What is Windows Home Server?

CrashPlan and CrashPlan Pro updated to version 3.2

Andrew Edney

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Mar 16, 2012

CrashPlan and CrashPlan Pro updated to version 3.2

Users of CrashPlan and CrashPlan Pro have been treated to new features with version 3.2 which was released today.

This is the press release:

Code 42 Software Inc., developers of award-winning onsite, offsite and online backup solutions for consumers, businesses and the enterprise, today announced the launch of extensive updates to the company’s CrashPlan and CrashPlan PRO backup solutions for consumers and small businesses. Updates to the CrashPlan and CrashPlan PRO mobile apps were also launched. The enhancements will enable CrashPlan and CrashPlan PRO customers to backup their data more efficiently.

Key enhancements in version 3.2 of the CrashPlan and CrashPlan PRO applications include:

Pause Backups on Certain Networks — Users now have the ability to automatically pause backups when connected to selected networks or interfaces such as Wifi networks. This is particularly useful for situations where network bandwidth may be very expensive or limited (ie when tethered to a 3G hotspot)

Pause Backups When Device Battery is Low — Users specify a battery charge level, once a laptop’s battery reaches that level, all backups will be paused. This function allows users to conserve battery power by not backing up. Backup resumes when battery power returns to the specified charge level.

Mac Menu Bar Item — Mac users can now monitor and control basic CrashPlan features from the menu bar. This feature is also available to Windows users.

“This update adds three of the most-requested features from our CrashPlan and CrashPlan PRO users: the ability to pause backups on certain networks and when running on battery, as well as a super-convenient Mac menu bar add-on for controlling and monitoring backups,” commented Mike Evangelist, Code 42’s chief marketing officer. “CrashPlan has always been the most flexible solution out there, and these enhancements make that even more true.”

The latest enhancements to CrashPlan and CrashPlan PRO (and corresponding mobile apps) are currently available. Existing users will automatically receive the update to their client software.

To learn more about CrashPlan and CrashPlan PRO, visit www.crashplan.com.

My Movies Collection Management for Windows Media Center 4.03 PR2 Released

Andrew Edney

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Mar 16, 2012

0

As well as the news versions of My Movies 4.03 PR2 for Media Center and My Movies 2.11 PR2 for Windows Home Server 2011, Brian has also released version 4.03 PR2 of the Collection Management component.

Here is the complete changelog:

Fix: Missing Bonjour interop file for Data Service API in Collection Management application could cause a crash.
Fix: Special sized DVD’s did not copy correct with AnyDVD.
Fix: There was a problem with categories loading when browsing a local drive.

Update: Remote Server API updates, including setting API key in configuration.

Download My Movies 4 Collection Management Now

What do you think of My Movies?

Check out our review of My Movies for Windows Home Server 2011 2.0 Pre Release 7

My Movies for Windows Home Server 2011 Version 2.11 PR2 Released

Andrew Edney

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Mar 16, 2012

0

Brian has also released version 2.11 PR2 of My Movies for Windows Home Server 2011.

Windows Home Server 2011

My Movies for Windows Home Server 2011 operates as database back-end for My Movies clients in multi-zone environments.

The My Movies for Windows Media Center or My Movies Collection Management products can be downloaded and installed on client PC’s to maintain movies in the database on My Movies for Windows Home Sever 2011.

My Movies may not be pre-installed on commercial products, nor in any way redistributed or provided to end-users by installers that is not part of our installer program.

Change Log:

Fix: File locking bug when changing cover on copied music disc.
Fix: Special sized DVD’s did not copy correct with AnyDVD.

Update: Remote Server API updates, including setting API key in configuration.

Before installing a pre release version, you must make a backup of your database using the Collection Management program. There are no guarantee that a pre release version functions as expected, and it should therefore only be used for evaluation purposes. The database backup ensures that you can revert back to the latest stable version.

My Movies for Windows Home Server 2011 2.11 Pre Release 2 can be used as server for My Movies 4.03 Pre Release 2 clients.

You can download the Windows Home Server 2011 edition here Check out our review of My Movies for Windows Home Server 2011 2.0 Pre Release 7

My Movies for Windows Media Center 4.03 PR2 Released

Andrew Edney

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Mar 16, 2012

1

Brian has just released My Movies for Windows Media Center version 4.03 PR2.

Here is the change log:

Fix: Missing Bonjour interop file for Data Service API in Collection Management application could cause a crash.
Fix: Special sized DVD’s did not copy correct with AnyDVD.
Fix: There was a problem with categories loading when browsing a local drive.

Update: Remote Server API updates, including setting API key in configuration.

Before installing a pre release version, you must make a backup of your database using the Collection Management program. There is no guarantee that a pre release version functions as expected, and it should only be used for evaluation purposes. The database backup ensures that you can revert back to the latest stable version.

My Movies 4.03 Pre Release 2 can be used as client for My Movies for Windows Home Server 2011 2.11 Pre Release 2 or My Movies for Windows Home Server 2.00.

Download My Movies 4.03 PR2 now Check out our review of My Movies for Windows Home Server 2011 2.0 Pre Release 7

WD Shipping My Book Thunderbolt Duo Drive

Andrew Edney

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Mar 15, 2012

1

WD Shipping My Book Thunderbolt Duo Drive

Western Digital is now shipping its first external hard drive with Thunderbolt technology – the My Book Thunderbolt Duo dual-drive storage system.

The new My Book Thunderbolt Duo provides professionals and Mac^® enthusiasts with five primary areas of performance, double-safe data protection and flexibility; ultra-fast data transfer rates for greater work efficiency; a 4 TB/6 TB large-capacity; customised dual-drive storage system with RAID 0, 1 and JBOD options; customer serviceable drives; and dual Thunderbolt ports for daisy-chaining multiple My Book Thunderbolt Duo devices or other peripherals.

Thunderbolt technology brings a new way to connect high-speed storage devices to any desktop or notebook computer with a Thunderbolt port while delivering unmatched speed for multitasking activities such as, editing video/music, 3D rendering, and completing other high definition graphics-intensive projects.

“The My Book Thunderbolt Duo offers large storage capacities for creative professionals and enthusiasts who produce, edit, or need quick access to large files, including HD video,” said Jody Bradshaw, general manager of WD consumer storage solutions. “Its dual Thunderbolt ports provide 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. The combination of storage, backup, security, flexibility and speed makes the My Book Thunderbolt Duo the ideal choice for creative professionals that need to write, store, protect and edit high-definition and graphic intensive projects.”

My Book Thunderbolt Duo is an ideal, all-in-one external drive for creative professionals, enthusiasts, and consumers who own vast amounts of digital content including videos, music, and photos. The drive serves as a safe and reliable way to backup content stored on your computer while providing the fastest way to get information to and from the WD drive. In addition, its RAID 1 support allows users to create a second copy of their digital content on the drive for double-safe protection, and peace of mind. The drive also supports a JBOD mode (allocate each disk individually to a specific task) excellent option for users running Windows OS on a Mac.

Additional features found on the My Book Thunderbolt Duo include out-of-the-box compatibility with Mac OS Time Machine and formatting for HFS + Journaled for Mac; capability for multi-stream workflows; and a 3-year limited warranty.

The My Book Thunderbolt Duo is available now at select retailers and online at www.wdstore.co.uk starting at MSRP Euro €599.00 (4 TB) and Euro €699.00(6 TB).

We got some hands-on with the My Book Thunderbolt Duo drive at CES 2012

Sonos announces new controller apps for Mac and PC

Andrew Edney

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Mar 15, 2012

1

Sonos announces new controller apps for Mac and PC

Sonos have today announced new controller apps for both the Mac and PC coming next week.

This is what they said today:

Our team has been working ‘round the clock to bring you two brand spanking new Sonos Controller apps for Mac and PC. The new Controllers will make it easier than ever to find, control and play music in any room—right from your favorite desktop or laptop.

What can you look forward to? For starters, faster access to music. The improved Search feature will let you quickly find artists, albums, songs, and stations from your music library, Internet radio and music services using a single search box. And you can use the better-than-ever, drag-and-drop interface to add one or multiple songs, albums, or playlists to your queue, room, or group of rooms for instant music gratification.

The new controllers also offer instant volume control, with a one-touch Party Mode that lets you set the volume in your grouped rooms simultaneously. Plus, we’ve brought some of the hidden perks of Sonos front and center, with the Sleep Timer and Alarms now accessible from the main window.

The update will be available next week.

Check out our review of the Sonos Bundle 250

How to get InfiniTV running on Windows 8 Consumer Preview

Andrew Edney

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Mar 15, 2012

0

How to get InfiniTV running on Windows 8 Consumer Preview

Ceton have posted a guide on how to get InfiniTV running on the Windows 8 Consumer Preview.

We have talked about the Ceton InfiniTV tuner a lot here at UWHS, so we are happy to see Ceton providing useful information on how to get their products to work with Windows 8!

This is how they start their article:

For our first blog post we thought it would be fun to talk about Windows 8 and how to get your InfiniTV working on it. Be sure to check back for more posts!

To continue reading, click here.

Media Center Master Updated to Version 2.0

Andrew Edney

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Mar 15, 2012

0

Peter Souza IV has released version 2.0 of his excellent Media Center Master software.

What is Media Center Master?

Here is how Peter describes Media Center Master for those of you who don’t know what it is:

Smooth, powerful interface to organize your media collection.
Support for the built-in Windows Media Center Video Library strip (dvdid.xml) as well as MediaBrowser extension (mymovies.xml).
Movies, television, and adult title search from a variety of configurable meta data sources.
Built-in, fully-automated episode torrenting from multiple sources. Keep your T.V. series updated through the internet for free.
Full meta-data editor with tools to automate movie and T.V. episode renaming.
Theatrical trailer downloader with options for automatic re-encoding.
Extendable fetcher system allows other programmers to write fetchers — sample source code included in the forums.
Configurable to download actor/actress thumbnails and movie/T.V. posters, fan art, backdrops, and banners.
Flexible post-processing allows command-line operations after a movie title has been fetched — works great with Stark Covers.
…and a whole lot more…

What’s Included in this update?

Lots of new features and options, optimizations, and more. Additionally, the Issue Tracker changelog for version 2.00 details what issues you’ve reported that have made it to this build. Enjoy!.

Learn more from here

Sky Updates Sky Sports News HD App for iPad and changes name to Sky Sports for iPad

Apple
News

Andrew Edney

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Mar 15, 2012

0

Sky Updates Sky Sports News HD App for iPad and changes name to Sky Sports for iPad

Sky have just updated its dedicated Sky Sports News HD app for the iPad – and changed the name of it to Sky Sports for iPad.

What’s New in Version 2.0

– Live streaming of Sky Sports Channels 1 to 4, Sky Sports News and the F1 Channel.
– F1 Companion Experience featuring multiple camera angles and real time highlights.
– Note: This application can be used on a maximum of 1 iPad per Sky ID.

It’s free for customers who have access to the Sky Sports News channel as part of their monthly subscription, otherwise it will cost you £4.99 a month.

Download the app from the Apple App Store

Amazon Kindle App for iOS Updated to version 3.0

Apple
News

Andrew Edney

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Mar 15, 2012

0

I use the Amazon Kindle app on my iPad all the time, and it has just been updated to version 3.0.

Description

The Kindle app is optimized for the iPad, iPhone, and iPod touch, giving users the ability to read Kindle books, newspapers, magazines and PDFs on a beautiful, easy-to-use interface.

You’ll have access to over 900,000* books in the Kindle Store. Amazon Whispersync automatically syncs your last page read, bookmarks, notes, and highlights across devices (including Kindle), so you can pick up your book where you left off on another device.

Get the best reading experience available on your iPad, iPhone, and iPod touch:
• Shop the Kindle Store by visiting Amazon for the largest selection of books people want to read: over a 900,000* books.
• *New*: Email PDFs & other documents to your new Send-to-Kindle e-mail address and we deliver them to your device. The documents are automatically archived in the Amazon Cloud and available for re-download on your iOS or supported Kindle devices. You can also read PDFs from Mail, Safari, or by transferring them from iTunes.
• Get free book samples – read the first chapter free before you decide to buy.
• Customize your reading experience by choosing the background color, font size, and either portrait or landscape format.
• Instant dictionary word lookup. Tap and hold a word to view the definition. Use the Google and Wikipedia links to get more information.
• Search inside the book to find a character, topic, or section you want to revisit.
• Simply tap on either side of the screen or flick to turn pages.
• You can also read your Kindle books on your Kindle, Kindle Fire, Kindle Touch, PC, Mac, Android-based device, and Windows Phone 7-based device. Our Whispersync technology syncs your last page read, notes, bookmarks, and highlights across devices, so you can pick up where you left off.

What’s New in Version 3.0

-New library design – view your content in a new, updated look and feel. iPhone users can now choose to view their library in grid view.
-Cloud view – easily access all of your content in the cloud in a simple, combined view.
-Optimized for the new iPad retina display.

Download from the Apple App Store

My Movies iOS 24 hour discount offer

Andrew Edney

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Mar 15, 2012

0

Brian has offered a 24 hour only discount if you want to purchase My Movies for iPhone or My Movies for iPad.

This is what he said:

Our applications for iPhone and iPad have been discounted from $5 to $3 (iPhone) and $7 to $4 (iPad) for 24 hours.

Download My Movies for iPad from the Apple App Store Download My Movies for iPhone from the Apple App Store

WordPress App for iOS Updated to version 2.9.6

Apple
News

Andrew Edney

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Mar 15, 2012

0

The WordPress app for the iPhone and the iPad has been updated to version 2.9.6 bringing with it a number of fixes.

It’s easy to manage your WordPress blog or site from your iOS device. With WordPress for iOS, you can moderate comments, create or edit posts and pages, and add images or videos with ease. All you need is a WordPress.com blog or a self-hosted WordPress.org site running 2.9.2 or higher.

What’s New in Version 2.9.7

• iOS5.1 compatible
• Updated graphics for the new iPad
• Minor fixes and tweaks

Download the WordPress app from the Apple App Store

StableBit DrivePool Moves to Beta M4 Build 5888

Andrew Edney

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Mar 15, 2012

2

StableBit DrivePool Moves to Beta M4 Build 5888

There has been another beta build from CoveCube! StableBit development marches on – now its beta M4 build 5888.

Here is how CoveCube describes this application:

Combine all your hard drives into one big storage pool (except the system drive with the OS).
Add and remove drives from the pool at any time without re-partitioning or manually moving folders.
Create duplicated folders on the storage drive pool that are protected against single drive failure. If a drive fails on which a duplicated file was stored, the contents of that file will remain readable even without the drive.
All your data is stored in standard NTFS files. You can always access your files even if the Windows Home Server completely crashes or this add-in can’t be used.

This version’s change log:

1.0.0.5888 ———-

* Show folder pie chart for folders containing a ‘.

* “Indexing” is no longer shown when indexing is paused.

* Allow disk removal without a license.

* Recalculate balance ratio right after adding a new drive to the pool.

* Do not change the source / destination parent directory modification times when performing background copy / move (background duplication / rebalancing).

* [D] Fixed crash related to ECP list.

The Digital Lifestyle Show #345 – Backup my Spectrum

Andrew Edney

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Mar 15, 2012

0

The Digital Lifestyle Show #345 – Backup my Spectrum

This weeks Digital Lifestyle Show has just been released – and it’s show 345.

Here’s what Ian says about this week show:

Andrew is back and joins me to talk over the weeks new including topics like Toshiba 4k TVs, thoughts on the new Apple TV and the new iPad, Raspberry Pi updates, Media Browser updates, My Movies, Windows 8 impressions, remembering when games came on flexi disc and we talk about plans for the next user group meetup.

You can listen to or download the show from here.