What is Windows Home Server?

CyberLink Shows Off Digital Media Applications for Windows 8

Jim McCarthy

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Jun 6, 2012

Today at Computex in Taipei, CyberLink showed off several digital media applications for Windows 8. We’ll bring you some of the details.

Today at Computex in Taipei, CyberLink showed off several digital media applications for Windows 8. Here is what they showcased:

CyberLink Showcases Digital Media Playback and Creation Apps for Upcoming Windows 8 Metro at Computex 2012

London, UK—5 June 2012—CyberLink Corp. (5203.TW), an innovative solution provider for the connected digital lifestyle, will showcase three new apps specifically designed for Microsoft’s Windows 8 Metro interface at Computex 2012. From media playback and camera effect to video editing, the three new apps optimize Metro’s touch-friendly interface to empower consumers to enjoy and create their media content intuitively.

The three new apps for Windows 8 Metro include:

PowerDVD Metro: A universal multimedia player app, PowerDVD Metro offers a complete media gallery support for videos, photos and music, together with premium features like Dolby and DTS audio. The app provides broad video and photo format support including MKV, MPEG, MP4 and M2TS.

YouCam Metro: An intuitive app for built-in camera effects, YouCam Metro allows consumers to capture videos and photos instantly, apply a wide range of fun effects, and tag photos with CyberLink’s FaceMe™ face recognition technology. YouCam Metro is now available in Microsoft’s Windows 8 Beta Store.

PowerDirector Metro: An on-the-spot video-editing app, PowerDirector Metro facilitates video editing and slideshow creation when consumers require their recorded video content to be edited and distributed quickly, directly from their mobile devices. In addition, a selection of Magic Style pro-designed templates allows consumers to create polished movies automatically.

“From the comfort of your home to the energetic on-the-go life style, CyberLink offers a seamless entertainment experience across all platforms,” said Alice H. Chang, CEO of CyberLink. “We are delighted to showcase our three new Metro-style apps, each of which takes advantage of the unique capabilities of the Windows 8 platfom to make enjoyment and creation possible anytime, anywhere.”

Availability:

CyberLink’s Multimedia Apps will be on shelf in Microsoft’s Windows 8 Beta Store upon the launch of Windows 8. Now, the apps can be exclusively previewed at Computex 2012 in Grand Hyatt Taipei, Suite 1148, June 5-9. For a first-hand experience, please contact us to arrange a meeting with us at Computex.

XBMC Outlines May Build Changes

Jim McCarthy

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Jun 6, 2012

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XBMC has moved to a monthly build cycle and XBMC outlined the changes from the May development efforts. Read on for details.

A few days back, we told you that XBMC was adding HD audio to its feature set. Today, XBMC clarified other changes that were made in May and reminded us that they have moved to a monthly release cycle for beta builds.

As a refresher, this is how XBMC describes its software:

XBMC is an award-winning free and open source (GPL) software media player and entertainment hub for digital media. XBMC is available for Linux, OSX, and Windows. Created in 2003 by a group of like minded programmers, XBMC is a non-profit project run and developed by volunteers located around the world. More than 50 software developers have contributed to XBMC, and 100-plus translators have worked to expand its reach, making it available in more than 30 languages.

While XBMC functions very well as a standard media player application for your computer, it has been designed to be the perfect companion for your HTPC. Supporting an almost endless range of remote controls, and combined with its beautiful interface and powerful skinning engine, XBMC feels very natural to use from the couch and is the ideal solution for your home theater.

Currently XBMC can be used to play almost all popular audio and video formats around. It was designed for network playback, so you can stream your multimedia from anywhere in the house or directly from the internet using practically any protocol available. Use your media as-is: XBMC can play CDs and DVDs directly from the disk or image file, almost all popular archive formats from your hard drive, and even files inside ZIP and RAR archives. It will even scan all of your media and automatically create a personalized library complete with box covers, descriptions, and fanart. There are playlist and slideshow functions, a weather forecast feature and many audio visualizations. Once installed, your computer will become a fully functional multimedia jukebox.

It is difficult to put into words all that XBMC can do, head to the gallery to see some examples, or take the plunge and Try it Today.

And now for today’s news:

XBMC 11.0 – May Cycle

As mentioned previously, we have now moved into a monthly development cycle, in which we merge new features at the beginning of the month and then perform bug fixes through the rest of the month. This means, at the end of every month, developers, bug-reporters, and those willing to deal with potentially highly unstable builds can try a snapshot from the current development cycle, and the organization, in turn, will have a more stable and predictable development process. For those of you who would prefer a stable version of XBMC, we will always recommend the most recent stable release (XBMC 11.0), but for the brave, you are welcome to try the end of the month build. To give an idea of just how unstable/alpha these builds can be, there will almost certainly be months in which some platforms won’t actually have usable builds. As always, we recommend you backup your userdata folder before upgrading.

With that said, let’s review some of the more notable changes in the May Changelog.

AudioEngine

As many of you no doubt already know by now, the really big code update this cycle was the inclusion of AudioEngine, led by gnif, into XBMC proper. For more information on this massive code shift, visit this post or check the wiki.

Hi10P

On an only slightly less frequently requested note, anime fans will be happy to learn that elupus has incorporated Hi10P playback into XBMC. A massive caveat to this development is that, in order to play back 1080p 10bit video, you are going to need an incredibly powerful machine with a very fast CPU (we’re talking desktop grade hardware). Users are reporting that 720p video appears to be at least workable on your lower level CPUs, but any expectations for silky smooth playback on something like the NVIDIA ION platform will almost certainly be met with disappointment. With that said, if you are currently running a fairly powerful machine, XBMC is finally ready to play your anime.

Dropbox App for Android Updated to version 2.1.4.

Andrew Edney

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Jun 6, 2012

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Dropbox App for Android Updated to version 2.1.4.

The Dropbox app for Android has been updated, bringing with it a number of fixes.

Dropbox lets you bring all your photos, docs, and videos anywhere.

Dropbox is a free service that lets you bring all your photos, docs, and videos anywhere. After you install Dropbox on your computer, any file you save to your Dropbox will automatically save to all your computers, your Android device, and even the Dropbox website! With the Dropbox app, you can take everything that matters to you on the go.

Read your docs or flip through your albums when you’re out and about. Save photos or videos to your Dropbox and share them with friends in just a couple taps. Even if you accidentally leave your Android in a taxi, your stuff is always safe on Dropbox.

Features:

• Always have your stuff with you, no matter where you are.
• Save photos and videos to your Dropbox.
• Share your photos and docs with family and friends.
• Save email attachments straight to your Dropbox.
• Easily edit docs in your Dropbox.

What’s in this version:

• Custom-tailored video streaming for ICS users
• Language support for our Korean speaking friends — 안녕하세요!
In 2.1:
• Automatically uploads photos and videos in the background using Wi-Fi or data plan
• Up to 3 GB of free space for uploading photos automatically (in 500 MB increments)
• Upload files of any size

Download now from Google Play

E3 2012: Ubisoft Announces Rayman Legends for Wii U

Jim McCarthy

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Jun 6, 2012

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Ubisoft announced the game Rayman Legends for Wii U at E3. We have some details!

Rayman Legends, the follow-on to last year’s Rayman Origins, was announced the other day at E3. This game will be released for the Wii U. Here are some details of the announcement:

UBISOFT EMBARKS ON A LEGENDARY ADVENTURE WITH RAYMAN LEGENDS^®

LOS ANGELES — June 4, 2012 — Today at the Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3), Ubisoft® revealed Rayman Legends, a brand new platforming adventure with innovative social features for the Nintendo Wii U^TM.

Developed by Ubisoft Montpellier, Rayman Legends is the follow-up to last year’s highly-acclaimed Rayman Origins. Rayman Legends takes full advantage of the Wii U^TM controller to bring players innovative multiplayer interactions that go beyond those found in traditional platform games. Players can use the Wii U^TM controller’s touch screen to take out enemies or clear paths and use the gyroscope technology to manipulate and rotate platforms on the TV screen. The Wii U^TM controller also allows players to continue the adventure of Rayman and his friends on the controller’s screen even while the television is off.

Rayman Legends retains the fantasy appeal of its predecessor while adding a multitude of clever and entertaining gaming modes, new characters, new environments and a new soundtrack. The game features a variety of uniquely-themed levels, including several musical maps set to creative soundtracks and a spooky, medieval theme. Players also can connect online with friends for a variety of challenges that test their skill and speed, and can see where they rank on the worldwide leaderboards. The award-winning team of artists, designers and composers behind the UbiArt engine also have added multi-dimensional gameplay elements, an improved lighting system and improved graphics rendering in Rayman Legends.

“Ubisoft is exploring new concepts in gaming by combining the innovative Wii U^TMtechnologies with the marvelous art direction and creative ambition of the Montpellier team.” said Michel Ancel, creative director at Ubisoft.

Enjoy these screenshots!

And here is a video walkthrough from Ubisoft’s E3 coverage.

Ubisoft provided no release date. For more information, check out their dedicated website here.

Rayman Legends Website

A closer look at the Nintendo Wii U GamePad

Gaming

Andrew Edney

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Jun 6, 2012

1

A closer look at the Nintendo Wii U GamePad

This morning at the Nintendo press conference there was a Wii U GamePad on display, and it was the black one!

Here is some more information on the GamePad:

The Wii U GamePad controller removes the traditional barriers between games, players and the TV by creating a second window into the video game world.

It incorporates a 6.2-inch, 16:9 aspect ratio LCD touch screen, as well as traditional button controls and two analog sticks.

Inputs include a +Control Pad, L/R sticks, L/R stick buttons, A/B/X/Y buttons, L/R buttons, ZL/ZR buttons, Power button, HOME button, -/SELECT button, +/START button, and TV CONTROL button.

The GamePad also includes motion control (powered by an accelerometer, gyroscope and geomagnetic sensor), a front-facing camera, a microphone, stereo speakers, rumble features, a sensor bar, an included stylus and support for Near Field Communication (NFC) functionality.

It is powered by a rechargeable lithium-ion battery and weighs approximately 1.1 pounds (500 g).

So what do you think of it?

Microsoft talk about IPv6 in Windows 8

Andrew Edney

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Jun 6, 2012

0

In the next in their Building Windows 8 series, Microsoft talks about IPv6, and why it is important within Windows 8.

This is how they start the blog post:

IPv4 is the Internet Protocol that has been used for Internet connectivity for decades. However, IPv4 was never designed for such load and scale, and it is beginning to show signs of strain as the Internet grows—even though the incredible foresight of the original designers continues to power the Internet at a massive scale. Internet service providers are finding IPv4 increasingly costly to maintain; it will require an overhaul to sustain the upcoming onslaught of connected PCs and devices.

For several years, the industry, including Microsoft, has been working to roll out a completely new version of the Internet Protocol – IPv6 – across various devices, services, and network infrastructure. Windows releases since Windows XP SP3 have supported IPv6, making the IPv6 transition possible. We have engineered Windows 8 to keep you (and your apps) reliably connected as this dramatic transition takes place.

To continue reading it, click here.

AVerMedia Announces New TV Recording Box

Gadgets
Tech

Jim McCarthy

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Jun 6, 2012

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AVerMedia announces a new TV recording box, with ability to output signal to a VGA or RCA jack. Read on for details.

AVerMedia announced a new TV recording device with output options of VGA and RCA jacks. It can’t do HDMI and requires external USB hard drives to record to, but supports scheduled recordings and can power on and off when scheduled.

Here is some background on AVerMedia:

About AVerMedia

AVerMedia is a major global player in designing, manufacturing and marketing multimedia, Internet TV and consumer electronic product. AVerMedia’s ideal has always been – adopting the advanced technology incorporated with concepts of environmental protection, ergonomics and user’s behavior to develop innovative and high-quality products worldwide at affordable prices.

Founded in 1990, AVerMedia became a public company in 2000. In the early stage, AVerMedia devoted itself to researching and developing the digital video technology. Its AVerTV PC-based TV tuner series has gradually won a leading place in the computer market. From there, AVerMedia started to expand its product lines to built-in TV tuner modules for notebook computers, Internet TV, and consumer electronic product.

AVerMedia’s headquarters is located in Chung-Ho district, New Taipei City, Taiwan. Besides Taiwan, it has strategically set up offices in the USA, France, Spain, the Netherlands, Thailand, Japan and China, etc. AVerMedia distributes its products worldwide through the channels of national distributors, retailers, value-added resellers and ODM clients. It also has formed a strong alliance with many major distributors, such as Ingram Micro and D&H. ISO 9001 and 14001 certified, as well as a RoHS compliant manufacturer, AVerMedia not only ensures high quality products, but also abides by the latest “green manufacturing” standards. With world-class talents, high technology, advanced auto-manufacturing, and quality control facilities, AVerMedia is proud to be able to meet ODM customers’ strict requirement and a great deals of orders.

AVerMedia is committed to enriching entertainment experiences and promoting effective communication among people. We strive to be a corporation dedicated to serving society, and we stick to the operating concepts: being down-to-earth, creating value, dedicating ourselves, and serving people. For us, serving people, dedicated to society, and loving the earth is an important social responsibility. We not only follow the green manufacturing standard, but also take action to protect the environment, care for education, and participate in charities to practice these core concepts.

Now the announcement:

AVerMedia Announced the Standalone TV Recording Box Used with TV Set or PC Monitor

Taipei, Taiwan—June 4 ,2012

AVerMedia Technologies, Inc., the preeminent name in digital multimedia technology, today announced the availability of the AVerTV Box PVR, a standalone TV recording box used with TV set or PC monitor. The AVerTV Box PVR features direct file recording to USB hard drives directly, scheduled recording and TimeShift, which provide consumers the most convenient way to enjoy TV programs at any time. What’s more, it is equipped with 3D Y/C separation technology that ensures the superior video quality. Besides TV recording, it can also be used to preserve your favorite video from various external source devices. With the advantages of ease of operations, high video quality and multi-use capability, the AVerTV Box PVR is the ideal and cost-effective solution for TV and video enthusiasts.

The hardware and function design of the AVerTV Box PVR satisfies all the demands for live TV recording. Its inputs of TV antenna and composite video allow users to capture analog cable TV, as well as TV content from satellite/cable TV set-up-box. Due to its compatibility of both TV set and PC monitor, the product stands out from general TV boxes for PCTV to bring this delightful TV experiences to the living room. With only one press, the AVerTV Box PVR records your favorite variety shows, drama series, football games, and sitcoms to an external USB hard drive. Moreover, the device provides multiple recording options to ensure your ultimate TV entertainment. Besides real-time recording while watching TV programs, it is capable of cyclic scheduled recording with auto power on and off, which means capturing the whole TV series with one-time setting to save your trouble and electricity expense when you are away from home. Even better, its TimeShift function enables pause, fast-forward and rewind live TV clips so that no prime moments will be missed because of any sudden interruption, and those breath-taken moments can be re-played. What’s more valued, the AVerTV Box PVR adopts the NEC chipset with advanced 3D Y/C separation technology, which helps to present higher video quality from analog TV signal due to the powerful noise reduction and color separation capabilities.

Except TV-related functions, the AVerTV Box PVR also allows video recording from camcorder, DVD player and game console. This feature makes it a convenient tool for digitizing piles of old VHS tapes. Moreover, the composite input and output work together to present you real-time gameplay experience while recording in background.

Here is a photo of the product.

I have to admit that the lack of HDMI out and the requirement of an external hard drive make this relatively uninteresting, but if priced correctly, it could be useful in converting old VHS tapes and the like. Pricing is not currently available.

AVer TV Annoucement

Nokia Updates Maps Application for Lumia Windows Phones

Jim McCarthy

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Jun 6, 2012

0

Nokia announced some updates for Nokia Maps on Lumia Windows Phones. We have some details.

Nokia announced some upgrades to its Nokia Maps application, available only on their Lumia Windows Phones. Here are some details of the changes:

Updated Nokia Maps gets more personal

Mapping apps are so popular that they may be considered as essential to a smartphone as telephony itself. But because they are taken for granted we often forget about the different options we can choose from. On Nokia Lumia, we believe for instance that Nokia Maps provides the best mapping experience. It’s available for download for free from the Nokia collection on the Windows Phone Marketplace exclusively for Nokia Lumia.

Nokia Maps is also constantly updated with regular releases that introduce new features and improvements. Today we are in fact making your mapping experience more personal with your photos, places reviews and favourite synchronisation.

Trade your experiences

One of the best ways to make a difference in location-based services is posting photos and reviews: that’s how you remember your visit to a place and how you contribute to its story. With Nokia Maps you can now add a photo to a place description and leave a relevant review directly from your Nokia Lumia. Your contributions will be then available to you and everyone else on Nokia Maps and on maps.nokia.com.

Keep your favourites with you

We know that Nokia Maps feels truly yours if you can save your favourite places and immediately see them on the map. To improve this experience, Nokia Maps can now automatically sync your favourites with maps.nokia.com, across platforms (Nokia Lumia, Nokia Belle, Nokia N9) and with the mobile web version m.maps.nokia.com for iOS and Android. Just connect Nokia Maps with your Nokia account and you’re good to go.

The route home is just a tap away

Windows Phone offers a great way to personalize your smartphone: on your Nokia Lumia, you can pin applications, features, functions and individual items to the start screen. With Nokia Maps you can already pin individual places or places categories, but with this new version you can also pin to start the directions to get to a place on foot, by car or by public transport. You’ll have instant access to the best route there, wherever you happen to be.

Nokia Maps is one of the exclusive apps for Nokia Lumia. As usual, you can find it in the Nokia collection section of the Windows Phone Marketplace and if you have already installed a previous version you will be soon notified about the available update.

Here are some screen shots of the app:

If you have a Nokia Lumia Windows Phone, check out this update.

Nokia Maps Updated

E3 2012: Ubisoft and Sony Announce Assassin’s Creed III Partnership

Jim McCarthy

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Jun 6, 2012

2

Ubisoft and Sony announced a partnership to deliver unique content to PlayStation gamers who purchase Assassin’s Creed III. Read on for details and screen shots!

Assassin’s Creed III is set for an October 31st release date, and Sony and Ubisoft announced a partnership to deliver unique content to those gamers who choose the PS3 and Vita games. First, here is a summary of the game:

Product Description

The American Colonies, 1775. A brave young warrior fights to save his homeland. But what begins as a struggle over territory turns into an extraordinary journey that will transform him into a Master Assassin—and will forever change the destiny of a nation.

You are Connor, warrior son of a Native American mother and British father. As the colonies draw closer to revolution, you will dedicate your life to the freedom of your clan –becoming the spark that ignites the revolution into full blaze. Your crusade will take you through blood-soaked battlefields to crowded city streets, to perilous wilderness and beyond. You will not only witness history—you will make it.

Set against the backdrop of one of the bloodiest Revolutions in world history, prepare to be drawn back into the centuries old battle between the Assassin’s Order and their sworn enemy, the Templars. Unleash lethal new skills and experience a stunningly realistic world created by Anvil Next, a new engine that redefines gaming.

Welcome to an entirely new chapter in the Assassin’s Creed saga.

Key Features

A NEW MASTER ASSASSIN— As Connor, a Native American Assassin, use your predatory instincts to stalk your enemies and eviscerate them with a new arsenal of weapons including tomahawks, rope darts, firearms, and more.

IGNITE THE FIRES OF REVOLUTION— From Lexington to Bunker Hill, become America’s first highly trained Master Assassin. Bear witness to the real conspiracy behind the American Revolution between the Assassin’s Order and the Templar menace alongside historical icons including George Washington, Benjamin Franklin, and many more.

EXPLORE A BRAVE NEW WORLD— Pursue your enemies through massive environments – from bustling city streets to blood-soaked battlefields and into the far reaches of the American frontier.

STUNNING NEW ENGINE— Introducing Anvil Next, our new engine designed for Assassin’s Creed III. Revolutionary physics, animations, and weather systems deliver unprecedented realism, while a new combat system delivers more intense, gut-wrenching battles than ever before.

INTENSE MULTIPLAYER— The acclaimed multiplayer system returns with a host of refinements, including all-new characters, maps and modes designed to deliver the most compelling Assassins multiplayer experience yet.

And now the partnership announcement:

UBISOFT® TEAMS WITH SONY COMPUTER ENTERTAINMENT FOR ASSASSIN’S CREED® III EXCLUSIVES

Two Companies Bringing Added Game Missions, Items and Bundles to PlayStation®3 And PlayStation® Vita

Today, Ubisoft and Sony Computer Entertainment announced a partnership to give gamers exclusive content for Assassin’s Creed III on PlayStation®3 and for Assassin’s Creed III Liberation for PS Vita. SCE also will provide specially-priced bundles of each game for its systems.

This partnership provides PlayStation®3 gamers exclusive access to four downloadable single-player missions at the launch of Assassin’s Creed III. Along with these missions, gamers who purchase both Assassin’s Creed III for PlayStation® 3 and Assassin’s Creed III Liberation will receive exclusive unlockable items for Liberation, including an in-game version of Connor’s tomahawk, an exclusive character skin, a multiplayer character and a complete upgrade of all ammunition pouches.

In addition, Assassin’s Creed III will launch in a bundle with a PlayStation®3 and Assassin’s Creed III Liberation will be bundled with both Wi-Fi and 3G versions of PS Vita.

Both Assassin’s Creed III for PlayStation®3 and Assassin’s Creed III Liberation for PS Vita are scheduled to be released on October 31, 2012.

For more information on Assassin’s Creed III, please visit the Assassin’s Creed Official Website: http://www.assassinscreed.com.

Here are some screenshots of the console version:

This looks like a very interesting game…I might just pick up the Liberation version for the PS Vita. How about you?

Assassin’s Creed Website

E3 2012: Ubisoft Shows Off Far Cry 3

Jim McCarthy

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Jun 6, 2012

1

At E3 yesterday, Ubisoft showed off their upcoming game Far Cry 3. We have some details for you.

Ubisoft announced Far Cry 3 at E3 last year. This year, they announced a September 4th preorder date and showed off some gameplay. Here is the original announcement of the game:

UBISOFT® REVEALS FAR CRY 3® AT E3

UBISOFT® REVEALS FAR CRY 3® AT E3

Acclaimed Franchise Returns With Bold New Vision In 2012

LOS ANGELES– JUNE 6, 2011 –Today, during a press conference at the Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3), Ubisoft® announced the development of Far Cry 3®, marking the return of the highly-acclaimed video game franchise. Development on Far Cry 3 is led by Ubisoft Montréal with the support of Ubisoft Shanghai and Massive Entertainment. Far Cry 3 will be available for the Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft®, the Sony®PlayStation®3 computer entertainment system and Windows® PC in 2012.

With Far Cry 3, players step into the shoes of Jason Brody, a man alone at the edge of the world, stranded on a mysterious tropical island. In this savage paradise where lawlessness and violence are the only sure thing, players dictate how the story unfolds, from the battles they choose to fight to the allies or enemies they make along the way. As Jason Brody, players will slash, sneak, detonate and shoot their way across the island in a world that has lost all sense of right and wrong.

“Far Cry 3 brings something new and unexpected, while still building upon the foundations of excellence that are inherent to the Far Cry brand,” said Dan Hay, producer at Ubisoft Montréal. “Whether you’re already a fan of the Far Cry series or jumping into the franchise for the very first time, you’re going to be blown away by the gritty story and epic adventure we’re going to deliver.”

For more information about Far Cry 3, please visit: www.farcrygame.com.

Here are some screenshots that show the game details:

Sony showed some of the gameplay in their E3 demo and it was impressive. You can preorder now and the game releases on September 4th.

Far Cry 3 Website

Raspbmc for Raspberry Pi release candidate available

Andrew Edney

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Jun 5, 2012

0

Raspbmc for Raspberry Pi release candidate available

If you have your Raspberry Pi, you might be interested to know that Raspbmc is now at the release candidate stage.

This version addresses the following:

CPU usage is much lower when idling
fixes some stability issues with a new kernel
SD card timeout issues are gone for good!
reduces the swap partition to a reasonable 128M
fixes an AirPlay bug (though AirTunes issues remain just for now)
remote support via LIRC is now working
the root filesystem is made a lot smaller.
CPU overclocking tweak
XBMC now runs as the user pi
XBMC restarts if it crashes
Kernel headers now available for building kernel modules for wireless support etc.
SD cards can be swapped between Pis now without udev issues.
You are asked to set timezone and keyboard layout on the first login via SSH
Fixed bluish tint to fanart
AudioEngine builds are here
Menu sounds are here

This is what will be coming soon:

stability improvements
An add-on to configure Raspbmc from within XBMC

To get the new beta, you’ll need to reimage your SD card with the installer, available here

Check out the videos we made with Eben Upton

Acer Unveils Windows 8 Computers at Computex

Jim McCarthy

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Jun 5, 2012

0

Acer announced new tablets, ultrabooks and All-in-Ones at Computex. Read on for details.

Acer announced new tablets, all-in-ones and ultrabooks based on Windows 8 at Computex in Taipei, Taiwan the other day. Here is the press release:

Acer Unveils Windows® 8 PC Lineup: Ultrabooks™, Tablets, and AIO Desktops – Creating a world of explorers through transformational user experiences

TAIPEI, TAIWAN

Acer today announces its series of Windows 8-based products, which includes the premium Aspire S7 Ultrabook™, ICONIA W Series tablets, and Aspire U Series all-in-one (AIO) desktops, all featuring innovative ergonomic designs and appealing beauty that deliver greater convenience and delight to the overall user experience.

“It is a watershed moment for Acer,” says J.T. Wang, Chairman and CEO of Acer Inc. “Acer has always been committed to breaking the barriers between people and technology and the leading design of these products, when coupled with the Windows® 8 touch functions, will provide transformational experiences for users whether they are creating important output or simply being entertained.”

Jim Wong, Corporate President of Acer Inc. comments, “Acer collaborated closely with Microsoft Corp. and has taken the lead to engineer new products that will be great with Windows® 8, demonstrating our product development efficiencies and taking advantage of our ability to provide an enhanced and satisfying computing experience. By focusing on ergonomics and style, we are addressing key consumer demands.”

Wong continues: “Interaction between human beings and computers should be easy rather than complex. In our view, the touchscreen experience enabled by Windows® 8 is a massive step forward – simply because it makes computing more intuitive by offering users a backward in interface. We understand Windows® 8 innovation and benefits and by utilizing Intel’s architecture and platform performance on our products, we believe we will provide users a better touch experience across devices for both consumer and commercial products.”

“Microsoft and Acer have been working together on new devices for Windows® 8, and it’s great to see the progress Acer is making,” says Steven Guggenheimer, Corporate Vice President, OEM Division, Microsoft Corp. “We expect customers to have a great experience using the combination of Windows® 8 and the new hardware designs from Acer.”

“Intel and Acer continue to focus on innovation and collaboration delivering engaging and secure user experiences,” says Kirk Skaugen, Vice President and General Manager, PC Client Group of Intel Corp. “Combined with the increased responsiveness of Intel’s 3rd generation Intel Core processor, new breakthrough capabilities possible with future Microsoft Windows® 8, and the added flexibility of touch, the Acer Aspire Ultrabook™ will provide a magnificent experience for users.”

Wong says further, “At CES we announced Acer’s new brand positioning, the visible statement of which is to explore beyond limits. Today’s announcement is the most significant yet in our goal to create a modern day explorer in everyone. Our new products are 100% designed and created to enable anyone to accomplish more whether they be an individual or a business.” In the development of the new product lineup, Acer has been working even more closely with Microsoft and Intel.

PRODUCT INFORMATION

The Aspire S7 Ultrabook™ — the premium model in the S Series — boasts a sleek aluminum unibody design. The 13.1-inch model is currently the thinnest Full HD touch Ultrabook™ and features glossy tempered glass, while the 11.6-inch model is the smallest Full HD touch-enabled Ultrabook™. Both devices are kitted out with the innovative Acer Twin Air cooling system for best thermal comfort, as well as a light-sensing keyboard that adjusts its backlight to facilitate typing, even in low light.

The ICONIA W510 and W700 tablets have raised touch functionality to the next level. The W510 is equipped with a 10.1-inch display and has tri-mode touch, which allows users to touch, type and view. It also delivers up to 18 hours of battery life and headlines Always On, Always Connect technology. The W700 is the best-performing Windows tablet with a versatile cradle that is adjustable for different viewing requirements while offering data storage expansion and an additional battery. Sporting an 11.6-inch Full HD touchscreen, this tablet stuns with high-quality 1080p images.

Aspire U Series AIO desktops are also available in two sizes. The 27-inch 7600U has an ultra-slim 35 mm profile and a gorgeous Full HD edge-to-edge screen and Dolby® Surround Sound. This AIO features multi-user touch, and can be tilted from 0 to 90 degrees. Furthermore, the screen can swivel to all sides when laid flat. The 23-inch 5600U is the slimmest AIO PC that can tilt from 30 to 85 degrees, enhancing personal touch use. Both models have leading ergonomic designs, and a slim, stylish finish that complements interior decor.

18 hours of battery life on a tablet running full-blown Windows is a tablet that I would consider buying. As more products running Windows 8 are announced, we’ll bring the news to you.

Acer Announces Windows 8 Products at Computex

Ubisoft shows off Tom Clancy’s Splinter Cell Blacklist at E3

Gaming
News

Andrew Edney

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Jun 5, 2012

0

Ubisoft shows off Tom Clancy’s Splinter Cell Blacklist at E3

Today at E3 Tom Clancy’s Splinter Cell Blacklist was shown off at both the Microsoft press conference and also the Ubisoft press conference – and it looks really good!

The United States has a military presence in two thirds of countries around the world. A group of rogue nations have had enough and initiate a terror ultimatum called the Blacklist – a deadly countdown of escalating terrorist attacks on U.S. interests. Sam Fisher is the leader of the newly formed 4th Echelon unit: a clandestine unit that answers solely to the President of the United States. Sam and his team must hunt down these terrorists by any means necessary, and stop the Blacklist countdown before it reaches zero.

Key Features

Operate without Restrictions
Sam is back in his tactical suit and goggles, and he’s more deadly than ever. He is the only secret operative with the power to act above the law, and uses ruthless methods to interrogate enemies in order to extract crucial information that will prevent the next Blacklist attack. Pursuing the terrorists to the far reaches of the world, Sam flies from exotic locales to U.S. cities as he races against the clock to find out who’s behind the Blacklist. Thrilling gameplay is enhanced by full motion performance capture, creating a highly cinematic experience.

Kill in Motion:
Always one step ahead, Killing In Motion lets Sam strike with lethal precision by marking and executing multiple enemies in one fluid motion. Active Sprint allows him to traverse the environment easily and fluidly, climb walls and leap over barriers in order to reach his next target while on the move.

Unleash the power of 4th Echelon Prototypes
Splinter Cell Blacklist innovates from the roots of the franchise, and players can enjoy a series of twists on franchise favorites including reinvented classic weapons. Infiltrate terrorist cells by using new gadgets such as the upgraded snake cam and micro-trirotor drone which allows Sam to scout ahead, mark targets remotely, distract enemies, or explode with frag grenade force. Splinter Cell Blacklist is also bringing back fan-favorites like the sticky shocker, and for close quarters combat, players can wield the curved and brutal Karambit knife.

Build a New Echelon:
With a mandate directly from the President, Sam is building a whole new Echelon unit; his team, his way. Anna “Grim” Grimsdottir is his technical operations manager, CIA operative Isaac Briggs brings additional firepower, and resident hacker Charlie Cole rounds out his support crew. 4th Echelon is a fully mobile ops unit with unlimited resources and cutting edge technology aboard the repurposed stealth airliner, the Paladin.

Enjoy a Fully Integrated Experience
Sam and his team are aware of terrorist attacks in real time thanks to the Strategic Mission Interface (SMI). The SMI allows the team to receive data about mission objectives while on the move. Players can earn money for completing missions and objectives and buy upgraded weapons and items from the SMI hub aboard the Paladin.

Splinter Cell Blacklist will be available in the Spring of 2013, so we still have a little wait yet. Having seen a few different demo’s today I am impressed, and I look forward to playing it myself, hopefully this week!