Posts Comments

You are here: Home / Archives for Usenet Providers / Easynews

The Usenet Retention Race Is Too Close to Call

April 14, 2011 by

We’ve been covering the binary retention race for a long time now.  Long enough to write retention update posts in our sleep.  Early on Giganews was the clear leader.  Now we’re nearing 1,000 days and several top Usenet providers are within 10 days of each other.  Hard to believe that after 2+ years the binary retention race might very well end in a draw.  Bringing Usenet fans the benefit of years of binary newsgroup posts for less than they use to pay for a few weeks of retention.  In fact Newsgroup Reviews visitors can enjoy $10 unlimited Usenet access from leading providers including UseNetServer, Newshosting, NewsDemon and Astraweb.

Earlier today UseNetServer, Newshosting and Easynews announced retention increases.  The number is very notable.  As all three Usenet providers are now at 972 days of binary retention and growing.  Why is the 972 number notable?  Because it’s one day higher than Astraweb who is currently at 971 days.  It is also only 8 days behind Giganews who is at 980 days.  UseNetServer and Newshosting both offer $10 unlimited accounts versus the $25-$35 for Giganews.  Given the difference in price and latest retention updates we expect Newshosting and UseNetServer will be home to a lot of new members in the months to come.

Filed Under: Astraweb, Easynews, Giganews, Newshosting, Usenet Providers, UseNetServer Tagged With: , ,

Easynews EZ Usenet Android Mobile App

April 13, 2011 by

This week we’ve been talking about Easynews 3rd party mobile Usenet apps.  Including EZ Global Search (iPhone/iPad), EasyBrowser (Android) and now EZ Usenet (Android).  The EZ Usenet app also allows Easynews members to browse and download from newsgroups using an Android phone or tablet.

A free limited version along with the full featured unlock version ($1.49) of EZ Usenet is available via the Android Market.  You will need Easynews web access to make use of EasyBrowser on your Android phone / tablet.  If you’re not already a member you can sign up for a 14 day free trial.

With an Android tablet on the way we look forward to testing EZ Usenet in the near future.  In the meantime here is a list of features directly from Chillaxing Software for their Easynews EZ Usenet mobile app:

  • Search binary content by keyword
  • Search type can be filtered by Image, Audio, Video type file
  • Advanced filtering (Date, Size, Filename, and Newsgroup) and sorting is also available
  • Search results contain useful information about each result:
    • Image results include thumbnail, resolution, filesize, newsgroup
    • Audio results include codec, audio length, bitrate, filesize
    • Video results include video length, filesize
  • Built-in download manager to download files in the background to your SD card
  • Zip Manager support (shows the Easynews.com Zip Manager page inside the app (no need to re-enter your credentials)
  • For a given search result, you can do the following:
    • Download
    • Download To… (select a location on your SD card)
    • Add to Zip Manager (sends the item to the first open queue)
    • Download NZB (downloads the NZB file – integrates well with other Android NZB apps such as SAB Control to send to a remote SABnzbd server to download )
  • Works with Wifi and 3G/4G connection
  • Integration with Shazam and Soundhound Android apps to automatically populate an Easynews search from a sound search
  • The application is available for free with a download limitation of posts in the last 14 days. This can be unlocked by purchasing a premium unlock key from the Android™ market.

We look forward to bringing you more EZ Usenet coverage along with other mobile Usenet apps.  Stay tuned for our hands-on impressions of EZ Usenet.

A free limited version along with the full featured unlock version ($1.49) of EZ Usenet is available via the Android Market.  You will need Easynews web access to make use of EasyBrowser on your Android phone / tablet.  If you’re not already a member you can sign up for a 14 day free trial.

Filed Under: Easynews, EZ Usenet, Newsreaders Tagged With: ,

Easynews EasyBrowser Android Mobile App

April 12, 2011 by

Yesterday we covered EZ Global Search which is Easynews 3rd party iPhone / iPad app.  Today we’re looking at the first of two Android apps for Easynews.  The EasyBrowser app allows Easynews members to search and download newsgroup content directly from their Android phone or tablet.

A free ad-supported version of EasyBrowser is available via the Android Market.  You will need Easynews web access to make use of EasyBrowser on your Android phone / tablet.  If you’re not already a member you can sign up for a 14 day free trial.

We haven’t had a chance to test EasyBrowser yet but look forward to doing so in the weeks ahead.  As we recently ordered an Android tablet.  In the meantime here is a breakdown of the EasyBrowser app features:

– Free – Ad supported (Paid version, no ads, coming)
– Different views for Audio, Video, and Images
– Can cancel long running search (Just hit back)
– Cached search results (to increase navigation performance, and limit bandwidth use)
– Cached images (to increase view performance, and limit bandwidth use)
– Username/Password saved
– Download Manager for background downloading
– Ability to cancel downloads
– Tap (right/left) in detail view to move to next/previous item
– Open Menu in search result to load next/previous page
– Clear caches button in preferences
– Search results contain total results and current page/total pages
– Long press on item gives contextual options (download, view, add to zip manager)
– Launch ZipManager url from Application
– Preferences show the download location (read only)
– Add to ZipManager (auto queue only)
– Load saved searches from Easynews

Tomorrow we will be looking at the features of EZ Usenet, another 3rd party Android app for Easynews.  In the weeks ahead we’ll be sharing our impressions of both apps.

A free ad-supported version of EasyBrowser is available via the Android Market.  You will need Easynews web access to make use of EasyBrowser on your Android phone / tablet.  If you’re not already a member you can sign up for a 14 day free trial.

Filed Under: EasyBrowser, Easynews, Newsreaders Tagged With: ,

Easynews EZ Global Search iPhone / iPad App

April 11, 2011 by

Earlier this year Easynews added support for iPhone / Android mobile Usenet apps.  Since then EZ Global Search has developed into our favorite iPhone / iPad client.  We wouldn’t really call the app a newsreader.  Just like we wouldn’t call the Easynews web interface a traditional Usenet client.  The EZ Global Search app provides many of the same advantages of Easynews.  Namely the use of your web browser (or in this case a very cool app) to search for newsgroup content, preview and download from Usenet.

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.


We’ve used the EZ Global Search app on both iPhone 4 and original iPad.  Preferring the iPad for the larger screen.  Both provide the same features and work very well with Easynews.  This post isn’t meant as a review of EZ Global Search.  If it was we’d certainly give the app high marks.  In this case we’d like to share some of the cool features that make the app our favorite for both iPhone and iPad.

EZ Global Search – Easynews Search Feature

After downloading EZ Global Search from the Apple app store you simply enter in your Easynews username and password.  Then choose whether to download via the regular port 80 or alternate port.  We always choose SSL port 443 as we would with other Usenet browsers.

The first thing you’ll notice about EZ Global Search is a variety of search options to help in finding your desired Usenet content.  While you can simply search for a topic of interest the app allows you to narrow down results by file types, date/time, size, file extension and even specific newsgroups.

EZ Global Search – Easynews Search Results

The EZ Global Search results are very similar to the new Easynews web interface.  Along with some post information you’ll see thumbnails for image files.  To the top right you’ll also notice “Zip” and “Save” options.  We’ll talk about the “Zip” option in a moment as it helps you add content to the Easynews Zip Manager for download.  The “Save” option let’s you save your search criteria for future searches.

EZ Global Search – Post Details

We selected the first post above and were presented with a number of post details.  Including the date and time, file size, image resolution and even the newsgroup.  From which we could easily search the alt.binaries.automobiles.carshow newsgroup for more cool pictures.

If the content had been audio you would have the option to sample the file.  The same is true for video which would present a number of thumbnails to preview before downloading the full video.  The preview feature will save you a lot of time and frustration.

EZ Global Search – Easynews Zip Manager

The final feature we’d like to share is EZ Global Search integration with Easynews Zip Manager.  Those familiar with Zip Manager know that you mark content to be downloaded in the web interface.  The same is true in the iPhone / iPad app.  When search results are displayed you have a “Zip” option.  Choosing it will display the following screen.  With a button next to each entry.  Check any items you would like downloaded and then choose “Send to Zip Manager”.  From there you can use EZ Global Search to control your Zip Manager dashboard.  Allowing you to queue up downloads from your iPhone, iPad or iPod Touch.

We recently had the opportunity to chat with the leading developer of EZ Global Search and were quite impressed.  The idea for an iPhone / iPad app came from their own passion for Easynews and Usenet in general.  They recognized the need for such an app and built it for friends to use.  Never thinking the app would be sold to the public.  Now their efforts have come full circle as Easynews recommends EZ Global Search as a 3rd party mobile app.  We have a lot more to share and will be writing more on the topic in the weeks to come.  For now head on over to The Media Council site or iTunes to download EZ Global Search.

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.

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

Easynews Review : 2012 NGR Editors Choice

April 5, 2011 by

Congratulations to Easynews who recently earned a Newsgroup Reviews (NGR) 2012 Editors Choice award.  We’ve always enjoyed Easynews web Usenet access.  Even more so recently with all the cool new features.  Last year Easynews rolled out a new version of their popular web interface.  The new web interface is great for those new to Usenet.  As you can easily search newsgroups, download and stream content.  All from your favorite web browser.  In addition Easynews offers 3rd party apps for iPad, iPhone, iPod Touch and Android.  We’ll be covering both EZ Global Search and EZ Usenet in more detail later this week.

The picture above and one more to follow are from Easynews European data center in Amsterdam.  Just imagine the number of hard drives it takes to support the storage of a major Usenet provider.  Cheers to the Easynews team for letting us share these images with our readers.

Easynews is a veteran in the Usenet industry.  They offer both NNTP and web access.  The web interface is definitely their claim to fame.  With no one else coming close to competing with their web reader.  It puts Easynews in a unique position to help those new to Usenet.  As newsreader setup and additional tools can be a hassle depending on your level of technical experience.  With nothing more than a web browser you can use Easynews Global Search feature to find a topic of interest.  Then either preview, stream or use the Zip Manager and Auto Unrar / Auto Par features to simplify your Usenet experience.

If you haven’t had a chance to try the new web interface take advantage of Easynews 14 day free trial.  During the two week free trial period you’ll have full web access and can download up to 10 GB of content.  We think you’ll be quite pleased with the new features and faster search speeds.  Read our full page Easynews review to learn more about the service or sign up and enjoy the ease of downloading from newsgroups via the web.

Filed Under: Easynews, Easynews Webreader, Newsreaders, Usenet Providers Tagged With: , ,

Improved Easynews Search Speed, Import NZB’s

February 15, 2011 by

Easynews recently released a new version of their cutting-edge web interface for Usenet fans.  Some of the added features include improved Easynews search speed and the ability to import NZB files via your web browser.  Along with an improved Zip manager interface and standardized thumbnail sizing.  Those new to Easynews can try the service and web Usenet interface free for 14 days.

Here is some additional information sent to us from Easynews:

Easynews has been working continuously to provide users with improved features and support.  As part of that effort, Easynews just launched the latest version of their new web interface.  The following features are included in this new release:

-Improved search speed
-NZB import into the web interface
-Image thumbnail size standardization
-Master select controls
-Improved Zip Manager interface

These upgrades follow a 1/24/11 release, which included:

-Dutch version of the Easynews interface
-Contextual help
-Improved User Favorites sorting
-Updated profile page layout
-Post date integration in group indexes

Read our Easynews web interface or Easynews Usenet reviews to learn more.  Interested in giving Easynews a test drive?  Sign up for two weeks free and enjoy testing all the new web reader features!

Filed Under: Easynews, Easynews Webreader, Newsreaders, Usenet Providers Tagged With: , , ,

Easynews iPhone / Android Mobile Usenet Apps

January 30, 2011 by

Easynews has added support for 3rd party mobile applications.  Allowing you to view newsgroups through Easynews Usenet service on your iPhone, iPad or iPod Touch.  Along with Android phones and tablets.

Easynews 3rd party iPhone app is EZ Global Search by The Media Council, LLC.  EZ Global search is available through Apple’s app store for $1.99.  The app supports iPhone, iPad and iPod Touch.  Easily search Usenet newsgroups on your iPhone.  Android version coming soon.

Easynews 3rd party Android app is EZ Usenet by Chillaxing Software (a great name!).  EZ Usenet is available for free with a download limit of 14 days.  Purchase an unlock key via the Android Market for full functionality.  EZ Usenet supports Android cell phones and tablet devices.

If you haven’t had the chance to try their new web interface take advantage of Easynews free trial which includes 14 days and up to 10 gigs of free Usenet downloads.  Browsing newsgroups via the web is much easier than using a newsreader and the new web interface has some very nice features to get you started in Usenet.

Filed Under: Easynews, Newsreaders, Usenet Providers Tagged With: , , ,

Easynews Increases Binary Retention to 810 Days

January 27, 2011 by

Easynews recently increased binary retention by 50 days.  Moving from 760 days up to 810.  The update comes just a month after Easynews boosted retention to 760 days so they’re growing fast!

Web retention remains around 212 days while NNTP binary retention was upgraded from 760 days.  With over two years of text posts.  The new retention is available immediately without an increase in price. Making their $9.95 unlimited NNTP accounts a bargain.

Easynews is also offering visitors a chance to sample the service free.  A great opportunity to test their new web Usenet interface.  Simply sign up for an Easynews Classic account and choose the 14 day, 10 GB free Easynews trial.  To learn more read our Easynews review.

Filed Under: Easynews, Usenet Providers Tagged With: ,

2010 Usenet Year in Review

December 30, 2010 by

While 2010 went by in a blink there were quite a few Usenet achievements.  The ongoing retention gains and reduced prices have made Usenet more popular than ever.  In this post we’ll focus on new technologies and features added in 2010 that have changed Usenet for the better.

Usenet achievements were plentiful this year.  In past years the discussion revolved around retention levels.  While retention continues to grow the industry expanded in other directions as well this year.  Everything from Usenet providers adding clients, VPN, storage, enhanced web access and supprt for mobile devices.

Let’s take a closer look at a few Usenet providers who left an extra mark this year:

Giganews – (VyprVPN and Mimo Usenet Browser)

Giganews was certainly busy innovating this year.  First with their addition of VyprVPN and then Mimo Usenet browser.  VyprVPN provides Diamond members with free VPN access to help secure their privacy while online.  Mimo newsreader is also free for Diamond members and provides a Usenet search feature in addition to a nice user interface.  Not to by missed Giganews continued to lead the industry in retention.  With speed and reliability to match their premium services.

Easynews – (New Web Interface, Mobile Apps)

Easynews was hard at work innovating this year.  Starting with network upgrades to ensure a high level of performance and reliability.  In October Easynews launched a new web interface and continue to enhance the online features.  We were impressed with the ease of use and wrote a full review of the beta release. More recently Easynews added 3rd party mobile apps like EZ Global Search.  Available for iPhone, iPad and iPod touch.  In addition Easynews added unlimited NNTP access and support for PayPal this year.

NewsDemon – (Online Storage)

NewsDemon added free online storage for their unlimited customers this year.  Partnering with StorageNinja to offer 30 GB of free online storage to members who subscribe to an unlimited plan.  In addition they continued to include a fully licensed copy of News Rover newsreader for all members.

Newshosting – (Free Easynews Account)

Newshosting recently announced a partnership with Easynews to offer free web Usenet access to NHXL members.  This means NHXL subscribers not only receive unlimited NNTP Usenet access from Newshosting but also a 10 GB monthly Easynews account at no additional cost.  Newshosting also continued to increase retention and added support for PayPal in 2010.

Not to be missed are all the Usenet providers who offer low cost Usenet access with reliability and continued retention gains.  A list including UseNetServer, Supernews, ThunderNews, Astraweb and many more.  Cheers to everyone who helped improve Usenet in 2010.  We look forward to the years ahead!

Filed Under: Astraweb, Easynews, Giganews, NewsDemon, Newshosting, Supernews, ThunderNews, Usenet History, Usenet Providers, UseNetServer Tagged With: ,

Easynews Now Accepts PayPal Payments

December 27, 2010 by

Easynews now accepts payments via PayPal.  This makes the sign up process easier and more convenient for customers who prefer Paypal or other alternatives to credit card payments.  Easynews accepts a wide range of payment options including PayPal, credit card (Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Discover, JCB), 900# and by mail.

New customers can test out the new Easynews web interface free for 14 days.  No need for a newsreader since Easynews offer web browser access.  To learn more about the Usenet service read our Easynews review or sign up for a two week free trial.

—————

Here is the official Easynews press release:

PHOENIX, Dec. 15, 2010 /PRNewswire/ — EASYNEWS.COM, the world’s leading browser-based Usenet newsgroup provider, is pleased to announce that it is now accepting PayPal.  In response to rising demand outside of the U.S., Easynews’ PayPal enhancement allows for the internationalization of Easynews Usenet newsgroup services and provides a secure and convenient payment gateway. Easynews’ website offers free Usenet account signup and the original web-based newsgroup management tool.

Additionally, Easynews.com has recently announced that all current and new Big Gig plan subscribers will receive its Unlimited NNTP upgrade, for free, which offers unlimited access to over 100,000 newsgroups, both text and binary. The Unlimited NNTP add-on features 760 days of retention, secure SSL encrypted access and an unlimited number of connections, which is unrivaled by any other Usenet provider. Unlimited NNTP is offered on other Easynews.com subscription plans for a $9.95 monthly fee.

Additional enhancements will continue to be introduced over the coming months to further expand the overall Easynews offering. Subscribers can look forward to developments such as app-free support for mobile devices as well as usability enhancements to the Easynews browser application.

Filed Under: Easynews, Usenet Providers Tagged With: ,
« Previous Page
Next Page »