Author - Jennifer Paxton

F-15E Strike Eagle Module for DCS is Now Available for Pre-Order

Eagle Dynamics is delighted to announce the pre-sale of the F-15E Strike Eagle by RAZBAM. The F-15E is one of the most potent multi-role fighter-bombers ever developed. It first came into service in the mid ‘80s, designed to perform air-to-air and air-to-ground missions. An impressive array of avionics and electronics systems give the F-15E the capability to fight at low or high altitude, day or night, and in all weather.

The Strike Eagle delivered fighter aircrew several first-time capabilities. Its APG-70 radar, based on the very capable APG-63 from the F-15A-D, boasted a synthetic mapping capability that can create pictures of the target based solely on radar imaging. A self-contained, networked electronic warfare suite gives the aircraft excellent self-protection capabilities with enhanced battlespace information being delivered to the ergonomic two seat cockpit layout.

The Low-Altitude Navigation and Targeting Infrared for Night (LANTIRN) allows the aircraft to fly at low altitudes, at night and in all weather conditions to attack ground targets with a variety of precision-guided and unguided weapons. The LANTIRN system, consisting of two pods attached to the exterior of the aircraft, gives the F-15E unequalled weapons delivery accuracy. The Navigation Pod contains a Terrain-Following Radar that allows the pilot to operate at very low altitudes following cues displayed on the heads-up display. This system can also be coupled to the aircraft’s autopilot to provide fully “hands off” capability.

Each of the low-drag Conformal Fuel Tanks adapted to smoothly fit the fuselage can carry 750 gallons of fuel. The tanks hold weapons on short pylons rather than conventional weapon racks, reducing drag and further extending range. For air-to-ground missions, the F-15E can carry most of the weapons in the United States Air Force inventory including AIM-9M Sidewinders and AIM-120C AMRAAM for the air-to-air role. The “E” model also has an internally mounted 20mm gun that can carry up to 500 rounds.

The subject of this study level simulation is the F-15E Strike Eagle Suite 4E+ software installed in Strike Eagles around 2003.

Key Features include:

  • Advanced Flight Model that provides realistic performance and flight characteristics for the F-15E Strike Eagle with P&W F100-PW-229 engines.
  • Highly detailed external 3D model and textures for the most accurate F-15E currently available in any simulation software.
  • Highly detailed and accurate 6 DOF cockpit based on 3D scanned objects with high resolution textures, specular and bump mapping, and mouse-interactive controls.
  • Detailed and thorough simulation of the AN/APG-70 Radar.
  • Joint Tactical Information Distribution Systems (JTIDS) datalink.

Pre-Order Here: https://www.digitalcombatsimulator.com/en/shop/modules/strike_eagle/

Sherlock Holmes The Awakened Delayed due to Russia-Ukraine War

Ukrainian developer Frogwares has made the decision to delay their upcoming game, Sherlock Holmes The Awakened by a few weeks.

While development of the game since April 2022 had always been challenging due to the war, the last 5 months starting in October 2022 have been extremely difficult on the team.

Initially Frogwares was aiming for a late February / early March release window but the relentless strikes on civilian infrastructure in Ukraine have forced the team to work around continual blackouts and redo their entire production pipeline. A delay of a few weeks moving the game into late March / April 2023 was therefore decided by the team.

An update video from the devs showing more of the current situation in Kyiv has been released.

“We had been trying so hard to make our planned release window, but the continual interruptions to power on top of the frequent missile attacks since October meant we had to replan and reschedule almost every month. We’re now at the spot we’re the game is content complete so we need to move into doing final QA, polishing and launch setup. To say we are tired of how much all this has derailed our day to day work since the start of winter is an understatement. But we’re doing our best to push on. Once we feel we are maybe a month away from release, we’ll be able to announce our full release date with an exact day. ” – Sergiy Oganesyan, Head of Publishing, Frogwares – Sergiy Oganesyan, Head of Publishing, Frogwares

The Awakened will be coming to PC, PS4, PS5, XB1, Xbox Series X/S and Nintendo Switch.

Battle Cry of Freedom Update 2.0 Trailer

Battle Cry of Freedom, the first and third-person American Civil War multiplayer shooter, is about to receive a huge update; the release date for the 2.0 Update is the 9th of March.

The list of new content is long but here are some highlights: cavalry, vehicles, trench warfare, graphic overhaul, new classes, and realistic gore and blood.

What is included in the new 2.0 Update?

The Battle Cry of Freedom 2.0 Update is packed with numerous changes and enhancements to every aspect of the game. Here are some of the most significant features included in the update:

  •  Cavalry: Players can now mount horses and even tow artillery across the battlefield for greater mobility.
  •  Graphic Overhaul: The game’s graphics receive a major upgrade, with improvements to terrain rendering, flora and grass shaders, and reworked post-processing effects for a stunning new look.
  •  Blood & Gore: The 2.0 Update includes a free Blood & Gore DLC that adds a visceral touch to the game with realistic gore and blood.
  •  Vehicles: Players can now operate armored trains, steamboats, and wooden launches, providing new ways to traverse the battlefield.
  •  Trench Warfare: Engineers can now use shovels and pickaxes to dig trenches, adding a new level of strategy to the game.

Other notable additions:

  •  Enhanced Performance: The update delivers improved performance, particularly when there are many players on the screen.
  • Dynamic Terrain: The fully deformable terrain in the 2.0 Update allows artillery to leave craters in the ground, creating an ever-changing battlefield.
  • Refined Class System: The class system has been reworked, offering distinct skills and abilities for each class to make gameplay more varied and dynamic.
  • New Classes: A variety of new character classes, such as the Chaplain and War Correspondent, are introduced to add depth to gameplay.
  • Brass Band Music: Players can purchase the Brass Music DLC for access to the Brass Band, featuring instruments like the tuba, saxhorn, cornet, bass drum, and trombone.
  • Expanded Weaponry: A range of new weapons and artillery pieces are included in the update, offering more options for players to tailor their playstyle.
  • Smarter AI: The AI code has been entirely reworked to provide players with intelligent and challenging opponents.
  • Original Soundtrack: Players can purchase the game’s original soundtrack, featuring 57 minutes of original music.

X-Plane 12 Review – Come Fly With Me

Laminar Research has been developing its X-Plane flight simulation product for many years now and the draw to their sim has always been its real-time modeling of airflow over lifting surfaces. If Microsoft’s Flight Simulator has always been the attractive, popular kid in school, X-Plane has been the geeky kid in their room doing calculus and playing tabletop wargames (I was that kid, by the way). With the newest game in the franchise, X-Plane 12, Laminar Research has brought better visuals and gameplay to the fore while retaining its attention to real-time simulation. That being the case, is it any fun and is it worth your hard-earned money? Read on!

X-Plane 12 carries on the tradition of hardcore simulation that its franchise is known for. Both air traffic control and ILS systems are outstanding and you really get a sense of the pilot experience – especially in larger aircraft. The ATC communication menu system works great and features a branching, menu-based system for commands and responses. Plane handling “feel” how you would expect and I loved the immersion that feeling added to my time with the game. I am fortunate to have a full flight yoke, throttle quadrant, and rudder pedal setup to play the game with and I was hooked almost right away. The game includes a large variety of aircraft right outside the box – including helicopters and some special airframes like an F-14D Tomcat and Space Shuttle. I found a new level of Zen in flying its glider though. I didn’t have a lot of experience in glider simulation before but being pulled up into the heavens by a an engine-powered airplane and then cut loose to rise and sink over the earth free of internal combustion was an absolute blast.

I feel the need – the need, for speed!

Visually, X-Plane 12 looks very good. The game is not as photo realistic or as breathtaking as MS Flight Simulator is but it doesn’t need to be – its focus was never on being beautiful. X-Plane 12’s focus is on flight model realism. Despite this, I was not disappointed in the least at how the game looked. Scenery and buildings are automatically generated and, it does a very good job of doing so overall. However, I did note that it didn’t always get it right and buildings sometimes ended up where they probably wouldn’t be in real life. The weather engine is also very good and flying around huge clouds was sometimes awe-inspiring. Also, I love how the rain looks as it pours down the aircraft’s canopy – really cool stuff. X-Plane 12’s audio presentation is great – everything sounds how you think it should I noted no problems in that department. Unfortunately, there were some irritating bugs inhabiting X-Plane 12. I have recently come back to the game and, thankfully, Laminar Research the issues I was having have been done away with. Anecdotally, I am still reading some reviews mentioning them so your mileage may vary as to whether or not you’ll encounter any. I am sure they’ll be patched in the future – Laminar Research stands by its products in that way.

Busy airports

Overall, Laminar Research’s X-Plane 12 is worthy of the franchise and your valuable time and money as an excellent flight simulator. The flight dynamics feel very realistic and and if you are a more serious flight sim pilot, I think you won’t be disappointed in its presentation and game experience. Just be sure to have some patience for any remaining bugs or quirks you might encounter.

Overall Rating: 4 out of 5

Creative Pebble Pro Out Now

Creative Technology today launched Creative Pebble Pro, the popular Pebble speaker series’ latest and best addition, which boasts a compelling mix of size-defying audio quality, minimalist elegance in form, and a subtle yet distinctive personable touch of RGB lighting to adorn any desktop setup.

This new 2.0 USB speaker system sees various improvements across its features set, headlined by its audio performance. With revamped full-range drivers, and featuring digital amplifiers with built-in audio processing, which replace analog ones used in previous models the Pebble Pro belies its diminutive form factor with more headroom for louder, clearer audio across the volume range, as well as up to 3.5 times more bass than the previous model Pebble V3.

Two of Creative’s proprietary audio technologies apply further audio shine:

  • BassFlex – delivers an extended low frequency response and deeper bass across all volume levels, without the need for a subwoofer
  • Clear Dialog – enhances vocals such that they sound more natural and are easily comprehensible; this is especially helpful when watching movies on the PC

Considering its tiny size, the Pebble Pro’s acoustic power output is capable of reaching a mind-boggling 30W RMS and 60W peak when connected to a 30W PD adaptor*, which unleashes the full potential of its audio competence.

The visual appeal of the Pebble Pro is accentuated by a new RGB lighting feature, tastefully integrated at the bottom of each speaker. Users can take their pick from a wide color spectrum by conveniently dialing the volume knob to set the mood of the day, and illuminate their desktops creatively with 3 lighting effects (Cycle, Pulsate or Solo).

Other features which make the Pebble Pro a must-have desktop accessory:

  • A wide array of connectivity options that include Bluetooth 5.3 wireless technology, 3.5mm AUX-in port, USB-C port for audio streaming and power
  • Headphone and microphone ports to transform the Pebble Pro as a convenient communications tool, or for late-night private listening
  • Series signature 45-degree elevated angle for optimal audio projection to users’ ears
  • Long wire (1.8m / 5.9 ft) connecting both speakers; offers more flexibility in placement
  • Long USB-C cable (1.5m / 4.92 ft) for connection to the computer

Pricing and Availability

Creative Pebble Pro is priced at US$59.99 and is available at Creative.com.

For more information, visit www.creative.com/PebblePro.

Elgato Unveils Facecam Pro 4K60 Web Camera for Creators

Elgato, a leading provider of hardware and software for content creators, today unveiled Facecam Pro, the first ever webcam to sport 4K capture at 60 frames per second. Boasting a large area Sony sensor, a wide-angle photographic lens with variable focus, a revolutionary image processor, and onboard flash memory, the premium plug-and-play webcam allows creators to produce Ultra High Definition video without the need for an elaborate camera setup. This groundbreaking technology combined with Elgato’s powerful Camera Hub software makes Facecam Pro the new benchmark in the global webcam industry.

Facecam Pro features the studio-grade f/2.0 21 mm Elgato Autofocus Lens, which can also be set manually within a focus range of 10 cm / 4 in. to infinity. A field of view up to 90 degrees allows for wide studio shots or group video calls, while the state-of-the-art, large area 1/1.8″ SONY® STARVIS™ Sensor captures exceptional detail, even when using effects like pan, tilt, and zoom, or when lighting is suboptimal. Rounding off the webcam’s high-end performance is Elgato’s latest image signal processor, a powerhouse of a chip that is responsible for encoding and streaming 4K60 video via USB 3.0 with ultra-low latency – all while facilitating instant light correction, automatic noise reduction, and a slew of other nano-computations that deliver phenomenal video quality in any setting. Even when using apps that do not support 4K60 video input, the processor applies an advanced algorithm that turns raw 4K60 video into 1080p60 video, allowing you to stream better-looking Full HD video than you would with a standard 1080p webcam.

“Last year’s launch of Facecam was our first step in pushing webcam technology and performance forward. Facecam Pro represents a leap,” said Julian Fest, SVP and GM of Elgato. “We didn’t set out to build another webcam. Instead, we set out to pioneer a state-of-the-art camera with plug and play connectivity and incredibly video quality. Alongside our other webcam products – EpocCam, Cam Link 4K, Cam Link Pro, Facecam – we now offer an incredible suite of solutions for content creators, remote workers, even professional broadcasters.”

Elgato once again offers an exemplary software-enhanced user experience in the form of Camera Hub, which gives you DSLR-like control of settings such as field of view, exposure, and white balance. Cinematic PTZ effects – namely pan, tilt, and zoom – can be applied without pixilation thanks to Facecam Pro’s powerful sensor and ISP, while creators with GeForce RTX GPUs can benefit from NVIDIA Broadcast integration, which enables AI-powered effects like background replacement and cinematic background blur. With one mouse click, Camera Hub settings are saved directly to Facecam Pro for instant recall when restarting or switching computers. Like all Elgato software, Camera Hub works with Stream Deck for instant, tactile control of camera settings, and integration with your entire audiovisual setup. The Camera Hub plugin, updated for Facecam Pro and available today on the Stream Deck Store, enables you to trigger preset pan, tilt, and zoom transitions by simply tapping a key on Stream Deck.

Facecam Pro comes with a robust monitor mount that features an industry standard ¼-inch thread for attaching the webcam to Elgato Multi Mount or any compatible tripod. Also included is a USB-C to USB-C cable to get you connected right out of the box.

Whether you’re just getting started or looking to upgrade, Facecam Pro equips you with industry-leading hardware and software to create professional 4K60 video of the highest caliber.

Availability

Elgato Facecam Pro is available immediately from the Elgato and CORSAIR worldwide network of authorized retailers and distributors.

Elgato Facecam Pro is backed by a two-year warranty and the CORSAIR & Elgato worldwide customer service and technical support network.

For up-to-date pricing of Elgato Facecam Pro, please refer to the Elgato website or contact your local CORSAIR/Elgato sales or PR representative.

Web Pages

For more information on Elgato Facecam Pro, please visit:

elgato.com/facecam-pro

Insta360 Launches Link AI Powered 4K Webcam

Today marks the beginning of a new chapter for Insta360 as they announced the launch of Insta360 Link, an AI-powered 4K webcam.

Insta360 Link offers the powerful combination of premium image quality with a seamless user experience for business professionals, educators and live streamers. Equipped with 4K resolution and an industry-leading 1/2’’ sensor, Link delivers life-like image quality, detail, and high dynamic range in any lighting conditions. A 3-axis gimbal and built-in AI algorithms enable the webcam to always keep the user in frame and respond to gesture controls. With versatile modes like DeskView and more, Insta360 Link is ready for any kind of remote work.

“Developing Insta360 Link was a natural evolution of our mission to help people share their lives. With the pandemic shifting work to our homes at an unprecedented rate, we saw the opportunity to help people ‘work from home’ better with our expertise in AI image processing. Link’s ultra-precise AI tracking algorithms and premium imaging hardware make communicating remotely more intuitive than ever before,” said JK Liu, Founder of Insta360.

Insta360 Link is available to order from August 2, 2022 via Insta360.com and select retailers.

Premium imaging

Insta360 Link offers best-in-class 4K Ultra HD resolution at 30fps, for online interactions that are true to life, with detail in all the right places. There are several resolutions and frame rates to choose from, as well as full settings customization for brightness, exposure, white balance, and more in the companion Link Controller software.

Link’s 1/2” sensor puts it head and shoulders above many other webcams with similar resolutions. The larger sensor size means it captures far more detail, has a better dynamic range, and stronger low light capabilities. This ensures a consistently perfect image in any room or environment.

A specialized HDR mode is also available to give greater balance between highlights and shadows in the image, ensuring the background isn’t blown out by a nearby window or other light source.

And blurry shots are a thing of the past thanks to True Focus. Link uses Phase Detection Auto Focus (PDAF) and auto exposure technology for near-instant focusing.

Work smarter with AI

“Insta360 Link is as much about the software as the hardware. Insta360 has been a pioneer in developing AI image processing technologies for 360 cameras since 2020, and we’re now bringing that expertise to a wider audience of people with Insta360 Link,” said Max Richter, Vice President of Insta360.

Link’s AI-powered features make life easier for webcam users in a number of ways. The 3-axis gimbal lens uses AI tracking to follow the user’s movement, keeping them perfectly centered at all times. With automatic framing and zooming, there’s no need to manually adjust the camera during a call.

For adjustments from a distance, Link responds instantly to gesture control. Using simple hand gestures, users can enable AI tracking, zoom in and out, and activate other camera modes. No clicks necessary.

Link’s advanced software also enables DeskView Mode, which allows users to quickly toggle between showing their face and their tabletop. Software algorithms level the perspective for easier viewing of documents, perfect for presenting during a video call or working out a math problem.

Specialized modes for improved communication

With so many potential use cases, Link has a series of specialized modes to give users every possible advantage when communicating online:

  • Whiteboard Mode: Enhance a designated whiteboard area to give students or meeting participants a much clearer view.

  • Portrait Mode: Live stream with a totally uncropped 9:16 view for optimal mobile viewing and better image quality.

  • Overhead Mode: Capture precisely level top-down views with Link mounted on a table stand, perfect for unboxing a product or sketching a design.

When you’re done with your call, Link’s lens will automatically point downwards within 10 seconds of inactivity to maintain privacy protection.

Life compatible

From dual noise-canceling mics to block out unwanted interruptions, to easy mounting with a built-in screen clip and 1/4” mount, Link is designed to fit seamlessly into everyday work and life. For video calling, it’s fully compatible with Zoom, Microsoft Teams, Skype, Google Meet, and various other platforms on both macOS and Windows computers.

Available Now

Insta360 Link is available to order from August 2, 2022 via Insta360.com and select retailers. It retails for US$299.99, with the webcam, 4 reusable whiteboard recognition markers, a USB-C cable and USB-C to A adapter included in the box.

Midsummer Scream 2022 Brings Spooky Scares Back to Long Beach

The folks at Midsummer Scream are back with their flagship event: Midsummer Scream! On our first night at the event, we attended an amazing screening of Chris LaMartina’s WNUF2 (if you haven’t watched the WNUF Halloween Special, you need to) as well as a great panel featuring Greg Nicotero. That evening was a sort of an un official “preview night” like you’d find at the San Diego Comic-Con. Attendance was super low, the weather was nice and cool, and you could roam the aisles with ease in order to purchase wares and visit friends.

The next day, the convention proper began and the turnout was outstanding! The general admission line went across the pedestrian bridge in front of the hotel and, had it not wrapped back around against it self, would have ended up in the Pacific. The VIP line was also full but that line moved much more quickly. I highly recommend their VIP tickets if you plan on attending more than just one day. The perks of earlier entry into panels as well as the event itself (you get in an hour ahead) is well worth the extra ticket price.

The Hall of Shadows made is triumphant return as well, featuring a number of local haunts presenting mini-haunt versions of themselves for attendees to experience. My favorite part of the Hall of Shadows this year was the recreation of the iconic Myers house from John Carpenter’s Halloween. The house featured a projection, light, and music show of sorts, recreating moments from the film as if you were seeing it unfold from the street, looking up at the two story house.

The Decayed Brigade slider troupe was back as well, and their shows are always impressive as is their sliding skill. The amount of bodies an experienced haunt slider can jump over always impresses me. The one thing that is sort of a bummer is that, during the Decayed Brigade shows, a lot of the mini-haunts in the Hall of Shadows go dark as the music and noise from the show is overpowering. Part of me would like to see the Decayed Brigade moved out of that room so the Hall of Shadows can keep cycling attendees through the attractions.

The Long Beach Convention Center has a huge expo floor and Midsummer Scream seemed to make use of every square foot. There were so many vendors featuring effects, props, artwork, sculptures, and other macabre wares that my wallet was substantially lighter when I left than when I entered the floor.

Outside the convention center, there were a number of food trucks lined up, each with their own culinary flare. Also, if you stayed at the Hyatt Regency next door, you could eat at their fantastic eatery in the lobby. Also, staying at the hotel is super convenient as it is basically attached to the convention center, making your parking experience way easier.

Overall, it was an amazing return for Midsummer Scream and I look forward to next year’s! However, it’s not the last Midsummer Scream event of 2022 – thankfully, they are hosting Season’s Screamings at the Pasadena Convention Center this December. That event, as they hosted it last year as well, was a welcome breath of fresh spooky during the Christmas holiday season. So – stay tuned for more!

Razer Leviathan V2 Soundbar Announced with THX Spatial Audio

The new Razer Leviathan V2 is Razer’s new PC soundbar that delivers audio clarity for a detailed, immersive listening experience right from the desktop, and is the first gaming soundbar to offer THX Spatial Audio for a wide soundstage.

Armed with two full-range drivers, two passive radiators, two tweeters, and a down-firing subwoofer, the Razer Leviathan V2 achieves crisp, clear treble and deep, punchy bass to elevate any entertainment experience. The multi-driver PC sound bar is designed to provide full-range and high-fidelity sound for a realistic soundstage, ensuring clarity in dialogue for every game and movie, and heart thumping lows for those suspenseful action scenes and music soundtracks.

Building on the immersive entertainment experience through patented technology, the Razer Leviathan V2 offers THX® Spatial Audio that is activated on PC. In addition, the Razer Leviathan V2 is powered by Razer Chroma™ RGB with 18 lighting zones on the speakers, so gamers can deepen their immersive experience and access full RGB customization with countless patterns for dynamic in-game lighting effects.

The Razer Leviathan V2 comes with Bluetooth 5.2, providing users a stable connection and added convenience when switching between paired devices. Additional to its compact design, the Razer Leviathan V2 also has detachable feet, enabling gamers to adjust the soundbar to the perfect angle for the best fit under the monitor, making it the essential soundbar for an immersive true-to-live experience for all gaming and entertainment needs.

For more information, please see here.

WHEN: Available Now

WHERE: Online at Razer.com, in-store at RazerStore locations, and at selected retailers.

PRICE: $249.99 USD / 249.99€ MSRP

BenQ ScreenBar Halo LED Monitor Lamp Review

A lot of gamers struggle to find an use a desk lamp that will provide enough light for the situation but not interfere with their monitor – either by throwing off a lot of glare or simply taking up too much desk space. BenQ has attempted to solve this issue with their ScreenBar series of LED monitor lamps. A successor to its popular ScreenBar Plus, the ScreenBar Halo is said to make more improvements to the design and adds a wireless remote control unit.

Powered via USB cable, the BenQ ScreenBar Halo LED monitor light sits on top of your monitor and shines down light on the desk beneath. It feels very sturdy, being made from an aluminum alloy and ABS plastic. The light thrown from the ScreenBar Halo is adjustable – not only in temperature (2500K – 6500K) but also in brightness (all the way up to 800 lux). It also features a smart sensor which will automatically adjust the light based on the ambient light in your office.

Not only is it bright and adjustable, but it is also designed to illuminate the desk in front of you and NOT the monitor itself. This means that it won’t cause glare, which can be a real disruption when playing your favorite game. The light body can even pivot, allowing you to customize the angle of the illumination. It sits on top of the monitor with a spring loaded clip design and BenQ even includes a small pad that adheres to the back of your monitor to pad where the clamp touches it. On the back of the ScreenBar Halo, you’ll also find the backlight. This backlight will illuminate the wall behind the monitor and help reduce eye strain by eliminating contrast. It can be turned on and off of course, so you don’t have to use it if you don’t want to. If you have a curved display, that is no trouble for the ScreenBar Halo either, as BenQ has very smartly included a curved monitor adapter piece to allow the light to properly attach.

The wireless remote controller is outstanding. It uses three AAA batteries with an extremely long battery life. Not only is it small but it also has an extremely stylish touch interface. It has light elements and allows full control of the ScreenBar Halo. You can even save your light configuration and recall it with the press of a button – that saves me so much headache. It is nice to not lose my favorite light setup when I’m experimenting with it.

There are only a couple of things that could be improved with the BenQ ScreenBar Halo. One is that it takes up a decent amount of space on top of your monitor and, these days, our monitors are usually adorned with a webcam for Zoom use. With the ScreenBar Halo in place, it *could* interfere with your webcam placement. Of course, if you don’t have a webcam or have a larger monitor this might not be a big deal, but it’s worth mentioning. Also, the remote control touch interface gets very smudgy with consistent use. This can cause it to have glare when the light hits it which is a little annoying.

These small issues aside, the BenQ ScreenBar Halo LED monitor lamp is an excellent choice if you need a desk lamp that won’t take up a lot of space and won’t throw a lot of glare on your monitor. The BenQ ScreenBar Halo retails for $179.99 and is available now.