There’s a lot of talk lately of the digital distribution of movies vs the traditional DVD model. That’s all about to change with movie studios finally providing a way to consume content in a variety of formats. The hit movie from 2011, Rise of the Planet of the Apes was produced by 20th Century Fox on Blu-ray, DVD and as a digital copy all in one package.

The DVD comes with conversion software so the user can transfer the movie to a laptop, tablet or smart phone. The conversion process takes 20-30minutes depending on your hardware and device type. Part of the process is authenticating each playback device, using the digital verification code provided inside the cover.

The movie studio is happy as the rights management is catered for, while providing flexibility for the end user. While the multi-format version of the movie may cost a little more than the regular DVD version, it does allow the movie to be watched pretty much anywhere, so probably worth a few extra dollars.

It’s early days for the ‘plays everywhere’ brand, but is certainly a good direction for movie studios to head. What needs to happen next is to ditch the disc all together and sell digital copies directly from their website. The retail chain in movie distribution is rapidly becoming an unnecessary link (and cost) in the chain. Purchasing movies via the store has a very limited lifespan, probably around the time it take for the NBN to be rolled out. At that point there’ll be no bandwidth or time issues with downloading even at the highest qualities.

Of course another solution to digital distribution of movies is to licence the content through existing movie streaming services. The ultimate goal here is to maximise the number of places consumers can consume the content. It seems Hollywood is finally waking up to the fact that we won’t pay for content three times, but instead happy that we’re buying at all.

It goes without saying that Dropbox is highly regarded as a cloud storage solution. What’s more, when Dropbox is combined with everyone’s favourite open source Operating system, Android, keeping your treasured files with you on-the-go truly becomes a reality. Therefore, when new builds are thrown out onto the web, I simply can’t help but take a peek and get my hands on the latest offering from the team with the little, blue box.

Coincidentally, speaking of updates, the latest Dropbox Beta build, 1.3.0.6, is now available directly from the Dropbox website for Android users to behold. Let’s take a quick peek at what’s available in 1.3.0.6…

Straight out-of-the-box (so to speak), you will notice that Beta Build 1.3.0.6 has a new, clean interface for users to explore. Tabs that run horizontally at the top of your display allow you to cycle easily between your Home folder, Uploads manager and Favourites (which I will mention in furehter detail below). The new UI certainly has an ICS-esque feel to it, teasing those of us who haven’t upgraded from Gingerbread. In fact, Dropbox made note of the fact that this build has been “optimised” for Ice Cream Sandwich.

In addition to a nice, new look, Beta Build 1.3.0.6 has also received several new features, that allow Dropbox users to take advantage of a more streamlined workflow. These include, but are not limited to:

• The ability to “bulk” upload files to your Dropbox folder;
• The ability to rename files and folders, and;
• The addition of Favourites. Favourites are files you wish to save offline, for easy access — anytime.

Although these new features are welcome ones, it is a shame not to see “bulk download” integration thrown into this release. Having said that, this is not a final release, and we may be lucky enough to have a late Christmas present thrown our way — I’ll keep my fingers crossed if you will.

Have you downloaded a copy of the Beta Build? If so, what is your first impression? What do you think could be improved for the next release? Throw me some comments, dear readers…

Radio controlled shark [link]
We’ve probably all used RC cars at some stage during out life, but one of the hottest toys right now is the helium filled RC Shark. Controlled by an infra-red remote, the shark swims through the air with a realistic swimming motion. There’s also a Clownfish version if you don’t want to scare the kiddies. For just US$29.99 it’s good value for money and would make a great gift this Christmas.

iCADE – iPad Arcade Cabinet [link]
If you have an iPad and are tired of your kids enjoying those fancy Xbox graphics, take them back in time and let the enjoy the classics. The iCADE arcade dock/stand for the iPad, paired with games like Atari Greatest Hits, this will deliver a mini version of your arcade memories. At US$89.99 it ain’t cheap, but on the upside, there’s no slot to steal your quarters.

Equalizer T-shirt [link]
Be the life of the party with this shirt that has a real-life equalizer built-in. It responds to the noise around, making it great for parties or concerts. It takes 4 AAA batteries and has a removable battery pack to be washed. Currently available for US$29.99.

Fitbit [link]
Too many of us spend too long at the desk and don’t prioritise exercise, often sleeping patterns are also sporadic. The Fitbit helps solve both of these issues. A small clip that attaches to your pants pocket, it constantly tracks the number of steps, stairs climbed, calories burnt, hours slept in a day and wirelessly uploads that data to compare online. While big in the US, it’s only a matter of time before this technology makes its way to Australia. Your geek could be an early adopter for US$99.95.

Anything gaming
It’s hard to go wrong if you’re loved ones are into gaming of any kind. If they don’t have a console, then get one, if they like handheld, then get one. If they already have a console or handheld, then look into games and accessories for it. Gaming provides many hours of entertainment so you don’t have to be concerned if your present will get used, it will. Just keep an eye out of cues on what genre of games they want, driving, strategy, musical, turn-by-turn etc.

Eye-Fi Wireless SD Card [link]
This is no standard SD card for your camera, the Eye-Fi card adds Wi-Fi to your camera. It’s frankly amazing they can fit the storage and Wi-Fi chip in a package that small, but they can. This works by uploading your picks to a specified online service the instant a Wi-Fi connection can be found. For those wanting to share instantly, there’s no faster way of getting your content online, for those wanting an instant-backup, it’s also a great solution. Sure they cost more and aren’t available in larger sizes, but its a great solution to the problem until camera manufacturers build it in.

QR Code Christmas Cards [link]
Those funky images spreading throughout the web, magazines and outdoor signage is now invading Christmas cards. It’s actually a really smart idea, particularly for business Christmas cards. The recipient will scan the QR code with their phone and be taken to a website or contact card of your choice. While that’s cool, a card alone is never a present, so best to stick a gift voucher inside.

Anything 3D Printed [link]
Most households still only have a lame ink-eating 2D printer, but online services now custom items to be printed in 3D. Prices and materials vary, but your creativity is pretty much your only limitation. These things are so rare and so unique (mostly once offs), that there’ll be massive Xmas point coming your way if your loved one unwraps one of these.

Parrot AR.Drone [link]
This Wi-Fi enabled quad-copter called the AR.Drone is controlled either indoors or outdoors using an Android or iOS mobile devices. This gadget actually packs loads of technology like stabilisation sensors and front and downward facing cameras. If you know someone else with an AR.Drone you can actually battle using augmented reality, virtually firing rockets and machine guns to earn points again your opponent.

The great thing about these drones is that they’ll hover by themselves and even correct if you push them. You can setup automated flying programs and impress your friends at the touch of a button. Alternatively you can fly manual, using the gyroscope tilt sensor in your mobile device to change direction and acceleration. Better still is that there software is open for developers to create interesting applications like Kinect integration.

As with anything technology-related, look around for the best deal, recently EB Games sold out of these in minutes after offering them for just $150. Just make sure you pick up an extra batteries, those 4 spinning blades are hungry suckers.

It was the night before Modern Warfare 3.. To get you in the mood, or pass the time in-line for the midnight launch, check out the Hollywood cast and special effects in this MW3 video. Featuring Australia’s own Sam Worthington, Jonah Hill from Get Home to the Greek, the video will get your blood racing for one of the most anticipated shooters this year.

The live action trailer is available in gorgeous 1080p, so do yourself a favour and watch it in HD.

The game will be available on Xbox 360, PS3, PC and Wii.

More info @ http://www.callofduty.com/mw3

The internet is ablaze with discussion of the upcoming Battlefield 3 beta and now Nvidia is further fueling the fire for their PC fans with a Battlefield 3 specific GPU driver.

The GeForce 285.38 beta driver available here offers up to 38% performance gains. In addition to the frame boost, the multi-GPU SLi experience has also been honed allowing people to take full advantage of their high end rigs.

For those people not sure whether or not their PC will run the graphical powerhouse Nvidia has also released a system information analysing tool which you can run to assess your combat effectiveness.

I’ll be doing the hard yards on the digital battlefield tomorrow night during the early start for Medal of Honor users, so I hope to see you there!

Can’t make it to Anaheim, California ? No problem, just head to http://www.buildwindows.com/ for the official live stream from Microsoft. Yes you will need Silverlight to get the stream to work.

If you’d prefer to follow along with commentary, there’s a couple of live blogs I’d suggest.

• http://www.istartedsomething.com/
• http://live.thisismynext.com/Event/Microsoft_Windows_8_BUILD_keynote

Strap yourselves in, this should be a good one. Warning: There’s going to be a lot of posts today.

It was only 12 months ago when hard drive manufacturers brought out 3TB drives. Now Seagate have announced the world first 4TB SATA drive. It does come in an external drive case, so if your eyeing it with the thought of adding it to your RAID array, you’ll need to crack open the case first.

Despite launching a year ago, most of us don’t own 3TB drives, as the price point at the top of the market isn’t usually good value for money. Take the 4TB drive for instance, to achieve the same amount of storage, 2x2TB drives will be much better value for a long time to come. There are of course specific use cases where having the largest drive available makes sense.

Take a storage server for example, or home-built WHS, data-hungry households or business will need as much storage capacity as they can. With only limited drive bays available, it makes sense that each drive is as big as you can go, remembering this will come at a premium.

One important point for those WHS users, the maximum drive size supported by the likes of a HP MediaSmart Server is 2TB. This means your 4 bays top out at 8TB max, however this is an external drive, you may be able to connect it via eSata or USB and make use of the extra storage. Without having done this personally, I’d be checking for pioneers online that have walked that road before you, prior to dropping the cash on the new 4TB drive.

Expect WHS2011 and other storage systems like Drobo to support the drives, with more modern, or updated operating systems and storage controllers being aware larger drives exist. Naturally with that much data, you’ll need a way to transfer huge volumes of data quickly, so the drive supports USB3.0. On the Mac side the story isn’t so great. Nope this isn’t a thunderbolt drive, as such uses USB2.0 or Firewire800 instead.

Social ranking service Klout has just begun offering Perks to social influencers in Australia. Klout Perks work by companies partnering with Klout to offer deals to individuals who have a Klout score (or influence ranking) over a specific value. The idea is that those of us who are very social active, like to discuss things. By putting product or services in the hands of influential people, its likely those people will discuss the experience with their audience, therefore resulting in a social recommendation rather than a traditional marketing message.

This is big business. One of the reasons for Facebook’s enormous valuation is this same reason. Recommendations from a friend or someone you trust is multiple times more likely to result in a sale than any other type of advertising. 

Until now, Klout perks had been reserved for those in the US, well today Australians get their first Klout perk from Red Bull.

Perk Details

Red Bull MOBILE is giving key Australian influencers a fully loaded SIM card. The top 10 people will have a chance to win a Red Bull MOBILE handset and exclusive access to the World of Red Bull events and activities. For one month these 10 people will share their Red Bull experiences for a chance to win a VIP trip for two to the 2012 Australian F1 Grand Prix.

The specific Klout score required to earn this Red Bull SIM card isn’t specified, but I can tell you that K64 was enough for me.

More information @ Klout

Consumer computing has extended far beyond machines designed to do “just enough”, with many computers running 64 bit versions of Windows and optimising high end CPU’s and RAM.

Well Crucial has pushed the bill one step further following the announcement of their new 8GB DDR3 RAM modules. The 1333Mhz sticks are designed and optimised for Intel’s i5 and i7 processors, allowing users access to high density memory in a low-form factor design. In addition to their higher density, the 8GB SODIMM modules will run at 1.35 volts as opposed to the standard 1.5 volts.

“We’re seeing the total maximum density of desktop and laptop system memory grow as a direct result of the size and complexity in software applications,” said Michael Moreland, Crucial’s DRAM Product Manager when speaking on the introduction and announcement of the server quality modules.

“The new Apple^® iMac^®, for example, can utilise up to 32GB of system memory, enabling intense computing power for applications such as video, photo, or music editing software,” Moreland continued, “High-density memory isn’t just for servers anymore; consumers also want to get the most performance out of their system.”

Created by Dan Trachtenberg of Totally Rad show fame, a new video titled Portal: No Escape is sweeping the internet by storm. This just got posted and has only 302 views right now.. expect this to grow extremely fast over the next few days.

Update
There is a bug with the YouTube view count which is making the number inaccurate.

It’s recommended you view this one in HD kids, so if your internet isn’t up to it, let it buffer, then enjoy.