Author - Jerry Paxton

ROCCAT Releases Power-Grid Update

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Hamburg – December 20, 2013 – Today, Power-Grid will see its first major update since its launch back in October. With more than a quarter of a million downloads, the software has been very successful thus far: more than 1,000 positive ratings in the Apple and Google app stores and tons of user-created content on the Power-Grid website clearly show that the app satisfies gamers’ needs to connect their smartphone to their PC. With Power-Grid still being in beta status, ROCCAT aims for continuous improvement, based first and foremost on user feedback. “Running the open beta is very important for us”, says ROCCAT founder and CEO René Korte. “With this large user base we get way more feedback than we did in the closed beta. That makes it easier for us to focus on in-demand features that are beneficial to users, because more free Power-Grid content gets shared through our store”.

The recent update to Power-Grid contains new nice-to-have features as well as completely new code – making the software more useable and open overall.

With this recent update ROCCAT also officially releases the Power-Grid SDK. Professional developers and ambitious users are now able to create advanced Power-Grid content based on this documentation.

“Releasing the Ryos MK Pro Grid is the first step towards combining Power-Grid with ROCCAT hardware. You remember our Phobo keyboard concept? Well, we’ve been working on that and I can promise you a mind-blowing solution for 2014,” says René Korte.

Power-Grid v0.459 update details:

Auto updater: If there’s a new version of Power-Grid available, the PC host software now opens a small pop-up window when started to inform the user. The installation needs to be done manually.

Plug-in importer:  Plug-ins for Power-Grid allow users to create Grids with extended functionality and are also important for advanced gaming solutions (e.g. created with the Power-Grid SDK). The new version supports plugin import and export.

New home screen: The new Power-Grid home screen now allows for the user to navigate via tabs, before even connecting to the PC host software. It is now possible to browse through the latest Power-Grid and ROCCAT news, open the help section and view general information about the software.

Please check the change log for further details.

Additional Power-Grid content also available

With the new update to Power-Grid, users will also be able to take advantage of brand new, ROCCAT-created Grids for the app. The following Grids are now available:

– ROCCAT Track pad – Make your smartphone a laptop-like track pad for your PC
– ROCCAT Ryos Grid – Control eight amazing effects for the per-key illumination of the Ryos MK Pro mechanical gaming keyboard

Links:
ROCCAT Power-Grid Homepage
ROCCAT Power-Grid SDK
Ryos Grid Video

Majora’s Mask Live Action: The Skull Kid

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December 23, 2013 — Back in 2000, Nintendo released for the N64 the classic Legend of Zelda: Majora’s Mask. While the game sold more than three million copies worldwide and boasted instantly recognizable video cues, it had never been give live-action treatment before – until now. Jared Potter, a huge Zelda fan who is best known for his short film based on Bioshock “New Year’s End”, which has been viewed more than 300 thousand times, has brought the rich, complex world of Majora’s Mask to life in the all-new live-action short – SKULL KID: A ZELDA LEGEND.

Please find below the all-new short:

Command Modern Air/Naval Operations Gets HUGE Update

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Arlington, VT, 20th December, 2013 – Since its release in September this year, Command Modern Air/Naval Operations (OUR REVIEW HERE) has been praised as a ‘rare thing’ (Rock Paper Shotgun), a ‘true gem’ (Gamers Hall) and ‘a seriously fun, intense, involving simulation of modern naval combat with nearly infinite replay value’ (Armchair General). For developers Warfare Sims (www.warfaresims.com) though, this wasn’t enough. The team engaged with the fans, involved the community and effectively started a brand new development process to take this immense project to perfection.

Since the release of v1.01 (which addressed the most immediate concerns WRT reliability/performance/functionality), the WS dev team has been relentlessly working on Command, as evidenced by the breakneck pace of private & public releases. The next official update, v1.02, incorporates myriads of improvements based directly on feedback from the entire wargaming community (customers, reviewers and prospective buyers alike).

With the release of v1.02, Command extends its lead against any other title in the genre (incl. longtime stalwarts of the niche) even more and further establishes itself as the undisputed heavyweight champion of modern air/nav wargaming.It was already a bargain, now it’s a screaming steal.

Improvements:

* VASTLY BETTER performance & stability, on all aspects of the game (startup, UI/map & simulation engine)

* VASTLY IMPROVED user interface with lots of new features, fixes & changes in every aspect (map, unit control, DB viewer etc.) straight from user feedback

* HUNDREDS of bugs & problems fixed

MORE POWERFUL scenario editor & mission editor

* MORE configurable realism options (e.g. unlimited aircraft weapons at bases) for people who want to quickly experiment

* MORE simulation realism with new features like variable crew proficiency, improved sonar modelling, more AI & doctrine options and other additions & fixes

* COUNTLESS database additions & tweaks

* IMPROVED & reworked versions of official scenarios

MORE scenarios, MORE DB images & descriptions

* IMPROVED multimedia experience with new sound effects & optional background music

For a full list of updates, check out the Matrix forum thread

Get more information about Command Modern Air/Naval Operations here.

Nordic Games Resurrecting MX vs. ATV Franchise

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Vienna, Austria (December 20th 2013) – 2014 promises to be a very happy New Year for fans of extreme racing, as Nordic Games has unveiled its plans to revive the best-selling MX vs. ATV series.

Nordic Games secured the rights to the MX vs. ATV series as part of its agreement to acquire a range of THQ’s intellectual property earlier this year. Now the firm can reveal it has assembled a team of former MX vs. ATV staff along with other, high-profile developers to properly resurrect the franchise. This dedicated team will be taking it to even greater heights while retaining the ingredients that made MX vs. ATV so successful. It’s no coincidence the team is based in Phoenix Arizona where it all began in the mid-90s. Perhaps one can be forgiven for borrowing from the well-worn cliché: the Phoenix has truly risen from the (digital) ashes.

Led by Ken George and comprising of numerous MX vs. ATV staff along with game development veterans including Dave Dwire, Chris Gilbert, Mike Mamula, Brad Bowling, Scott Hofmann, Justin Walsh, and David Knudsen, the new team’s first title will be MX vs. ATV Supercross due for release in the first half of 2014 for PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, PC, Mac and Linux. As the title suggests, MX vs. ATV Supercross is centered around the popular Supercross sport and has the scope of a downloadable game.

The team is also maintaining the existing MX vs. ATV Alive and MX vs. ATV Reflex code and bringing back as many features as possible including multiplayer on consoles, Motoclub Depot, and more to be announced soon.

“We’re absolutely thrilled to be working with Nordic Games because they appreciate the team’s passion and dedication to bring the feel of real motocross racing to MX vs. ATV fans.  Not just the adrenaline rush, but the whole experience from top to bottom.”, says Ken George, Executive Producer of MX vs. ATV Supercross. “A lot of the original team members have been aching to continue their passion: building the most authentic off-road racing games possible. The hiatus is over, and the team is back to work on MX vs. ATV with great new things to come.”

“We’re all devoted fans of the MX vs. ATV games,” adds Reinhard Pollice, Business & Product Development Director at Nordic Games, “so being able to play a part in continuing this brilliant series is a dream come true. We’re absolutely committed to ensuring Ken and his team receive the best support and the freedom to create the games they love making – and we’re confident that the series will continue to grow from strength to strength. Supercross is just the start of our MX vs. ATV plans. 2014 and beyond will prove to be a hell of a ride.”

Further details on MX vs. ATV Supercross will be announced in due time.

Lian Li Releases the PC-Q33 Mini-ITX Chassis

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December 20, 2013, Keelung, Taiwan – Lian-Li Industrial Co. Ltd, today announces a new brushed aluminum Mini-ITX chassis – PC-Q33 – with a flip-open design and space-efficient hardware support.

Front Hinge for Easy Access

The PC-Q33 provides plenty of working space for DIY builders. Builders can swing open the top and front panel of this brushed aluminum chassis providing easy access to the internal components.

Space Efficient Hardware Support

At 18L, the PC-Q33 supports a tremendous amount of hardware for its size. Taking advantage of every available space Lian Li’s latest brushed aluminum chassis accommodates CPU coolers up to 180mm (7.0”) in height and ATX power supplies up to 200mm in length. The latest powerful low-profile graphics cards up to 220mm (8.6”) easily fit inside the chassis.

Versatile HDD Mounting

The PC-Q33 has a versatile design for hard drive mounting. In the side HDD cage, two 3.5” drives or one 2.5” drive and 3.5” drive can be installed. This side HDD cage can be removed by unscrewing three thumbscrews. The front panel additionally allows for up to three 2.5” drives or one 3.5” HDD with two 2.5” drive.

Water Cooling Support

The fully aluminum PC-Q33 supports 120mm radiators and AIO liquid cooling kits.

Tool-Less Installations and Features

The PC-Q33 has pop-off side panels for simplified installations, upgrades and maintenance. Hard drives, 3.5” and 2.5”, can be tool-lessly mounted on the front panel with thumbscrews with rubber suspensions. Additionally, the expansion slots are secured by thumbscrews.

Connectivity

The I/O panel is located on the front bezel. Connections include two USB ports and HD audio.

Price and Availability

The PC-Q33 will be available at the end of December for the suggested retail price of USD 99.

Video product overview of the PC-Q33:

http://youtu.be/TyCzV8x8794

PC-Q33 product information and detailed specifications:

http://www.lian-li.com/en/dt_portfolio/pc-q33/

BenQ Unveils New Products for CES 2014

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COSTA MESA, Calif. — Dec. 19, 2013 — BenQ America Corp., a world-leading visual technology and solutions provider, today announced its new product lineup for the 2014 International CES. Featuring a wide range of award-winning digital projectors, professional and gaming monitors, interactive large-format displays, and LED lighting products, BenQ is unleashing exciting new developments designed to ‘Bring Enjoyment and Quality’ to life and deliver what matters most to people — because it matters.

“BenQ continues to experience above-market growth across several segments of the consumer electronics marketplace,” said Bob Wudeck, Associate Vice President, Strategy and Business Development at BenQ America Corp. “With forward-thinking innovations such as our Colorific projector image quality, SmartEco energy-saving lamp technology, and RevolutionEyes enhanced visual monitor performance, BenQ is leading the way with purpose-built solutions that deliver incredible value and the very best user experience to our customers. We’re looking forward to CES as we introduce a number of unique products to kickstart 2014.”

MHL Support for Optimized Cloud-Based Content Delivery — Because Mobile Entertainment Matters

New Stylish EW40 Series Cloud Monitors

Sleekly designed to complement today’s trendiest home and office environments, the BenQ EW40 series monitors available in 24-inch (EW2440L) and 27-inch (EW2740L) models enable easy notebook PC, cable, console gaming, or smart device connection using simple Mobile High-Definition Link (MHL) technology. As a result, users can transfer small-screen content directly to the monitor from any portable device, as well as enjoy cloud-based content from today’s popular streaming services such as Hulu™, Netflix™, Aereo™, and more.

New Ultra-Lite Portable LED Projector

Delivering 700 lumens to turn any wall into an entertaining projection experience, the BenQ Ultra-Lite LED short-throw projector allows users to fire up a presentation on the road or enjoy a movie in any room of the house. This compact, portable device features 720p HD resolution, two built-in 3W speakers powered by SRS surround sound, 3D-ready projection, and MHL mobile device wireless connectivity.

A New Home Cinema Star is Born — Because Entertainment Matters

Providing consumers with the ultimate in 3D home cinema enjoyment, the new W7500 projector is accredited with Full HD 3D Certification by TÜV Rheinland, one of the most reputed certification institutes in Europe.

Powered by DLP® Link™, the W7500 delivers stunning 1080p 3D images without crosstalk so consumers can enjoy brilliantly rendered 3D movies directly from Blu-ray players, live sports via cable or satellite, and 3D console video games without any additional setup. The W7500 also provides Colorific™ picture quality boasting more than one billion colors, 2,000 ANSI lumen high brightness, a 60,000:1 ultra-high contrast ratio with a dynamic iris, and support for all HDMI 3D signal formats.

A New Gaming Monitor to Make Every Second Count — Because Winning Matters

The all-new XL2720Z is the world’s first gaming monitor to adopt Motion Blur Reduction technology — BenQ’s latest innovation designed to support gamers by providing an ultra-smooth, blur-free gaming experience via improved resolutions, faster response times, and quicker refresh rates. As a result, players obtain more fluid gameplay thanks to sharper video quality made to improve FPS performance. The unit is equipped with ZeroFlicker technology to allow gamers to practice for longer periods, while Low Blue Light technology manages the exposure of blue spectrum light emitted by computer screens, further contributing to more comfortable viewing. To help gamers protect their eyes during extended periods, the monitor provides several adjustable low blue light levels that automatically adjust emission without affecting quality. Using the XL2720Z’s GROM feature, gamers also gain the freedom to custom-build their personal gaming experience with their preferred refresh rates (100/120/144Hz), display resolutions, and screen sizes.

New Boldly Designed Mac®-Compatible VA Monitor — Because Good Looks Matter

With no printing, coating, or adhesives on the surface, the new VW2235H provides a simple look made to complement any of today’s contemporary home and office environments. Equipped with ZeroFlicker™ technology for a softer screen experience and BenQ’s exclusive Senseye® Human Vision technology, the VW2235H enables users to easily connect any MacBook using the monitor’s M-book mode. The result is the recreation of authentic MacBook picture quality on the larger, wide aspect ratio display. Other preset Senseye calibration settings include BenQ’s “Reading Mode,” which automatically adjusts the monitor to simulate the warmth of reading paper, and an improved “Eco Mode,” which balances performance with energy efficiency to reduce power consumption by up to 44 percent.

New Professional Monitors Inspire Creativity and Provide More Comfort — Because Accuracy Matters

BL CAD/CAM Monitor Series

Expanding the BL monitor line, BenQ is set to release a new 32-inch (BL3210PT) monitor, which joins the recently released 27-inch (BL2710PT) model. The wide quad high-definition (WQHD) displays have been specifically designed for 3D printing, computer-aided design (CAD), and computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) applications. With a 2560×1440 WQHD display, Display Pilot software with Auto-Pivot automation, ZeroFlicker™ technology, and powerful productivity features such as BenQ’s exclusive CAD/CAM viewing mode, the monitors enable professionals to engage in a more seamless design-to-production process that inspires creativity and increases comfort.

PG Pro Graphics Monitor Series

For photographers, graphic designers, color re-touchers, and printers requiring consistent on-screen color matching, the 24-inch PG2401PT display provides reliable, accurate, printing-certified soft proofing precision at an incredibly affordable price of $999. To increase collaboration and simplicity within the creative process, the new display supports today’s cloud-based color proofing systems and comes equipped with self-calibrating and one-click proofing capabilities. The result is print-like color integrity during the entire workflow: from design to print, and over the cloud.

New Projectors That Brighten the Boardroom — Because Business Matters

BYOD-Ready MX600 Projector

The second leading global projector brand in the world will be presenting its brand new business line at CES. BenQ’s units on display will include the compact and lightweight MX600, which uses MHL technology to enable easy tablet, smartphone, and notebook BYOD collaboration. The result is working groups that can transfer any small-screen content from portable devices directly to the projector’s big screen — bringing file sharing and increased interaction to meetings, presentations, and seminars. Equipped with XGA native resolution, 13,000:1 contrast ratio, and Colorific™ image quality, the projector delivers accurate, crisp, and long-lasting image quality while casting an amazing one billion colors to the screen. To dramatically lower total cost of ownership (TCO) by extending lamp life and reducing energy consumption — without impacting picture performance — the MX600 projector also features BenQ’s world-leading SmartEco™ technology.

P Series Ultra High Brightness Professional Projectors

For professional A/V applications within the corporate setting, BenQ will be showing the company’s new PW9500 large-venue projector. Combining high lumen brightness and flexible installation options, the new PW9500 (WXGA) and PX9600 (XGA) professional projectors offer seven optional optical lens types with advanced functions such as motorized zoom/focus and powered lens shift. The models also provide new brilliant image performance with up to 6,500 lumens of ultra-high brightness, high contrast ratios, and HQV scaling for higher resolutions. With a new interchangeable color wheel system, the series gives integrators the ability to boost mid-tone colors for more life-like picture quality and the flexibility to satisfy specific applications.

New Products That Light Up the Classroom — Because Learning Matters

MW824ST Interactive Projector

Part of BenQ’s growing portfolio of Classroom iQ solutions — a suite of next-generation products designed to future-proof, simplify, and make teaching more collaborative and efficient — the new MW824ST interactive short-throw classroom projector combines power-saving technology with connectivity and performance options to provide next-generation classroom experiences. Equipped with QWrite and PointWrite™ capabilities for collective onscreen writing and the ability to collaborate from mobile devices via MHL, the MW824ST creates a more participative process for teachers and students. Also featuring BenQ’s advanced SmartEco™ options such as the new LampSave and LumenCare modes, the projector can extend lamp life to an amazing 10,000 hours or provide three years of consistent image brightness.

IL640 Multitouch Display

Also designed to increase interaction within the classroom, BenQ will showcase the IL650 multitouch large-format display at CES. Featuring Omnitapps Multi-Touch Software to bring highly captivating, interactive touchscreen experiences to learning environments, the large double-touch 64-inch screen provides HD resolution, latency-free navigation, and ambient light sensors to adjust screen brightness automatically according to environmental lighting conditions — reducing energy consumption by up to 50 percent without impacting performance. With an ultra-high brightness of up to 1.07 billion colors, PIP / PBP capabilities, and two built-in 12-W speakers, the result is the production of smooth, rich images with no visible color banding for extremely vivid content and quality sound that will captivate, inspire, and stimulate the minds of students.

New P Series Slim Panels to Answer the Most Demanding Video Wall Installations — Because Dependability Matters

BenQ’s P Series of super narrow bezel displays are part of the company’s comprehensive PID (Public Information Display) family, designed to bring unbeatable visual experiences through design, performance, and power-saving features. Unlike consumer-grade monitors, BenQ’s PID screens have been deliberately designed for public venues that demand longer service life, higher dependability, and increased environmental considerations. To satisfy these requirements, BenQ has equipped its P Series with forward-thinking features such as a super narrow bezel design to ensure that content remains the most prominent feature of any video wall installation; a multiple display administrator application that will control up to 98 displays while monitoring system status to prevent power surges; remote management capabilities via LAN controlled connectivity for 24/7 centralized access; color calibration to unify color profiles of all screens within large installations; and ambient light sensors that automatically adjust screen brightness to the lighting condition of the surrounding environment to reduce energy consumption by up to 50 percent.

Accentuating Home or Office Settings With QisDesign LED Lighting — Because Style Matters

Also making their debut at the 2014 International CES are elegant additions to BenQ’s high-end QisDesign lighting product line. Inspired by the world around them, the award-winning LED lamps offer contemporary designs, sensory-rich lighting experiences, and interactive features designed to brighten any home or office environment. Engineered for flexibility, the new Compasso Light allows users to customize the warm white LED light using the lamp’s touch dimmer switch. For further lighting comfort, Compasso’s sliding track along the lamp’s arm lets consumers adjust the lamp to any height or placement preference — even 360 degrees via the unit’s swivel base. With a flexible spine embedded into a rubber lamp shell, the new Hatha Light mimics the bend of the human body, allowing users to freely adjust the lamp to different angles and heights to meet their specific needs. The BE Light, now available in black, is fully foldable and features a unique articulated design, allowing the lamp to be fully extended to a height of 33.4 cm and an angle of up to 135 degrees. When not in use, it can be easily folded flat to a minimum height of 1.8 cm.

Pre-Holiday Break Dragon Age: Inquisition Update

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Bioware’s Mark Darrah has released an update regarding the gaming giant’s upcoming Dragon Age: Inquisition, prior to their going on holiday break. You can read the full post here for more information.

From the Blog Post

“What have we been working on? Dragon Age: Inquisition has come a long way in the last three months. Today, I’m going to share with you some of what we have been up to since PAX. That way, when we dig in deeper a little later on, you will be up to speed.

You may have heard some talk about a “Holiday Build” for Dragon Age: Inquisition. So, what is this? These types of builds go way back in BioWare’s history. Effectively, they are builds we create around the holiday break that are packaged in a way that allows the team, and other parts of BioWare, to play the game in as complete of a state as we can get it.”