General Gaming Article |
- Aero CEO Wants to Shake Up ISPs with No Caps
- Asus 970 Pro Gaming/Aura Mobo Does SLI, Too
- Newegg Daily Deals: HGST Deskstar NAS 6TB HDD, Intel Core i5-6500, and More!
- Vaio Back in Action with New Laptop Models for Businesses
- What Monitor Makers Have Planned for 2016
- Nvidia Releases 361.75 Drivers for Rise of the Tomb Raider, Tom Clancy's The Division
- Technolust: I'm Fulla Schiit
| Aero CEO Wants to Shake Up ISPs with No Caps Posted: 27 Jan 2016 06:25 PM PST Former Aereo CEO Chaitanya "Chet" Kanojia tried to shake up the cable TV industry by transmitting over-the-air network TV signals to Aereo subscribers. That plan eventually failed, and now he's set his sights on the broadband Internet sector by launching a new wireless service that promises speeds of up to one gigabit everywhere. That service is called Starry Internet, and is rolling out in the greater Boston area as a beta starting this summer. The idea behind Starry Internet is to sell equipment directly to consumers that they can install themselves rather than lease the hardware on a monthly basis. The new Internet service is based on millimeter wave active phased array technology and uses the underutilized (freely available) high-frequency spectrum to deliver the wireless broadband signal. To receive this signal, consumers must place a "smart" antenna outside their window, aka the Starry Point receiver, as shown above.. "By using OFDM modulation coupled with MIMO as a foundation, along with active phased array RF front ends, Starry's technological architecture enables it to leverage OFDM radio technology, including MU-MIMO, in a dense architecture across multiple licensed spectrum bands, including ultra-high frequency millimeter waves, to deliver high speed broadband to your home or business through a self-installed home receiver," the company explains. The benefits, according to Starry Internet, is that there will be no data caps and no contracts to sign. The actual wireless broadband signals will be broadcasted by a MetroNode, or what the company calls the Starry Beam beta, which converts an Internet connection into a millimeter-wave signal. This is what is picked up by the Starry Point receiver sticking out the consumer's window. In addition to announcing the Starry Internet service, the company also revealed the Starry Station, a new Wi-Fi hub that connects to the Starry Point and provides the Internet to all of your wired and wireless devices. This too will be sold directly to consumers, and is compatible with Wireless AC devices and older. Outside its triangular shape, the Starry Station's biggest feature is its 3.8" capacitive touchscreen. The spec sheet indicates that the hub also features dual-band, concurrent 4x4:3 MIMO Wireless AC radios, a dual-core processor, a dual-core display processor, 1.5GB of RAM and 8GB of flash storage. There are two Gigabit Ethernet ports (one in, one out), a speaker and a microphone, a proximity sensor, and support for future 802.15 Internet of Things devices. According to the product page, the screen will show the health of each device connection using blue and red orbs: blue for healthy and red for troubled connections. Even more, the larger the orb, the more data the connected device is apparently using. If there's a problem, the hub will supposedly tell how the consumer can resolve the issue. The proximity sensor is used to change the information on the screen when the user approaches, showing things like the Health Score, the Internet speed and so on. The Starry Station seems to have its sights set on Google's OnHub router, another "hub" released last year that aims to make setup and management easy on consumers. While there's no built-in screen on the OnHub, users can access the router's interface using the Google On app for tablets and smartphones. The TP-Link model includes a dual-core processor, 1GB of RAM, 4GB of internal storage, two Ethernet ports and a USB 3.0 port. We spent four weeks with the device, which you can read about right here. As for when the Starry Station will be available, customers can reserve the device for a meaty $350 at Starry.com until February 5. After that, customers can purchase the device directly from the website or pre-order it from Amazon Launchpad. The router doesn't actually ship until March 2016, the company says. |
| Asus 970 Pro Gaming/Aura Mobo Does SLI, Too Posted: 27 Jan 2016 12:23 PM PST AMD gamers looking to build a new system might want to start with the latest release from Asus, the 970 Pro Gaming/Aura ATX motherboard. It's the first board based on the new AMD 970+SB950 chipset and not only supports two-way, quad-GPU CrossFireX configurations, but two-way, quad-GPU Nvidia SLI setups as well. The board even sports Aura RGB lighting, providing your build brilliant color and special effects. The specifications show that the new 970 Pro Gaming/Aura provides four dual-channel DIMM slots for a maximum of 32GB DDR3 memory clocked at 2,133MHz. There are also two PCIe 2.0 x16 slots, two PCIe 2.0 x1 slots, and two standard PCI slots. Storage consists of six SATA 3 ports and one M.2 socket. On the audio front, the board comes packed with the company's proprietary SupremeFX eight-channel audio technology, with 115dB BNR stereo output. Asus says the audio portion of the board features a shielded design including an electromagnetic-interference cover and a voltage-protected 5V power supply. Backing the audio is the Realtek ALC1150 codec and an illuminated red-line shielding. For PC gamers, Asus has tossed in "tournament-level" Intel Gigabit Ethernet, promising fast, lag-free gaming. Added to the mix is Asus's LANGuard capacitors and components for better connections and protection against power surges, and the company's GameFirst technology that allocates more bandwidth to games and prioritizes game-related packets. As for input and output, the board provides an optical S/PDIF-out port on the back panel. There are also two USB 3.1 Type-A ports on the back, two USB 3.0/2.0 ports mid-panel, eight 2.0/1.1 ports on the back, and six USB 2.0/1.1 ports mid-board. There's also an Ethernet port, audio jacks, a PS/2 port. All of this is backed by a corrosion-resistant stainless-steel panel. Asus says the new motherboard provides a dedicated onboard water-pump header, RAMCache technology for quick program loading, the Digi+ voltage-regulator module, durable capacitors, and DRAM Overcurrent Protection with resettable fuses. Also included is a special Sonic Radar II software overlay for quickly pinpointing the origin of sounds heard in-game. The new motherboard is compatible with the latest FX/Phenom II/Athlon II/Sempron 100 processors for the AMD AM3+ socket. Asus hasn't provided pricing or an actual ship date yet. Still, there seems to be a lot of goodness packed into this board, and the support for Nvidia SLI as well as CrossFireX is an added plus PC gamers shouldn't ignore. |
| Newegg Daily Deals: HGST Deskstar NAS 6TB HDD, Intel Core i5-6500, and More! Posted: 27 Jan 2016 10:18 AM PST Top Deal: There was a time when a 1TB drive might have felt super spacious. Not anymore. It's pretty easy to fill such a thing with videos, photos, saved games, and everything else, so why mess around with a smaller size drive? If you're in need of a storage upgrade, check out today's top deal for an HGST Deskstar NAS 6TB 7200 RPM 128MB Cache SATA 6.0Gb/s 3.5-inch High-Performance Hard Drive Retail Kit for $230 with free shipping (normally $270 - use coupon code: [ESCEFGK25]). This drive is built for 24/7 operation and is backed by a 3-year warranty. Other Deals: Asus Desktop Computer AMD FX-Series FX-8310 (3.40 GHz) 8 GB DDR3 2 TB HDD Windows 8.1 64-Bit for $420 with free shipping (normally $430 - use coupon code: [EMCEFGK56]) Intel Core i5-6500 6M Skylake Quad-Core 3.2 GHz LGA 1151 65W Desktop Processor Intel HD Graphics 530 for $193 with free shipping (normally $205 - use coupon code: [EMCEFGK22]) Seagate Expansion 3TB USB 3.0 3.5-inch Desktop External Hard Drive for $80 with free shipping (normally $90 - use coupon code: [EMCEFGK34]) G.Skill Ripjaws X Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800) Desktop Memory for $33 with free shipping (normally $50) |
| Vaio Back in Action with New Laptop Models for Businesses Posted: 27 Jan 2016 09:54 AM PST A familiar faceSony dumped its Vaio PC brand two years ago and hightailed it to mobile, though you could be forgiven for thinking it was still involved in some way. That's because the newest Vaio laptops retain the same overall look as systems that came before them, and of course carry the same branding. Be that as it may, these are new models, starting with the Vaio Z available in both two-in-one convertible and clamshell styles. The flip model weighs 2.96 pounds while the clamshell variant is even lighter at 2.58 pounds. Both are based on Intel's 6th generation 28W Skylake architecture and feature 13.3-inch displays, albeit with different resolution options—1920x1080p or 2560x1440 for the clamshell model and just 2560x1440 for the flip version. The least expensive of the bunch is the Vaio Z Clam VJZ131X0211S. It runs $1,499 and includes an Intel Core i5-6267U processor, 8GB of LPDDR3-1866 RAM, 256GB PCIe-based SSD, 1920x1080 resolution, 802.11ac Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 4.1, SD card slot, two USB 3.0 ports, HDMI output, Windows 10 Home 64-bit, and up to 15.5 hours of battery life. On the opposite end of the spectrum, the highest end configuration is the Vaio Z Flip VJZ13BX011B priced at $2,399. It bumps things up to an Intel Core i7-6567U processor, 16GB of RAM, 512GB of SSD storage, and Windows 10 Pro 64-bit. Battery life on this one is rated at up to 11 hours and 15 minutes. While the Vaio Z models are pitched as flagship machines, the Vaio S is an "all-purpose, durable" laptop, also with a 13.3-inch display (1920x1080 only). "The Vaio S is equipped with a molded magnesium alloy casing that ensures robustness and durability. The casing is further reinforced by adding ribs to the designated points, which also brings improvement to the feel of keyboard and touch pad," Sony says. Pricing for the Vaio S ranges from $1,099 to $1,399, the latter of which boasts an Intel Core i7-6500U processor, 8GB of DDR3L-1600 RAM, 256GB of PCIe-based SSD storage, 802.11ac Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 4.1, three USB 3.0 ports, HDMI and VGA output, SD card slot, and Windows 10 Pro 64-bit. The Vaio Z in flip form will be available to order starting February 8, 2016; all the rest will be available in early March of this year. |
| What Monitor Makers Have Planned for 2016 Posted: 27 Jan 2016 09:17 AM PST Continuing to innovate This is generalizing things a bit, but not that long ago it seemed like the monitor market was stuck in a rut with options limited to low-end models, mid-range offerings, high-quality IPS panels, and the granddaddy of them all, a 30-inch monster with a 2560x1600 resolution. Times have changed. Those options still exist, but they're also surrounded with even more choices, sizes, and technologies. The buzz around 4K seems to have awoken monitor makers, which not only responded with a variety of 4K models, but also fancy technologies like G-Sync and FreeSync, along with curved screens and so on. So, what's in store for 2016? The folks at TFT did some digging at AU Optronics, LG Display, and Samsung to find out (credit to Fudzilla for the heads up). The information from AU Optronics was fairly limited, though it was discovered that it's bringing 30-inch and 35-inch ultra-wide curved panels in the third and second quarters of this year, respectively. Both will be of the VA variety and feature a 3440x1440 resolution with a 144Hz refresh rate, a first for that resolution. "This would push things beyond DP 1.2 bandwidth limitations as we understand it, so this might require the forthcoming DP 1.3 interface to be practical," TFT says. As for LG Display, it's forging ahead with more borderless neo-blade panels. These will be different sizes, among them 23.8 inches, 27 inches, and 31.5 inches. But the biggest treat is its LM375UW1 panel—it's 37.5 inches in size and will offer a 3840x1600 resolution, giving it a 2:4:1 aspect ratio, perfect for watching Blu-ray flicks. Finally, Samsung is planning a 31.5-inch curved display with a 2560x1440 (QHD) resolution and 144Hz refresh rate in the third quarter. While not confirmed, it's believed it will be an SVA panel. Samsung also plans to release 41-inch and 49-inch panels, though it's not known if those will be big size monitors or TVs. What about 8K? Samsung's on it with a 31.5-inch 8K4K (7680x4320) resolution monitor planned for the third quarter. |
| Nvidia Releases 361.75 Drivers for Rise of the Tomb Raider, Tom Clancy's The Division Posted: 27 Jan 2016 08:46 AM PST Lara Croft approved this message Attention Nvidia GeForce GPU owners, there's a new Game Ready driver available to download, one that's intended to deliver the best possible gaming experience for Rise of the Tomb Raider and the beta for Tom Clancy's The Division. It's a minor update with optimizations for both of the aforementioned titles, plus a few other goodies thrown into the mix. One of them is beta support for GeForce GTX graphics over Thunderbolt 3, as seen with Razer's external Core accessory. With the latest driver, Nvidia adds official support for all GeForce GTX 900 series graphics cards, plus the Titan X, GeForce GTX 750, and GeForce GTX 750 Ti. The new 361.75 driver release also adds or updates the following SLI profiles:
That's about the extent of the driver release. Rise of the Tomb Raider releases to PC tomorrow, as is the beginning of the closed beta for Tom Clancy's The Division. Barring any delays, the latter will be available in finished form to all PC players on March 8, 2016 (and also for PlayStation 4 and Xbox One). |
| Posted: 27 Jan 2016 12:00 AM PST This Schiit's great!If you haven't gathered by now, I'm somewhat of an audio enthusiast. Notice I didn't use the word "audiophile." That's because the term's now being thrown around like a Frisbee. No one even knows what it really means anymore, other than "Hey, my stuff's expensive." This is an unfortunate situation, and the world of high-end audio is full of hyperbole and snake oil, which doesn't lend itself credibility. I've seen things as ridiculous as a $3,500 1m long "audio" USB cable. Apparently, the cable also opens up mini worm holes for you to travel into another universe. Well, we plan to review audio gear here without all the BS. It's also rare that I'm featuring just one company in a single Technolust piece, but the case with Schiit is that it's a company that's been making really good audio gear without the crazy hyperbole-induced prices. Right now I can think of two companies that make audio electronics without snake oil: Oppo and Schiit. If you've been to Schiit's website, it's pretty tongue-in-cheek about the company name. Just look at the Amazon description for its "USB Decrapifier":  Schiit YggdrasilThe "Yggy" from Schiit is possibly the best high-end DAC for the money. Unlike essentially every other DAC on the market, the Yggy doesn't use delta-sigma digital-to-analog converters. What is a delta-sigma DAC? In short, delta-sigma converters take samples of the changes in an analog voltage (signal), and covert them into pulses. The pulses are then matched to the voltages, and is an approximation of the voltage changes. Delta-sigma modulation introduces errors, because the modulation can never completely represent the original analog signal, since voltage changes are infinitesimal. Delta-Sigma DACs are popular because they're easy to design for, but to go truly accurate, you don't use Delta-Sigma DACs.  The Yggdrasil from Schiit throws out the Delta-Sigma for a "multi-bit" design—the same technology used in medical MRI imaging machines. Utilizing Analog Devices' AD5791 DAC, the Yggdrasil boasts the world's most accurate DAC at a true 1ppm (parts per million) resolution. The drawback? Complex engineering and design skills are required to design products around the AD5791.  This is where Schiit engineers show their audio engineering prowess. The other killer feature? Yggy retains the original samples from the incoming analog signal. Other DACs get rid of the original samples in place of fully interpolated samples. Lastly, one very desirable feature is the end-to-end balanced design of the Yggy. XLR in, XLR out. This helps shed any interference over the cable runs. Of course, you'll need speakers that have XLR inputs, which you'll have if you're considering studio monitors. So, what can the Schiit Yggdrasil do for me that I can't do now?Right now I'm using an Oppo HA-1 DAC, which is a fabulous piece of work in its own right. It's got the fully balanced ins and outs, as well as every possible type of input known to man. It sounds fantastic. But I'd really like to try out my music on a multi-bit DAC. If you know your DACs, you know that the Yggy is the Schiit. Schiit RagnarokWhat would pair perfectly with the Yggy? Schiit's Ragnarok might be just the answer. The Ragnarok is a headphone/speaker amp designed to pair perfectly with the Yggy, or Schiit's Gungir. Offering balanced headphone output, powered speaker output, and pre-outs, you're covered in your audio outputs.  What about output power? Frequency Response: 20Hz-20Khz, -0.25db, 2Hz-110KHz, -3dB Maximum Power, 4 ohms: 100W RMS per channel Maximum Power, 8 ohms: 60W RMS per channel Maximum Power, 32 ohms: 15W RMS per channel Maximum Power, 50 ohms: 10W RMS per channel Maximum Power, 300 ohms: 1.7W RMS per channel Maximum Power, 600 ohms: 850mW RMS per channel THD: Less than 0.006%, 20Hz-20KHz, at 1V RMS IMD: Less than 0.008%, CCIF at 1V RMS, high gain mode (worst case) SNR: More than 103db, unweighted, referenced to 1V RMS, in gain = 1 mode Crosstalk: Less than -80dB, 20Hz-20KHz  That's an impressive piece of equipment with an ultra-low noise floor. In fact, Schiit challenges you to dial up the volume on the Ragnarok's potentiometer and witness zero noise. Thanks to multiple outputs, the Ragnarok would help with A/B testing audio gear too. So, what can the Ragnarok do for me that I can't do now?Essentially, lower my noise floor and offer powered speaker output. As impressive as my Oppo HA-1 is, it lacks powered speaker outputs, which means I always need powered monitors or rely on a separate powered amplifier. Not so with the Ragnarok.  For those who are interested in customizing the "color" of their sound, check out Schiit's Mjolnir 2, which allows you to swap between tubes and solid state. The Mjolnir has just about everything the bigger Ragnarok has except powered speaker application and extra balanced-XLR inputs. Schiit FullaWhat if I wanted to take my Schiit on the go? The company has a portable headphone amp/DAC called the Fulla—I told you the company has a sense of humor. For $79, you can carry with you a high-quality USB DAC with plenty of power to handle sensitive headphones.  The Fulla is small, but just as well made as the rest of Schiit's audio products. And yes, everything is designed, made, and fully assembled in the USA. It uses a high-quality potentiometer for adjusting volume, just like the Ragnarok—no chip interference here. The Fulla supports 24-bit/192kHz formats and boasts high-tolerance to USB clock jitter. Best of all? The Fulla's AK4396 DAC supports 1-bit DSD decoding. This is like carrying a mini Yggy in your pocket. So what can the Schiit Fulla do for me that I can't do right now?With Fulla, I can ensure that my audio listening sessions remain blissful when I'm traveling. I'd love to carry an Yggdrasil and Ragnarok around with me in my backpack, but while that would be great for my ears, it wouldn't work out very well for my back. The Fulla will allow me to bypass a laptop's cruddy audio and is small enough not to make any noticeable impact in carrying weight. The Fulla is about the size of two rolls of quarters. Schiit, I wish the company made a portable music player. |
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