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Join the GrabIt 2.0 Private Beta

March 29, 2012 By

Shames, the development team behind GrabIt newsreader is working on a new release.  As we wrote about May of last year the GrabIt 2.0 user interface had to be completely recoded.  It looks like the programming work is done and they’re now looking for Usenet fans to help test the new GrabIt 2.0 beta.  You can sign up for the private beta here and be one of the first to check out the latest GrabIt 2.0 client for free.

We look forward to sharing impressions of the new GrabIt 2.0 client as the beta progresses.  In the meantime we encourage you to sign up for the private beta and share your feedback to help move the client toward public release.  Once again to sign up visit the GrabIt 2.0 private bate page.  There you’ll enter your email address.  When the private beta begins you’ll be one of the first to have an opportunity to test the new GrabIt 2.0 client.

Visit Newsgroup Reviews to learn more about newsreaders and follow @NewsgroupRevs for the latest offers.

Filed Under: GrabIt, Newsreaders Tagged With:

Best Usenet Apps for Android & iPhone

March 15, 2012 By

Over the last year a number of Usenet apps have been released for iPhone and Android devices.  We’ve had the pleasure of testing the new mobile apps and sharing reviews along the way.  Today we’d like to present our favorites in a list of the Best Usenet Apps for Android, iPhone and iPad.  Each has advantages along with a few shortcomings as you might expect from early app editions.  We hope you’ll support the continued growth of the new apps by downloading the latest versions and enjoying the benefit of browsing Usenet on the go.

Best Android and iOS (IPhone, iPad, iPod Touch) Usenet Apps

As we take a closer look at some of the best Android and iPhone apps on the market you’ll want to keep a few things in mind.  First of all you’ll notice that some apps are developed for specific Usenet providers while others are tied to specific newsreaders.  We’ll make sure to point out the requirements and supported services while presenting each selection.  Along with linking to a full review of each Usenet app.

Let’s dive right in and take a look at the best mobile Usenet apps:

1 – EZ Global Search

EZ Global Search (full review) is designed for Easynews web Usenet members.  Allowing them to continue the experience of accessing newsgroups while connected from iPhone, iPad or iPod Touch.  Use the app to search Usenet, preview and even add content to Easynews Zip Manager.  The EZ Global Search app is available on iTunes for $2.99.  You’ll need Easynews web access to use EZ Global Search.  If you’re not already a member you can sign up for a 14 day free trial.

2 – NBRemote

Newsbin Pro users can now enjoy mobile access with their new NBRemote app (full review).  Newsbin Remote Control (NBRemote) is available on iTunes for $2.99 and supports iPhone, iPad and iPod Touch.  With forum members discussing the possibility of a future Android app.  The idea behind NBRemote is simple – control Newsbin Pro remotely from your mobile device.  A goal that NBRemote accomplishes well.  You’ll need a license for Newsbin to enjoy the NBRemote app.  We recommend buying a lifetime key for $20.  Newsbin also offers a 10 day free trial.

3 – SABMobile

SABMobile (full review) is a third-party app developed for the popular open-source SABnzbd newsreader.  SABnzbd Usenet client is free to download and supports Window,s Mac and Linux.  Sabmobile allows you to access SABnzbd remotely and is available for iPhone, iPad nad iPod Touch on iTunes for $2.99.  The app is also available for Android on Google Play for $2.99.  Grab the latest edition of SABnzbd free from sabnzbd.org.  Also check out their other cool add-ons.

4 – EZ Usenet

EZ Usenet (full review) is the first of two mobile apps on our list catered toward Android fans that use Easynews to access newsgroups.  The app supports Android and is available on Google Play for $2.49.  First you’ll download the free version of EZ Usenet and then purchase the unlock for $2.49 to unlock all the features and remove advertising from the app.  Once again you’ll need Easynews web access.  If you’re not already a member you can sign up for a 14 day free trial.

5 – Easybrowser

EasyBrowser (full review) is the second mobile app on our list developed specifically for Android fans that use Easynews for Usenet.  The app supports Android and is available on Google Play for $0.99.  First you’ll download the free version of EasyBrowser and then purchase the unlock for $0.99 to unlock all the features and remove advertising from the app.  As you might have already guessed you’ll need Easynews web access.  Non-member can sign up for a 14 day free trial.

That concludes our list of the best Usenet apps for Android, iPhone and iPad.  We hope you’ve enjoyed reading about our favorite mobile Usenet clients.  We look forward to bringing you the latest news along with hands-on reviews of upcoming releases as mobile Usenet apps continue to gain momentum this year and beyond.

Visit Newsgroup Reviews to learn more about mobile Usenet.  For the latest news follow @NewsgroupRevs.

Filed Under: Android Apps, iPhone Apps, Newsreaders, Xtra Tagged With: , ,

Try GetNZB Usenet Downloader Free

March 6, 2012 By

The team over at Nzblord is at is again.  This time around instead of a web Usenet interface they have developed a Usenet downloader for Windows.  The newsgroup client includes everything you need to search for nzb files, download, repair and extract the resulting content.  Unlike most newsreaders, GetNZB is tied to it’s own service.  Those new to GetNZB can download 100 MB free in order to test the Usenet service and client.

We had an opportunity to test GetNZB with a premium account and were pleased with the results.  We started by searching for a Ubuntu distro to download.  GetNZB members can use FindNZB.net, Nzbindex.nl or Nzbclub.com to search for content from within the Usenet client.  We settled on a 820 MB Ubuntu file from October of 2009.  Putting the files at around 880 days old.  GetNZB allowed us to choose which parts of the nzb file to download and then took over from there.  Performing as advertised GetNZB downloaded the files at speeds around 25 Mbps.  The resulting download was all in tact and didn’t need any PAR repairs.

Not to be confuse anyone the GetNZB Usenet client is free but you must pay for a Usenet account to download more than the 100 MB free trial.  GetNZB offers a number of Usenet accounts based on term and download speed.  Here’s a closer look at GetNZB’s newsgroup offerings:

  • Mini (3 days and up to 1 GB, capped at 6 Mb/s) – $5.95
  • Lite (7 days and up to 5 GB, capped at 10 Mb/s) – $10.85
  • Classic (30 days, unlimited downloads, 20 Mb/s) – $16.85
  • Ultra (60 days, unlimited downloads, 24 Mb/s) – $29.65
  • Deluxe (90 days, unlimited downloads, 30 Mb/s) – $39.55

Taking a close look at the GetNZB plans we notice the ‘Mini’ and ‘Lite’ plans are pretty expensive given the limitations.  While the monthly unlimited plan is still high compared to some of our favorites.  Then you get down to the 60 and 90 day accounts.  We like the ‘Deluxe’ account the best.  Both for price (at $13.18 a month) and the upgraded performance cap of 30 Mb/s.  Regardless of which plan you choose the client is included free.

Visit Getnzb.com to sign up or learn more about their new Usenet downloader and service.  You can also download the Usenet client for free here.  Afterwards you can open the software and search for content but will need to register for a free trial to test the service.  The client will prompt you to register or sign up.

Visit Newsgroup Reviews to learn more about Usenet.  Follow us @NewsgroupRevs for the latest specials.

Filed Under: GetNZB, Newsreaders Tagged With: ,

Save 75% Off Power NZB Android Usenet Client

March 5, 2012 By

Are you looking for an Android Usenet app?  If so you might want to check out the newly released Power NZB app.  The first 100 users to download the Android binary Usenet client will save 75% off the normal price.  Bringing the cost down to just $1.25.  You can download Power NZB directly from the app’s Android Market page.  So far all of the reviews have been positive.  Along with some good recommendations for future features.

Here’s a description of Power NZB from their Android Market page:

Power NZB is a new binary Usenet client for Android, enabling download, par2 repair and unrar of binary content.

This is a first release, if you have any issues PLEASE contact me so I can fix them A.S.A.P. Send me any NZB files you think may not work. :-)

Features:
*Queue multiple NZB files
*Up to 8 simultaneous downloads
*Move items up and down queue
*Par2 verification and repair
*Unrar support
*Download speed graph

You need to download the free par library for par2 functionality.

Visit Newsgroup Reviews to learn more about newsreaders and follow @NewsgroupRevs for the latest offers.

 

Filed Under: Newsreaders Tagged With: ,

Newsbin Pro 6.3 Auto-Sutdown Feature

March 1, 2012 By

Earlier this week we discussed Newsbin adding video sampling to their latest betas.  Since then the team has released Newsbin Pro 6.3 Final.  Not only can users enjoy the new video sampling feature, the Usenet client now has several auto-shutdown options.  Giving you even more control over your downloads and Windows environment.  If you haven’t already installed the latest version visit the Newsbin download page and enjoy the cool new features.  As always new releases are free for anyone with a license.  Those new to the popular Usenet client can test it free for 10 days and then purchase a lifetime license for just $20.

Setting up the new auto-shutdown feature and configuring it to meet your needs is very easy.  Just launch Newsbin Pro 6.3 and click on Options and then Options again.  Once the Newsbin options screen opens click on the Advanced tab to the bottom left. That will bring up the screen shown above.

To enable the new feature simply check the Auto-Shutdown box.    That will cause Newsbin to exit when your download list empties.  From there you have some additional options for Windows.  Check the Windows Shutdown box and choose from the dropdown list that includes Sleep, Hibernate and Shutdown to have Windows take any one of those actions after Newsbin Pro closes.

Give the latest edition of Newsbin Pro a test drive.  New and experienced Usenet fans alike will find the client to be intuitive.  Advanced users will also appreciate the extra features and tweaks to further enhance your Usenet experience.  Download a free trial of the 32-bit or 64-bit version of Newsbin 6.3 final release.

Visit Newsgroup Reviews to learn more about newsreaders and follow @NewsgroupRevs for the latest offers.

Filed Under: Newsbin Pro, Newsreaders Tagged With: ,

Newsbin Pro 6.3 Adds Video Sampling

February 28, 2012 By

Late last year we reviewed a new app for Newsbin that let’s users control the newsreader remotely from iPhone, iPad or iPod Touch.  The NBRemote app enhances the experience for iOS users.  Since then Newsbin has been busy working on new features for their popular Usenet client.  Rolling out new versions including Newsbin Pro 6.3 Release Candidate 2 on February 24th.  One of the new features in Newsbin 6.3 caught our eye.  The ability to sample video files while downloading.  You can download a 10 day free trial of the client.

For those who haven’t used Newsbin in awhile the look has changed quite a bit.  We really like the clean layout and flexibility of the client.  As mentioned above Newsbin 6.3 (starting at beta 5) added support for video previews along with a number of other new features, enhancements and bug fixes.

Here’s a change summary for Newsbin 6.3 RC 2 from their beta page:

  • New Sample mode allows you to view the beginning of a video before the entire rar set completes downloading. Available from the Download tab or the Files tab, both in the toolbar and in the right-click menu.
  • Growl support for notifying on certain events.
  • Made retries configurable. Should help for iffy connections. Default is 2. Can modify under Options/Setup.
  • New column in Groups tab called “New Records” lists number of new posts since the last load.
  • Better progress reporting in Download tab
  • Fixes to resolve memory problems on 32 bit systems
  • Ctrl-Y to force a download now bypasses spam filters too (Add to Download List – Bypass Filters)
  • New authentication scheme for Remote Control Interface so you don’t have to enter your Newsbin key anymore (which is a pain on an iPhone).
  • Expanded Unicode (UTF-8) support for folder names and throughout program.
  • Added ability to have Newsbin either shutdown your PC, make it go to sleep, or hibernate when the download list empties.

We highly encourage you to check out the latest edition of Newsbin Pro.  Those who have a license can always download the latest version for free directly from Newsbin.com.  Those new to the Usenet client can give it a test spin by downloading the free 10 day trial.  Then a license is just $20 and includes free upgrades for life.

Visit Newsgroup Reviews to learn more about Usenet clients and follow @NewsgroupRevs for the latest deals.

Filed Under: Newsbin Pro, Newsreaders Tagged With: , ,

Usenet Quick Start Guide

February 23, 2012 By

The primary goal of NGR is to provide comprehensive Usenet coverage.  Including all of the active Usenet providers, newsreader clients and search sites.  Yet we understand that some of you don’t want to take the time to read several reviews and consider all the options.  You’d rather be up and running on Usenet asap.  If you fall into that category then this Usenet quick start guide is written for you.  We’ll focus on Newshosting since they offer an excellent Usenet client and unlimited Usenet to our readers for just $9.99 a month or $99 a year.

First we’d like to give you some background on the Newshosting service and their popular newsreader client.  Newshosting is a leading Usenet provider and offers everything you would expect and then some.  From high retention and completion to 256-bit SSL, news servers in the U.S and Europe, free newsreader with built-in Usenet search, uncapped speeds and unlimited Usenet access.  Their Usenet client supports Windows, Mac and Linux.  The software takes care of everything.  Search for content, preview, download, repair and extract.

Step 1 – Sign Up for Newshosting’s Unlimited Usenet Plan

Joining Newshosting is simple.  New members save up to 44% off their unlimited plan.  With unlimited Usenet downloads for just $9.99/mo. or $99 a year.  The discount in recurring so enjoy the savings for the life of your account.  To learn more and to sign up visit their Newshosting NGR special page.  The registration process is simple.  Just enter your name, email address, desired username, password and payment information.  Newshosting offers PayPal and credit card payment options.  Shortly after signing up you’ll receive an email with everything you need including a link to the Newshosting client download.

Step 2 – Download and Install the Newshosting Usenet Client

By now you’ve received your welcome email from Newshosting.  In it you’ll find everything you need to get started.  Including a link to download their Usenet client.  For future reference you can also log into the Newshosting.com site anytime and access the client download page from within the control panel.

Once you’re on the Newshosting client page simply click on the radio button for the version you’d like to download – Windows, Mac or Linux.  If you have more than one machine Newshosting will let you use the client free on multiple computers and operating systems.  As long as you only connect from one system at any given time.  So those with Windows and Mac systems for example can try out the client on both.

There isn’t really anything to go over in terms of the install.  You’ll download the software based on operating system and then run the file to install the Newshosting client.  The only thing you’ll need handy is your username and password.  Which you can have the client save for future launches if you’d like.

Step 3 – Configuring the Newshosting Usenet Client

If you’re in a big hurry to download something have at it.  The Newshosting client is pre-configured and ready to go.  In addition to the default settings here are a few additional tweaks that we enjoy and find helpful.  To access the Newshosting client settings open the software and click on Options and then Settings.  From there you’ll see several options with associated images to the left of the screen.

Tip #1 : Enable SSL – if you would like to enable 256-bit SSL for all your Newshosting connections just click on the Connection icon and check the “Prefer SSL connections if available” box.  For the SSL port we recommend port 443 since in some cases it will help protect against ISP throttling.  If you want to protect your online privacy beyond just Usenet connections then we suggest you consider a VPN service.

Tip #2 : Search Providers – Newshosting includes a built-in Usenet search engine.  You can search across their entire span of retention and newsgroups for content.  Along with the native Newshosting search they also include Binsearch.info as a search option.  Choosing between the two is very simple.  When doing a search you’ll see a magnifying glass icon to the left.  Click on it and you can choose between Newshosting and Binsearch.info.  Both work well and you can switch between them anytime.

Tip #3 : Download Folder – you can easily change the folder structure where Newshosting will save downloads.  To do so click on the Downloads icon.  Here you can set the main download folder along with preferences for subfolders.  Helping you sort content by newsgroup and/or date.

Tip #4 : PAR2 Repairs and UnRAR – the Newshosting client can take care of repairing partial or damaged files.  Along with extracting the resulting contents.  You can control how Newshosting handles both the PAR2 repairs and UnRAR actions from the Downloads tab in the settings area.

Tip #5 : SafeSearch Feature – Newshosting doesn’t filter search results by default.  Meaning you might run across some adult content when searching newsgroups.  If you would like to reduce the amount of adult content in search results then enable the SafeSearch feature.  Those who want their Usenet experience to remain uncensored can simply skip this step.

How’s that for a quick start for Usenet.  Within a few minutes you’ll be downloading from newsgroups like a pro.  If a friend mentioned needing additional software, newsreader, WinRar, QuickPar, etc. you can skip all of that.  Along with finding a good NZB search site.  The Newshosting client takes care of everything.  You can go back to step 1 to get started or visit our Newshosting NGR special page and then come back for the quick setup tips.

Visit Newsgroup Reviews to learn more about Usenet and follow us @NewsgroupRevs for the latest guides.

Filed Under: Newshosting, Newshosting Client, Usenet Tutorials Tagged With: , , ,

SABnzbd Releases Version 0.6.14

February 7, 2012 By

What better way to cross the 3.5 million download mark than to roll out a fresh new release of SABnzbd.  Version 0.6.14 includes some new features along with bug fixes.  As always you can download the latest version of SABnzbd for free directly from their site.  The popular Usenet client is compatible with Windows, Mac OS X and Linux.  SABnzbd is open-source which brings lots of third party add-ons to further enhance the experience.

Here’s a list of updates in SABnzbd v0.6.14 from their blog post:

  • When retrying an URL fetch from History, remove the History entry
  • Fix job folder creation by Movie Sort when the Sort expression specifies one
  • Fix problem with retrieving ZIP files from some web sites
  • Improve detection of encrypted RAR files during download
  • When par2 fails and SFV-check enabled, verify using SFV files
  • Perform extra checks on job administration
  • Fix logging of pre-queue script result
  • Better support for Yahoo pipes
  • Accept NZB files containing incorrect dates
  • Make sure that paths coming from Sorting are normalized for the platform
  • Make newzbin “Get bookmarks now” button independent of automatic readout
  • Don’t reset watched folder path to default when it doesn’t exist at startup
  • OSX: Fix Growl issues
  • OSX: Show the promised 10 queue entries in the OSX menu instead of 9

Grab the latest version of SABnzbd and enjoy the new release.  They offer setup guides and have an active community.  So enjoy SABnzbd 0.6.14 as the project moves closer and closer to 4 million downloads.

Visit Newsgroup Reviews to learn more about Usenet.  Follow us @NewsgroupRevs for the latest news.

Filed Under: Newsreaders, SABnzbd Tagged With:

Best Usenet Clients : Free Newsreader Downloads

January 24, 2012 By

For those new to Usenet the task of finding the right newsreader can be challenging.  Especially if you’re not sure where to look and what features are the most important.  Today we’re going to honor our 2012 Editors Choice Award winners and recommend some excellent Usenet browsers.  Some are free to download and use while others offer free trials.  We’ll make it clear whether the clients are free or premium.  Along with highlighting some of the key features that helped each newsreader, web client or mobile Usenet app make our list.

Similar to our Best Usenet Provider awards we recognize more than one winner.  As there are way too many great newsgroup services and Usenet clients on the market.  In the case of newsreaders we could easily list ten or more clients.  For the purpose of our awards we have chosen six winners.  Along with a top 10 list.

Without further delay we’d like to congratulate each of our 2012 NGR Editor’s Choice winners.  The list includes the Newshosting Client, Easynews Web Interface, Newsbin Pro,  SABnzbd, NewsLeecher and Binreader.  Round out our list of the Top 10 Usenet clients were Binverse Client, GrabIt, Unison, and EZ Global Search.

Let’s take a closer look at our 2012 NGR Editor’s Choice winners for “Best Usenet Clients“:

Newshosting Usenet Client : 2012 NGR Editors Choice Award

Newshosting released their new Usenet client last year.  With all the features you’d expect from a leading newsreader and some extras.  The client is free for Newshosting members and is available for Windows, Mac and Linux.  With a Usenet search engine, video previews, auto-repair and auto-unRAR functions the client takes care of everything.  All you do is choose what to download and let the Newshosting client do the rest.

Newshosting offers 1,250+ days of binary retention along with 1,400 days of text posts.  Subscribers enjoy unlimited Usenet access, Newshosting Usenet client, 256-bit SSL, uncapped speed and 24/7 support.  Take advantage of the Newshosting $9.99/mo. and $99.99/yr. unlimited Usenet specials.

Easynews Web Interface : 2012 NGR Editors Choice Award

Who says you need a newsreader client to access newsgroups?  Most people assume that to be the case but it isn’t as Easynews offers an excellent web Usenet interface.  With the ability to search for content, preview files, stream content and download from Usenet.  The Easynews web interface is free to members.  In fact you can try Easynews free for 14 days.  There are also some really cool iPhone, iPad and Android apps.

Newsbin Pro Usenet Client : 2012 NGR Editors Choice Award

Newsbin Pro has been an NGR editor favorite for years now and they continue to innovate and make the popular Usenet client even better.  Newsbin offers an excellent user interface with support for compressed header downloads and NZB files.  Newsbin will even help you organize downloads.  The client costs $20 and includes free lifetime updates.  With an optional Usenet search feature.  New users can download a 10 day free trial.

SABnzbd Usenet Client : 2012 NGR Editors Choice Award

SABnzbd hardly needs an introduction for Usenet fans.  The free, open-source Usenet browser has been downloaded over 3.5 million times (Windows, Mac and Linux).  SABnzbd+ turns your web browser into a Usenet client.  It lacks features for those who want to download headers or enjoy text groups.  Yet for binary seekers SABnzbd is very cool.  Drop in an NZB file and SABnzbd will download, verify, repair and extract the contents.

NewsLeecher Usenet Client – 2012 NGR Editors Choice Award

NewsLeecher is another premium client that we’ve enjoyed using over the years.  Especially their SuperSearch feature which is great for easily finding Usenet content.  The user interface is clean and the client presents some nice advanced features.  With lots of bells and whistles to configure for enhancing your Usenet experience.  The client costs $19.99 a year or $29.99 a year for NewsLeecher + SuperSearch.

Binreader Usenet Client – 2012 NGR Editors Choice Award

We enjoy Binreader for a number of reasons.  First of all its free and available for Windows, Mac and Linux.  Secondly they offer a portable version that you can run from a thumb drive.  With Binreader you can search for content through Binsearch.info and let the client do the rest.  From downloading to PAR2 repair and RAR extraction.  You can download the latest version directly from the Binreader site free of charge.

We hope you’ve enjoyed our 2012 Editor’s Choice Awards for the best Usenet clients.  Please help us recognize and congratulate the winners for their efforts.  You might also want to check out our Editor’s Choice Awards for “Best Usenet Providers“, “Best Usenet Deals” and “Best Free Usenet Trials” as each is updated frequently.

Filed Under: Binreader, Easynews Webreader, Newsbin Pro, Newshosting Client, Newsleecher, Newsreaders, SABnzbd Tagged With: , , , ,

Newshosting Client – Pausing Individual Downloads

January 13, 2012 By

Today we’d like to talk about a new feature in version 1.2.1 of Newshosting’s Usenet client.  Namely the ability to pause individual downloads.  As we’ve recently covered other enhancements like download scheduler and NZB auto-import.  Pausing individual downloads gives you more control over you’re queue.  As you can pause a download to allow others to finish.  Especially useful if you’re waiting for a particular download to complete.

The Newshosting newsreader is free to all members.  Download the latest version for Windows, Mac or Linux.  If you aren’t already using Newshosting we highly recommend their service.  New members can enjoy unlimited Usenet access with the client and Usenet search for only $9.99 a month or $99 a year.

Newshosting Client : Pausing Individual Downloads

To pause individual downloads inside the Newshosting client you’ll want to take a look at your queue.  To do so simply click on the Transfers icon at the top of the screen.  From there you can pause and resume individual downloads.  Giving you more flexibility in managing your downloads in the queue.

To pause a download right click on the description and click on Pause.

To resume a download right click on the description and click on Resume.

That’s all there is to it.  Now you can easily pause and resume individual downloads.  Enjoy downloading!

Visit Newsgroup Reviews to compare newsreaders and follow us @NewsgroupRevs for the latest offers.

Filed Under: Newshosting, Newshosting Client, Newsreaders, Usenet Providers Tagged With: ,
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