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To Beta Test, or not to Beta Test – THAT IS THE QUESTION!

Dan Uff March 2, 2016 0

Over the years, I have tested pre-released software and had my share of ups and downs.

As we all know, Apple has been releasing Beta (pre-released) software to the general public. While some people may find this to be a great idea, others (like myself) think that this is a very bad idea.

What ever side you're on, here's some things to keep in mind if you decide to take the plunge and test beta software.

1. You're installing BETA software:
In the computer field, the term Beta means "TEST". In essence, you're testing a piece of software that could do the following:

Lock up your computer.
Delete some (or all) software and data files.
Have unexpected results with other programs (especially 3rd party ones).

2. With Beta software, you will NOT get any customer support.
Because of the software being a Beta, that means the company that made your computer does not have any information about it because the company that made the Beta is still adding and deleting features from the software.

3. Installing a Beta on a new computer may void any warranties on that system.
Here is where it can get tricky. Because of #2, it may also void any (or all) warranties on that computer.

4. The Beta may have to wipe your computer.
Betas can have experimental file systems, which means the file system may not be compatible with any of your files. Always make a backup of any important files before installing any Beta software.

5. You cannot go back to a previous version of the software.
Usually, once you install a Beta version of a current software, you normally cannot "unring the bell" without doing some major work on the device, such as re-formatting the device and starting from the beginning.

6. Do not install a Beta on a main computer.
As I said in options #2 and #3, anything can happen in a Beta. Always do the testing on a backup computer.

7. Always report any errors to the company.
Becoming a Beta tester means that the company that you're testing for expects you to report any problems (i.e. errors) to them so they can look into the problem and fix any of them before a public release. Give the company as much information as possible, such as:

What you were doing at the time the error came up.
What the error said.
Type of computer you have.

Becoming a Beta tester should be taken seriously, because you're, in essence, are helping to shape the future of that piece of software - and possibly the company as well.

Sony: "Macs will be able to stream Playstation 4 games over WiFi soon"

Dan Uff March 1, 2016 0

Early Tuesday, Sony announced that PS4 customers will be able to stream its games over a WiFi connection using either a Mac or Windows computer.

The option is coming with the PS4's next major software update, v3.50, Sony said. While that update is going into public beta testing on Wednesday, gamers will have to wait for the finished version of the software to try the extended Remote Play. Currently there is no official release date.

The technology currently streams games over Wi-Fi to a handful of Sony-made devices, including the PlayStation Vita, the PlayStation TV, and Xperia phones. Adding non-Sony platforms should significantly improve access.

Sony's chief rival in the console space, Microsoft, has allowed gamers to stream Xbox One titles to a Windows PC since the release of Windows 10 last year.

Some other planned upgrades in the PS4 update include friend login notifications, the ability to appear offline, and easier multiplayer with friends thanks to scheduled events and the display of what each member of a party is playing.

Portions of this article are by: AppleInsider.com.

How to: Have your Apple Watch remind you of a favorite TV show [U]

Dan Uff March 1, 2016 1

As we all know, life can get hectic. So much so, that one tends to forget about a favorite TV show that may be on that night. Well, forget no more. Let your Apple Watch remind you of it! Here's how:

Open the Calendar app on the iPhone, iPad, or your Mac.
Create a category for your TV Shows.
Enter the times, dates, and channels of those shows and put them in that category.
Make sure it syncs to iCloud.
That's it. Now you have a reminder of that TV show :-)

Editor's Note:
"The Blacklist" is Copyrighted by NBCUniversal and is being used for demo purposes only.

iTunes

Apple informs developers about discontinuation of iAds Network

Dan Uff February 29, 2016 0

Through its iTunes Connect portal, Apple is informing developers that it will no longer be accepting apps that include the code for iAds after June 30th, 2016 (as the graphic shows above).