Author - Jerry Paxton

Elite: Dangerous Makes Kickstarter Goal

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3rd January 2012.  Cambridge, UK:  Frontier Developments (“Frontier”) is delighted that its Kickstartercampaign for the ‘Elite: Dangerous’ game has reached its funding target of £1.25M attracting over 21,000 backers.

“Thank you to everyone who helped us reached that total – it’s incredibly heartening and uplifting to see so many people supporting Elite: Dangerous,” said David Braben, CEO of Frontier and co-author of the original Elite. “The help, feedback and ideas given and the enthusiasm shown has been remarkable, vividly illustrating the power of the community which is a force to be reckoned with in today’s connected society.  This has made us even more determined than ever to produce a game worthy of such support and engage even further throughout development.”

The Kickstarter project <gp_link type=”http” loc=”//kck.st/YN6rVC”>http://kck.st/YN6rVC is still accepting pledges until midnight GMT/7pm EST on Friday 4th January 2013 as the team pushes towards stretch goals of Mac support and increased numbers of playable ships, in response to requests from the community.  A PayPal payment option is also available via Frontier’s website elite.frontier.co.uk which will continue to accept contributions  after the Kickstarter project closes.

The Elite:  Dangerous Kickstarter campaign has generated over 100,000 comments so far on the project’s page, which Frontier believes is a current record for the site.

David Braben will be hosting a Reddit AMA at 5pm GMT/noon EST today.

Elite:  Dangerous is due for release on PC in March 2014.

ARCHOS Unveils TV Connect

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Denver, CO – January 03, 2013 – ARCHOS, a pioneer in multimedia portable devices, is pleased to announce the ARCHOS TV connect, the only multi-touch “AndroidTM on TV experience” for your apps and games. The ARCHOS TV connect turns any HDTV into an Android powered smart TV providing the full Android ecosystem with a specially designed TV Touch remote.

The TV connect allows you to control your TV just like a tablet – tap, swipe, zoom in, zoom out, select or type. With the TV connect users will be able to play games, stream videos, video chat in HD, email friends or surf the web all from their big screen TV. The ARCHOS TV connect runs Android 4.1TM ‘Jelly Bean’ and will be available starting in February, 2013 for $129.99.

“As a pioneer in multimedia Android devices, we wanted to create a bigger, better way to enjoy Android,” says Henri Crohas, Founder and CEO of ARCHOS. “The ARCHOS TV connect provides users with a multi-touch, multi-media Smart TV experience powered by AndroidTM.”

Revolutionary TV Touch remote – A smartly designed remote for every task

  • Pointer – Allows you to control your TV just like you would your tablet with a tapping and/or swiping motion
  • Full multi-touch gesture support – Control your apps easily with zoom in, zoom out and rotate with ARCHOS developed unique gesture controls
  • Full keyboard with Android shortcuts – The TV touch remote includes a full keyboard and Android shortcut keys including a key for voice controls and voice typing

Play Android Games on your TV – Critically acclaimed games at your fingertips

  • Thousands of games available on your TV – Choose from over 700,000 apps and games on Google PlayTM
  • Dual thumb sticks and buttons – Play all your favorite games with full gaming controls and dual analog thumbsticks
  • ARCHOS Gaming Mapping Tool – Map the controls of games to the buttons and controllers of the remote for playing virtually any game on your TV – as recently introduced on the GamePad

Turn your TV into a Smart TV – Get a full web experience on your current HDTV

  • Internet – Surf on the net from a big screen
  • Online video streaming – Stream videos directly on your TV through YouTubeTM, Daily motion and other video applications
  • Emails – Send and receive emails or share photos from your Facebook page with friends

HD video calls – Connect with a group of friends or family members on a big screen

  • HD webcam – ARCHOS TV connect is equipped with an HD webcam for High quality video calling
  • LED notification – LED lights notify you when you have an incoming calls while watching TV
  • Compatibility with all popular video calling apps – Video chatting with Skype or Google TalkTM as a family from your sofa has never been easier

Multimedia Player – The ARCHOS TV connect includes the critically acclaimed ARCHOS Media Center applications so you can finally get control of your home media content, including:

  • Best video codecs and format support – Read all your favorite video files with format and codec support including H.264 decoding in full 1080p HD
  • Media Center Library – Tailor-made UI with automatic jacket, synopsis and subtitle download as well as library organization even for files stored elsewhere on your home network
  • Easy home streaming – Stream your media content over your home network either through WiFi or Ethernet
  • The right connections – Features HDMI (cable included), full USB host and micro SD slot
  • Google™ Certified with Full Access to shop on Google Play™ – With over 700,000 applications, get all your favorite Android content on your TV including books, music, magazines and movies

ARCHOS at CES 2013 – Come experience the ARCHOS TV connect first hand during CES 2013 in Las Vegas, NV from January 8-11. In addition to the TV connect, ARCHOS will be showing off its new line up of tablets which include the recently announced GamePad and new entrants to the ARCHOS Elements line – the dual-core Titanium range and the quad-core Platinum range, both of which feature tablets with stunning 2048×1536 resolution IPS screens. The ARCHOS booth is located in Central Hall (15322) of the Las Vegas Convention Center.For more information about the ARCHOS TV connect or ARCHOS at CES visitwww.ARCHOS.com.

Mad Catz Unveils GameSmart Initiative

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San Diego – January 3, 2013 – Mad Catz Interactive, Inc. (“Mad Catz”) (NYSE MKT: MCZ) announced today GameSmart, a technology initiative that moves smart devices one step closer to delivering a core gaming experience similar to a gaming console or gaming computer.  GameSmart control products will function through the Bluetooth® Smart stack, will be game and hardware independent, and will have a smart device app to provide additional functionality.  By utilizing Bluetooth Smart, GameSmart devices will feature simplified setup, longer battery life and universal compatibility.  In addition, GameSmart offers game developers and game publishers standardization, ease of implementation and scalability when enabling controller and console-like accessory functionality in mobile games.

“Smart devices have made considerable inroads in delivering all forms of entertainment including games, music, movies, books, and social media.  Mobile gaming is a vibrant and exciting space and we don’t see controller-based games replacing touch screen games, we expect them to enhance and enlarge the smart device gaming experience to include the living room experience.  There are a number of point-to-point solutions in the market today that provide proof of concept, but the industry needs an agnostic operating system solution to provide standardization, ease of implementation and scalability,” said Darren Richardson, the President and Chief Executive Officer of Mad Catz Interactive, Inc.  “With our long history in the gaming industry, Mad Catz has the technical capability, product breadth, global distribution, and developer and publisher relationships that uniquely position our company to make this ambitious initiative a success.  We believe the GameSmart initiative fits perfectly with our long-term strategy of designing innovative products for passionate gamers.”

Mad Catz intends to launch a full range of GameSmart products, including game controllers, gaming mice, gaming keyboards, headsets, and other specialty controllers.  The GameSmart products will also be app-enabled to provide additional functionality.  The first wave of GameSmart products will be announced at CES 2013 and are expected to launch shortly thereafter.

Additional information available at: www.madcatz.com/gamesmart

MSI Rolls Out New Products for CES 2013

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City of Industry, Calif. – January 3, 2013 – MSI Computer Corp, a leading manufacturer of computer hardware products and solutions, announces the availability of the Slider S20 Ultrabook Convertible, a clever blend of portability and performance featuring a slide out keyboard, Windows 8 and Intel® Core i5 processor.

The Slider S20 is the perfect companion for business travelers, students and all users seeking computing power without sacrificing portability and battery life.  Equipped with state-of-the art components, including a16:9 1920×1080 full HD 10-point touch screen, 8GB of DDR3 memory and 128GB of SSD storage, the Slider S20 weighs 2.2 lbs. and is less than 1 inch thick for lightweight on-the-go computing.

“Many users prefer the mobility of a tablet, but still need the processing power of an actual laptop computer,” said Andy Tung, vice president of sales for MSI US.  “MSI’s S20 Ultrabook Convertible solves that problem by combining the best of both worlds, giving users the choice of using it as a tablet or as a laptop.”

To perfectly complement its performance, MSI also designed the Slider S20 for easy connectivity, with a Jackson Peak Wireless adapter, Ethernet, 2 USB3 ports, Bluetooth capability, mini HDMI-out connector and an integrated 720P HD webcam.  The Slider S20 will be available in Q1 2013 for $1,199.99 MSRP.

For more information on the Slider S20, MSI’s entire family of mobile solutions, visit http://www.msimobile.com

FELTaudio Unveils Portable Modular Audio System

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LAS VEGAS – Jan. 3, 2013 – FELTaudio, a pioneer in sound management, unveils the world’s first portable modular audio system for mobile devices at the 2013 International CES. This sleek system provides a hassle-free solution for on-the-go premium audio experiences. The set consists of two patented interchangeable Bluetooth-enabled audio products – REWIND, which houses premium quality earbuds with a retraction cable management system, and PULSE, the world’s smallest multi-functional Bluetooth speaker.

Both the REWIND earbud cartridge and the PULSE speaker quickly and conveniently pair with Apple, Android and other Bluetooth-enabled mobile devices, including desktops, laptops and even your car audio system. REWIND and PULSE also come with a clip that can be attached to gym shorts, a seatbelt or backpack strap, or used as a stand. For Apple users, FELTaudio also created specially-designed protective cases for iPhone, iPad and iPod touch that conveniently attach to the REWIND earbuds and PULSE speaker so that you can grab your device and bring your audio wherever you go.

PULSE speaker
The FELTaudio PULSE speaker is a slim yet incredibly versatile Bluetooth speaker and portable conference calling device. The rechargeable speaker’s sturdy construction and design are complemented by impressive sound quality. The PULSE’s compact size makes it pocketable and ultra-portable, plus it comes with a patented polycarbonate stand and clip that make it simple to mount or clip the speaker wherever you are. The PULSE speaker connects to your mobile device in just seconds and includes an integrated omni-directional microphone to make conference calls simple and more effective. You can even clip the speaker to your car visor or seatbelt for hands-free calls on the road, or clip it to your pocket to share your music while you’re walking, riding your bike or at the park with friends. 
The PULSE speaker features a sync button for ease of use, and comes in snow crash white, black out and ash gray. The PULSE speaker snaps onto FELTaudio cases to take a ride on the back of your iPhone, iPad or iPod touch, so that you’ll always know exactly where the speaker is and be ready to share your music or calls with the touch of a button. PULSE also includes its own carrying satchel. 

REWIND earbuds

This sleek Bluetooth-enabled system houses premium quality earbuds with FELTaudio’s patented cable management system. The retractable flat-wire earbuds unwind and rewind seamlessly, providing you with a tangle-free, slack-free and hassle-free experience. REWIND earbuds pair with all of your Bluetooth devices within seconds and allow wireless freedom up to 40+ feet from your device, phone, laptop or desktop. With integrated volume controls and skip and answer buttons on the earbud cartridge, and a microphone on the earbud cord, you will be in control of all audio experiences at the touch of a button.
The REWIND system connects onto all of the FELTaudio mobile device cases so that the premium earbuds are always handy and easy to find.  Flat cables keep the earbuds tangle-free while delivering exceptional sound quality. The REWIND earbuds feature 9.2mm drivers housed in an acoustically engineered surround to provide crisp, clear highs and deep pounding bass. The earbud cartridge has built-in power controls and a microUSB port for easy charging, so that you know your earbuds are ready to go when you are. 
The REWIND earbuds are available in:
•    Snow crash white with gray cables and black chrome earbuds
•    Black out with black cables and black chrome earbuds
•    Ash gray with gray cables and black chrome earbuds
FELTaudio Cases
FELTaudio’s specially-designed protective cases for iPhone, iPad and iPod touch conveniently attach to the REWIND earbuds and PULSE speaker so that you can grab your device and bring your audio wherever you go. Comprised of resilient polycarbonate with a soft felt interior lining, the cases ensure your devices are elegantly shielded from daily wear and tear. The cases can be used with or without the audio cartridges, and allow for access to all ports and controls while providing superior protection and style. Case color choices include white, black and warm gray. 
The FELTaudio portable modular audio system will officially debut at CES Unveiled at the 2013 International Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas on January 6, 2013. The system is now available for pre-order at www.feltaudio.com. FELTaudio will also showcase the full product line at the Levin Consulting Meeting Area, South Hall 2, MP25358.

 

Razer Announces Orbweaver Gaming Keypad

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CARLSBAD, Calif. – Jan. 3 2013 – Razer™, the world leader in high-performance gaming hardware, software and systems, today announced the release of the Razer Orbweaver, a customizable, mechanical gaming keypad designed with tournament-grade controls, ergonomics and full customizability.

Building on the huge success of its predecessor, the Razer Nostromo®, the Razer Orbweaver lets gamers bind an infinite number of controls to 20 mechanical keys and a programmable eight-way directional thumb-pad. Only 50 g of force is required to trigger each key, ensuring that commands are executed as fast as users’ fingers can act—and faster than the enemy can react.  The thumb-pad can be used for movement or as a modifier for endless combinations. Armed with the Razer Orbweaver, gamers will be able to rapidly fire a vast number of spells, macros and abilities at their helpless foes, and they’ll be able to do so with hyper-responsive speed and efficiency.

In addition to its inherent technical merits, the Razer Orbweaver also delivers comfort over extended hours of play with its adjustable rests modules for the thumb, palm and wrist. Each of these parts can be slid back and forth or tilted to suit any hand curvature or size, allowing every gamer to customize a perfect fit.

“The Razer Orbweaver is the ultimate gauntlet of game control,” said Min-Liang Tan, CEO of Razer. “The feeling of having every command at hand to destroy the competition in so many different ways is just sublime, and the tactile feedback and fast key actuation from the mechanical key architecture gives you a feeling of satisfaction and an added edge in the games you play.”

About the Razer Orbweaver mechanical gaming keypad

Get complete control with the Razer Orbweaver gaming keypad, featuring 20 mechanical keys and a programmable eight-way thumb-pad.  You can bind an infinite number of commands to these keys that can then be rapidly actuated for the ultimate competitive advantage in combat. The Razer Orbweaver is also designed to deliver absolute comfort during extended play with adjustable thumb, palm, and wrist rest modules that fit perfectly to your hand.

This is the gaming keypad you want on hand to help you win every game you play.

Price: USD $129.99

Availability:

Razerzone.com – Order Now

Worldwide – Q1 2013

Product features:

  • Full mechanical keys with 50g actuation force
  • 20 fully programmable keys
  • Adjustable thumb, palm and wrist rest modules for maximum comfort
  • Programmable eight-way directional thumb-pad
  • Razer Synapse 2.0-enabled
  • Instantaneous switching between eight key maps
  • Unlimited macro lengths
  • Stores unlimited gaming profiles
  • Backlit keypad for total control even in dark conditions

Approximate size & weight: 

  • ·         Width                    154 mm / 6.06 in.
  • ·         Length                  214 mm / 7.95 in.
  • ·         Depth                   55 mm / 2.17 in.
  • ·         Weight                 300 g / 0.661 lbs.

For more information about the Razer Orbweaver, please visit www.razerzone.com/orbweaver.

Razer Unveils Sabertooth Xbox 360 Controller

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CARLSBAD, Calif. – Jan. 3, 2013 – Razer™, the world leader in high-performance gaming hardware, software and systems, announced the launch of its Sabertooth Elite Gaming Controller for Xbox 360.

The Razer Sabertooth is an extraordinary Xbox 360 controller. Six additional remappable buttons – two at each shoulder of the controller and two removable rocking switches at the bottom – allow gamers to re-bind any choice of buttons on the controller for easy access. A built-in OLED screen is also included, which allows customization of the controller’s many features. Gamers may remap the multi-function buttons, adjust the analog stick’s sensitivity and save profiles: the display visualizes their modified preferences.

Further to its customizability, users are able to reconfigure controls found elsewhere on the device to the multi-function buttons ergonomically positioned at their fingertips. Overall, the design of the Razer Sabertooth increases actuation speed, reduces fatigue, and encourages natural hand posturing for a more precise and comfortable gaming experience, giving console players the competitive edge they crave.

When it comes to tournament-grade gaming, a durable, reliable controller is paramount in keeping up with the competition. From the selection of materials used for the buttons, triggers and analog sticks, to the stringent quality control checks, processes are put in place to ensure that the Razer Sabertooth continues to dominate, game after game.

Also featured is a fully detachable, lightweight cable that securely screws onto the controller. The included carrying case lets gamers store the Razer Sabertooth, along with the braided fiber cable, for transport without worrying about breakage.

The Razer Sabertooth was developed with professional eSports teams and players. Gaming powerhouses such as Team Epsilon, Quantic Gaming and Team Prophecy have been involved in the validation of the controller, and have also been training with the Razer Sabertooth for upcoming tournaments.

“The Razer Onza Tournament Edition gave Xbox 360 gamers a competitive edge,” said Min-Liang Tan, Razer co-founder, CEO and creative director. “We’re now taking things a step further with the Razer Sabertooth, with its re-mappable multi-function buttons and OLED display, restructured with more control options than any other device, in a rugged design that doesn’t compromise comfort.”

Razer Sabertooth Elite Gaming Controller for Xbox 360 Review

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Under a non-disclosure agreement and strict embargo date, it was delivered at our doorstep… So secret that no other member of GamingShogun.com’s writing staff knew of its existence, it was reviewed… Thanks to some premature, embargo-breaking websites in the UK (you know who you are), I can finally let loose our review of Razer’s new Sabertooth Elite Gaming Controller for the Xbox 360 – ahead of schedule!

The Sabertooth exudes positive build quality…

Opening the Razer Sabertooth, the box contained two objects – the instruction booklet and a very well-made, zip-up carrying case. As nice as this case is, it is missing a handle, which I hope they add to future releases. It would make the controller all that more portable. Once opened, I discovered that on one side of the case, in a form-fitted foam piece, was the Sabertooth controller. On the other side of the case are two net pouches containing the braided cable and analog stick caps. Upon visual inspection, the controller appeared very solid. Upon the first time I held it in my hands, I knew it was. The Sabertooth exudes positive build quality – from its smooth, slightly-rubberized body to the solid feel of the controller’s analog sticks. Even the directional pad has been upgraded from Razer’s past controllers, with a new design allowing for better usage. The Sabertooth also has just the right amount of weight for my liking. Not so heavy as to be unwieldy and not so light as to feel cheap.

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For further flexibility, the two additional multi-function triggers on the bottom of the controller can be removed with an included Torx head screwdriver. Razer’s previous Xbox 360 controller, the Onza Tournament Edition, featured analog sticks with adjustable physical resistance. The new Sabertooth does not have that feature, opting instead for fixed-resistance analog sticks. When asked why this was not included as a feature in the new controller, a Razer representative responded that “the analog resistance adjuster was removed so that gamers are able to get a consistent feel with the stick, no matter what game and setting they use”. Personally, I liked being able to tweak the physical resistance but, despite this, the Sabertooth’s analog sticks still feel rock solid and I had no issues with the given amount of resistance (which actually feels slightly stronger than the stock Xbox 360 controller’s).

You will be hard pressed to run out of triggers and buttons on this controller…

Interestingly enough, while the physical resistance of the analog stick cannot be altered, the analog stick sensitivity can be via the controller’s programming system. Before getting into customizing the controls of the Razer Sabertooth, be sure to keep and look at the included instruction manual. The programming of the controller is accomplished all ON CONTROLLER. You will use the d-pad and other controls in getting your triggers and buttons set up. The on-board OLED display will guide you through this process, revealing important menu/button assignment information. You will be hard pressed to run out of triggers and buttons on this controller as the Razer Sabertooth features two additional shoulder buttons, and four multi-function triggers on its undercarriage. Taking this even further, the controller allows two profiles to be stored on the device, doubling your potential control assignments.

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An Onza TE Analog Stick on the Left, a Sabertooth Analog Stick on the Right

Another feature of the Razer Sabertooth that stands out over other Xbox 360 game controllers I have used is the braided cable. This cable actually screws into a port on the front of the Sabertooth. The cable feels a lot stiffer than the one on the Razer Onza TE, but lends itself to the controller’s aire of durability. Plus, being screwed into a threaded port means that it won’t easily get pulled out of the controller.

…a dependable PC game controller…

A positive note for PC gamers is that the Razer Sabertooth can be used as a USB game controller. In this mode, I was amazed at just how playable games like Far Cry 3 could be. That may read strangely considering that I am reviewing an Xbox 360 controller, but readers should note that I am primarily a PC gamer and grew up with a mouse and keyboard veritably attached to my hands. So, it takes a lot for me to use a game controller on my PC that is not a HOTAS flight control system. Steam has a whole selection of games which are considered “controller-ready” as part of their “Big Picture” initiative, and I had a blast playing through them. While I don’t think I would throw away my keyboard and mouse for the Sabertooth – it is nice to know that there is a dependable PC game controller around when you need it. Let’s face it, PC games being ported from console titles with poor mouse and keyboard controls is a sad but very real issue these days.

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After using the Razer Sabertooth for several days of gaming on both my Xbox 360 game console and Windows PC gaming rig, I have nothing but good things to say about it. I realize that I am somewhat gushing about the Razer Sabertooth. I rarely gush about game controllers… Again, PC gamer here! 😉 The Razer Sabertooth is simply a terrific controller, no matter what game you throw at it. The only thing that could take the controller to an even higher level in my eyes would be wireless capability. However, the Sabertooth being a wired controller means that it will never run out of batteries or suffer a connection loss – things that would be fatal in gaming tournament and/or online play (where this controller is targeted).

The Razer Sabertooth is available now and is clearly aimed at the tournament/hardcore gamer crowd. For this purpose, it retails for reasonable $79.99. If you are a casual Xbox 360 gamer, though, you might want to stick with the stock controller unless you really need the extra buttons. For you hardcore gamers out there, pick this one up and frag on!

[easyreview title=”Razer Sabertooth Review Score” cat1title=”Overall Score (out of 5)” cat1detail=”” cat1rating=”4″] Our Rating Scores Explained

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Pros

  • Terrific Build Quality
  • Lots of controller customization with two control profiles
  • Excellent also as a PC gaming controller

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Cons

  •  Cost may be too much for casual gamers

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TECH SPECS

  • 2 shoulder multi-function buttons (MFB)
  • 4 removable multi-function buttons (MFT)
  • 4 backlit Hyperesponse action buttons
  • OLED screen for feature customization
  • Non-slip rubber surface
  • Quick-release USB connector
  • Detachable 10 ft/3m lightweight braided fiber cable
  • Carrying case
  • 2.5mm microphone jack
  • Approximate size : 110mm / 4.33” (Length) x 154mm / 6.06” (Width) x 57mm / 2.24” (Height)
  • Approximate weight: 288g / 0.63 lbs

Images

Razer Onza TE on the Top Left, the Razer Sabertooth on the Bottom Right

Razer Onza TE on the Top Left, the Razer Sabertooth on the Bottom Right

Razer Sabertooth D-Pad

Razer Sabertooth D-Pad

Razer Onza TE D-Pad

Razer Onza TE D-Pad

Razer Sabertooth on the left, Razer Onza TE on the right

Razer Sabertooth on the left, Razer Onza TE on the right

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