Android 4.0 (ICS) Arrives on the Sony Tablet S

Back in December we told you that Android version 4.0, known also as ICS or Ice Cream Sandwich was coming to the Sony Tablet S. Now, 4 months later it’s here.

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Some of the new features you can now enjoy include:

  • Enhanced lock screen
    • Direct access to Notifications
    • Unlock direct to camera
  • New panoramic camera mode
  • Enhanced Gallery media viewer
    • Direct SD card access + photo editing tools
  • Exclusive “Small Apps’ for multi-tasking
    • Calculator, Browser, Remote Control
    • Move to screen edge for reduced clutter
  • New Home Screen actions
    • Drag icons together to create folders
    • Add names to folders
  • Enhanced web browser
    • Switch from mobile to desktop web sites
    • Save pages for offline viewing
  • Access files directly from SD card
  • Native screenshot capture
    • Press “power” and “Volume –“

The next time you connect to Wi-Fi, your Sony Tablet S should prompt you to do a system update – just click OK to download, and in a few minutes you should be ready to go on Android 4.0.

Extended Trial available for Drive Bender for Windows Home Server 2011

If you have been trialling Drive Bender for Windows Home Server 2011 you can now get a new licence key that extends the trial until July 1st 2012.

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This is what was posted on the site:

Extended trial key (expires 1st of July, 2012) – ENS70-10C00-G1HJK-M8P9Q-1R1AK-QIDSI-9HCAAWPCM

If you have tried Drive Bender in the past and wish to try it again, or simply want to extend your current trial period, use this key. To install, open the activate dialog, enter the key.

For more information check out the Drive Bender website

Dell introduce Dell Mobile App for iPhone and Android; provides support and shopping facilities

Dell has introduced the Dell Mobile App for Android and iPhone, a dual-purpose shopping and support application that helps people quickly and easily find the right solutions to pursue their personal passions.

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The introduction of the Dell Mobile App – available for download now from the Google Play Market and Apple’s App Store or by typing www.dell.co.uk/mobile into the browser of any Android or iPhone mobile device – reflects the company’s commitment to expanding the reach of Dell.co.uk, a trusted hub for information and stellar support.

The new Dell Mobile App delivers much of the same functionality as the broader Dell.co.uk site. With the new Dell Mobile App, people can quickly browse and compare products, read product reviews and place orders – quickly and securely – all from their mobile device. And regardless of whether you’re shopping from Dell.co.uk or via the new Dell Mobile App, customers can select from Dell’s popular Ships Fast laptops and desktops that are pre-configured, stocked and ready to ship the next business day (some restrictions apply)

“People are using mobile apps like never before to browse for and purchase products,” said Ron Rose, Dell’s senior vice president of Dell.com. “With our new Android app, we’re extending the leading edge functionality of Dell.com into the mobile space, and making it even easier to find the right system for your needs.”

Let us know what you think of it if you try it out.

ARCHOS launch’s its new 7 inch colour eReader – the 70d

Yesterday saw ARCHOS release it’s new 7 inch colour eReader, called the 70d.

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With a vibrant colour screen and all the features you’d expect in a premium eReader, including adjustable font sizes, a low power-consumption backlit screen, and support for a wide range of open and DRM protected formats, the ARCHOS 70d already packs a punch. However, the ARCHOS 70d is much, more than just an eReader.

The high-resolution colour display is equally adept with720P HD video playback and displaying album covers from the on-board MP3 music player.With room for over a thousand eBooks or 20 movies in a device that’s the same size as a standard paperback book, the only choice facing an ARCHOS 70d user is whether to read a book or flip the device to watch a widescreen movie.

Features

– Low consumption backlit, 7 inch colour screen and adjustable font sizes

– Wide range of formats (Adobe DRM protected EPUB and PDF) for downloading free and paid for eBooks from popular bookstores

– HD video playbook with support for multiple formats including MPEG-4, AVI, MOV

– MP3 music playback and JPEG photo playback

– G sensor for auto-screen rotation

– 4GB internal storage with expandable microSD card slot (upto 16GB)

– 11mm thick and 280g in weight

– Drag and drop capability, allowingeasytransfer of files from a PC via USB

Specifications

Internal Storage 4GB internal memory +microSDslot to extend memory (up to 16 GB* cards)
Display characteristics 7”(17.8 cm) Color TFT – 800 x 480 pixels – 16:9 ratio – Anti-glare surface
Text Formats1 PDF, EPUB (including Adobe DRM PDF and EPUB protected ebooks), TXT, FB2.
Music Playback2 MP3
Photo Playback3 JPEG, BMP, GIF
Video Playback3 MPEG-4 AVI,FLV, MPG, RM, RMVB, FLV, MP4, DAT, VOB, MKV, MOV (up to HD 720p)
Other G sensor for auto screen-rotation
Battery4 2100 mAH
Dimensions & weight Dimensions: 175 mm x 125 mm x 11 mm
Weight: 280 grams
Compatibility Windows®, Mac® or Linux in mass storage mode
Computer Interface USB 2.0 High Speed
Package includes ARCHOS 70d eReader, micro USB cable for charging and file transfer, Quick Start Guide

It’s available now for £59.99, so if you are after a cheap, colour eReader this might suit you.

StarTech.com announce new 4-bay hot swap backplane

StarTech.com has announced the release of the Mini-SAS to 4x SATA/SAS Backplane which enables users to add four 2.5” SATA or SAS hard drives to a desktop computer, using a single Mini-SAS host connection, while requiring only a single 5.25” bay for installation.

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The backplane offers a versatile solution for adding multiple hot-swappable Serial ATA or Serial-Attached SCSI drives, even in computers with a limited number of drive bays available – ideal for adding removable storage for backups or RAID storage systems.

The backplane supports SATA and SAS Hard Disk Drives (HDDs) and Solid State Drives (SSDs) up to 15mm in height, including high-capacity drives, and each tray features a locking mechanism that prevents unauthorized removal of the individual drive. The hotswap backplane is constructed from durable lightweight aluminum, which helps improve operating heat dissipation, and also features a 40mm cooling fan to increase air flow around the installed drives to ensure peak performance.

Features of the new Mini-SAS to 4x SATA/SAS Backplane include:

· Durable, vented aluminum construction

· Support for SAS hard drives and controllers (rev. 1 and 2)

· Support for SATA hard drives and controllers (rev. 1, 2, 3)

· Removable, lockable hard drive trays

· 40mm cooling fan

The Mini-SAS to 4x SATA/SAS Backplane (part # SATSAS425BK) is available for purchase from leading technology resellers including Misco, Insight, Amazon.co.uk and Dabs and will also be distributed by Enta, Ingram Micro and Micro-P. RRP for this product is £77.99 (GBP) excl. VAT however you can currently pick these up for as low as £56.49 Including VAT.

Phones 4U to be first European retailer to stock Nokia Lumia 900 Windows Phone, including an exclusive white one

We have talked a lot about the Nokia Lumia 900 smartphone here at CDW, and news has come to us that Phones 4U will be the first European retailer to stock it!

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Further to the US Nokia Lumia 900 launch event, the product has already proven to be an overwhelming success and with the continuing high demand for Nokia’s latest Lumia smartphones, the Lumia 900 will now launch in the UK at Phones 4u on 14th May.

Due to overwhelming demand for the Lumia 900 in the US having a small knock-on effect on product availability in the UK, those who were the first to preorder their Lumia 900* from Phones 4u will receive a set of Nokia Purity by Monster in-ear headphones in addition to their free Nokia Play 360 wireless speaker when the Lumia 900 now launches on the 14th May.

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So what do you think of the Lumia 900? Are you going to buy one?

A first look at Crysis 3 from Electronic Arts, the must have game of 2013!

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Here at CDW, we recently got to see the brand new Crysis 3 game from Electronic Arts being played, and it’s awesome!

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The game has been kept pretty much under wraps with only a few rumours and a leaked image to keep people updated! All that changed last week when a select few were shown the game, and believe me when I say there were a lot of interested people watching, and wanting to play it for themselves!

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Powered by Crytek’s proprietary CryENGINE, Crysis 3 advances the state of the art with unparalleled visuals and dynamic shooter gameplay. Players take on the role of ‘Prophet’ as he returns to New York, only to discover that the city has been encased in a Nanodome created by the corrupt Cell Corporation. The New York City Liberty Dome is a veritable urban rainforest teeming with overgrown trees, dense swamplands and raging rivers. Within the Liberty Dome, seven distinct and treacherous environments become known as the Seven Wonders. This dangerous new world demands advanced weapons and tactics. Prophet will utilize a lethal composite bow, an enhanced Nanosuit and devastating alien tech to become the deadliest hunter on the planet.

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Set in 2047, Prophet is on a revenge mission after uncovering the truth behind Cell Corporation’s motives for building the quarantined Nanodomes. The citizens were told that the giant citywide structures were resurrected to protect the population and to cleanse these metropolises of the remnants of Ceph forces. In reality, the Nanodomes are CELL’s covert attempt at a land and technology grab in their quest for global domination. With Alien Ceph lurking around every corner and human enemies on the attack, nobody is safe in the path of vengeance. Everyone is a target in Prophet’s quest for retribution.

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Crytek also announced that players who are ready to start the hunt can pre-order the Crysis 3 Hunter Edition today . The Crysis 3 Hunter Edition gives players the tools to become the ultimate hunter in multiplayer with early access to the new signature bow and its attachments, plus the Hunter Nanosuit module which adds additional power and functionality to the super-suit. Gamers who pre-order now will also have a head start when playing online with a bonus XP boost up to level 5, a unique bow skin and three exclusive dog tags to hunt in style. The Crysis 3 Hunter Edition is available on Origin.com and other participating retailers for £49.99.

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In addition to receiving the Crysis 3 Hunter Edition, select retailers are offering gamers that pre-order Crysis 3 the following early multiplayer unlocks:

· Stalker Pack – Includes the base game, all Hunter Edition content and the following early multiplayer unlocks: for players who like to stalk their prey from the shadows the Stalker Pack provides early multiplayer access to the deadly semi-auto Jackal shotgun. This powerful, close-range shotgun comes with a unique silencer attachment, custom weapon skin and two exclusive themed in-game dog tags.

· Overkill Pack – Includes the base game, all Hunter Edition content and the following early multiplayer unlocks: the Overkill Pack features early multiplayer access to the Typhoon assault weapon and skin. Spewing 500 rounds a second, the Typhoon gives players the ability to go guns blazing to take back the Liberty Dome. Also included are two exclusive Overkill themed in-game dog tags.

· Predator Pack – Includes the base game, all the Hunter Edition content and the following early multiplayer unlocks: the Predator Pack delivers early multiplayer access to the Feline submachine gun and exclusive camo. With an extremely fast rate of fire and a 60 round magazine the Feline is highly effective and deadly, at short range.

Developed by Crytek and powered by the proprietary cutting edge CryENGINE technology, Crysis 3 will be available spring 2013 for the Xbox 360video game and entertainment system, PlayStation3 computer entertainment system and PC – so still a long time to wait yet, but if the rest of the game is as good as the level we saw it will be worth the wait!

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Xbox LIVE Extras app for Windows Phone gets an update

The Xbox LIVE Extras app for Windows Phone has been updated to version 7.3.

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Xbox LIVE Extras extends your Xbox LIVE experience on Windows Phone 7. Download it for free and customize your avatar on the go! Don’t forget to check the marketplace for the latest avatar clothes and accessories. There you can find the most popular items and browse for your favourite brands and games.

Download now from the Windows Marketplace

New Forza Motorsport 4 Top Gear Car Pack available on Xbox LIVE from 1st May

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The newest Forza Motorsport 4 Car Pack will be available for download starting Tuesday 1 May on the Xbox LIVE Marketplace, adding a new crop of cars for Forza players to collect, drive, and customise.

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Available for 560 Microsoft Points, the May Top Gear Car Pack has something for car fans of every stripe, from emblematic examples of 1970s American style and one of the fastest automobiles in the world; to one of the coolest off-road vehicles around and the world’s smallest production car. It’s a grab-bag of automotive excellence that can only be found in “Forza Motorsport 4.”

The May Top Gear Car Pack features the following 10 cars:

2012 Hennessey Venom GT

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The Venom GT is ambition personified. Designed to beat the Bugatti Veyron’s 0-200 mph time, the car is defined by pure, unadulterated power. The result is impressive—the Venom reaches 0-200 mph in less time than it takes your average car to reach 0-60 mph.

1977 AMC Pacer X

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Wayne and Garth never had it so good. With classic 70s style and a 232-cubic-inch, 3.8 liter, inline six, the Pacer X was modest on power, but its legacy lives on today. Take it for a ride in “Forza Motorsport 4,” preferably with “Bohemian Rhapsody” cranked nice and loud.

2011 Ford Transite SuperSportVan

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The SuperSportVan is the latest creation in the long-standing series of Ford-built custom fans, which dates back to 1971. Designed to prove that Ford engineers know how to have fun, this version is a one-off design shown at a 2011 UK commercial vehicle show.

2012 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon

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The 2012 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon is by far the most comfortable and amenity-loaded Wrangler ever. It’s grittier too, with 40 percent more horsepower than older models, making this Jeep just as comfortable on the track as it is on the trails.

1966 Lotus Cortina

One of the first “race on Sunday, commute on Monday” factory cars, the Lotus Cortina built its reputation both on the tarmac and in folks’ daily lives. Packing 115-horsepower and weighing just over a ton, the Cortina can carry four people in relative comfort, but it’s most happy when being revved high and thrown into a corner with full gusto.

1992 Mitsubishi Galant VR-4

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The turbo-charged Mitsubishi Galant VR-4 is a treasured piece of JDM history. The VR-4 was sold in limited numbers and its four-wheel drive, four-wheel-steering handling highlights technology that caters to a driving experience matched only by much more expensive sedans.

2012 Smart ForTwo

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The uncontested winner of the “easy to park” award, the Smart ForTwo is the first micro car to be introduced in the U.S. At just 106-inches long, the ForTwo is by far the smallest production car ever made. It’s a practical, urban errand runner whose looks will always spark a conversation.

1990 Subaru Legacy RS

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Putting aside its smaller, quirkier wagons and sedans, Subaru brought new game to dealerships in 1990 with the Legacy RS. More substantial in nearly every respect, the Legacy RS Turbo was the most powerful Subaru model available and still enjoys a strong following among Subie enthusiasts.

2012 Chrysler 300 SRT8

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Packing a huge HEMI under its hood that makes for more than 450 horsepower, the Chrysler 300 SRT8 packs a potent combination of power and sophistication. The 300 will hit 0-60 in under five seconds and will nail the quarter mile in less than 13 seconds. It might not be what you expect from a Chrysler these days… and that’s precisely the point.

1965 Austin-Healey 3000 MkIII

Hand-crafted beauty and grin-widening performance define the 1965 Austin-Healey 3000 MkIII. With a 147-horsepower, six-cylinder overhead valve engine, the Healey–or “Squealy” as it was often called–delivers an exhilarating open-air ride and grippy cornering.

Check out our review of Forza Motorshop 4 from last year

CoPilot Live satnav apps get ActiveTraffic service as standard

The award-winning sat nav app for iOS & Android smartphones, CoPilot Live, now includes 12 months free access to premium real-time traffic information to avoid delays and reduce driving costs.

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Here is the press release:

ALK Technologies, leading provider of mobile navigation software, today announced that its best-selling app for smartphones and tablets, CoPilot Live Premium, will now include real-time traffic information as an included standard feature – an industry-first for a full-featured sat nav app.

Previously a £9.99 additional annual subscription, CoPilot Live’s ActiveTraffic™ service uses high quality real-time traffic flow information from Nokia to intelligently calculate the fastest route to destinations and provide a highly accurate Estimated Time of Arrival (ETA) based on actual road conditions. While driving, the service automatically monitors the route ahead for delays and suggests a faster alternative way to go if available.

“Real-time traffic information is becoming an essential way for drivers to reduce the delays and extra fuel costs caused by traffic congestion,” comments David Quin, Head of Consumer Applications at ALK Technologies. “We are delighted to make ActiveTraffic a standard feature for our CoPilot Live Premium customers: it is useful every day for any journey – whether on your commute, school run or a weekend getaway.”

“ALK Technologies continues to provide leading navigation apps and we are delighted to support its new real-time traffic service with live feeds from NAVTEQ Traffic™,” added Bruno Bourguet, Sales Vice President, Nokia, Location & Commerce. “We have a comprehensive range of sources including the world’s largest compilation of both commercial and consumer GPS probe data. Unique, proprietary technology is used to integrate and process the source data ready for transmission via CoPilot’s Live’s ActiveTraffic™ service as consistent, seamless and borderless traffic information.”

CoPilot Live Premium apps with 12 months FREE ActiveTraffic service are available immediately on the Apple AppStore and on Google Play. Existing CoPilot Live Premium customers can download a free update to enjoy the service now. Customers who already have ActiveTraffic will get an additional 12 months on top of their current subscription.

Pricing (including lifetime-use navigation and 1 year of ActiveTraffic):

CoPilot Live Premium UK + Ireland: £24.99 CoPilot Live Premium Europe: £37.99

*12 months use of ActiveTraffic is included as standard within CoPilot Live Premium apps for Android and iOS devices. Requires a mobile internet connection.

We will be reviewing CoPilot Live shortly.

Learn more from the CoPilot Live website

Dropbox app for iPhone and iPad updated to version 1.4.7

In a week with cloud storage announcements with SkyDrive and Google Drive, Dropbox has updated it’s iPhone and iPad app.

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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 iPhone and iPad 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 iPhone in a taxi, your stuff is always safe on Dropbox.

Features:

  •  Always have your stuff with you, no matter where you are.
  •  Add files to “Favorites” for fast, offline viewing.
  •  Easily save photos and videos to your Dropbox.
  •  Share your photos and docs with family and friends.
  •  Save email attachments straight to your Dropbox.

What’s New in Version 1.4.7

  • Bug fixes
Download now from the Apple App Store

Netflix updates its Windows Phone app again

Today saw Netflix update it’s Windows Phone app again to version 2.1, only this time there doesn’t appear to be many changes.

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There isn’t anything release notes wise or updates shown, so I assume there are just minor bug fixes included.

Netflix members can go to the Windows Phone Marketplace, download the Netflix App.

Have you tried it yet? Let us know.

Angry Birds Space gets 1st update, brings 10 new levels

Angry Birds Space has had it’s first update, bringing with it 10 new levels!

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After a giant claw kidnaps their eggs, the Angry Birds chase it into a wormhole and find themselves floating in a strange new galaxy – surrounded by space pigs! Luckily the Angry Birds have super powers of their own…

Angry Birds Space features 60 interstellar levels on planets and in zero gravity, resulting in spectacular gameplay ranging from slow-motion puzzles to lightspeed destruction. With regular free updates, new in-app purchases, brand new birds, brand new superpowers, and a whole galaxy to explore, the sky is no longer the limit!

What’s New in Version 1.1.0

  • A new moon rises and puts pigs in motion! If you thought it was hard to pop pigs in space before, just wait til they’re orbiting around the icy planets in these 10 NEW LEVELS!
  • Enjoy 20 FREE SPACE EAGLES!
  • Log in daily to get ONE FREE SPACE EAGLE every day!
  • Addressed crash issues in older devices.
  • Download now! Squawk!
Get Angry Birds Space from the Apple App Strore now

Windows Phone Marketplace changes; removing Zune shop option and other changes

Microsoft have today posted that they are making some changes to the Windows Phone Marketplace, including removing the option to buy apps from within the Zune PC software.

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This is what Microsoft posted on their blog:

First, we’re removing the option to shop for Windows Phone apps from the Zune PC software. Second, as part of a larger Marketplace improvement effort, you’ll soon need Windows Phone 7.5 installed on your phone to buy and download new apps, or update existing ones.

Read more about the changes here.

To be honest I don’t think this is going to cause any real issues. Any apps I have purchased, admittedly not that many, have been done via the phone or the Marketplace directly.

What do you think?