Source: http://www.wired.com/gadgetlab/2012/11/sony-4k-video-player-server/
Friday, November 30, 2012
Sony Loaning Movie-Loaded Home Servers to 4K-TV Buyers
March 31 is World Backup Day 2011
On March 31, as part of the global data-saving initiative, you are encouraged to back up all of your cherished photos and videos, and important documents. If you've ever had a hard disk fail, and not had a backup to fall back on, you'll know that it's a bit like losing a sizable fragment of your soul. If you've never backed up your important files -- or if you only back up sporadically -- do it on World Backup Day!
It's not hard to back up your data, either. A 2TB drive costs only a fistful of dollars, and it takes just a few minutes to set SyncToy for Windows, or Time Machine for Mac, to mirror your data every night. If you prefer a cloud-based solution, there's always SugarSync and Dropbox. Finally, don't forget that Bundlelytic has a charity giveaway for three excellent data-backup-and-recovery tools -- $160 of software for only $25, and 100% of the proceeds to go the Japanese Red Cross.
For even more backup options, for Windows, Mac OS X, and Linux, check our list of 13 great backup programs.
March 31 is World Backup Day 2011 originally appeared on Download Squad on Mon, 28 Mar 2011 07:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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Source: http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/03/28/march-31-is-world-backup-day-2011/
Microsoft files antitrust complaint against Google in Europe, showdown imminent
Microsoft, citing Google's tyrannical 95% share of the European search market, has lodged a formal complaint with the European Commission. It's not like Microsoft is breaking any ground here -- the European Commission has been investigating Google's alleged violation of European competition law since November 2010 -- but there's no doubt that the addition of Microsoft's gravitas will affect the proceedings.Microsoft's complaint reads like a sincere and plaintive cry for help against the Google Overlord. Microsoft lists no less than six damning reasons why Google's behavior is anti-competitive -- from Windows Phone 7's incompatibility with YouTube, to its nefarious handling of Google Books -- and finishes with a wide-eyed plea to the European Commission to please find Google guilty.
For those of you that have been following Microsoft's own antitrust troubles over the last decade, don't worry: MS is quick to point out the irony in the situation. "There of course will be some who will point out the irony in today's filing. Having spent more than a decade wearing the shoe on the other foot with the European Commission, the filing of a formal antitrust complaint is not something we take lightly. This is the first time Microsoft Corporation has ever taken this step. More so than most, we recognize the importance of ensuring that competition laws remain balanced and that technology innovation moves forward."
It sounds like Microsoft, having well and truly gone through the wringer, wants Google to be held similarly accountable. That's fair enough, right?
Microsoft files antitrust complaint against Google in Europe, showdown imminent originally appeared on Download Squad on Thu, 31 Mar 2011 05:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Raspberry Pi's $25 Model A enters production, could be in tinkerers' projects early next year
Raspberry Pi's Model B computer will be no stranger to regular readers. We've seen it turn up in all sorts of projects, and generally stretched in various directions. If you were holding out for the cheaper, lower specced Model A however, your time is near. A recent post on the official Raspberry Pi site confirms that the first Model A samples are rolling off the production line. The main differences? Whereas Model B has two USB ports and 512 MB of RAM plus Ethernet, Model A sports only the one port, has half the RAM, and no Ethernet connection, making it more power economical as well as $10 cheaper. Price likely isn't the issue here, but if you were after the even more stripped back version, it's estimated they'll be ready to purchase online early next year.
Filed under: Desktops
Source: Raspberry Pi
Source: http://www.engadget.com/2012/11/30/raspberry-pi-model-a-enters-production/
Every single Apple ad now unofficially available in an iTunes playlist
YES, EVERY APPLE TV ADS EVER BROADCASTED! There's a lot to discover in the Playlists - Go watch! Ads missing? Let me know.
Who could forget the classic iPod ads featuring dancing silhouettes and rhythmic music, the multitude of ads based on the Mac versus PC war. More recently Apple has focused on features like the iPhone’s ability to take panoramic photographs and of course the ability to access all corners of the screen on the iPhone 5’s larger screen with one hand. Of course not all of them have been great, the recent Genius ads were a bit of a fail but there are certainly many more great ads than bad.
You can see them all over at YouTube although we don’t know how long they will last as it is not an official Apple source. If you have some time to kill and love all things Apple, you can do a lot worse than sit back and enjoy some or all of these ads. If you watch any, make sure to let us know which ones you liked best.
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Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/TheIphoneBlog/~3/GVpemGMUd2g/story01.htm
Thursday, November 29, 2012
Android 102: Wireless file transfer
I use Linux for my PC operating system. That means I don't get any fancy Android File Transfer programs to use to copy files on and off of my devices, and setting up MTP support is a hassle -- not to mention the closed nature of the whole mess. I can use the command line and adb to copy files back and forth, and sometimes I do, but the easy way is to use an app that acts as a remote server and "browse" my files with Chromium or Firefox. They also work with Windows or Mac OS for those times when you don't want to look for a cable.
There are plenty of apps available that will work. Airdroid is a pretty popular one that also offers the ability to send and receive SMS message through your PC. It's also free, and free is always good. I like things a bit more lightweight and simple, so I use Wifi File Explorer Pro. It's not free ($0.99) and doesn't let you text from your PC. It's just the first one that was made available and I hate change. My point is, there's plenty of apps that will work, and they all work basically the same.
- Grab the app from Google Play, install it, and run it.
- The app will tell you a URL to put in your browser. You may need a code or need to scan a barcode to log in.
- When the page loads, you see everything that's on your phone storage, and can transfer files both ways, or play music or video.
The apps are actually running a tiny web server on your phone, so the result acts like a website. You will need to have both machines on the same Wifi, and in theory a cable is faster, but wireless file transfer is pretty darn easy.
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Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/androidcentral/~3/Cxw_84ZhG-U/story01.htm
ICANN C'tee Reveals Swarm of Objections to '.anything' Names
The committee reviewing applications for new top-level domains has publicized more than 250 objections to dozens of them, along with the reasons behind the responses. The Internet Committee for Assigned Names and Numbers' Government Advisory Committee, which represents about 50 governments worldwide, has listed the objections on its website. The objections range from the geographical to the religious to the decidedly non-religious. 
Windows 8 Explorer to feature Ribbon UI, SkyDrive and Mesh integration?
The Ribbon, like in Microsoft Word and Excel, is context-aware, adding tabs for specific tasks which apply to the folder you're viewing -- such as library or picture management. You can also make out two new buttons in the status bar, which allow you to change the current folder's view style.
It's clear from all the placeholder images and repeated elements that this is very much a work in progress, but featuring the Ribbon more prominently in Windows 8 would certainly be a logical progression for Microsoft. It's slowly become more ubiquitous, moving beyond Office and into Wordpad, Paint, and several of the Windows Live Essentials applications.
There's more to the screenshots than the Ribbon UI, however. Our friend Long Zheng has noted two interesting elements in the images: Web sharing and sync (image after the break). That would likely mean users will be able to quickly upload files to SkyDrive and synchronize using Live Mesh right from Explorer in Windows 8. That's not a total surprise considering many of the earliest leaked images of Windows 8 showed Windows Live integration on the desktop.
Continue reading Windows 8 Explorer to feature Ribbon UI, SkyDrive and Mesh integration?
Windows 8 Explorer to feature Ribbon UI, SkyDrive and Mesh integration? originally appeared on Download Squad on Sun, 03 Apr 2011 08:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
New iPad Battery Life
The new iPad has the same battery life as the iPad 2. This may strike some as peculiar because the iPad 3 has a new more highly-powered battery. However, although the battery does carry more juice, this is offset by the new features of the iPad 3 which require more power, for example the high-definition Retina display and the 4G connectivity. That said, the new iPad battery life is still perfectly reasonable and is suitable both for casual at-home use and for intensive use on the move.
New improved battery = a thicker iPad?
While the actual battery life on the iPad 2 and new iPad is around the same, the ipad 3′s battery is a much better one. The iPad 2 battery was approximately 6930mAh, whereas the new iPad’s battery is 10,000mAh – an increase of around 44%.
As the battery produces more power, it is also larger than its predecessor. This meant some slightly cosmetic changes to the new iPad. At 9.4mm thickness, it’s 0.6mm thicker than the iPad 2 – nothing to write home about, in other words! The iconic sleek design and tapered shape of the iPad is still there.
Battery Life
In benchmark tests the new iPad 3 battery life lasts for around 10 hours. However, if you’re using 4G connection, you can expect to see that go down to around 8 hours. This is average for most iPads and realistically mean that you can get a full day’s work out of the new iPad 3 without having to recharge it.
Drain on Battery
Although the battery is larger and more higher powered than the iPad 2 battery, the new iPad 3 lasts the same amount of time as the iPad 2. The new features available in the iPad 3 can really drain the battery quickly – and when you think about the innovations in the camera, sounds quality and Retina display, it’s easy to see why. If Apple hadn’t included this new battery then we’d have been seeing battery life reduced probably to around 4-5 hours.
Tips to Increase Battery Life on the New iPad
There are a number of ways to improve the battery life of the new iPad 3. The first port of call is to turn off the notifications and location services for most (if not all) of the apps that you use. This will immediately save the iPad having to dedicate battery power to these unnecessary functions.
You can also reduce the screen brightness to 50-70% – this will decrease the amount of power that goes into the screen display. As long as you’re working indoors this setting should be fine, although you will need to increase brightness in strong sunlight.
Set the iPad to auto-lock after a short time period, say 30 seconds. This will automatically turn off the display when you’re not using your device.
Bottom Line – Is It Worth It?
The battery life in the new iPad 3 may be the same as the iPad 2, but the battery itself is much stronger and more powerful, and is absolutely necessary to handle the more power-draining new features that make the new iPad 3 such a desirable piece of kit.
Corel releases VideoStudio Pro X4, we go hands on (video)
VideoStudio Pro is aimed at home users and small business professionals who want to create professional-looking videos, but without the hassle, steep learning curve and price of Adobe Premiere Pro and the likes.
This new version introduces several features:
- Stop motion animation: You can now capture still frames using a webcam, camcorder or DSLR and use them to produce an animation. Tools such as "onion skin view" let you compare the previous image in the sequence with the current one and make the animation as smooth as possible.
- Processor optimization: Corel says the app is optimized for Intel's new Sandy Bridge systems, and have shown us some graphs with very impressive numbers. We've been unable to test this particular point, but if you have a recent-generation Intel or AMD Fusion system, VideoStudio performance should be blazing. Even on our older test system performance was quite impressive.
- Customizable workspace: You can drag the video preview window to your secondary monitor (if you have one) and tweak just about any other element in the window layout. Once done, you can save your ideal workspace in one of three slots.
- Share-to-Web: VideoStudio Pro X4 hooks directly into YouTube, Vimeo, Facebook and Flickr, so you don't even have to launch a browser to upload your final product. Edit, produce and share from within the app itself.
- Smart Package: Video projects typically consist of many files; Smart Package lets you bundle all video assets for a given project into one ZIP file which you can password-protect and keep in a safe place once you're done editing.
Note: We'll be running a give-away of ten VideoStudio Pro X4 licenses later today, each worth $100 USD. Keep your eyes peeled for the giveaway post!
Continue reading Corel releases VideoStudio Pro X4, we go hands on (video)
Corel releases VideoStudio Pro X4, we go hands on (video) originally appeared on Download Squad on Tue, 22 Feb 2011 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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Source: http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/02/22/corel-releases-videostudio-pro-x4-we-go-hands-on/
Wednesday, November 28, 2012
Skype for iPhone and iPad updated with Microsoft accounts, animated Retina emoticons
Microsoft's Skype communications apps for iPhone and iPad have been updated to version 4.2. New features include the ability to chat with Messenger, Hotmail, and Outlook.com, and merge them all together into one, happy, mega-Microsoft account. If you're a first timer, you can now create an account from within the app.
You can also tap and hold to edit messages now, choose emoticons while typing, and -- terrifically or horrifically, depending on your point of view -- use animated emoticons in full on Retina quality. (I'm firmly in the latter camp -- I'd pay good money for a Skype update that killed animated emoticons dead. For everyone. Because, my eyes. My eyes.) There's also the usual round of bug fixes.
If you haven't used Skype yet, it remains much like democracy -- terrible except when compared to everything else. It's cross-platform, more reliable than most, and enjoys full background access on iOS (though keep an eye on your battery while it's active). If you're already a Skype user, it's a no-brainer update. Go get it.
- Free - Skype for iPhone - Download Now
- Free - Skype for iPad - Download now
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Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/TheIphoneBlog/~3/OIXTOiHKqdc/story01.htm
Deal of the Day – 14″ Dell Latitude E6430u Core i3 Ultrabook
$1353 – $454 instant savings - $50 coupon code = $849 with free shipping.
This deal expires November 29, 2012 or sooner. Check the above link for more details on this deal, and check the LogicBUY home page for other deals.
Filed in categories: News
Tagged: Deal of the Day
Deal of the Day – 14″ Dell Latitude E6430u Core i3 Ultrabook originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on November 27, 2012 at 9:14 am.
Source: http://the-gadgeteer.com/2012/11/27/deal-of-the-day-14-dell-latitude-e6430u-core-i3-ultrabook/
How Effective is the iPad as a Business Tool?
Right from the start the iPad was marketed as one of the best unique devices to be launched on the market. It’s screen size and ability to render amazing images as well as it’s great video playback lives up to this claim. However, there is more to the iPad than just this because the device offers business-savvy users some very interesting apps they can really benefit from.
Although Apple is pretty independent, it does however, have in-built support for Microsoft Exchange Server 2003 and 2007. Microsoft’s Business Email service cannot be ignored and as such Apple would not let their users get left behind should they choose to buy an iPad.
This enhanced software feature allows iPad users to manage specific calendar details as well as search global address lists and inbox messages that are stored in their Microsoft profile.
Apple is known for it’s high level of security and this is just as important on the iPad. Data exchanged over the Internet or over-the-air can be encrypted. Corporate communication over-the-air is also very well protected using a certificate-based authentication process via VPN and Exchange. If users lose their iPads or they are stolen, people are able to delete any vulnerable data that’s stored on the device by way of a remote command app.
There are loads of specialized apps which include business metrics tracker, proposal reviewer and many more that have be specifically developed with business users in mind. Apple hosts the iPhone Developer Enterprise Program which is much the same as the enterprise edition of the BlackBerry RIM. The real difference between the two is that iPad users can create their own apps and they can share these with colleagues as well as employees when deemed necessary.
Companies are able to set up on their own profiles on their iPads and this includes their details like VPN, email, password as well as wireless networks which they can then share with their colleague through Wi-Fi, Bluetooth or the Internet.
For business users, the iWork app allows them to create documents, spreadsheets and presentations. These applications have been specifically designed to be accessed by the iPad’s multi-touch screen system. They can create and present keynote slides throught the touchscreen device and manage Numbers and Pages by simply tapping the element on it.
Users can share these documents in different ways including via a VGA adapter that connects the iPad to a projector which allows the device to display a much larger image, this is particularly useful when a presentation needs to be given to a roomful of people. One good thing about the iPad is that users can import Microsoft documents onto their device. Users can share their presentations, spreadsheets and text document on a much wider scale if they upload to iWork.com as this allows a much larger audience to view the files when they need to.
Source: http://tabletbuzzblog.com/how-effective-is-the-ipad-as-a-business-tool/
Skype for iOS update adds Microsoft account support, animated emoticons
Skype has just released an update to its iOS app, bringing the requisite bug fixes along with some new functionality. Version 4.2 lets iPhone and iPad users merge their Microsoft accounts with the VoIP service, enabling calls and instant messaging with Messenger, Hotmail and Outlook contacts directly through Skype, catching up with the functionality available on the desktop version and Android. The update also adds IM editing via tapping and holding on text, plus an emoticon picker -- and animated smileys with support for Retina displays -- so you can express the joy that comes with streamlining your contacts.
Filed under: Cellphones, Tablets, Software, Apple
Source: iTunes (1), iTunes (2)
Source: http://www.engadget.com/2012/11/28/skype-ios-update-microsoft-account-support/
Google Play store now accepting pre-orders for books, bibliophiles rejoice
Google's been kicking around the idea of pre-orders in its Play Store for a while, and now we know exactly how that'll pan out. You can now indulge in some pre-launch book ordering on the website as well as on Android devices -- the goodies are listed under the "New and Coming Soon" section. Take the plunge, and the dough will disappear from your account the moment the title's out, landing instantly in your online library and apps. Weirdly, however, if there's a change to the pricing or the release date, the order is cancelled, forcing you to virtually flash the plastic once more. Mountain View's been right on top of the game when it comes to releasing updates, enhancements and bug fixes around its ecosystem, mostly anyway -- and the latest addition might just tickle book shoppers more than some other ways we know of.
Filed under: Cellphones, Tablets, Internet, Google
Via: PhoneArena
Source: Google Play
Source: http://feeds.engadget.com/~r/weblogsinc/engadget/~3/0saQxuSgsaA/
Tuesday, November 27, 2012
Personal Activity Monitor tracks time you spend using desktop apps
A big drawback at this point is that it doesn't integrate with Web browsers to help you analyze how you spend your time on the Web. Still, if your work doesn't require constant Web app use, knowing how long you've used a browser overall might be enough to help you manage your time.
This is far from the only application in this space -- alternatives such as Slife and Chrometa are full-featured and impressive -- but PAM is good option for those who want a nice, simple tracker.
Personal Activity Monitor tracks time you spend using desktop apps originally appeared on Download Squad on Sat, 05 Mar 2011 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
No More Pink Skis: Women’s Snow Gear Jumps Ahead
Source: http://www.wired.com/gadgetlab/2012/11/winter-camp-womens/
Microsoft releases sexy Bing app for iPad
Just as a regular search on bing.com will, the Bing app for iPad tailors the results it displays based on what you're searching for. There are loads of custom views, covering everything from movies and maps to weather and shopping. The app also offers a heads-up display of currently trending searches, complete with related images, which is an iPad-exclusive feature.
Navigation is a breeze thanks to multitouch controls, allowing users to flick or swipe through results. And while the development team refers to the app as "touch and decide," Bing Voice Search is also built in -- making it easy to start a query without using the iPad's on-screen keyboard.
The Bing app for iPad is available for download now from the App Store.
Microsoft releases sexy Bing app for iPad originally appeared on Download Squad on Thu, 07 Apr 2011 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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Source: http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/04/07/microsoft-releases-sexy-bing-app-for-ipad/
Nintendo Wii Mini leaks early at Best Buy Canada, points to December 7 release date
A hardware surprise from Nintendo has made a unannounced visit to Best Buy's Canadian site -- it looks like the retailer jumped the gun. Unfortunately, not much else is revealed aside from a December 7th release date, although rumors of a console refresh have circulated over the last few days. Unfortunately, the preorder link isn't live just yet, but you can spot the Wii mini's new red and black design, which looks to be only slightly taller than the original Wiimote. The Wii's successor launched only a few weeks earlier in the US, managing to sell 400,000 units in its first week. We've contacted Nintendo and we'll have more when we hear it.
Via: Eurogamer
Source: Best Buy Canada
Source: http://feeds.engadget.com/~r/weblogsinc/engadget/~3/XTDbiiXYWuI/
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