| Audio-Technica Debuts Gaming Headsets Posted: 09 Jan 2014 06:27 PM PST  Established audio manufacturer steps into the world of gaming
Audio-Technica, a company that has been around for over 50 years, has unveiled a new line of gaming headsets this week at CES 2014. Known for designing, manufacturing, and selling audio equipment, this is the first time that the company is offering two headsets that will cater to gamers. The ATH-AG1 is a closed-back headset that will retail for $249.95 while the ATH-ADG1 is an open-backed device with a more expensive pricetag of $299.95. Both headsets feature a condenser microphone with 100 degree range of motion, self-adjusting 3D wing-support system, 1 meter cable, 3.5mm gold-plated connector, and a USB adapter with a 2 meter long extension cable. With Audio-Technica's core double air damping system (D.A.D.S), coupled with 53mm drivers, the ATH-AG1 is expected to provide a deep, resonating bass while offering total isolation. Meanwhile, the ATH-ADG1 has been given a honeycomb aluminum casing and 53mm drivers in conjunction with Bobbin-wound CCAW voice coils, providing a high quality of sound and comfort due to its open-air design. The ATH-AG1 is available now for purchase while the ATH-ADG1 is currently not available. |
| CES 2014: Getting Better Acquainted with Razer's Project Christine [Video] Posted: 09 Jan 2014 09:54 AM PST  An in-depth look at Razer's modular PC concept
Easily one of the most unique products being shown off at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) so far is "Project Christine," Razer's modular PC concept. Depending on the level of interest in such a design, Razer says this could turn from a concept build into a shipping product by next year. We wanted to learn more about Project Christine, so Jimmy headed over to Razer's booth for a thorough examination. One of the concerns with a system like this is that the reliance on proprietary parts could make it an expensive proposition for end users. Having to run to Razer each time an upgrade is in order would be a costly hassle, but Razer tells us one of the keys to making this work is lining up third parties. That means users would have a choice when it comes time to, say, swap out the GPU or shove more RAM into the machine. It was also interesting to learn that the system uses a combination of oil, water, and mineral water cooling. The PCI-E backbone of Project Christine gets the mineral water treatment, interlacing through the modules. Since there are no fans, the system runs completely silent. There's plenty more to digest in the following 10 minute video. Give it a look and tell us what you think about Project Christine in the comments section below! Follow Paul on Google+, Twitter, and Facebook |
| CES 2014: Gaming at 12K with Nvidia! [Video] Posted: 09 Jan 2014 08:45 AM PST  PCs win, plain and simple
It doesn't matter if you own an Xbox One, PlayStation 4, or every tablet that was every made -- you still won't be able to match the level of awesome that a PC can accomplish. To prove it, Gordon wandered over to Nvidia's booth where the GPU maker blew onlookers away with a triple monitor setup running at 12K. Yes, that's three 4K Ultra HD monitors, all attached to a monster gaming PC built by Origin PC. Of course, gaming at 12K is by no means affordable. Not only will the triple-monitor setup put a hurt on your wallet (three Asus 4K panels will set you back $2,400), but the Origin PC powering them was configured with four GeForce Titan graphics cards. Wondering why Nvidia and Origin PC didn't opt for four GeForce GTX 780 Ti video cards? We're told it's because the 6GB frame buffer on the Titan cards helps with pushing 1.5 BILLION pixels per second. Enough chatter, check it out for yourselves, and be sure to sit back a ways from your keyboard so you don't soak it in drool: Follow Paul on Google+, Twitter, and Facebook |
| CES 2014: AMD Suite Tour [Video] Posted: 09 Jan 2014 08:26 AM PST  AMD puts its game face on
One way AMD has been able to stay in the game, so to speak, is by focusing on graphics performance. It's been a point of emphasis ever since the chip designer acquired ATI, and especially since the introduction of APUs (Accelerated Processing Units). The emphasis on graphics and gaming in general was on display at CES, where AMD showed off a controller accessory for 10-inch tablets and a Nano PC running FIFA 14. Starting with the tablet accessory, AMD's "Project Discovery" controller is a reference design the company built for third parties. AMD won't market and sell its own controller, but hopes peripheral makers will pick up on the design and run with it. One thing that immediately stands out is how similar it looks to the Razer Edge. One of our issues with the Razer Edge is that it's a bit heavy. AMD feels its Project Discovery accessory is light enough to game comfortably on the couch, though it will be interesting to see what final products by third parties end up looking and feeling like. Here's a closer look: Perhaps more impressive is the Nano PC AMD brought to the show. This remarkably thin device wields a Mullins APU, 2GB of RAM, and 256GB of storage. Though small in size, it seemed to have no trouble running a demo of FIFA 14 at 1080p. Have a look at it, along with AMD's DockPort, which allows you to covert your Windows tablet into a desktop. Follow Paul on Google+, Twitter, and Facebook |
| CES 2014: Oculus Rift Tour [Video] Posted: 09 Jan 2014 08:02 AM PST  Demoing the newest Oculus Rift prototype with positional tracking
Excitement continues to build over Oculus Rift, the virtual reality headset that raised a whopping $2.4 million on Kickstarter. Jimmy had an opportunity to try out the latest prototype, which trades the LED screen for OLED and has an external camera to support positional tracking. In other words, Oculus Rift now looks better and also knows when you're leaning in for a closer look at an object. Jimmy compared the new prototype to the original and noticed right away that the screen door effect is greatly reduced. And while the Oculus Rift team hasn't disclosed what resolution the new prototype runs at, it's clear that it's been upgraded from 720p. Join Jimmy on his virtual tour here: The inclusion of positional tracking is the obvious star of the updated Oculus Rift, but it's also worth noting that text is much easier to read on the sharper display. Jimmy says that text is clear and readable even when moving your head around. Watch Jimmy blast some bad guys in the following video: Follow Paul on Google+, Twitter, and Facebook |
| CES 2014: Enermax Suite Tour [Video] Posted: 09 Jan 2014 07:40 AM PST  Fans, fans, and more fans (and a fanless power supply)
Things can get crazy at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES), but one company that kept its cool is Enermax. We mean that literally, folks. Gordon stopped by Enermax's booth at the show to see what the company brought to show off, and the answer is fans. Lots of fans, some of which lit up and reacted to sound. On the flip side, Enermax also brought with it a fanless power supply that's 80 Plus Platinum certified. Gordon is a confessed LED freak of sorts, and if you are too, you'll get a kick out of this 39-second video of some 30 LED fans spinning and reacting to Swedish House Mafia's "Don't You Worry Child." Check it out: Enermax also had on display its new Twister Pressure fan with a rated airflow of 79.96 CFM at just 1,800 RPM. It only puts out 25 dBA, which is roughly equivalent to a low whisper. Have a look/listen: Lastly, Gordon got a chance to play with the Enermax Digifanless power supply. It's rated at 500W, has no fan, and is 80 Plus Platinum certified. It's also digital so you can track vitals such as wattage and how efficient it's running. In the video, Gordon fires up Furmark with the PSU powering a dual graphics card system. See what happens here: Follow Paul on Google+, Twitter, and Facebook |
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