What is Windows Home Server?

Atari US Files for Chapter 11 Bankruptcy

Chris Hare

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Jan 21, 2013

Atari US has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy, it has been revealed.

Atari Inc and three affiliates filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in New York over the weekend in a bid to break free from French parent company Atari SA – formerly known as Infogrames – which is said to be struggling with debt.

It is believed Atari US hopes to find a buyer to take the firm private, subsequently allowing it to focus on mobile and digital games, according to the LA Times.

Atari’s revenue dropped by 34% in 2012 and 43% the year before. Profits, meanwhile, have also been relatively small, while Atari SA share prices are now worth less than a Euro.

The company is also said to be reliant on London’s BlueBay Asset management for cash, which has left Atari US unable to release a number of games currently in development.

Atari Inc has since secured financing worth $5.25 million to continue operations, and will emerge from bankruptcy with little or no debt should it find a buyer.

The Atari name has had a long and confusing history. The original Atari Inc. split into multiple divisions in 1984, with the brand changing hands with Tramel Technology and Hasbro Interactive over the next few decades.

When Infogrames bought Hasbro and the Atari name in 2001, it changed the name of developer GT Interactive to Infogrames, Inc and finally Atari, Inc. as we know it in 2003.

Millions of children missing out on crucial online safety training

Andrew Edney

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Jan 21, 2013

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Millions of children are missing out on crucial online safety training, according to new research commissioned by Internet security company ESET. 50 percent of those aged nine to 16 have had no formal internet safety teaching in school, while one in four parents admit they lack the confidence to initiate the conversation, believing their child has a better grasp of online security.

Instead three quarters of parents choose to monitor online activity at a distance, 23 percent without their child knowing. However, the report exposes a disparity between the actions of under 16 year olds and what parents actually see, with children using shrewd tactics to hide their activity – 40 percent of children confessed to clearing their browsing history to keep it hidden; almost a third have created online accounts that parents don’t know about. Plus, half of children have lied about their age to access a website.

The need for parental monitoring is completely disregarded among nine to 16 year olds, with 84 percent believing they should be able to browse independently – including 70 percent of those aged just nine years.

Technical Director of ESET UK, Mark James, said: “Online safety is the modern day ‘birds and bees’ conversation; it evokes dread and nervousness in parents who feel ill-prepared to teach their child the dos and don’ts of the online world. The research shows that two thirds of parents believe it’s primarily their role to educate children about Internet safety, above schools, the police or the Government, however their own online behaviours are questionable.

“The Internet has brought a tremendous benefit to every aspect of daily life and we want to encourage people of all ages to engage, explore, learn and experience the value it can bring – however education is fundamental to keep everyone armed with the knowledge of how to browse safely.”

In response to this, ESET has launched the UK’s first awards scheme to recognise individuals and organisations across the UK that are leading initiatives to educate others about Internet safety. Named the CyberSmart Awards, the scheme is supported by the UK Safer Internet Centre – the organisation behind Safer Internet Day on February 5.

Head of the UK Safer Internet Centre, David Wright, said, “Just like the real world, the online environment is constantly changing – there are new and evolving platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, Foursquare, Instagram and Google+, and different ways of accessing the Internet, through phones and tablet devices. It creates a complex landscape that is challenging to navigate safely. That’s why sharing best practises is more important than ever before.”

Halo 4 Spartan Ops Season One new trailer and screenshots

Andrew Edney

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Jan 20, 2013

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A few days ago we told you about the return of Spartan Ops: Season One, which includes five weeks of brand-new content – from 21^st January through to 24^th February. Now we have a trailer and some new screenshots to share.

Reenlist with Fireteam Crimson as they search for Spartan Thorne on planet Requiem and come face-to-face with the threat of Jul ‘Mdama and his cult of Covenant separatists. The intensity of Season One builds to its thrilling conclusion in Episodes 6-10 as the battle moves beyond Requiem to a wide variety of locations featuring epic vehicular combat and on-foot encounters with Prometheans and Covenant forces.

Here is the trailer for episodes 6 – 10:

And here are the new screenshots to keep you going:

Are you playing Spartan Ops? Let us know what you think of it by leaving a comment below.

Check out our Halo 4 review

CES 2013 : A look at Samsung 2013 Smart Hub

Andrew Edney

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Jan 20, 2013

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At CES Samsung showed off their new 2013 Smart Hub, and we got to see it in action.

Five intuitive panels help consumers manage and navigate different types of content, which are displayed as thumbnail images for the first time so it’s even easier to select and watch the content on the big screen. With a light hand gesture (flipping), you can discover five totally different experiences in Smart Hub, as if you have five new TV sets.

Samsung Smart Hub has been redesigned to simplify the process of discovery for consumers. Apps and content are arranged into five dynamic panels with an easy-to-navigate interface and dynamic thumbnails for instant previews.

These panels are:

On TV – shows the channel that is currently playing as well as the most relevant, personalized suggestions that may be airing shortly based on consumer viewing habits

Movies & TV Shows – an easy view of movies and TV services and over-the-top content that are available from various content providers. Content is recommended based on the consumer’s viewing habits

Photos, Videos & Music – allows consumers to organize personal content and files on Samsung Smart TVs and other linked devices

Social – highlights user-created content from friends and family, popular videos from Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, and video call services

Apps – organizes downloaded Samsung Apps and recommendations for easy access

Here is the video showing it in action:

And don’t worry if you have a 2012 Samsung TV, you can easily upgrade by purchasing the Evolution Kit when it becomes available later in the year.

Just Dance 4 interview with Rachel Grant

Andrew Edney

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Jan 20, 2013

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A few months ago we were at the Just Dance 4 launch party and we got to interview Rachel Grant.

Rachel is the UK brand manager for Just Dance 4 and is really nice to talk to.

Over to Rachel:

So do you own Just Dance 4? What is your favourite song? Let us know by leaving a comment below.

Far Cry 3 Patch for Consoles Brings Single and Multiplayer Fixes – now available on PS3

Chris Hare

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Jan 20, 2013

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Far Cry 3 has received a significant patch for the PlayStation 3 following from the Xbox 360 release a few days ago.

Patch version 1.03 brings nearly 50 fixes to the console versions, offering many of the same improvements that the PC version recently received.

The most requested feature in the patch is an option to turn off elements of the HUD, letting users customise it and make the screen less cluttered by turning off features at will.

In multiplayer a glitch that was causing players to turn invisible and to de-sync when killed in mid-air has been stamped out and the map lobby’s layout has been improved.

Changes to the single-player component include the removal of a bug that causes discarded weapons to vanish, a mission objectives display and fixes for the leaderboard.

Far Cry 3 is available now on Xbox 360, PS3 and PC.

Read the full patch notes below:

Multiplayer:

Fixed several crashes
Fixed bug where user was unable to jump on certain surfaces
Fixed bug where players could become invisible
Fixed bug with 3D weapon images in Decoding menu
Fixed bug where weapons could disappear after completing objectives in Co-op
Fixed bug where users could get stuck in Loadout screen in Co-op
Removed “Reloading” shout after user shoots the bow
Fixed issue with overlapping UI elements when playing split-screen
Fixed bug where split-screen users could get stuck in black screen after a cinematic
Parties will no longer be allowed to numerically unbalance games
Improved and fixed several issues with host migration
Connection degradation will now properly trigger a host migration
Fixed several bugs with Loadout menu
Fixed bug that could display a profile restriction message when trying to join a lobby
Fixed bug where users could get stuck in 3rd person in Custom games
Fixed bug with Flamethrower not doing any damage in certain circumstances
Fixed bug where “Player is on the way” tag could stick to downed players
Fixed bug where clients could remain on black screen if host left the game
Fixed bug where Fire Arrows did not do fire damage
Fixed bug where Long Distance Kill was not awarded
Fixed bug where Tag Assist was not awarded
Fixed bug where Killcam wasn’t shown in certain circumstances
Fixed bug where Survival Instinct was not cancelled properly
Fixed bug where Psych gas could get dropped in the wrong place
Fixed bug where Psych gas could affect players outside of the deployment area
Fixed bug where users could get stuck when killed by Poison gas
Fixed bug where other player’s footstep sounds sometimes did not play behind you
Fixed bug where sound could get muffled when being revived
Fixed bug where user could get de-synced if killed in mid-air

Map Editor:

Added information for Player Map playlists
Improved available space for Player map names in lobby
Fixed bug where User made maps wasn’t downloaded properly in lobby
Fixed bug that made the user stuck when igniting Firestorm nodes on certain maps

Single Player:

Fixed issue with accessing the camera and the throwing rocks.
Fixed issue with accessing weapons. The user weapon inventory will be restored as soon by entering in a safehouse or by fast travelling.
Users that have miss the Relic located in Dr. Earnhardt cave will have the relic recover.
Fixed the bug with the weapon models staying on screen / stuck on the character arm.
The leaderboard is now updating correctly even after if the user is disconnecting/reconnecting the ethernet cable
The objective is now properly updated after Jason burns the weed fields.
New options the hide the HUD are now available in the option menu.
Add support for downloadable content.
Fixed the issue when the user was becoming invincible after failing mission ‘Black Gold’ several times.
The Phonecall from Hurk (ULC missions) is no longer overlapping the brief of the ‘Piece of the past’ mission.
Fixed the game crashes happening when the user reconnect to Ubisoft servers using an account that has unlocked any MP item.
Fixed the issue when Sam was no longer in the jeep’s turret after placing two bomb and being kill several time in ‘Black Gold’ mission.
Sam is no longer getting stuck when the user destroy an enemy car.
Fixed the buttons issue related to the Lefty Stick Controls scheme

Urban Trial Freestyle for the PlayStation Network and PlayStation Vita coming soon

Andrew Edney

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Jan 20, 2013

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Tate Multimedia S.A released a new game-play trailer and screenshots for the dynamic Urban Trial Freestyle soon to launch on PlayStation Network and PlayStation Vita.

Urban Trial Freestyle will have you racing against the clock, while performing radical stunts, across five varied 3D urban environments – in pursuit of the perfect score. The physics-based motorcycle racing game’s gritty setting with dynamic environments offer a re-imagining of the massively popular action bike racer genre.

The new game-play trailer showcases Urban Trial Freestyle’s epic backgrounds, detailed graphics and innovative physics-engine. Watch as riders perform edgy and dangerous stunts across a sprawling city.

The latest screenshots highlight the superb quality of the title that has been perfectly optimised for the PlayStation Network and PlayStation Vita.

Are you interested in this game? Let us know by leaving a comment below.

Monster Hunter 3 Ultimate coming to Nintendo 3DS and Wii U in March

Andrew Edney

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Jan 19, 2013

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This week Nintendo revealed that Capcom’s Monster Hunter 3 Ultimate is coming to the Nintendo 3DS and Wii U in March.

Monster Hunter 3 Ultimate for the Nintendo 3DS and Wii U will be available March 22nd.

Watch the opening cinematic of Monster Hunter 3 Ultimate for Wii U below:

Are you going to buy it? Let us know by leaving a comment below.

Play Xbox games on Windows 8 and RT with Microsoft Play

Andrew Edney

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Jan 19, 2013

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If you ever wanted to play some Xbox games on Windows 8 or Windows RT now you can with Play from Microsoft Studios.

Get your game on with this amazing line-up of titles from Microsoft Studios. The games have something for everyone, from casual puzzlers and high energy racing to immersive adventure and non-stop arcade. For Xbox fans you’ll also find your favourite features like leaderboards, multiplayer modes, connecting with friends, and more. All Microsoft Studios titles let you try before you buy. Check them out today!

There are currently 15 titles you can play:

Microsoft Solitaire Collection
The Gunstringer: Dead Man Running
Microsoft Mahjong
Wordament
Hydro Thunder Hurricane
Reckless Racing Ultimate
4 Elements II Special Edition
Adera
Skulls of the Shogun
Rocket Riot 3D
Pinball FX2
Microsoft Minesweeper
ilomilo
Toy Soldiers: Cold War
Taptiles

Microsoft Studios titles are available for Windows 8 and Windows RT via the Windows Store.

You have tried any yet? Let us know by leaving a comment below.

CES 2013: Samsung Introduces World’s First Curved OLED TV

Andrew Edney

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Jan 19, 2013

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Last week at the 2013 International Consumer Electronics Show (CES), Samsung unveiled their Curved OLED TV, breaking the barrier of innovation in home entertainment.

The OLED panel is curved, which provides depth to the content displayed for a more life-like viewing experience.

Additionally, consumers will enjoy the Curved OLED TV for its immersive panorama effect, which is currently not possible with conventional flat-panel TVs. When watching captivating content such as vast landscapes and scenes from nature on the Curved OLED TV, they will feel like they are surrounded by the beautiful scenery.

Leveraging its expertise in display technology, Samsung has optimised the picture quality of the Curved OLED TV to deliver a comfortable viewing experience, as the curved panel allows the distance between the user and TV screen to be the same from almost any angle.

Robert King, Vice President Consumer Electronics, Samsung UK and Ireland, said: “As a leader in the development of television technology Samsung consistently delivers ground breaking products that surpass customer’s expectations. Our commitment to drive technological innovation that enhances people’s lives is set to continue even beyond the World’s First Curved OLED TV.”

No specifics on price or availability so watch this space.

Maxis introduces SimCity

Andrew Edney

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Jan 19, 2013

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Maxis recently showed off the latest video for SimCity – the introduction video that will kick start players’ experiences as soon as they login into the game.

Using all gameplay footage, the video shows off Multi-city play beginning with an expansive aerial view of one of the regions in the game before it dives into city specialisation, providing fans with a glimpse into how their cities can look when they specialise in dirty coal power, clean nuclear or wind power, or tourism. The video ends with the first look at the Space Centre, one of the Great Works that players can work to create together when the game launches on March 8, 2013.

Here is the video:

Developed by the renowned Maxis studio in Emeryville, SimCity delivers unprecedented depth of simulation with the new GlassBox Engine, where everything is simulated, including up to 100,000 individual Sims in a city, to every Kilowatt of power pulsing through a region of cities. The model-like world and detail of the simulation make this the most responsive and personalSimCity ever. This is also the most expansive city management game yet where multi-city gameplay across regions delivers a larger playing field. Play a single city or up to 16 cities at once each with different specialisations, it’s your choice.

Multiplayer is also a first for the series, adding a new dimension to the game, as decisions impact both the city and the region, creating new ways to play by collaborating or competing to earn achievements. Finally, SimCity is a live service that simulates real-time updates and pushes them to players in the form of new challenges. Through this platform, Maxis is also able to provide a continuous stream of new gameplay features and content. Whether you play by yourself, with your friends or the rest of the world, SimCity introduces an infinite world of possibilities. What kind of mayor will you be?

There is also a beta you can sign up for if you are interested in playing SimCity early.

Register for the beta here

The four-day beta begins on January 25 and ends on January 28 – so hurry.

SimCity will be released in February 2013 for the PC and Mac.

So are you interested in the new SimCity? If so let us know by leaving a comment below.

Check out our interview with George Pigula about SimCity

CES 2013: A closer look at the Samsung Evolution Kit

Andrew Edney

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Jan 19, 2013

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Just before CES 2013 Samsung announced their Evolution Kit, and at CES we got a closer look at it.

Its an innovative concept that enables Samsung 2012 Smart TV to evolve into Samsung’s new 2013 Smart TVs. By simply attaching the Evolution Kit device into the back of a Samsung Smart TV, consumers can enjoy the latest features that the 2013 Smart TVs have to offer.

With hardware enhancements, such as CPU, memory and GPU up to the level of the latest Smart TV, users can enjoy faster speeds for browsing the Internet and multitask by using apps while watching TV.

In addition, Samsung’s Smart Interaction features such as voice control and motion control will be enhanced. Once the Evolution Kit is attached to the slot, 2012 Smart Hub is transformed to 2013 version. Every year, consumers will now be able to enjoy the latest services with Samsung’s Smart TVs.

The Evolution Kit fits neatly onto the back of the TV and connects via a single cable.

No word on price or availability, all Samsung would say is that it will be out after the new 2013 TV’s, so watch this space.

God of War: Ascension single player trailer released by Sony

Andrew Edney

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Jan 19, 2013

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Sony have released a trailer for the single player mode of God of War: Ascension.

Experience brutal God of War action online with up to eight players in objective-based battles.
Align yourself to Zeus, Ares, Poseidon or Hades and earn their approval to unlock new customisation options for your multiplayer gladiator.
Embark on Kratos’s quest for freedom from the very beginning with an epic new single player story.
Enjoy new combat and puzzle mechanics that build on the award-winning God of War gameplay.

Here is the trailer:

God of War: Ascension will be released on March 15th in the UK, March 13th in the rest of Europe and March 12th in North America for PlayStation 3.

Skype Click to Call gets an update

Andrew Edney

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Jan 19, 2013

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The latest versions of Skype Click to Call for Windows (version 6.5) and Skype Click to Call for Mac (version 2.4) are here.

Key updates in this release include:
• Numbers which are FREE to call are now highlighted in magenta, so it is even easier to spot them while browsing the web
• Firefox 18 and Chrome 23 support (Click to Call is also available on IE and Safari)
• Windows 8 compatibility
• Various performance and stability improvements

Download the new Skype Click to Call now.