MMO and SEO News from Gameforumer.com

MMO and SEO News from Gameforumer.com


Rumor: Microsoft Killing Windows 8 Full Retail Editions

Posted: 15 Jul 2012 05:01 AM PDT

windows 8Microsoft is turning the entire Windows UI on its head with Windows 8, but it sounds like they aren't done rocking the boat just yet.  According to respected Windows journalists Paul Thurrott and Mary Jo Foley, Microsoft is making plans to axe the full retail editions of Windows 8. This could mean the next time you go cruising the boxed software isle at your local Best Buy, the only thing you'll be able to buy are upgrade editions.

In many ways the move makes sense for Microsoft, and represents an important admission for the company. Considering that anyone with a copy of Windows XP or later is eligible to upgrade, why bother offering an overpriced full version at all? System builders will still be able to pick up Windows 8 on the cheap with OEM editions from your favorite e-tailer, and for everyone else, there is an upgrade.

Several news outlets have criticized the move, but we can't help but wonder why. The only noticeable difference between OEM and Retail editions was the flexibility to migrate the OS to new hardware with no activation issues. My retail copy of Windows XP for example must have graced at least 6 different systems over the 10 years I used it. OEM editions expressly prohibit this type of migration in the terms and conditions; however Microsoft has been known to have mercy on people replacing motherboards if you call in.

Will you miss the Retail edition of Windows?

SDCC: Hands-on with the new co-op multi modes of AC III

Posted: 14 Jul 2012 11:07 PM PDT

FG_AUTHORS: Amit Teli

SDCC: Hands-on with the new co-op multi modes of AC III

Assassin's Creed III is looking to be the best Assassin's Creed yet. While the single-player is going to be a strong experience, we've yet to see much of the multiplayer. That was until this week here at San Diego Comic-Con.

I got to go hands-on with two brand new modes, and both were a blast to play. Only Assassin's Creed can make you feel like a total badass as you slam...

SDCC: Taking on Metal Gear Ray in Metal Gear Rising

Posted: 14 Jul 2012 11:06 PM PDT

FG_AUTHORS: Amit Teli

SDCC: Taking on Metal Gear Ray in Metal Gear Rising

Konami gave the press a nice surprise here at Comic-Con by showing us some new content from Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance. It was a very early, pre-alpha look at the boss fight against Metal Gear Ray that we got teased with at the end of the E3 demo. While this will be a pretty major boss fight in the final game, what we got to see was a quick version of the battle.

The point...

DigiTimes: AMD Trinity's Desktop Launch Pushed Back to October

Posted: 14 Jul 2012 11:06 PM PDT

FG_AUTHORS: Amit Teli

DigiTimes: AMD Trinity's Desktop Launch Pushed Back to October So far today, I've talked about Nvidia and Intel -- let's work AMD into the mix. Remember how earlier reports pegged October as the likely release window for the company's next-generation "Vishera"AM3+ CPUs? That month may just prove to busy one for AMD, as a new report claims that the launch of the desktop flavors of the Trinity APU have been pushed back from August to...

PC Sales Remain Flat As The Market Waits For Windows 8?

Posted: 14 Jul 2012 11:01 PM PDT

Windows TabletIntel has launched a new generation of processors, PC markers have released a slew of new machines, and yet nobody is buying them. New data from Gartner and IDC are suggesting that OEM's continue to struggle in the second quarter to sell new machines, even though refreshed designs traditionally help kick start sales. PC makers shipped around 87.1 million PCs this quarter, which when compared to last year's 87.2 million represents a concerning trend for investors who expect constant growth. Both analyst firms have been on the hunt for a reason why, and seem to agree that consumers are waiting for….. Windows 8?

No matter what your opinions are of the new operating system, it's hard to deny it might be possible that consumers are in a wait and see approach this close to the release of a new OS, and will make a decision once the reviews are in. The only OEM who showed any type of growth was Lenovo, with HP, Dell, Acer, and even Apple showing mild to steep declines. Both IDC and Gartner believe that Windows 8, in combination with Ivy Bridge will inspire a new wave of hardware that will help rejuvenate the market in the second half of the year. Considering that Windows 8 won't launch until mid to late October at the earliest, I'd say these are ambitious predictions, but that's why they get paid the big bucks!

"The announcement of a Windows 8 launch date, as well as broader communication of new features in the OS, are key steps that would help to address uncertainty about new product availability and help consumers and channels plan their purchases," IDC's Jay Chou noted. "Though Ultrabook was at first introduced in the market in 2011, the major promotion kicked off toward the end of [2Q 2012] with the Ivy Bridge-based Ultrabook release," Gartner's Mikako Kitagawa said. "This segment is still in an early adopter's stage." Ultrabooks aimed at Windows 8 will often feature touch screens and other features, such as convertible tablet designs, that could further differentiate them from today's products.

Are you waiting on Windows 8 for your next hardware purchase?

AMD Radeon HD 7970, 7950, & 7870 Price Cuts Coming Soon

Posted: 14 Jul 2012 11:01 PM PDT

7970By far the most common question we get asked here at Maximum PC is: "should I upgrade"? The answer to this one is never easy, however AMD just dropped word that should make anyone on the hunt for a new GPU sit up and take notice.  The price of the 7000 series parts are about to see another price cut, and they are finally starting to make a pretty compelling price vs. performance case for themselves vs. Nvidia.

Here is a breakdown of the new pricing. Thanks ago out to Anandtech for compiling the list.

Price

It appears that in addition to the price cuts, AMD will continue to offer their free game promotions while quantities last. This includes "Three for Free" with the HD 7900 series, as well as DiRT Showdown for 7800 and 7700 series cards. According to AMD the 7970 GHz edition will be coming soon from several OEM's, but will maintain the $499 MSRP. Those willing to do a bit of self-overclocking will more than likely have no trouble reaching speeds similar to the GHz edition, and save a bucket of cash in the process.

A $50 price cut on the Radeon HD 7970 is always welcome, however we wonder how long this card will stick around once the GHz edition starts building up inventory as we head into the fall. It's not inconceivable that quantities could be limited on the vanilla 7970, while other cards should be fairly easy to find.

Nexus 7 Tablet Pre-Orders Shipping Now

Posted: 14 Jul 2012 11:01 PM PDT

Nexus 7The Nexus 7 has been met with glowing reviews from those who got pre-release hardware at Google I/O, are those who were quick to put orders in are finally going to get their hands on it. The news comes courtesy of the @googlenexus twitter account, and confirms that all Nexus 7 pre-orders will be shipping out before anyone gets a chance to change their minds.

"We're now shipping Nexus 7 pre-orders. The first wave of orders are going out today and all pre-orders are scheduled to ship within the next 3 business days. Once your order has shipped you will receive a confirmation email and tracking number. Though our agents are unable to provide a specific delivery date for individual pre-orders, please rest assured that our shipping team is working to fulfill all orders as quickly as possible."

Anyone here waiting on their tablet? If so, did you order it from Google?

Cole MacGrath And Jak Invade PlayStation All-Stars

Posted: 14 Jul 2012 11:01 PM PDT

At a panel for PlayStation All-Stars, during Comic Con 2012, Sony debuted two new fighters for PlayStation All-Stars: Infamous’ Cole MacGrath and Jak and Daxter.

It’s not too surprising that Sony would announce superhero inspired Cole MacGrath at Comic Con, and Infamous’ parkour master looks like a very versatile fighter. Cole will feature an array of lighting attacks; we watched him throw lightening grenades, blast other characters with ice spikes, and unleash a devastating tornado. It looks like you will be playing exclusively as the good version of Cole form Infamous 2.

Jak and Daxter, on the other hand, work as a team. They are a very long range team. Jak has access to a range of weapons and will be able to transform into his Light and Dark Jak forms as well. Check out the video below to see these new fighters in action.

(Please visit the site to view this media)

Jak and Daxter

(Please visit the site to view this media)

Cole MacGrath

(Please visit the site to view this media)

Super Replay: Super Metroid – Episode 4

Posted: 14 Jul 2012 11:01 PM PDT

Metroid is one of the most beloved series in gaming, and Super Metroid is a perfect example of everything fans want from Samus. Awesome upgrades, bizarre creatures, and plenty of exploration make this a true classic of the 16-bit era – and a landmark title in video game history. 

Join us as we play through Super Metroid in all its glory. I'm on the controls, Reiner is hosting, Jason is producing, and the other chairs are filled by a rotating series of guest editors. So return to Zebes (Zee-bees? Zeebs? Ze-bess?) with us to take down the space pirates and defeat Mother Brain. 

Episode 4 (Guests: Ben Reeves, Dan Ryckert)
(Please visit the site to view this media) 

Episode 3 (Guests: Bryan Vore, Jeff Marchiafava)
(Please visit the site to view this media) 

Episode 2 (Guests: Ben Reeves, Tim Turi)
(Please visit the site to view this media)

Episode 1 (Guests: Andy McNamara, Dan Ryckert)
(Please visit the site to view this media)

For more Replays and Super Replays, check out our Replay hub.

SDCC: Hands-on with Injustice: Gods Among Us

Posted: 14 Jul 2012 11:01 PM PDT

FG_AUTHORS: Amit Teli

SDCC: Hands-on with Injustice: Gods Among Us

NetherRealm's Injustice: Gods Among Us is the studio's next big fighter and of course it's on display here at Comic-Con, where Nightwing and Cyborg were revealed for the first time. I got a chance to play as Nightwing, who as it turns out is currently Ed Boon's favorite character. I think he's my current favorite too, as his play style makes him the most robust character in...

Total Pageviews

statcounter

View My Stats