Archive - 2014

Wikipad Unveils Gamevice and Wikipad Update

2014/01/03

(LOS ANGELES, CA) – Jan. 3, 2014 – At CES 2014, Wikipad, Inc. (www.wikipad.com) the leader in mobile gaming platforms including the Wikipad 7 android gaming tablet announced the creation of Gamevice a next-generation detachable console-like controller for mobile devices. Gamevice, which received a utility and design global patent, transforms mobile games into full fledge mobile console experiences with a slim portable controller that effortlessly connects to mobile devices. Gamevice offers a unique patented flex bridge design that expands or collapses to fit mobile devices.

“We value the opinions of our community. We heard from many people who either expressed love for the Wikipad 7” or who already owned an iPad or an Android or Windows 8 mobile device and wanted us to make a controller that worked for them. We are currently working on versions for Windows 8 and Android devices. We have not forgotten other important OS systems and we hope to announce additional support those in the near future,” said Fraser Townley, President of Wikipad, Inc.

Gamevice transforms mobile devices into portable video game consoles complete with dual analog sticks, both L1/R1 and L2/R2 analog buttons, an analog D-pad, and four analog action buttons – every button gamers already use and in a form factor that will be familiar.

WIKIPAD 7” – OTA

Wikipad, Inc. (www.wikipad.com) today announced an important over-the-air (OTA) update for its premium 7” gaming tablet that will automatically refresh the Wikipad to add new features such as controller mapping, the addition of Android 4.2, new content such as Madfinger Games’ Dead Trigger 2 and access to a host of great games from new content partner WildTangent Games. The OTA showcase’s Wikipad commitment to redefine gaming in a mobile-centric world. The 7’ Wikipad tablet offers the functionality of a portable premium tablet with the exciting video game console experience.

To receive the update, Wikipad owners must connect their Wikipad to the Internet and install the software update when prompted. The whole process takes a few minutes.

The update includes:

CONTROLLER MAPPING

One of the limitations of mobile games is that complex games often have control schemes not suited for touch screens. Wikipad has released its Wikipad Controller Assistant allowing allows gamers to transform the touchscreen controls of virtually any Android game into a console-like experience using Wikipad’s patented gamepad controller.

ANDROID 4.2 (Jelly Bean+)

The updated version of Jelly Bean includes a number of improvements and new features, including improved battery life and the ability to create multiple user accounts. Android 4.2 enables gesture typing by sliding fingers across the virtual keyboard, improved camera features, gesture typing, lock screen widgets and Google Now updates that pull package tracking, hotel and flight details, restaurant reservations and other important meetings and other time sensitive information straight from Gmail. Wikipad owners will find many small improvements that enhance the Wikipad experience, whether you are gaming, using the Wikipad for work, or just browsing the web and having fun.

NEW CONTENT PARTNER

WildTangent Games offers access a host of premium games to consumers with WildTangent’s patented technology. Consumers receive free in-game items as well as free play of premium games courtesy of brand advertisers. In addition, consumers can rent games for a fraction of the retail price, with 100% of rental going toward ownership, or buy them outright.

WildTangent adds to an already impressive list of content partners including Google Play from Google Mobile Services, PlayStation®Mobile games from Sony Computer Entertainment Inc., and TegraZone – NVIDIA’s free game discovery app.

As an added bonus, Wikipad users receive six premium games pre-installed:

Shadowgun – Madfinger Games
Reckless Racing 1 – Polarbit
Raging Thunder 2 – Polarbit
Sprinkle – Medicore
Granny Smith – Medicore
Zen Pin HD – Zen Studios

DEAD TRIGGER 2

The update also adds Madfinger Game’s award-winning and visually stunning first person zombie shooter Dead Trigger 2. The original Dead Trigger was a smash hit with more than 23M downloads, and Dead Trigger 2 offers even more bloody action and stunning HD graphics, placing gamers in an apocalyptical world where humanity must make its final stand against the growing onslaught of zombies.

ABOUT WIKIPAD

The Wikipad is the only tablet to possess both the unique combination of a console quality gaming experience with the functionality and portability of a tablet thanks to its award-winning and patented detachable dual-analog controller. Wikipad offers a multi capacitive 7 inch touch screen, 16 GB memory with an additional micro SD slot to support a further 32 GB of storage, together with micro USB, GPS, accelerometer and gyroscope. NVIDIA® Tegra® 3 quad-core mobile processor powers Wikipad’s The tablets ultra-light, super thin chassis and is optimized for cloud gaming with a 12 core Nvidia GPU. With an aspect ratio of 16:10, a 2-mega-pixel front facing camera the Wikipad tablet offers true widescreen HD display and HDMI out.

Consumers will have instant access to entertainment and videogame content of over 1,000,000 apps and games from Google Play from Google Mobile Services, PlayStation®Mobile games from Sony Computer Entertainment Inc., and TegraZone – NVIDIA’s free app that highlights the best games optimized for the Tegra processor. When the gamepad controller is detached, Wikipad’s sleek design and full Android 4.2 Jelly Bean functionality make it a powerfully versatile tablet for surﬁng the web, emailing, enjoying all the latest ﬁlms, books, magazines and music, conversing via Skype or experiencing the latest apps at home or on the go.

For a full list of retailers, product specs, a comprehensive support page, technical forums, and retailers please visit: http://www.wikipad.com/

Disney Moves Star Wars Comics Under Marvel Umbrella in 2015

2014/01/03

Jerry Paxton

Comics News, Geek News, News

In a letter from Mike Richardson, founder of Dark Horse Comics, he outlines the news that Disney has decided to move their Star Wars comic books under the Marvel umbrella (which they now own), starting in 2015. Dark Horse has created some amazing Star Wars comics over the years – the best I can think of right now being the Dark Empire series. I am on the fence, personally, as to whether or not this will turn out for the best. Time will tell!

The End of an Era

All things come to pass. So too, do all licensed deals. I am sad to report that Disney, the new owner of Lucasfilm, has notified us here at Dark Horse of their intention to move the Star Wars publishing license to another of their recent acquisitions, Marvel Comics, beginning in 2015. This will end a partnership that has lasted more than two decades.

For those who are new to the industry, Dark Horse revolutionized the treatment of comics based on films. After a history of movie properties being poorly handled with little regard for execution and continuity, Dark Horse took a new approach, carefully choosing licenses and approaching them with excitement and creative energy. Our goal was to create sequels and prequels to the films we loved, paying careful attention to quality and detail, essentially treating those films as though they were our own. Star Wars has been the crown jewel of this approach. We began chasing the title as far back as 1989, and with the launch of Tom Veitch and Cam Kennedy’s Dark Empire, a new era in comics was born. I’m not ashamed to admit that we were Star Wars geeks, and we have been determined to spare neither effort nor expense in the pursuit of excellence.

It is ironic that this announcement comes at a time when Dark Horse is experiencing its most successful year ever. For obvious reasons, we have prepared for this eventuality by finding new and exciting projects to place on our schedule for 2015 and beyond. Will they take the place of Star Wars? That’s a tall order, but we will do our best to make that happen. In the meantime, 2014 may be our last year at the helm of the Star Wars comics franchise, but we plan to make it a memorable one. We know that fans of the franchise will expect no less. The Force is with us still.

Mike Richardson

Razer Unveils Adaro Personal Entertainment Earphones

2014/01/02

Jerry Paxton

CES, Mobile News, News, Tech News

CARLSBAD, Calif. – Jan. 2, 2014 – Razer™, the world leader in high-performance gaming hardware, software and systems, today announced the Razer Adaro series, a new line of headphones designed for personal entertainment.

The new audio lineup will initially feature four models: bass-heavy earphones, analog stereo headphones, Bluetooth® headphones and DJ-style headphones. Each member of the Razer Adaro family is designed with a heavy focus on durability, comfort and uncompromised sound quality for music listening.

The Razer Adaro series marks the company’s latest venture into the personal entertainment audio space. The Razer Kraken and Electra, two of Razer’s best-selling headphones, were tuned for music, as well as gaming.

“Making technically advanced headsets to meet the extraordinary requirements of professional gamers has been a primary focus for us for years, and applying that competency to the development of headphones designed for music lovers is a natural extension for the business and our fans,” says Min-Liang Tan, Razer co-founder, CEO and creative director. “For some time now, we’ve been asked to come out with a line of headphones that addresses the other interests of our community. The Razer Adaro lineup offers just that: high-quality, portable audio for kicking-back, traveling and training, and even for making music.”

All four Razer Adaro products are available for pre-order now. For more information, check out www.razerzone.com. Also, view the Team Farang Razer Adaro Series lookbook here.

About the Razer Adaro In-Ear Analog Earphones

Combining killer sound, a sleek, robust, aluminum body and a convenient, compact carrying case, the Razer Adaro Earphones are built for pure listening pleasure on-the-go.

Crafted and engineered to exacting standards, the Razer Adaro Earphones provide a solid in-ear aural experience. Precision-milled out of aircraft grade aluminum and finished with diamond-cut edges, the look and feel is as premium as its sound.

Incorporating quality hardware, the Razer Adaro Earphones are more than just head turners. High-performance, custom-tuned 10 mm neodymium drivers are sonically optimized to complement their inner acoustics chambers, producing crisp stereo sound. Interchangeable ear tips in three sizes and bi-flange attachments are included to personalize the fit.

Price:

U.S. $79.99 / EU €79.99

Availability:

Razerzone.com – Pre-order in January

Worldwide – February

Product features:

High-performance 10 mm dynamic drivers
Robust, precision-milled aluminum body
Personalized fit and sound isolation
Flat, anti-tangle cable
Compatible with most popular mobile devices
Included carrying case

For more information about the Razer Adaro Analog Earphones, please visit www.razerzone.com/adaro.

About the Razer Adaro Wireless Bluetooth® Headphones

With its brilliant Razer Adaro sound, uncompromising portability and comfortable form factor, the Razer Adaro Wireless are the perfect headphones for hours of mobile music enjoyment.

The Razer Adaro Wireless is built to follow you wherever you go. Featuring Bluetooth® 4.0 with aptX technology, the Razer Adaro Wireless easily connects to any Bluetooth®-enabled device, providing pristine, cord-free audio quality.

Packing high-performance, custom-tuned, 40 mm neodymium magnet drivers, the Razer Adaro Wireless delivers a top-level listening experience. These powerful drivers are housed in a custom-developed, fully adjustable form factor that provides extreme comfort in a lightweight design.

Price:

U.S. $149.99 / EU €149.99

Availability:

Razerzone.com – Pre-order in January

Worldwide – February

Product features:

Bluetooth® 4.0 connectivity with aptX technology
Up to 20 hours of playback
Custom-tuned 40 mm dynamic drivers
Comfortable, lightweight form factor
Playback and volume controls
Plush leatherette ear cushions
CD-quality audio over Bluetooth®

For more information about the Razer Adaro Wireless Bluetooth® Headphones, please visit www.razerzone.com/adaro.

About the Razer Adaro DJ Analog Headphones

The Razer Adaro DJ was crafted with producers, performers and discerning music listeners in mind. Made with durable, high-performance components, the Razer Adaro DJ embodies hard-hitting, powerful sound in a modern, functional package.

The large, sonically balanced drivers deliver rich, natural sounding acoustics and heavy bass, perfect for spinning behind the console or jamming to tracks on-the-go. These potent drivers are housed in mixing-friendly padded ear cups that swivel, rotate and collapse into a small, compact form factor. You can take the Razer Adaro DJ to the studio, to the club and everywhere between.

When designing the Razer Adaro DJ’s architecture, we knew that we had to make something durable. Our industrial design team worked closely with our engineers to perfect a mix of metals and resilient plastics to produce a form factor that is incredibly lightweight, yet able to take a beating.

Complete with DJ-ready accessories, a sturdy construction and powerful sound, the Razer Adaro DJ headphones are ready to drop a beat anytime, anywhere.

Price:

U.S. $199.99 / EU €199.99

Availability:

Razerzone.com – Pre-order in January

Worldwide – February

Product features:

Powerful, high-performance 50 mm dynamic drivers
Closed ear cup design for optimal sound isolation
Swappable cable system with included coiled and straight cables
Fully adjustable and foldable architecture
Included .25-in. audio adapter
Plush leatherette ear cushions
Compatible with iPhone, Android and other mobile devices

For more information about the Razer Adaro DJ Headphones, please visit www.razerzone.com/adaro.

Dark Horse Unveils Wizard World Portland Presence

2014/01/02

Jerry Paxton

Comics News, Geek News, News

PORTLAND, Ore., January 2, 2014 – Dark Horse, bridging the gap between the best licensed and original comics work from the industry’s top talent, will make their debut at Wizard World Portland Comic Con, January 24-26 at the Oregon Convention Center. The Oregon-based Premier Publisher, which produces such notable titles as Tomb Raider, Mass Effect, Halo, Terminator, Serenity, Star Wars, Hellboy, and Conan, will be appearing at Portland Comic Con for the first time.

Located in nearby Milwaukie, Ore., Dark Horse will feature several of its top creators signing at its booth including Christos Gage (Buffy the Vampire Slayer), Eric Powell (The Goon) and more! Dark Horse will host three panels throughout the show, with details to be announced shortly!

Additionally, fans will enjoy special exclusive items produced by Dark Horse and available for the first time at Wizard World Portland Comic Con! Visitors to the Dark Horse booth (#201) can check out new and classic offerings as well as giveaways throughout the event.

“Dark Horse is one of the premier publishers in the industry today,” said John Macaluso, Wizard World CEO. “What makes them unique is many of their properties, including Hellboy, have been seen on the big screen. And knowing that Hellboy’s Ron Perlman is attending, and Dark Horse is located in Portland, there are so many synergies that make this work. It is exciting for the fans, vendors, and everyone involved.”

“After Wizard World’s impressive first year in Portland, we knew Dark Horse would enthusiastically join the 2014 line up of exhibitors” said Dark Horse president and publisher, Mike Richardson. “We’ve got one of our biggest years yet coming in in 2014, and what better place to kick it off than right here in our own backyard.”

Norman Reedus of “The Walking Dead,” “Star Trek’s” “Captain Kirk” William Shatner, WWE® Superstar CM Punk® and Eisner Award Hall of Famer Stan Lee are among the top celebrities scheduled to attend Wizard World Portland Comic Con. The standout roster will also include Ron Perlman of Hellboy, Robert Englund (“Freddy Kruger” of A Nightmare on Elm Street), Bruce Campbell of Evil Dead, pop culture icons Billy Dee Williams (The Empire Strikes Back, Brian’s Song) and Adam West (“Batman”) Nicholas Brendan (Buffy the Vampire Slayer) and many others.

It is the first of 16 events currently scheduled in the 2014 series produced by Wizard World, Inc. (OTCBB: WIZD) and will also feature a top-drawer collection of well-known artists and writers and a variety of activities, exhibitors and special attractions. Wizard World Portland Comic Con show hours are Friday, Jan. 24, 3-8 p.m.; Saturday, Jan. 25, 10 a.m. – 7 p.m., Sunday, Jan. 26, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.

For more on the 2014 Wizard World Portland Comic Con, visit http://www.wizardworld.com/home-portland.html.

ARCHOS Debuts 4G/LTE Smartphones at CES 2014

2014/01/02

Jerry Paxton

CES, Mobile News, News, Tech News

Denver – January 2, 2014 – ARCHOS, a pioneer in Android™ devices, unveils the ARCHOS Helium 4G range, the first ARCHOS LTE smartphones powered by Android™ 4.3 “JellyBean” with full access to Google Play™ Store. Starting at under $200, ARCHOS’ new unlocked 4G phones reinforces the company’s commitment to providing feature-rich, consumer-friendly technology at an affordable price.

ARCHOS’ grand entry into the 4G era smartphone market, the ARCHOS 45 Helium 4G features a vivid 4.5-inch screen with IPS technology, blazing fast Quad Core 1.4 GHz processor and is capable of transferring speeds at up to 150 Mbps using a 4G/LTE network. The ARCHOS 50 Helium 4G, a slighter larger offering, comes equipped with the same cutting edge technology but has a 5-inch HD 1280×720 screen, 8 GB of storage and a 8 MP camera.

The launch of the ARCHOS 45 and 50 Helium 4G phones addresses the growth in global 4G network availability and the increasing global demand for affordable mobile technology.

ARCHOS’ new smartphones build on the company’s overwhelming success in the European mobile market and takes advantage of its partnership with Qualcomm, leader in mobile chipsets and processor, to jointly engineer and launch affordable 4G solutions worldwide.

“The smartphone has revolutionized the way consumers access information, giving them the ability to instantly view, connect and share ideas regardless of location and time,” says Loïc Poirier, CEO of ARCHOS. “The ARCHOS Helium 4G smartphones will once again change consumers’ mindsets by making the best possible technology affordable.”

ARCHOS’ newest unlocked 4G smartphones supports Micro SD card for easy memory expansion, has dual cameras with autofocus and LED flash, utilizes Micro USB 2.0 connectors to sync and charge, and can supports a variety of multimedia files including MP3, WAV, JPEG, GIF, PNG and more. The ARCHOS Helium 4G smartphones also give users access to a variety of Google services including Google Play application store, Google Chrome web browser, Google Now voice assistant, Google Apps such as Youtube, Gmail, Hangouts and Calendar and more.

Full Specs

For more information about ARCHOS Helium 4G smartphones or the entire selection of smartphones, tablets and connected objects, visit us during CES 2014 at Central Hall Booth 9844 or at www.ARCHOS.com

About ARCHOS

ARCHOS, a pioneer in the portable audio and video player market, and now specializing in Android Tablets and Smartphones, has repeatedly revolutionized the market for consumer electronics since 1988. Today, ARCHOS offers its own line of Android Tablets and Smartphones, as well as a full line of OEM devices. In 2000, ARCHOS launched the Jukebox 6000, the first MP3 player combined with a hard disk. In 2008, ARCHOS launched the first generation Internet Tablets, and then the first ever Android powered tablets in 2009. In 2013, ARCHOS launched its first generation of Smartphones with the ARCHOS Platinum series. ARCHOS has offices in the United States, Europe and Asia. ARCHOS is quoted on Compartment C of Eurolist, Euronext Paris, ISIN CodeFR0000182479. Website: www.archos.com.

Connect with us on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Archos-Worldwide

ROCCAT Unveils its CES 2014 Product Lineup

2014/01/02

Jerry Paxton

CES, News, Peripherals News

Hamburg – January 2, 2014 – At CES, German manufacturer ROCCAT will kick off 2014 with a full line-up of new gaming peripherals. From January 7 – 10 ROCCAT opens the doors to its Venetian Hotel showroom, showcasing new products in every category: mice, keyboards, headsets, mousepads and accessories. “2014 will be a phenomenal year for PC gaming – so much is changing at the moment and ROCCAT is about to prove its role as the industry’s leader in technology and innovation once more. With the products coming up next year we will be able to provide a whole ecosystem for PC gaming,” says René Korte, founder and CEO of ROCCAT.

State of the art audio products for an immersive gaming experience

At CES 2014 ROCCAT will introduce two new Kave XTD gaming headset models, making the Kave XTD series the company’s full range line-up when it comes to audio products.

The Kave XTD 5.1 Analog is the successor to the best-selling true 5.1 gaming headset in the world: the original Kave 5.1. Made for gamers with a 5.1 soundcard already built into their PCs, the Kave XTD 5.1 Analog features classic 5.1 audio jacks plus a USB connector to power up the in-cable remote and the LED lighting. The headset features unique Zero Noise technology thanks to the interference isolator built into its dual-mode in-cable remote. The remote can be used either as a desktop or clip-on remote. The overall comfort and build quality has also been improved significantly, with the weight impressively reduced by 25%.

The Kave XTD Stereo offers the same build and design, dedicated to comfort and durability. The stereo version of the Kave XTD features two powerful driver units delivering intense and rich gaming sound, pushing the boundaries of what is possible with stereo headset solutions. The detachable noise-cancelling microphone provides supreme sound quality and offers fan-favorite features like the mute LED, pioneered by ROCCAT in the original Kave 5.1.

With the Kave XTD 5.1 Digital, ROCCAT will also present again the flagship version of the series, featuring an inbuilt premium 5.1 soundcard, world-first headset-to-smartphone Bluetooth pairing and full audio controls with the comprehensive desktop remote.

Kone series welcomes new members with a top notch optical sensor

The legendary Kone Series by ROCCAT is the origin of many features that are standard for gaming mice nowadays. Kone series models where the first ones to feature multicolor lighting, state of the art sensor technology and innovations like the tracking and distance control unit (TDCU). Now ROCCAT introduces the Kone XTD Optical with an adjustable distance control unit to customize lift-off distance and a new 6,400dpi optical sensor. Gamers are now able to significantly improve their accuracy with optical sensors. The Kone XTD Optical offers renowned features like Omron™ switches, the 4D Titan Wheel, Easy-Aim and ROCCAT Talk.

For the smaller Pure version of the Kone Series, ROCCAT presents three new designs at CES 2014. The Kone Pure Military features a 5,000dpi optical sensor with TDCU and will be available in three different styles: Desert Strike, Naval Storm and Camo Charge. ROCCAT will also make the new Kave XTD 5.1 Analog plus a mousepad available in the same design and sell the mice alone or as a bundle.

Ryos series topped up by two new compact versions

ROCCAT’s mechanical gaming keyboard series, Ryos, gets two compact ten key less versions – one with per-key illumination feature and one without backlighting. The new versions are called the Ryos TKL Pro and Ryos TKL. Their development is based directly on user feedback via Facebook. “We posted the ten key less version of the Ryos as an “easter egg” earlier this year. The demand from the community was overwhelming so we basically had no choice but to build it,” says René Korte. The TKL Pro version features a cutting-edge MCU, which supports impressive illumination effects such as “breathing” and will be available in four different switch colors.

Blackguards Chapter 4 Released

2014/01/02

Jerry Paxton

News, Windows PC News

Hamburg, January 2nd, 2014 – Daedalic Entertainment continues the regular updates to their turn-based RPG Blackguards on Steam’s Early Access with the release of Chapter 4.

store.steampowered.com/app/249650

Early Access allows players to play the first chapters of Blackguards months before the official release and to have a chance to influence the development process through their feedback based on pre-release builds.

Blackguards will be published chapter by chapter while in Early Access. As of now, the first three parts of the game are available. All five chapters will be made available in the upcoming weeks.

Daedalic Entertainment offers several packages for interested Early Access participants. In all cases, players will secure access to the final version of Blackguards by paying a lower price compared to purchasing the game after its official release.

Additionally, they have the opportunity to buy exclusive extras that will only be available before the official release. For $24.99/£18.99/€24.99, players receive the Standard Early Access Edition of Blackguards, including all chapters for PC at their earliest availability, and the full PC & Mac version of the game after the official release. For $34.99/£26.99/€34.99, players receive the Blackguards Early Access Deluxe Edition, an approx. 150 page artbook, and access to developer interview videos and six exclusive wallpapers. For $49.99/£29.99/€49.99, the Blackguards Early Access Contributor Edition additionally includes an appearance of the buyer’s name within the game’s credits, as well as the first Blackguards DLC and a copy of the The Dark Eye point & click adventure Chains of Satinav for free.

All additional content will be accessible once it has been completed.

The official release of Blackguards is scheduled for January, 24th 2014. The game will be available for PC & Mac, priced US$39.99/£29.99/ €39.99.

LG Unveils OLED Lineup for CES 2014

2014/01/02

Jerry Paxton

CES, News, Tech News

SEOUL, Jan. 2, 2014 — LG Electronics (LG) is proud to present the most comprehensive OLED TV lineup on the planet at the International Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas from January 7-10, 2014. Visitors to the company’s booth at CES will have the opportunity to see the world’s largest ULTRA HD CURVED OLED (model 77EC9800) TV along with the company’s various 55- and 65-inch OLED TV models. Also on display will be the elegant GALLERY OLED TV (model 55EA8800) and the CURVED OLED TV (model 55EB9600) with its friendly environmental footprint.

“All of the exceptional OLED models we’re showcasing at CES 2014 offer the ultimate in picture quality and refined, modern aesthetics,” said In-kyu Lee, Senior Vice President and head of the TV Division at LG Electronics’ Home Entertainment Company. “Driving the evolution of television into the next generation, LG will continue to employ its technological and design expertise to bring impressive OLED TVs to market.”

Unmatched Picture Quality

The 55-, 65- and 77-inch ULTRA HD CURVED OLED TVs combine LG’s proprietary WRGB OLED technology and 4K Ultra HD screen resolution (3840 x 2160 pixels) for a whole new level of picture quality and viewer immersion. Filling the viewer’s field of vision with gorgeous, high-contrast images, the 77EC9800’s sensually curved screen is supported by a beautiful leaf-shaped stand. A standout product, the company’s mammoth 77-inch model is the recipient of the highly-prized Best of Innovations at the 2014 CES Innovations Awards.

The color temperature of each pixel on the enormous 77-inch display is automatically controlled by the LG Color Refiner, resulting in superior consistency and balance. The TV’s infinite contrast ratio is adeptly managed by the company’s High Dynamic Range (HDR) algorithm. The striking ULTRA HD CURVED OLED TV also boasts the eye-popping visuals of ULTRA CINEMA 3D. Thanks to film-type patterned retarder (FPR) technology and Ultra HD resolution, the user can marvel at the most convincing 3D effects ever seen on a TV without having to endure distracting flickering or cross-talk.

For more high resolution viewing options, the 77EC9800 has been equipped with LG’s own Tru-ULTRA HD Engine Pro, which can upscale SD, HD or Full HD content into breathtaking near-4K picture quality. The results are rendered even more seamless due to the error-correction capabilities of the enhanced super resolution algorithm to prevent blurred image from the upscaling process. The TV also incorporates Motion Estimation Motion Compensation (MEMC) to make the onscreen action appear smoother, clearer and more realistic.

Consumers will appreciate that LG’s ULTRA HD CURVED OLED TVs are future-proof, able to decode broadcast signals in both H.264 and HEVC H.265 formats, at 30p or 60p. A convenient built-in decoder makes it possible to display Ultra HD content from external devices connected via the TV’s HDMI, USB or LAN ports. Model 77EC9800 also incorporates LG’s newest smart TV platform, enabling consumers to enjoy a refreshingly simple and intuitive user experience.

Creative Concepts, Award Winning Products

Beautiful to behold, hidden behind the elegant frame of the GALLERY OLED TV is the Canvas Speaker, a powerful 2.2 channel, 100W forward-facing setup that guarantees a superb auditory experience unavailable on any other OLED TV. Honored with a CES 2014 Innovations Award, the artistically inspired EA8800 is the only unit that can make an average living room feel like an actual art gallery. The unit’s unique eGallery feature provides a variety of display modes that can be activated to create a specific mood. For instance, Gallery Mode turns the TV into a picture frame displaying some of the world’s most famous works of art while Healing & Remembering Modehelps to create a warm and inviting atmosphere through mood-lifting sounds and images.

LG’s latest CURVED OLED TV, the 55EB9600, is a highly efficient, environmentally-friendly product. Demonstrating the company’s commitment to responsible manufacturing, the model is made with more recyclable materials and considerably fewer parts than its predecessor. Lightweight and energy conscious, the 55EB9600 has received a CES 2014 Innovations Award for its eco-friendliness and superior build quality.

Investing in the Future of OLED

To prepare for the imminent growth in demand for OLED TVs around the world, LG is establishing production bases in a number of countries outside of Korea. The company has already completed the construction of new TV plants in Brazil, Poland, China and Thailand with an advanced facility in Mexico commencing operation this year producing OLED TVs for the North American market. Through the creation of this large-scale global OLED TV production network, LG is building an early lead in the next generation TV technology. With strategic bases serving local and surrounding markets, LG aims to reduce export costs and increase price competitiveness.

KontrolFreek FPSFreek Ultra And Phantom Review (XONE/PS4)

2014/01/01

Ripper71

News, Peripheral Review, PlayStation 4 News, Reviews, Xbox One News

When it comes to FPS games, I often feel very torn between whether or not I should pick it up for my PC or console. In the old days, the deciding factors usually came down to three things: controller accuracy, multiplayer match size, and player base. If all these were equal, then video quality played into the choice – but, nine times out of ten, the PC would win out in those deciding factors. PC first-person shooters always had bigger multiplayer match sizes by at least double and, even though they generally had a smaller player base, they also had greater controller accuracy. The computer mouse has always been more accurate than the console controller, especially when looking at a dedicated gaming mouse with their adjustable DPI levels and greater possible sensor sensitivity. Using simple science, KontrolFreek has designed console controller attachments that attempt to even that playing field, allowing for greater accuracy through longer sticks without losing the comfort a console control offers. The question is, with the new game systems out their with equally-new controller designs, will the KontrolFreek attachments feel as user friendly as they did with the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360?

The Science Of KontrolFreek:

Hands On:
I’m so glad they made that “Science Of…” video so I didn’t have to bog you down with scientific explanations involving fulcrums and levers. The science shows in the video, with more room to move the analog sticks, you can be more precise in its movement. A twitch of your thumb will move the stick a shorter distance, allowing you to get that head shot. Even with the science in place, however, that doesn’t mean the controller is any more or less comfortable to use as the last gen controllers, does it?

First, I tested it on the Xbox One with the “FPSFreek Ultra”, designed specifically for this controller. I loved it for more than the scientific reasons. The top of these button risers have the same little bumps that I became used to when feeling the KontrolFreek attachments on top of the Xbox 360 controller. They help maintain a grip when your hand gets slippery and provide a familiarity which helps embrace the new controller contours. Another reason I liked it so much is the fact that I have a Day One controller and the pads on the top of the sticks were already beginning to show wear. The FPSFreek Ultra stops the wear on this “collector’s edition” controller by shifting it to the very affordable and easy to replace FPSFreek Ultra. I thought that I might find myself taking the stick extensions off when I played other games than shooters like Battlefield 4 and Call of Duty: Ghosts – but, instead, once I was comfortable with the change, I enjoyed it on titles like Assassin’s Creed IV: Black Flag and others. In fact, I have no plans to take them off my controller unless it is to put them on a non-Day One controller so I can shelve it for posterity. The only point of concern I could see for anyone would be that moving their thumbs from the sticks to the pad and buttons might seem a bit farther than before, but it didn’t feel at all awkward to me.

When it came to the last gen controllers, they were similar enough that I could just say they felt the same on my PlayStation 3, but the PlayStation 4 really took a departure in its controller and that takes a bit of getting used to – even without the “FPSFreek Phantom” installed. Besides improving the accuracy, I think it just improved the overall feel of the sticks, raising them up (not all KontrolFreek attachments raise the sticks so significantly as the “FPSFreek” line does). The positives on the PlayStation 4 attachments are pretty much the same as the Xbox One’s: They allow for more precise stick movement and protect the tops of sticks from excess wear. One extra note, if you are a big fan of the Call of Duty Franchise then the Phantom is the way to go for you, all the functionality of the Ultra with the CoD-inspired logo on the top.

You can use the FPSFreek one or both sticks depending on personal choice, which in my case is on both. Suddenly, I found myself getting the precision I am used to from a computer – which, when you consider that the console Battlefield 4 version has the same multiplayer match sizes as a PC, but a bigger player base, I am really glad that I went with the Xbox One this time for my Battlefield fix!

Last Call:
There is actual science backing the effectiveness of the KontrolFreek FPSFreek line of products and you need only to give it a try to see how quick it helps your game. They give you greater precision in your stick movements which translates to better accuracy in your shooter games. You enemies will be calling you a cheater or hacker in no time at all, when all you did was put an affordable addition to good use. Go out and get these ASAP.

[easyreview title=”KontrolFreek FPSFreek Ultra And Phantom Review Score” cat1title=”Overall Score (out of 5)” cat1detail=”” cat1rating=”5″ ]

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