Boxee Release Version 0.9.12.11497 of the Boxee Beta Software

Andrew Edney
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1

Boxee have recently released the latest beta build of the Boxee Software which you can download and use now.

We did a review of an earlier build here: https://moviesgamesandtech.com/2010/01/31/a-quick-look-at-the-boxee-software/

You can download the version of the beta software for whichever platform you want to use it on:

Boxee beta downloads

Here is what Boxee is saying about the new build:

<————!!! NEW FEATURES !!!————>

/ / FILE IDENTIFICATION PROGRESS / /

Easily see how many files Boxee is scanning, has identified, and doesn’t recognize within your media shares. Check the status from any menu sidebar (TV shows, Movies, Music) or from the Media menu (Settings -> Media).

/ / MANUAL MOVIE & TV SHOW IDENTIFICATION / / Help Boxee identify your personal media by telling it what’s in your collection. To change incorrectly labeled files select the movie or TV show, then click the “drivers license with a circle in the top right corner” on on the right end of the pop-up menu.

Find and identify unresolved files by going to the Files menu, and selecting the “unresolved” folder from the bottom of the list. Select files and follow the instructions above to label them properly. You’ll now be able to put in movie names and TV show seasons and episodes to ensure your collection is pristine.

/ / FACEBOOK & TWITTER IN YOUR BOXEE FEED / / In addition to pushing out your recommendations to social networks, you can now also pull in recommendations from your friends on Facebook & Twitter. Shared videos appear automatically in your feed with an icon on the right to let you know where they came from. Set up this new option in your service settings for Facebook & Twitter -> http://www.boxee.tv/services.

/ / NEW & IMPROVED RSS / /

We’ve created a brand new way to manage, discover and play RSS feeds in Boxee. First, check out the new management & discovery console on our website -> http://www.boxee.tv/feeds.

Search, arrange by category or sort through the most popular, top rated, new, and HD feeds available on Boxee. Then use the RSS feeds app to play back your favorites.

/ / BUG FIXES AND FIXES, AND FIXES! / /

We’ve been able to address hundreds of bugs in this version of Boxee.

Thanks to everyone who helped us by submitting issues to our support team.

If you’ve downloaded Boxee or upgraded within the past 2 weeks, you’ve already got all these great features – no need to do anything!

<————!!! FRESH CONTENT !!!————>

In case you’ve missed it, we’ve updated and added a few great new content partners to Boxee.

/ / NHL GameCenter LIVE (TM) / /

Watch live, out-of-market NHL games on Boxee with our brand new NHL (R) App, just in time for the Stanley Cup (R) Playoffs! Watch your favorite teams hit the ice every night on Boxee or on the web with this great package from the NHL (R). Sign up now to watch the best of the Playoffs! Blackout and other restrictions apply.

/ / REDUX / /

This brand new app will have you completely addicted. Think of Redux as a giant playlist of your friends favorite videos & music from the web. Jump into the app, pick a channel and sit back and watch. Get bored, switch to the next channel. Redux has built the closest thing to channel surfing on Boxee we’ve seen… and it’s epic.

/ / KOLDCAST / /

In the world of original web-based programming, KoldCast TV is one of web’s top destinations for great content. If you’re looking for innovative, well-written TV shows that only appear online – Koldcast is the place to check out. Start with Tyranny and Blue Movies and go on from there…

/ / Funny or Die / /

Whether it’s movies they’ve created exclusively for the site with stars like Will Ferrell, Rachel Bilson, and James Franco, stand up comedy from Zach Galifianakis, Demetri Martin, or Mitch Hedburg, or user generated content, you can always find something to make you laugh at FunnyOrDie.

You can download the latest build from here: http://www.boxee.tv/download

I haven’t played around with the Boxee software for a few months so I will go and have another try – I know that both Tim and I have some problems with some of the earlier builds at the start of the year.

Have you used it? What do you think? Let us know.

Now when is the Boxee Box from D-Link arriving?

Pre-order your Apple iPad Now in the UK

Andrew Edney
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0

As it is now Monday 10th May, you can pre-order your iPad now if you are in the UK, and you can also see the range of data plans – and yes, they are not cheap!

Last week we reported that Apple had announced the pricing for the iPad here in the UK and we also reported that Orange had released pricing for their data plans for the 3G version of the iPad: UK Pricing for the Apple iPad plus Orange Pricing for Data Plans

What was annoying to me was that the pricing for both the iPad itself and the data plan from Orange was significantly more expensive than that of our American cousins.

iPad pricing

As you can see above, the prices are not cheap.

Anyway, if you pre-order any of he 3G versions you can see the prices for the 3 major carriers data plans:

iPad Data Plans

Unfortunately they are not cheap either, and are pretty much all the same, so the only real selection criteria you may have if you want a 3G data plan for your iPad is where you will use it the most and what the 3G coverage is like.

One other thing, as of this morning, if you click on any of the links to take you to the carriers iPad area, each one comes back with an error. It would have been nice for this to have worked this morning!

So, are you going to order an iPad? If so, which one and why? Let us know.

If you do want to order one, click here: http://store.apple.com/uk/browse/home/shop_ipad/family/ipad

Asus Launch Next Generation Eee Top PC ET2010

Andrew Edney
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1

This week Asus launched a new all-in-one multi-touch PC called the Eee Top PC ET2010.

ASUS_EeeTop_PC_ET2010_RightET2010_screen_Right4ET2010_screen_Lfet2

There are two different models, the ET2010PNT and the ET2010AGT. The PNT is based on an ATOM processor where as the AGT is based on AMD.

Specifications – ET2010PNT

Model Name: ET2010PNT-B024E ET2010PNT-B038E
ScreenSize 20″ 1400 x 900 : Touch Screen Multi Touch Panel
OS Microsoft Windows® 7 Home Premium
CPU Intel ATOM Dual Core D510 1.66Ghz
Memory 2GB (DDR3 1066 / 2x Slot SO-DIMM / 4GB Max)
Storage 500GB SATA II 7200rpm 3.5″
Graphics NVIDIA® ION2010™
ODD Tray-in Super Multi DVD
Webcam 1.3 Mega Pixel
Mirophone Digital Array Microphone
Communication 10/100/1000 Mbps Ethernet
WLAN WiFi 802.11b/g/n
Chipset MN10 MN11
Audio Chips
2 x 2W with SRS Premium
Sound
3 x 2W with SRS
Premium Sound
IO ports
Side:
– Memory card slot 3-in-1 (SD, SDHC, MMC)
– USB ports*2
Rear:
– Audio Ports *3 (Microphone, Line in & Line Out)
– USB ports*4
– Gigabit LAN port
– HDMI in-put
Keyboard + mouse Wireless Keyboard & Mouse
AC Power 90W power adaptor
Dimensions 496.8(W) x 373.7(H) x 20.3 ~ 54.3(D)
Net Weight <6Kg
Wall Mountable No Yes
Colour Black
SRP incl. VAT £619.99
Warranty 1 Year UK Collect & Return Warranty

Specifications – ET2010AGT


Model Name: ET2010AGT-B015E ET2010AGT-B027E
ScreenSize 20″ 1400 x 900 : Touch Screen Multi Touch Panel
OS Microsoft Windows® 7 Home Premium
CPU AMD Athlon II X2 Dual Core 250u 1.6Ghz
Memory 2GB (DDR3 1066 / 2x Slot SO-DIMM / 8GB Max)
Storage 500GB SATA II 7200rpm 3.5″
ODD Tray-in Super Multi DVD
Webcam 1.3 Mega Pixel
Mirophone Digital Array Microphone
Communication 10/100/1000 Mbps Ethernet
WLAN WiFi 802.11b/g/n
Chipset RX780 RX781
Graphics ATI Radeon HD5470 ATI Radeon HD5471
Audio Chips
2 x 2W with SRS
Premium Sound
3 x 2W with SRS
Premium Sound
IO ports
Side:
– Memory card slot 3-in-1 (SD, SDHC, MMC)
– USB ports*2
Rear:
– Audio Ports *3 (Microphone, Line in & Line Out)
– USB ports*4
– Gigabit LAN port
– HDMI in-put
Wall Mountable No Yes
AC Power 90W power adaptor
Dimensions 496.8(W) x 373.7(H) x 20.3 ~ 54.3(D)
Net Weight <6Kg
Keyboard + mouse Wireless Keyboard & Mouse
Colour Black
SRP incl. VAT £629.99
Warranty 1 Year UK Collect & Return Warranty

Here is the full press release from Asus:

A Touching Choice in Home Entertainment – ASUS Launch Next Generation Eee Top PC ET2010

ASUS have today announced the UK launch of the Eee Top PC ET2010 series – a superior all-in-one PC which brings everyday computing and outstanding multimedia performance together inside a minimalist and stylish package.

With a super-slim 1” profile, multi-touch 20” screen and impressive multimedia capabilities thanks to the latest processor and graphics technology, the ET2010 is the ideal solution for home users seeking the best of the computer and home entertainment worlds.

The ET2010 is available now from a range of retailers and e-tailers at a price of £619.99 SRP (inc VAT).

For more information on ASUS products visit: http://www.techinstyle.tv

Next generation technology for a dazzling multimedia experience:

With the latest processors and graphics card technology, coupled with DirectX 11 for outstanding video playback, the new ET2010 series delivers flawless visuals to users.

“The ASUS Eee Top ET2010 delivers a rich multimedia and entertainment experience thanks to NVIDIA ION graphics*. Whether you’re watching HD videos online, tagging and sharing family photos or playing your favourite PC games, this system will do it all in style” said David Ragones, Director of ION and GeForce Product Marketing at NVIDIA.

The ET2010’s 20” wide-screen high definition plus (1200 x 600) display, HDMI compatibility and SRS virtual 5.1 surround sound allows users to enjoy mind-blowing multimedia either on the Eee Top or via a larger external television. Gone are the days where the model movie set-up required three or four separate devices – the ET2010 really is an all-in-one solution making it the perfect yet affordable contender as a home entertainment system.

Instant switch between PC and Monitor mode for optimum viewing:

Users can easily switch between PC mode or monitor mode with the ability to multi-task between the two environments – so you can be watching the latest movie in full screen HD quality whilst searching for files in the background – no more fuss trying to manage multiple windows at once.

Multi-touch offers users an easier way to navigate their computer:

The ET2010PNT and ET2010AGT models feature an optical 20” multi-touch screen – far more sensitive than alternative screens available today (such as resistive and capacitive). The result is easier and more accurate input when working with the fingertips.

With the multi-touch screen, users can easily pinch, zoom or rotate images with just two fingers – or, scroll effortlessly through web-pages or text. Such an intuitive style of navigating data means the whole family – even younger children – can take part and enjoy the fun.

1” Slim design blends seamlessly into any home – big or small:

With a curvy 1” profile, the ET2010 is incredibly slim and lightweight compared with traditional desktop PCs. With the ability to wall-mount*, users with even the smallest living room can still enjoy computing in style without negating on precious space.

Designed to be tough – a scratch and damage-resistant option:

The ET2010 series is incredibly hardwearing to give users full peace of mind. The U-Bar can withstand a 30Kg pull, whilst the stand can handle up to 4Kg in push pressure without falling down. The 9H screen is reassuringly hard and scratch-resistant – so no matter how frantic things get in the household, you won’t need to worry about the Eee Top.

Tiny carbon footprint for an eco-friendly home:

Accredited by Energy Star 5.0, the ET2010 bears testament that superior multimedia performance does not have to mean a compromise on being green. With a power consumption almost as low as an energy-saving light bulb (19.96Wh) it helps save the environment as well as the pennies. The  packaging is made from 100% recycled materials, and there are no more paper-heavy manuals included – a simple DVD is provided instead.

Eee Docking platform delivers content straight from the desktop:

The Eee Top PC comes with the exclusive ASUS Eee Docking platform – a one-stop  solution offering users a range of useful services and content to enrich their day to day computing life. The Eee Docking platform includes Eee Amuse, Eee Sharing, Eee Xperience and Eee Tools.

What’s more, the ET2010 allows users to connect to ASUS cloud computing services such as:

* ASUS @Vibe – a portal to a variety of content including music, games, magazines, e-books, e-learning materials and live TV.

* ASUS WebStorage – users can access their files anytime, from anywhere. A simple drag and drop interface facilitates sharing with friends and family and backing-up data for safekeeping. Users have a 1-year free trial – visit www.asuswebstorage.com for more details.

This certainly looks very interesting! We hope to have a review for you soon.

New Netflix Channel Coming Soon to Your Roku

Andrew Edney
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7

If you have a Roku device, then pretty soon you will be able to see a new Netflix channel on it.

Roku connects wirelessly to your high-speed internet service, and plugs into your TV with a single cable.

roku_player_hd-xr

Every Roku player will automatically get the new Netflix channel FREE when it’s available. All you need is a Netflix Unlimited subscription–as low as $8.99/month.

If you want to see what it will look like, then take a look at this little video:

Netflix on Roku–UWHS

For more information click here: http://www.roku.com/netflix-partner

Do you have a Roku player? If so, tell us what you think and if this is something that interests you.

Twonky Release TwonkyMedia Server 6.0 Beta 3

Andrew Edney
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0

Twonky have released an updated beta version of their forthcoming TwonkyMedia Server 6.0.

Only a few weeks ago we reported that Twonky had released beta 2 of TwonkyMedia Server 6.0: Twonky Release TwonkyMedia Server 6.0 Beta.

TwonkyMediaServer

Now they have released beta 3.

Here is what they say about beta 3:

We have tried to address all issues you found with Beta 2, like

– ignoredir not working
– video thumbs not working
– scanner not waiting long enough for TS files
– Internet Radio on Philips not working
– Thumbnails on D-Link not working

Again – we improved stability and performance.

You find Beta 3 here: http://twonkyforum.com/downloads/6.0-beta3/

Let us know what you think.

WD TV Live HD Media Player Fully Compliant with Windows 7 with Play To

Andrew Edney
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0

The WD TV Live HD Media Player is now fully compliant with Windows 7 and supports the Play To features of Windows 7.

Back in October, we mentioned the WD TV Live HD Media Player: Western Digital TV Live HD Media Player

wdfWDTV_Live

So what does this all mean? Well, it means that the WD TV Live HD Media Player can now be used to stream media to your TV via a Windows 7 computer using the Play To feature.

What is Play To you may ask – take a look here: http://www.microsoft.com/windows/windows-7/features/play-to.aspx

It’s one of those very cool new features of Windows 7, and one that when you use you will probably wonder how you get by previously without it!

So, all new WD TV Live HD Media Players will have this functionality built-in and existing owners can update their devices via the WD website (see the link below in the press release).

I have still not played around with one of these – but now this is available I will have to move it up my list of things to try, and I will of course post my findings here in UWHS.

Here is the full press release from Western Digital:

WD TV™ LIVE HD MEDIA PLAYER IS THE FIRST NETWORK MEDIA PLAYER COMPATIBLE WITH WINDOWS 7

Consumers Can Use “Play To” Feature to Stream Music, Videos and Picture Files Stored on Their PCs and Home Network to Their Big Screen TVs

LAKE FOREST, Calif. – May 6, 2010 – WD® (NYSE: WDC), the world’s leader in external storage solutions, today announced that the WD TV Live HD media player, featuring network capability and Full-HD 1080p resolution, is the first network media player compatible with Windows 7. The WD TV Live HD media player makes it easy for anyone to play media stored on USB and network drives, any PC on the home network, as well as content from popular websites, on the biggest screen in their home — their big screen television.

Using the Windows 7 Play To feature, users can initiate and control the streaming of video, music or photos to the WD TV Live HD media player and home entertainment systems from any Windows 7-based PC on their network. Any compatible media file accessible from the PC – located either on the PC or the network – can be played to the WD TV Live by right clicking on the file name in the folder or directly from within Windows Media Player 12 and choosing the WD TV Live HD media player as the playback device.

Current users of the WD TV Live will need to update their WD TV Live HD media player to the latest firmware in order to use the Windows 7 Play To feature. Instructions for updating the WD TV Live HD media player can be found here: http://www.wdc.com/wdproducts/updates/?family=wdfwdtv_live
“Microsoft is pleased that Western Digital has earned the Compatible with Windows 7 logo and is supporting the Play To feature with WD TV Live HD media player,” said Mark Relph, senior director, Windows Ecosystem Product Management at Microsoft Corp. “Now more than 100 million Windows 7 customers will have an affordable and easy way to play files to their HD TVs and other devices from their PC.”

“We regularly engage with WD TV Live enthusiasts in our online community. Many have been asking for a way to “push” media from their PCs to their TV or home theater system, especially from laptops. With the new Windows 7 Play To feature, users can select music or movies from their laptop and play it on an HD TV connected to a WD TV Live HD media player, whether the HD TV is across the living room or in a different room altogether,” said Dale Pistilli, vice president of marketing for WD’s branded products group. “WD worked closely with Microsoft on this exciting new feature to ensure the seamless compatibility of the WD TV Live HD media player with Windows 7 PC’s and deliver WD TV Live users what they want.”

WD TV Live HD Media Player


Features of the Windows 7-compatible WD TV Live HD media player include:

  • Full-HD 1080p video playback and navigation with the included remote control and crisp, animated navigation menus;
  • Play a wide variety of file formats including support for the most popular file formats with no need to spend time transcoding;
  • Play videos, music and photos from the Internet on your big screen TV and discover new music with Pandora® Internet radio or listen to thousands of radio stations via Live365 Internet radio;
  • Ethernet port for wired or WiFi® connection1 to access files anywhere on the network to play movies, music, and photos from any PC or drive on a home network;
  • Turns a USB drive2 into an HD media player and plays content from most popular USB drives, and digital cameras, camcorders, and portable media players that can be recognized as mass storage devices;
  • Unlimited media collection, just add more USB drives for more space;
  • Two USB ports for seamless media playback from multiple USB drives and ability to access them simultaneously while a media library feature collects the content on all the drives into one list sorted by media type;
  • Transfer files by copying, moving or deleting files stored on a USB drive, a network drive, a camcorder, or a camera to the attached USB drive using the on-screen menus;
  • Picture Transfer Protocol support to show photos and movies directly from digital camera or video camera and/or any digital imaging device that supports Picture Transfer Protocol;
  • Advanced navigation options including thumbnail and list views, media library and search;
  • Photo viewing to create custom slide shows, zoom and pan and search;
  • Movie viewing with fast-forward, rewind, pause, zoom and pan, view subtitles, and search;
  • Music playback with fast-forward, rewind, pause, shuffle, repeat and search;
  • File copying between USB devices;
  • HDMI® 1.3 port, composite video and component video output for the highest quality HDTV or home theater;
  • SPDIF digital output that sends digital signals to your AV receiver for the best surround sound experience; and,
  • Ultra-compact design to fit easily into a home entertainment center.

Pricing and Availability
The WD TV Live HD media player is available now at select retailers and online at shopwd.com. Covered by a 1-year limited warranty, the MSRP for WD TV Live HD media player is $149.99 USD.

WHS Vail SDK Dashboard Introduction

Andrew Edney
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0

Microsoft have released a new document for the WHS Vail SDK called Introduction to Vail SDK Document #1 Dashboard.

Earlier in the week we talked about the WHS Vail SDK and how you can use it to develop add-ins for the new version of Windows Home Server : Windows Home Server Vail SDK and we also mentioned Nick’s great guide to getting started with the SDK : Would You Like to Develop an Add-in for WHS Vail-

Now Microsoft have released a new document on the Dashboard and how to use the SDK to build add-ins for the Dashboard.

SDK Dashboard doc

Here is what Microsoft say about this new document:

This document gives an overview of Windows Home Server “Vail” Dashboard primarily when compared to v1 Admin Console. It also talks about the numerous extensibility points available to developers to extend Dashboard.

At a high level, the document outlines how one can build different types of Dashboard addins and plug into the existing Microsoft tabs, wizards and property pages.

The audience for this document is anyone who has already developed addins for Windows Home Server or who is just starting to get ramped up on the new “Vail” SDK. Level of coding expertise needed to follow the document is very low to none, since it talks at a high level about ‘what could be done’ and does not delve into ‘how it could be done’. Detailed documentation for the latter is available in the SDK.

The document itself is only 11 pages, but if you are interested in developing anything for WHS Vail then it is worth a read.

You can download it from here, after signing in to Microsoft Connect: https://connect.microsoft.com/WindowsHomeServer/Downloads/DownloadDetails.aspx?DownloadID=28670

This is only document number 1, so keep watching for other documents from Microsoft for helping your development experience.

Have you developed an add-in yet for Vail? Have you got some ideas? Let us know……

Tranquil Tease Us With the MiDASS 1

Andrew Edney
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1

Tranquil have posted a teaser on their blog about a new computer known only as the MiDASS 1.

Over on the Tranquil blog, an image of a computer, that Tranquil are calling the MiDASS 1 has appeared.

midass_1_outline

The only information Tranquil have released is:

The Tranquil “MiDASS 1” is soon to be revealed….

  • 100% Fan less design
  • Alloy construction
  • Removable 3.5” HDD
  • Dual Core (64 bit) CPU

So, what is the MiDASS 1? It’s 64 bit and had a single removable hard drive. It’s also fan less so that will be interesting.

More information soon when we are allowed to say more Smile and all will be revealed…..

UK Pricing for the Apple iPad plus Orange Pricing for Data Plans

Andrew Edney
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1

Today Apple announced the official release date for the iPad here in the UK, along with pricing, and Orange announced pricing for its Data Plans – are we being ripped off?

The iPad has been out now for a little while in the US and we have refrained from posting about it here at UWHS. Not for any main reason other than we just don’t have one yet! But today, the release date and pricing was released by Apple for the UK. I still wasn’t going to post anything, mainly because the information is all over the web, on every news site, and a lot of other blogging sites, but the cost thing has really got me steaming!

ipad

The release date will be the 28th May with pre-orders starting this Monday.

The pricing is as follows:

  • 16GB, wifi only – £429 inc vat
  • 32GB, wifi only – £499 inc vat
  • 64GB, wifi only – £599 inc vat
  • 16GB, wifi/3G – £529 inc vat
  • 32GB, wifi/3G – £599 inc vat
  • 64GB, wifi/3G – £699 inc vat

    • So, roughly speaking here in the UK we will be paying nearly £100 more for the iPad than our American cousins, once again proving that we get charged more. This coupled with the fact that it is being released later than planned as Apple apparently didn’t realise the demand it would have in the US is a bit of a sting for those who are interested in it.

    When I first heard about it I was pretty excited, it looks cool, and Apple do make pretty good products. However, I was soon disappointed to hear that it wouldn’t support Flash and didn’t have any USB ports, plus a few other little niggling issues. So now that the pricing has been released, along with my disappointment on the other issues, I have to ask myself is it really worth paying all that money for something that looks nice but delivers less than a netbook for significantly more money?

    Now I haven’t actually used one yet – so maybe when I have I will say “wow, I must have one of these”, but at the moment I couldn’t see a situation where I could only take the iPad with me away because of the needs of Flash and USB!

    But like every new Apple product that comes out, the version 1 product is to get you interested, the version 2 product starts to deliver, so maybe it will be worth holding off until next year when the next iPads are released?

    If you want to see the full spec of the iPad, you can click here: http://www.apple.com/uk/ipad/specs/

    Ok, so if that wasn’t bad enough, if you really want to get the most out of the iPad and actually use it anywhere, you will need to buy the 3G version, and on top of that you will need to buy a data plan from a mobile provider, such as Orange, Vodafone or 02.

    Well so far only Orange have released pricing, and I have to say it’s a lot higher than I thought it would be! They are offering a “pay for what you use” policy, at 5p per MB, with a monthly price cap of £40. There are also some other options that bring the price down, but also reduce the allowed usage as well.

    Compared to the pricing for similar plans in the US, we are once again looking at paying nearly double for the privilege of using an already over-subscribed, under-performing mobile network, so as you can probably guess, I’m not impressed. Now neither Vodafone or 02 have announced their price plans yet, but I would hazard a guess they will be pretty similar.

    So, do I really want to be paying all that for the iPad and a data plan, for a device that cant deliver all the capabilities of a modern netbook whilst also paying for my netbook, my iPhone, my data plan on my iPhone, etc.

    Again, maybe I will change my mind once I have actually used an iPad, I know a few people who said they wouldn’t touch one, but now say they can’t live without them.

    Do you have one? If so, let us know what you think. Is it worth it and would you buy one?

    Here is the full press release from Orange:

    Orange UK Announces Data Plans for iPad Wi-Fi + 3G

    Orange today announced that it is extending its partnership with Apple to offer new iPad plans for customers in the United Kingdom, France, Spain and Switzerland. The partnership between Orange and Apple, which has already seen iPhone launch with Orange in 30 countries across Europe, Middle East and Africa, will extend later in 2010 with the launch of iPad in additional Orange markets.
    Orange UK will offer tailored 3G data plans for iPad Wi-Fi + 3G, from 10th May, and will launch a pre-registration site for SIMs at Orange.co.uk/iPad. Pay-as-you-consume, daily, weekly and monthly data plans will be available, providing the freedom to choose a type of plan depending on usage.

    iPad allows users to connect with their apps and content in a more intimate, intuitive and fun way than ever before. Users can browse the web, read and send email, enjoy and share photos, watch HD videos, listen to music, play games, read ebooks and much more, all using iPad’s revolutionary Multi-Touch user interface. iPad Wi-Fi + 3G models are just 0.5 inches thick and weigh just 1.6 pounds—thinner and lighter than any laptop or netbook—and deliver up to 10 hours of battery life for surfing the web on Wi-Fi, watching videos or listening to music, and up to nine hours of surfing the web using a 3G data network.*

    Orange, recently recognised as the best mobile broadband provider in the UK by Independent research firm YouGov, will offer micro-SIMs for iPad free of charge to consumers. From the 10th May the micro-SIMs can be ordered from Orange shops, www.orange.co.uk/shop and Orange telesales, as well as directly from Apple. Customers will be able to register their micro-SIMs by calling Orange customer service on 07973 100 150.

    iPad users will also benefit from access to Orange iPad apps, including Orange Wednesdays, the popular 2-for-1 cinema ticket offer; Your Account, which allows users to track usage and purchase data bundles; and Orange Wi-Fi hotspot locator.

    Pricing

    Orange has developed a simple “pay for what you use” price plan for iPad, charging for data access at a rate of 5p per MB of usage each month, costing no more than £40 per month (excluding the optional bundles). In addition consumers can also choose from four money-saving bundles below for more planned or frequent usage.

    iPad plan : Cost

    Pay monthly for what you use : 5p (per MB)

    All customers will enjoy a £10 credit upon activation of any Orange iPad data plan, for use at time.

    iPad bundles


    Cost : UK Usage Allowance

    iPad Daily (valid for 1 day until midnight) : £2 : 200MB

    iPad Weekly (valid for 7 days until midnight) : £7.50 : 1GB

    iPad Monthly 15 (recurring) : £15 : 3GB + unlimited browsing at Wi-Fi hotspots**

    iPad Monthly 25 (recurring) : £25 : 10GB + unlimited browsing at Wi-Fi hotspots**

    Additional data consumed beyond bundle allowance will be billed at 5p/MB

    Pay as you consume plan is subject to fair usage.

    **Fair usage policy of 750MB applies.  Wi-Fi hotspots at UK’s largest single public Wi-Fi network, BT Openzone

    The micro-SIM will slot into the iPad.

    MicroSim_JPG_autothumb_w-550_scale

    Tranquil Announce the T7-MP2 Media Center PC

    Andrew Edney
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    7

    Late last night Tranquil PC announced their newest computer, the T7-MP2 Media Center PC.

    T7MP_productT7MP_main

    The latest Media Centre Player from Tranquil, the T7-MP2

    Need a tiny, low power, almost silent, reliable and affordable Media Centre?
    Welcome to the T7-MP2 Media Player. A minimalist, yet powerful addition to your TV experience bringing HD Video and Audio to the big screen.

    • Powered by the ION chipset from Nvidia, you can now enjoy HD movies etc with ease
    • Intel dual core Atom CPU ensures low energy consumption with excellent performance
    • Near silent operation – there are no fans to be heard, or suck in dust
    • Integrated Media Centre Receiver and Media Centre remote control
    • Tiny foot print – the size of a hard back book
    • Connect to almost any screen, HDMI (1.3) – DVI or VGA
      and almost any audio player HDMI – SPDIF (Coax or Optical) – Analog
    • Expand storage with 6x rear USB2 ports and 1x eSATA port
    • Built in WiFi (802.11 b/g/n) and GigaLAN interface
    • Desirable quality – made from all extruded aluminium parts
    • Ideal for Media Centre Playback of your media files, web browsing etc
      or Live TV / Recorded TV playback, or CD/DVD/BluRay playback – via optional USB devices
    • Runs Windows 7 Home Premium with Media Centre + IP TV services
    • Optional VESA TV bracket, to mount the T7-MP2 on the back of your large screen TV
      (75×75, 100×100 or 200x100mm VESA mount points)
    • Enjoy new IP services from :
      SKY Player* – BBC iPlayer** – ITV Player – Channel 4 Watch Online – FIVE Demand – etc

    (* Sky Player requires a standard (dish) SKY Subscription or a Sky on demand subscription)
    (** BBC HD is also available. To enjoy any IPTV services (broadcast TV) legally, you must have a TV licence)

    Enjoy all of your Media to the FULL with the T7-MP2
    It’s a tiny, almost silent, very high quality Media Centre that will be appreciated by those with any eye for detail and who want to enjoy the media, without any disruption or interruption of background noise. With support for playback of most Audio / Video formats, incl MKV High Definition Video, you can now enjoy what you want, when you want it !

    The complete spec is:

    Unit dimensions : 387 (w) x 356 (d) x 66 (h) mm

    Unit construction : Aluminium and steel (typically >70% recycled materials)

    System heat sink : Aluminium with custom heat pipe cooling system (TranCool3)

    CPU : 64 bit ready Dual Core Intel Atom D510 (2 x 1.6GHz)

    Chipset : Nvidia ION

    Graphics : Nvidia GeForce 9xxx (up to 1920 x 1440)

    Memory  : 2x DDR2 667/800MHz (up to 4GB)

    HDDs : 1x or 2x 2.5″ SATA

    Colour options : Satin Black

    Front panel  : Power switch and Power / HDD activity LEDs / IR RX (suitable for All MCE remotes, not MCE keyboard)

    Rear panel : 12V DC power in / 6x USB2.0 / 10.100.1000 LAN / Audio In / Audio Out / Mic In / COAX SPDIF / TOSLINK SPDIF / PS2 / HDMI / DVI / VGA / eSATA / WiFi / Power in

    Weight : Base unit (nett) 4Kg

    Power supply : External AC/DC with country specific power cord

    Working temp : Maximum 48’C ambient

    Mounting options :Desk or Wall

    Power consumption : from 21W (base unit)

    Acoustics : 17dBA (incl 1x HDD) or 0dBA with SSHDD

    Software :
    Windows 7 Home Premium
    IP TV Add Ins
    Video Decoder pack (incl MKV HD video)

    And the cost for this little gem, £479 plus VAT.

    For more information, and to pre-order, click here: http://www.tranquilpc-shop.co.uk/

    We should have one for review soon, so watch this space.

    The Home Server Show Podcast number 89

    Andrew Edney
    -
    0

    Dave over at the Home Server Show has just published podcast 89, even though he is on vacation.

    home_server_show_small

    Here is what Dave has to say about this weeks show:

    The Home Server Show 89 – Time Traveler with DieHard and ITTOG.

    Time Traveler, Media Center, DVR recording, and more with John Zajdler,(DieHard) cohost of the homeservershow and Lance Canaday known as “I’m the type of guy” in our homeservershow forums.

    This is more of a conversational type show and not real formal and I think you will like it because of that.  I think this one has potential to generate some conversation in the forums.

    Give it a listen and hit the forums and let me know what you think.

    As usual you can listen to the show here: http://homeservershow.com/the-home-server-show-89.html

    And Tim, don’t worry, I’m guessing the drinking game can take a much deserved week off as well as Dave!

    The Media Center Show Podcast – Windows Embedded Media Center

    Andrew Edney
    -
    0

    Ian over at the Digital Lifestyle.com has just released this weeks Media Center Show podcast, and this week is all about Windows Embedded Media Center.

    TDL logo

    Here is what Ian has to say about this weeks show:

    Last week it was announced that Windows Media Center will be an optional component of Windows Embedded Edition meaning we could se set top boxes with Windows Media Center installed in them. So this week I am chatting with Windows Media Center MVP Andrew Cherry about Windows Embedded, I will be asking Andrew what is is, why is it important that Media Center is included and what kind of devices will we see.

    I also have email and the weeks news including a bug fix for the Windows 7 music library problem.

    You may remember we did a couple of posts about Windows Embedded Media Center as well:

    Is the REYCOM Entertainment Center the First Embedded Windows Media Center 7 Device-

    Windows Media Center Part of Windows Embedded Standard 7

    Also Ian mentions that Microsoft has killed the Courier project, which we also talked about last week:

    Microsoft Kills the Courier Booklet and HP Kills the Windows 7 Slate-

    As usual you can listen to the show here: http://thedigitallifestyle.com/cs/blogs/ian/archive/2010/05/05/the-media-center-show-255-windows-embedded-media-center.aspx?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=twitter&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+TheDigitalLifestyle+%28The+Digital+Lifestyle+and+Media+Center+Show%29

    In some other news today from Ian, the planned event in June for the Media Center/WHS User Group meeting is not going quite as well as we had all hoped and planned for. Here is what Ian said today:

    I was hoping to bring exciting news with the details of the next UK Windows Media Center and Windows Home Server group, but I can’t. We have been working very hard to make the event really special, we have some great presenters lined up with sessions on Media Center, Windows Home Server Vail, hardware vendors, Windows Embedded, DVB Link and others. Last year the first event was hosted by Microsoft which saved us having to pay for the room booking meaning we could make the event completely free and we were hoping to do the same this year, unfortunately despite the best efforts of our Microsoft MVP lead Microsoft are unable to fund the hire of a room for the event. We had hoped to have the event on a weekend at Microsoft’s UK office but sadly the powers that be at Microsoft couldn’t stretch to proving us a room. Its really disappointing that the various departments at Microsoft can’t see any benefit in engaging with Windows enthusiasts community, I would have thought the costs of a room hire would insignificant in great scheme of things but we still want to continue with the event because I can see it being so valuable to the community.

    So seeing as we have lots of great sessions lined up we will look at various funding options including sponsorship or maybe membership payments. We are open to suggestions for locations so if you have any ideas let me know and hopefully we can get the user group event arranged soon.

    This is very disappointed, Microsoft’s offices in Reading are great and would have been perfect for the event – there were some great things planned. I don’t understand what the issue is as I used to work there quite a while ago (back when there were only 3 buildings there, so that just shows you how long ago that was!).

    But don’t worry, Ian is on the case…….

    Would You Like to Develop an Add-in for WHS Vail?

    Andrew Edney
    -
    4

    A few days ago we mentioned the WHS Vail SDK, now fellow MVP Nick Asseloos has published a guide to creating your very first Vail add-in.

    In the past Nick has produced other guides on creating add-ins for Windows Home Server, so you can be sure it’s worth having a look at.

    Vail SDK Guide

    Nick says this about it:

    – It is still very basic, just plain and simple.
    – It is not fit for any production system.
    – It’s only inteded for developers that want to have a try at starting to create an add-in. Nothing fancy yet.
    – The installation mechanism isn’t described yet. Only how to configure your system to start coding, code a sample and test it on your server.

    But it should get you on your way to start getting your hands dirty in the new Vail SDK. Have fun!

    The link the full post is here: http://asoftblog.wordpress.com/2010/05/05/developing-an-add-in-for-vail/

    The link to the guide is here: ASoft SDK Article 6

    So go have a look and try out developing your first add-in, and then let us know how you got on.

    SanDisk Launch Xbox 360 USB Flash Drive

    Andrew Edney
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    0

    Today SanDisk have announced the launch of their USB Flash Drive for use with Xbox 360s.

    XBox_Image_216X105

    Here is the full press release:

    May 5, 2010 – SanDisk Corporation (NASDAQ: SNDK), the global leader in flash memory cards, today announced that it is shipping the Xbox 360® USB Flash Drive by SanDisk for the Microsoft Xbox 360 gaming and entertainment console. The new drive makes it easier than ever for gamers to take their gamertags, saved game progress, map packs, Arcade game downloads and bonus content with them for fast and convenient access on another Xbox 360 console.

    The Xbox 360 USB Flash Drive by SanDisk delivers the best experience on the Xbox 360 console. Pre-configured for seamless plug and play action, the drive eliminates the need to format storage or download an initial software update for an Xbox 360 console. For gamers looking to get in on the fun or for those with existing accounts who want to extend their play, a one-month Xbox LIVE Gold membership is included with purchase of the drive.

    “Xbox LIVE contains a world of content for gamers to explore and download, including full-length games, movies and music,” said Shuki Nir, Senior Vice President and General Manager, Retail, SanDisk. “The Xbox 360 USB Flash Drive by SanDisk is specifically engineered to deliver a great user experience and maximum compatibility with the console, offering gamers greater freedom and flexibility in how they store, manage and enjoy their favorite files.”

    “SanDisk has a proven track record of creating high-quality storage solutions,” said Ilan Spillinger, Vice President, Xbox Hardware and Technology, Microsoft.  “The Xbox 360 USB Flash Drive by SanDisk provides a great solution for gamers who need portable storage for their Xbox 360 content. Its plug and play simple.”

    Pricing and Availability

    The Xbox 360 USB Flash Drive by SanDisk is available now on SanDisk.com and at major retailers. The drive is available in 8 gigabyte (GB)1 and 16GB capacities, carrying suggested retail prices of £29.99 and £51.99, respectively.

    The US prices are $34.99 and $69.99 respectively.

    Includes these unique extras:

    • 1. Gold Membership
      One month subscription to Xbox LIVE® Gold membership included.
    • 2. Game On!
      It’s always “game on” with the Xbox 360® USB Flash Drive by SanDisk®. Carry your game with you anywhere you play.
    • 3. Hassle Free
      Preconfigured “Plug and Play” with XBOX 360®. The Xbox 360® USB Flash Drive by SanDisk® includes Xbox 360® updated software
    • 4. Take full advantage of Xbox LIVE®
      Download games, map packs, profiles, music and video.BONUS! Purchase one today from SanDisk.com and get a free lanyard.**

      (While supplies last)

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