Download All Of Your Facebook Data

Facebook has a new feature that allows users to download all of their photos and data from the social networking site.  To proceed, click on the Account drop-down menu in the upper right and select Account Settings.  In the Settings tab, look for Download Your Information and click learn more.  You will be able to request all of your data in a single download.  The request in not immediate, so Facebook will send you an email once the download is ready.  

The only strange thing about the whole process is when you return to download your data.  You will need to correctly identify multiple sets of your friends tagged photos to verify you are actually "you".  This can be difficult if you have "friends" that you haven't met.  Some of the sets I was presented with, were friend's baby pictures and photos of the back of their heads.

Overall, this is a great new feature and Facebook deserves credit for allowing its users to download all of their photos, profile, and wall posts.

EU Rules Against Piracy Tax On Media Devices

ipodnn reports the European Court of Justice has ruled that EU countries cannot charge consumers levies on gadgets that play digital content.  This would apply to the iPod and other mp3 players, smartphones, printers and other electronic equipment.  The law was originally created to help compensate digital rights owners from people using blank media to pirate content.  It was quickly adopted to gadgets and assumed all users of the devices were pirating material.  The ruling still needs to be codified by the European Commission but we are keeping our fingers crossed for our friends in Europe!

TV Networks Blocking Web Content To Google TV

The Wall Street Journal is reporting that television networks ABC, CBS, and NBC are blocking content to Google TV.  The networks have content that is viewable on the web and some mobile devices, but they are reluctant to allow people to integrate the web content with traditional TV viewing.  The dispute centers around the network's ability to monetize their web content.  Currently, broadcast TV generates more revenue that web-based content, so the networks do not want to cannibalize broadcast TV viewers.

Sony Internet TV Blu-ray Player - Part 1

Digital Copy Room is pleased to have Mike Fielder give us his hands-on impressions of Sony's new Google TV Blu-ray player!

 

Hi! I'm Mike. I am a Tech Junkie.....

Logitech unveiled the Logitech Revue on October 6, and Sony unveiled their Google TV devices the following week. As a Tech junkie and a quiet fan of the Android platform, I couldn't wait to see how Google TV could enhance my home TV viewing experience. After a week of reading about both set top devices I was surprised to find out that the Sony Blu Ray player with Google TV embedded, was available for purchase from the Sony store in Annapolis! Off to Annapolis I GO!!!

I am now the owner of Sony’s Blu Ray/Google TV player. It comes with all the necessary hardware and connecting it to the TV is pretty straight forward.



Now, I  have an LCD TV with an HTPC connected to it so I'm familiar with using a small form factor keyboard. It takes some time to adjust to using a standard or small keyboard when surfing the net unless you have a level platform to rest the keyboard on. Sony addresses this small issue by creating a remote/keyboard in the form of their traditional gamepad controller. I initially had issues with this design, but after using it, I can only say that Sony has hit the mark! If you have used those mini keyboards for texting on slider phones, then you will be comfortable using this remote. It feels really natural in your hands and your thumbs are in perfect position for typing in search topics or URLs. I wish I could get a remote like this for my HTPC! The Sony remote has an optical mouse and Android function keys under your right thumb, and directional keys under your left thumb. Once your cable box and TV are programmed into the device, you can put those remotes into the drawer since they won't be needed much.

Now the buttons on the remote are grouped into three sections. The main keys for navigating through the Google TV interface, the Cable/Satellite box, and Digital TV are on the black portion of the remote.

In the middle of the remote is a row of color coded keys and your standard DVD control keys. Below this row is the qwerty keypad that will be used keying in your search topics and web URLs.

So far, my experience with Google TV has been very pleasant. I have added certain content to my queue and I am now able to view this material at the push of a button or two!! Looks like a great investment! Stay tuned!!



You Can Follow Mike on Twitter @BigMike21226 and look for Mike Fielder on facebook.



If you would like to contribute a review or commentary, contact us about your idea!

Apple Releases New MacBook Air Models

At yesterday's Back To The Mac event, Apple unveiled two new MacBook Air models.  The Macbook Air is now available in a 13.3" and 11.6" display configuration.  Both models have an Intel Core 2 Duo Processor, NVIDIA GeForce 320M graphics, and built in flash storage.

Specs:

11" 64GB Storage 

• 1.4Ghz Intel Core 2 Duo processor


• 2GB RAM


• 64GB flash storage


• NVIDIA GeForce 320 graphics


• $999 

11" 128GB Storage 

• 1.4Ghz Intel Core 2 Duo processor


• 2GB RAM


• 128GB flash storage


• NVIDIA GeForce 320 graphics


• $1199 

13" 128GB Storage 

• 1.86Ghz Intel Core 2 Duo processor


• 2GB RAM


• 128GB flash storage


• NVIDIA GeForce 320 graphics


• $1299 

13" 256GB Storage 

• 1.86Ghz Intel Core 2 Duo processor


• 2GB RAM


• 256GB flash storage


• NVIDIA GeForce 320 graphics


• $1599 

iLife 11 & MacBook Air Hinted On Apple's Discussion Forums

There are multiple reports that Apple prematurely added categories, for products being announced today, in their support forums.  The new categories represent the pieces of iLife '11 with a rumored new product labeled "Reserved 10 20".  It has been rumored that Apple will replace iDVD with a new product.  Since there is not a category reserved for iDVD '11, there is a good chance iDVD will be possibly replaced with a new digital publishing application.  One other category labeled "MBA (Need official name)"  may represent a re-branding of the MacBook Air line.

• Category 277 - Reserved 10 20


• Category 278 - iMovie '11


• Category 279 - GarageBand '11


• Category 280 - iPhoto '11


• Category 281 - MBA (Need official name) 

Digital Copy Room will have complete coverage of today's announcements.

Microsoft's Chief Software Architect To Resign

 

In an email to all employees, Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer announce that the company's chief software architect, Ray Ozzie, will be stepping down. Ozzie is the individual that replaced Bill Gates, when he left Microsoft full time in 2008.  Going forward, the role of chief software architect is being eliminated.  Ray Ozzie is known for creating Lotus Notes email.

WD TV Live Hub Leaked

There is a great thread at the AV Science Forum detailing the currently unreleased Western Digital WD TV Live Hub.  Apparently, one forum member was able to purchase a unit when Best Buy mistakenly put the product live on its website.  The product has been pulled from both Best Buy's and Western Digital's sites, but can still be viewed via Google cache.  One of the biggest improvements over previous WD TV releases is the improved user interface and remote!

Unannounced product details

• 1TB internal hard drive


• Copy, move, delete files stored on internal, external, or network drives via WD TV interface


• Can stream content to WD TV Live, WD TV Live Plus, or other DLNA/UPnP devices


• iTunes server


• HDMI, composite, component connections


• Ethernet connection, optional wireless adapter


• Accuweather, Blockbuster, facebook, Flickr, live365, Mediafly, Netflix, Pandora, Youtube

Verizon & AT&T Will Begin Selling iPads

Both Verizon and AT&T have announced they will start selling Apple's iPad beginning October 28th.  AT&T will offer all 6 iPad models while Verizon will sell the WiFi only models bundled with a Verizon MiFi 2200 air card.  The iPad / MiFi bundle will cost the same amount as an iPad 3G.  Verizon is offering a special 1GB data package for these bundles for $20 a month.  This may be the beginning of a Apple Verizon relationship.

Apple To Hold Back To The Mac Event

Engadget reports Apple is holding an event on October 20th at 10am PT.  The focus of the event seems to be Mac specific with a preview of the next version of Mac OS X (10.7, maybe Lion).  This is good news for Mac fans that have been underwhelmed with the attention Apple has paid the Mac lately.

Sony Unveils Their Google TV Lineup

Sony has unveiled their Google TV offerings dubbed "Sony Internet TV". Sony has two approaches delivering Google TV to consumers.  The first approach is the integrated experience with four sizes of TVs, 24", 32", 40", and 46".  The second approach is in a Blu-ray player with integrated Google TV.  This device may be a good fit for consumers wanting physical and streaming content.  Both the integrated TV and Blu-ray player come with an awful looking remote that reminds me of a Brother P-Touch labeler.  As with the Logitech unit, consumers may want to wait for more devices to come to market.

Suggested Retail Prices:

• 24" Integrated TV $599


• 32" Integrated TV $799


• 40" Integrated TV $999


• 46" Integrated TV $1399


• Blu-ray player $399

iTunes Tip: Create A PDF Of Your Entire Music Collection

If you have a large music collection, remembering everything you own can be almost impossible.  With Mac OS X's built in PDF writer, creating a PDF of your entire music collection is a snap.  

In iTunes, select File -> Print

Choose Song Listing for a text only print out of your library or choose Album Listing for a colorful layout sorted buy albums complete with cover art.

Click Print and then choose the PDF button in the lower left. In the drop down, pick Save As PDF.  Name your file and your done!

The Windows version of iTunes has this ability, but Windows does not have native PDF creation, so you will need a 3rd party program.

Ubuntu Celebrates 10/10/10 By Releasing Ubuntu 10.10

Today, Ubuntu released version 10.10 of their open source Linux operating system.  One interesting new feature in this release, is the ability to stream music directly to an Android or iOS device.  This feature is included in Ubuntu's Music Player along with the ability to purchase music in the integrated Ubuntu One Music Store.  With the price tag of free, why not give Ubuntu a try!

Energizer Offers Powerpack Case For iPhone 4

Energizer now offers a powerpack case, the AP1201, for the iPhone 4.  The case nearly doubles the amount of battery life on the iPhone 4.  The AP1201 does not appear to add too much thickness to the device, however the bottom of the phone is extended.  From the gallery photos, it appears there is not a dock connector on the bottom of the case.  This may be an issue for users that need access to the port for regular syncing and accessories. The case is currently sold by BestBuy for $79.99 and other retailers are expected to stock the case soon.

Legends Of The Fog A Good Haunt For Marylanders

If you live in Maryland, you need to travel to Pennsylvania for most of the good haunted houses.  Legends of the Fog is a good local attraction located in Aberdeen Maryland off of I95 exit 85.  

Legends of the Fog has 4 attractions:

• The Maze of Darkness (wear old shoes, the corn field can get very muddy)


• Sinister Circus


• Haunted Hayride (25 min hayride will very good looking sets)


• Carsins Manor

A ticket for all 4 attractions will cost you $25 at the event, but they offer a coupon that will save you $5 per ticket if purchased online before 10/13/10 and $3 after.

Coupon: FOGWEB 

Microsoft To Acquire Adobe?

The New York Times reports Microsoft and Adobe executives recently met and discussed how to address Apple's dominance in the mobile phone market.  Among the discussions, were Apple's refusal to use Flash on their iOS devices.  One other possibility supposedly suggested was a merger between the 2 companies.

Logitech Revue Now Available For Preorder

Logitech has unveiled their first Google TV product, the Revue and I can't stop looking at the price tag.  The Revue will set you back a whopping $299!  This is triple the cost of the high-end Roku and Apple TV boxes and twice the amount of the best WDTV box.  Let's see what we get for this price.

Specs:

• 2 USB 2.0 ports


• HDMI in & out ports


• Wireless: 802.11a/b/g/n


• Ethernet 10/100 Base-T


• Android or iOS remote app


• Keyboard controlled with integrated remote, compact keyboard and touchpad


• IR mini blaster


• HDMI cable


• Additional accessories available

This all of information we could find published by Logitech. If you are interested in Google TV, you may want to wait until more vendors release devices.

Windows Phone Launch Event Scheduled For October 11th

Microsoft has scheduled the worldwide launch event for Windows Phone 7.  The event will be held next Monday, October 11, 2010 at the NYC Microsoft Technology Center from 3 pm - 4:30 pm.  T-Mobile will also be there showing off some of the new hardware.

Logitech To Unveil Their Google TV October 6th

Engadget reports Logitech will unveil their Google TV stand alone box this Wednesday, October 6th.  This will beat out Sony for their October 12th unveiling.  Digital Copy Room will have full details of the product, so stay tuned.

New Apple TV Has Been Jailbroken

Mac Rumors reports the new Apple TV has been jailbroken.  While root access has been acquired, it may take a little more time until people find a way to get apps on the device.  I'm sure Apple will be very interested how people modify this device.  This would help Apple map out the product's future.