Synology to boost firmware for NAS servers
Synology released in March its Disk Station Manager 2.0 software, which, in my opinion, was by far the most robust and intuitive firmware for NAS servers. The company announced on Wednesday, however, that it's going to provide a major update of the firmware with added features and improved functionality, including: • Support for RAID 6 in four-drive and five-drive Synology NAS servers. RAID 6 provides better protection than RAID 5 by allowing for data integrity even when two hard drives fail at a time. • Enhanced IP camera support with more cameras added to the list. • Support for SMART, the popularpredictive failure feature found on most hard drives. Users now can use the firmware to monitor the health of the NAS' hard drives. • Network File System support.The new firmware also offers an enhanced audio station that allows for playing music directly to a PC's speaker (instead of only to USB speakers in the current version), and an enhanced iTunes server that has a new playlist-managing feature.The firmware will be available later this month as a free download.Synology also announced its new NAS server, the DS408. The device supports up to four SATA hard drives with a combined capacity up to 4TB with multiple RAID configurations. The DS408 will also be available later this month for an estimated $749.95. Related stories:Review: Synology Disk Station DS-107+Software upgrade redefines Synology's NAS devices
Monday, March 23, 2015
Sync two iPhones on one computer
Sync two iPhones on one computer
On the Summary tab, make sure that the guest phone's Options are set so that the phone does not sync with this library automatically. Just as important, make sure the box for "Manually Manage Music and Video" is checked. Next, click through the tabs at the top to make sure nothing is selected to sync with the device -- no apps, no music, no videos, photos, books, nor contacts. Nothing. Then hit the Apply button in the bottom-right corner. Always make sure your iPhone content is backed up somewhere before attempting to sync your phone with a new iTunes library.Screenshot by Donald Bell/CNETNow, if this is the first time you've tried connecting this device to this iTunes library, you may get a warning that the phone was originally set up to be used with another computer and that you're about to erase this phone and sync it with content from this library. That's some heavy language, and if it scares you too much, just stop. No Led Zeppelin bootleg is worth it. But since what we're really doing here is freeing this thing up to sync media manually, and we checked that no apps or info or other settings are being synced to this phone, you should be able to take the take the leap with little or no consequence. Of course, it couldn't hurt to make sure your data, photos, and media are backed up before messing around.Finally, now that the phone is set up for manual syncing, you should be able to drag any music or video content from your library and drop it right on the phone's icon to sync it over. That's all there is to it.To see the process unfold, check out my demonstration video on CNET TV.
On the Summary tab, make sure that the guest phone's Options are set so that the phone does not sync with this library automatically. Just as important, make sure the box for "Manually Manage Music and Video" is checked. Next, click through the tabs at the top to make sure nothing is selected to sync with the device -- no apps, no music, no videos, photos, books, nor contacts. Nothing. Then hit the Apply button in the bottom-right corner. Always make sure your iPhone content is backed up somewhere before attempting to sync your phone with a new iTunes library.Screenshot by Donald Bell/CNETNow, if this is the first time you've tried connecting this device to this iTunes library, you may get a warning that the phone was originally set up to be used with another computer and that you're about to erase this phone and sync it with content from this library. That's some heavy language, and if it scares you too much, just stop. No Led Zeppelin bootleg is worth it. But since what we're really doing here is freeing this thing up to sync media manually, and we checked that no apps or info or other settings are being synced to this phone, you should be able to take the take the leap with little or no consequence. Of course, it couldn't hurt to make sure your data, photos, and media are backed up before messing around.Finally, now that the phone is set up for manual syncing, you should be able to drag any music or video content from your library and drop it right on the phone's icon to sync it over. That's all there is to it.To see the process unfold, check out my demonstration video on CNET TV.
Syncing the Pre with a Macbook Pro
Syncing the Pre with a Macbook Pro
Missing Sync OptionsCatherine GougeGeneral ConclusionsAll in all, I would say that each of the above options are useful in their own way and can be used in combination to accomplish different kinds of syncs. The iTunes sync is great for keeping the Pre current with my downloaded music and podcasts (though the Pandora app is so great, I find myself listening to my purchased music less). The USB "drag and drop" option is great if you just want to add a few things manually (not automatically, every time). And the "Missing Sync" works well to automatically back up photos you take on your Pre (as opposed to automatically just adding photos from your computer to your Pre through iTunes). Still WonderingOne thing I have not figured out (but am hoping is covered by the Palm profile I created) is how to back up "contacts" from my phone to my computer. I must be missing something because I know that you can sync contacts with both iTunes and Missing Sync (if you want to override info on your Pre with info stored on your computer), but I can't seem to find how to send all the contacts from my phone to my Macbook. I tend not to add contacts on my computer--only on the Pre. If anyone knows and can tell me in a comment on this post, I would appreciate that info.
Missing Sync OptionsCatherine GougeGeneral ConclusionsAll in all, I would say that each of the above options are useful in their own way and can be used in combination to accomplish different kinds of syncs. The iTunes sync is great for keeping the Pre current with my downloaded music and podcasts (though the Pandora app is so great, I find myself listening to my purchased music less). The USB "drag and drop" option is great if you just want to add a few things manually (not automatically, every time). And the "Missing Sync" works well to automatically back up photos you take on your Pre (as opposed to automatically just adding photos from your computer to your Pre through iTunes). Still WonderingOne thing I have not figured out (but am hoping is covered by the Palm profile I created) is how to back up "contacts" from my phone to my computer. I must be missing something because I know that you can sync contacts with both iTunes and Missing Sync (if you want to override info on your Pre with info stored on your computer), but I can't seem to find how to send all the contacts from my phone to my Macbook. I tend not to add contacts on my computer--only on the Pre. If anyone knows and can tell me in a comment on this post, I would appreciate that info.
Sync Destinations app updated with Ford Sync AppLink compatibility
Sync Destinations app updated with Ford Sync AppLink compatibility
LAS VEGAS--You'd think that Ford's own Sync Destinations app would be among the select few that offer connectivity with the automaker's voice-controlled Sync AppLink technology, but oddly it wasn't...until now.Ford has announced an updated version of the Sync Destinations app for iPhone that gives drivers voice control over the app when connected to an AppLink-enabled vehicle. Like the original app, users will be able to save favorite destinations and access driving directions and traffic reports to them utilizing their cloud-based Sync Services account. However, now users can simply speak the commands "Mobile Apps," "Sync Destinations," followed by "Traffic to work," for example, to get the fastest route to the office--no fumbling with the phone's touch screen is necessary. If the users then ask for "Directions," the app can download turn-by-turn directions to the vehicle's dashboard via the Sync Services connection.Other available commands include retrieving "Incidents around me" and the ability to "Report an accident" to other Sync Services drivers, all without letting go of the wheel.iPhone owners who are also active Sync Services users can download the updated version of Sync Destinations via the iTunes App Store. Android and BlackBerry users will have to wait for the update to be made available later in Q1 2012.
LAS VEGAS--You'd think that Ford's own Sync Destinations app would be among the select few that offer connectivity with the automaker's voice-controlled Sync AppLink technology, but oddly it wasn't...until now.Ford has announced an updated version of the Sync Destinations app for iPhone that gives drivers voice control over the app when connected to an AppLink-enabled vehicle. Like the original app, users will be able to save favorite destinations and access driving directions and traffic reports to them utilizing their cloud-based Sync Services account. However, now users can simply speak the commands "Mobile Apps," "Sync Destinations," followed by "Traffic to work," for example, to get the fastest route to the office--no fumbling with the phone's touch screen is necessary. If the users then ask for "Directions," the app can download turn-by-turn directions to the vehicle's dashboard via the Sync Services connection.Other available commands include retrieving "Incidents around me" and the ability to "Report an accident" to other Sync Services drivers, all without letting go of the wheel.iPhone owners who are also active Sync Services users can download the updated version of Sync Destinations via the iTunes App Store. Android and BlackBerry users will have to wait for the update to be made available later in Q1 2012.
SXSW presentations I wish I'd seen
SXSW presentations I wish I'd seen
Forget about Business Week reporter Sarah Lacy's awkward on-stage interview of Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg, which has been amply detailed elsewhere (although watching them might have been akin to the uncomfortable pleasure of watching a fight at a hockey game). I really wish I'd seen the panel discussion on ad-supported music. According to a posting on PaidContent.org, it degenerated into a shouting match, with a Capitol records exec saying he needed more Internet promotion like he needed a root canal without anesthetic, RCRD LBL founder Peter Rojas dissing iTunes as irrelevant, and audience members yelling that Rojas doesn't respect intellectual property. (RCRD LBL is essentially a music blog with free music provided by bands as a promotional tool.) There was also a presentation by Apple engineering manager Michael Lopp (aka Rands in Repose, he of the greatest guide to Vegas ever blogged), in which he discussed the company's unique approach to design--think painstaking mockups and brainstorming, both of which are taken seriously rather than treated as afterthoughts or mere team-building exercises.
Forget about Business Week reporter Sarah Lacy's awkward on-stage interview of Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg, which has been amply detailed elsewhere (although watching them might have been akin to the uncomfortable pleasure of watching a fight at a hockey game). I really wish I'd seen the panel discussion on ad-supported music. According to a posting on PaidContent.org, it degenerated into a shouting match, with a Capitol records exec saying he needed more Internet promotion like he needed a root canal without anesthetic, RCRD LBL founder Peter Rojas dissing iTunes as irrelevant, and audience members yelling that Rojas doesn't respect intellectual property. (RCRD LBL is essentially a music blog with free music provided by bands as a promotional tool.) There was also a presentation by Apple engineering manager Michael Lopp (aka Rands in Repose, he of the greatest guide to Vegas ever blogged), in which he discussed the company's unique approach to design--think painstaking mockups and brainstorming, both of which are taken seriously rather than treated as afterthoughts or mere team-building exercises.
Switcher Tip- Maximizing windows in OS X
Switcher Tip: Maximizing windows in OS X
In Windows the maximize button offers one function, but Apple has reserved the green button for a variety of resizing features, calling it the Zoom button instead of the maximize button. Unfortunately this description is not always accurate, since the behavior of this button is rather inconsistent and depends on the specific program being used. As a result, even seasoned Mac users may be confused about what the Zoom button will actually do in a given program.The best way to treat the green Zoom button in OS X is that it will in "some" way perform a resizing function on the current window. For the most part it will resize the window to best fit its contents, but may also change the type of window being displayed (ie, iTunes' mini player), switch between aspect ratios for media players, or even perform a full maximize function.Despite the inconsistencies in the default behavior of the button, it still can be used to fairly regularly maximize Windows in OS X, similarly to how the analogous button works in Windows. To do this, just hold down the options key whenever you click the green button.Personally, I feel OS X would benefit more by making this the default behavior, and then providing resizing and other "fitting" features if people hold the option key. We'll see what future versions of OS X will do, but for now and the foreseeable future, the green button performs an arbitrary zoom function.Zoom away!Questions? Comments? Post them below or email us!Be sure to check us out on Twitter and the CNET Mac forums.
In Windows the maximize button offers one function, but Apple has reserved the green button for a variety of resizing features, calling it the Zoom button instead of the maximize button. Unfortunately this description is not always accurate, since the behavior of this button is rather inconsistent and depends on the specific program being used. As a result, even seasoned Mac users may be confused about what the Zoom button will actually do in a given program.The best way to treat the green Zoom button in OS X is that it will in "some" way perform a resizing function on the current window. For the most part it will resize the window to best fit its contents, but may also change the type of window being displayed (ie, iTunes' mini player), switch between aspect ratios for media players, or even perform a full maximize function.Despite the inconsistencies in the default behavior of the button, it still can be used to fairly regularly maximize Windows in OS X, similarly to how the analogous button works in Windows. To do this, just hold down the options key whenever you click the green button.Personally, I feel OS X would benefit more by making this the default behavior, and then providing resizing and other "fitting" features if people hold the option key. We'll see what future versions of OS X will do, but for now and the foreseeable future, the green button performs an arbitrary zoom function.Zoom away!Questions? Comments? Post them below or email us!Be sure to check us out on Twitter and the CNET Mac forums.
Rumor Has It, Ep. 12- Samsung to release Retuna Deesplay tablet (podcast)
Rumor Has It, Ep. 12: Samsung to release Retuna Deesplay tablet (podcast)
We start off the show today to announce that Karyne is already losing the betting war. The "Twilight" debacle from last week did nothing to deter the Universe from making sure that she loses. Every. Single. Time.But somewhere out there, a man named Torod Neptune is walking around, and that somehow makes everything OK. For our very special end-of-the-year show next week, we'll cover the proven rumors, debunked rumors, and most annoying rumors of 2011. If you have any suggestions, let us know.On this week's show, Verizon looks to take over video streaming; the iPad 3 may come out in March, April, May, or June; Nokia and Microsoft are sluts; and Emily and Karyne share the same favorite number!EPISODE 12This content is rated TV-MA, and is for viewers 18 years or older. Are you of age?YesNoSorry, you are not old enough to view this content.PlaySubscribe:Â RSS (MP3) |Â RSS (320x180) |Â RSS (640x360) |Â iTunes (MP3) |Â iTunes (320x180) |Â iTunes (640x360)PodcastYour browser does not support the audio element.Links from the show!Verizon may hook up with Red Box for Web videoNext-gen iPad available in three to four monthsSamsung to beat Apple to market with Retina Display?T-Mobile, Nokia tout 'something exciting' for next weekIt's number 3!Heard a tech rumor you think we should cover?E-mail us at Rumorhasit [at] cnet.com, or directly at karyne.levy [at] cnet.com or emily.dreyfuss [at] cbsinteractive.com. And call and leave us a voice mail at 1-800-750-CNET!And don't forget to follow us on Twitter! @EmilyDreyfuss, @karynelevy, @RumorShow, @stephenbeacham.
We start off the show today to announce that Karyne is already losing the betting war. The "Twilight" debacle from last week did nothing to deter the Universe from making sure that she loses. Every. Single. Time.But somewhere out there, a man named Torod Neptune is walking around, and that somehow makes everything OK. For our very special end-of-the-year show next week, we'll cover the proven rumors, debunked rumors, and most annoying rumors of 2011. If you have any suggestions, let us know.On this week's show, Verizon looks to take over video streaming; the iPad 3 may come out in March, April, May, or June; Nokia and Microsoft are sluts; and Emily and Karyne share the same favorite number!EPISODE 12This content is rated TV-MA, and is for viewers 18 years or older. Are you of age?YesNoSorry, you are not old enough to view this content.PlaySubscribe:Â RSS (MP3) |Â RSS (320x180) |Â RSS (640x360) |Â iTunes (MP3) |Â iTunes (320x180) |Â iTunes (640x360)PodcastYour browser does not support the audio element.Links from the show!Verizon may hook up with Red Box for Web videoNext-gen iPad available in three to four monthsSamsung to beat Apple to market with Retina Display?T-Mobile, Nokia tout 'something exciting' for next weekIt's number 3!Heard a tech rumor you think we should cover?E-mail us at Rumorhasit [at] cnet.com, or directly at karyne.levy [at] cnet.com or emily.dreyfuss [at] cbsinteractive.com. And call and leave us a voice mail at 1-800-750-CNET!And don't forget to follow us on Twitter! @EmilyDreyfuss, @karynelevy, @RumorShow, @stephenbeacham.
Pink Floyd sues EMI over iTunes payments
Pink Floyd sues EMI over iTunes payments
This latter argument has been deeply felt by AC/DC, which refuses to allow its work to be sold via iTunes.Pink Floyd's lawyer claimed that EMI's reading of its contract with the band is that a prohibition against unbundling applies only to the physical product--not to the virtual paradise occupied by online sales. This does seem a little odd. Naturally, all of this legal entertainment has cash at its core. And the contract was signed in 1998 and 1999, when Prince was still cool and the iTunes money tree had not even been planted. EMI lawyer Elizabeth Jones told Bloomberg: "I can't say it's obvious from the agreement what the commercial intent of the parties was. I'm sure the claimants would have liked to protect their records and EMI would have liked to have had full control to exploit."Which sounds dangerously like a rather deadpanned disregard for Floyd's artistic heritage. For anyone who was brought up with albums, it's sometimes hard to accept that individual songs can exist outside of the original conception. Somehow, there are albums for which the crappy tracks serve as a necessary counterpoint to the more wondrous efforts.Now, thanks to a lawsuit that was filed last year, it will be up to a judge to be the atom heart mother between these two squabbling brethren. What are the chances he is a Floyd fan? I mean, most judges are in their 60s, aren't they?Update, 4:30 p.m. PST: Added comment from EMI.
This latter argument has been deeply felt by AC/DC, which refuses to allow its work to be sold via iTunes.Pink Floyd's lawyer claimed that EMI's reading of its contract with the band is that a prohibition against unbundling applies only to the physical product--not to the virtual paradise occupied by online sales. This does seem a little odd. Naturally, all of this legal entertainment has cash at its core. And the contract was signed in 1998 and 1999, when Prince was still cool and the iTunes money tree had not even been planted. EMI lawyer Elizabeth Jones told Bloomberg: "I can't say it's obvious from the agreement what the commercial intent of the parties was. I'm sure the claimants would have liked to protect their records and EMI would have liked to have had full control to exploit."Which sounds dangerously like a rather deadpanned disregard for Floyd's artistic heritage. For anyone who was brought up with albums, it's sometimes hard to accept that individual songs can exist outside of the original conception. Somehow, there are albums for which the crappy tracks serve as a necessary counterpoint to the more wondrous efforts.Now, thanks to a lawsuit that was filed last year, it will be up to a judge to be the atom heart mother between these two squabbling brethren. What are the chances he is a Floyd fan? I mean, most judges are in their 60s, aren't they?Update, 4:30 p.m. PST: Added comment from EMI.
iTunes chief joins Ferrari board
iTunes chief joins Ferrari board
Ferrari, one of the iconic names in high-performance sports cars and Formula 1 racing, has invited Apple's iTunes' chief to join its board of directors. Related storiesTesting the 2010 Ford F-150 SVT RaptorThe 404 Podcast 503: Where everything was better in the '90sBuzz Out Loud Podcast 1150: Up the creek without a BibleDNA helps link Obama and Senator-elect BrownFive ways to put your music in the cloudEddy Cue, Apple's senior vice president for Internet software and services, said in a statement released by the Italian car company that he is "proud to become a member of the board." Cue owns a collection of sports cars, including a Ferrari, according to people who were interviewed for a CNET profile on Cue that was published last week. In the statement about his board position, Cue said that five years ago he finally realized his childhood dream of owning a Ferrari. "I continue to be awed by the world-class design and engineering."Cue is obviously confident he can find the time to help Ferrari when Apple is relying on him more than ever. Not only does he oversee the iTunes Store but he's also responsible for iAds and iCloud, and was recently asked to turn around Siri and Maps.
Ferrari, one of the iconic names in high-performance sports cars and Formula 1 racing, has invited Apple's iTunes' chief to join its board of directors. Related storiesTesting the 2010 Ford F-150 SVT RaptorThe 404 Podcast 503: Where everything was better in the '90sBuzz Out Loud Podcast 1150: Up the creek without a BibleDNA helps link Obama and Senator-elect BrownFive ways to put your music in the cloudEddy Cue, Apple's senior vice president for Internet software and services, said in a statement released by the Italian car company that he is "proud to become a member of the board." Cue owns a collection of sports cars, including a Ferrari, according to people who were interviewed for a CNET profile on Cue that was published last week. In the statement about his board position, Cue said that five years ago he finally realized his childhood dream of owning a Ferrari. "I continue to be awed by the world-class design and engineering."Cue is obviously confident he can find the time to help Ferrari when Apple is relying on him more than ever. Not only does he oversee the iTunes Store but he's also responsible for iAds and iCloud, and was recently asked to turn around Siri and Maps.
iConcertCal concert-listing app comes to Android
iConcertCal concert-listing app comes to Android
I test a lot of iPhone apps, but because I've only got an 8GB iPhone 3G, I end up deleting most of them after a few days or weeks. One of the very few exceptions has been iConcertCal, which helps you find local shows by your favorite artists. Not only has it stayed on my iPhone since I first reviewed it in July, but it made my year-end list of most welcome digital audio products. Now Android users can get in on the fun with iConcertCal for Android. Like the iPhone version, it will identify artists in the music library on your phone, then display them in a calendar of upcoming live shows in your area. If you install the iTunes plug-in on your computer, iConcertCal will provide a list for every artist in your iTunes library, whether you've transferred their songs to your phone. You can also see a list of all upcoming concerts in your area (it draws most of its information from JamBase, a longstanding and very accurate user-populated database), arrange listings by venue and in order of distance (if you're just looking for something to do right now), and can switch the default city in case you're planning some travel. The Android version also has one unique feature that the iPhone version lacks: it will also show upcoming album releases by your favorite artists. It's available in the Android Marketplace now for $2.99, the same price as the iPhone app.
I test a lot of iPhone apps, but because I've only got an 8GB iPhone 3G, I end up deleting most of them after a few days or weeks. One of the very few exceptions has been iConcertCal, which helps you find local shows by your favorite artists. Not only has it stayed on my iPhone since I first reviewed it in July, but it made my year-end list of most welcome digital audio products. Now Android users can get in on the fun with iConcertCal for Android. Like the iPhone version, it will identify artists in the music library on your phone, then display them in a calendar of upcoming live shows in your area. If you install the iTunes plug-in on your computer, iConcertCal will provide a list for every artist in your iTunes library, whether you've transferred their songs to your phone. You can also see a list of all upcoming concerts in your area (it draws most of its information from JamBase, a longstanding and very accurate user-populated database), arrange listings by venue and in order of distance (if you're just looking for something to do right now), and can switch the default city in case you're planning some travel. The Android version also has one unique feature that the iPhone version lacks: it will also show upcoming album releases by your favorite artists. It's available in the Android Marketplace now for $2.99, the same price as the iPhone app.
How to delete unwanted iOS apps from iTunes
How to delete unwanted iOS apps from iTunes
When viewing the apps on your iDevice in iTunes, you can check and uncheck apps from the Sync Apps list to add or remove them from your iDevice when you sync next. If there are apps listed that you know you'll never return to, you'll notice that there is no way to delete them from this list. From the Apps option under the Library header, you can select an app or apps for eradication.Matt ElliottIf you click Apps under the Library header in the left panel of iTunes, however, you'll be able to permanently delete apps, removing them entirely from iTunes. Highlight an app's icon or a group of icons by holding down Shift and hit the delete key (or select Edit > Delete from the top menu or right-click on an icon and selecting delete). A window will pop up, asking you if you are sure you want to delete the selected apps. If you are certain of your intentions, click the Delete Apps button. Matt ElliottNext, to remove all files associated with the apps you selected for deletion, click Move to Trash on the next window.Matt ElliottNow, when you return to the apps pane in iTunes to sync your phone, you'll see that the apps you deleted are no longer listed. And if you deleted an app that is currently installed on your iDevice, it will be removed upon your next sync.
When viewing the apps on your iDevice in iTunes, you can check and uncheck apps from the Sync Apps list to add or remove them from your iDevice when you sync next. If there are apps listed that you know you'll never return to, you'll notice that there is no way to delete them from this list. From the Apps option under the Library header, you can select an app or apps for eradication.Matt ElliottIf you click Apps under the Library header in the left panel of iTunes, however, you'll be able to permanently delete apps, removing them entirely from iTunes. Highlight an app's icon or a group of icons by holding down Shift and hit the delete key (or select Edit > Delete from the top menu or right-click on an icon and selecting delete). A window will pop up, asking you if you are sure you want to delete the selected apps. If you are certain of your intentions, click the Delete Apps button. Matt ElliottNext, to remove all files associated with the apps you selected for deletion, click Move to Trash on the next window.Matt ElliottNow, when you return to the apps pane in iTunes to sync your phone, you'll see that the apps you deleted are no longer listed. And if you deleted an app that is currently installed on your iDevice, it will be removed upon your next sync.
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