What is Windows Home Server?

Dragon Dictation App for iOS Updated to Version 2.0.20

Apple
News

Andrew Edney

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Apr 19, 2012

The Dragon Dictation app for the iPhone and iPad has just been updated to version 2.0.20.

Dragon Dictation is an easy-to-use voice recognition application powered by Dragon NaturallySpeaking that allows you to easily speak and instantly see your text or email messages. In fact, it’s up to five (5) times faster than typing on the keyboard.

With Dragon Dictation you can also update your Facebook status, send notes and reminders to yourself, or Tweet to the world….all using your voice. So when you’re on-the-go, stop typing and start speaking – from short text messages to longer email messages, and anything in between. For best result, speak calmly and clearly.

Dragon Dictation supports a multitude of global languages. For a full list of currently supported languages visit www.dragonmobileapps.co.uk/.

Features

• Voice-to-text transcriptions that may be sent as SMS, Email, or pasted into any application using the clipboard
• Submit update to Twitter & Facebook
• Convenient editing feature that provides list of suggested alternatives
• Voice driven correction interface

What’s New in Version 2.0.20

Localisation updates

Download from the Apple App Store

The Home Server Show Episode 180 Out Now

Andrew Edney

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Apr 19, 2012

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Dave at the guys at the Home Server Show have released episode 180.

Here’s what Dave has to say about this weeks show:

I crawled out from underneath my rock and found out how popular this Hunger Games stuff is. Also, Microsoft drops a bombshell on the Media Center enthusiast crowd. Media Center is now an add on software only on the Windows 8 Pro edition. John, Jim, and Dave are dropped into the Hunger Games arena to battle it out on this issue. Will a victor emerge? Other topics include virtual machines on your home server, Windows 8 on the iPad, SkyDrive can tweet, Raid, and Drive Extender alternatives.

Download the show from here

Ceton talks more about companion apps for Windows Phone and Android; Let’s Browse and Record TV

Andrew Edney

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Apr 19, 2012

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Ceton talks more about companion apps for Windows Phone and Android; Let’s Browse and Record TV

Ceton have posted a new article talking about their companion apps for Windows Phone and Android.

This is how the blog post starts:

A few weeks ago I showed off the re-imagining of the home screen on our WP7 application. While I covered some information, there is still obviously a lot of depth to the companion apps so this week I wanted to dig deeper into how you will search to find television shows and what the experience is like on WP7. To start off we have our Television pivot. Inside this pivot is everything crucial to your television experience on your “Q”. Today I will be going over two key ways to search which is either via the guide or through a channel listing. Let’s first jump into the channel list.

It’s worth reading the rest of the post, and checking out all the screenshots. You can do so by clicking here.

The Digital Lifestyle Show 350 Sunday Morning

Andrew Edney

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Apr 19, 2012

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The Digital Lifestyle Show 350 Sunday Morning

This weeks Digital Lifestyle Show has just been released – and it’s show 350.

Here’s what Ian says about this week show:

As I am on my travels this week so Garry and Andrew host the show and talk over the weeks news including Nokia Lumia 900, Plex, Twonky, BBC Sport Apps, The Gadget Show Live,DVBLink APIs and new products from Kingston.

Garry and Andrew recorded the show earlier this week before Microsoft announced the editions of Windows 8 and the fact that Windows Media Center will be in a addon “Media Pack” which is only available in the Pro version so I touch on this in the intro to the show and we will talk about it more next week, so it would be great to get your feedback on this.

You can listen to or download the show from here.

Spotify app for Android gets an overhaul; we give you a special preview

Andrew Edney

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Apr 19, 2012

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Spotify app for Android gets an overhaul; we give you a special preview

The Spotify for Android is getting a complete overhaul and here is a special preview.

Here’s what’s coming:

Totally new app with full support for Android 4.0
Top-to-bottom redesign
All-new slide-out navigation
Even more social – check out friends’ profile pages and playlists on the go
Artist imagery in high resolution
Related artist view – available for the first time on mobile
So much faster!

That’s not the end of it. Spotify are working hard on adding further features, including folders and Last FM scrobbling, before the app goes live in Google Play.

Here are some screenshots of the updated app:

In order to get your hands on the all-new Android preview, set your phone to allow installation from ‘Unknown Sources’ by going to the Settings > Applications > Unknown sources menu. Once that’s done, click on the button below on your phone to get the update.

http://download.spotify.com/android/PreviewSpotifyAndroid.apk

Feel the Force on your phone with the Kinect Star Wars app

Andrew Edney

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Apr 19, 2012

0

Feel the Force on your phone with the Kinect Star Wars app

Yesterday saw the launch of a new mobile app from Microsoft taking social networking on smartphones into a new stratosphere, by allowing fans of the world’s most iconic film franchise to view their Facebook and Twitter feeds in the style of ‘the crawl’, the iconic STAR WARS opening title sequence.

Free to download on Windows Phones, and launching on iOS and Android mobile operating systems from today, the new app helps mark the recent release of “Kinect Star Wars”, the latest blockbuster game from Xbox 360 that harnesses the Kinect’s revolutionary controller-free, motion-tracking technology to enable players to truly fight like a Jedi.

Synching seamlessly with Facebook and Twitter accounts, the app transforms smartphones into the ultimate social media dashboards by aggregating social media streams into one place. Fans can discover more about the full “Kinect Star Wars” game and even purchase a copy direct from the app, all wrapped up in an experience that gives a taste of the fun the game offers.

Stephen McGill, Director of Xbox and Entertainment for Microsoft UK, comments, “We are literally putting ‘the Force’ directly into people’s phones to help launch “Kinect Star Wars”. Fans will be able to carry a piece of the STAR WARS universe in their pockets and, like the new game for Xbox 360, immerse themselves in the incredible world of one of the most enduring entertainment franchises like never before.”

“Kinect Star Wars” is available now and offers fans of all ages the ability to experience the STAR WARS franchise like never before. Five dynamic modes include Jedi Destiny: Dark Side Rising, Podracing, Rancor Rampage, Galactic Dance Off and Duels of Fate. The game retails for £39.99, while the Xbox 360 Limited Edition “Kinect Star Wars” console bundle is available for £349.99 (ERP). The bundle features an R2-D2 branded console, C-3PO controller, white Kinect Sensor, the “Kinect Star Wars” game and an exclusive C-3PO unlockable for Dance Mode.

The app is available in the UK, Republic of Ireland, Germany, Spain, Italy, Netherlands and Sweden.

Download now from the Windows Marketplace Check out our review of Kinect Star Wars

Raspberry Pi progress update from RS Online

Andrew Edney

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Apr 19, 2012

0

Raspberry Pi progress update from RS Online

Those few very lucky people at the front of the queue will be getting their Raspberry Pi’s shortly as they are now shipping, I got an email from RS Online with an update.

This is the email I got last night from RS Online:

Great progress this week on moving towards deliveries and mass production…

Together with the Raspberry Pi Foundation we’ve successfully completed compliance testing and certification work for CE, FCC and C-Tick.

This means we are now starting to ship our share of the first 2000 boards that arrived in the UK last week.

We have opened our dedicated Raspberry Pi Store to those lucky people who were first in the registration queue to place their orders.

Now that the Raspberry Pi boards are compliance certified we have triggered our manufacturing processes to move into volume production.

As new batches of Pi’s become available over the coming weeks we’ll be inviting the next in-line into the Raspberry Pi Store to place their orders.

The next batch is already in production so we’re expecting more deliveries shortly and we’ll continue to keep you updated via our regular email and online FAQs.

And while we’ve been compliance-testing the boards, a number of engineers have been road-testing the product! You can see some first reviews of the Raspberry Pi at DesignSpark.com including Raspberry Pi and Custard. As the anticipation continues to build, our Pi Perspectives are getting lots of attention too – these are the views and opinions of leading academics and scientists across industry and education.

With any luck, by the time you read your next weekly update, the first Raspberry Pi’s will be out in the world. Thanks for your continued patience and please rest assured that your Pi will be on its way as soon as we can bake it!

Check out our Raspberry Pi coverage from the Beeb@30 event

Have you ordered one? Let us know if you get yours before us, or even after us.

Midway Arcade App for iOS updated to version 1.0.1

Andrew Edney

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Apr 19, 2012

0

Midway Arcade App for iOS updated to version 1.0.1

As a child I spent a lot of time playing on arcade machines. Back in February we told you about the Midway Arcade app for the iPhone and iPad. Now it’s been updated!

Midway Arcade provides the ultimate arcade experience with a virtual showroom equipped with 10 classic arcade games, tickets and virtual prizes. The app allows players to take their favourite arcade games, such as Spy Hunter, Joust, Rampage and more, along with four skill – based games, including Pool, Air Hockey, Roll Ball and Basketball, with them on the go.
Players also have the option to purchase additional Midway classics through In-App Purchase. The extra fun in the Fantasy Game Pack includes Gauntlet I, Gauntlet II and Wizard of Wor, while the Action Game Pack unlocks APB, NARC and Total Carnage. Players compete against their friends, earn achievements and dominate online leaderboards.

The complete Midway Arcade virtual showroom includes the following titles:

Spy Hunter: Race down a freeway in an armed sports car and destroy enemies while protecting civilian vehicles;
Rampage: Reduce the city to rubble as gigantic monsters George (a King-Kong-like gorilla), Lizzie (a Godzilla-like dinosaur/lizard), and Ralph (a giant werewolf);
Defender: Defeat waves of invading aliens while protecting astronauts in this 2D shooting game;
Joust: While riding a flying ostrich, fight to defeat enemy knights riding buzzards;
Root Beer Tapper: As the bartender, serve beer and collect empty mugs and tips without letting the thirsty patrons’ patience expire;
Arch Rivals: In this Basket Brawl, outscore opponents as a crowd pleaser, rebound king, a defensive giant and more;
Skill-Based Games: Beat your friends’ top scores in Pool, Air Hockey, Roll Ball and Basketball.

The two additional game packs, available through In-App Purchase, include

Fantasy Game Pack

Gauntlet I:Hack and slash through monsters as they try to exit the dungeon maze;
Gauntlet 2: The monsters return in this acclaimed sequel, with all new levels, and challenges;
Wizard of Wor: “ Worriors” must make their way through monster-infested dungeons to destroy the Wizard of Wor.

Action Game Pack

APB: Playing as Officer Bob, a rookie police officer, pursue law – breakers, cite and arrest criminals – and pick up donuts along the way;
NARC:Arrest and kill drug offenders, confiscate their money and drugs, to defeat Mr. Big;
Total Carnage:As a member of the Doomsday Squad, invade evil dictator’s General Akhboob’s base and destroy mutants, rescue hostages and capture Akhboob.

What’s New in Version 1.0.1

iCADE SUPPORT
Get ready to mash some buttons as you enjoy your favorite Midway classics as they were originally played. iCade evokes classic coin-operated nostalgia complete with joystick, retro painted cabinet, and now 12 of some of the most popular games from gaming legend Midway.
IMPROVEMENTS WITH CONTROLS
Shatter high scores in Midway Arcade with new, more intuitive controls.
FIXED SPY HUNTER THEME LOOPING BUG
Elude enemy agents in Spy Hunter to the classic theme song used in the original.
ADDED D-PAD FOR ROOT BEER TAPPER
Keep the drinks coming and earn a handsome tip in Root Beer Tapper with added D-pad support.
FIXED CRASHING PROBLEMS ON START UP AND WITH DLC
Play all your favorite Midway titles anywhere with improved stability and performance.

The Midway Arcade App is available for £0.69 from the App Store on iPad, iPhone and iPod touch. The Fantasy Game Pack and Action Game Packs are available for €0.79/£0.69 each through In-App Purchase.

Hauppauge launches StreamEez high definition video streamer

Andrew Edney

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Apr 19, 2012

0

Hauppauge launches StreamEez high definition video streamer

Yesterday, Hauppauge launched a high definition video streamer designed to broadcast Live events over the internet, called the StreamEez.

Hauppauge Digital has announced ‘StreamEez’, a high definition video streamer designed for organisations who want a simple to use, high quality video streamer to broadcast live events on the Internet.

The StreamEez ‘box’ connects to an HD video camera using either HDMI or Component Video, compresses the camera’s video using a built-in high quality H.264 encoder into a form which is compatible with many common streaming video sites such as Ustream and Justin.TV. StreamEez then connects to a laptop computer over USB. The computer has the Hauppauge StreamEez control application installed, which makes a connection to the streaming Internet web site.

StreamEez is based on the same high quality video encoders which were developed for Hauppauge’s popular line of HD video recorders, Colossus and HD PVR. StreamEez requires a small laptop computer to act as the video server, a HD video camera which has HDMI or Component Video output, the SteamEez device plus an Internet connection and an account with a streaming video site such as Ustream or Justin.TV. All encoding and formatting of the high definition video signal is done inside StreamEez, making the video transmission the highest quality possible.

Since most organisations streaming live events store the video equipment between broadcasts, StreamEez is designed to make set up and removal fast. The StreamEez device is in a rugged housing and connects to the laptop PC via a USB cable. And because it is based on well-proven hardware encoding technology, the best possible video stream is created with the lowest possible bit rates making for a better end user experience.

StreamEez is compatible with several popular video streaming sites, and uses standard protocols such as RTMP. Pricing on the StreamEez ‘box’ and Windows based application software starts at £299.

Making Google TV more personal with a refreshed TV & Movies app

Andrew Edney

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Apr 18, 2012

1

Making Google TV more personal with a refreshed TV & Movies app

Google have tonight announced an refresh to it’s TV & Movies app for Google TV.

This is what Google posted tonight:

With hundreds of channels available from your cable or satellite provider, along with great Internet-based content providers like Netflix, Amazon, HBO GO and more, your TV choices can sometimes feel overwhelming. Google TV’s refreshed TV & Movies app makes this feeling history. With TV & Movies you get personalized choices across all of your content options in a layout that’s easy to use, as well as features that keep you in the loop of what’s on your favorite channels and remind you about stuff you’ve been meaning to watch.
More info makes it easier to decide

Wonder if that’s the latest episode of Attack of the Show? Wonder no longer. We’ve expanded the info below every TV show, movie, sports game, and any other program so you can more easily decide what to watch. We’ve also added a handy menu for those of you that want to dive deep into the details, rate a title 1-5 stars, tell us you’re not interested or add it to your favorites.

Find your favorites faster
Speaking of favorites… do you love all things AMC? Can’t get enough of ESPN? When you add them to Favorite Channels you’ll instantly see what show is currently playing on each. Add all your favorite channels and you’ll have a one-stop personalized guide of just the channels you care about. You can also add favorite TV shows and movies to your queue so you can come back later and watch them on Netflix, Amazon, HBO GO and more.

Tuned to your taste
When you open the new version of TV & Movies for the first time, you’ll be asked to login and rate a series of movies and TV shows. We use feedback like your ratings so you get recommendations that are made just for you.

If you’re in the mood for a great new show to watch, check out the new Trending This Week shelf in Shows. These shows are trending on the web based on what we’re seeing in Google Search, and it’s updated every day so you never miss out.

As Google TV keeps bringing more entertainment into your living room, the new TV & Movies app makes it easier to find the shows and movies you love and discover great new ones to watch. It’s like making your TV work for you, which we think is pretty smart.

Have you tried the new update yet? Let us know what you think.

Plex for iPhone and iPad updated to v2.3.1

Andrew Edney

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Apr 18, 2012

0

The Plex application allows you to use your iPad, iPhone or iPod touch to browse and play your media (video, photos and music) using the Plex Media Server installed on your Mac or PC. The latest version, v2.3.1, has just been released in the App Store.

Description

Plex for iOS brings the power of Plex to your iPad, iPhone or iPod touch. With Plex, you can stream your music, videos and photos from your home computers running Plex Media Server (available from http://www.plexapp.com/) and access content from a wide range of channels. Channels are available for apps like Aperture, iTunes and iPhoto, or online services like YouTube, Vimeo and Revision3. There’s also a remote control feature for Plex Media Center.
Additionally, you can sign up for the myPlex service, which lets you connect to servers shared with you by your friends, queue videos from your web browser to watch later, and connect to your Plex Media Server at home wherever you are in the world via Wi-Fi or a celluar connection, with no configuration necessary!
Plex Media Server streams your media directly from your computer, so there’s no need to convert before viewing. Plex is smart, too – if your media isn’t already in a format your device can play, it’ll convert it on-the-fly.
Limitations:
• DRM-protected content (TV shows, movies and older music tracks from the iTunes store) is not supported.
• ISO images are not supported.
• VIDEO_TS folders are not supported.
• PGS subtitles are not supported.
• Audio formats iOS can’t play natively (e.g. FLAC) are not supported.

What’s New in Version 2.3.1

– FIX: Immediate crash on startup when logged in to myPlex without any unwatched queue items.
– FIX: Occasional crash when stopping playback.
– FIX: Strange UI behavior when running low on memory.
– FIX: TV Out is supported for older cables again.
– FIX: Playback events are no longer sent to shared servers.
– FIX: Stopping video playback is much faster, especially over remote connections.
– FIX: Image caching works again.
– UPDATED: Localizations for Arabic, Catalan, Chinese, Croatian, Danish, Dutch, Finnish, French, Hungarian, Italian, Japanese, Lithuanian, Norwegian, Polish, Portuguese, Romanian, Russian, Slovak, Slovenian, Swedish, Turkish and Ukrainian.
– UPDATED: Removed automatic video quality selection.
– NEW: Allowed selecting an additional video quality for cellular connections in addition to the required 64Kbps stream (requires Plex Media Server 0.9.6.1 or later).

The cost for the app is £2.99.

Download from the Apple App Store

WindowSMART 2012 Pre-Release Sale and Updated Home Server SMART information

Andrew Edney

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Apr 18, 2012

0

WindowSMART 2012 Pre-Release Sale and Updated Home Server SMART information

Alex Kuretz over at MediaSmartServer.net has some information on the WindowsSmart 2012 add-in and updated Home Server SMART information.

This is what was posted in the MediaSmartServer.net forums:

As promised, Home Server SMART is and always will be free. WindowSMART, on the other hand, will be Shareware. WindowSMART will run for 30 days as a full-featured trial, after which it will need to be registered (purchase a license) or it will stop working. During the beta, this trial timer will NOT be enforced. If you purchase a license for WindowSMART before the production release, you will still need to update to the production release. July 31 is a hard-coded end for the beta builds.

5 FREE Home Office Licenses to MediaSmartServer.net Users!
I am offering 5 FREE Home Office licenses (a $20 value) to the MediaSmartServer.net community for WindowSMART 2012. Please send me a PM with your first and last name, business name (if you have one) and email address. The first 5 users to PM me will receive their free license via email. I will email your license in under 24 hours. Once all 5 licenses are given away, I’ll post the winners.

MediaSmartServer.net Pre-Release License Sale!
I am offering a pre-release license sale – you can buy a WindowSMART license now, and it will be good for Beta 6, Release Candidate AND all production releases. Updates are free for life. If you would like to buy a license today, you can. Here are the licenses that are on sale:

Family/Home – $10 (regularly $15) – non-commercial home use; unlimited users at a single residential address
Home Office – $15 (regularly $20) – same as Family/Home except commercial use allowed
Small Business 1 – $40 (regularly $50) – up to 25 unique users at 1 location
Small Business 2 – $60 (regularly $75) – up to 100 unique users at 1 location
Medium Business 1 – $80 (regularly $100) – up to 100 unique users at 2 locations
Medium Business 2 – $150 (regularly $200) – up to 500 unique users at 20 locations

Please visit http://wiki.dojonorthsoftware.net/WindowSMART_2012_Licensing for licensing details.

via: MediaSmartServer.net

Xbox LIVE Entertainment Apps Unlocked also in UK this weekend

Andrew Edney

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Apr 18, 2012

0

Xbox LIVE Entertainment Apps Unlocked also in UK this weekend

This morning we told you that Microsoft are offering a free weekend of Xbox Live entertainment this weekend, including movies, TV shows and music in the US. Now they are also offering it in the UK!

If you haven’t had the chance to check out the latest entertainment apps on Xbox 360, now is a great time because Xbox is unlocking their Xbox LIVE subscription service from this Friday 20^th April through Monday 23^rd April – no Xbox LIVE Gold membership will be required for this time.

Through this special promotion, anybody with an Xbox console will be able to use and enjoy all of the customised entertainment experiences featured on the Xbox LIVE service. Furthermore, you can search, discover and control TV, movies, video and music using voice and gesture via the power and magic of Kinect.

Adding to the excitement, Netflix will also unlock their subscription services to all Xbox owners in the UK from Friday 20^th April through Monday 23^rd April. So head on over to Xbox LIVE to watch your favourite TV shows and movies from Netflix – no Xbox LIVE Gold membership or service subscriptions required.

See below for a list of the 14 world-class entertainment apps that will be unlocked in the UK:

4oD
Blink box
Crackle
Daily Motion
DEMAND 5
Last.FM
LOVEFiLM
MSN Video
MUZU.TV
Netflix
Screenrush
Sky
VEVO
YouTube

Along with BBC iPlayer, Zune Movies and Zune Music, which are all available on Microsoft’s Xbox LIVE free platform, you can unlock a comprehensive world of live and on-demand television, movies, sports and music controlled using your voice and gestures, thanks to the power of Kinect, the Windows Phone companion app or via a standard Xbox 360 controller.

Hauppauges TV Streamer Broadway gets TV Recording feature added

Andrew Edney

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Apr 18, 2012

0

Hauppauges TV Streamer Broadway gets TV Recording feature added

Hauppauge Digital has announced that Broadway, Hauppauge’s live TV streamer for the iPad and iPhone, now has TV recording support.

With this new feature, Broadway can record TV programs locally and then stream it to an iPad or iPhone at a later time. “Broadway” is a stand alone “box” which allows live TV to be watched on an Apple device in the home through a WiFi connection, or anywhere in the world via an Internet connection.

Broadway has-2 built in DVB-T Tuners supporting Freeview allowing users to watch one channel and simultaneously record another. Broadway also connects to cable or satellite set top boxes. Once connected to a TV source, Broadway can tune into a TV program and then either stream the live TV program to an iPad or iPhone, or, with the new feature, record the TV program to a locally attached storage device and then stream the recording at a later time.

Broadway can be used in the home, for example, to stream a football game or a news program over the home Wi-Fi network to an iPad. The iPad will display a list of Broadway’s TV channels, and with two taps of a finger on the iPad, live TV will be displayed on the iPad screen.

If you travel and have a Wi-Fi or Internet connection, you can watch live TV from your home anywhere in the world. Broadway connects to your home network router and transmits the TV signal through your network router over the Internet to your iPad or iPhone.

Hauppauge’s PCTV Systems division in Germany developed Broadway. One of the key technologies within Broadway is a high-quality, high definition H.264 video compressor, which can take TV programs from clear QAM digital cable TV or ATSC over-the-air TV and “shrink” these programs into a form which can be displayed on an Apple device. Broadway has a built-in multi-format TV receiver which can tune to digital cable TV channels and ATSC over-the-air broadcast TV channels, and then compress those TV channels and rebroadcast them over both WiFi and the Internet so that the TV programs can be watched on an Apple device. In addition to HD TV, Broadway can also receive and convert analog video into a form which can be watched on Apple devices.

Broadway is standalone, and simply needs a TV source (a cable TV connection or a TV antenna) and a connection to a home network router in order to send live TV anywhere in the world where a Apple device has a connection to the Internet.

The new record feature will be a free software upgrade to Broadway users.