Archive - 2015

Razer Seiren Microphone Review (Tech)

Razer-Seiren-Microphone-3

Razer has been putting out a variety of products in recent years. Like TV pilots, some go on to succeed and others fade away. What is important in this pursuit, however, is that Razer is a company not afraid to branch out and try new things. The Hydra motion controller, for example, had terrific 1:1 motion translation – it just lacked developer support. Branching out into the world of high quality USB microphones, they have rolled out the Seiren. The Seiren has a host of features which readily lends itself to the podcaster, Twitch streamer, or YouTube filmmaker. In terms of its looks, the Seiren is very classy with a black aluminum body and metal grill, as well as a glowing Razer logo which is always a nice visual touch on their products (Note: You can turn this light-up logo off via a button on the bottom of the Seiren). Additionally, there is a built-in OLED display on the microphone which serves as a display for things like volume and what polar audio pattern the microphone is using.

Retailing for $179.99, the Razer Seiren is a high quality USB microphone with three 14mm condenser capsules and four polar audio patterns: cardioid, stereo, omnidirectional, and bidirectional. You can switch between these polar audio modes by way of an easy-to-use control knob on the microphone itself. Razer’s Seiren microphone also features a nifty mute toggle-button which glows green or red depending on whether it is enabled or not – this is very handy for those dimly-lit recording studios out there.

The Razer Seiren also features a built-in 16ohms headphone amplifier in case you want to plug in a monitor – something the prosumers and musicians out there will enjoy greatly. For those of you who don’t know what a monitor is, it is a pair of headphones or small speaker that outputs exactly what the microphone is picking up. For musicians, this can be a life saver as it is easier to hear your own pitch and performance so you can adjust on the fly. If you want to take your Razer Seiren even further, you can purchase an  optional shock mount and pop filter. Anyone serious about clear audio should consider this option as hissing and popping can put a damper in your audio recording day. The Razer Seiren is compatible with the Razer Synapse 2.0 control suite and that is where you will find the options to change the microphones sampling and bit rates.

Microphone Specifications

  • Power required / consumption: 5V 500mA (USB)
  • Sample rate: 192kHz
  • Bit rate: 24bit
  • Capsules: Three 14mm condenser capsules
  • Polar patterns: Stereo, cardioid, omnidirectional, bidirectional
  • Frequency response: 20Hz – 20kHz
  • Sensitivity: 4.5mV/Pa (1kHz)
  • Max SPL: 120dB (THD: 0.5% 1kHz)
  • Headphone amplifier
  • Impedance: > 16ohms
  • Power output (RMS): 130mW
  • THD: 0.009%
  • Frequency response: 15Hz – 22kHz
  • Signal-to-noise ratio: 114dB

razer_logoRazer has even created the Razer Sponsored Streamer Program out there to help budding podcasters, streamers, and musicians get their content online. This is a three-tier program, each tier dependent on your current level of experience and popularity. The first tier allows beginners to pick up the Razer Seiren bundle and non-pro Razer headphones for 25 percent off. With that, you also have a change of getting your stream/content featured on Razer’s social media channels for more exposure. You can click here for more information on the Razer Sponsored Streamer Program.

Overall, the Razer Seiren USB microphone is an excellent choice for geeks looking to stream on Twitch, host videos on YouTube, or create their own podcasts. The range of audio profiles available just by turning a knob offers a “keep it simple, stupid” approach that even a beginner can pick up. Its audio quality is excellent and the microphone easily holds its own against competitors from Blue, AT, and Rode.

[easyreview title=”Razer Seiren Microphone Review Score” cat1title=”Overall Score (out of 5)” cat1detail=”” cat1rating=”5″ ]

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Second Round of QuakeCon Online Pre-Registration Today

2015-QC - Package-Final

March 11, 2015 — We’re pleased to announce that QuakeCon 2015 online pre-registration for the BYOC Select-a-Seat with QuakeCon done Quick’ package is set to open for attendees today, March 11th at 7pm CT/8pm ET at:registration.quakecon.org. The BYOC Select-a-Seat with QuakeCon done Quick’ package, which includes fast passes for the entire event, contains:

BYOC Select-a-Seat with QuakeCon done Quick

Includes Fast Passes for the Duration of the Event

$175 (Limit of 300 packages available)

  • Select and Reserve a guaranteed seat of your choice in the BYOC area
  • Express lane fast-pass registration for the BYOC
  • Express lane fast-pass to every panel, presentation, and public event at QuakeCon
  • Limited reserved access seating for all panels, presentations, and events
  • Official QuakeCon 2015 T-Shirt
  • Official QuakeCon 2015 BYOC T-Shirt
  • Official QuakeCon 2015 QdQ Lanyard
  • QuakeCon 2015 branded 4400 mAh Power Bank

Additional packages will become available for purchase in the coming weeks via the QuakeCon pre-registration site. Full descriptions for each of the limited packages, and the dates they will be available for purchase are below.

PREMIUM PACKAGES | DESCRIPTIONS & AVAILABILITY

Round 3 | Wednesday, March 18th at 7pm CT/8pm ET

BYOC Select-a-Seat + Swag Pack

Full of Limited Edition Items and Guaranteed Reserved Seating

$170 (Limit of 500 packages available)

  • Select and Reserve a guaranteed seat of your choice in the BYOC area
  • Official QuakeCon 2015 T-Shirt
  • Official QuakeCon 2015 BYOC T-Shirt
  • Official QuakeCon 2015 Lanyard
  • TWO Special Limited Edition T-Shirts
  • QuakeCon Exclusive Hoodie
  • QuakeCon 2015 branded 4400 mAh Power Bank

Round 4 | Wednesday, March 25th at 7pm CT/8pm ET

BYOC Select-a-Seat

Includes Guaranteed Reserved Seating

$55 (Limit of 1,600 packages available)

  • Select and Reserve a guaranteed seat of your choice in the BYOC area
  • Official QuakeCon 2015 BYOC T-Shirt
  • Official QuakeCon 2015 Lanyard

Round 5 | Wednesday, April 1st at 7pm CT/8pm ET

Swag Pack

Full of Limited Edition Items

$125 (Limit of 500 packages available)

  • Official QuakeCon 2015 T-Shirt
  • TWO Special Limited Edition T-Shirts
  • QuakeCon Exclusive Hoodie
  • QuakeCon 2015 branded 4400 mAh Power Bank

While general attendance remains free, attendees wishing to participate in the QuakeCon 2015 BYOC must pre-purchase one of the ‘BYOC Select-a-Seat’ packages through our online registration site to guarantee a seat. As ‘BYOC Select-a-Seat’ packages are limited and all seats will be accounted for prior to the show, we won’t have seats available on-site or on a first-come-first serve basis. Once the packages sell out, we’ll be giving people the opportunity to win a limited number of BYOC seats via social media giveaways, contests, and via our event partners leading up to the show. Be sure to keep an eye on our QuakeCon Twitter account and QuakeConFacebook page for all the details on how to win!

About QuakeCon 

QuakeCon, the ultimate video game festival, will take place on-site at the Hilton Anatole Hotel in Dallas, TX onThursday, July 23rd – Sunday, July 26th. Doors to QuakeCon will open on Thursday, July 23rd at 10:00am CT and will remain open through July 26th. For more information visit: www.quakecon.org.

Borderlands: The Pre-Sequel Claptastic Voyage Trailer

2K_BTPS CLAPTASTIC VOYAGE_SCREENSHOT_1

March 11, 2015 — 2K and Gearbox Software present the official trailer for the fourth add-on content pack for Borderlands: The Pre-Sequel, Claptastic Voyage and Ultimate Vault Hunter Upgrade Pack 2. As shown and announced on the Gearbox panel at PAX East, this add-on content pack is coming to Xbox 360, PS3 and PC on March 24th, as well as on Xbox One and PS4 via Borderlands: The Handsome Collection.

In Claptastic Voyage, Handsome Jack has found something ludicrously powerful inside Claptrap’s mind and has digitized his team to go in and get it. Claptastic Voyage offers Vault Hunters an all-new story campaign, unique enemies, weapons and irreparable psychological trauma. Also included in the add-on pack is the Ultimate Vault Hunter Upgrade Pack 2 which raises the level cap to 70, giving each character 10 new levels and 10 new skill points to earn.

Trailer

15 Years of Total War Video and Hint of Next Title

total-war-logo

March 10, 2015 — This year Total War becomes one of the longest-running series in gaming with 11 titles spanning over 2000 years of historical warfare.

Empires have risen, and many a brave warrior has fallen with an estimated 4.8 billion battles waged in the last 15 years.

Over 1 million people play Total War every month now, spending an average of 104 hours apiece in each game. 2015 will be our biggest year yet, and this latest trailer will give you a hint of what’s to come. Digital and tablet title Total War Battles: KINGDOM, 10v10 team strategy in Total War: ARENA, and more.

Visit us at the EGX Rezzed show in London this weekend for some retro and modern gaming on all our titles, plus a huge Total War prize giveaway.

Get the latest news at www.totalwar.com.

15 Years of Total War

Zoolander and Hansel Crash Paris Fashion Show

zoolander-hansel

Ben Stiller and Owen Wilson reprised their roles as Derek Zoolander and Hansel, respectively, as they walked the runway at the Valentino Women’s Collection Fall/Winter 2015-16 Fashion Show during Paris Fashion Week on March 10, 2015 in Paris, France. This served as the official announcement for the upcoming Zoolander 2, which is due out in theaters February 12, 2016.

World of Warships Closed Beta Starts March 12

WoWS_Screens_CBT_Press_Release_Image_01

March 10, 2015 — Wargaming is excited to announce that preparations are underway for the World of Warships Closed Beta, which will begin on March 12. Applications open for Europe at 11:00 CET, North America at 11:00 PST, and Asia at 17:00 SGT. During the test, players will dive into online naval battles, sharing their feedback with the development team to improve the experience.

Held in December 2014 and January 2015, the two World of Warships Beta Test Weekends attracted over 75,000 users. Boasting 15,000 concurrent players, there were an average of 60 battle sessions played by each tester in only four days.

In the upcoming Closed Beta, players will have access to five original maps, taking them on a journey through arctic oceans to tropical archipelagos. On their voyage, 50 U.S. and Japanese warships are available for players to challenge the seas and enemy ships.

Both nation’s cruisers are great, nimble vessels that have the upper hand against enemy destroyers, and even deal a significant blow to ships of the same class. Japanese battleships are fierce attacking ships, which, thanks to their thick armor, can also offer other vessels on their team excellent cover. Destroyers from both nations are perhaps the most maneuverable of ships, and are perfect for scouting, offering backup, and carrying out deadly torpedo strikes. The fourth and final class are aircraft carriers, initially represented by American warships. These types of ships are unmatched at attacking the enemy and providing reconnaissance—ideal for the more tactical player.

Crews (represented by warships commanders) play an integral role in gameplay. With each level, Commanders gain points that can be spent on a variety of skills divided into several ranks and categories. Players can choose to improve the Commander to best suit their play style from increasing a ship’s resistance to certain damage to decreased reloading times.

In addition to personnel training, Modernizations allow players to develop a ship’s combat capability. There are numerous Modernizations available, such as increasing a weapon’s durability or ship’s resilience to fire and flooding.

For those that enjoy working together as a team to conquer the seas, they can join forces with two other players in Divisions.

In the future, World of Warships will add Japanese aircraft carriers and U.S. battleships. Achievements for many accomplishments in battle as well as customization options will also be introduced to the game.

To learn more about World of Warships and become involved in the Closed Beta, visit.

Screenshots

Nyko’s Xbox One Intercooler Available Now

nyko-intercooler

LOS ANGELES – March 10, 2015Leading video game accessories manufacturer Nyko Technologies today announced the release of the Intercooler for Xbox One, a console clip-on that improves the ambient temperature of the system. The Intercooler can be found online at Nyko.com, Amazon, and other select retail locations in North America for MSRP $24.99.

The Intercooler for Xbox One is a clip-on extension that dramatically increases the rate at which hot air is pulled away from the console without complicating its design. Built with one quiet, high-efficiency fan, the Intercooler for Xbox One helps ameliorate heat dissipation concerns for gamers who store their console in enclosed spaces or in close proximity with other electronic devices. The Intercooler is powered by a short cord that plugs into one of the console’s USB ports.

“Gamers today rarely restrict themselves to a single device,” said Chris Arbogast, director of marketing at Nyko Technologies. “Their game cabinets are bristling with hardware, consoles stacked on consoles in close quarters – under these conditions, ventilation could be an issue. The Intercooler for Xbox One is the answer to this problem.”

To keep up with the latest news from Nyko, follow them on Twitter and Facebook.
To purchase any product from Nyko’s full lineup of video game accessories for all current and previous-gen consoles, visit the online store at www.Nyko.com.

Star Trek Online Delta Recruitment Recruitment Event Announced

sto-delta-rising

REDWOOD CITY, Calif. – March 9, 2015 Today, Perfect World Entertainment Inc. and Cryptic Studios announced Delta Recruitment – a new in-game event set to prepare the world of Star Trek Online for the upcoming Iconian War. Beginning April 2, both novice and veteran players will have the opportunity to earn unique rewards when they take their first steps to conclude a conflict that has been brewing in Star Trek Online for more than 5 years.

In an effort to deliver unique Star Trek adventures for science-fiction fans, the Delta Recruitment event unveils the invasion of the Iconians – an ancient race threatening to reassert their rule over the galaxy – creating a call-to-arms to combat this ultimate threat. With the conflict festering over the past five years of in-game content, the Iconians present a massive threat for the captains of Star Trek Online as they embark on a story rich wartime experience that will span several months.

In an effort to strengthen forces, new captains created during the Delta Recruitment event will earn progression based rewards including gear, week long events, upgrade materials, and valuable numerics through both personal and community-wide goals. Existing players will receive a new character slot to create a Delta Recruit and each of the progression based rewards comes with an account-wide unlock variant in order to keep their alternate characters up to speed while leveling a new recruit.

Star Trek Online is a free-to-play massively multiplayer online game where players can pioneer their own destiny as Captain of a Federation starship, become a Klingon Warrior and champion the Empire through the far reaches of the galaxy, or rebuild the Romulan legacy as the commander of a Romulan Republic Warbird. Its last expansion, Star Trek Online: Delta Rising, brought players into the Delta Quadrant and reintroduced them to iconic members from the Star Trek: Voyager cast including Seven of Nine, The Doctor, Harry Kim, Neelix and Tuvok. In Star Trek Online players have the opportunity to visit iconic locations from the popular Star Trek universe, reach out to unexplored star systems and make contact with new alien species.

To download and play Star Trek Online today for free, visit http://www.arcgames.com/en/games/star-trek-online

Toukiden: Kiwami Demo On March 25

Toukiden-Kiwami-1

March 9, 2015 — KOEI TECMO America is happy to announce today the imminent release of a playable demo for upcoming demon-slaying epic Toukiden: Kiwami, available from the PlayStation®Network for the PlayStation®4 and the PlayStation®Vita computer entertainment systems in North America on March 25, 2015.

The playable demo serves as an early introduction to the world of Toukiden: Kiwami and features two distinct game modes. The first is an ‘introductory demo’ and is comprised of the first two chapters of Toukiden: Kiwami, including the edit mode where players can create and customize their own unique Slayer. This mode will also allow players to choose to equip their character with one of the three brand new weapon types (naginata, club, and rifle).

The second portion of the demo is a set of ‘special missions’ that can also be enjoyed by those who have played Toukiden: The Age of Demons. These special missions have been specifically designed for this demo and are set to a very high difficulty level.

For those players who have never before played a game in the Toukiden series, these missions may prove to be too difficult. However, the full version of the game will increase the difficulty of missions in a much more gradual manner, so even more difficult stages than these can eventually be cleared after powering up your equipment and character.

Although these missions are not recommended for newcomers to the series, they do include a selection of weapons, armor, and Mitama the player can equip before heading out to the field, and more importantly, they will remain available for gamers to come back to for another try after they have mastered their battle skills in the full game.

Clearing all the available missions will allow a gamer to start playing the game from Chapter 8,where the brand new Kiwami portion of the story begins. Additionally, clearing all missions unlocks various special features and items that can be carried over to the full game.

This part of the demo will also feature a few of the brand new Oni — the demons that Slayers are called to face. A selection of battle screenshots and new Oni types has been released today to display the variety and beauty of the Toukiden: Kiwami world.

Additionally, KOEI TECMO America has released a batch of assets relating to Tenko, the fan-favorite animal companion of every Slayer. Tenko are an invaluable ally, as they can be sent to gather ingredients and material for crafting, and their relationship with the Slayer determines the wealth and variety of items collected. In Toukiden: Kiwami, players can customise their Tenko before sending it out on missions, equip it with Mitama that help with item collection, and can even feed it snacks that change its color!

Summary

In the deeply rich world of Toukiden: Kiwami, Demons (Oni) have hid in the shadows aiming to torment mankind. Through history, a secret caste of warriors, the Slayers, have been trained to dispose of the demonic threat before it could consume the world. However, an event called the ‘Awakening’ caused rifts to appear in space and time, causing places that had long disappeared from the world to resurface, unleashing  hordes of demons that relentlessly drive hunted humans.

These demons would consume the souls of those they killed and imprison the ones of brave heroes. Using their souls, Oni can regenerate at a rapid rate and only Slayers are trained in the proper way to battle them.

As the extinction of humanity was not far from reality, the Slayers opened their villages as sanctuaries, to protect those who escaped, and provided a last line of defense against the horror.

The player’s role is to complete various missions, strengthen his relationships with the other warriors in the village and eventually start battling the largest of the Oni to banish them back to their dimension and free the souls of the heroes they’ve trapped. In turn, when these souls are free, they stay with the player and provide him with a variety of equipable abilities for his weapons.

Toukiden: Kiwami is published by KOEI TECMO America in North America and will launch on the PlayStation®4 computer entertainment system and the PlayStation®Vita on March 31, 2015. This game has not yet been rated by the ESRB.

For the latest KOEI TECMO America news follow us on www.facebook.com/koeitecmous or@KoeiTecmoUS or visit the official website at: www.koeitecmoamerica.com. Additional details can be found on the official site:  http://www.koeitecmoamerica.com/toukidenkiwami/

KOEI TECMO America is happy to announce today the imminent release of a playable demo for upcoming demon-slaying epic Toukiden: Kiwami, available from the PlayStation®Network for the PlayStation®4 and the PlayStation®Vita computer entertainment systems in North America on March 25, 2015.

The playable demo serves as an early introduction to the world of Toukiden: Kiwami and features two distinct game modes. The first is an ‘introductory demo’ and is comprised of the first two chapters of Toukiden: Kiwami, including the edit mode where players can create and customize their own unique Slayer. This mode will also allow players to choose to equip their character with one of the three brand new weapon types (naginata, club, and rifle).

The second portion of the demo is a set of ‘special missions’ that can also be enjoyed by those who have played Toukiden: The Age of Demons. These special missions have been specifically designed for this demo and are set to a very high difficulty level.

For those players who have never before played a game in the Toukiden series, these missions may prove to be too difficult. However, the full version of the game will increase the difficulty of missions in a much more gradual manner, so even more difficult stages than these can eventually be cleared after powering up your equipment and character.

Although these missions are not recommended for newcomers to the series, they do include a selection of weapons, armor, and Mitama the player can equip before heading out to the field, and more importantly, they will remain available for gamers to come back to for another try after they have mastered their battle skills in the full game.

Clearing all the available missions will allow a gamer to start playing the game from Chapter 8,where the brand new Kiwami portion of the story begins. Additionally, clearing all missions unlocks various special features and items that can be carried over to the full game.

This part of the demo will also feature a few of the brand new Oni — the demons that Slayers are called to face. A selection of battle screenshots and new Oni types has been released today to display the variety and beauty of the Toukiden: Kiwami world.

Additionally, KOEI TECMO America has released a batch of assets relating to Tenko, the fan-favorite animal companion of every Slayer. Tenko are an invaluable ally, as they can be sent to gather ingredients and material for crafting, and their relationship with the Slayer determines the wealth and variety of items collected. In Toukiden: Kiwami, players can customise their Tenko before sending it out on missions, equip it with Mitama that help with item collection, and can even feed it snacks that change its color!

Summary

In the deeply rich world of Toukiden: Kiwami, Demons (Oni) have hid in the shadows aiming to torment mankind. Through history, a secret caste of warriors, the Slayers, have been trained to dispose of the demonic threat before it could consume the world. However, an event called the ‘Awakening’ caused rifts to appear in space and time, causing places that had long disappeared from the world to resurface, unleashing  hordes of demons that relentlessly drive hunted humans.

These demons would consume the souls of those they killed and imprison the ones of brave heroes. Using their souls, Oni can regenerate at a rapid rate and only Slayers are trained in the proper way to battle them.

As the extinction of humanity was not far from reality, the Slayers opened their villages as sanctuaries, to protect those who escaped, and provided a last line of defense against the horror.

The player’s role is to complete various missions, strengthen his relationships with the other warriors in the village and eventually start battling the largest of the Oni to banish them back to their dimension and free the souls of the heroes they’ve trapped. In turn, when these souls are free, they stay with the player and provide him with a variety of equipable abilities for his weapons.

Toukiden: Kiwami is published by KOEI TECMO America in North America and will launch on the PlayStation®4 computer entertainment system and the PlayStation®Vita on March 31, 2015. This game has not yet been rated by the ESRB.

For the latest KOEI TECMO America news follow us on www.facebook.com/koeitecmous or@KoeiTecmoUS or visit the official website at: www.koeitecmoamerica.com. Additional details can be found on the official site:  http://www.koeitecmoamerica.com/toukidenkiwami/

Final Fantasy XIV: Heavensward Release Date Announced

FFXIV_PUB_FANFESTIVAL_2014_TOKYO_017

LOS ANGELES (Mar. 9, 2015) – This past weekend at the Penny Arcade Expo (PAX) East, Square Enix, Inc. announced that FINAL FANTASY® XIV: HEAVENSWARD™, the highly-anticipated first expansion for the popular MMORPG, will be released on June 23, 2015, in North America.

Also, alongside versions available for PlayStation®4 computer entertainment system, PlayStation®3 computer entertainment system and Windows PC, a Mac OS version of the title will be available for the first time, and can be acquired through the Square Enix Online Store. Players who preorder will be able to get early access to the online title starting June 19, 2015.

FINAL FANTASY XIV: HEAVENSWARD will feature a new story which plunges adventurers into the heart of the Dragonsong War, the bloody thousand-year conflict between the knights of Ishgard and the dragons of Dravania. Adventurers can also look forward to an increased level cap from 50 to 60 for all disciplines, a new playable race, new dungeons and raids, new primal battles, and new mounts that allow players to take to the skies—flying black chocobos®, single-rider airships, dragons and more!

Related Links
HEAVENSWARD Official Website: http://na.finalfantasyxiv.com/heavensward/
The Lodestone: http://na.finalfantasyxiv.com/lodestone/
Official Website: www.finalfantasyxiv.com
Official Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FinalFantasyXIV
Official YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/user/FINALFANTASYXIV
Official Twitter: @FF_XIV_EN