Work in peace and quiet before jumping into a game
Asus today unveiled its new Strix GeForce GTX 750 Ti OC graphics card, and the first time you install it, you might be inclined to think something's wrong when the fans don't start spinning. Don't fret though, that's by design. Using the company's semi-passive Strix technology, the card's fans will sit there motionless and let the rest of the cooler passively chill the card until thermals reach 65C.
That means you can work all day long in silence -- unless your case cooling is atrocious, you're unlikely to reach 65C on the GPU by just typing out TPS reports and surfing the web. Once you fire up a demanding game, however, things are likely to heat up in a hurry, and when they do, the fans will kick on to prevent the card from cooking itself. For games like Counter Strike, if you're playing at 1920x1080, Asus says temps will probably hover around 50C, thus allowing the card to run silent.
According to Asus, its cooling solution keeps the card up to 58 percent chillier than a reference cooler and is three times quieter. Using the company's DirectCU II cooling technology, 6mm copper cooling pipes come in direct contact with the GPU for superior heat dissipation. The heatsink area is also 190 percent larger than reference
Other specs include a 1,124Mhz base clockspeed, 1,202 boost clockspeed, and 2GB of GDDR5 memory clocked at 5,400MHz (effective) on a 128-bit bus.
The Strix GTX 750 Ti OC will be available by the end of July. No word yet on price.
Cortana, Siri, Google Now, meet BlackBerry Assistant
Starting soon, pretty much any smartphone you buy will come with a virtual helper. Microsoft's Windows Phone platform has Cortana, Apple's iOS software has Siri, Google's Android OS has Google Now, and beginning with BlackBerry 10.3, BlackBerry users will have BlackBerry Assistant to boss around and ask for help. BlackBerry Assistant is the Canadian handset maker's equivalent to all the others, and it will act similarly.
BlackBerry's Social Media Marking Lead, Donny Halliwell, says BlackBerry Assistant will be voice activated when you need it to be. He also said that it will learn and adapt to your queries the more you interact with it.
"If you've had experience with other smartphone-based personal assistants, I think you'll be pleasantly surprised at how accurate BlackBerry Assistant is at recognizing your requests," Halliwell stated in a blog post announcing the feature update.
BlackBerry Assistant will perform most things you'd expect it to, like set reminders, look up information online, read back emails, and so forth. It probably won't be enough to get BlackBerry where it wants to go in the mobile space, but it does address what's become a glaring omission among the various available platforms.
Palit isn't a name you see bounced around too often in the U.S., though if you dig around online, you can find the company's products scattered about. Two of Palit's newest offerings fall under its new KalmX Series of silent graphics cards -- GeForce GTX 750 and GeForce GTX 750 Ti. Both of these Maxwell cards sport Palit's new passive cooler for a 0dB solution (provided there's no electrical noise).
The KalmX cooler consists of two nickel plated heat pipes that snake through a "vast volume" of nickel plated fins to keep the GPU and RAM from overheating. There's also a copper base.
No external power is required for either card, which is really a testament to Nivida's Maxwell architecture than anything else. The 750 KalmX and 750 Ti KalmX are almost identically spec'd with base and boost clockspeeds of 1,020MHz and 1,185MHz, respectively. However, the 750 features a memory clocksspeed of 2,505 MHz to achieve memory bandwidth of 80.16GB/s, while the 750 Ti's memory runs at 2,750MHz for 88GB/s of bandwidth. There's also a slight difference in TDP -- 60W (750 Ti) versus 55W (750).
Palit didn't say when these cards will be available to purchase or for how much.
Analysts can talk about the post PC era until they're blue in the face, Intel will continue to cash checks either way. Big ones, at that. Intel reported second-quarter revenue of $13.8 billion, up 8 percent for $12.8 billion in the same quarter a year ago. That translates into a $2.8 billion profit for the quarter, which is 40 percent higher than the $2 billion profit it recorded in Q2 2013.
"Our second-quarter results showed the strength of our strategy to extend the reach of Intel technology from the data center to PCs to the Internet of Things," said Intel CEO Brian Krzanich. "With the ramp of our Baytrail SoC family, we have expanded into new segments such as Chrome-based systems, and we are on track to meet our 40 million unit tablet goal. In addition, we hit an important qualification milestone for our upcoming 14nm Broadwell product, and expect the first systems to be on shelves during the holidays."
Intel may have been slow to recognize the consumer shift into mobile, but has since been able to gain a strong foothold in the segment. Still, the PC market has been kind to Intel -- the company's PC Client Group recorded revenue of $8.7 billion in Q2, up 9 percent sequentially and 6 percent year-over-year. Meanwhile, it's Mobile and Communications Group actually saw its revenue fall 67 percent sequentially to $51 million.
Looking ahead, Intel is forecasting $14.4 billion in revenue for Q3 and growth of approximately 5 percent for the full year. Investors reacted positively to the quarterly results and revenue forecast -- Intel's stock price is up 7 percent today at $33.93, which is higher than it's been for the past decade.
LeapFrog, the company behind the popular LeapPad for kids, once again has the little ones in mind with its new LeapTV console. Billed as the first educational, active video gaming system, LeapTV was designed from the ground up for kids ages three to eight years old. LeapFrog's grand vision is to change the way kids learn by combining activity and movement with educational curriculum.
LeapTV comes with a specially designed game controller that's been molded for small hands and is suitable for limited dexterity. Classic game play is possible in its regular configuration, but with the press of a button, it transforms into a motion controller and LED pointer. There's also a motion controlling camera that puts kids in the game.
"It is shocking that less than one percent of the tens of thousands of video game titles are rated appropriate for children under the age of six years. We know that young children want to experience new ways to play through technology earlier than ever, but parents quickly discover that there are very few solutions that are developmentally appropriate or educational for young children," said Dr. Jody Sherman LeVos, director of LeapFrog's Learning Team. "At LeapFrog, we built LeapTV from the ground up to make it the best first video gaming experience for children. From the simple user interface to the innovative controller with a built-in 'hint' button and a world-class Learning Library all designed or approved by our Learning experts, LeapTV gets children's minds and bodies moving while engaging in learning fun."
LeapTV offers up access to over 100 game cartridges, game downloads, and videos designed by LeapFrog's team of gaming and learning experts. The console itself has 16GB of built-in memory and Wi-Fi connectivity.
LeapFrong says its LeapTV system will be available this holiday shopping season for $150 MSRP; game cartridges will run $30 MSRP.
Rome wasn't built in a day, but you can build a in PC well within that time and play Total War: Rome or Rome II on your new component empire. It all starts with a solid foundation, and if you're looking for one, check out today's top deal for an MSI Z87-GD65 Gaming Motherboard for $125 with free shipping (normally $150 - use coupon code: [EMCPCWE34]; additional $20 mail-in-rebate). This socket LGA 1150 board offers native support for USB 3.0 and SATA 6Gbps, and can run multiple graphics cards.
Camelot Unchained's information dump continues with a brief blurb about the fantasy PvP sandbox's UI. City State says that UIs typically "consume a large amount of developer bandwidth on the design and engineering side," and as such the firm will not only be building CU's UI "out of the web" but it will also be open-sourcing the entire codebase.
The UI is powered by Chromium, and City State has already made the code available on GitHub and is inviting the community to contribute to it (pending developer approval, of course).
Das Tal has tabbed July 20th as the official start of its alpha testing period. The build will focus on "good old-fashioned PvP combat," according to a Fairytale Distillery press release. Gameplay will feature clans battling to control five landmarks as well as three armor classes, three weapon sets, and "fast-paced and diverse combat situations."
You can still apply for an alpha slot, and you can also read the full press drop after the break.
Welcome back to our coverage of City State Entertainment's batshit-crazy days for Camelot Unchained! A few weeks ago, we spoke with CSE co-founder Mark Jacobs about each of the topics being revealed this week via livestream; this morning, we picked his brain about the game's innovative combat system. Massively: Can you explain why the component combat system and player design of combat abilities doesn't render the concept of classes moot?
CSE's Mark Jacobs: Absolutely! Think of the combat system in the same way you would magic. As a member of a certain Realm, you might not have access to particular components, whether for magic or melee combat. Further, your class might have further restrictions in terms of combinations of components. For example, the HelBound will be able to use some healing components that pure fighter classes can't, but they won't have access to the vast majority of magical components.
BioWare community manager Eric Musco has highlighted some details of Star Wars: The Old Republic's legacy storage on the game's official forums. The system will debut with the Galactic Strongholds expansion, and players will obtain legacy storage for free by completing the introductory stronghold mission. Legacy storage will also be craftable and it will appear in the game's cash shop.
The storage default is one 80-slot bay, with additional unlocks available for purchase with in-game credits or cash shop currency.
World of Speed today unveils its latest trailer, this one featuring what the devs are calling a "Dream Drive" through Moscow. The game is currently accepting applications for its upcoming closed beta test; you can sign up on the official site. Enjoy the video below!
There were a few of us sitting around the other day moaning about how a certain MMO (that will not be named because we're afraid of it just like Voldemort) was too difficult for a casual player who wanted to see the content without concern for rewards. That got us on the topic of adjustable difficulty levels, something that's quite common in most video games but not so much in MMOs.
That doesn't mean difficulty levels are absent from the online gaming space. Dungeons and Dragons Online, for example, has expanded its difficulty options for instances that allow players to set it at anything from solo all the way up to tough-as-nails elite. RIFT also implemented chronicles to allow raid-shy players a way to see these fantastic setpieces and get the story without having to join that niche community.
Do you want to see more adjustable difficulty levels in MMOs? What would that look like?
Every morning, the Massively bloggers probe the minds of their readers with deep, thought-provoking questions about that most serious of topics: massively online gaming. We crave your opinions, so grab your caffeinated beverage of choice and chime in on today's Daily Grind!
The space-based MMO's Invasion mode is described as a PvE and PvP game feature that allows players to join up against alien invaders. This includes quests, resource gathering, and crafting to work toward certain goals. Be sure to check out the video embedded after the cut below as well as the official patch notes for more information.
The final Guild Wars soundtrack not only took the first game out in style but instantly became one of the best of the series to date. I'm not willing to put it above Prophecies, but it's not too far behind, either. As a whole, it's a wonderful symphonic journey through new lands and new themes, and just about every track is quite listenable.
You can't deny that this is Guild Wars to its very core, as composer Jeremy Soule only adds on to the franchise's legacy rather than supplants it with a different direction. Even so, it represents a mastery that wasn't quite there in past albums. If I listened to this soundtrack without knowing its source, I would have pegged it as a major motion picture release rather than a video game with angry bears.
It was definitely a difficult score to pick a mere six examples from; I'd recommend that soundtrack enthusiasts listen through its entirety. For a Guild Wars 2 player, it's really interesting to go back and hear the early versions of tracks that Soule would later reprise for the sequel.
Are you ready to let another MOBA into your life? How about one with stylized cartoon art and a twist that some might call... large? Gigantic was formally announced by Motiga today, and it's got a couple of tricks the usual MOBA doesn't. For one thing, it's all about third-person play, and you'll be hopping about with your keyboard rather than by clicking your mouse. For another, players are aided by enormous Guardians, behemoths that use their own massive attacks and will force players to contend with an even more powerful force on the field.
Players can get a sense of the game's style just past the break in the game's first announcement trailer and sign up for alpha testing on the official site. The game will be at PAX Prime, as well, which should be something for fans to keep a close watch on. It might just be big, you know.
Are the virtues of free-to-play still up for debate? Apparently so, as several industry figures questioned the long-term prospects and benefits of the business model this past week, which means that Justin and Bree will also be taking a hard look at F2P once more. Also there is a lecture by economist Prof. Royce at the conclusion of the 'cast. Take notes as there will be a test.
Get all of our opinions and analysis on the most important stories of the past week right here on Massively Speaking, the industry's leading MMO podcast. And if you have a comment, question, or topic for the podcasters, send an email to podcast@massively.com. We may just read your email on the air!
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In the lead up to Firefall's official launch on July 29th, Red 5 Studios has released a new video outlining the game's open-world PvP.
Formal PvP takes place in a separate zone called Broken Peninsula, where players are divided into corporate teams to beat the crap out of each other over resources, territorial bases, and a series of outposts and watchtowers that grant their holders special bonuses. NPCs called the Chosen do their best to interfere with players along the way.
How soon can a newcomer participate? "Firefall's open world PvP is primarily intended to be end-game content," says the studio, but skilled lowbies can "make an impact" at their own peril. Check out the video after the cut.
Last week we learned about Destiny's pricing for its three special editions, and now we're allowed to see inside each of these packages. The website has posted pre-order pages for each special edition with interactive elements that allow you to investigate all of the goodies and bonuses that come with each.
The Ghost Edition is the most expensive at $149.99 but offers plenty of feelies for your money, including a Ghost replica with sounds and lights, an exclusive ship skin, an exclusive emblem, and postcards (hey, some of us are postcard junkies, OK?). The Limited Edition ($99.99) includes most of the same items save the Ghost replica. The Digital Guardian Edition ($89.99) lacks the physical goods of the other two but does include the game, early access, the ship skin, and the in-game emblem.
All three special editions are packaged with the expansion pass that unlocks the first two DLC packs when they are released.
Final Fantasy XIV's game director, Naoki Yoshida, spoke candidly at his presentation during this year's Game Developer's Conference in March about what went wrong with the popular franchise's newest MMO during its first launch.
As FFXIV fans might remember, the initial launch of the game in 2010 was plagued with problems, but a relaunch in 2013 proved successful. How did the team at Square Enix win back fans? How had the MMO landscape changed in those three years?
The complete one-hour presentation video is available in both English and Japanese versions through the GDC Vault, or you can watch a translated version at Gamasutra.
Do you want to fight some dragons? The next expansion to Neverwinter is all about fighting dragons, hence the title Tyranny of Dragons. Would you prefer to do so whilst conjuring up forbidden and evil magic from beyond to help smite your foes and empower your party? Then the Scourge Warlock is right up your alley. You can check the new class out in the trailer just past the break.
Scourge Warlocks are casters who can summon a Soul Puppet from the beyond, using their magical prowess to leech health and empower allies while leaving enemies as shambling shells. They also have access to a new paragon path, Hellbringer, which... well, it doesn't summon bunnies and stomach rubs. Take a look at the official development blog for a clearer picture of what these casters are capable of, and watch the trailer to see the class in action before Tyranny of Dragons goes live on August 14th.
If you're looking forward to the changes coming in EVE Online's Crius expansion next week, a new video featuring CCP Mimic touches on what to expect in New Eden's industrial revolution.
CCP Nullarbor and CCP Tuxford describe the changes that will open up manufacturing to be performed wherever and whenever you like. "What we're leaving behind is what is really the core of industry," CCP Nullarbor says in the video. "Which [are] very interesting problems to solve, such as 'What should I be building?' and 'Where should I build it?'"
Be sure to read our previous articles and guides on Crius for more info, and check out the dev video included after the cut.
Welcome back to our coverage of City State Entertainment's batshit-crazy days for Camelot Unchained! A few weeks ago, we spoke with CSE co-founder Mark Jacobs about each of the topics being revealed this week on the game's livestreams; today, let's talk about making magic. Massively: When developers use the word "spellbook," visions of meditating into an EverQuest-style spellbook and repeatedly switching commonly used spells come to mind. Far from creating welcome immersion, that spellbook created headaches for casters [enough that SOE changed it]. But CU's spellbook seems more like a cross between an achievement panel and a spell design tool. How else will CU's spellbook improve on the concept?
CSE's Mark Jacobs: First, I think the characterization of the EQ spellbook as a headache for casters is a very personal one. Let's keep in mind that EQ was the most successful MMORPG prior to the coming of WoW [We presume he means in the West -ed], so not everybody could have hated it. In our game, being a caster will come with some disadvantages, and having to deal with a spellbook is one of them. However, it will also come with advantages. Like so many other things in Camelot Unchained, we're not afraid to say players won't love everything. Indeed, as I've said all along, I know that certain things we are going to do will piss off some people.
What purpose do really dumb goats serve? If they're in TUG's new 0.6.3 alpha update, it's to be hunted for their pelts and cooked over a roaring flame.
In a new video, TUG shows off several of the sandbox elements that went into today's patch. Players can create and cultivate farms, or alternatively go hunting for the aforementioned "dumb goats." There is also a physics system in place for projectiles, new craftables, and the ability to have a good old-fashioned cook-out.
We're not kidding around, this is one goat-tastic video. Check it out after the break!
If you were looking forward to a free-to-play version of Defiance on your Xbox 360 or PlayStation 3 this week, you'll have to wait a while longer. Trion has announced a delay from the previously scheduled July 15 launch.
"As you've seen or possibly experienced this week, we've been having stability issues with our console platforms," the firm explains on its website. "The team is working on a number of game additions as part of its crossover with Season 2 of the Defiance TV show and the latest build has negatively impacted game stability. Our programmers are working on addressing these issues."
Trion doesn't provide an ETA, but it says that "this is a priority fix for us, as we are eager to welcome fans on all platforms."
Work in peace and quiet before jumping into a game
Cortana, Siri, Google Now, meet BlackBerry Assistant
Pursuing a noise-free gaming experience
The sky isn't falling, after all
An active gaming console for little kids
Every morning, the Massively bloggers probe the minds of their readers with deep, thought-provoking questions about that most serious of topics: massively online gaming. We crave your opinions, so grab your caffeinated beverage of choice and chime in on today's 
