General Gaming Article

General Gaming Article


Consumer Version of Oculus Rift Could be Available by Summer 2015

Posted: 11 Sep 2014 05:01 PM PDT

Oculus Rift DK2Oculus Rift will have a limited rollout

Oculus VR has been keeping silent as to when it will release an Oculus Rift model for the consumer. There is certainly a demand for the product which has reached the point where the developer halted distribution of the Oculus Rift DK2 to China due to people re-selling the device for a higher price. However, instead of being gouged in order to own one, customers might be able to purchase the Oculus Rift consumer model in 2015, according to unnamed sources that spoke to TechRadar

The website claims that multiple sources have isaid that Oculus VR is planning to release a finalized version of the Oculus rift "by summer next year." But instead of a regular launch, the developer will release the headset in a limited rollout with one source saying that April 2015 is the release target, though the date could be pushed back to summer. 

While speculation continues as to when consumers will be able to acquire their own Oculus Rift, Oculus VR co-founder Nate Mitchell recently revealed that the potential price for the device will fall between $200 and $400. Another detail about the consumer model came from Oculus co-founder Palmer Luckey, who said that the consumer model will receive a "significant increase" over the DK2's 1080p display and have a refresh rate that will be around 90Hz or higher

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Screenshots of Windows 9 Technical Preview Leak Online

Posted: 11 Sep 2014 11:54 AM PDT

Windows 9 Start MenuThese are the screenshots we've been waiting to see

Yes folks, it looks like the Start Menu is indeed making a long overdue comeback in Windows 9 (codenamed Threshold). A German-language website posted a bunch of screenshots of the Windows 9 Technical Preview that's due out either later this month or in early October, according to previous rumors. One of those screenshots shows the Start Menu as it will appear on the Desktop.

The Start Menu looks similar to the one in Windows 7, but updated with Tiles on the right-hand side. It gives access to all your apps and settings, along with a search field at the bottom and a power button at the top.

According to The Verge, the screenies posted by WinFuture are genuine and reflective of a "very early" build that was sent to close Microsoft partners. With that in mind, the final product is likely to look a little bit different, though you do get a pretty good idea of what to expect from Windows 9.

Windows 9 Screenshot

Other tidbits shown off in the screenshots include a new search icon next to the Start button, a button that appears to be for the virtual desktops feature, Windows 8-style apps hovering on the Desktop, and the rumored notifications center.

Image Credits: WinFuture.de

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Google Extends Buyer Remorse Refund Window for Android Apps to 2 Hours

Posted: 11 Sep 2014 11:19 AM PDT

Google PlayTake your time deciding if you like an Android app or not

You may have noticed that Google's been a bit more lenient with its refund window for Android apps. Unlike Ron Burgundy who was able to immediately regret his decision to jump into the bear exhibit, some of us take a bit longer to evaluate the situation. Officially, Google was giving users 15 minutes to uninstall a purchased app for a refund, though unofficially, it's been a bit longer for at least a month. Now Google has gone and updated its support page to make its two-hour refund window an official policy.

To get a refund for an app you don't like, open the Google Play Store app on your mobile device, touch the Play Store icon and select My Apps, then select the app or game you want to return and look for the Refund option.

"If the two-hour refund window has not yet passed, Open and Refund buttons will be displayed. If a Refund button is not displayed, your purchase is not eligible for a return," Google states on its Return Paid Apps & Games page.

If you're on a PC, you can return an app by visiting Google Play in your web browser. Once there, click the Gear icon, select My Orders, point to the app you want to return and click the Menu icon that appears, select Report a problem, and then use the Refund option.

This only works once per app. So, if you previously downloaded an app you didn't like and already received a refund, if you re-download it at a later date, you won't be able to return it.

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'Internet Slowdown Day' Prompted 2 Million Protest Emails to Congress

Posted: 11 Sep 2014 10:51 AM PDT

Internet Slowdown Day StatisticsYour voice is being heard

The Federal Communications Commission drafted a set of net neutrality rules that didn't sit well with the Internet community at large. In response to the proposed rule changes, which many fear could lead to paid Internet fast lanes if approved, a group of technology companies and activists got together for Internet Slowdown Day, a day of protest in which popular sites were filled with slow loading animations to show what the web would look like if the new rules were abused. As a result of this demonstration, Congress received over 2 million emails from concerned netizens.

That figure is one of several stats posted to BattleForTheNet.com, the online headquarters for the protest that includes companies and firms such as Mozilla, Reddit, Netflix, Foursquare, AVG, and dozens of others. Here are a few other figures to digest:

  • 303,099 calls made
  • 722,364 comments filed to the FCC
  • 4.7 million comments filed since March 1
  • 1.1 million Facebook shares
  • 10,000 sites participated

"The numbers tell the story: People everywhere are using the Internet to save the Internet from phone and cable companies," said Fight for the Future Campaign Director Evan Greer. "We've shown that the best way to fight these powerful special interests in Washington is through mass action by people from outside Washington. The FCC and Congress can no longer dismiss the overwhelming consensus of public support for real Net Neutrality protections."

This isn't the first time the Internet community has come together to protest a government bill related to the web, though it is the largest since the Blackout of 2012 when people stomped out the SOPA and PIPA copyright bills.

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KitKat Now Powers a Quarter of Android Devices

Posted: 11 Sep 2014 08:40 AM PDT

Android KitKatJelly Bean still dominates, but KitKat is on the rise

Android 4.4.x KitKat is now baked into about a quarter of all Android devices nearly a year after it was first released -- KitKat debuted on Google's Nexus 5 handset on October 31, 2013. With 24.5 percent of all Android gadgets running KitKt, the latest release is second only to Jelly Bean and enjoys a larger market share than all previous versions combined (Ice Cream Sandwich, Gingerbread, Froyo, Donut, and Cupcake).

That's according to the Android Developers Dashboard portal. The data contained on the site reflects devices running the latest Google Play Store app and is snapshot of all the devices the visited the store within the past 7 days. In other words, it's not a wholly accurate representation of the landscape, but it is the closest estimate available and is probably not far off when consider that the majority of Android device owners don't root their phones or tablets.

According to CNET, KitKat's share of the Android market sat at 20.9 percent just a month ago, 17.9 percent in July, and 13 percent in June. That means it's been a good summer for KitKat.

However, JellyBean still tops the chart with a dominating 53.8 percent share of the Android market, down just a blip from 54.2 percent in August. It's also worth mentioning that Android L (believed to be Lemon Meringue Pie) is not too far off in the distance.

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Microsoft Bumps OneDrive File Size Limit to 10GB

Posted: 11 Sep 2014 07:12 AM PDT

OneDriveOneDrive's file size limit increases from 2GB to 10GB

In a forum post back in August responding to a user inquiry about OneDrive's low file size limit, Microsoft insisted that the 2GB ceiling wasn't an arbitrary restriction, though conceded it's become obsolete in today's broadband landscape. Microsoft said it was working on increasing the limit, and so it has -- OneDrive now supports file sizes up to 10GB, an 8GB bump over the previous max.

"We're excited to announce that you can now upload files up to 10 GB using the desktop apps for Windows and Mac, all of the mobile apps, and the OneDrive website! We recognized that people not only have more files than they did before, but they have bigger files as well. This is a top feature request we've received and we're excited to deliver it!" Microsoft stated in a blog post.

Business customers are still buried under the old 2GB limit, though Microsoft says it's working on enabling the same increase to 10GB and will offer another update when it's ready.

In the meantime, all users will soon be able to enjoy an improved desktop experience in which Microsoft increased the number of files that can be downloaded or uploaded at any given time on PCs and Macs. According to Microsoft, internal testing of this parallel syncing netted a threefold increase in syncing speed. The feature is being rolled out worldwide within the coming weeks.

Other changes to OneDrive include file sharing from within Windows Explorer and folder uploads via OneDrive.com, both of which Microsoft says were popular feature requests.

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Newegg Daily Deals: Batman Triple Pack (Online Game Codes), Corsair CX600 600W PSU, and More!

Posted: 11 Sep 2014 06:38 AM PDT

Batman Triple Packnewegg logo

Top Deal:

Holy gaming goodness, Batman, what have here? Short and simple, today's top deal is for the Batman Triple Pack (Online Game Codes) for $14 (normally $18 - use coupon code: [EMCPAWP228]). If you've missed out on the Arkham series, now is your chance to get caught up with Arkham Asylum GOTY, Arkham City GOTY, and the prequel Origins. The timing couldn't be any better, either -- the final installment in the series, Batman: Arkham Knight, is set to release June 2, 2015, giving you plenty of time to tackle the triple pack and get up to speed with the series.

Other Deals:

Corsair CX600 600W Power Supply for $55 with free shipping (normally $65 - use coupon code: [EMCPAPA37]; additional $20 Mail-in rebate)

Samsung 840 EVO mSATA 1TB Internal Solid State Drive (SSD) for $400 with free shipping (normally $500 - use coupon code: [EMCPAWP222])

Asus VS248H-P Black 24-inch 2ms LED Monitor for $140 with free shipping (normally $180 - use coupon code: [EMCPAWP224])

Seagate Barracuda  2TB 7200 RPM 3.5-inch Internal Hard Drive for $85 with free shipping (normally $95 - use coupon code: [EMCPAWP226])

MMORPG News

MMORPG News


Elder Scrolls Online: ESO as an eSport?

Posted: 10 Sep 2014 05:46 AM PDT

ESO as an eSport?

I believe Zenimax is testing the waters with a feature being shown only at conventions. Since E3, they've been demonstrating a 4v4v4 system where four players from each faction battle for ownership of a flag placed in the center of the map. This is exactly the type of small scale PvP players have been asking for, except it is lacking one key point, strategy. Whilst this is a great feature and it loads of fun, it is far from ready, at least in my eyes, and I will explain why.

Swordsman: Gilded Wasteland Expansion Announced

Posted: 10 Sep 2014 09:15 AM PDT

Gilded Wasteland Expansion Announced

Perfect World Entertainment has announced the first expansion for Swordsman Online. Called the "Gilded Wasteland", the expansion will take players to an arid zone called Jianghu and to go beyond the Great Wall. The level cap will also increase as will, according to PWE, the leveling curve.

General: Build Your Own Adventure with Hand of Fate

Posted: 09 Sep 2014 10:39 PM PDT

Build Your Own Adventure with Hand of Fate

I saw and played a ton of games at this year's PAX Prime, but the only title that really dug its hooks into me at the show was a completely unexpected gem I found in the indie area called Hand of Fate. In development by Australian studio Defiant Development, Hand of Fate is best described as a tabletop card game come to life mixed in with roguelike elements.

Guild Wars 2: Living Story Picks Up Again on November 4th

Posted: 10 Sep 2014 09:45 AM PDT

Living Story Picks Up Again on November 4th

After yesterday's major Guild Wars 2 update that included a large number of quality of life improvements, ArenaNet has announced today that the Living Story will pick up again with the November 4th update.

WildStar: Omnicore 1 Brings Combat, Puzzles & Lore (Oh My!)

Posted: 08 Sep 2014 05:58 PM PDT

Omnicore 1 Brings Combat, Puzzles & Lore (Oh My!)

The team at Carbine is hard at work bringing some new content to WildStar. We got a sneak peak at some of the projects there and what fans can expect to see in the upcoming releases. With the lore of Nexus finally coming out from behind the curtain, Carbine has some plans for solo content as well as a new high level zone which players can check out. Stephan Frost, who gave us the demo, stressed the boost in solo content which looked and played almost like an RPG.

MMOGaming News

MMOGaming News


New Fairies Crackers and Leon Are About to Make Appearance in League of Angels

Posted:

New Fairies Crackers and Leon Are About to Make Appearance in League of Angels


League of Angels is about to release the new system Fairies Crackers and Leon! Crackers is a combination of magic and nature, and Leon once was a guardian of Aesir is both cute and vain. Let's take a look at our new cute teammates!

Open Beta for Counter-Strike Nexon: Zombies Coming September 23rd

Posted:

Open Beta for Counter-Strike Nexon: Zombies Coming September 23rd


Nexon Europe has announced that the Open Beta for Counter-Strike Nexon: Zombies will begin on 23rd September 2014. Counter-Strike Nexon: Zombies will offer various modes, maps and guns and character options in which to destroy the undead hordes. When the open beta begins, a huge number of modes will be available, including PvP and PvE gameplay.

The Sleeping Prince Hits App Store on September 11

Posted:

The Sleeping Prince Hits App Store on September 11


Signal Studios the developers of Toy Soldiers and Tilting Point shared a brand new teaser trailer for The Sleeping Prince and announced the game's release date of September 11th. And the game will be available only on the App Store. Check out the new teaser here which introduces our hero, Prince Perilous.

New Trailer Teasing Ascension Game Mode of League of Legends

Posted:

New Trailer Teasing Ascension Game Mode of League of Legends


League of Legends has got a new trailer teasing the very latest ascension game mode. Ascension is the latest featured game mode where two teams of five square off to rip the ascension buff away from the ancient ascendant xerath and use its power to conquer the crystal scar!

Dragon Nest Main Characters Cosplay Selection

Posted:

Dragon Nest Main Characters Cosplay Selection


With the animated adventure fantasy movie Dragon Nest: Warrior's Dawn hot showing in the cinema, and these days many cosplayers make some amazing pictures by playing as the main characters in the movie, and I've collect some of them, including hero Lambert, Liya, Argenta, Nerwin and more, check them out.

Firefall's Elemental Destruction Update Coming September 16th

Posted:

Firefall's Elemental Destruction Update Coming September 16th


It's official: The newly revitalized Firefall is due to release its first major update, Elemental Destruction, next week -- on Tuesday, in fact. The patch is bringing new dynamic encounters in addition to abilities and weapons. And if you're a Firefall nut, then today is your day because Red 5 Design Director RudiKazootie has penned an exclusive dev blog discussing in detail the five new dynamic encounters being introduced with the update. Enjoy the full read and new screens below, and keep an eye out for Friday's edition too.

3D Aaction Strategy Fantasy Game Dragon Warlords Is Coming to iOS and Android

Posted:

3D Aaction Strategy Fantasy Game Dragon Warlords Is Coming to iOS and Android


Previously best known for its sim and hidden object games, Game Insight is now using Unity to boost its ambitions with a host of 3D hardcore games in development.One such is 3D action strategy fantasy game Dragon Warlords, which is coming to iOS and Android.

SimCity Buildit is An Upcoming City Builder

Posted:

SimCity Buildit is An Upcoming City Builder


SimCity Buildit has just been revealed for iOS and Android. I say revealed, but I pretty much just told you everything we know about it in ten words. According to our pals at Pocket Gamer France, it's a free to play game, and apparently it's set to enter soft launch sometime next week.

Perfect World 2 New Race/New Maps/ Weapons Preview

Posted:

Perfect World 2 New Race/New Maps/ Weapons Preview


Hello mmositers today we will check the most important news about the Upcoming Expansion for Perfect World 2. At the start we weren't sure is this a new game or an expansion, now I can confirm its an Expansion for the correct Perfect World International called " Perfect World 2. This expansion will bring huge changes, first the game will adopt the Graphic engine from swordsman online

Das Tal Alpha First Look

Posted:

Das Tal Alpha First Look


The game is a new take on our beloved sandbox MMORPG genre, for the first time enabling players to create their own custom server rule sets without having to deal with the legal problems of freeshards and the hacker-infestation of modern survival sandboxes. It features: Open PvP. Full loot. Custom time-boxed worlds. Player settlements and sieges. Resource warfare. Player-driven economy. Fast-paced combat. Flexible character development. No PvP flags. No instancing. No quests. And limited grind.

Continue reading Das Tal Alpha First Look.

League of Angels Review by KradisZ - Prepare Your Party to Battle!

Posted:

League of Angels Review by KradisZ - Prepare Your Party to Battle!


This is my review of League of Angels. I played it for about 3 weeks and dove straight into it to get you this information. Here's a video review of it, it's a bit lengthy but it is sectioned off into the following categories.

Report: Microsoft to Buy Mojang

Posted:

Report: Microsoft to Buy Mojang


Mojang founder Markus "Notch" Persson may have instigated the negotiations with Microsoft, after reaching out to the company several months ago. Many within the games industry and the games press have reacted with surprise at the possibility of Microsoft acquiring Mojang, not least because Persson has been openly critical of the company in the past.

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