Fix for Apple TV iTunes error -15000

Recently there has been an error involving my apple TV being unable to connect to my iTunes homesharing network. After checking on the internet and various forums, I have seen that the problem I encountered is quite common and no set fix has been found with either hardware, software or an Apple update.

The error is that your Apple TV is unable to find your library that your iTunes homesharing is outputting, simply the library doesn't show up. With this error, all required components were correct, the correct firewall setting was applied yet still I couldn't connect to the Apple TV box so I started resetting everything from scratch.

In short the simple solution is to unplug the power cable from your Apple TV, wait a few seconds and then plug it back in so that the Apple TV is completely reset. You fortunately don't have to re-enter all your passwords for your Apple ID, just make sure your iTunes account's home sharing is on and that your Apple TV is connected to the same WI-FI as your PC.

Hope this solved all your problems

My top 5 iOS games for iPad

1 - Infinity Blade 2 ($6.99)

A game that rivals even regular console platforms in terms of quality, quantity, gameplay and graphics. Firstly when I think of the Infinity Blade series I think of a series that was made to showcase the graphical power of Apple's new top-class iOS devices like the iPad 2 and the iPhone 4 and 4s.

I've played quite a few games on various platforms and Infinity Blade 2 rivals the best in terms of graphics. Using unreal engine 3 it shows off the true power and advancements of the mobile gaming genre.

Gameplay is smooth with the typical hack and slash controls but Chair has added two new classes to the original sword/shield class. Those two classes are the dual weapon and heavy weapon classes. These add content and great replay value while differentiating it from its predecessor.

It has a great storyline that keeps you intrigued and builds on Infinity Blade 1. Game Centre achievements add to the replay value and the desire to unlock new weapons and master them contribute too.

Infinity Blade is a top class game that sets the benchmark for future iOS games in terms of graphics, content and gameplay.

The new dual weapon class

2 - Dead Space for iPad ($0.99 On Sale, grab it now!)

While many games try to emulate and effectively copy Infinity Blade's gameplay, Dead Space is different enough to shock you into realising that not all iOS games have to be hack and slash. The controls are decent enough since there are no physical buttons and it makes use of the various control options the iPad offers.

Graphics are decent but the core of this game relies on its ability as a thriller, it keeps you on your toes while being increasingly intriguing. The game is very dark in both gameplay and visuals that add to the suspense.

My only criticism for this game has nothing to do with the game itself but rather the recent developments that have seen adverts for other games pop up on the home screen. It is a put off since this is a paid app that takes away from a fantastic game.

3 - Machinarium for iPad 2 ($4.99)

This game is strictly for iPad 2 since it is the only device that it is compatible with. The game is vastly different from anything else I have played since it is a 2d Puzzle game with visuals right out of and art book.

In Machinarium you are a robot that must figure out your way to get back into the city and solve various developments from helping a group of musicians to solving electrical problems. The puzzles are different and difficult and can make you feel like an idiot at most times. Machinarium provides a good 7 hours of gameplay for the average person but once again it is a game with good replay value.

The game is very rewarding since there isn't a better feeling than finally overcoming a difficult puzzle. The soundtrack and art makes the game for me, to put it blandly, it is superb. A definite must for those looking for something different and challenging.

4 - Asphalt 6 ($0,99 sale)

I felt obliged to add a game that makes use of the iPad's gyroscope and that means a racing game. Asphalt 6 has quality graphics and is a game that gives you a good feeling when playing it.

Hurtling down straights in supercharged cars or breaking ferociously to drift around corner, this game has it all. Keeping you intrigued with an Adrenaline Turbo while allowing you to eliminate competing cars in spectacular fashion.

Take a look if your looking for a qaulity racing game!

5 - Epoch ($2.99 sale)

In this review I've tried to include games in various fields, differing in genres. Epoch is the best "on-rails" shooter that I've come across in which your character, a robot, can only move left or right firing at enemies.

The game doesn't have a very interesting storyline but the controls and gameplay for an on the rails shooter is different and intuitive. Graphics are a little bit cinematic but are decent enough. My biggest criticism is the fact there is only one set of maps to play through and the only differential factor is playing them through in first easy then normal and finally hard difficulty.

The game can get challenging but only at the final battles with the "boss" so to speak. Earning money increases with each difficulty and allows you to purchase better equipment for more challenging levels.

This game is decent and the best in its class, I still play it since the gameplay is pleasing and therefore it makes my top 5

*Prices correct at time of article

Review of Adonit writer keyboard case for iPad 2

I recently purchased the Adonit writer for my iPad 2 since I was looking for a decent keyboard case for my iPad to type on the go.
"For writing more than a twitter post"

All fits in mobile case

The Adonit writer holds both your iPad and the keyboard in its case which is perfect for holding both together instead of carrying your iPad and a bluetooth keyboard separately. What strikes me first about the Adonit is its sleek look with a smooth protective cover and a nice feel interior with a grey color that complements both the iPad and the keyboard itself.

As I write this review from my iPad using the Adonit keyboard, one can easily see the keys are very small with a smaller than wanted space bar. The keys are fairly close together and a few errors are made over a large typing time.

Over time the keyboard feels more responsive as one gets used to the feel and spacing of the keys. The keys feel plasticky and differ to many PC keyboards and this may put off many people and honestly they do feel "cheap" and unresponsive at times but in general the typing experience is more than sufficient. Once used to the Adonit keyboard case, your typing speed dramatically increases in comparison to the iPad's touch screen keyboard.

Easy viewing angles

The Adonit keyboard has keys that allow you to control the volume power of your iPad, access slide shows, a home screen button and a button that takes you to the search page. The Adonit is powered my three AAA batteries that slide into the component just above the keyboard, this means that the Adonit isn't powered by a usb charged battery like most keyboards and thus it requires replacement batteries. I haven't used the keyboard long enough to judge how long it will last.

The keyboard and iPad sit snugly in the case and feel as if they were built for each other. The Adonit case obviously adds a bit of weight to your iPad but not as much as a aluminium case like the ZAGG-mate does.

I can only fault it on the size of its keys and the general size of the keyboard itself since it pretty small and people with big hands and fingers will struggle to type. Overall I am impressed with the Adonit writer since it is a great portable device that allows fast typing on the iPad while also proving to be extremely mobile as it keeps both iPad and keyboard in the case. I give it a solid 3,5/5.

Always happy to here your thoughts, add them below.
Adonit's website for more on the keyboard case

iPad 2 review

Many new iPads have been found under the Christmas tree recently and I am here to provide you with the "what to do with an iPad" whilst also explaining this tablet to those of you who are considering purchasing it.

The iPad is a wonderful device that has changed the way I consume media, view news, read books, play games and access my various social networks. I mainly use my iPad in the evening while in-front of the T.V, effectively your "veging" time. Spending time surfing the net and keeping up to current affairs is a great way to spend your time by furthering your knowledge than by for example, watching a reality program.

Thin, light, fast - Perfect

I am pleasantly surprised with the innovation and outstanding User Interface that the iPad offers to its consumers. Upon starting up your new iPad you immediately feel like you have been using this device for years due to an interface that is unique yet surprisingly familiar and easy to operate.

The iPad to has an A5 processor that allows it you to play high quality 3d games, multi-task, access content rich websites quickly and even stream non-Mp4 video (the staple format iTunes allows) from 3rd party applications. It has flash storage that allows it to start up quickly even after a month of inactivity and is thin and light for perfect handheld use.

The iPad has a 10 hour battery life (of decent use) that can rival many netbooks and laptops in the market and in my experience takes about +- 5 hours to charge. The iPad has both a rear facing camera for picture taking and a front facing camera for video chat using Face Time or Skype. The Apple Smart cover is great to use as a protective screen and also proving a stand to view your iPad from.

The smart-cover, providing protection and great viewing angles.

Right to the "what to do's". Firstly browse the iTunes store for free apps that interest you and research the paid ones that you are interested in. Getting good quality games is always a high priority since it is highly entertaining and it shows off the power of the iPad, however many local iTunes stores cannot rival the American store in terms of both quality and quantity in terms of apps and I therefore suggest setting up an American Apple ID that allows you to access that content (I will explain how to do that in a future post).

As soon as your iPad is set up transfer your music collection to your iPad and buy some quality headphones (you will thank me for it later) that provide good sound for both your music and later games with wonderful soundtracks.

Check out the Camera and definitely download Skype for iPad to have those important video chats on a mobile device. iBooks has a vast collection from free, classic novels to recently released novels so take advantage of the free ones to assess whether you enjoy reading on this device or not. Next, download both the Facebook and Twitter app to access your favorite social media. Social media is a much more enjoyable experience on a tablet than a PC since it is mobile and you can take it around your house and it also trumps smartphones since the screen is bigger.

Typing on the iPad is great for sending short emails and updating social statuses, however its on screen touch keyboard can be difficult to some people when writing lengthy pieces since it doesn't provide physical buttons. The purchase of a bluetooth keyboard can change that, providing a surface that is responsive and innovative it can turn your iPad into a fast-output device that can look and operate like a netbook and just as easily become a handheld platform.

The Logitech keyboard-case for iPad 2

Perfect for typing on the go while also looking classy

Reading magazines is one of the best experiences on the iPad, subscribe to your favorite publication and access content rich magazines that are just a pleasure to read. Web browsing itself is enjoyable in its own right on the iPad with Apple's Safari browser.

Watching videos is a must on the iPad since you can go from laying  on your bed to sitting at a desk while watching quality hd videos. There are many streaming apps that allow the streaming of content form your pc to your iPad without the videos taking those vital GBs of storage. My favourites are VLC streamer and GoodPlayer. Apple has a fantastic thing called a podcast which are various shows or radio broadcasts that can be downloaded form iTunes that provide information on everything from a podcast talk-show to learning a new language.

In short, the iPad is a fantastic media consumption device that allows you to do almost anything that a person could want while providing an easy-to-use interface and plenty of apps easily becoming a daily staple it terms of use.

I would love to hear your thoughts, add them below.

Tech Specs from Apple.com

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