What is Windows Home Server?

Currys and PC World’s Christmas 2012 Top Ten Tech Gifts mention Apple mystery product – iPad Mini perhaps?

Andrew Edney

Jul 11, 2012

Currys and PC World’s Christmas 2012 Top Ten Tech Gifts mention Apple mystery product – iPad Mini perhaps?

It’s that time of the year when all the Christmas in July events and announcements take place, and today saw the release of Currys and PC World’s top ten tech gifts list.

This is the third year running that the Apple iPad has been top of the Christmas bestseller list at Currys and PC World. In fact, such is Apple’s popularity that Currys and PC World are predicting that the only product likely to knock the iPad off the number 1 spot is Apple’s latest launch, a product still to be revealed, but that the tech buyers are predicting will go straight to the top of customers’ wish lists.

The Kindle e-reader is holding strong at number 2 for the second consecutive year, this time with its Touch device. Last year Currys and PC World saw a 700% increase in sales of Kindles during the Christmas shopping period, with a device being sold every three seconds in the week before Christmas.

The iPad isn’t the only tablet to feature in the top ten, however. Currys & PC World predict that the Kindle Fire tablet, due to launch late autumn, will become a Top bestseller by Christmas. Meanwhile, Google is expected to set the tablet market alight with its Nexus 7, coming in at number 3 and set to be one of the hottest gifts this Christmas.

What is very interesting is that at number 4 there is an Apple mystery product with a price to be confirmed. Is this the much rumoured iPad Mini?

Also number 6 shows the Kindle Fire so does this mean Amazon are finally launching it in the UK? They certainly didn’t mention it at all at their annual Christmas Wish List event yesterday.

What are your thoughts on the list?

Office for Mac 2011 14.2.3 security update released

Andrew Edney

Jul 11, 2012

Office for Mac 2011 14.2.3 security update released

Microsoft have released update 14.2.3 for Office for Mac 2011, bringing with it fixes and improvements.

Here is what the update includes:

Improvements that are included in the update

The Office for Mac 2011 14.2.3 Update also includes the following improvements:

This update fixes an issue where some SkyDrive folders in Micorosft Document Connection are displayed as zero-byte files instead of folders.
This update provides critical updates for connection reliability with SkyDrive.

Improvements for Excel for Mac 2011

This update improves stability in Excel when you drag to move a PivotTable row or column.
This update fixes an issue in Excel where #REF is returned even when links are ignored.

Improvements for Outlook for Mac 2011

This update fixes an issue where some IMAP users may receive an “Unknown namespace” error when they try to create special folders (such as Drafts and Sent Items) on the server.
This update fixes an issue with some IMAP configurations where Outlook repeatedly displays “Cannot create mailbox” errors.
This update fixes an issue that causes Outlook not to display details for certain contacts when Lync or Communicator is running.
This update fixes a problem that occurs when users reply to or forward Exchange email messages that were downloaded from Exchange 2007 servers. When this problem occurs, the Date field is missing from the body of the message.
To correct email messages that have already been cached, right-click the folder that contains the email messages, select Folder Properties, and then then select Empty under Empty Cache. Or, you can delete the Exchange account and then add it again to resynchronize the account.
This update fixes an issue where users may have duplication of mail when they use Gmail and connect with Outlook by using IMAP.
This update fixes an issue where some users who have IMAP accounts intermittently receive a “Too many simultaneous connections” error. A setting is now available to control the polling interval that Outlook uses with IMAP servers.
To adjust this setting, select Tools, select Accounts, and then select Advanced for the IMAP account. The setting defaults to synchronize all lMAP folders every two minutes.
This update fixes a connectivity issue that occurs when Outlook connects through a proxy server that uses NTLM based authentication.

Improvements to Word for Mac 2011

This update improves Full Screen View integration with Word.

The update is 110 MB in size and is available now.

GIGABYTE Launches World’s First Fully Certified Dual Port Thunderbolt Motherboards

Jim McCarthy

Jul 11, 2012

GIGABYTE announced the launch of the world’s first certified dual Thunderbolt™ motherboards. Read on for details.

GIGABYTE announced dual port Thunderbolt™ motherboards the other day. Here is what they announced:

City of Industry, California, July 5^th , 2012 – GIGABYTE TECHNOLOGY Co. Ltd., a leading manufacturer of motherboards and graphics cards, today announced the latest GIGABYTE 7 series motherboards, the very first to offer fully certified dual onboard Thunderbolt™ ports. Capable of connecting up to 12 devices plus 3 digital displays simultaneously, with breathtaking data transfer speeds that can transfer 1TB of data in only five minutes, GIGABYTE Thunderbolt™ motherboards offer the fastest connection interface ever on the desktop PC.

GIGABYTE Thunderbolt™ motherboards allow users to daisy chain up to 12 devices simultaneously via an incredible bi-directional 10Gbps data pipeline that includes both PCIe and DisplayPort traffic. GIGABYTE Thunderbolt™ motherboards redefine desktop PC connectivity to make it far easier to connect multiple high speed storage devices and HD displays to your PC than ever before.

“Thunderbolt technology represents a leap in performance and simplicity for media creators and entertainment enthusiasts,” says Jason Ziller, Intel’s director of Thunderbolt marketing. “We are pleased to be working with GIGABYTE as they bring the first dual Thunderbolt port motherboard to market. It’s a great example of what Thunderbolt makes possible.”

GIGABYTE Dual Thunderbolt™ motherboards open up a wealth of new possibilities regarding high-performance storage devices. GIGABYTE has worked closely with several leading device partners, including Promise^® Technology, LaCie, BlackMagic, Western Digital, Seagate, Elgato, CalDigit and cable manufacturer Sumitomo:

“Working with GIGABYTE has been very exciting,” said Kosta Panagos, Director of Creative Marketing, at CalDigit. “GIGABYTE’s new line of Intel 7 series motherboards featuring dual Thunderbolt ports, will usher in a new era of flexibility to the PC platform. It is also a perfect match with CalDigit’s new T1 and T2 Thunderbolt drives which provide professional level performance on all platforms at consumer prices, a feat that was previously unattainable, thanks to GIGABYTE and Thunderbolt technology.”

“GIGABYTE’s new dual port Thunderbolt motherboards are an exciting innovation, giving incredible performance and are perfect for video and film professionals using Thunderbolt and the PC,” said Grant Petty, CEO, Blackmagic Design. “Customers using our wide range of Thunderbolt devices will now be able to choose to work in whatever format they need, giving them the flexibility to build whatever production and post production workflow they need.”

“In line with GIGABYTE and its dual on board Thunderbolt ports, WD’s My Book® Thunderbolt™ Duo offers dual Thunderbolt ports for amazing creative flexibility while allowing daisy-chaining of up to six My Book Thunderbolt Duo drives or other high performance peripherals for fast and efficient workflow,” said Craig Davis, Director Sales & Marketing, Retail Division, Western Digital Asia Pacific & Japan Region.

“Thunderbolt technology is a fantastic way to deliver both data and display via one interface. It provides unparalleled performance and plenty of flexibility,” said Leo Paskin, Product Marketing Manager at Seagate. “With the ability to daisy chain up to 12 devices on GIGABYTE’s new dual port Thunderbolt motherboards, you can turn a desktop PC into a central device hub by plugging in a single cable!”

“As the first Intel certified cable vendor, Sumitomo is delighted to see GIGABYTE bring the first dual port Thunderbolt motherboard to market, creating the ultimate connectivity for desktop PCs, commented Motoi Matsuo. “These new Thunderbolt motherboards are also the perfect fit for Sumitomo’s exclusive high speed 20m optical cables.”

“Thanks to their dual Thunderbolt™ ports, Gigabyte’s new 7 series motherboards deliver unbeatable flexibility”, says Adam Steinberg, Vice President Marketing at Elgato. “The unique dual port feature enables users to combine multiple portable Thunderbolt™ devices like the powerful Elgato Thunderbolt™ SSD.”

“LaCie is pleased to see GIGABYTE announce Thunderbolt technology on their lasted motherboards,” said Erwan Girard, Professional Business Unit Manager, LaCie. “The time is now for demanding PC users, especially digital content creators, to experience the unprecedented speeds and advantages enabled by Thunderbolt Technology. The desire for computers and peripherals to keep up with their work flow is a concern of the past.”

Seagate Announces Preliminary Q4 Results

News

Jim McCarthy
-

Jul 10, 2012
0

Seagate announced preliminary Q4 2012 results the other day, missing earnings and gorss margin expectations. Read on for details.

Seagate announced preliminary Q4 results the other day. Sales were $4.5 billion, shy of the target of $5 billion, and non-GAAO gross margins were 33.6% compared to the expectation of 34.5%. Here is what they said:

Seagate Technology Announces Selected Preliminary Fiscal Fourth Quarter 2012 Financial Results

CUPERTINO, Calif.–(BUSINESS WIRE)– Seagate Technology plc (NASDAQ:STX) today announced selected preliminary financial results for its fourth fiscal quarter of 2012, which ended on June 29, 2012.

Seagate expects to report record revenue of approximately $4.5 billion and non-GAAP gross margin of 33.6%. These preliminary results compare to the Company’s previous expectations for revenue of at least $5 billion and non-GAAP gross margin of at least 34.5%.

Seagate expects to report record unit shipments for the June quarter of approximately 66 million, reflecting approximately 45 exabytes of storage capacity and maintaining approximately 42% market share. During the quarter the company paid $1.2 billion to redeem over 45 million ordinary shares and exited June with 396 million basic shares outstanding. Cash, cash equivalents, restricted cash and short term investments totaled $2.2 billion at the end of the June quarter.

“Seagate expects to report another record quarter of revenue in the June quarter, however we did not meet our expected revenue and margin plan,” said Steve Luczo, Seagate chairman and chief executive officer.

“The June quarter’s shortfall was due primarily to two factors. First, we did not achieve our planned market share growth as we reduced shipments in response to the industry’s faster than expected recovery from their supply chain disruption. Second, we experienced an isolated supplier quality issue that affected one of our enterprise product lines. This product issue impacted enterprise product unit shipments by approximately 1.5 million units and drove our non-GAAP gross margin below our targeted plan. While this disruption to our business was disappointing, we acted quickly and conservatively by suspending shipments of the affected products. We have resolved the issue and have resumed fulfilling our supply commitments to customers.”

Luczo continued, “Based on the macro-economic concerns indicated by a broad base of customers, we are approaching the September quarter conservatively and aligning our business for a relatively flat addressable market and modest improvements in our product mix. We are adjusting our production and inventory planning accordingly, and we expect average selling prices and margins to remain relatively stable in the September quarter. We also continue to expect to exit the calendar year with non-GAAP gross margins exceeding 30%.”

Full Fiscal Fourth Quarter 2012 Financial Results

Seagate will report full fiscal fourth quarter 2012 financial results on Monday, July 30, 2012 after the close of the market. A conference call for the investment community will take place at 2:00 p.m. Pacific Time. The conference call can be accessed online at www.seagate.com/investors.

A replay will be available beginning July 30 at 6:00 p.m. Pacific Time through August 6 at 8:59 p.m. Pacific Time. The replay can be accessed through Seagate’s website at www.seagate.com/investors.

About Seagate

Seagate is the world leader in hard disk drives and storage solutions. Learn more at www.seagate.com.

Seagate closed today at $25.36, down 2.34% on the day.
STX Real-Time Quote

Dishonored gameplay videos from E3 released

Gaming

News

Andrew Edney
-

Jul 10, 2012
0

Last month at E3 I was shown a demo of a new game from Bethesda called Dishonored. Unfortunately at the time it was a “behind closed doors” session, but now that demo is available for everyone to see.

Dishonored casts you as a supernatural assassin driven by revenge. Creatively eliminate your targets with the flexible combat system as you combine supernatural abilities with weapons and gadgets at your disposal. Pursue your targets under the cover of darkness or ruthlessly attack them head on with weapons drawn. The outcome of each mission plays out based on the choices you make.

Below are some images from the game:

In these videos, Co-Creative Directors Raphael Colantonio and Harvey Smith guide you through two different play-throughs of ‘The Golden Cat’. The first video shows a stealthier approach to eliminating The Pendleton Brothers, two corrupt aristocrats. The second video depicts the more direct, action-oriented style of play to assassinate the targets. In addition to ‘The Golden Cat’, the second video illustrates a fight with the Tallboys who are patrolling the streets in ‘The Flooded District’. Both videos were shot using non-final code and all the powers and gadgets have been unlocked to help with the demo.

Here is part 1 (its just over 14 minutes long):

And here is part 2 (at a shorter 8 minutes long):

Dishonored will be available in the UK on October 12, 2012, and is slated for release on the Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, and PC.

I have to say that I was really impressed with the demo and I can’t wait to see more. October is going to be a great month for gamers!

For more information on Dishonored visit www.Dishonored.com.

Synology announce DiskStation Manager (DSM) 4.1 beta

News

Storage & NAS

Andrew Edney
-

Jul 10, 2012
0

Today Synology announced their DiskStation Manager (DSM) 4.1 beta program, and you can join!

The new features of DSM 4.1 include:

Deliver leading and robust storage solutions for virtual infrastructure.

Boost business productivity and management efficiency with evolved Cloud Station, Syslog Server and Mail Server.

Offer efficient resource allocation and powerful data sharing solutions to comply with large enterprises’ standards.

Unlock multimedia sensations with the brand-new Video Station, advanced Photo Station, Audio Station and mobile apps.

Elevate surveillance intelligence with overhauled and robust Surveillance Station 6.

Among the first to support VMware vStorage APIs for Array Integration (VAAI) technologies, DSM 4.1 offloads various data operations from Hypervisor to DiskStation and RackStation by performing Full Copy, Zero Block, Atomic Test & Set (ATS) and Storage Reclamation, resulting in boosted performance and optimised storage space in demanding vSphere 5.0 environment.

DSM 4.1 brings the intelligence business users need to increase productivity. Cloud Station evolves to support two shared folders in sync and get files on mobile devices synced. Cloud Station also supports encrypted transmission, HTTPS and proxy server setting. Syslog Server is more proactive by presenting instantaneous overview, notification rules with keywords matching and customisable archiving policies. The Mail Server becomes full-fledged, which supports SMTP relay services, email alias, multiple domains, spam filter, auto-reply, plus real-time monitoring of mail quantity and bandwidth.

DSM 4.1 provides powerful resources sharing solution. Traffic Control and Speed Limit prioritise, reserve or limit bandwidth usage for different applications, users and groups. Resources Monitor additionally offers real-time and historical report of disks’ IOPS and transfer rate. By supporting SFTP, FXP and settings of connecting to the Internet via proxy server, file sharing is more efficient yet secure to comply with large enterprises’ standards. Furthermore, shared folders from multiple DiskStation and RackStation can be synchronised to a common destination.

DSM 4.1 unlocks multimedia sensations. The all-new Video Station greets users with film posters and detailed information gathered online automatically. With TV Recorder module, users can watch TV shows or set a recording schedule. DS video lets users watch videos and manage recording schedules on iOS devices. Furthermore, Photo Station introduces timeline to chronologically map out users’ albums pinned on a Google map. Location and name tags with automatic facial recognition help users filter out photos easily. Audio Station can displays lyrics and allows every account user to host a personal library. iOS users can enjoy music stored in cache despite no access to Internet. DS audio and DS photo+ additionally support Windows Phone. Furthermore, the new DS download allows users to manage download tasks.

With an overhauled interface for intuitive navigation, Surveillance Station 6 now features four time-sliders corresponding for different channels for video playback, finding critical moments is a lot easier. Various object tracking features, including Tally Counter, Virtual Fence and No-idle Zone helps users stay alert of intruders. Web APIs make it easy for developers to integrate Surveillance Station with their applications.

Applied Models of DSM 4.1 and Beta Packages:

12-series: DS712+, DS212, DS212+, DS212j, RS212, RS812, DS1512+, DS1812+, DS3612xs, RS3412xs, RS3412RPxs, DS112j, DS112, DS412+, RS812+, RS812RP+, RS2212+, RS2212RP+, DS112+

11-series: RS3411xs, RS3411RPxs, RS2211+, RS2211RP+, RS411, DS3611xs, DS2411+, DS1511+, DS411+II, DS411+, DS411, DS411j, DS411slim, DS211+, DS211, DS211j, DS111

10-series: RS810+, RS810RP+, DS1010+, DS410, DS410j, DS710+, DS210+, DS210j, DS110+, DS110j

9-series: RS409+, RS409RP+, RS409, DS509+, DS409+, DS409, DS209+II, DS209+, DS209, DS209j, DS109+, DS109, DS109j, DS409slim

If you are interested in joining the DSM 4.1 beta program, just click here.

Let us know if you do join and what you think of it.

Dropbox doubles space for their Pro accounts for free and adds a 500GB plan

News

Storage & NAS

Andrew Edney
-

Jul 10, 2012
0

If you are a Dropbox Pro subscriber then you will find tonight your storage has doubled!

As well as doubling the 50GB plan to 100GB and the 100GB to 200GB, Dropbox are also introducing an all new 500GB plan for those more storage hungry users.

Learn more about the pricing for the new 500GB later tonight when it goes live by clicking here.

Are you a Dropbox Pro subscriber? If so let us know what you think of this news.

Twitter app for iOS updated to version 4.3; brings Expanded Tweets

Apple

News

Andrew Edney
-

Jul 10, 2012
0

The official Twitter app for the iPhone and iPad has been updated to version 4.3, bringing with it expanded tweets.

What’s New in Version 4.3

– Expanded Tweets: when you view Tweet details containing links to partner websites, you can now see content previews, view images, play videos and more [please note: this feature is rolling out gradually]
– Enhanced experience around selected events with the best Tweets and photos from those involved
– Push notifications for Tweets: choose to receive notifications from people you follow anytime they tweet or retweet
– Ambient notifications: enables you to see brief non-interruptive notifications in the status bar while you are using the app
– Improvements to search autocomplete for users
– Discover: now indicates when new stories are available for you to view
– Tappable avatars that take you directly to user profiles
– Performance improvements
– Support for password entry in app when experiencing authentication issues
– Hungarian language support
– Updated with new Twitter bird
– Many other tweaks, polish, and bug and crasher fixes
Download now from the Apple App Store

Google+ App for iOS Gets Updated to Version 3.0

Apple

News

Andrew Edney
-

Jul 10, 2012
0

Google have just updated it’s Google+ app for iOS devices with Google+ events added.

What’s New in Version 3.0

✓ Full iPad support
✓ New feature: Google+ Events
✓ Attach Instant Upload photos to posts
✓ Start and join hangouts

Go get it now from the Apple App Store.

Kingston Digital Ships next-generation DataTraveler Locker+G2 Secure USB Flash Drive

News

Storage & NAS

Tech

Andrew Edney
-

Jul 10, 2012
1

Kingston Digital Europe today announced the second-generation of its popular DataTraveler Locker+ secure USB Flash drive for consumers. The new, lower priced DataTraveler Locker+ G2 works interchangeably between Mac OS X and Windows systems and all data is secured with hardware-based encryption.

Users simply setup a password upon first use for access and the drive is as simple as plug and play with no extra software or partitions needed. The DataTraveler Locker+ G2 also features a password manager that allows users to store names and passwords for up to 20 accounts. The stylish, durable metal casing also features a key loop for easy attachment to a backpack, briefcase or purse.

“Data security for consumers is simple and affordable with the new DataTraveler Locker+ G2. The data encryption makes this the perfect USB drive to keep your information safe and out of strangers’ hands in case it ever gets lost,” says Krystian Jaroszynski, European Product Manager – Flash & HyperX, Kingston Digital Europe. “Users can take their data between Mac and PC systems with ease, and also safely store login information to websites with the included password manager.”

Kingston DataTraveler Locker+ G2 Features and Specifications:

· Hardware encryption: the best in personal security to keep your data safe

· Superior password protection: user sets a password to prevent unauthorized access

· Versatile: works interchangeably between Mac OS X and Windows systems

· Secure: drive locks down and reformats after 10 invalid login attempts

· Easy to use: no application installation required

· Password Manager: access and store user names and passwords for up to 20 accounts

· Stylish: durable metal casing with built-in key loop

· Customizable¹: Co-Logo program available

· Supports: Windows 7, Vista, XP & Mac OS X

· Guaranteed: five-year warranty with free technical support

· Capacities²: 4GB, 8GB, 16GB, 32GB

· Speed³: 10MB/s read and 5MB/s write

· Compatibility: designed to USB 2.0 specifications

· No admin rights required

· Minimum System Requirements:

– USB 2.0 compliant and 3.0 compatible

– Two free consecutive drive letters required for use

· Dimensions: 2.28″ x 0.73″ x 0.38″ (58.00mm x 18.6mm x 9.75mm)

· Operating Temperature: 32°F to 140°F (0°C to 60°C)

· Storage Temperature: -4°F to 185°F (-20°C to 85°C)

The DataTraveler Locker+ G2 is available in 4GB (rrp: £7.43), 8GB (rrp £8.61), 16GB (rrp: £15.33) and 32GB (rrp: £34.43) capacities – all prices exclude vat. It is backed by a five-year warranty and free technical support. For more information visit www.kingston.com/europe

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