One company in the forefront of producing set-top boxes is the UK-based TVonics.  Recently released by the company is its MDR-240 model which is the first unit I have seen that conforms to the Government’s “Core Receiver Requirements”.  This initiative decrees that digital receivers should be suitable for the elderly and people with disabilities by including features such as automatic retuning when the need arises.

Jewel Quest Heritage reverts back to the original format of completing numerous Jewel Boards that are completed by creating groups of three or more similarly coloured jewels.  In the earlier Jewel Quest titles, Rupert Pack and his wife Emma searched for and discovered the fabulous Golden Jewel Board treasured by the ancient Aztecs.  This board was then presented to the Rupert Pack museum where it could be seen by the general public.

So just what is a Dualie when it is at home?  Developed by Buffalo Technology, the Dualie consists of a brushed aluminium and black docking station with two bays and an external hard disk.  The front bay is used to mount your chosen iPod device while the rear bay is for the supplied 500GB external hard disk. Measuring 70 x 101 x 96mm (H x W x D), the docking station features the connections for attaching the iPod device and the external hard disk in the appropriate bays.

While not in the same class as the robots envisaged by Isaac Asimov in his numerous science fiction novels, the creations developed in Dr Hugo’s Robot Family are both loveable and amusing in their antics and appearance.  These micro-characters are never put off their failures as they attempt a range of tasks that form an important part of their existence.  But we are getting a little ahead of ourselves here as we take a look at Puzzle Bots.

It is time to bite the bullet and join the FBI as you take on the persona of rookie Agent Jennifer Lourdes.  In this role you become involved in the case to track down and capture the infamous Unicorn Killer who is better known as the murderer Ira Einhorn.  Naturally, as you are only a rookie agent with little experience in such matter, you will be guided in your work by the veteran detective Alan Michaels.

Unlike other All-in-One or Multifunction devices that have come my way, the Samsung SCX-4623F is not an inkjet model.  Instead this multifunction offering from Samsung is based on laser technology.  Decked out in a combination of matt and piano reflective black, the SCX-4623F provides print, scan, copy and faxing capabilities although no telephonic connection lead was included with the review sample.  However you do get an ADF (Automatic Document Feed) feature for good measure.

Even before I made my first excursion into this Big Fish game, the temptation was great.  It did not take long before I quickly succumbed to making the inevitable pun and offer to enlighten you regarding this new offering from Focus Multimedia’s range of Casual Game title.

Imagine the scene.  You are driving your car along a country road with your two children sat on the back seat.  Obviously it has been a long journey as the children and yourself are rather tired.  Maybe this tiredness plays a part in your decision making as you decide to stop for a break outside an old fashioned house that looks as if it could heave been built by the crooked man of nursery rhyme fame.  After warning your children not to get into trouble you fall asleep.

Solar Sound 2 is a portable speaker unit that combines Bluetooth connectivity with the ability to use solar energy to recharge its internal Lithium Polymer 1600 mAh battery.  Developed by Devotec Industries, a company set up in 2005 with the aim of developing high quality products for today’s modern gadget users, this product comes with the promise of delivering features for those who like to listen to music when out and about.

Sometimes referred to as the boy Pharaoh, Tutankhamen ruled Egypt from 1333BC until his untimely death in 1323BC.  As was the custom, his body was preserved and buried with the great riches according to his status.  The discovery of his tomb by Howard Carter posed more questions than answers with the result that Tutankhamen has become a popular topic for discussion and also the framework on which several computer games have been based.

Adopting the familiar box-shaped design with a fold-up 100-sheet paper input compartment at the rear and a pull-out paper output panel at the front, the Impact is predominately matte-black in colour with an appealing band of white piping running around the top of the scanner unit.

No matter how old you are, you would be hard pressed to deny that you are not amused by cartoons, especially the animated kind that appeal to all and sundry.  Now, rather than wait for others to produce cartoons for your amusement, you can create animated cartoons with a product from Smith Micro.  This product is entitled Anime Studio™ Debut 6.

In your role as a Private Investigator (P.I.) you receive news that the priceless Crown Jewels have been stolen.  The thieves have given the Royal Family a mere 17 hours to come up with a huge ransom in order to ensure the safe return of these jewels otherwise they would be destroyed.

When receiving a GPS device for reviewing purposes I like to carry out the initial set up process from the comfort of my living room.  Selecting the appropriate language; adjusting the date/clock feature; opting for my chosen measurement unit; and even entering my home address details are just some of the tasks that are more convenient to complete in a relaxed surroundings.

Following the success of its Jewel Quest Mysteries: Curse of the Emerald Tear, the Jewel Quest developers have now come up with the second Mysteries title,: Trail of the Midnight Heart.  Described as a hidden object adventure game, Trail of the Midnight Heart takes you on a journey to locations such as the Taj Mahal and Old Shanghai as you discover hidden objects and complete various Jewel Boards with a new scrolling search screen feature thrown in for good measure.

With all the unseasonable weather we have been having lately, it came as no surprise to hear that a devastating storm had wrecked havoc on the region of the kingdom known as Islandshire.  When his Royal Highness first heard the news he was instantly dismissive of the fact as he felt it would not impinge on his life style in any way.

The computer is increasingly being used as the central hub for home entertainment activities.  Generally this involves television and video functionality but we must not forget about audio aspects.  The Sandberg USB Sound Box 7.1 is a product that offers to provide the capability to turn your computer into the focal point and control centre for your audio equipment.

The Brother DCP-365CN is classified as a multifunction device that combines copy, scan and print capabilities within a single box that is network-enabled and connects via a USB link-up for standalone use.  As with all the Brother inkjet units I have looked at, the USB port for the DCP-365CN is located inside the unit where there is less chance that it will be accidentally dislodged.  The Ethernet port is similarly located inside the unit. Weighing 7.

Now up to version 8, Photoshop Elements offers the four pronged approach of allowing the user to organise, edit, create and share their photos and video clips.  By default the program opens with a Welcome screen.  This screen offers a choice of four tours to discover the highlights of Photoshop Elements 8 plus links to the Organize and Edit options.

While the names of Count Dracula and Van Helsing may be known to you, especially if you are a fan of the Gothic genre, those of Michael and Quinn Harker might not have the same familiarity.  Yet these characters appear in the Tech Front Studios game entitled The Dracula Files now available on Avanquest’s GSP Click & Play label.

As sure as eggs are eggs, over the next coming months we are going to see various devices that come with support for the new USB 3.0 specifications.  This technology has taken a little while to make the transition from ratification to device-enabled but the wait is over as products such as the Buffalo Ministation Lite USB 3.0 external disk drive make an appearance.  This external drive is available in either 500GB or 640GB capacity.

With all the hype that is emanating from various quarters regarding 3D viewing, it is possible that you might have over-looked the announcement dealing with the arrival of Freeview+ HD. Although the various adverts featuring actors performing against high definition backdrops should have helped drive the message home that Freeview now offers support for high definition content.