Apple’s 12 Days of Christmas 2013 Day 10 Despicable Me Minion Madness

3

Apple is continuing it’s annual 12 Days of Christmas, and for day 10 its Despicable Me Minion Madness.

IMG_0704_thumb1_thumb_thumb_thumb_th[1]

You and your friends can download a fantastic selection of songs, music videos, apps and books for free. Each download will only be available for 24 hours. Get the special 12 Days of Christmas app to make it even easier to access your gifts while you’re on the go.

To access these gifts, the Region Format setting on your iPhone, iPad or iPod touch needs to match your iTunes Store account.

You need to download the app and then each day for 12 days there will be something free.

Day 10 Despicable Me Minion Madness

IMG_0724   IMG_0725

I wonder what it will be tomorrow?

Killer Instinct Gets a Killer Update for Xbox One

0

Double Helix has released a big 675MB update, for Killer Instinct but it addresses several character balancing issues and KI store issues, and fixed the save data problems and makes sure the game now offers full controller support. It has introduces two classic character costumes; one for Jago and one for Orchid, which each include new accessories for you to play around with.

killer-instinct-screenshot

Here is the full Release notes for Killer Instinct for 2nd January 2014

ROTATING FREE CHARACTER:

–  Character rotation has been added. Sabrewulf is the new free character, replacing Jago.

***GENERAL FIXES***

FULL CONTROLLER SUPPORT

–  Players will now have access to play regardless of what USB port they plug into.

SAVE DATA FIXES

–  Sign-in changes via KINECT will no longer erase save-data

TOASTS OPTION AVAILABLE

–  Players will be able to disable toasts from the option menu (under display options)

***KI STORE FIXES***

COLOR #5 PROPERLY UNLOCKS

* NOTE: Players who have accomplished these tasks prior to launch will now be awarded retroactively

TRAINING MODE ICON UNLOCKED

*NOTE: If you have completed all the tasks required to unlock the costume, the TRAINING ICON will retroactively be unlocked.

***IN-GAME Updates***

–  Character Select option added to the pause screen of local versus

–  Command List corrected and updated

–  Game will now pause when the controller for player 2 is removed

–  Accessory menu screens updated and patched

–  Added access to the MELD from the pause screen

–  Replays library will be cleared since executable has been updated to a new version number

–  Jago’s equipped accessories now display properly while in dojo mode.

***ON-LINE UPDATES***

VIEWABLE LEADERBOARDS

–  Privilege check has been moved into the Xbox Live menu so non-gold members can view leaderboards

PARTY INVITES FIXES

–  General fixes have been implemented to ensure the proper user-flow for people wanting to play exhibition matches with friends.

RANK-UP/RANK-DOWN DISPLAY

–  RANK events (Rank-up/Rank-down), display notifications to both players prior to the start of the match.

RANK MATCH UPDATES

–  The rank point distribution method has been updated. Please see the chart below for the updated system.

Ranking-Points

***GAMEPLAY UPDATES***

GLOBAL FIXES

INSTINCT MODE SHADOW COMBOS NOW BREAKABLE

–  There were several instances where SHADOW MOVES we’re un-breakable after performing an instinct.-mode cancel With the current fix, SHADOW MOVES will be fully intractable after an instinct-mode cancel.

UNBLOCKABLE FIX

–  Players can now adjust block height during instinct mode activation.

COMBO ENDER FIX

–  There were several instances where certain moves labeled as “ENDERS” where unbreakable .

CHARACTER SPECIFIC FIXES

JAGO

–  Jago’s Endokuken is now classified as an OPENER, when used in the beginning of combos.

SABREWULF

–  Shadow Eclipse now scales properly if used as an OPENER.

–  LEVEL-3 eclipse ENDER  has been corrected to hit the opponent after performing a JUMPING SLASH

ORCHID

–  Category correction for the first (2) hits of ICHI NI SAN.

–  Damage scaling correction on UPPER FIRECAT

GLACIUS

–  Shadow Hail will now have the same hit properties as an OPENER.

SADIRA

–  HP /Shadow version of Widow’s bite is now categorized as OPENER.

Apple’s 12 Days of Christmas 2013 Day 9 Tom Odell Live

1

Apple is continuing it’s annual 12 Days of Christmas, and for day 9 its Tom Odell Live.

IMG_0704_thumb1_thumb_thumb_thumb_th[1]

You and your friends can download a fantastic selection of songs, music videos, apps and books for free. Each download will only be available for 24 hours. Get the special 12 Days of Christmas app to make it even easier to access your gifts while you’re on the go.

To access these gifts, the Region Format setting on your iPhone, iPad or iPod touch needs to match your iTunes Store account.

You need to download the app and then each day for 12 days there will be something free.

Day 9 Tom Odell Live

IMG_0722   IMG_0723

I wonder what it will be tomorrow?

Sonic & All-Stars Racing Transformed Out for iOS and Android

0

sonic all mobile logo

Sega has release of Sonic & All-Stars Racing Transformed now available on iPhone, iPad, iPod Touch and on Google Play. Following on from 12 million mobile downloads of  Sonic & Sega All-Stars Racing, this sequel includes all of the exciting, transforming vehicle gameplay and multiplayer battles found in the previously released console version. With a multitude of game modes, over 75 events and a brand new World Tour, Sonic & All-Stars Racing Transformed has been specifically optimised for mobile and on-the-go gaming.

sonic allstar mobile

Sonic and his All-Star friends are breaking free from the traditional rules of the road with vehicles that transform mid-race and give the gamer three unique ways to play. It’s a race to the finish line as players drive powerful cars, pilot agile planes and glide across raging rapids in high-speed aquatic vehicles. Choose from more than ten legendary racers such as Sonic The Hedgehog, Tails, AiAi and for the first time in Sonic & All-Stars Racing Transformed, Ryo Hazuki and his incredible transforming arcade cabinet. Fans will need to master each character’s unique vehicles and game changing all-star moves to come out on top in 13 dynamically changing courses. Discover alternate routes and collect new power ups in a racing game experience that never feels the same twice.

When players feel that they’ve got what it takes, they can challenge their friends and race in four player local matches or in synchronous and asynchronous online multiplayer races. They’ll never need to feel like they’re racing alone with integrated Facebook and Game Centre functionality that lets them see their friends’ profile pictures zoom past them on the track. Last but not least, if fans want a new reason to play, iOS 7 & Android controller support transforms their racing experience into something different for mobile gaming.

sonic all mobile 3

Sonic & All-Stars Racing Transformed is available now on the App Store for £2.99, here and from Google Play here

New Trailer for KINGDOM HEARTS HD 2.5 ReMIX

0

Square Enix over the Christmas break released a new trailer for KINGDOM HEARTS HD 2.5 ReMIX from the recent Jump Festa event that took place in Japan. Picking up from where KINGDOM HEARTS HD 1.5 ReMIX ends, the trailer features fan-favorite characters like Sora, Roxas, Riku and Naminé alongside the Disney cast including Princess Aurora (Sleeping Beauty), Hercules, King Mickey, Captain Jack Sparrow (Pirates of the Caribbean) and others – now in stunning high-definition graphics.

KHBbS01_FIX_nosub_1388659536

 

Are you looking forward for the Remix version of Kingdom Hearts HD 2.5 Remix.

Warner Teasers New Batman Story DLC Coming 2014

0
 The official Batman: Arkham Origins Facebook page has posted a new teaser picture from some new story driven DLC.
Batman Arkham Origins new story
All the Facebook page shows are a concept art with a picture of the Wayne Foundation Humanitarian of the Year trophy surrounded by icicles, could this suggests that Mr Freeze could be making an appearance in the new story line?.

Apple’s 12 Days of Christmas 2013 Day 8 Pictures of Lily by Paige Toon

1

Apple is continuing it’s annual 12 Days of Christmas, and for day 8 its Pictures of Lily by Paige Toon.

IMG_0704_thumb1_thumb_thumb_thumb_th

You and your friends can download a fantastic selection of songs, music videos, apps and books for free. Each download will only be available for 24 hours. Get the special 12 Days of Christmas app to make it even easier to access your gifts while you’re on the go.

To access these gifts, the Region Format setting on your iPhone, iPad or iPod touch needs to match your iTunes Store account.

You need to download the app and then each day for 12 days there will be something free.

Day 8 Pictures of Lily by Paige Toon

IMG_0720   IMG_0721

I wonder what it will be tomorrow?

Apple’s 12 Days of Christmas 2013 Day 7 Rayman Jungle Run

Apple is continuing it’s annual 12 Days of Christmas, and for day 7 its Rayman Jungle Run, and frankly this is the best day yet!

IMG_0704_thumb1_thumb_thumb_thumb_th

You and your friends can download a fantastic selection of songs, music videos, apps and books for free. Each download will only be available for 24 hours. Get the special 12 Days of Christmas app to make it even easier to access your gifts while you’re on the go.

To access these gifts, the Region Format setting on your iPhone, iPad or iPod touch needs to match your iTunes Store account.

You need to download the app and then each day for 12 days there will be something free.

Day 7 Rayman Jungle Run

IMG_0718  IMG_0719

I wonder what it will be tomorrow?

ASUSTOR AS-202TE NAS Installation: Part Two: XBMC Review

In Part Two of my ASUSTOR AS-202TE review, I take a look at XBMC, connecting the NAS to my TV via HDMI.  Read on for details!

01

In Part Two of my ASUSTOR AS-202TE review, I take a look at XBMC, connecting the NAS to my TV via HDMI.  The AS-202TE is equipped with an HDMI-out port, making it a really good candidate to hook up directly to you TV and play back your video files directly.  No DLNA, no streaming, just local playback via HDMI,similar in concept to how a home theater PC works.  ASUSTOR supplies a version of XBMC to accomplish this.  Let’s see how they did!

XBMC

XBMC is an application intended for home theater PC’s that allows you to play back media of all types onto your TV.  Here is a bit about XBMC from their website:

About XBMC

XBMC is a free and open source media player application developed by the XBMC Foundation, a non-profit technology consortium. XBMC is available for multiple operating-systems and hardware platforms, featuring a 10-foot user interface for use with televisions and remote controls. It allows users to play and view most videos, music, podcasts, and other digital media files from local and network storage media and the internet.

ASUSTOR delivers an interface to control XBMC called ASUSTOR Portal, and it gives you a home landing page to use to launch Google Chrome, XBMC, Boxee and your favorite webpage.  You can administer the portal from the portal app on the AS-202TE.  Here is the ADM page showing the Portal after I installed it:

image

Opening Portal helps you to personalize it, add your favorite webpage to it, adjust overscan (something that I needed to do before I taped my demo…you will see that in a minute).  Administration of the portal feature is easy and hits the high notes of what I would like to see.

Once you have Portal installed, go ahead and install XBMC from the app store and then ensure that your HDMI Out port is connected to a TV.  Turn on the AS-202TE and the TV and you’ll see the portal page; click on XBMC.  You’ll need to do a quick installation process, telling XBMC where to find your content; after that you are in business.

Here is an 11 minute video walkthrough of XBMC on an AS-202TE; note that I needed to adjust overscan in the portal app here to improve my experience.

ASUSTOR also sells a remote to use with XBMC for $35; this is essential to a good experience and I highly recommend it.  Here is a quick video that demos the remote:

You can buy it directly from ASUSTOR here for $35.  In addition, you may want to consider attaching a keyboard to a USB port if you intend to surf the internet using this solution.

Summary

Overall, ASUSTOR has done a nice job of delivering an XBMC experience here, adding media center PC functionality to their NAS units.  If you have content that you’d like to share with the largest screen in your house without the need for streaming across your network, this type of system with XBMC installed might be just the ticket.

Stay tuned for the third and final AS-202TE review part, the overall evaluation, coming soon!

Games with Gold: Sleeping Dogs, Lara Croft and the Guardian of Light

0

Beginning tomorrow, you can ring in the New Year with two more titles for the Xbox 360 Games with Gold program, available for free for a limited time:

“Sleeping Dogs” will take you to Hong Kong, a vibrant city whose exotic locations hide one of the most powerful and dangerous criminal organizations in the world: the Triads. You’ll play Wei Shen, an undercover cop trying to take down the Triads from the inside. You’ll have to prove yourself worthy as you fight your way up the organization, taking part in criminal activities without blowing your cover. In time, you will risk everything as the lines between truth, loyalty and justice become permanently blurred.

8375SleepingDogs_Screen_Shotgun.jpg

Here is the review of Sleeping Dogs we did back in August 2012.

LaraCroft

Starting Thursday, Jan. 16, you can experience the first ever co-op action-adventure game featuring Lara Croft in “Lara Croft and the Guardian of Light.”  Team up with a friend or go at it alone as you traverse and solve deadly traps, fight hordes of undead enemies, and collect over 60 artifacts and relics.  “Lara Croft and the Guardian of Light” offers fast-paced action and breathtaking visuals shown through an isometric view.

Apple’s 12 Days of Christmas 2013 Day 6 New Year’s Eve by Avicii

3

Apple is continuing it’s annual 12 Days of Christmas, and for day 6 its New Year’s Eve by Avicii.

IMG_0704_thumb1_thumb_thumb_thumb_th

You and your friends can download a fantastic selection of songs, music videos, apps and books for free. Each download will only be available for 24 hours. Get the special 12 Days of Christmas app to make it even easier to access your gifts while you’re on the go.

To access these gifts, the Region Format setting on your iPhone, iPad or iPod touch needs to match your iTunes Store account.

You need to download the app and then each day for 12 days there will be something free.

Day 6 New Year’s Eve by Avicii

IMG_0716   IMG_0717

I wonder what it will be tomorrow?

Review of the Belkin Express Dock for iPad and iPhone

0

If you have an iPad or an iPhone with a lightning connector then you might want to take a look at our review of Belkin’s Express Dock.

CDW Review Belkin Express Dock for iPad and iPhone - 6

The Express Dock for iPad offers a convenient, compact way to keep your iPad (4th generation), iPad mini, iPhone 5, or iPod touch (5th generation) upright while charging and syncing. The dock allows you to comfortably enjoy video or surf the Web while charging your device’s battery.

Who are Belkin?

From their website:

At Belkin, we make people-inspired products and solutions. For nearly 30 years it has been our passion and our mission to create products that make people’s lives better, easier and more fulfilling. From wireless home networking and entertainment to mobile accessories, energy management and an extensive range of cables; Belkin products enhance the technology that connects us to the people, activities and experiences we love.

What’s in the Box?

The box contains the dock (with cable attached) and an instruction guide.

CDW Review Belkin Express Dock for iPad and iPhone - 1CDW Review Belkin Express Dock for iPad and iPhone - 2CDW Review Belkin Express Dock for iPad and iPhone - 3CDW Review Belkin Express Dock for iPad and iPhone - 4

A Closer Look

On the rear of the dock is a dial you can use to change the height of the connector on the front to ensure that either your iPad or your iPhone 5 will sit correctly.

CDW Review Belkin Express Dock for iPad and iPhone - 5CDW Review Belkin Express Dock for iPad and iPhone - 7CDW Review Belkin Express Dock for iPad and iPhone - 8

Final Thoughts

When Apple changed the connectors on the new iPad’s and iPhones, the first thing that happened was that for the most part all existing chargers and docks became obsolete, unless you managed to find a converter. This wasn’t really ideal so Belkin quickly released lightning connector docks.

The dock is small and doesn’t take up too much room, and it is heavy enough to remain stable on a flat surface.

Place an iPad or iPhone onto the dock was simple and didn’t require any effort.

I liked the addition of the dial to change the height of the connector – too many times I have seen docks that don’t hold the iPad or iPhone securely, and often that means that the charging process doesn’t take place.

I also liked that the USB cable was actually connected to the dock, meaning that it will always be together! It was also a smart move making it 4 foot so you should be able to position it anywhere on your desk that you like.

It charges your device by connecting to your computer or by plugging the USB cable into a USB wall charger (such as the one that came with your iPad).

The dock costs £44.99 and is a useful addition to any desk.

CDW-Rating-Banner-black-4

You can learn more from the Belkin website.

Apple’s 12 Days of Christmas 2013 Day 5 Home Alone

1

Apple is continuing it’s annual 12 Days of Christmas, and for day 5 its Home Alone.

IMG_0704_thumb1_thumb_thumb_thumb

You and your friends can download a fantastic selection of songs, music videos, apps and books for free. Each download will only be available for 24 hours. Get the special 12 Days of Christmas app to make it even easier to access your gifts while you’re on the go.

To access these gifts, the Region Format setting on your iPhone, iPad or iPod touch needs to match your iTunes Store account.

You need to download the app and then each day for 12 days there will be something free.

Day 5 Home Alone

IMG_0714   IMG_0715

I wonder what it will be tomorrow?

ASUSTOR AS-202TE NAS Installation: Part One Basic Installation: UPDATED

ASUSTOR was nice enough to send on a AS-202TE for review.  In this installment, I show you how to run through the basic installation of the NAS.  Read on for details!

MK-1306008_AS2series2

ASUSTOR was nice enough to send on a AS-202TE for review.  In this installment, I show you how to run through the basic installation of the NAS.  Before we get started, let’s give you some background on this unit:

AS-202TE

Takes care of all your multimedia entertainment needs from downloading to local playback

Takes care of all your multimedia entertainment needs from downloading to local playback

  • Listen to your music with Web music player SoundsGood
  • 24/7 round-the-clock download assistant
  • 1080P HD multimedia playback via HDMI and XBMC
  • Expand storage capacity with USB 3.0 external hard drives
  • Support for a variety of mobile apps from ASUSTOR
  • ASUSTOR’s exclusive FTP client: FTP Explorer
Hardware Specifications
  • CPU: Intel® ATOM™ 1.2GHz Dual-Core Processor
  • Memory: 1GB Memory DDR3
  • HDD: 2.5″ / 3.5″ SATA II/ III or SSD x 2¹ Compatibility
  • Expansion: USB 3.0 x 2, USB 2.0 x 2
  • Network: Gigabit Ethernet x 1
  • Output: HDMI x 1
  • System Fan: 70mm x 1
  • Infrared Receiver
  • 3.5mm Audio Jack
  • Input Power Voltage: 100V to 240V AC*
  • Certification: FCC, CE, VCCI, BSMI, C-TICK

* WD Red 3 TB HDD

Operation
  • Power Consumption: 19.7W (Operation); 13W (Disk Hibernation); 0.8W (Sleep Mode)²
  • Noise Level: 24dB
  • Operation Temperature: 5°C~35°C (40°F~95°F)
  • Humidity: 5% to 95% RH
ASUSTOR Hightlight
  • System Migration
  • Cloud Connect
  • Dr.ASUSTOR
  • 2-way Backup
  • Task Monitor
Eco-Friendly Design
  • System Sleep Mode (S3)
  • Auto-Standby for Both Internal and External Disks
  • Auto Fan Control
  • LED Night Mode
  • Power Schedule: On, Off, Restart, and Sleep
Size and Weight

 

This is a 2-bay unit with one gigabit ethernet connection and an HDMI Out port, and is aimed at the home user who wants to directly connect a NAS to their TV for content playback.  Check out these product pictures:

0102030407

This is an attractive-looking unit that will look fine in most home entertainment racks, and is made from high-quality materials.  Let’s set this unit up!