WHS 2011 Add-in: Drive Bender Updated to version 1.2.1.4

Andrew Edney
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3
WHS 2011 Add-in: Drive Bender Updated to version 1.2.1.4

Drive Bender, the add-in for Windows Home Sever 2011 that replaces Drive Extender, has now been updated to version 1.2.1.4.

DriveBender_thumb1_thumb

What is it?

Drive Bender is state of the art, single point storage pool technology for Microsoft Windows. Drive Bender presents multiple hard drives as a single pool of data storage, either as one or more drive letters, or a network shared drive. Drive Bender is able to do this with any drive recognized by Windows, including external drive such as USB, Firewire etc.

Expandability

Drive Bender also provides the user with the ability to seamless expand their storage pool by simply adding a new drive. Adding a new drive expands the pool by the size of the new drive. Existing data within the pool is redistributed to the new drive to ensure the pool remain balanced.

Drive merging and converting

Drive Bender also offers a merge capability, allowing users to take a drive that contains data, and merge that drive (and data) into the pool. In addition there is also a drive conversion feature. This can take and existing drive letter (mounted against a physical drive) and convert this into a pooled drive. Once completed, new hard drives can be added to expand the once fixed drive.

Data redundancy

To further ensure data safety, Drive Bender can automatically duplicate any file added to a Drive Bender pool. File duplication is determined at the folder level and occurs on the fly as data is being written to the pool. More importantly, files are only duplicated across physical drives ensuring maximum safety and data redundancy.

Non-destructive

One of the key Drive Bender features is its non-destructive file system technology. In short, this means that all drives within a Drive Bender pool are utilizing standard NTFS format and file structures. This is to such an extent that a drive can be pulled from the pool and read on any machine capable of reading an NTFS formatted drive. More over, drives attached to the pool can be done so without modification, if a drive is added (not merged) that contains existing data, that data will remain untouched.

Ease to try

Because of our non-destructive file system, taking Drive Bender for a test drive is easy. Simply specify the drives to be included in the pool, and you are ready go. The drives are not formatted (unless specified), the only change made to the drive is the addition of a folder that holds the contents of the pool and a small number of configuration files.

The technology

Drive Bender employs existing, proven kernel mode file system technology. Having spent many years developing kernel mode drivers, we are able to use this experience to great extent. The end result is a product whose performance will closely match that of the underlying drive.

The story

Early in 2010 we prototyped a Drive Extender style application with the view of releasing a product that would work with all versions of Microsoft Windows. However soon thereafter, Microsoft announced Vail (a new version of Windows Home Server) and a small business server product, codename Aurora, both of which contain their Drive Extender technology. Given this, and the possibility that Drive Extend may well make its way to other Microsoft platforms, we shelved the project.

However later that same year, Microsoft announced that they would be dropping Drive Extender from all their products (including Windows Home Server 2011), leaving the door open for Division-M to resurrect the Drive Bender project!

Release v1.2.1.4 release (2011-10-26)

– Bug fix: Minor memory leak occurred when the WHS dashboard was open.

Learn more about Drive Bender here

Boxee for iPad App Updated and some Spotify News

Andrew Edney
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0
Boxee for iPad App Updated and some Spotify News

Today saw Boxee update their iPad App to version 1.2, and they also announced some Spotify news.

iPad-e1319487750976

Video from you and your friends – all in one place that goes anywhere.

Boxee for iPad brings videos from Facebook, Twitter, Tumblr, and your computer all onto your ipad so you can find and watch new videos or favorites on the train, in bed, on the couch, on the john, during boring conversation, on the patio, from the roof deck, in an abandoned bunker, on the side of a mountain….

Here is what Boxee posted:

We released Boxee for iPad version 1.2 into the iTunes app store today.
Here’s a run down of the standout new features in the app.

If you look to the lower right hand corner of this screenshot you’ll see the new remote control for video you’ve sent to a Boxee Box from your iPad.

If you’re sending stuff to your Boxee Box, you’ll also notice that it picks up where you left off for any local files played through the Boxee Media Manager.

For people with bandwidth issues, we’ve also added the option to select the video quality when you’re streaming files, so if you’ve got a spotty WiFi connection you can drop the video quality for more consistent streaming.

Head over to the iTunes store page for the free download.

If you want a more detailed description of the update check out the release notes

SPOTIFY UPDATE: We’ve got some good news for Spotify fans. If you’re a Premium Spotify user, you can now use Spotify anywhere in the world on Boxee. Previously the app was only available for use in countries where Spotify had launched.

What’s New in Version 1.2

√ allow stream quality selection (requires updated Boxee Media Manager).
√ mini remote control (play/pause/stop/skip) for Play on Boxee content.
√ indicator for new feed items.
√ continue AirPlay session in background.
√ iOS5 support.
√ “My Media” changes:
– Play on Boxee starts playback from the current position on the iPad.
– Ability to play files from their last played position.

Firecore Updates Seas0nPass Jailbreak Tools Package for AppleTV 4.4.2 Users

Andrew Edney
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0
Firecore Updates Seas0nPass Jailbreak Tools Package for AppleTV 4.4.2 Users

Seas0nPass has been updated to support a tethered jailbreak of the new AppleTV 4.4.2 software.

Here is what they said:

Seas0nPass has been updated to support a TETHERED jailbreak of the new AppleTV 4.4 (iOS 5) software released on 10/12/2011 (also supported are the new minor updates – 4.4.1 released on 10/17/11 and 4.4.2 released on 10/24/11). Full details on what’s new in 4.4, status of 3rd party features, and how to update are below.

Should I update?

Currently the jailbreak for 4.4+ is tethered, which is a bit less convenient than an untethered version. If the features added in 4.4 excite you it may be worth updating; however, the previous 4.3 version will continue to be supported so updating is not required.

The full list of changes included in 4.4 is below:

  • AirPlay Mirroring: Now with video mirroring – wirelessly stream what’s on your iPad 2 screen to your HDTV.
  • Photo Stream: View photos recently taken on your iOS device and pushed to your Photo Stream in iCloud.
  • Trailers: A whole new way to browse and view hundreds of the latest theatrical trailers.
  • National Hockey League: Watch live games. View highlights, scores, and more.
  • Wall Street Journal Live: Watch up-to-date news, business commentary, and financial analysis from leading experts.

Apple has also added support for subtitles in Netflix and three new slideshow themes: Photo Wall, Flip-up, and Shifting Tiles.

Which plugins are supported on 4.4?

  • Media Player (works)
  • Couch Surfer (works)
  • Last.fm (works)
  • Weather (works)
  • RSS Feeds (works)
  • NitoTV (works)
  • Overflow (works)
  • Remote HD (works)
  • XBMC (nightly builds only)
  • Plex (not working)
  • Rowmote (not working)

How do I update?

Seas0nPass will default to the latest untethered version, which is currently 4.3. If you want to use Seas0nPass to update and jailbreak a newer version simply follow the steps below.

  1. Download version 4.4.2 (9A336a) and save the IPSW in an easy to find location.
  2. Download the latest version of Seas0nPass.
  3. Open Seas0nPass then Option + click (Mac) or Shift + click (PC) the Create IPSW button and select the new IPSW file that was downloaded in step #1.
  4. Seas0nPass will complete the jailbreak and restore process automatically.
  5. After the restore is complete, move the AppleTV to your TV and follow the steps for performing a Tethered Boot.

Enjoy. 🙂

Update: It seems Apple has taken down the 4.4.1 AppleTV update due a number of reported issues. For now 4.4 is the recommended version for those wishing to update.

Update 2: Looks like the 4.4.1 version has been re-released.

Update 3: Seas0nPass has been updated to support AppleTV 4.4.2 which was released on 10/24.

Ceton’s InfiniTV 4 USB TV Tuner Now Shipping

Jim McCarthy
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2
Ceton’s InfiniTV 4 USB TV Tuner Now Shipping

Ceton is now shipping their USB TV tuner product, the InfiniTV 4 USB. Read on for details!

infinitv4_USB

Ceton is now shipping their USB TV tuner product, the InfiniTV 4 USB.  Here is what they had to say about the product:

The InfiniTV 4 USB brings Ceton’s award-winning multi-tuner technology to an external device that turns virtually any style of Windows 7-based PC into the ultimate entertainment solution for your TV, including support for premium cable channels – whether you have a laptop, tablet, All-in-One, desktop or tower PC. InfiniTV 4 USB enables you to watch and record up to four live channels of HDTV at once, and stream live HD channels or recordings to multiple HDTVs throughout the home*, all from a single cable connection and a single CableCARD™.

Replace your cable set-top boxes and their expensive monthly rental fees and enjoy premium cable shows on TV sets throughout the home*, all from a single device. With the Ceton InfiniTV 4 USB your PC becomes a complete entertainment platform for all your media, including premium cable TV.

icon_4tuner

Four Live HD Channels At Once

Watch and/or record four live channels of standard-definition or high-definition TV simultaneously, including all your favorite premium and encrypted cable channels.

icon_home

Whole-Home Entertainment

With Media Center Extenders like the Xbox 360™, your Media Center PC with a Ceton InfiniTV becomes a whole-home entertainment device for digital cable. Watch and record different channels in different rooms, all from one PC, and using the familiar Windows Media Center user interface on all TVs.

icon_tools

Easy To Set Up

Just plug InfiniTV 4 USB into your PC, follow the simple installation instructions, and in just a few minutes you’ll be enjoying the best digital cable TV experience available on any device.

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Works with any U.S. cable provider

InfiniTV 4 USB connects to any U.S. cable system to receive all SD and HD digital cable channels without needing a separate set-top box.

icon_play

Supports Switched Digital Video

As cable providers move to Switched Digital Video (SDV) technology, rest assured that your Ceton InfiniTV 4 supports SDV Tuning Adapters just fine.

icon_lowprofile

External Form Factor

InfiniTV 4 USB is an external device that connects to virtually any style of Windows 7 PC via an available USB port.

It’s good to see another tuner with Cable Card support shipping.  Price is $299, available now from Amazon here.  Check it out!

Ceton Press Release Buy It Now At Amazon.com!

Tranquil Update MonStor Storage Add-In for Windows Home Server 2011

Andrew Edney
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0
Tranquil Update MonStor Storage Add-In for Windows Home Server 2011

Today Tranquil updated their MonStor storage add-in for Windows Home Server.

monstor1

MonStor, the Storage Management Add In for Windows Home Server 2011 and Windows Storage Server Server 2008 R2 Essentials, based on DriveBender.

Here is what Tranquil said originally about MonStor:

After a short delay on the release of MonStor, Tranquil PC are really pleased to see the product is now available.

The Drive Extender (DE), part of the original Windows Home Server, was a huge step forward in the IT world. Being able to use mismatched HDDs in a ‘pool’ and then being able to protect (duplicate) data across multiple disks was simple brilliant. There were a few downsides, and the worst being the difficulties (trust) in getting data back in the event of system failure (files and folders on removed data HDDs could be ‘seen’ on other PCs – but often these files were ‘ghosts’ of the file – which could have been on another disk somewhere).

But Microsoft, in their wisdom (or not), decided to remove DE from WHS2011 and WSS2008R2 Essentials (a 25 user version of WHS2011). This was seen as a major problem, and many said the last nail in the coffin of Microsoft’s Home Server OS.

After reviewing the need / expectation requirements of our customers, Tranquil knew that any Home Server of the future would have to have an equally simple, effective, reliable and perhaps ‘better’ storage manager. After reviewing the options available decided to work closely with Division-M to deliver such a solution.

Since that decision Tranquil engineers have been working closely with Division-M to optimise the WHS2011 Add In, on the Leo HS4 and Leo SS4 Servers. There have been many ups as well as downs, as the software / service was put through it’s paces.

It had to be simple, effective, reliable, scalable and most importantly recoverable after a catastrophic system failure. During 1000’s of hours of testing, and 1000’s of TBs of data transfers any undesirable issues were discovered and fixed.

MonStor now is ready, with recognition to Division-M and Tranquil engineers – a very big thank you.

The very simple ability to create a storage pool, with mismatch capacity hard disks, including 3TB disks, is really amazing. The fast and effective way that MonStor balances the data across disks is equally impressive.

Monstor – supplied with all Leo HS4, Leo SS4, T2iWHS, SQA-5H and T7 2011 Servers.

MonStor costs £29.95 and is shipping now.

Here is what Tranquil have said today:

MonStor, the Storage Manager for WHS2011, has now been updated to release 1.2.1.4

If you already have a beta or early release of MonStor, you will shortly receive an email with download link etc.

So keep an eye on your email….

DirecTV iPad App Now Supports Streaming Content

Jim McCarthy
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0
DirecTV iPad App Now Supports Streaming Content

DirecTV announced today that they have updated their iPad app to support in-home streaming of content.  Read on for details!

img__iPad_3cols

DirecTV announced the release of an updated iPad app that supports streaming content within your home network.  Here is how they described the service:

Now your favorite shows, movies and sports are just a tap away.
Experience all the amazing features of the DIRECTV™ iPad® App with an Internet-connected HD DVR.

New!
Watch live TV on your iPad®.

Tune in to live TV right on your iPad® and watch it anywhere in your home. Whether you’re in your kitchen, your den, or your bedroom—your favorite channels are right there with you wherever you want to be in your house.

Your iPad® now doubles as a TV.

A dedicated module on your screen shows you the channels you can tune in to and the programs currently playing. Just tap the channel you want to watch and tap Watch on iPad®. It won’t interrupt what’s playing on any of your TVs. It’s like a having an extra TV in the palm of your hands.

Swipe to watch on your TV.

When you’re watching a program on your iPad® and want to start watching it on your TV, just swipe upwards on the iPad® app’s video player when you’re not watching in full-screen mode. Like magic, your TV tunes itself to the channel you were watching on your iPad®.

You can now stream live TV from your set top box to your iPad within your home network.  Only a limited selection of channels are supported for live streaming; here is the list:

A&E

Animal Planet

AUDIENCE Network

Biography Channel

Bravo

BTN

Cartoon Network

CNBC

CNN

Discovery

Food Network

Fox Business Network

Fox News

Fox Soccer

FX

Golf Channel

Hallmark Channel

HGTV

History

Lifetime

MLB Network

msnbc

Nat Geo

NBA.TV

NFL Network

NHL Network

Planet Green

Science

Speed

SyFy

TBS

Tennis Channel

TLC

TNT

Travel Channel

Univision

USA

Versus (NBC Sports Ntwk)

 

This is good news!  I currently use the iPad app as my primary channel guide for DirecTV and I do watch many of these channels.  This essentially gives me another TV screen in the house, a very welcome addition to this app.  I am loading it tonight; how about you?

DirecTV Adds TV Streaming to iPad App

StableBit DrivePool Moves to Beta M3 Build 4133

Andrew Edney
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0
StableBit DrivePool Moves to Beta M3 Build 4133

There has been another beta build from CoveCube! StableBit development marches on – now is build 4133.

600px-Stablebit_drivepool_screen_thu16

Here is how CoveCube describes this application:

  • Combine all your hard drives into one big storage pool (except the system drive with the OS).
  • Add and remove drives from the pool at any time without re-partitioning or manually moving folders.
  • Create duplicated folders on the storage drive pool that are protected against single drive failure. If a drive fails on which a duplicated file was stored, the contents of that file will remain readable even without the drive.
  • All your data is stored in standard NTFS files. You can always access your files even if the Windows Home Server completely crashes or this add-in can’t be used.

This version’s change log:

1.0.0.4133 ———-

* Moved up expiration for M3 to Mar 1 2012. In order not to annoy people to upgrade often.

* Fixed a few locking contentions that would lock up the service.

* Fixed error when removing last drive from the pool.

* Fixed possible deadlock when removing a drive from the pool.

Get More Information About the Beta Here Download Stablebit Drivepool build 4133 here

Kingston Digital Transforms USB Flash Drive into Active Storage Device with urDrive

Andrew Edney
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0
Kingston Digital Transforms USB Flash Drive into Active Storage Device with urDrive

Kingston Digital announced today a free pre-loaded application called urDrive which transforms USB drives from passive storage to engaged, active storage.

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  • Free urDrive Software Simplifies File Management on a USB
  • Adds PC Security Features
  • Safe Web Browsing Experience; Games for Adults, Kids

Sunbury-on-Thames, UK –25 October, 2011 — Kingston Digital Europe Ltd, an affiliate of Kingston Technology Company Inc., the independent world leader in memory products, today announced Kingston urDrive, a free pre-loaded application available on a variety of its DataTraveler® USB Flash drives. Kingston urDrive transforms USB drives from passive storage to engaged, active storage, allowing consumers to easily access and organise their personal files, photos, music, games and videos. A built-in photo viewer and MP3 player makes looking at pictures and listening to music easy.

“USB drives have historically served as digital couriers, transporting data from one device to another. Kingston is taking the lead in transforming the way consumers interact with those devices,” said Krystian Jaroszynski, European Product Marketing Manager – Flash, Kingston Technology. “urDrive enables consumers of all ages to make the USB Flash drive an interactive experience beyond just storing and transferring data between devices.”

urDrive enhances security on the PC with Norton™ PC Checkup. The diagnostic tool scans for virus infections (including spyware, worms and adware) and checks for slow performance and risks to identity and data. urDrive further enhances the digital experience with the Maxthon 3 Web browser. Maxthon 3 boasts industry-leading startup and rendering speeds, and architecture that gives users a truly portable, safe browsing experience. All temporary files, history and cookies remain on the drive, keeping browsing private particularly on public computers.

“Consumer computing habits have evolved and urDrive brings a new level of sophistication to mobile storage that is fresh, functional and different,” said Kevin Chapman, general manager and vice president, Norton Consumer Services. “Integrating Norton PC Checkup with urDrive allows users to interact with content in an engaging way with an additional layer of security and performance analysis added to the experience. We are proud to be a part of this new evolution of active USB storage with Norton PC Checkup offering peace-of-mind to mobile users wherever they go.”

“Maxthon 3 offers urDrive customers a truly safe and portable browsing experience,” said Karl Mattson, general manager and chief of product, Maxthon International LTD. “Now, with urDrive, your browsing history, bookmarks and settings follow you wherever you go.”

urDrive appeals to consumers of all ages, whether they are at work, home or travelling. For example, business professionals can easily access content at work or home and even extend storage capacity beyond the USB with free, additional online backup. The service syncs files from USB to cloud offering backup and access. For family entertainment, urDrive provides access to the latest casual game titles from EA™ Games and PopCap Games. Busy moms can rest assured that their kids can safely engage in online activities with the Fooz Kids kid-safe web browsing application. Travelers can view, manage and share their growing photo and video albums on the go, while carrying digital copies of critical documents, like passports.

urDrive is available as a free, pre-loaded application on Kingston’s entry-level DataTraveler 109, DataTraveler 101 Generation 2 (G2) and DataTraveler 108 USB Flash drives, and soon on the DataTraveler Generation 3 (G3). These devices offer consumers a choice in design and capacity, from 4GB to 32GB.

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D-Link Launches New PowerLine 200Mbps Mini Adapters

Andrew Edney
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0
D-Link Launches New PowerLine 200Mbps Mini Adapters

Today saw D-Link launch some new PowerLine 2000Mbps mini adapters.

DHP-310AV_front

Here is the press release:

Small Form Factor Adapters Let Consumers Discretely Turn Any Electrical Outlet into a High-Speed Home Network Connection

FOUNTAIN VALLEY, Calif. – Oct. 25, 2011 – D-Link today announced its latest in PowerLine 200Mbps home networking solutions with a new line of mini adapters. The PowerLine AV Mini Adapter (DHP-310AV) and PowerLine AV Mini Adapter Starter Kit (DHP-311AV), as well as the PowerLine AV 4-Port Switch Mini Adapter Starter Kit (DHP-348AV) instantly transform a home’s existing electrical wiring into a high-speed home network. PowerLine technology delivers a high-performance, reliable and secure wireless signal throughout the home – ideal for connecting a desktop, laptop or wired entertainment device in those hard-to-reach spots, such as homes or small offices where concrete walls, successive floors in multi-storied buildings, or other architectural impediments could inhibit a wireless signal.

Delivering speeds of up to 200Mbpsover existing electrical wiring, D-Link’s latest PowerLine products are ideal for high-bandwidth network-ready devices such as the Boxee Box by D-Link, Blu-Ray players, gaming consoles, and more. And the compact size only takes up one electrical outlet on a standard plug, enabling consumers to plug in more devices.

“D-Link PowerLine solutions are designed to meet the growing demand for a strong and reliable wireless network at every spot within the home, regardless of the structural or environmental hindrances,” said Daniel Kelley, associate vice president of consumer marketing, D-Link North America. “By tapping into a home’s existing electrical wiring, our new PowerLine switch kit and mini adapters offer a high-speed network for not only previously unreachable coverage areas, but for entire home entertainment systems, providing uninterrupted connectivity for playing, working and enjoying all types of media.”

The PowerLine AV Mini Adapter and PowerLine AV Mini Adapter Starter Kit (includes two adapters) can be plugged into an existing power outlet to add a PowerLine connection to an existing PowerLine Network. Or, create a PowerLine right out of the box using the PowerLine AV 4-Port Switch Mini Adapter Starter Kit, which includes the PowerLine AV 4-Port Switch and one adapter. Simply connect the adapter into an existing outlet, connect it to the router and plug the switch into any other room for an instant shared connection. Equipped with 4 ports, the switch enables consumers to connect more devices per room – ideal for a home entertainment system or home office – eliminating the hassle of tangled and messy wires.

Availability and Pricing

These new PowerLine products are now available throughout D-Link’s vast network of retail and e-tail outlets in the U.S. and at the company’s online store, http://www.dlinkshop.com. Retail pricing is as follows:

· PowerLine AV Mini Adapter (DHP-310AV) – $59.99

· PowerLine AV Mini Adapter Starter Kit (DHP-311AV) – $109.99

· PowerLine AV 4-Port Switch Mini Adapter Starter Kit (DHP-348AV) – $129.99

DHP-311AV_sideDHP-348AV_front

WHS 2011 Add-in: Drive Bender Updated to version 1.2.1.2

Andrew Edney
-
2
WHS 2011 Add-in: Drive Bender Updated to version 1.2.1.2

Drive Bender, the add-in for Windows Home Sever 2011 that replaces Drive Extender, has now been updated to version 1.2.1.2.

DriveBender_thumb1

What is it?

Drive Bender is state of the art, single point storage pool technology for Microsoft Windows. Drive Bender presents multiple hard drives as a single pool of data storage, either as one or more drive letters, or a network shared drive. Drive Bender is able to do this with any drive recognized by Windows, including external drive such as USB, Firewire etc.

Expandability

Drive Bender also provides the user with the ability to seamless expand their storage pool by simply adding a new drive. Adding a new drive expands the pool by the size of the new drive. Existing data within the pool is redistributed to the new drive to ensure the pool remain balanced.

Drive merging and converting

Drive Bender also offers a merge capability, allowing users to take a drive that contains data, and merge that drive (and data) into the pool. In addition there is also a drive conversion feature. This can take and existing drive letter (mounted against a physical drive) and convert this into a pooled drive. Once completed, new hard drives can be added to expand the once fixed drive.

Data redundancy

To further ensure data safety, Drive Bender can automatically duplicate any file added to a Drive Bender pool. File duplication is determined at the folder level and occurs on the fly as data is being written to the pool. More importantly, files are only duplicated across physical drives ensuring maximum safety and data redundancy.

Non-destructive

One of the key Drive Bender features is its non-destructive file system technology. In short, this means that all drives within a Drive Bender pool are utilizing standard NTFS format and file structures. This is to such an extent that a drive can be pulled from the pool and read on any machine capable of reading an NTFS formatted drive. More over, drives attached to the pool can be done so without modification, if a drive is added (not merged) that contains existing data, that data will remain untouched.

Ease to try

Because of our non-destructive file system, taking Drive Bender for a test drive is easy. Simply specify the drives to be included in the pool, and you are ready go. The drives are not formatted (unless specified), the only change made to the drive is the addition of a folder that holds the contents of the pool and a small number of configuration files.

The technology

Drive Bender employs existing, proven kernel mode file system technology. Having spent many years developing kernel mode drivers, we are able to use this experience to great extent. The end result is a product whose performance will closely match that of the underlying drive.

The story

Early in 2010 we prototyped a Drive Extender style application with the view of releasing a product that would work with all versions of Microsoft Windows. However soon thereafter, Microsoft announced Vail (a new version of Windows Home Server) and a small business server product, codename Aurora, both of which contain their Drive Extender technology. Given this, and the possibility that Drive Extend may well make its way to other Microsoft platforms, we shelved the project.

However later that same year, Microsoft announced that they would be dropping Drive Extender from all their products (including Windows Home Server 2011), leaving the door open for Division-M to resurrect the Drive Bender project!

Release v1.2.1.2 release (2011-10-25)

– Bug fix: The WHS addin could crash the dashboard if the local users is not the user that it was installed under.
– Bug fix: Under some specific circumstances, file renaming could fail or cause access denied errors.
– Bug fix: The Drive Bender Manager and WHS addin now update correctly if the state of a drive within the pool changes.
– Bug fix: The license messaging system now reports any licensing issue much better.
– Update: The add and remove mount points feature has been improved to provide better feedback.
– Bug fix: A number of minor interface and server issues.

Learn more about Drive Bender here

Apple TV (2nd generation) Software Updated to version 4.4.2

Andrew Edney
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0
Apple TV (2nd generation) Software Updated to version 4.4.2

Apple have released an update to their 2nd generation Apple TV’s, taking them to version 4.4.2.

atv_flash_black_thumb1_thumb1

Apple TV Software Update 4.4.2 features

Features:

  • Photo Stream: View photos taken on your iOS device and pushed to your Photo Stream in iCloud.
  • AirPlay Mirroring: Wirelessly stream what’s on your iPhone 4S or iPad 2 screen to our HDTV.
  • National Hockey League: Watch live games, view highlights, scores, and more.
  • Wall Street Journal: Watch up-to-date news, business commentary, and financial analysis from leading experts.
  • New Slideshow themes: Enjoy your photos on your HDTV with new slideshow themes: Photo Wall, Flip-up, and Shifting Tiles.
  • Netflix: Support for subtitles when available.

Apple TV devices with software version 4.4 and 4.4.1 have an issue with updating software to later versions. The recommended way to resolve this is go to Settings -> General -> Reset -> Reset All Settings, prior to updating. Note: If you apply the software update without resetting all settings first, the updater will reset the settings for you.

Once the Apple TV has been reset, you can then successfully update to the latest software by going to Settings -> General -> Update Software.

Apple Quietly Updates MacBook Pro Range

Andrew Edney
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0
Apple Quietly Updates MacBook Pro Range

Today Apple updated it’s MacBook Pro range.

New MacBook Pros

The changes appear to be small bumps in the processors – if you are looking to buy a new MacBook Pro then now is the time!

http://store.apple.com/uk/browse/home/shop_mac/family/macbook_pro

StableBit DrivePool Moves to Beta M3 Build 4114

Andrew Edney
-
2
StableBit DrivePool Moves to Beta M3 Build 4114

There has been another beta build from CoveCube! StableBit development marches on – now is build 4114.

600px-Stablebit_drivepool_screen_thu16

Here is how CoveCube describes this application:

  • Combine all your hard drives into one big storage pool (except the system drive with the OS).
  • Add and remove drives from the pool at any time without re-partitioning or manually moving folders.
  • Create duplicated folders on the storage drive pool that are protected against single drive failure. If a drive fails on which a duplicated file was stored, the contents of that file will remain readable even without the drive.
  • All your data is stored in standard NTFS files. You can always access your files even if the Windows Home Server completely crashes or this add-in can’t be used.

This version’s change log:

1.0.0.4114 ———-

* [D] Fixed startup system crash.

* Disabled BETA M2 migration on startup (M2 expired).

Get More Information About the Beta Here Download Stablebit Drivepool build 4114 here

Android Videos Application Now Works With Non-Honeycomb Devices

Jim McCarthy
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0
Android Videos Application Now Works With Non-Honeycomb Devices

Google’s Videos application, which allows Android users to rent videos, is now available to non-Honeycomb devices.  Read on for details.

Google Videos

Google has a movie rental service that started out being aimed at Honeycomb devices.  It was recently updated and will run on devices sporting Android 2.2 and up, like the 2.3.3 version on my Verizon Droid2.  Here is how Google describes the application:

Official video player for Android Market movie rentals.

Official player for the movies you rent from Android Market. Select from thousands of movie titles in Android Market and begin watching instantly — no wires, no syncing, no hassle! Make your movie rentals available for offline use on your supported Android device so you can watch even when you’re not connected.

Also get quick access to your personal video collection, including those you’ve taken yourself using your phone or tablet camera.

The application was updated on September 21, 2011, and this is the change log:

What’s in this version:

  1. ability to +1 a movie
  2. improved playback performance while streaming
  3. on phones: access to an HQ stream
  4. bugfixes

Rentals are $3.99 for new releases and are good for 30 days; you have 24 hours to watch after beginning to watch the movie.  Here are the offerings at the top of the New Releases per the application’s website this morning:

image

Andrew flagged me about this application on Friday, so I downloaded it and will be taking it for a spin.  Look out for that review.

One thing to note from customer reviews: this won’t work if you have rooted your Android phone, probably due to DRM issues.

Good news for those Android users in the UK: The Telegraph ran a story on October 21st that this service is now available to you too!

If you are sporting Android 2.2 or above, download it and check it out.  The download is free!

Google Videos on Android Market Telegraph Article
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