Archive - 2013

Sound BlasterAxx AXX 200 Review (Tech)

2013/12/06
Jerry Paxton
News, Reviews, Tech News, Tech Review

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Creative Lab’s Sound BlasterAxx AXX 200 is a very intriguing device. Part karaoke machine, part Sound Blaster, part NFC speaker, part battery bank, part mobile conferencing speaker, part voice recorder, part megaphone, and part MP3 player. When pieced out, this should add up to about a $1000 dollars. Creative Labs has managed to squeeze all of these features into a white monolith about the size of a large diameter candle that will retail for about $300 dollars (less with the current holiday promotion).

One must first ask why would they need a device like this. The nice thing about the Sound BlasterAxx AXX 200 being as capable as it is becomes clear when looking at those features – there is at least one thing that it can do that a person might be interested in. For many people, multiple features will be appealing. In my case, I am a hardcore PC gamer that does not need to use it as a Sound Blaster, but the Bluetooth speaker and conferencing options really appeal to me. Everyone is different.

In terms of design, the Sound BlasterAxx AXX 200 follows the same basic shape as its sister products in the Axx line – the biggest difference being its smaller size and white coloring. It has the attractive touch-based control pad on the top of the device as well as some switches and buttons on the back of the unit to control power, recording, and megaphone features. Functionally, the Sound BlasterAxx AXX 200 is simple and straightforward to use and displays high quality in every respect. The megaphone option is overwhelmingly loud when turned all the way up and the AXX 200 allows users to insert a blank MicroSD memory card into it in order to play music or record voice notes.

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You can even plug your computer into the AXX 200 via USB cable and your PC will use it as a full-fledged sound card. The AXX 200 features Creative Labs SB-Axx1 multi-core audio processor and puts out some very good quality audio. This would make a great speaker system/sound card for your gaming laptop or even to plug the audio output of your backyard projector into for family movie nights.

Cooler still is that the AXX 200 is a Near Field Communication speaker system – so, if your mobile device supports that, you will have no problem pairing them up. If you are like me and only have Apple mobile devices, then you can still interface with the speaker system via Bluetooth. In fact, the Sound BlasterAxx AXX 200 has two Bluetooth channels so that you can connect two devices to it at the same time. The idea behind this is that you can be gaming on your tablet with its audio piping through the AXX 200, then seamlessly switch over to a conference call as the AXX 200 is also connected to your phone. Why wouldn’t you just use your phone for the conference call? The AXX 200 features four microphones to pickup voices from all around the conference table. It also utilizes Creative Labs Crystal Voice technology to eliminate background noise and provide more clear voice traffic. In my testing the device, I was blown away by how nice the quality is – it was actually distractingly-good in comparison to dedicated teleconferencing units I have used.

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While the Sound BlasterAxx AXX 200 has a lengthy battery life of up to 15 hours, you can also use its stored energy to charge your mobile device. Just plug it into the USB port and it will start the electrons flowing. This makes the AXX 200 a great backup battery if you are every stranded without access to a wall or car outlet. Personally, I am going to pack this in my CES bag for when I need to recharge my phone on the fly.

We were also able to check out the charging dock, which is sold separately. I highly recommend picking this up as it provides a nice base station to set your AXX 200 on when not in use that charges it up as well. The only thing that would have made the charging dock better was if it used a smooth charging pad a la the late and underrated Palm Pre. The current charging solution had two little pins that stick up from the charging dock that touch two little points on the AXX 200 which are revealed when the bottom of the device is opened up via small plate.

I can see myself taking the AXX 200 with me if I ever get to go hiking again. You could easily signal for help using the megaphone option, keep your phone charged with it for when you get in range of a cellular tower, or just play some tunes on it if you are camping. Overall, the Sound BlasterAxx Axx 200 portable sound system is a very cool sound solution that will replace a great many device types. It is available now for about $149, while is a special and limited time holiday price point. Once the special over, the price will be back at its MSRP of $299. You can find out more about the Sound BlasterAxx AXX 200 over at its official product page.

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Sound BlasterAxx AXX 200 Features

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Swann Security Launches RC Quad Starship

2013/12/05
Jerry Paxton
Geek News, News, Tech News

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Santa Fe Springs, Calif.– December 5, 2013 – Swann, a global leader in do-it-yourself security monitoring solutions, announces the release of its Quad Starship™. Swann’s new Quad Starship looks like something from a space movie, but it’s here, it’s real, and it will boldly take your teenagers into a new out-of-this-world dimension this Christmas. The Quad Starship™, is available at Amazon, Fry’s, Tiger Direct and B&H stores nationwide for $79.99.

The Quad Starship is equipped with Swann’s Easy Fly Gyro technology which includes 4 axis and propellers. With this design it makes for easy multi-direction maneuverability and simple control. The four rotors mean it can move up, down, forwards, backwards, and sideways, as well as perform flips and stunt tumbles.

The compact and powerful Swann 2.4GHz control is capable of transmitting a signal up to 330 feet away. The Swann Quad Starship is simple to set up and easy to charge. Simply add four alkaline AA batteries to the remote control, and then charge the chopper using the USB cable included. Once charged, you’re up and away with 8 minutes of aerial flying time per charge. The Swann Quad Starship ’s lightweight and durable construction is built for indoor flying in any direction.

“The Quad Starship is perfect for intermediate pilots aged 14, plus those who have never used remote controlled helicopters before. Teenagers can be hard to buy Christmas presents for, but I defy any teenager (or their Dad) not to have fun with the Swann Quad Starship,” says Jeremy Stewart, Vice President, Marketing of Swann. “The Easy-Fly Gyro technology will help to self-stabilize the flight level and maintain control. With some practice you will be performing death-defying turns, dives, flips, tumbles and stunts in no time.”

Available

The Quad Starship, is available at Amazon, Fry’s, Tiger Direct and B&H stores nationwide for $79.99.

War Thunder Closed Beta Announced for Ground Forces

2013/12/05
Jerry Paxton
News, Windows PC News

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December 5, 2013 — Gaijin Entertainment has announced that that the closed beta program for Ground Forces Expansion for military World War II MMO game War Thunder has launched. Selected players that participated in various daily in-game challenges during November will be among the first to get a taste of intense tank battles and new progression system. Collector’s advanced packs with exclusive content and access to the closed beta later this month are also available now.

Ground Forces Expansion marks the next glorious chapter in War Thunder’s evolution toward providing gamers with the ability to experience next-gen WWII military gameplay filled with intense action and highly explosive battles, launched from either the air or using armored vehicles.

“Our ultimate goal is to have hundreds of thousands of individual games made up of dozens of players who can experience intense battles where they come from the skies, the land and eventually from the sea,” said Anton Yudintsev, CEO, Gaijin Entertainment. “The launch of Ground Forces Expansion closed beta is another step towards that goal.”

For users that want exclusive content that will become collector’s items when the open beta for Ground Forces starts, there is an option to purchase one of the advanced packs at http://online.gaijinent.com. All of these packs will also grant access to the closed beta later in December, although the other means of getting access are planned as well.

  • M4A2 Sherman Starter Pack  (49.99 USD/Euro)
    • Exclusive M4A2 Sherman, captured by the German forces, that will be available only for the owners of this pack;
    • 2000 Golden Eagles;
    • Access to the closed beta later in December
  • M4A2 Sherman Advanced Pack (59.99 USD/Euro)
    • Exclusive M4A2 Sherman, captured by the German forces, that will be available only for the owners of this pack;

o   Unique German “Panther” decal of 39th Tank Regiment, 51st Battalion;

o   Unique German “Knight with spear” decal of 505th Heavy Tank Battalion, 1944;

o   Unique title “Sherman Hunter”;

o   3000 Golden Eagles;

    • Access to the closed beta later in December
  • T-34 Advanced Pack (49.99 USD/Euro)
    • Exclusive T-34 prototype, that will be available only for the owners of this pack;
    • Unique Soviet “Swift” decal of 15th Guards Mechanized Brigade, 4th Guards Mechanized Corps, 3rd Ukrainian Front, 1944;
    • Unique Soviet “Circles” decal of 7th Guards Tank Corps, 1945;
    • Unique title “T-34 Test Driver”;
    • 3000 Golden Eagles;
    • Access to the closed beta later in December
  • T-34 and M4A2 Sherman Advanced Pack (99.99 USD/Euro)

o   Exclusive T-34 prototype, that will be available only for the owners of this pack;

o   Exclusive M4A2 Sherman, captured by the German forces, that will be available only for the owners of this pack;

o   Unique Soviet “Swift” decal of 15th Guards Mechanized Brigade, 4th Guards Mechanized Corps, 3rd Ukrainian Front, 1944;

o   Unique Soviet “Circles” decal of 7th Guards Tank Corps, 1945;

o   Unique German “Panther” decal of 39th Tank Regiment, 51st Battalion;

o   Unique German “Knight with spear” decal of 505th Heavy Tank Battalion, 1944;

o   Unique title “Sherman Hunter”;

o   Unique title “T-34 Test Driver”

o   Unique title “Tank Pioneer”

o   6000 Golden Eagles

    • Access to the closed beta later in December

Over 5 million players already know the enjoyment of raining down aerial destruction via the PC-version of War Thunder and this fan base continues exponential growth. War Thunder is currently in Open Beta on PC and PlayStation 4, and in development for Mac OS and Oculus Rift. Download War Thunder for free from the official website and join in a heated battle to dominate the skies: http://warthunder.com.

Make Arma Not War Contest Announced

2013/12/05
Jerry Paxton
News, Trailers / Videos, Windows PC News

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Prague, Czech Republic, Thursday 5th December 2013 — Bohemia Interactive, creators of the critically acclaimed Arma series and the standalone version of DAYZ, today announce the €500,000 Make Arma Not War content creation contest for Arma 3. With cash prizes ranging from €20,000 to €200,000, spread across four different categories, Bohemia Interactive challenges people to deliver their best work yet – and potentially move onto the radar of hundreds of thousands of Arma 3 players.

Using the game as their platform, people can compete in four different categories: Total Modification, Singleplayer Game Mode, Multiplayer Game Mode, and Addon. The headline prize will be awarded to the winner of the Total Modification category, where the sole victor will be taking home €200,000. In the other categories, prize money is divided between 1st place (€50,000), 2nd place (€30,000), and 3rd place (€20,000). Projects which show a lot of potential might also be offered a contract by Bohemia Interactive, whether they have won the contest or not.

“We’re delighted to be running a contest of such an incredible scope. The Make Arma Not War contest was brought to life to support our dedicated community of content creators, and stimulate the exciting culture of creativity that has formed over the years”, said Ivan Buchta, Creative Director at Bohemia Interactive, and one of the contest organizers. “Of course, with the stakes being this high, we’re expecting people to raise the bar – and we hope Arma 3 players will be there with us, to boost morale, and enjoy the fruits of the contestants’ hard labor.”

In addition to the €500,000 in cash prizes, Bohemia Interactive is also proud to announce a unique collaboration with the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), who will be handing out the Health Care in Danger Special Award. Given to the entry which covers the topic of ‘health care in danger’ the best, the winner(s) will go on a one-week trip to an ICRC mission in a foreign country, organized by the ICRC.

While the application period is scheduled to open in 2014, people are already welcome to start working on their project. The closing date for submissions is October 28, 2014, after which a jury of Bohemia Interactive representatives and other industry professionals will begin to evaluate the finalists in each category (10 in the Total Modification/Multiplayer Game Mode/Addon categories, 20 in the Singleplayer Game Mode category). The winners will be announced on January 15, 2015. More details, including how people can cast their vote and support their favorite projects, are to be announced at a later date.

“With the launch of the first Arma game in 2001, we’ve laid the foundation for our series’ long-standing history in user-content and modifications. It has led us to enjoy many amazing creations, among which is the popular DAYZ mod”, said Bohemia Interactive’s CEO Marek Spanel. “Support for mod-making has always been a priority, and with Arma 3, our goal is to take it to the next level. The Make Arma Not War contest, as well as Arma 3’s integration of the Steam Workshop, the updated EULAs, and our refreshed Arma 3 tool suite, is all part of this effort. We can’t wait to see what comes from it!”

The rules for the contest, which also includes information on dates, prizes, and categories, can be found on www.makearmanotwar.com. The Make Arma Not War website will be updated regularly, starting with additional instructions on how to apply in the beginning of next year.

Last but not least, to stay up to date with the latest developments, people can sign up for the Make Arma Not War newsletter. Important announcements regarding the contest will also be communicated via the official Arma 3 social channels (Facebook, Twitter).

Official Video

MSI Launches Gaming Notebooks with 3K Displays

2013/12/05
Jerry Paxton
News, Tech News

MSI-3K

City of Industry, Calif. – December 5, 2013 – MSI Computer Corp, leading manufacturer of computer hardware products and solutions, takes gaming into new heights with the industry’s first 3K gaming notebook.  Available in time for the holidays, the GT60 2OD-261US displays at a 2880×1620 resolution for sharper, brighter and crisper graphics resulting in an unmatched visual experience.

The GT60 with 3K display is the answer to gamers seeking superb visual immersive-ness on the go.  It is armed with an anti-reflective 3K panel powered by the latest 4th generation Intel® Core™ i7 processor and NVIDIA® GeForce® GTX 780M graphics.  MSI completes this gaming powerhouse with Killer™ DoubleShot wireless technology, a SteelSeries full color backlit keyboard and Dynaudio Premium Speakers with Subwoofer.

MSI also introduced their newest Adobe® Creative Suite 6, AutoDesk and SolidWorks optimized GT60 workstation with 3K display, the GT60 2OKWS-278US.  It shares similar technologies with its gaming counterpart, including the latest Intel® processor, SteelSeries backlit keyboard and Killer™ Doubleshot wireless, but is outfitted with an NVIDIA® Quadro® K3100M GPU and a Blu-ray Disc Burner.

Both the GT60 gaming and GT60 Workstation take advantage of the Matrix Display capability that simultaneously supports up to 3 external displays to create 4 independent displays, transforming it into a multi-tasking desktop replacement.  Both notebooks also come with Cooler Boost 2 technology to efficiently lower system temperature and Audio Boost to maximize volume and sound fidelity for your headset.

“Gamers demand the most out of their systems and are constantly trying to attain a more complete experience, starting from system performance to multimedia effects.  The GT60 with 3K graphics immerses the portable gamer into a realm never before experienced,” stated Andy Tung, vice president of sales for MSI Pan America Region.  “The 3K graphics in our latest workstation gives professionals an edge by increasing efficiency and productivity.”

The GT60 gaming and GT60 Workstation with 3K displays are currently available for $2,199.99 and $2,799.99 respectively.  For more information about the 3K gaming laptop, workstation or the entire line of G series notebooks, please visithttp://www.msimobile.com or www.usgaming.msi.com.

MSI - 3K Specs

 

Creative Labs Launches Sound BlasterAxx AXX 200

2013/12/05
Jerry Paxton
Hardware News, News, Tech News

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SINGAPORE – December 5, 2013 – Creative Technology Ltd today announced a product that would radically transform the wireless speaker market: the new Sound BlasterAxx™  AXX 200 functions as a full-fledged Sound Blaster and a portable, powerful NFC wireless speaker rolled into one. This wireless sound system – which is fully programmable – actually intelligently enhances audio in real-time, making it perfect for music, movies, calls and games.

The Sound BlasterAxx AXX 200 also boasts an immense host of other useful and fun features such as a quad microphone array for teleconferencing and Voice Recording, an MP3 Player, and a ‘crazy’ Super Megaphone that not only amplifies the user’s voice in all kinds of zany ways, but also allows the user to karaoke anywhere.  The sound system also comes with an insanely loud siren, and even charges the user’s smartphone.

Intelligent and Powerful Audio Playback
The Sound BlasterAxx AXX 200 boasts a uniquely elegant and polished vertical tower design that houses a patent-pending stacked stereo speaker system, and a built-in SB-Axx1 chip for advanced audio enhancement and customization.  This separates the Sound BlasterAxx AXX 200 from other portable wireless speakers in the market – instead of playing audio as it is, the sound system can actually enhance audio in real-time by utilizing Creative’s proprietary SBX Pro Studio™ audio technologies to deliver outstanding audio playback for music, movies and games.  For example, the sound system is able to boost the clarity of dialog levels in movies with Creative’s proprietary SBX Dialog Plus technology.  Another great feature is SBX Smart Volume.  When in Night Mode, it intelligently minimizes abrupt volume changes.  It can also automatically adjust and equalize the volume of different audio tracks – this helps when users have a collection of different MP3 songs.

Intelligent Personal Wireless Mobile Teleconferencing Device
Another key differentiating factor lies with the sound system’s advanced communications capabilities, which make it the perfect personal wireless mobile teleconferencing device.  The AXX 200 features a proprietary quad microphone array which works in perfect harmony with the SB-Axx1 processor to provide crystal clear 360° voice pickup.  The advanced Sound Blaster processor also allows for various advanced proprietary CrystalVoice™ voice enhancement technologies not even found in high end teleconferencing systems.  For example, CrystalVoice Focus allows the Sound BlasterAxx AXX 200’s beamforming microphones to clearly pick up your voice within a specific acoustic zone, while suppressing all noise from outside that zone.  This combination of advanced communications technologies and hardware makes the Sound BlasterAxx AXX 200 a superior personal communications device as compared to other portable wireless speakers.

Versatile One-Touch Recording
The same quad microphone array and CrystalVoice technologies also work perfectly in facilitating high quality voice recording.  The sound system features an Integrated Voice Recorder which allows for versatile one-touch recording of all kinds of audio – calls, external voices, streamed music, voice and music, Super Megaphone and music, and everything else the user may hear – directly to an insertable MicroSD card.  This is ideal for recording voice memos, lectures, interviews, teleconferencing sessions, business/corporate meetings or even recording spontaneous sing-along sessions.  It even comes with a hardware switch to mute the microphone for moments when the user needs privacy.

Integrated WMA and MP3 Player
Beyond powerful audio processing, the AXX 200 also provides an option for the most direct and convenient audio playback – the sound system’s Integrated MicroSD WMA and MP3 player lets users play enhanced audio directly from a MicroSD card, so users do not need to always commit their smartphone to play music.  The player even allows users to skip music folders so that they can navigate to their songs faster without having to tediously cycle through all their individual tracks.

Super Megaphone
In keeping with its ability to produce amazingly loud sound despite its portable size, the AXX 200 also possesses an entirely unique feature – a Super Megaphone that aggressively amplifies a user’s voice on-the-fly.  Instant voice amplification has its practical uses – for example, for attracting attention or directing people – but it can also be used for fun, allowing users to play pranks on friends or sing out loud to their favorite songs.  Users can also instantly transmute themselves into various fantastical characters by adding a whole range of voice effects (CrystalVoice FX) to their voices in real-time, for example, changing male voice to female.

High Quality Wireless Connectivity with NFC for Tap to Connect
As the perfect companion for smartphones and tablets, the AXX 200 is able to connect wirelessly via Bluetooth, and utilizes the aptX® and AAC codecs for the highest quality audio and lowest possible latency.  The sound system also features the latest Near-Field Communication (NFC) technology, allowing users to quickly and easily connect to Bluetooth devices, requiring only a simple tap from an NFC-enabled smart device to the sound system to pair and establish a connection.  Users can also connect two Bluetooth devices to the AXX 200 simultaneously.

Full-fledged Sound Blaster via USB
The AXX 200 is not just a wireless speaker for smart devices.  Users can connect it to their PCs or Macs via USB to enjoy clear digital audio for their desktops or laptops.  But far beyond that, when connected via USB, the AXX 200 doubles up as a full-blown, high-quality Sound Blaster.   The built-in multi-core SB-Axx1 processor provides hardware acceleration for SBX Pro Studio and CrystalVoice technologies, targeted at PC users.  As with other Sound Blaster cards, the AXX 200 also features a dedicated auxiliary/microphone input, as well as a headphone/line output.  For example, when connected to a headset, the AXX 200 utilizes SBX Surround to provide stunning, realistic 3D surround sound, perfect for an immersive listening experience for music, movies and games.  At the same time, it functions as a powerful speaker for computers and simultaneously, a wireless speaker for mobile device.

Dual Purpose Battery
The AXX 200 also features a Dual Purpose Battery.  The built-in high capacity 5200 mAh lithium-ion rechargeable battery is able to provide the sound system with up to 15 hours of playback time.  It also serves as a battery bank that can charge a smartphone several times over.

Easy Audio Customization and Control via Apps and PC/Mac Software
Users can look forward to full control of their audio settings.  This is done on smart devices via a downloaded application called Sound Blaster Central which is available for iOS and Android devices.  Audio settings are also customizable when connected to a PC/Mac via the Sound BlasterAxx Control Panel software.

The Next Wave – Fun with Audio, Anytime, Anywhere, Anyhow
“The Sound BlasterAxx AXX 200 represents the next wave in audio – having fun with audio anytime, anywhere, anyhow!” said Sim Wong Hoo, Chairman and CEO of Creative Technology Ltd.  “This powerful AXX 200 is truly portable and besides possessing a full advanced suite of intelligent features, also comes with many zany and useful features that would allow users to have great fun with their audio.  Here’s a good example: the AXX 200 is the only speaker to incorporate a Super Megaphone.  Not just any megaphone, the Super Megaphone leverages our Sound Blaster chip to enable you to change your voice, so you can amaze and amuse (and torment) your friends and be the life of the party.  Sing along on the Super Megaphone while your favorite music plays; you have an instant karaoke anytime, anywhere! You can even record your karaoke session! And by popular request, I even added an insanely loud siren.  The AXX 200 is a wireless speaker, a Sound Blaster, a speakerphone, an MP3 player, a voice recorder, a battery bank, a karaoke-anywhere device, a siren, a Super Megaphone – it’s a one-of-a-kind wireless sound system that you can use anytime, anywhere, anyhow.  It is unlike anything you have ever seen before.
But beyond all the fun, the built-in SB-Axx1 chip and other advanced technologies in the AXX 200 makes it an incredibly intelligent device.  I seriously believe that this is a game-changing product – it is the start of a whole new race of intelligent wireless speakers.

With its huge range of features, all of which would collectively cost over US$1,000*, we could sell the AXX 200 for US$499 and it would be a reasonable price.  Instead, we initially decided to be competitive and set a standard retail price of US$299.99.  But even then, why shouldn’t such a game-changing device have a game-changing price?  I thought, what the heck, let’s make it US$149.99 for a start!  With such a radically aggressive price point, we will be selling the AXX 200 online, beginning in the United States at creative.com.”

Optional Docking Base + Universal Power Adapter
Users can also purchase a separate docking base that comes with a supplied universal power adaptor.  It is designed to seamlessly charge the Sound BlasterAxx AXX 200.  The base removes the hassle of having to plug a cable into the AXX 200 every time it needs to be charged – instead, users can simply drop the AXX 200 onto the docking base for charging.

Intelligent Technological Highlights of the Sound BlasterAxx AXX 200:
1.      The Sound BlasterAxx AXX 200 features a built-in Sound Blaster SB-Axx1 chip that enhances all music, movies, gaming audio and calls in real-time,   while on-the-go.  No other wireless speaker has this.
2.      Housed within the AXX 200 are FOUR microphones – This quad microphone array provides clear 360° voice pickup.  All noise is further intelligently suppressed by the
SB-Axx1 processor, making the sound system perfect for speakerphone teleconferencing, far surpassing the communication capabilities of other wireless speakers.
3.      The AXX 200 features a unique Super Megaphone, which allows for instant, aggressive voice amplification, with users also able to add on-the-fly voice effects.
4.      Integrated MicroSD WMA and MP3 Player – Plays music directly from a MicroSD Card without having to connect to the user’s smart device.
5.      Integrated Voice Recorder – Allows for simple, one-touch audio recording directly to a MicroSD card.
6.      High-quality aptX® and AAC Bluetooth support for wireless audio playback that sounds as good as a wired connection.
7.      NFC connectivity – One tap of an NFC-enabled smart device on the Sound BlasterAxx AXX 200 connect it to a device via Bluetooth.
8.      Connects to two Bluetooth-enabled devices simultaneously – Ideal in a situation when a user is watching a movie on a tablet and wants to take a phone call on the Sound BlasterAxx AXX 200 from another device.
9.      Dual Purpose Battery – Provides up to 15 hours of continuous wireless audio playback, and serves as a portable backup battery for a smartphone.
10.     Capacitive Touch Controls – Allows users to easily adjust and control volume and effects settings, and answer calls!
11.     Robust app and software support
•       For iOS and Android users – Sound Blaster Central – Enables complete enhancement and customization of audio playback and voice communications.
•       For PC and Mac users – Sound BlasterAxx Control Panel
•       What U Hear feature – Enables mixing or singing or narration with a music track.  Ideal for recording Skype calls on a PC or from a Bluetooth connected smartphone – Great for taking minutes after a call.
•       For PC users – Sound BlasterAxx Bonus Pack – Software suite includes WaveStudio that allows users to record their voices into a file that can be used later for inclusion into a video, Creative Media Toolbox, an essential suite of software applications that will make converting, enhancing and organizing digital music a breeze… and more.

SBX Pro Studio™ Features†:
•       SBX Crystalizer™ – Restores the “highs” and “lows” that are compromised during audio compression to create and audio experience as the original artist intended
•       SBX Smart Volume – Intelligently minimizes abrupt volume changes by automatically adjusting the loudness of audio playback
•       SBX Dialog Plus – Intelligently enhances voices in music and movies for drastically clearer vocal range
•       SBX Bass – Dramatically improves the sound experience by expanding the low frequency tones
•       SBX Surround – Creates unprecedented levels of audio realism by producing virtual speakers around, above and below the listener when he connects a pair of headphones to the Sound BlasterAxx AXX 200

†The Sound BlasterAxx AXX 200 is a full-fledged external Sound Blaster sound card.  Users can experience the full extent of SBX Pro Studio effects when connected to the Sound BlasterAxx AXX 200 with headphones.

SBX CrystalVoice™ Features:
•       CrystalVoice Acoustic Echo Cancellation – Reduces echoes that interfere with voice communications
•       CrystalVoice Noise Reduction – Reduces unwanted background noise from conversations
•       CrystalVoice Smart Volume – Enables users to be heard clearly without having to shout or whisper
•       CrystalVoice FX – Morphs voices into different characters and accents
•       CrystalVoice Focus – Suppresses noise outside a specified acoustic zone to enable voice communications to be heard with amazing clarity

*Value Comparison Table
Individual Feature and Estimated Market Value
NFC Wireless Speaker $180
High-end Teleconferencing System $600
Voice Recorder $50
Sound Card $100
MP3 Player $50
Battery Bank $50
Megaphone $50

TOTAL VALUE Over $1,000

Pricing and Availability
The Sound BlasterAxx AXX 200 wireless sound system has a suggested retail price of US$299.99 and is available online in the United States now at creative.com – at a special price of US$149.99.

Worldwide availability will be announced at a later date.

The optional docking base + universal power adaptor can be bought separately at US$59.99.

War of the Vikings: Community Update Trailer and Screenshots

2013/12/05
Jerry Paxton
News, Screenshots / Photos, Trailers / Videos, Windows PC News

WOTV_Cliff_09

Here is a new community update trailer for War of the Vikings, as well as some screenshots to go with it! Enjoy!

Video

Screenshots

Montague’s Mount Review (PC)

2013/12/04
Judgeman
News, Reviews, Windows PC News, Windows PC Review

MontaguesMount_v0_2_1_21052013__2013-09-11_16-41-33-50

PolyPusher Studios has brought us a very interesting game that falls into the first person suspense category, named Montague’s Mount. Partly funded from an unsuccessful Indiegogo drive, Montague’s Mount was originally intended to be used with the Oculus Rift system. However, since funding did not reach the level that the designers wanted to support the Oculus Rift, or any other levels the designers wanted for that matter, we are left with the feeling that Montague’s Mount is unfinished and could have been great.

Story

You begin the story of Montague’s Mount, waking up on an Irish beach with amnesia. Injured and alone, you set off into the area surrounding Montague’s Mount to discover where you are, who you are, and where has all the inhabitants gone. The story progresses through a series of notes, flashbacks, and monologue from the main character as you discover new bits of information that helps you piece together the fragmented stories surrounding the Mount.

Montague’s Mount is a slow paced game, a game where the player must take his or her time with the story and let it unfold at it’s own pace. This isn’t a story for twitch gamers or someone looking for a huge scare. The story is atmospheric in nature, but is meant to build suspense more than fear, uncertainty more then peril. Most of the time, this works for Montague’s Mount, but not perfectly.

The story is paced at a very slow rate, with story bits and clues drip fed to you as you solve puzzles and move from one area to the next. This can lead to a high rate of frustration with today’s gamers, gamers who are used to a much more Call of Duty pacing to their games. So, that makes my first recommendation for this game, it isn’t for everyone. You will have to be able to handle a story that will unfurl at a snail’s pace and be willing to score the areas for any type of clue. I won’t even go into the amnesia bit, I just hate it when developers fall back on that crutch. It is just becoming way to cliche in these types of storys.

Game Play

With the Oculus Rift being in mind when PolyPusher Studios first began designing Montague’s Mount, you can imagine that the entire game play is centered on how you interact with the world at hand. Montague’s Mount is seen through the eyes of the protagonist, so it is a first person game that allows you to interact with items using the mouse. As you move through the world, you use the mouse to see around you and pick up items or use items with the mouse. The designers have set most items that you can interact with in a different lighting, so they become much easier to see as you progress through the game.

MontaguesMount-pc-games

Other items you can interact with are strewn over the entire landscape. This brings me to one of Montague’s Mount’s interesting points, that the game also is helping promote the Irish language. Items that you click on for descriptions, will show up in Irish first, with the English translation below. Irish has seen a huge come back in the last century, after being almost completely removed by British rule. Being a student of the Irish language myself, I found this addition to be a fantastic addition to the game, but completely understand how this will not add or subtract to the game for someone who isn’t interested in the language.

Puzzles are the game’s core for progression. Montague’s Mount separates areas by using gate that the player must find ways past. These solutions could be as simple as finding a can of gas for the generator, or as complicated as deciphering Morse Code to discover how to lower a draw bridge. For the most part, a player should be able to figure out the puzzles by just paying attention to their surroundings, but unless you are familiar with Morse Code, you will need the Internet for some of these puzzles.

Montague’s Mount has very solid game play, but it forces you to take your time through the environments. There isn’t any way to run, nor is there a need to. The story and game play revolves strictly around discovering the mystery behind who you are and the secret of Montague’s Mount. I do wish that the developers were able to get the money to through in Oculus Rift compatibility, because this game is screaming for that type of technology.

Aesthetics

Montague’s Mount’s aesthetic is heavily influenced by the lead designer’s view of Ireland when he moved there. Being an outsider to the land and culture, he saw Ireland as a cold and colorless place. This lead to his design of Montague’s Mount aesthetics. Ireland in Montague’s Mount is a dreary, rainy and grey landscape. As you play the game, the color palette will change from being almost black and white in tone, to almost full color, but never quite there. The graphics of the game are decent enough to get the job done, without looking fantastic nor horrible. The designers did a great job in using the aesthetics to help build the suspense and the isolationist feeling of Montague’s Mount.

The audio of Montague’s Mount is minimal, but this seems to be a design decision and not one born out of lack of funds. The music soundtrack adds to the lonely feeling of the surroundings by being very minimal. You will not get an epic sweeping score for this game, mostly just a set of music that sounds like it is distant, almost echo-like. The voice acting is done well, and completed in English. I thought it was interesting that a game like Montague’s Mount that is promoting the Irish language, did not have an alternate track to listen to the game in Irish. A separate voice track in Irish would have gone a long way to really immerse the player into this world. Missed opportunity here on that, but one that does not ruin the game.

Final Thoughts

Montague’s Mount is a solid game that could have been so much better. The story pacing isn’t going to be for everyone, you will need to be patient and have a desire to look around and search for clues. The game play elements of Montague’s Mount work well with the story, though it would have been perfect for the Oculus Rift system. The puzzle difficulty ranges from the simplest of fetch and go here types, to absolutely needing the Internet to solve. Sound and vision were good too, without being spectacular. I do wish that there was an Irish language track to go with the Irish vocabulary that appears on the screen. Montague’s Mount is a solid, suspenseful game that fans of the genre can pick up on Steam for about $10. If you like your games slow, atmospheric, and with a touch of amnesia, Montague’s Mount is a game for you.

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