Year: 2010

Big Brother is watching — and wants to watch more

Posted by | Sep 28, 2010 | , |

I want to see terrorism fought as much as anyone, but where do we draw the line when it comes to our personal privacy. In yet another example of the federal government wanting more power, the Obama administration is developing plans that would require all Internet-based communication services — such as encrypted BlackBerry e-mail, Facebook, and Skype — to be capable of complying with federal wiretap orders, reports “Fox News” (http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2010/09/27/seeking-expand-internet-wiretaps/).

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GoFlex Home a (mostly) painless way to share, back-up files

GoFlex Home a (mostly) painless way to share, back-up files

Posted by | Sep 28, 2010 | , |

Seagate’s (http://www.seagate.com) GoFlex Home network storage system makes it relatively easy and works relatively quickly, though not without some caveats. (It also works with Windows systems, but, thankfully, there are none of those on my network).

When the Seagate solution is connected to a wireless router, its centralized storage system simplifies the backup and sharing process. You can wirelessly stream photos, movies and music to most network connected DLNA devices, such as game consoles or a GoFlex TV HD media player, from any room in the house.

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MacFamilyTree grows to version 6.0.5

Posted by | Sep 28, 2010 | , |

Synium Software has released version 6.0.5 of MacFamilyTree (http://www.synium.de/products/macfamilytree/index.html). The new version adds MyHeritage to the web research function.

MacFamilyTree 6.0.5 requires Mac OS X 10.5 or higher. For new users the cost is US$49. Upgrades from previous versions prior to 6.x are $25. Version 6.0.5 is a free download for registered users of version 6.x. A demo is available for download. MobileFamilyTree, the companion app for iPhone, iPod touch and iPad is available in the App Store for $4.99.

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QNAP releases NMP-1000P

Posted by | Sep 28, 2010 | , |

QNAP Systems (http://www.qnap.com/) has announced the NMP-1000P Network Multimedia Player, a new product for audiophiles and AV enthusiasts.

It features the latest Sigma Designs video/audio decoder capable of displaying full HD movies with advanced menu navigation, next-generation Dolby and DTS multi-channel surround sound, lossless music, digital pictures with background music, and other multimedia content. The NMP-1000P is powered by a Wolfson stereo digital to analog converter.

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