The new EX48x series MediaSmart servers from HP are already getting a software update. Today HP is announcing the upcoming release of a Software Update to the Windows Home Server powered EX485 and EX487 MediaSmart Server. The primary new features delivered in the 2.5 release are a Remote Video Streaming capability, a video conversion utility, and the HP iStream iPhone Application for remote media access. The update will also include several software enhancements and bug fixes. The 2.5 Software Update will be a free update to EX485/EX487 customers and will be available in late April.
What about the EX470/EX475?
HP has earlier said that they would also release a software upgrade for the older EX47x series. But they still will not commit to a time line for this release and I’m starting to feel left out in the cold here. Is this yet another case of trying to hold existing customers warm by promises, but in reality they have no plan to actually release anyting, but hope we get tired of waiting that in the end we buy next new shiny device instead? I’ve been “dumped” by HP, Dell, HTC etc. so many times I cannot count. It’s all a race about pushing new models with new features. You get a few updates in the beginning, but as soon as a newer model is out all but critical updates dry out. That’s a real shame, especially since the models are so similar. It would have been much better for HP to release one set of software for their MediaSmart series and then just disable or give a warning about things the older EX47x series might not be able to handle like the real-time video transcoding.
via:
http://www.mediasmartserver.net/2009/04/12/hp-announces-25-software-update/