| Facebook to Acquire Oculus Rift Developer for $2 Billion Posted: 25 Mar 2014 04:11 PM PDT  Social platform and virtual reality combined
Facebook has announced that an agreement has been reached with Oculus VR, Inc to purchase the virtual reality developer for $2 billion. Of the $2 billion being paid, $400 million of it will be in cash and the remainder will amount to 23.1 million shares of Facebook common stock valued at $69.35 per share. "Mobile is the platform of today, and now we're also getting ready for the platforms of tomorrow," Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg says. "Oculus has the chance to create the most social platform ever, and change the way we work, play, and communicate." The upcoming acquisition comes shortly after the Oculus team unveiled its new development kit 2, on pre-order for $350, at the Game Developers Conference. While Oculus VR will now be owned by Facebook, it will maintain its headquarters in Irvine, CA and continue its work on the Oculus Rift. Oculus VR CEO Brendan Iribe also spoke about their acquisition by Facebook saying, "We are excited to work with Mark and the Facebook team to deliver the very best virtual reality platform in the world. We believe virtual reality will be heavily defined by social experiences that connect people in magical, new ways. It is a transformative and disruptive technology, that enables the world to experience the impossible, and it's only just the beginning." The transaction is expected to take place sometime in the second quarter of 2014. Is this a smart business move on Facebook's part and is this a good thing for the Oculus team? Sound off in the comments below! Follow Sean on Google+, Twitter, and Facebook |
| Nvidia Sweetens Shield Console with Android 4.4.2 KitKat, Price Drop to $199 Through April Posted: 25 Mar 2014 12:00 PM PDT  OTA update adds new and enhanced features to Nvidia's Shield handheld
Owners of Nvidia's Shield console are in for a treat. On April 2, Nvidia will begin rolling out an over-the-air (OTA) update that upgrades the device's Android platform to Android 4.4.2 KitKat, though that's not the only feature upgrade. It also adds a bunch of GameStream enhancements, including some beta goodies such as notebook support, Wake on LAN, and remote login support, which will allow users to log into a locked PC remotely from Shield. This is really just the tip of the iceberg. Following the update, you'll be able to use a Bluetooth-enabled keyboard and mouse to play games on your big screen TV in Console Mode. While still on the topic of GameStream, Shield owners will be able to add unofficially supported games to their GameStream list from GeForce Experience, use a USB Y-cable to charge the Shileld when using Ethernet in Console Mode with a micro USB Host OTG Y cable, and manually set the bitrate, FPS, and optimal settings preference in TegraZone. 
There's a new user interface for TegraZone that's intended to help gamers have an easier time organizing and discovering games, as well as give them access to an integrated news feed for the latest Shield and TegraZone articles. To date, there are over 140 games in TegraZone Still on the fence? To give potential buyers a nudge, Nvidia is temporarily dropping the price of Shield to $199 from today through the end of April. Follow Paul on Google+, Twitter, and Facebook |
| GPU Doubletake: Nvidia Launches Dual-GPU GeForce Titan Z for $2,999 Posted: 25 Mar 2014 10:25 AM PDT  This dual-GPU monster wields 5,760 CUDA cores and 12GB of memory
If you were hoping Nvidia would unleash a beast at the GPU Technology Conference (GTC), you certainly won't be disappointed. You might, however, suffer a stroke induced from sticker shock -- totally understandable, given that Nvidia just unveiled the GeForce Titan Z for $2,999! Information is coming in fast and furious, but so far it appears the Titan Z is essentially a dual-GPU version of the Titan Black. What that translates into is an insane spec sheet. Covering the basics, the Titan Z is overflowing with 5,760 CUDA cores and 12GB of memory for 8 TeraFLOPS of performance. Don't bother sending emails about typos, those numbers are correct. The big question here is whether potential customers will be willing to drop $2,999 on the GeForce Z. As a point of reference, the single-GPU Titan Black streets for around $1,000 to $1,100. The advantage of the Titan Z is that it's a single card solution, though the luxury of running one card versus two carriers a hefty premium. "If you're in desperate need of a supercomputer that you need to fit under your desk, we have just the card for you," Jen-Hsun stated in a blog post. 
According to Nvidia, the Titan Z is engineered for next-generation 5K and multi-monitor gaming. In addition, the GPU maker says the the card runs cool and quiet, thanks to low-profile components and ducted baseplate channels that reduce turbulence. Is your mind blown yet? If not, we can take care of that -- picture two of these cards running in tandem. BAM. Follow Paul on Google+, Twitter, and Facebook |
| HTC One M8 Rocks a 5-inch Full HD Display, 2.3GHz Quad-Core Processor Posted: 25 Mar 2014 09:38 AM PDT  HTC refreshes its popular One device
Following a raft of online leaks, rumors, and frequent speculation, HTC today officially unveiled its HTC One (M8) smartphone, a powerful followup to its well received HTC One (M7). This is HTC's newest flagship handset and while it retains a metal unibody design, HTC included subtle touches that separate the M8 from the M7, such as a design that tapers to thinner edges and softer corners intended to give users a smooth, more natural grip. The HTC One M8 sports a 5-inch Full HD 1080p display, 2.3GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon 801 quad-core processor, 2GB of RAM, 16GB or 32GB of internal storage, microSD card slot supporting up to 128GB cards, NFC support, 802.11ac Wi-Fi, IR blaster, Bluetooth, 4G LTE, 2,600 mAh battery good for up to 20 hours of 3G talk time or up to 496 hours of standby, and Android 4.4 KitKat. One thing HTC is really highlighting with the release is the handset's "Duo Camera" featuring the company's UltraPixel module. It incorporates a depth sensor in addition to the UltraPixel module to give users more effects to play with. As for megapixel count, HTC isn't saying on the rear (the front is 5-megapixels), but did point out that the UltraPixel module boasts 2.0 um pixels and a 1/3-inch sensor, shooting at f/2.0 with a 28mm lens. There's also a dual-LED flash. The HTC One M8 is available starting today; developer editions will be available April 10 for $650 MSRP. Follow Paul on Google+, Twitter, and Facebook |
| MSI's GS Series Laptops Shed the Bulk, Deliver the Gaming Goods Posted: 25 Mar 2014 09:30 AM PDT  Portable gaming muscle without the bulk
MSI just took a steamroller to its gaming laptop division and the result is a new series of notebooks that pack a punch in a small frame. In fact, we'd forgive MSI if it decided to call its new laptops the Bruce Lee line, though instead it with "GS Series," which consists of a pair of 15.6-inch GS60 Ghost laptops and a 17.3-inch GS70 Stealth notebook, all equipped with gaming hardware and each one less than an inch thick. "The GS60 Ghost and GS70 Stealth answers portable gaming prayers by packing smoking speeds and deadly graphics into featherlike notebooks," said Andy Tung, CEO for MSI Pan America." Nvidia's GeForce GTX 800M Series graphics gives the GS Series incredible graphics processing ability, translating into an ultra-realistic and immersive gaming experience." Marketing hyberbole aside, these are some impressive looking laptops. There are three models available, starting with the GS60 Ghost-007. It rings in at $1,700 MSRP and includes a 15.6-inch Full HD 1080p display, Intel Core i7 4700HQ processor, 12GB of DDR3L-1600 RAM, Nvidia GeForce GTX 860M graphics, 128GB mSATA SSD, 750GB hard drive (7200 RPM), SD card reader, Killer Gaming Network LAN, Bluetooth 4.0, 802.11ac Wi-Fi, Dynaudio Tech speakers (2.1 sound), three USB 3.0 ports, mini DisplayPort, HDMI output, 720 HD webcam, SteelSeries full-color backlit keyboard, 6-cell battery, and Windows 8.1. It measures 15.35 inches (W) by 10.47 inches (D) by 0.78 inches (H) and weighs 4.32 pounds. 
For $100 more, the GS60 Ghost-003 upgrades the RAM to 16GB and bumps up the hard drive to 1TB. Those are the same upgrades included in the GS70 Stealth Pro-024 at the $1,900 price point, plus a 17.3-inch Full HD non-reflective display and Nvidia GeForce GTX 870M graphics. This one measures 16.47 inches (W) by 11.29 inches (D) by 0.85 inches (H) an weighs 5.37 pounds. All three configurations utilize a dual-fan thermal cooling solution to keep things cool and quiet. They also come with gold-flashed audio ports, 4K display support, and an aggressive design. Follow Paul on Google+, Twitter, and Facebook |
| Puget Systems Offers Free Service on New PCs to Make Windows 8 Look and Feel Like Windows 7 Posted: 25 Mar 2014 08:00 AM PDT  For when you want Windows 8, but not really
Here we are more than a year after the release of Windows 8 and it still remains a hot topic. The points of consternation among its critics are that Microsoft overhauled the user interface with a focus on touch computing, and then added insult to injury by removing the Start button and Start menu (the Start button has since returned, but without the handy menu). Nevertheless, it's a faster and more secure operating system than Windows 7. What's a user to do? Well, if you're buying a rig from boutique builder Puget Systems, you can have the company give Windows 8 a makeover so that it essentially feels like Windows 7. The new service is called "Windows 8 Makeover: Emulate Windows 7" and it's a free as a courtesy install on new system orders. It includes a handful of tweaks that you can apply yourself, but for less savvy users, this is a neat option that starts with installing Classic Shell, a utility that brings back the Start menu and prompts the system to boot directly into the desktop. Beyond the installation of Classic Shell, Puget Systems will configure desktop programs to be the default over Windows 8 apps where possible (Windows Photo Viewer, Windows Media Player, etc.). And finally, the Charms bar is disabled, as Puget Systems says it's an unnecessary feature with the added functionality of the Classi Shell Start menu. Is a service like this even necessary? Puget Systems says the adoption of Windows 8 from its customers is "very weak" and even slower than it was with Vista. At the same time, the boutique builder recognizes there are some distinct advantages to running Windows 8, one of them being a longer support windows from Microsoft. You can read more of the company's reasoning in a blog post by its founder, Jon Bach. Follow Paul on Google+, Twitter, and Facebook |
| Newegg Daily Deals: WD Black Series 3TB Hard Drive, NZXT Phantom White Case, and More! Posted: 25 Mar 2014 07:00 AM PDT |
| Redesigned Das Keyboard Gets an Oversized Volume Knob, USB 3.0 Hub Posted: 25 Mar 2014 06:05 AM PDT  An old favorite returns with several upgrades
We've been fans of Metadot's Das Keyboard models ever since the first one debuted back in 2005. These mechanical keyboards started off as a sort of throwback to the clicky IBM Model M planks from a million years ago, though one unique feature of the Das Keyboard is that you could get a version with unlabeled keys for added geek points. There have been a few different iterations through the years, and now there's a new model -- the Das Keyboard 4, which Metadot says is the most significant update to the series since the original. "Das Keyboard 4 is an order-of-magnitude improvement over past generation Das Keyboards," said Daniel Guermeur, creator of the Das Keyboard and CEO of Metadot. "Programmers, Internet surfers, freelancers and others who work 8 to 12 hours a day at their computer know their keyboard is the tool they touch the most, making it the most important tool in their lives. One might as well use the keyboard that provides the best efficiency and enjoyment." New to the Das Keyboard 4 is a large HiFi-inspired volume knob in the upper-right corner. Next to the volume knob are dedicated media controls, as well as an instant sleep button. Other goodies include a new anodized aluminum top panel for added durability, two-port USB 3.0 hub, N-key rollover for faster gaming, a magnetic footbar to incline the keyboard a 4-degree angle (it also pops off and doubles as a ruler), and a 6.6-foot long cable. The Das Keyboard 4 uses German-engineered, gold-plated mechanical switches, and you have the choice between Cherry MX Blue ($169 for the Professional or Ultimate) or Cherry MX Brown ($173 for either version). Find out more on the Das Keyboard 4's product page. Follow Paul on Google+, Twitter, and Facebook |
| Time Warner Edges Out EA in Running for Worst Company in America Posted: 24 Mar 2014 04:40 PM PDT  Consumerist will not award EA with third straight crown
Time Warner Cable has passed Electronic Arts for the title of Worst Company in America in the first round of voting. According to Consumerist, it was only by a slim margin that Time Warner Cable edged past EA by garnering 51.2 percent of the votes in order to proceed onto the next round of the poll. Companies nominated by the readers are put into pairs to be voted on for a few hours, per round, with the tallies posted at the end of the day. In this case, Time Warner was paired with EA in the first round of voting. Up until this year, game publisher EA has been voted as the Worst Company in America, for two years straight, due to a series of unpopular business decisions such as in-game micro-transactions and DRM practices. However, issues with recent games such as Battlefield 4 were not enough to keep it in the running. Time Warner Cable, while always having a spot in the WCIA brackets, seems to have incurred consumers' wrath most likely due to the recently announced merger with Comcast. Comcast, which plans to acquire Time Warner Cable for $45.2 billion, also passed through the first round of voting. Other companies that made it into the second round of voting are McDonalds, Koch Industries, Verizon, Monsanto, Walmart, Abercrombie & Fitch, Chase, Bank of America, Ticketmaster, and American Airlines. Could there be a showdown between Time Warner Cable and Comcast for Worst Company in America? Or do you think another company should have that honor? Follow Sean on Google+, Twitter, and Facebook |
| Project Christine Efforts Halted, Lack of Manufacturer Support to Blame Posted: 24 Mar 2014 04:03 PM PDT  Razer has hard time convincing manufacturers to jump on board
Project Christine might never happen due to a lack of third-party involvement, according to Razer CEO Min-Liang Tan. The modular desktop PC, revealed back in January, was supposed to be a way to bring PC gaming to consumers in an easy format without the difficulties and complications of swapping out parts. However, due to a lack of support and interest from manufacturers, it appears that the conceept will never see the light of day. In an interview with Polygon, Tan said he had approached original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) about the innovative concept saying, "I throw it out there to talk to the OEMs about it. That's really the final piece of the puzzle. Everything else has pretty much been done. All they ask about is, 'How much money can I make out of this?' They're not interested in innovation at all." While enthusiasm from OEMs appears to be lacking, Tan was asked why Razer couldn't just build the PC itself to which he replied, "Christine's a bit different because if we went out and built our own modules and platform, we would literally be creating a walled garden, which is something that we don't want to do. It's got to be open. It's got to be stuff that you can swap out modules and stuff like that because we won't always have the best." The concept of Project Christine was not to just make PC gaming more affordable, but make it easy to upgrade as well. Its modular design would allow users to quickly, and effortlessly, swap out components such as GPUs and hard drives without any problems because of its PCI-Express backbone. Did you think Project Christine was a good idea? Sound off in the comments below! Maximum PC's Jimmy Thang was able to see a non-working prototype at CES and conducted an in-depth interview. Follow Sean on Google+, Twitter, and Facebook |
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