General Gaming Article |
- Razer Unsheathes Blade 2 Gaming Laptop
- Open Source Era for HP's WebOS Begins Today with Beta Release
- Thermaltake Constructs Armor Revo Gene Case for Mainstream Gamers
- This week's hottest reviews on TechRadar
- Microsoft Reveals First Batch of Xbox Live Games for Windows 8
- Razer Announces Aviation Inspired BlackShark Headset Sans Battlefield 3 Branding
- Google Plus Takes Page from Facebook, Introduces Birthday Reminders
- Dissecting Amazon's Kindle Fire Sales and 22 Percent Market Share Claim
- Dell Unleashes Trio of XPS Windows 8 Devices
| Razer Unsheathes Blade 2 Gaming Laptop Posted: 31 Aug 2012 08:55 PM PDT
Described by Razer CEO Min-Liang Tan as being "insanely powerful," the Blade 2 packs an unnamed (and unannounced) quad-core 3rd Generation Intel Core i7 processor, NVIDIA GeForce GTX 660M graphics with 2GB VRAM, 8GB of 1600MHz DDR3, and a storage combo consisting of a 500GB hard drive and a 64GB SSD. Here are the detailed specs:
At 6.6lbs, the Blade 2 is slightly heavier than its predecessor (6.4lbs), but there is no change where dimensions are concerned. According to the official press release, the Blade 2 will go up for pre-order for $2,499 on September 2 and begin shipping on September 30. "With the new Razer Blade, we set out to design something truly phenomenal with extreme performance for gamers in an ultra-thin form factor," said Min-Liang Tan in a press release. "The design and hardware advancements, combined with our revolutionary user interface, make the new Razer Blade, without doubt, the very best gaming laptop we've ever designed. The Beauty is now the Beast." |
| Open Source Era for HP's WebOS Begins Today with Beta Release Posted: 31 Aug 2012 12:57 PM PDT
The beta release contains 54 webOS components, all available as open source code. It represents more than 450,000 lines of code released under the Apache 2.0 license, "which is one of the most liberal and accepted in the open source community," HP stated in a blog post. There are two environments developers can tap into with today's release. One is a desktop build, and the second is an OpenEmbedded build, which HP says "provides the ideal environment for porting webOS to new and exciting devices." The latter includes an ARM emulator, and HP said it's actively converging on an OE Core image, which boots to System Manager and the full webOS experience. HP said more updates are forthcoming, along with a final release in September. Follow Paul on Google+, Twitter, and Facebook
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| Thermaltake Constructs Armor Revo Gene Case for Mainstream Gamers Posted: 31 Aug 2012 12:36 PM PDT
Though it's being pimped as a mainstream box, there are some higher end features on the spec sheet. It has SuperSpeed USB 3.0 ports, for example, along with a top-mounted HDD docking station, a really neat feature that's only on a relatively small number of cases. The Armor Revo Gene is "liquid cooling ready," it has lots of cooling potential, and it supports VGA cards up to 315mm long. So, what's the cost? Thermaltake didn't mention it in the press release, but a quick glance around the Web reveals the company plans on selling it for less than £99 (~US$157) in the U.K. in October. We suspect it will go for a little less in the States. |
| This week's hottest reviews on TechRadar Posted: 31 Aug 2012 08:40 AM PDT IFA used to be a home entertainment show but this year it's been dominated by mobile products, Windows 8 ones in particular. It seems if it doesn't run Windows 8 and come with a keyboard dock, it's not worth having at this year's show. The confusing part though has been working out exactly 'what' some of the products actually are. We've seen ultrabooks that detach from keyboards to become tablets and we've seen tablets that attach to keyboards to become notebooks. What's the difference? We'll try and work that out when we get more of them in for the full TechRadar review treatment but in the meantime, here are the best and most exciting reviews and hands-ons we've written this past week. Google TV is potentially compelling, but even in the world of regular firmware updates and new apps, is that enough? It's should fetch video from disparate websites and present it in a source-neutral way. Chrome doesn't do that, and nor does a motley collection of mostly smartphone-centric Google Play apps help in that mission. So is it better than the cheaper options, Apple TV or an Xbox 360? Hardware-wise, absolutely not - and the software is not as impressive, either - though with a friendlier, far more streamlined remote and a growing list of apps on Google Play there could be a future. A great browser it might have, but even a clever Chrome can't locate enough compelling answers to the key question about Google TV; what's it for? Hands on: Asus Vivo Tab review Asus has fired its off its opening salvo of Windows 8 tablets with a new range of 'Transformer' style devices dubbed the Asus Vivo Tab. Like the Asus Transformer Pad range, the Vivo is a tablet-cum-laptop hybrid where a tablet device docks into a keyboard base-station to become a netbook-sized laptop. Those who are as concerned with etymology as we are will be interested to know that Vivo comes from the Latin verb meaning 'to live', so it's just as well Asus is touting this as a device for both work and play. Build quality is exceptional, and we prefer the solid keyboard dock to that of the Asus Transformer Prime. It felt solid, and our impression was that the keys had a tad more cushioning and refinement than its Android cousin. Hands on: Samsung Galaxy Camera review It's about time we saw a camera from a leading brand running Android and we like the look of the Samsung Galaxy Camera a lot. With the popularity of uploading pictures to Facebook and Twitter using apps like Instagram, it makes a lot of sense to release an Android device that can both take brilliant 16MP snaps and upload them straight to your social networking profiles. The 16-million pixel CMOS sensor inside the camera is a 1/2.3 inch device, the same size as in many compact cameras and considerably bigger than those in the average phone. This should mean that the Galaxy Camera is capable of recording a respectable level of detail with reasonably well controlled noise. Hands on: Samsung Galaxy Note 2 review The speed of the Note 2 is phenomenal. This is, hands down, the best media and internet browsing portable machine we've seen in ages. It's still a bit big to be used as a normal phone – people will still think you're more than slightly odd holding it to your face – but for texting, browsing, emailing, watching movies and more, we haven't seen much better than this. We'll reserve proper judgement obviously until the price emerges – if it's anything like the first Note, we're in for a high-priced shock. However, get this to the £30 mark and, coupled with some serious marketing again from Samsung, we should have a winner on our hands. This phone is set to sit above the Desire C, but below the HTC One V, in the range of products from the Taiwanese manufacturer. And while we predictably couldn't get HTC to confirm it, the Desire X could come in for just £15-£20 a month on contract, or £180-£200 on pay as you go deals. This would be a real howitzer of a handset to throw at that segment, as while the HTC name doesn't command the same level of fervour among smartphone users, those wanting to stick with the Desire name will love the idea of halving their bills. The HTC Desire X release date is set for mid-September in the UK, so it won't be long before we get to update this hands on with a full, in-depth review of a possible mid-range marvel. Laptops Hands on: Sony Vaio Duo 11 review Hands on: HP SpectreXT TouchSmart Ultrabook review Hands on: Samsung Ativ Smart PC Pro review Mobile phones Hands on: Sony Xperia T review Hands on: Sony Xperia J review Hands on: Sony Xperia V review Monitors Network adaptors Netgear Powerline Nano 500 review Routers Storage Western Digital Red 2TB review Tablets Hands on: Samsung Galaxy Note 10.1 review Hands on: Archos 101 XS review Hands on: Sony Xperia Tablet S review Hands on: Asus Vivo Tab RT review Hands on: Samsung Ativ Tab review Hands on: Lenovo Ideatab S2110A review Hands on: Samsung Ativ Smart PC review Televisions Hands on: Panasonic 20 inch 4K television review Hands on: Panasonic 104 inch glassless 3D television review Hands on: Panasonic 145-inch 8K Super Hi Vision television review |
| Microsoft Reveals First Batch of Xbox Live Games for Windows 8 Posted: 31 Aug 2012 08:06 AM PDT
Angry Birds and Angry Birds Space are among the 40 titles, as are similar casual games like Cut the Rope. Microsoft said a number of studios are committed to bringing Xbox Live games to Windows 8, including Rovio, Miniclip, Gameloft, ZeptoLab, Glu Mobile, and Halfbrick studios. "Xbox games will be super easy to discover through the Games app that comes with Windows 8 and available through the Windows Store," Microsoft said. "Xbox games for Windows 8 will have Xbox Achievements as well as the ability to take advantage of certain Xbox features such as leaderboards, multiplayer modes, and connecting with friends." You can view a full list of titles on Microsoft's Windows Team blog. Follow Paul on Google+, Twitter, and Facebook
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| Razer Announces Aviation Inspired BlackShark Headset Sans Battlefield 3 Branding Posted: 31 Aug 2012 07:43 AM PDT
This new pair sports the same design, only without the BF3 branding. It has full circumaural ear cups, memory foam ear cushions that are supposed to mold to the shape of your head, and a detachable boom microphone. "Soldiers in intense combat situations need to be fully focused with minimal distractions to take the objectives successfully and come out alive. The same goes for gamers seeking the win – and that's what the Razer BlackShark gaming headset was built to deliver," said Robert Krakoff, president of Razer USA. "When you stop gaming to get out and about, detach the boom microphone and you've got the perfect sound-isolating headphones for your audio on-the-go." The Razer BlackShark will be available to purchase in September for $120 MSRP. Follow Paul on Google+, Twitter, and Facebook
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| Google Plus Takes Page from Facebook, Introduces Birthday Reminders Posted: 31 Aug 2012 07:25 AM PDT
"Everyone deserves a little love on their birthday, so we're making it easier for you and your friends to celebrate on Google. Starting today, you'll see a reminder on Google.com when someone in your circles has a birthday! From there it's easy to share a fun message, photo, or video with the birthday gal or guy," Google announced in a Google+ post. If you'd rather your wise cracking friends didn't know your birthday, and thus skip the age jokes and sarcastic Someecard links, you can adjust your Google+ birthday preferences "to make sure you're sharing with the right people," Google says. To do that, head to https://plus.google.com/up/birthday Follow Paul on Google+, Twitter, and Facebook
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| Dissecting Amazon's Kindle Fire Sales and 22 Percent Market Share Claim Posted: 31 Aug 2012 07:09 AM PDT
Horace Dediu at Asymco crunched the numbers and estimates Amazon must have sold 5 million Kindle Fire tablets in the U.S. He arrived at that number by taking tablet sales claims that Apple and Samsung revealed in recent court filings. "The iPad added up to 16.14 million units (Q4 2011 through Q2 2012) and the Tab was 540,00 units. That makes the iPad and the Tab add up to about 16.7 million units," Dediu explains. "Assuming an additional 1 million units for the other (non-Kindle) total yields an estimate of 22.7 million tablet devices sold in the nine months ending June. Applying the 22 percent claim to that total gives a Kindle sales total of 4.987 million. That's awfully close to a round number of 5 million." It's the best estimate that's out there to date, and if its accurate, Dediu says it's "not an auspicious start for a disruptive product." Due to the device's low price tag, Dediu estimates Amazon lost $40 on each Kindle Fire device it sold (which is probably a high estimation), and with five million units sold, that translates into a $200 million charge. "Did Amazon earn a profit on content sales of $40 on each of those five million units?," Dediu ponders? "The margins on content sold through Amazon are so low that I have a hard time imagining that Fire users are that ravenous in their consumption." It's expected Amazon will launch a second generation Kindle Fire at its press event on September 6, 2012. Follow Paul on Google+, Twitter, and Facebook
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| Dell Unleashes Trio of XPS Windows 8 Devices Posted: 30 Aug 2012 10:54 PM PDT The second day of the ongoing Internationale Funkausstellung (IFA) trade show in Berlin once again belonged to Windows 8. Among the Windows 8 devices showcased on Thursday was a disparate trio of Dell XPS PCs: the Dell XPS 10 Windows RT tablet, the XPS Duo 12 convertible Ultrabook, and the XPS One 27 all-in-one PC.
XPS Duo 12: If you've seen the Dell Inspiron Duo netbook, which was launched in late 2010, then you know where the inspiration for the Duo 12 convertible ultrabook came from. The XPS Duo 12 is equipped with a 12.5-inch full HD display. Thanks to its "flip hinge" design, folding the Duo 12's Corning Gorilla Glass-covered display over its keyboard gives you a Windows 8 tablet. XPS One 27: Like the other two XPS devices unveiled today, the XPS One 27 too is a touchscreen device, albeit a considerably bigger one. Its 27-inch Wide Quad HD Display (2560x1440) is said to deliver "twice the pixel density of any other 27-inch AIO PC." "The Dell XPS 10, XPS Duo 12 and XPS One 27 will be available for sale when Windows 8 is available at the end of October," Dell stated in a press release. "More details on pricing will be announced when available." |
Even though the original only started shipping in late January, gaming peripheral company 
Everyone who purchased one of 
When money's no object, a $300 computer case is totally reasonable. But if you're on a budget, a cheaper enclosure frees up funds that can be better spent on other parts of the build, like a beefier graphics card, faster processor, more RAM, a solid state drive, or whatever. With that in mind, 
For those of you wondering what Xbox Live titles Microsoft will have ready for Windows 8 when it ships to the general public on October 26, 2012, you can stop guessing. The Redmond software giant today unveiled the first wave of titles that will ship for the platform, a total of 40 games, 29 of which are from Microsoft Studios. If you're expecting heavy-hitting titles like Halo, you're going to be disappointed, but if you're more into Angry Birds these days, you'll like what the company has on tap.
If you spend your days dreaming of taking to the skies, Razer's new BlackShark headphones may be the peripheral to keep your head above ground, even if you aren't. The stereo gaming headset was designed to look and feel like the ones worn by attack helicopter pilots, Razer says, and if they look familiar, it's because the gaming peripheral maker already sells a branded pair for Battlefield 3 junkies.
Be honest, do you really have a close relationship with the 500 or 1,000 people in your online social network? Probably not, but Facebook has, for some time now, been reminding you of each one's birthday (optionally), and then it's up to you whether you want to post a message or not. It's a pretty basic feature, and now it's available in Google+. You know, just in case you can't remember the dates for the three people in your circles who actually use the service (we kid, we kid...sort of).
Amazon yesterday 
Dell XPS 10: Recently, Dell was named by Microsoft as one of its few Windows RT launch partners but no device was revealed. If you've been wondering what Dell's maiden Windows RT device is going to look like, the answer is now here in the form of the ARM-based Dell XPS 10, about which we know very little apart from the fact that it has a 10-inch display, long battery life, and a mobile keyboard dock.| You are subscribed to email updates from Maximum PC - News To stop receiving these emails, you may unsubscribe now. | Email delivery powered by Google |
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