Archive - 2014

AEX Industries Bipod W/RIS Adapter Review (Airsoft)

2014/01/18

Action Sports, Airsoft News, Airsoft Reviews, Articles, News, Reviews

Airsoft Extreme has a line of company-branded products that are truly well-built. One of these such items is their AEX Industries Bipod with RIS Adapter. Retailing for $39.99, this airsoft bipod features all metal construction as well as spring assisted, adjustable height leg posts. Installing the AEX bipod was very simple, with it utilizing my airsoft gun’s 20mm rail system without issue. Once tightened down, the bipod adds a “tacticool” factor to the airsoft gun – aside from its other, functional uses. A bipod is not something that every airsoft player needs to equip to his or her airsoft gun. However, once in use, the benefits of the bipod’s stable shooting platform quickly present themselves. Adjusting the height of the leg posts is fairly easy. The shooter simply moves the legs down into the protracted position, then twists each post and pulls the leg post out to the desired height. Once achieved, the leg is tightened down using the built in screws.

One of the best features that this bipod has is the ability to fold its two posts forward towards the muzzle, getting them out of the way of things while you don’t need it. This also means that the bipod can be quickly manipulated on the field depending on your tactical situation. I decided to run the bipod on my VFC / Umarex M27 IAR limited edition airsoft rifle. While not as heavy or ungainly as an M249 or other LMG, the M27 IAR is no slouch in the size department and, when laid out prone, it was such a comfort having that bipod extended. Not only did it help provide a stable platform with which to shoot from but, also, it saved my left elbow a lot of strain.

If you are in the market for a quality airsoft bipod, you can’t go wrong with the AEX Industries Bipod w/RIS Adapter. It’s $39.99 dollar price point is very reasonable and the unit has a lot of noticeable build quality. This bipod is available now.

Product Link

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SanDisk Connect 64 GB Wireless Media Drive Review (Tech)

2014/01/18

Jerry Paxton

Mobile News, News, Reviews, Tech News, Tech Review

One of the most interesting things I saw at this year’s Internation CES in Las Vegas was the SanDisk Connect Wireless Media Drive. SanDisk, often known for taking risks, displayed a small silver and dark gray box that, when powered on, generates its own wireless access point and allows iOS and Android smartphones to be able to use it as a media server. I know so many iPhone users who have thousands of photos on their phones (I am afraid to say, I am one of them) so this would be a great way to keep your photos and videos safe while freeing up space on your phone.

In addition to being able to use the Connect Wireless Media Drive as a media server, you can also plug it into a Mac or Windows PC and access its contents directly. For the photographers out there, this means that you can take your drive to your local photo printer, plug it into their computer, and select which you want to have developed. The device comes with either 32GB or 64GB of internal memory but each are expandable by way of an SDHC/SDXC card port so you will not run out of room anytime soon.

The server capabilities of the SanDisk Connect warrant special mention as it can support up to 5 HD video streams simultaneously. This means that if you and the family are going on a road trip, you can all stream movies, etc from the Connect while on the trip – except for you, keep your eyes on the road, pal! The device charges via USB cable and is spec’d to run for about eight hours of continuous streaming per charge. This was fairly accurate when I was simply using my iPhone 5 connected to it all day. For something capable of outputting so much wireless energy, I was surprised the battery is as good as it is.

Overall, the SanDisk Connect Wireless Media Server is such a handy device, I can’t recommend it enough. It is small, lightweight, and extremely capable of handling the photos and videos that would normally take up valuable space on your smartphone.

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Xi3 Shows off Tech at Sundance Film Festival

2014/01/17

Jerry Paxton

Hardware News, Movie News, News, Tech News

SALT LAKE CITY — Jan. 17, 2014 — Following its “best CES ever” at last week’s 2014 International CES trade show, Xi3 Corporation has now set its sights on Utah’s famous film festival where Xi3 is debuting its vertical focus on the Entertainment Industry.

Specifically, Xi3® is showcasing the “10X capabilities” of its tiny, powerful yet ecofriendly Modular™ Computers, microSERV3Rs™ and dataCENT3Rs™ at different events and venues during the 11-day film festival. According to Xi3 Founder, President and CEO, Jason A. Sullivan, Xi3’s products are perfect for rendering, compositing, production and live performances because Xi3 systems are much smaller and use significantly less electricity than the machines typically used by creative professionals.

“After the whirlwind week we just completed at the CES trade show, it’s clear to me that 2014 was our best CES ever as we met with more executives, more partners and more buying professionals than ever before,” Sullivan said. “Clearly, our decision to focus on several vertical markets is proving successful for us, including our solutions for the health care, digital signage, and entertainment industries. It’s our unique capabilities for creative professionals that compelled us to become part of the entertainment community.

“As it turns out, our Modular Computers are the perfect engine for real-time and offline creation and production of film, video, professional audio and still imagery. In fact, the X7A Modular Computer can handle all of the rendering, compositing, and simulations of Macs and PCs that are as much as 10-times larger and use up to 10-times the amount of electricity—but it costs less than those bigger machines. Xi3 solutions are perfect for the creative mind, whether they’re used in standalone mode or with hundreds linked together in rendering clusters. And it doesn’t matter if they’re in a studio in Burbank or on location in Brazil. The bottom line is that Xi3 allows filmmakers, producers, audio professionals and visual artists to do more in less time at lower costs.”

Outlined below is a summary of some of Xi3’s initial events and activities for the business side of the Entertainment Industry.

Independent Film Makers Lounge Presented by Xi3 Corporation

Xi3 Corporation is the Presenting Sponsor of the Independent Film Makers Lounge being held during Utah’s most successful film festival. The “Indie Lounge” is being held from 10 a.m. — 6 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 16 to Sunday, Jan. 19 at 710 N. Main Street in Park City. Xi3 is featuring its X7A Modular Computers and Xi3 microSERV3Rs at the “Indie Lounge.” These softball-sized machines from Xi3 are packed with 2 billion transistors yet are 10-times smaller and use one-tenth the electricity of comparably equipped systems.

Xi3 to Hold Panel Discussion at the “Indie Lounge”

During the 11-day film festival (January 16—26, 2014), Xi3 will conduct a Panel Discussion titled, “Making Michael Bay-like Films on an Indie Budget: How to do more in less time at lower costs with next generation technologies.” This 60-minute Panel Discussion will be held onMonday, January 20 from 1—2 p.m. at 710 N. Main Street in Park City, Utah. Seating for the Panel Discussion is limited, so interested individuals are asked to RSVP to PanelDiscussion@Xi3.com.

Xi3 Enters Ongoing Technology Partnership with Park City Live

Xi3 and Park City Live have entered into an ongoing Technology Partnership that features Xi3’s Modular Computers and other technologies throughout the venue on a year-round basis. Located in the heart of Park City near the midpoint of Main Street in the historic Memorial Building, Park City Live is Park City’s premier concert venue for live concerts, DJs and special events—especially during the city’s annual film festival.

Xi3 Installs ODIN at Park City Live—Xi3’s First “Live” Performance Studio for DJs

Xi3 has entered the pro audio market with a new development stage project code-named ODIN aimed at professional DJs. ODIN is a new concept in “Live Studio” performance systems where DJs combine digital audio and video to create unique state-of-the-art performances each night. The ODIN “Live Studio” performance booth utilizes Xi3’s powerful yet tiny X7A Modular Computers to drive the most popular studio and DJ/VJ software applications for live concerts and performances. Additionally, the Xi3-powered ODIN “Live Studio” DJ/VJ booth at Park City Live controls and takes full advantage of the BOSE Pro Audio speaker system installed earlier this week at the Park City Live venue alongside ODIN.

“Xi3 is helping create truly remarkable entertainment experiences for festival- and concert-goers during this 11-day event,” Sullivan said. “That’s because Xi3 Modular Computers are perfect for pro DJs and filmmakers alike. Our 10X technologies carry a huge advantage over comparably equipped machines, and I’m confident such advantages will provide a huge uplift for our colleagues in the Entertainment Industry. Furthermore, I personally invite all industry professionals at this year’s festival to come see, hear and experience the Xi3 creative difference for themselves.”

About the Independent Film Makers Lounge

Developed in 2010 as a destination to thousands of established and inspiring independent filmmakers, in its fourth year, the Independent Film Makers Lounge has rapidly become one of the most popular Lounges during Utah’s most famous Film Festival. The Lounge caters specifically to industry professionals, directors, producers, studio executives, and financial decision makers. Numerous celebrities join the Lounge because of the exclusivity, entertainment, and of course, the gifting. During this four-day epic event, approximately 2,000 people will attend the fully catered Lounge with its open bar. The dynamic of the Lounge, its celebrity draw and unique platform have garnered the attention of CNN, The Wall Street Journal, Hollywood Reporter, ON Entertainment and E! News, each of which have requested credentials for 2014. The hospitality of our Lounge, its filmmaking forums, live entertainment, gourmet food, and an award-winning staff add to the founding principles that have put the Independent Film Makers Lounge in a class of its own.

About Park City Live

During the one of the most influential film festivals in the country, Park City Live is traditionally the most sought after venue for parties and live events. The space, situated directly on Main Street in Park City, has played host to top musical performances from Metallica to Deadmau5. Formerly Harry O’s, Park City Live is the place to “see and be seen” as a combination of world-renowned musicians, A-list celebrities and industry executives are among the nightly after-party attendees. Park City Live is located at the World Famous 427 Main Street, Park City, Utah. For more information, visit www.parkcitylive.net.

About Xi3 Corporation

Formed in 2010 and headquartered in Salt Lake City, Utah, Xi3 Corporation utilizes “The Power of X” to bring its building block approach to the world of computing, an approach Xi3 applies internally and externally to hardware solutions and software applications. For more information about Xi3 Corporation, please visit www.Xi3.com.

Deception IV: Blood Ties Release Date

2014/01/17

Jerry Paxton

News, PlayStation 3 News, PS Vita News

BURLINGAME, Calif. – JANUARY 17, 2014 – TECMO KOEI America announced today that the upcoming title DECEPTION IV: BLOOD TIES will launch in North America on March 25, 2014 for the PlayStation®3 computer entertainment system and the PlayStation®Vita handheld entertainment system.

In this imaginative follow up to the classic Tecmo title ‘Tecmo’s Deception’, first released in 1996 on the PlayStation®, players get a taste of what it’s like to play on the side of evil. Much like its predecessors, DECEPTION IV: BLOOD TIES is a strategy-focused action game revolving around a deceitful main character known as the Devil’s daughter who, assisted by three Demons, defeats her foes through trickery.

DECEPTION IV: BLOOD TIES follows the story of Laegrinna, an animated fragment of an imprisoned Devil’s soul, as she battles her enemies by mischievously luring them into strategically placed traps. From rolling boulders and spiked walls to spring boards, iron maidens, human cannons, falling bathtubs and banana peels, the player can choose from a multitude of dramatic, sadistic, and comical traps in order to finish off an enemy.

However, simply setting traps is not enough, as they need to be activated in turn. Timing also plays an important role, as an untimely activation could result in Laegrinna falling into her own trap or allowing her rivals to catch her. Depending on the manner in which an enemy is killed or captured, the Devil’s three servants – Veruza, Caelea and Lilia (each representing a different aspect of cruelty: Sadistic Torment, Elaborate Death and Humiliating Demise) – reward points and upgraded traps.

Those playing the PlayStation®3 version of DECEPTION IV: BLOOD TIES will be able to upload their combos online or challenge other players to beat their highest-scoring, funniest, or most sadistic combos.

The PlayStation®Vita version boasts additional features, like Cross Play and Cross Saves between PS3/ PSVITA and touch-screen functions to select and activate traps.

DECEPTION IV: BLOOD TIES is produced by the creator of Fatal Frame, Keisuke Kikuchi and developed by Tecmo Koei. The franchise as a whole has sold more than 800,000 copies globally. For more news and information on DECEPTION IV: BLOOD TIES please follow us on https://www.facebook.com/tecmokoeiamerica or visit www.tecmokoeiamerica.com/deception4. This title has not yet been rated by the ESRB.

Etherium First Video Released

2014/01/17

Jerry Paxton

News, Trailers / Videos, Windows PC News

January 17th, 2014 — Etherium, the new futuristic real-time strategy title developed by Tindalos Interactive, the studio that created Stellar Impact, is now unveiling its very first video!

This first teaser sets the scene of the universe of Etherium and shows the first colony of the Consortium, one of the three playable factions in the game, landing on Serenade, the desert planet rich in etherium. The Consortium is deploying its forces in preparation for the struggle against the Council and Galaad, the two other factions in the game that will soon invade the planet in an attempt to seize control.

In Etherium, three empires are locked in a ruthless struggle to control the etherium, a mysterious and precious resource found only on a handful of planets. Take the lead of one of the three factions, each with its individual characteristics, strengths, weaknesses, technologies and special skills such as climate control, espionage and precognition.

The solo campaign in Etherium is non-linear: you are free to decide how your conquests progress. Manage your resources, expand your colonies and extend your control of the map to assemble an army capable of crushing your opponents. Epic battles will ensue between formidable armies comprising numerous units: infantry, tanks, aircraft, and even gigantic colossi of war several meters high; real machines of destruction! You will also use scientific research to develop a tech tree enabling you to unlock new units and upgrades, access new structures to develop your colony and to use new special skills.

Etherium has a unique and dynamic weather system that has a direct impact on your strategy. Use a sandstorm to approach the enemy base unseen, or mount a rearguard attack by crossing a freezing river. Each of the 7 planets has diverse environments, and varied terrain that will force you to adapt your strategy: arid desert, swamps that impede tanks, icy worlds, island archipelagos…

Finally, Etherium will also test your strategic skills in online modes, where up to four players can compete simultaneously.

Teaser Trailer

Three New Bound By Flame Screenshots

2014/01/17

Jerry Paxton

News, PlayStation 4 News, Screenshots / Photos, Windows PC News, Xbox One News

January 15th, 2014 — Bound by Flame, the most ambitious RPG to date from Spiders studios (Mars: War Logs, Of Orcs and Men), is today proud to launch the official website! We are now thrilled to reveal 3 new screenshots of the game that show the companions who will help the hero in his quest, and some of the terrifying and ferocious creatures you will soon have the pleasure of confronting on PC, PlayStation®4, PlayStation®3 and Xbox 360®!

Designed for use also on smartphones and tablets, the Bound by Flame website is a real mine of information on the latest RPG from Spiders studios. Here you will find everything you need to know about the game and the gameplay mechanics, the tactical and dynamic combat system, the back story and characters, and you will also learn about the importance of the human/demon duality – a dilemma the hero will struggle with throughout his quest.

You can also find the latest images in the extensive image and video gallery on the site which will be constantly expanded over the several months until the game release date! Finally, the website is also home to the developers’ Devblog, which is fed on a regular basis with rich, varied information about the game’s development.

Bound by Flame will be released on PC, PlayStation®4, PlayStation®3 and Xbox 360® in Q2 2014.

Screenshots

Ubisoft Bringing Tetris to Next-Gen Consoles

2014/01/16

Jerry Paxton

News, PlayStation 4 News, Xbox One News

SAN FRANCISCO, CA. — January 16, 2014 — Today, Ubisoft® and The Tetris® Company announced a partnership to develop the iconic Tetris franchise for digital channels on Xbox One, the all-in-one games and entertainment system from Microsoft and the Sony PlayStation®4 computer entertainment system. The Tetris franchise celebrates its 30th anniversary in 2014 and has sold hundreds of millions of units worldwide across more than 50 different platforms since its launch in 1984. Tetris-branded products are available in more than 50 languages and in 185 countries around the world. Ubisoft draws from experience in creating memorable experiences for casual gamers with licenses such as The Smurfs™ and Scott Pilgrim vs. The World™, as well as the recent announcement of a partnership with Hasbro.

“We welcome Ubisoft to the Tetris family. I am 100% sure they will develop one of the best versions of the Tetris game ever,” said Henk B. Rogers, managing director of The Tetris Company, LLC.

“We’re very excited to start working with this world-renowned brand, and can’t wait to combine Ubisoft’s expertise and all the capacities of next-gen consoles to create an exciting new Tetris experience for fans,” added Yves Guillemot, Ubisoft co-founder and CEO.

Total War: ROME II Assembly Kit Beta Now Available

2014/01/16

Jerry Paxton

News, Windows PC News

January 15, 2014 — A Beta version of the Total War™: ROME II Assembly Kit, a suite of mod-tools specifically designed to help modders get creative with ROME II, is free to download now in the Tools section of Steam.

The Assembly Kit contains a series of tools to help modders edit ROME II’s database and variants, and process data such as textures, models, animations and campaign-game start positions. A suite of exporters also enables users to then edit unit models and animations using third party software.

To get modders started, the Assembly Kit comes packaged with example data, such as naval vessels, soldiers, animation sets, and the complete ROME II database backend. When a mod is complete, it can be uploaded directly to the STEAM Workshop via the ROME II launcher, where over 1000 user-created mods can already be found.

Beyond the Beta phase, Creative Assembly aims to expand The Assembly Kit over time with further tools as they are developed. Early documentation and instructions on how to grab the Kit are available on the ROME II wiki: http://wiki.totalwar.com/w/Total_War_Rome_II

Total War: ROME II is out now.

Blackguards Character Class Guides Announced

2014/01/16

Jerry Paxton

News, Trailers / Videos, Windows PC News

Hamburg, January 16th, 2014 – In the course of the next weeks, Daedalic Entertainment will release a series of video guides on their Facebook page (http://www.facebook.com/daedalic) which will show new players the ropes of the complex set of rules silently running in the background of Aventuria’s world. The first video guide is already available:

The Dark Eye is Europe’s most successful pen-and-paper system and has constantly expanded since its first appearance 30 years ago. For Blackguards, the world not only provides the continent of Aventuria and an environment with depth to it; Daedalic’s developers also faced challenges in form of a complex set of rules that needed to be implemented as true to the original as possible, yet still kept simple enough to be welcoming for players completely new to the Dark Eye’s world.

The Dark Eye’s rules are particularly recognizable when it comes to Blackguards’ level-up system and character development. Instead of classic level-ups, each battle rewards Adventure Points that can be spent to increase attributes like agility or courage, but also various spells or skills at any time. This way, developing a custom character from the base-classes becomes a very dynamic process. As Daedalic Entertainment recently announced, free character customization right from the beginning will also be implemented upon the game’s release, due to the feedback during the Early Access phase.

Who wants to take on Aventuria right away can have a taste by playing the first four chapters of Blackguards on Steam’s Early Access program.

Blackguards’ will be released on January 24th, 2014 for PC and Mac via Steam. The Standard Edition will be available for US$39.99/ €39.99/ RUR699/ £29.99 and the Blackguards Collector’s Edition for US$ 59.99/ €59.99/ RUR999/ £44.99.

Namco Bandai Games to Distribute The Witcher 3 in Australia and New Zealand

2014/01/16

Jerry Paxton

News, PlayStation 4 News, Windows PC News, Xbox One News

January 15, 2014 — CD Projekt RED, the developer and publisher behind the highly anticipated fantasy RPG The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt, is excited to announce that NAMCO BANDAI Games Australia and New Zealand, a leading video game publisher, developer and distributor, will distribute the third part of The Witcher saga and join the studio in bringing the series to the key markets of Australia and New Zealand. Namco Bandai will exclusively distribute and promote the game in these territories.

“We’re really excited to continue to develop our relationship with NAMCO BANDAI Games and, as a result, introduce The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt to even more gamers across the globe. Thanks to our shared passion for games and our partner’s understanding of what core values constitute The Witcher series, I’m confident we can make the launch of The Witcher 3 something really special,” said Adam Badowski, Head of Studio, CD Projekt RED.

“CD Projekt RED is a world class developer that cares passionately about its games and its fans. We are therefore delighted and proud to again be their chosen partner in Australia and New Zealand and we are very excited to add the eagerly awaited ‘The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt’ to our 2014 line-up.” said Gerard Noonan, SVP, NAMCO BANDAI Games Asia Pacific. “The Witcher series is one of the industries most revered video game franchises and with the power of the new generation of consoles we expect CD Projekt RED will take the series to even greater heights”.

The first installment in the Witcher series was released in 2007 for the PC. The second installment hit the PC market in 2011 and was released for the Xbox 360 games and entertainment system from Microsoft a year later. The two games received over 200 awards. In February 2013, CD Projekt RED announced The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt, which is scheduled for a 2014 release and has garnered over 88 awards so far. The game will be released simultaneously for the PC and next-generation consoles: PlayStation®4 and Xbox One.