booming bass that’ll delight your ears, and stands out from the crowd with the fastest multi-tasking in its class. It can even be a universal remote control for home AV equipment with the personalized, custom remote control app pre-loaded on the tablet. Lastly, a splash-guard coating provides extra protection against the spills that are bound to happen when you’re having fun.

Accessories to connect to your life easier, from anywhere

With the Work and Play kit, plug your tablet into the HD Multimedia Station to connect to your HDTV, speakers and other peripherals for large-screen entertainment. Get more done, faster with the included keyboard and mouse with Bluetooth technology. Now, when your tablet is docked, the Smart Controller lets you MC the show from the comfort of your couch. For Motorola XOOM 2, no accessory discussion is complete without mentioning the Motorola Stylus with Precision tip – your tablet’s best friend.

Technical Details

Motorola XOOM 2

Motorola XOOM 2 Media Edition

Processor

1.2GHz dual-core processor

1.2GHz dual-core processor

Software

Android 3.2 Honeycomb

Android 3.2 Honeycomb

Display

10.1” HD display with Corning® Gorilla® Glass

8.2” HD display with Corning® Gorilla® Glass

Special features

Splash-guard and special flattened edges for easier holding

Display optimisation for wide viewing angles that are perfect for video

Camera

1.3 MP front and 5 MP rear-facing HD cameras with digital zoom, auto focus, and LED flash

1.3 MP front and 5 MP rear-facing HD cameras with digital zoom, auto focus, and LED flash

Memory

1GB RAM; 16 GB storage

1GB RAM; 16GB storage

Battery life

10+ hours Web usage or over 1 month stand-by

6+ hrs Web usage and more than 3 days of music playback

Sound

3D virtual surround sound

Adaptive virtual surround sound with multiple speakers and booming bass

Dimensions

253.9 mm x 173.6 mm x 8.8 mm

139 mm x 216 mm x 8.99 mm

Weight

599 g

386 g

Enterprise features

Business Ready with enterprise-grade security and Active Sync for work email, contacts and calendar. USB and Ethernet connectivity, pre-loaded Citrix® Receiver® and Citrix® GoToMeeting®. Preloaded with MotoCast so you can access and stream your files from your PC or Mac to your tablet

Preloaded with MotoCast so you can access and stream your files from your PC or Mac to your tablet

Preloaded applications

Access to Google Mobile™ Services, including Google Maps™ with Navigation, Google Talk™ and browsing

 

Availability

Motorola XOOM 2 and Motorola XOOM 2 Media Edition, Wi-Fi variants will be available in the UK and Ireland in mid-November.

For more information on Motorola XOOM 2 visit www.motorola.com/xoom2; and for Motorola XOOM 2 Media Edition visit www.motorola.com/xoom2media

Add-In: WHS Drobo Status for Windows Home Server 2011

Andrew Edney
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0
Add-In: WHS Drobo Status for Windows Home Server 2011

The Home Server Show have been running a competition for an add-in for WHS 2011 and Drobo. One of the entries is called WHS Drobo Status.

droboPlugin

The plugin allows you to at-a-glance view how much space you have available, and the status of the drives.

You can find the beta in the downloads section of the Home Server Show forums. WHSDroboStatus.wssx.

Simply install the add-in as normal from any WHS client computer.

Please note you must have the Drobo dashboard software installed on your Windows Home Server for the plugin to work (you probably have it installed already! If not you can find the right version from the drobo website).

via HSS

The Home Server Show Episode 159 Out Now

Andrew Edney
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0
The Home Server Show Episode 159 Out Now

Dave at the guys at the Home Server Show have released episode 159.

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

We are here to announce a new add-in for Windows Home Server 2011 but a simple mention of “Drive Extender” leads us down the path of talking about Drive Bender and StableBit for quite some time. We hit the news and it’s not all home server this week. There is so much in this episode you might have to listen twice!

As usual you can listen to the show from here.

The Digital Lifestyle Show #327 – Major Minor Update

Andrew Edney
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0
The Digital Lifestyle Show #327 – Major Minor Update

This weeks Digital Lifestyle Show has just been released – its show 327.

DLS Show

Here’s what Ian says about this week show:

The full team is back, Andrew and Garry join me to talk over the weeks news including DLNA apps, Nokia Windows Phones, Media Center EPG fixes, aTVFlash for Apple TV updates, fantastic Microsoft videos, HP keeping the PC division, Plex updates, Andrews Home Server Corner and of course the Sleep Phone.

You can listen to or download the show from here.

Amazon Introduce The Kindle Owners’ Lending Library

Andrew Edney
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1
Amazon Introduce The Kindle Owners’ Lending Library

With an Amazon Prime membership, Kindle owners can now choose from thousands of books to borrow for free – including over 100 current and former New York Times Bestsellers – as frequently as a book a month, with no due dates.

 

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Here is what Amazon posted:

SEATTLE, Nov 02, 2011 (BUSINESS WIRE) —

Today, Amazon.com, Inc. (NASDAQ:AMZN) announced the launch of the Kindle Owners’ Lending Library. With an Amazon Prime membership, Kindle owners can now choose from thousands of books to borrow for free – including over 100 current and former New York Times Bestsellers – as frequently as a book a month, with no due dates. No other e-reader or ebookstore offers such a service. With an annual Prime membership, the Kindle Owners’ Lending Library is included at no additional cost. Millions of Prime members enjoy free two-day shipping, unlimited streaming of nearly 13,000 movies and TV shows, and now thousands of books to borrow for free with a Kindle.

“Owning a Kindle just got even better. Today, we’re introducing a new Prime benefit built for Kindle: The Kindle Owners’ Lending Library,” said Jeff Bezos, Amazon.com Founder and CEO. “Prime Members now have exclusive access to a huge library of books to read on any Kindle device at no additional cost and with no due dates.”

The Kindle Owners’ Lending Library offers access to a wide array of categories and genres in fiction and non-fiction, and includes popular titles such as Moneyball: The Art of Winning an Unfair Game, The Big Short and Liars’ Poker by Michael Lewis, TheHunger Games trilogy by Suzanne Collins, and Water for Elephants by Sara Gruen –plus award-winning books such as The Finkler Question and Guns, Germs, and Steel, memoirs such as Anthony Bourdain’s Kitchen Confidential, and motivational books like The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People. Just as with any other Kindle book, your notes, highlights and bookmarks in borrowed books will be saved, so you’ll have them later if you purchase or re-borrow the book. Books are borrowed from a Kindle device, and customers can have one book out at a time. When customers want to borrow a new book, any borrowed book can easily be returned right from their device.

Titles in the Kindle Owners’ Lending Library come from a range of publishers under a variety of terms. For the vast majority of titles, Amazon has reached agreement with publishers to include titles for a fixed fee. In some cases, Amazon is purchasing a title each time it is borrowed by a reader under standard wholesale terms as a no-risk trial to demonstrate to publishers the incremental growth and revenue opportunity that this new service presents.

“The Kindle Owners’ Lending Library is a great new benefit for Kindle owners and an entirely new growth opportunity for authors and publishers,” said Russ Grandinetti, Vice President, Kindle Content. “With the growth in Prime membership and the recent addition of Prime Instant Video, we’ve been able to broaden our relationships with movie and TV studios such as CBS, Fox, and NBCUniversal and significantly increase their revenue. We’re excited to expand that investment to books – with this launch, we expect three immediate results: Kindle owners will read even more, publisher revenues will grow, and authors will see larger royalty checks.”

“We’re excited to offer titles from our ebook ‘Chapters’ series, which covers some of the world’s most popular destinations, to members of Kindle Owners’ Lending Library,” says John Boris, EVP Lonely Planet. “Our ebooks have done incredibly well on Kindle and this is a great way to showcase our travel expertise to an even broader audience.”

“We’re excited about any program that helps readers discover our authors and their books,” said David Nussbaum, Chief Executive and Chairman of F+W Media Inc. “We think this will lead to more people reading F+W’s books, and more profit for our authors.”

To learn more about the Kindle Owners’ Lending Library, visit www.amazon.com/kindleownerslendinglibrary. To learn about all of the additional benefits included with Amazon Prime, or to start an Amazon Prime free trial visit www.amazon.com/prime.

Unfortunately for us poor UK based Kindle owners this is only available to US Amazon customers. Come on Amazon, do the same for us – please!

Apple Confirms iOS 5 Battery Problems

Andrew Edney
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0
Apple Confirms iOS 5 Battery Problems

Well it looks like Apple have finally confirmed that iOS 5 actually does have some battery problems.

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I wrote about my issues over the weekend, so I am glad that Apple have finally acknowledged the issue.

According to website AllThingsD:

Apple on Wednesday said it had found a few problems that are leading some iPhone customers to experience less-than-expected battery life with iPhones running its latest software.

“A small number of customers have reported lower than expected battery life on iOS 5 devices,” Apple said in a statement to AllThingsD. “We have found a few bugs that are affecting battery life and we will release a software update to address those in a few weeks.”

Apple declined to comment beyond the statement.

Tonight also saw Apple seed iOS 5.0.1 to developers which apparently includes those fixes, so hopefully it won’t be too much longer until we get them!

Have you had battery problems?

Gmail App for iOS Devices Pulled Already

Andrew Edney
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2
Gmail App for iOS Devices Pulled Already

Earlier today we told you that the Gmail App for iOS had been released to the App Store – well a few hours later it has been pulled!

photo

So it has a bug with notifications – so hopefully it will be back soon!

Gmail App for iOS Devices Now Available

Andrew Edney
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1
Gmail App for iOS Devices Now Available

Get the official Gmail experience for your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch with the new Gmail app.

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With the Gmail app, you can:

● Receive notification badges for new messages
● Read your mail with threaded conversations
● Organize your mail by archiving, labeling, starring, deleting, and reporting spam
● Keep track of important messages with priority inbox
● Auto-complete contact names as you type
● Send and receive attachments
● Search through all your mail

The Gmail app is available for devices running iOS 4+.

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Get it from the App Store now.

Review of the Fujitsu STYLISTIC Q550 Windows 7 Slate

Andrew Edney
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0
Review of the Fujitsu STYLISTIC Q550 Windows 7 Slate

Back in July we were introduced to the new Fujitsu STYLISTIC Q550 Windows 7 Slate and we got some hands-on time. Now we have finish our look at the Q550 with our follow-up review.

IMG_5242

The Fujitsu STYLISTIC Q550 is the first Slate PC that will really work for you whether you are a prosumer, work in business, government or SME. It combines a brilliant display with precise and pressure sensitive pen input plus a touch screen for multiple touch input. It brings you the ideal tools for creating data and collaborating. The Windows® 7 operating system integrates perfectly with your existing IT infrastructure and enables hardware based security to meet your most stringent requirements. Its a Slate PC that works for your business!

User Experience
Intuitive user friendly interface to boost productivity „„
Multiple touch input, superior ergonomics, screen auto-rotation and content reflow, rubberized coating on backside, integrated WLAN, Bluetooth and optional embedded mobile broadband or GPS

Content Creation and Collaboration
Rapid content creation and painless collaboration
„„Data entry via pen based handwriting recognition or onscreen keyboard with predictive text, antiglare wide-angle display for indoor/outdoor use, swappable battery, HDMI

Security and Manageability
Perfect data protection against unauthorized users
„„Advanced Theft Protection (ATP), SmartCard reader, Full Disk Encryption (FDE), fingerprint sensor, optional embedded TPM module, seamless integration and security with existing IT infrastructure thanks to Windows 7

Features

Security – SmartCard reader, Full Disk Encryption (FDE) SSD storage (30GB or 62GB), Fingerprint reader plus optional embedded TPM & Advanced Theft Protection (ATP).

Battery – user replaceable Lithium Polymer battery with extended run time of up to 9 hrs.

Connectivity – 802.11 abgn WLAN, Bluetooth 3.0, optional embedded 3G/UMTS or GPS module and integrated SD/SDHC card slot as standard.

Multi-Input – auto-switching dual digitiser supporting both pen input and capacitive 4 finger multi-touch with predictive text technology.

Weight – ultraportable 870 grams and attractive, slim dimensions (192 x 275 x 15.9 – 16.2mm); perfect road-worthy weight.

USB – full USB 2.0 interface for wide peripheral connectivity.

Display – stunning 10.1” wide-angle (160⁰), high-bright (400 nits) WXGA (HD) LED with anti-glare & anti-fingerprint technologies for limitless creativity indoors or in sunlight.

Dual webcams – 1.3 MegaPixel (rear facing) + VGA (front facing) enhancing VoIP. Plus specific vertical market usage – e.g. Car rental.

HDMI – superior AV output quality on external displays and projectors – e.g. Meetings.

Who are Fuijtsu?

From the Fujitsu website:

Fujitsu UK and Ireland is a leading IT systems, services and products company employing 11,400 people with an annual revenue of £1.7 billion. Its business is in enabling its customers to realise their objectives by exploiting information technology through its integrated product and service portfolio. This includes consulting, applications, systems integration, managed services and product for customers in the private and public sectors including retail, financial services, telecoms, government, defence and consumer sectors.

Fujitsu in the UK is part of the global Fujitsu Group, delivering IT-based business solutions to customers in 70 countries through a workforce of 170,000 employees. Our regional structure enables customers to share in best-practice approaches, knowledge and re-use from around the world whilst local operations ensure that solutions are delivered in line with local customer requirements.

Headquartered in Tokyo, Fujitsu Limited (TSE:6702) reported consolidated revenues of 4.6 trillion yen (US$50 billion) for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2010.

Seagate Streamlines Barracuda Hard Drive Product Range

Andrew Edney
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0
Seagate Streamlines Barracuda Hard Drive Product Range

Today Seagate announced that it was streamlining it’s Barracuda hard drive product range, including ending it’s Green drive.

barracuda_320x340

Here is the press release:

SEAGATE STREAMLINES BARRACUDA PRODUCT FAMILY; SIMPLIFIES SELECTION FOR CONSUMERS AND REDUCES COSTS FOR COMPUTER MAKERS

Barracuda® zeroes in on performance and capacity as consumption of rich content continues to explode

CUPERTINO, Calif. — November 1, 2011 — Seagate (NASDAQ:STX) is streamlining its flagship family of desktop drives under a single product that hones in on performance and big capacities to help satisfy the explosive growth in content creation and consumption by businesses and consumers worldwide. The new Barracuda® family makes it easier for consumers to find the product they need and reduces costs for Seagate’s original equipment manufacturer and distribution channel customers by reducing the number of product qualifications and amount of inventory they need to manage.

“A simpler desktop drive product family is exactly what Seagate customers are asking for,” said Scott Horn, vice president of Marketing at Seagate. “The new Barracuda® family reflects the reality that end-users want a full range of hard drive capacities and as much performance as we can give them to help manage and store massive amounts of digital content. In addition, our OEM and channel customers want to reduce overhead costs by having fewer product lines to qualify and manage in their inventory.”

Desktop PC performance is growing in importance as computer users consume and otherwise use more and more multimedia – a blend of text, audio, images, animation and video – and other rich-content files in areas as diverse as business, advertising, art, education, entertainment, engineering, medicine, mathematics and science. Higher hard drive performance often means a faster computer and quicker access to this content.

The new Barracuda hard drive – to be available first at online retailers Amazon, CDW, Newegg and TigerDirect – is designed for desktop, tower or all-in-one personal computers; workstations,

home and small business servers; network-attached storage devices; direct-attached storage expansion; and home and small-business RAID solutions. Capacities of the family range from 250GB to a massive 3TB.

The simplification of the Barracuda family comes as Seagate begins volume shipments of its 1TB-per-disk Barracuda® hard drive. Seagate plans to end production of its Barracuda® Green drive in February 2012. Seagate analysis shows that its new Barracuda drives have a nearly identical power-consumption profile as energy-efficient desktop drives but deliver much higher performance. Barracuda® XT, Seagate’s fastest desktop hard drive, will be folded into the new Barracuda family and re-emerge, in name, as the company’s desktop solid state hybrid drive.

Technical Specifications

The new Barracuda hard drive features a SATA 6GB/second interface, 7200RPM spin speed and up to 64MB cache to deliver high performance across all capacities. Seagate’s SmartAlign™ technology, a feature of Seagate’s Barracuda Green drives, will continue to ship with the flagship Barracuda drives to help the hard drive industry segue from the current 512-byte sector standard for hard drives to the new 4096-byte sector size. The new 4K standard enables the use of stronger error correction algorithms to maintain data integrity at higher storage densities and capacities.

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