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NZBVortex 2.9.1 Mac Usenet Client

February 8, 2013 by

NZBVortex recently released a new version of their popular Mac Usenet Client.  NZBVortex version 2.9.0 included a number of new features along with bug fixes.  The minor 2.9.1 release fixes a couple issues.  You can get a free version of NZBVortex with some limitations or buy a license for $19.99 from the Mac App Store to open up all the bells and whistles.  Including advanced post processing and support for multiple news servers.

NZBVortex 2.9.1

Here’s a full list of NZBVortex 2.9 and 2.9.1 features from the NZBVortex site:

  • Bbinsearch and nzbX search engine and support a new filename format.
  • “Ask for Download Location” not working for Search and RSS
  • Support more obfuscated filename schemes
  • Nicely animated and striped Progressbar
  • Improve Speed graph – wider and fill color
  • Support new hashed NZB filename or in-NZB files
  • Binsearch support – result scraper
  • Add NZBX.co search engine
  • Ability to specify decompress password during enqueueing
  • Support more tv show number schemes
  • RSS feeds: Watch name in bold if updates available
  • Update Growl framework to 2.0.1
  • Improve incomplete nzb file detection
  • Support badly numbered HJSplit split sets
  • “Pause Junk” pauses too small or no start archive AND (new) also rar-in-rar and hint files
  • Combine search results adds to top of queue
  • Whitelist IP for network API / WebUI
  • Quicker NZB parser
  • DirectNZB http headers for add NZB via URL
  • NetworkAPI: Ability to specify group during add of NZB
  • Improve password detection by distincting between real password

NZBVortex is a fine choice for those downloading Usenet content to Mac. You can visit their site to download a trial copy or purchase a license.  With two releases this year, development of the client is quite active.

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

Filed Under: Newsreaders, NZBVortex Tagged With:

SABnzbd Releases Version 0.7.10

February 1, 2013 by

SABnzbd fans will want to grab the latest release of the popular Usenet client.  SABnzbd continues to grow with over five and a half million downloads to date.  Their latest 0.7.10 release will push it even higher.  SAB fans will want to grab 0.7.10 for the new features and bug fixes.  Those new to the Usenet browser can grab a copy by visiting sabnzbd.org.  They support Windows, Mac OS X, Linux, Unix and BSD.  All versions are free downloads.

SABnzbd version 0.7.10

Here’s a list of features and big fixes in SABnzbd 0.7.10:

Features

  • Try to repair rar/par sets with obfuscated (scrambled) names
  • Display next RSS scan moment in Cfg->RSS

Bug fixes

  • Disable obsolete newzbin bookmark readout
  • Show speed when downloading in Forced mode while paused
  • Plush History icons repair and unpack were swapped
  • Reset “today” byte counters at midnight even when idle
  • An email about a failed should say that the download failed
  • Report errors coming from fully encrypted rar files
  • Accept %fn (as well as %fn.%ext) as end parameter in sorting strings.

Grab the latest SABnzbd 0.7.10 and enjoy.  Check out their setup guides for help configuring the client in Windows, Mac or Linux.  They offer a forum to answer questions and discuss ideas for future releases.  Congratulations to the SABnzbd team as they continue to grow over 5.5 million downloads.  Don’t forget to check out the add-ons as well.  The web-based client being open source has led to some really nice additions.

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

Filed Under: Newsreaders, SABnzbd Tagged With:

EZ Global Search iPhone 5 Support

January 24, 2013 by

EZ Global Search version 1.7 was released to the iTunes app store on January 18th.  While the previous version 1.6 included a number of worthwhile additions the app experienced some bugs after Apple rolled out iOS 6.  We’re happy to share that EZ Global Search v. 1.7 supports both iPhone 5 users and everyone running iOS 6.  That includes iPhone, iPad and iPod Touch devices.  Existing app owners can grab the 1.7 update for free.

The EZ Global Search app is available on iTunes for $2.99 and includes future updates.  We highly recommend you download the app.  You will 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 of their popular web interface.

EZ Global Seearch 1.7

As you can see above the EZ Global Search app allows you to connect to the Easynews service on your iOS mobile device.  Search as if you were using their web interface.  Then view the details of posts and add content to zip manager.  All without using a computer.  Luckily the only Easynews iOS app on the market is a good one.  Android fans shouldn’t feel left out as Easynews has EZ Usenet and EasyBorwser 3rd party apps available.

EZ Global Search v. 1.7 adds iPhone 5 and iOS support.  Here’s a list of features in the last v. 1.6 release:

– Search by Keyword
– Filter by FileType, Date Range, Size Range, Extension, Newsgroup, Collapse sets
– View results with thumbnails for image and video files
– Click a thumbnail to view the full sized image (video thumbnails too!)
– Email image to friends or Save them to your iOS photo gallery
– Select multiple files and send them to the Zip Manager.
– NEW! Redesigned Zip Manager Tab lets you easily view your queued files in a new iOS friendly format or using Easynews’ Web view
– NEW! NZB Support: Send NZB files to download apps
– Post detail screen displays all available data for each file type including:
– Audio: duration, bit rate, sample rate, ability to play audio sample, file size, and more.
– Video: duration, bit rate, sample rate, resolution, ability to view video thumbnail screens, file size, and more.
– Photos: resolution, thumbnail preview, file size.
– Quickly view and search within your Easynews “Favorite Newsgroups”
– Push posts URLs to popular ‘download apps’ like GoodReader, iCab Mobile, Filer, Downloads, ReaddleDocs, Atomic Web Browser and others. These apps can open and play these files in their native players or other apps (even AVI files if VLC Player is installed as well!)
– NEW! Support for NAS/NZB Apps: SABMobile, SynoLoad, QGetMobile
– Easily view your Saved Searches within your Easynews account (with auto-search nightly hit counts)
– AirPlay Audio support. Easily STREAM iOS compatible audio files and push them to your AppleTV (still trying to work out video support, sorry)
– Save a new search to your Easynews Account to quickly search at another time.
– Choose the port connections should be made through (80, 81, SSL 443, SSL 81)
– View your Gig Bank data
– Universal for iPad and iPhone. Use on your iPad in Full Resolution!
– And much more!

Read our EZ Global Search hands-on experience to learn more about the app.  With the growing use of mobile devices and continued increase in speeds we expect mobile apps to get a lot of attention this year.

Filed Under: EZ Global Search, Newsreaders Tagged With: ,

Best Usenet Clients

January 17, 2013 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 2013 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.

2013 NGR Editors Choice : Best Usenet Clients

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 2013 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 GrabIt, Unison, News Rover and EZ Global Search.

Let’s take a closer look at our 2013 NGR Editor’s Choice winners for “Best Usenet Clients“:

Newshosting Usenet Client : 2014 NGR Editors Choice Award

Newshosting

Newshosting continues to innovate their popular Usenet client.  With all the features you’d expect from a leading newsreader and then some.  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 2,100+ 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 : 2014 NGR Editors Choice Award

Who says you need a software 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 : 2014 NGR Editors Choice Award

Newsbin Pro

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 $30 and includes a year of search.  With an optional Usenet search feature.  New users can download a 10 day free trial.

SABnzbd Usenet Client : 2014 NGR Editors Choice Award

SABnzbd hardly needs an introduction for Usenet fans.  The free, open-source Usenet browser has been downloaded over 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 – 2014 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 $3.99 a month for NewsLeecher + SuperSearch.

Binreader Usenet Client – 2014 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 2013 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: , , , ,

NewsLeecher Version 5 Beta 17

January 14, 2013 by

NewsLeecher recently rolled out the latest beta release of their popular Usenet client.  The latest version 5.0 beta 17 has a number of changes and additions.  Customers can download the new release directly from the NewsLeecher download page.  While those new to the newsreader can test out their free trial.  NewsLeecher has also launched their own Usenet service which is sold along side the client and SuperSearch.

NewsLeecher version 5 beta 17 Here’s a closer look at the additions and updates in NewsLeecher version 5.0 beta 17:

#: Note that this release requires that you re-register the
   NewsLeecher application, via the registration dialog inside
   NewsLeecher. So be sure to have your NewsLeecher members area
   access data ready, before installing.
+: Hooked up SuperSearch cache cleanup code that will periodically
   delete outdated SuperSearch cache files (*.ssr) from the disk.
+: It is now possible to change the max width setting for the tabs
   located on the NewsLeecher main window, from :
   Settings -> Adv. Nerdy Tweaks -> GUI Tabs Max Width
   Note that the tab order has been reset in this release.
*: For easier backup possibilities, the personal NewsLeecher
   license key, is now saved to a disk file instead of the Windows
   registry. The license key file is saved to this location :
   "%appData%\NewsLeecher\newsleecher.keyfile.v5.dat".
   We are working on making it possible to save the key file to
   the same location at the NewsLeecher executable, to make it
   easier to run NewsLeecher in registered mode, from portable
   storage devices.
*: Improved a lot of the code associated with the SuperSearch
   bookmark manager, to make the management of the bookmarks
   easier to understand and more flexible.
*: It is now possible to change the personal email address
   associated with the NewsLeecher members area, and still be able
   to use SuperSearch, without having to update the NewsLeecher
   license key first.
*: Changed the max width of the NewsLeecher main window tabs and
   renamed the caption on the "Repair & Extract" tab to "Extract".
*: The 'Article Grouping' code now detects, and groups, a couple
   of new article subject formats.
   Formats : *.#" and *.##" where # represents a digit.
* : Visual theme improvements and other smaller improvements.
 : Smaller bug fixes.

The NewsLeecher team made it easier to backup NL by placing the license in a file.  As shown in the details above.  They are working to move the file to the NL directory to make backups even easier.  For now you can just navigate to the current path and save the .dat license file.

Note that this version requires you to re-register the client so you’ll need your license ID available.  You can get your license number by logging into the members area.  The ID is displayed on the right hand side of the page.  Just above personal payment information.

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

Filed Under: Newsleecher, Newsreaders Tagged With:

NewsLeecher Price Increase

December 2, 2012 by

December 2, 2012 update – NewsLeecher has decided to honor the old pricing for those with a license prior to November 14, 2012.  That’s the day the new pricing was released.  I’m sure their decision to grandfather in existing members is appreciated by many long time NL fans.  I know I’ll be extending my subscription.  According to their forum post existing members can contact them through the support form on their site to continue the old $19.99 a year (client only) or $29.99 a year (client + SuperSearch) pricing plans.  New members still face higher prices.  It will be interesting to see if NewsLeecher rolls out a yearly option for the new plans.

——————————

Earlier this month we shared some exciting news from the NewsLeecher team.  As they had just launched their NewsLeecher Usenet service along with some new pricing plans.  What we didn’t realize at the time was that NewsLeecher also increased the price current members pay for the client + SuperSearch feature by 60%.  Instead of paying $30 a year members now have to pay $3.99 a month.  Which works out to around $48 a year.

Did the NewsLeecher team think raising prices on new and existing customers would persuade them to try the new Usenet service?  If so the decision could go well or it could drive customers elsewhere.  There are several other quality newsreaders on the market including Newshosting (free for members), Newsbin Pro ($20 for a lifetime client license or $30 a year with search), SABnzbd (free but doesn’t include search) and more.

Let’s take a look at the old pricing plans along with the new accounts:

Old pricing:

  • Client license – $19.99 a year
  • Client + SuperSearch – $29.99 a year
  • Client + SuperSearch – $2.99 a month

New pricing:

  • Client license – $2.99 a month
  • Client + SuperSearch – $3.99 a month
  • Usenet only (no NL) – $9.49 a month
  • Usenet + client + SS – $12.49 a month

So to sign up or renew, subscribers will pay $3.99 a month for their NewsLeecher with SuperSearch functionality.  Existing members could previously pay $29.99 a year but now they’ll end up paying $47.88 over the next 12 months.  We really hope the NewsLeecher team will reconsider pricing.  Perhaps grandfather in those who signed up before the price increase.  Along with allowing discounts for annual payments.

As a NewsLeecher annual subscriber I’ve been happy to pay $30 a year to use NL + SS and support the project.  If I was considering NewsLeecher and SuperSearch for the first time I can’t say whether or not I’d be willing to pay $3.99 a month.  The Usenet client and search feature are very good but there are also some quality alternatives.  It will be interesting to see what happens to NewsLeecher’s pricing moving forward.

Visit Newsgroup Reviews to learn more about Usenet.  Follow us @NewsgroupRevs for news and deals.

Filed Under: Newsleecher, Newsreaders Tagged With:

SABnzbd Releases Version 0.7.6

November 19, 2012 by

Just over a year ago SABnzbd passed the three million download mark.  An impressive accomplishment for sure.  Now they’re nearing five million downloads with their latest SABnzbd 0.7.6 release.  SAB fans will want to grab the latest version for the new features and bug fixes.  Those new to the Usenet browser can grab a copy by visiting sabnzbd.org.  They support Windows, Mac OS X, Linux, Unix and BSD.  All versions are free downloads.

Here’s a list of features and big fixes in SABnzbd 0.7.6:

Features

  • Properly handle par2-sets that were renamed after creation by the poster
  • Recursive scanning when re-queuing downloaded NZB files

Bug fixes

  • Prevent blocking assembly of completed files, (this resulted in excessive CPU and memory usage)
  • Fix speed issues with some Usenet servers due to unreachable IPv6 addresses
  • Fix issues with SFV-base checks
  • Successfully pre-checked job lost its attributes when those were changed during check
  • No longer check version when looking for a running instance of SABnzbd (this prevents unintended multiple instances).
  • A damaged base par2 file could block download of more par2 files
  • Fix evaluation of schedules at startup

Grab the latest SABnzbd 0.7.6 and enjoy.  You can use their setup guides for configuring the client in Windows, Mac or Linux.  Along with an active forum to answer questions and discuss ideas for future releases.  Congratulations to the SABnzbd team as they will soon pass five million downloads!  Don’t forget to check out the add-ons as well.  The web-based client being open source has led to some really cool add-ons.

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

Filed Under: Newsreaders, SABnzbd Tagged With:

SABnzbd Releases Version 0.7.5

November 4, 2012 by

SABnzbd is nearing 5 million downloads as they release version 0.7.5 of the ever popular Usenet browser.  Version 0.7.5 includes both new features and a few bug fixes.  SABnzbd is a free, open-source newsreader.  You can download the latest version for free anytime by visiting sabnzbd.org.  The web-based client is compatible with Windows, Mac OS X and Linux.  Being open-source has attracted some really good third party add-ons.

Let’s take a closer look at the new updates and bug fixes in SABnzbd 0.7.5:

Features

  • Update nzbmatrix category table (check your categories!)
  • Add special options ’empty_postproc’ and ‘prio_sort_list’ (See Wiki)
  • OSX: Retina compatible menu-bar icons

Bug fixes

  • Prevent stuck jobs at end of pre-check
  • Fix issues with accented and special characters in names of downloaded files
  • Fix problem with “Read” button when RSS feed name contains “&”
  • Added missing %dn formula to Generic Sort
  • Prevent unusual SFV files from crashing post-processing

Download SABnzbd 0.7.5 and enjoy the new release.  They offer setup guides for Windows, Mac and Linux.  They also have an active community to ask questions and share ideas for future versions.  Cheers to the SABnzbd team as they continue to innovate and near 5 million downloads.  A truly remarkable feat.

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

Filed Under: Newsreaders, SABnzbd Tagged With:

NewsLeecher Version 5 Beta 16

November 1, 2012 by

NewsLeecher released version 5.0 beta 16 of their client.  The latest version takes care of a Windows 8 install issue along with some new options and bug fixes.  NewsLeecher subscribers can download the latest version directly from newsleecher.com.  While those new to the Usenet client can download a free trial.  The NewsLeecher team is also working on a new website along with some other surprises so stay tuned.

Let’s take a look at the changes in NewsLeecher version 5.0 beta 16:

+: This release should be 100% compatible with Windows 8. If you
   still experience Windows 8 related problems with this
   beta version, please report it to the NewsLeecher support team.
+: For peformance reasons, an option to turn off screen logging
   when the crossposter filter is triggered during a group update,
   has been added. The option can be accessed from:
   Setup -> Group Browsing -> Filters : Crosspost
*: Improved file handling to better prevent NewsLeecher settings
   files corruptions.
!: Fixed bug "kdjakldja". Bug was triggered by turning off the
   SuperSearch result highlight setting.

Remember if you install a clean version of Windows 8 or upgrade to download NewsLeecher v5 beta 16.  Otherwise you’ll get an error during the install.  The latest version of NL is fully compatible with Windows 8.

Visit Newsgroup Reviews to compare Usenet clients and follow us @NewsgroupRevs for the latest news.

Filed Under: Newsleecher, Newsreaders Tagged With: ,

NewsLeecher Install on Windows 8

October 30, 2012 by

We recently tested a number of newsreaders to see which were functional and worked best with Windows 8.  You can read our Windows 8 Usenet clients post for more details.  While testing NewsLeecher we noticed a message on their site in reference to some installation issues on the new Microsoft operating system.  For now Windows 8 users will want to install the latest NewsLeecher 5.0 beta rather than version 4.0 final.

Here’s the October 27th update from NewsLeecher.com:

As many of you have noticed the installer for NewsLeecher V4.0 Final, does not under Windows 8. We are working on getting a new Windows 8 compatible final release out, but in the meantime, we recommend that you use the latest beta release available on the NewsLeecher website, if you plan on using NewsLeecher under Windows 8.

We’re currently running NewsLeecher 5.0 beta 15 on Windows 8 without any problems.

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

Filed Under: Newsleecher, Newsreaders Tagged With:
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