Video game soundtrack of the week

F1 2010

Music info

Track Name: F.E.A.R(UNKLE REMIX)

Artist: Ian Brown

Album: The Greatest

Game info
Developer: Codemasters
Publisher: Codemasters
Genre: Racing
Platform: PC, Xbox 360, PS3

Read More

BitFenix Unveils Shadow Mid-Tower

Press Release

Today, acclaimed PC hardware designer BitFenix is proud to reveal the latest chassis in its award-winning lineup - Shadow. Featuring a clean, modern design and a multitude of DIY-friendly features, Shadow represents a trifecta of style, functionality, and value.

With a completely uncluttered façade and monolithic design, Shadow fits perfectly in virtually any environment. The magnetic door, which deftly hides away optical drives, is covered with signature BitFenix SofTouch™ Surface Treatment for added stain resistance and a premium matte finish. This smooth surface is complimented by a brushed aluminum BitFenix logo, along with acustomizable LED accent. Located at the bottom of the front door, this LED accent can be changed to red or blue to match your build, or turned off with the press of a button on the I/O panel.

On the inside, Shadow shows it's more than just a pretty face. This ATX design fits long graphics cards up to 320mm in length, and tall CPU coolers up to 165mm in height, ensuring full compatibility with today's high-octane hardware. Shadow comes with plenty of storage capacity, equipped with three 5.25" drive bays and no less than seven 3.5" bays - perfect for users with massive media collections. To speed the installation process along, each of these bays come with tool-free drive locking, and single 2.5" drive mount means Shadow users can enjoy lightning-fast boot times by installing an SSD.

To keep things running cool, Shadow offers four 120mm fan locations, including two in the front, one on the bottom and one in the rear, and two premium 120mm Spectre™ fans are pre-installed for superb out-of-the-box cooling. Not only that, but all fan intakes, including the front, bottom, and PSU area come with removable dust filters to help keep your system dust-free.

Along with two USB 2.0 ports, two SuperSpeed USB 3.0 ports have also been included for fast file transfers and accelerated mobile device charging. A large CPU cutout ensures quick swapping of CPU coolers, while cable management features and black ribbon cabling helps facilitate a clean and tidy build. With features like these and superb styling to match, Shadow makes a tremendous base for any modern PC.

BitFenix Shadow will be available on store shelves in October.

For more information on Shadow, please visit http://www.bitfenix.com.

Read More

Watch Ariane 5 Launch live

Rocket: Ariane 5 ECA
Launch date: August 29, 2013

Launch window: 2030-2120 GMT (4:30-5:20 p.m. EDT)

Payload: Eutelsat 25B & GSAT 7
Site: ELA-3, Guiana Space Center, Kourou French GuianaThe 

ESA are only minutes away from launching a heavy lift Ariane 5 Rocket from French Guiana.

You can watch the launch live here courtesy of spaceflightnow.com

Read More

Razer Ouroboros Gaming Mouse Now Available

Press Release

Razer™, the world leader in high-performance gaming hardware, software and systems, announced the availability for sale in North America of the award-winning Razer Ouroboros gaming mouse.

The Razer Ouroboros features fully customizable ergonomics, allowing users to configure the mouse to comfortably fit their hands regardless of hand shape, size or grip-style. The mouse can be custom configured with an adjustable arched palm rest that allows a user to choose from various angles. The Razer Ouroboros also features a retractable back panel that can be set to any one of three positions, as well as four interchangeable side panels.

“The interest for the Razer Ouroboros has been so incredible that we’ve had to increase production far beyond what we had forecasted,” said Min-Liang Tan, Razer co-founder, CEO and creative director. “I ask for patience from Razer fans as we work to meet this insane demand and increase the availability throughout North America; the experience will be worth it. When creating the Razer Ouroboros, our goal was to design an all-in-one, ultra-performance product. We achieved that by giving gamers complete control to configure the mouse, from how it will perform in-game to its customizable form factor, ensuring it comfortably fits to specific users. The international media recognized its merits; now, our loyal fans in North America will get that opportunity as well.”

The Razer Ouroboros employs a cutting-edge 8200 dpi 4G laser sensor capable of accurately calibrating the mouse to any surface. This provides improved tracking responsiveness and allows users to customize lift-off tracking, creating precision control.

With wireless capabilities, the Razer Ouroboros features 1000 Hz Ultrapolling between mouse and computer, ensuring that a user’s actuations are instantly translated in a game. In its wireless mode, the Razer Ouroboros is powered by a single rechargeable AA battery capable of at least 12 hours of continuous gaming.

About the Razer Ouroboros:

The Razer Ouroboros gaming mouse is designed for both right- and left-handed gamers looking for total control over every feature on their mice. The Razer Ouroboros lets players configure various ergonomics components, – from its adjustable arched palm rest to its retractable back panel and interchangeable side grips – to get the best fit for their own hands, regardless of shape, size or grip-style. This ensures users can game for hours on end in complete comfort while minimizing fatigue. 

Razer’s latest 8200 dpi 4G laser sensor powers this mouse, for ultra-precise tracking with its surface calibration and lift-off tracking features.  Its dual wired/wireless capability guarantees gaming-grade performance of 1000 Hz Ultrapolling in either mode. While wireless, the Razer Ouroboros is powered by a single AA battery that promises a minimum of 12 hours of continuous gaming.

To learn more about the Razer Ouroboros, please visit www.razerzone.com/ouroboros.

Price: US$149.99

More info can be found here

Product features:

• Customizable ergonomics to fit all hand sizes and grip-styles
• 8200 dpi 4G laser sensor
• Gaming-grade wireless technology with dock
• Razer Synapse 2.0 enabled
• 11 programmable Hyperesponse buttons
• 1000 Hz Ultrapolling
• Up to 200 in per sec. / 50 g acceleration
• Runs wirelessly on a rechargeable AA battery
• Battery life: (Approx) 12 hours continuous gaming
• Approximate size and weight:
o Length: 122 mm (at shortest length) - 134mm (at longest length) / 4.80 in. - 5.28 in.
o Width: 65 mm / 2.6 in.(with Finger grip panels)
o Height: 39 mm / 1.5 in.
o Weight: 135 g / 0.3 lbs. (with battery)

Read More

Kepler Prime Mission is over.

Artist's impression of the Kepler telescope.

The Exo-planet hunting days may be over for NASA’s Kepler space telescope. Kepler was crippled earlier this year when a second of its four reaction wheels failed. Kepler relies on these reaction wheels to maintain its orientation in space. Without these reaction wheels Kepler won’t be able to lock on to subject stars with the absolute precision needed to monitor the dip in brightness as a planet passes in front of it.

 Although Kepler is equipped with thrusters, they just do not have the performance required to do its job.  Mission Engineers did get the two wheels running again but they are unable to function properly due to friction.  Repairs are out of the question as Kepler does not orbit the earth as does the Hubble space telescope, Kepler orbits the sun and simply cannot be reached by current manned spacecraft. Even if it did orbit the earth, the space shuttle would have been the preferred if not the only vehicle capable of facilitating a repair mission. Unfortunately the shuttle is no longer in service. So repairs are a definite no go.

With Kepler’s  Prime mission now at an end, Engineers are now trying to figure out what the space telescope is capable of in its crippled state.  Right now there are a few possibilities for Kepler.  It can be used to hunt for near earth objects (NEOs), Comets and even super nova explosions. There is even a possibility that it may still have some planet finding capabilities.  According to mission specialists Kepler could still find large planets by using a technique called gravitational micro lensing.  This is done by monitoring how light from the star is bent by the gravitational field of the planet moving in front of it. There is also the possibility that thruster and the two remaining reaction wheels can be used in concert to regain some functionality.

Kepler to date has discovered 134 confirmed exoplanets in 76 stellar systems along with 3,277 unconfirmed exoplanet candidates.

Read More

Nintendo cuts WiiU price to $299: Will it be enough?

Nintendo announced today that it is cutting the price of the deluxe model Wii U to $299.99 for the holiday season. That’s a $50 price cut. This comes as no surprise as the Wii U hasn’t been exactly lighting the sales charts on fire. The system has sold 3.6 million units since it launched back in fall 2012 and that may sound like a pretty good haul but trust me……..it isn’t. In fact, Nintendo only managed to sell 160,000 units globally in the past 3 months! Because of the systems poor sales figures, it’s no wonder why third party publishers are shying away, some completely abandoning the console all together. 

The Wii U is already at a disadvantage when compared to the upcoming XBOX ONE and PS4 in terms of raw graphical power. It would have been pretty difficult to market the Wii U at its original $350 price when the much more powerful PS4 will be available for only $399. Let’s face people like shiny new things, gamers are no different.

The big N is relying on upcoming titles such as Wind Waker HD, Pikmin 3, The wonderful 101 and Super Smash Bros. WiiU to bolster the systems sales. Add the now official price cut into the mix and this could be the recipe that Nintendo needs to get the Wii U train rolling.

Read More

MSI announces the GeForce GTX 780 LIGHTNING graphics card

Press Release

 MSI, world renowned graphics card and motherboard manufacturer, has officially announced the release of the GeForce GTX 780 LIGHTNING. This product uses the new exclusive Triple Force Architecture and is equipped with a Triple Level signals LED. The card, from the inside out, represents the next revolution thermal design. The combined power of the Twin BIOS and the card's Enhanced Power Design equip gamers and extreme overclockers with the ultimate weapon. This superior performance is accompanied by a 20-phase power design that can unlock the limitless potential of the graphics card. Also featuredis the patented GPU Reactor powered back plate design which filters power supply noise and improves overclocking stability. The MSI GeForce GTX 780 LIGHTNING is built using Military Class 4 components that have passed rigorous certification testing in third party laboratories. With such powerful components, this graphics card is guaranteed to have an impressive service life and excellent overclocking stability. Additionally, the popular 3x3 OC Kits allow for gamers to effectively monitor the status of the graphics card. MSI products are renowned for leading the industry due to the company's innovative R&D, excellent performance, streamlined thermal design, and quality components and software. The MSI GeForce GTX 780 LIGHTNING is once again the most powerful graphics card.

Exclusive Triple Force Architecture – The Ultimate Weapon
The latest generation of MSI's GeForce GTX 780 LIGHTNING uses Triple Force Architecture. Equipped with a Triple Level Signals LED function, TriFrozr Thermal Design with independent fan control system, and Pure Digital PWM control. The Triple Level Signals LED features green, blue, and red lights that represent light, medium and heavy power loads on the device. This ensures that players have complete control over their games or the overclocking process. The innovative TriFrozr Thermal Design with independent fan control far exceeds any traditional or custom cooler's thermal performance and ensures better cooling of the GPU, memory and PWM modules. This iteration of MSI’s exclusive design builds upon the Propeller Blade fans and the Dust Removal Technology of the previous model, alongside seven 8 mm SuperPipes for unrivaled thermal performance. In addition, the Pure Digital PWM control technology provides a more stable and accurate voltage signal than traditional designs. The PWM's reaction time is shorter and helps enthusiasts more achieve a higher stability in the most stressful of environments.

Top Military Class Components and Convenient Overclocking Utility
MSI always emphasizes top quality and stability when pursuing the highest in product performance. When developing products, MSI makes satisfying market demands and expectations its primary goal. The MSI GeForce GTX 780 LIGHTNING introduces the latest Military Class 4 components to the series. The components have gone through rigorous testing by a third-party laboratory to satisfy the MIL-STD-810G standard. Regardless if it is the advantages of the low-temperature, high performance DrMOS 4, the double-sided CopperMOS thermal design, the highly durable and stable tantalum Hi-C Cap cores, the polished surface of the New SFC for added cooling, or the corrosion proof Dark Solid CAP, each aspect of the LIGHTNING ensures the best possible stability.

The 3x3 OC Kits Puts the Information in Your Hands
Designed specifically for overclocking, the 3x3 OC Kits are a must-have for all enthusiasts. The kit allows users to adjust the voltage levels GPU, memory, and PLL through MSI's exclusive Afterburner utility while monitoring GPU, memory, and MOFSET temperatures. V-Check Points also capitalize upon the multi meter measuring of GPU, memory, and PLL voltage levels to give users direct calibration data—a function that guarantees success in the world of extreme overclocking.

Technical Specifications:

• Model name: GTX 780 Lightning
• GPU: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 780 (GK110)
• Base Clock: 980 MHz
• Boost Clock: 1033 MHz
• Memory Clock / Type: 6008 MHz / GDDR5
• Memory Size / Bus Width: 3072 MB / 384 bit
• Thermal Design: MSI TriFrozr (2x9cm, 1x8cm)
• GPU Reactor: Yes
• Average Power ConsumptionLoad: 250W
• Card Dimensions: 295 x 128.6 x 51.35 mm

MSRP (US): $749.99.

For more information about the GTX 780 Lightning, please visit: 
http://event.msi.com/vga/lightning/

Read More

Leaky Space suit tested: Found to still have leaks.

ISS astronauts Luca Parmitano and Chriss Cassidy ran some more diagnostic tests today on the faulty space suit that Luca was wearing during his second Spacewalk. Turns out the suit still leaks as the crew was able to recreate the problem by powering up the suit. The cause of the problem is still under investigation as both engineers on the ground and the astronauts aboard the ISS try to figure out the source of the issue. The ISS crew will disassemble the suit so that key components can be returned to earth for further analysis. 

Source: NASA

Read More

PC version of Watch Dogs getting nVidia exclusive graphical treatment.

The green team (that's Nvidia if you didn't know) announced today that they will be teaming up with French publisher Ubisoft to spruce up their upcoming AAA PC lineup. This includes Watch Dogs, one of the most anticipated games of this year! Nvidia hasn't given us any details as to what features we should expect as yet but I can safely bet that PhysX will be included in the feature set. Nvidia has stated on their blog that they will release specific details on the exclusive enhancements for Watch Dogs in the coming months, so stay tuned. 

For now check out some gameplay footage from this years E3.

Source: Nvidia, Ubisoft

Read More

Lenovo, Huawei and ZTE looking to purchase HTC

Struggling Taiwanese company HTC could find itself under new management in the near future, as Lenovo, Huawei, and ZTE all are looking into the possibility of acquiring the company. HTC still makes some of the best, if not the best android hardware out their including the amazing HTC ONE that was released earlier this year. Unfortunately, the ONE doesn’t seem to be enough to lift HTC out of the hole it has sunk into over the past few years. Looking on, it’s hard to believe that HTC was once the king of the android hill. HTC was the first to use the Android OS heck they built the first Android phone, the G1! Don’t forget the original Nexus and the now legendary HD2(well legendary to us geeks anyways). That run at the top was short lived however, as apple and the “steam roller” that is the Samsung Galaxy brand um….steamrolled the Taiwanese company’s market share. In 2011 HTC commanded 28 percent of the smartphone market, now that’s down to only 2.8 percent. Ouch!

Chinese manufactures on the other hand have been growing by leaps and bounds saturating the Chinese market with more affordable products. The thing is they don’t have the global brand recognition that a company like HTC has, so an acquisition of HTC would be just what they need to push their product on an international scale. 

Read More

Battlefield 4 "Levolution" Trailer

DICE already gave us a peak at the levels of utter destruction possible during a multiplayer match. Now we get a glimpse at what DICE is calling, wait for it…….”Levolution”! Weather will change dynamically as the match progresses, forcing you to change tactics so as to adapt to current conditions. Then there are the game changing events like breaching a dam, flooding an entire section of a map. Or taking out an entire skyscraper!  These aren’t just fancy demonstrations of what the Frostbite 3 Engine is capable of(well maybe) these events will quite literally change the layout of each map. It seems like everything’s out to give you a bad day, not just your opponents. Imagine sneaking up on an enemy taking cover near a car only to have the alarm of said car go off as you approach it, completely blowing your cover! Yep bad day!

Read More

G.SKILL Announces Ripjaws Series High Performance DDR3 SO-DIMM Memory

Press Release

Taipei, Taiwan 19th August, 2013 G.SKILL International Co. Ltd., the leading high performance memory designer and manufacturer, adds a brand new DDR3 SO-DIMM Series to its product line, named “G.SKILL Ripjaws DDR3 SO-DIMM Memory”.

First-Class Quality

Besides using only highly selected components, every G.SKILL Ripjaws SO-DIMM memory kit is 100% validated with G.SKILL rigorous burn-in tests. It ensures every Ripjaws SO-DIMM kit delivers perfect stability, performance, and quality for your notebook and PC.

1.35V Low Voltage

Requiring only 1.35V, the G.SKILL low voltage SO-DIMM memory kit consumes less power and generates less heat than typical SO-DIMM. It is the perfect memory solution to extend your laptop's battery life and lower operating temperature for enhanced stability.

For 3rd & 4th Gen Intel Core Processor

G.SKILL Ripjaws 1.35V SO-DIMM kits are compatible with laptops & PCs equipped with Intel 3rd & 4th Generation Intel Core processors that support 1.35V DDR3 SO-DIMM memory.

Available Specifications

Lifetime Warranty

All G.SKILL memory products come with a lifetime warranty and the G.SKILL technical team is always ready to provide consumers with complete technical support via online forums, telephone and email.

Read More

Seasonic introduces 1U/2U Redundant Power Supply

Press Release

Seasonic Electronics, a leading manufacturer of high quality power supplies for the past 37 years, announces the availability of 1U/2U Redundant Power Supplies.
These 650W 1U and 2U and 750W 2U Redundant power supplies are 80 PLUS® Gold certified  and feature PMBus support. 
Their competitive pricing ensures a highly attractive professional solution in the entry to mid-range 1U/2U server market segments.

General Specification:
• Input Range: 100 to 240 VAC, +/-10%
• Power Factor: > 0.99 minimum
• Efficiency: ≥92% (Power Module) 
• Hold Up Time: 17ms @ 70% Load
• Short Circuit Protection 
• Over Current Protection 
• Over Voltage Protection
• No Load Operation
• MTBF >100,000 Hours@25℃ 
• Operating Temperature: 0 to 50 ℃ 
• Operating Humidity: 20 to 90 %
• EMI/RFI: CE, FCC class B 
• Safety: UL, TUV, CB

For more information, please visit here

Read More

Western Digital Expands WD Arkeia Network Backup Appliance Line

Press Release

Western Digital (NASDAQ: WDC) company and world leader in digital storage solutions, today announced two ultra-compact backup appliances: the WD Arkeia ™ DA1300 and DA2300, which offer small- and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) all-in-one backup and disaster recovery solutions. 

     “An increasing number of SMBs are seeing the value in appliance-based solutions and WD is focused on delivering smart, simple software bundled with purpose-built hardware to effectively serve this thriving segment,” said Bill Evans, general manager of WD’s SMB business unit. “The new WD Arkeia DA1300 and DA2300 network backup appliances provide a fast, easy-to-use and affordable desktop solution for SMB customers to protect their data within any office environment.”  

WD Arkeia DA1300, DA2300 Features
     Bundled with the award-winning WD Arkeia v10.1 software, these new appliances come with an unlimited numbers of file/folder backup agents on any of over 200 distinct platform types (for example, Windows, Linux®, Mac®, AIX®, HP-UX, Solaris®, Novell®, BSD)  The software also offers optional specialized agents for hot backups of important applications and databases. WD Arkeia uses an advanced, patented technology called Progressive Deduplication™ that reduces storage volume and delivers faster backups. The new WD Arkeia DA1300 and DA2300 backup appliances integrate the Intel® Atom™ dual-core processor and the Intel® Xeon® processors, respectively.  As with the WD Arkeia’s top-end rack-mounted appliances, the DA2300 uses SSD to maximize backup and data recovery performance.

• Ultra-Compact Form Factor: The new cube designs for both models measure 8.1” x 6.3” x 8.8” and are among the smallest in the industry and can be easily deployed on any desktop.
• Storage Reliability & Capacity: The entry-level DA1300 features WD Red™ NAS hard drives for more affordable NAS storage. The DA2300 features enterprise-class WD Se™ hard drives for maximum data integrity.  Raw storage capacity ranges from 4 TB to 8 TB for the DA1300 and 8 TB to 16 TB for the DA2300.  Both appliances are field upgradable, and disks are configured in RAID-1.
• Increased Backup and Recovery Speed: WD Arkeia’s patented Progressive Deduplication technology accelerates backups by compressing data at source computers before transfer over local area networks (LANs) or wide area networks (WANs).
• Improved Ease of Use: Both the DA1300 and DA2300 are preloaded with version 10.1 of WD Arkeia software, which includes an on-boarding wizard to streamline the appliance setup process.
• Integrated LCD Display: The integrated LCD display communicates status and critical alert information quickly and easily to the user.
• Simplified Tape-free, Offsite Storage: WD Arkeia v10.1 software extends support for hybrid cloud backup capabilities to the full line of WD Arkeia appliances. “Seed and feed” capabilities allow administrators to supplement network replication of backup sets offsite by using USB-connected hard drives to transfer initial and large backup sets and also to size WAN bandwidth for the replication of nightly incremental backups. 
• Limited Warranty & Support: Both appliances bundle one-year Bronze level support which includes a limited hardware warranty,  software updates and technical support.

Pricing and Availability
The WD Arkeia DA1300 will be available in late September, and the DA2300 model will be available later in the Fall. Both appliances will be available through select DMRs and WD-authorized value-added resellers (VARs) in the US, Canada and Europe. Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price, including hardware and software, starts at $3,490 USD for the 4 TB DA1300 model.

Read More

New water block for ASUS DC2 series GeForce® GTX 780 released

Press Release

EK Water Blocks, Ljubljana based premium water cooling gear manufacturer, is proud to introduce a new Full-Cover water block for ASUS DirectCU II series NVIDIA® GeForce® GTX 780 graphics cards.

EK-FC780 GTX DCII water block directly cools the GPU, RAM as well as VRM (voltage regulation module) as water flows directly over these critical areas. This allows the graphics card and it's VRM to remain stable under high overclocks. EK-FC780 GTX DCII water block also features a very high flow design therefore it can be easily used in liquid cooling systems using weaker water pumps.

The top extends over entine lenght of the circuit board (except for the clear acrylic version) and features two pre-drilled slots for LED diodes (acrylic CSQ top versions only). Up to four EK-FC780 GTX DCII series water blocks can be interconnected with EK-FC Terminal or EK-FC Bridge & Link CSQ system - depending on the variant - which allows for hassle-free piping job.

The product comes in three different variants, an aesthetic retention backplate is also available:

Products are readily available for purchase through EK Webshop and Partner Reseller Network.

Made in Slovenia - Europe!

Read More

AMD Presents The Fixer

AMD has a short viral series known as the "Fixer" that has been doing the rounds on YouTube since June. Now they have released part 2. A warning for those nVidia fans that may be watching.....Video cards will be hurt during this video! To quote from AMD's YouTube page, "Sometimes Graphics problems call for graphic solutions. You don't have to get your hands dirty. We know a guy"

Source:AMD

Read More

LG announces the world's first 2560 x 1440 smartphone display

Press Release

LG Display, a leading innovator of display technologies, announced today that it has developed the world’s first Quad HD AH-IPS LCD panel for smartphones. At 2560X1440 with 538ppi, the new 5.5-inch Quad HD panel is the highest resolution and ppi (pixel per inch) mobile panel to date, and provides a glimpse at what’s next after current Full HD smartphone panels, critical given the growing trend towards larger displays.

“LG Display, which pioneered the high resolution mobile market with introduction of the world’s first Full HD smartphone panel in 2012, again opens new possibilities with the successful application of QHD technology,” said Dr. Byeong-koo Kim, Vice President and Head of LG Display’s IT and Mobile Development Group. “With this breakthrough, LG Display will continue to raise new standards for mobile resolution and lead the mobile display market.”

LG Display’s Quad HD panel for smartphones realizes clearer images with 4 times more pixels than HD at 1,280X720, thereby reproducing more delicate colors as well as improving contrast and vividness when compared to current mobile displays. This advancement will enable consumers to fully enjoy more life-like and crisp images, and even Blu-ray equivalent video, on their smartphones. The panel also features the highest ppi among current mobile device displays.

In addition, the new Quad HD panel will enable users to enjoy a full view of PC-version web pages at a single glance without image distortion; a contrast to current Full HD displays which only realize 3/4th of a full screen. Also, even when enlarging the screen, users will be able to enjoy undistorted and sharper text.

Only 1.21mm thin with a 1.2mm bezel measured in LCD modules (LCM), LG Display’s new Quad HD panel is both the world’s slimmest and narrowest panel, with 12% reduced thickness compared to the company’s 5.2-inch Full HD panel released last month. Based on Low Temperature Poly-Silicon (LTPS) substrate, the panel also realizes superior brightness of 430nit with improved transmittance and larger aperture opening size.

LTPS-based smartphone displays are expected to record 765 million units in shipments next year according to research firm DisplaySearch, as displays with larger screens, higher resolution, and less power consumption prove key to competitiveness in the premium model segment.


Source: LG

Read More

Creative Introduces SoundBlaster Tactic3d Fury Gaming Headset

Press Release

Creative Technology Ltd today announced theSound Blaster® Tactic3D® Fury gaming headset for PC and Mac, featuring SBX Pro Studio™ audio technologies. Priced at only SGD89, the Sound Blaster Tactic3D Fury will be demonstrated for the first time at Gamescom in Cologne, Germany from August 21 to 25 at the Creative exhibit at Hall 9.1, B-042.

The Sound Blaster Tactic3D Fury gaming headset introduces a sleek new design to the Tactic3D headset family. The headset connects to a Mac or PC via USB with the Dual Mode™ USB adapter, and features a 3.5mm jack to enable connection to a mobile phone for calls and music playback. The included Sound Blaster Tactic3D Control Panel software suite enables gamers to customise settings to provide the most immersive and accurate 3D acoustic environment. It also enables saving of specific audio profiles which gamers can export and share with others. Proprietary Scout Mode technology empowers gamers to hear enemies from further away for a distinct tactical advantage. Powerful 40mm Full Spectrum drivers with frequency response of 20Hz ~ 20kHz deliver best-in-class audio quality.

"Riding on the positive momentum of our Sound Blaster Tactic3D range of gaming headsets, we designed the Sound Blaster Tactic3D Fury with a sleeker, even more comfortable ear cup design than the headsets that inspired it. With this great-looking, comfortable design and our completely customisable suite of sound and voice technologies, we're unleashing the Fury as the best combination of gaming performance and value for the mass market," said Low Long Chye, General Manager of Audio at Creative.

The Sound Blaster Tactic3D Fury gaming headset features breathable foam ear cups for extreme comfort and elimination of fatigue for long gaming sessions. With its detachable noise-cancelling microphone, the Sound Blaster Tactic3D Fury headset is also great for listening to music and movies from a Mac, PC, or smart devices.

• SBX Surround - Creates unprecedented levels of audio realism by producing virtual speakers around, above and below the listener
• SBX Crystalizer™ - Ensures that every audio detail is heard by restoring the “highs” and “lows” that are compromised with audio compression
• SBX Bass - Dramatically improves the sound experience by expanding the low frequency tones
• SBX Dialog Plus - Intelligently enhances voices in games and moves for dramatically clearer dialog
• SBX Smart Volume - Address the problem of abrupt volume level changes in games by intelligently applying gain and attenuation to deliver consistent volume levels
• Scout Mode - Hear your enemies from further away and gain a distinct tactical advantage in combat
• VoiceFX - Enables alteration of voice with a variety of effects, which can enhance the tone of a voice, create interesting accents, or enable someone to sound like a different person
• Sound Blaster Tactic3D Control Panel - Save and share multiple TacticProfile audio preferences with your friends and teammates

Pricing and Availability
The Sound Blaster Tactic3D Fury gaming headset, priced at US$59.99, is slated for availability in October 2013.

Read More

Red Harbinger Cross PC Desk available to pre-order

Click to enlarge

Look at me and tell me that this isn't the sweetest thing you have ever seen in your life! Ok maybe not in your life, but still the sweetest computing tech you have seen all day right!? What you see before you is the brain child of bit-tech.net forum member Peter Brands. Dubbed the Cross, this thing of beauty is successor to Peter’s award winning L3p D3sk Silent work station, a mod that won him bit-tech’s Mod of the year title. After winning the award Peter and six others set out to bring his creation to the masses. The Cross is the result of their efforts.  The Cross consists of a powder-coated metal desk with space for a two PC config. Machined ventilation grills on either side provide the desk/chassis hybrid with adequate air flow. Also you have space for a ton of drives and other components. Topping it all off is a scratch resistant glass allowing you to see all your computing bits and pieces happily crunching away at data.

So you’re probably wondering about the price of all this win? Well it’s going to set you back US$1,699, potential customer in Europe are going to have to pay an additional $390 for shipping for a total of US$2,089. 

Click to enlarge

Click to enlarge

Click to enlarge

Specs

Material:	Steel and Aluminum, Powder Coated
PSU Mount:	1 standard
Max PSU Mounts:	2*
Motherboard Compatibility:	mITX, ITX, mATX, ATX, E-ATX†, XL-ATX†, SSI-EEB†, HPTX†
Standard Expansion Slots:	8, 10†
Maximum Expansion Slots:	8+8*, 10†+8*
5.25” Drive Bays:	4 (2×2)
3.5” Drive Locations:	8 (left side) + 12 (right side)
2.5” Drive Locations:	6 (right side) + 12 (center, hidden)
Glass Type:	Scratch Resistant, Tempered with Frosted Border, 10mm
Front Ports:	USB 3.0 x 2, Audio, Mic, 22mm Power and Switch x 2
Max Front Ports:	USB 3.0 x 4, Audio x 2, Mic x 2, 22mm Power and Switch x 4*
Cooling Fan Locations:	120mm x 3 (left), 120mm x 3 (right), 120mm x 8 (back)
Radiator capacity:	2 x 480 mm rad (back), 1 x 360 (right), 1 x 360 (left)
Physical Dimensions (L x W x H):	59.1” x 28.6” x 30.1” (1502mm x 726mm x 765mm)
Package Dimensions (LxWxH):	65″x 33.5″ x 25″ (1650 mm x 850 mm x 635 mm)

*available with the Dual PC upgrade kit       †available with the XL-Motherboard Kit

Source: http://www.redharbinger.com

Read More