Author - Jerry Paxton

Turtle Beach Stealth 600 Purple & Stealth 500 Arctic Camo Gaming Headsets Now Available

2025/03/03
Jerry Paxton
Geek News, News, Tech News

Leading gaming accessories maker Turtle Beach Corporation (Nasdaq: TBCH) today announced the latest Stealth™ 600 purple and Stealth ™ 500 arctic camo wireless headset colorways are now available at participating retailers and on Turtle Beach’s website. The Designed for Xbox Stealth 600 purple is multiplatform compatible with other consoles, PC, and mobile devices and is available for $99.99 MSRP. The Designed for Xbox and PlayStation® versions of the $79.99 MSRP Stealth 500 are also multiplatform compatible and now come in a cool arctic camo option.

The Designed for Xbox Stealth 600 purple is available exclusively at Target in the U.S., as well as at participating retailers globally. The Stealth 500 arctic camo for PlayStation is available exclusively at Walmart in the U.S. and at participating retailers globally, while the Stealth 500 arctic camo for Xbox is available at participating retailers globally.

“To date, we’ve sold approximately 6.2 million Stealth 600 headsets since the first generation launched in 2017, generating approximately $575M in revenue to make it the industry’s best-selling gaming headset series,” said Cris Keirn, CEO, Turtle Beach Corporation. “We’re excited to offer gamers this new deep royal purple colorway for the third-generation Stealth 600, along with the new arctic camo option for the more affordable Stealth 500 headset, to continue putting more momentum into these best-selling, award-winning products.”

As per Circana(1), Turtle Beach’s Stealth 600 Gen 3 for Xbox and Stealth 500 for Xbox launched in May 2024 were among the top 10 best-selling gaming headsets in 2024. Turtle Beach’s Stealth 600 and Stealth 500 were also recently named by IGN as best gaming headsets for 2025. Additional details for each model are below.

Turtle Beach Stealth 600 Wireless Gaming Headset

The third generation Stealth 600 now features the brand’s signature 50mm Nanoclear™ drivers, an astounding 80-hour battery life, AI-driven microphone noise reduction, low-latency 2.4GHz and Bluetooth connectivity, and much more for the same $99.99/£99.99/€109.99 MSRP that’s made it the industry’s leading wireless gaming headset. In addition to the new purple colorway, the Designed for Xbox version is also available in black or white. The Stealth 600 PlayStation version remains available in black or white, and the Stealth 600 PC version remains available in black only.

Turtle Beach Stealth 500 Wireless Gaming Headset

Turtle Beach’s Stealth 500 provides gamers with the brand’s signature high-quality gaming audio, plus low-latency 2.4GHz wireless and Bluetooth connectivity, an adjustable floating headband for lightweight comfort, and best-in-class 40-hour battery life for $79.99/£79.99/€89.99 MSRP. Both the Designed for Xbox and PlayStation versions of the Stealth 500 come in the new arctic camo colorway, as well as in black. The Stealth 500 PC version remains available in black only.

For more information on the latest Turtle Beach products and accessories, visit www.turtlebeach.com and be sure to follow Turtle Beach on TikTok, Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and YouTube.

Werewolf Game Starring Tony Todd Out Now on Digital and On-Demand

2025/03/03
Jerry Paxton
Geek News, Halloween, Movie News, News, Trailers / Videos

Todd’s legacy lives on through his legendary portrayals in films like Candyman, Final Destination and Platoon, as well as one of his final performances in Werewolf Game by emerging directors Jackie Payne and Cara Claymore, where he delivers a role that encapsulates his powerful presence in the horror genre. The trailer for Werewolf Game offers a glimpse into this chilling thriller, highlighting Todd’s unique talent and his lasting impact on cinema.

Werewolf Game is now available on-demand and across digital platforms, giving fans a chance to experience one of Tony Todd’s last performances in a story that celebrates his dedication to bringing unforgettable characters to life.

Producer Rob Margolies commented: “Tony Todd was one of the most generous and kind actors I’ve ever worked with. He will be sorely missed!” Werewolf Game reunites Todd with Margolies’s Different Duck Productions who produced 2020’s Immortal which Todd starred in.

In Werewolf Game, a group of strangers is thrust into a deadly game of deception and survival, with Todd’s character bringing an intense layer of intrigue. The film promises to immerse viewers in a suspenseful narrative where trust is tested, and no one is truly safe.

Aside from the legendary Todd, Werewolf Game also stars Lydia Hearst, Bai Ling, Teala Dunn, and Picardo. In addition to directing, Payne wrote the screenplay, while Claymore stepped into the action herself by joining the cast.

Hello Kitty Island Adventure Huge Update Brings New Visitors and More

2025/03/03
Jerry Paxton
Geek News, News, Nintendo Switch, Trailers / Videos, Windows PC News

Spring is in the air, the Sakura are in full bloom and the Springtime Celebration has returned in Hello Kitty Island Adventure on Nintendo Switch, PC via Steam, and Apple Arcade! Plus, a huge content update just dropped for Apple Arcade players—Update 2.4: “Snow & Sound.”

Springtime Celebration

Until April 7th, players can join Hello Kitty and Friends to collect petals all around the island and exchange them for new outfits and decor. Be sure to also check out Tuxedosam’s Shop and My Melody’s Gift Shop for rare springtime clothing and furniture finds!

Snow & Sound – Update 2.4

The latest major content update for Hello Kitty Island Adventure is available now on Apple Arcade, and coming soon to Nintendo Switch™, Nintendo Switch – OLED Model and Nintendo Switch Lite and PC via Steam.

Are those houses at the top of Icy Peak? Repair Snow Village to construct some cozy cabins and discover new fish, critters, and furniture. Plus, City Town is booming—help open a new music store and embark on quests with Usahana and her Visitors to add even more light and color to the vibrant city. Advance your friendship with Usahana and more.

Plus, new friends are coming! Decorate cabins for a chance to meet Ganta, Kyorosuke, Noberun, and Washimi.

Hello Kitty Island Adventure is now available on Nintendo Switch™, Nintendo Switch – OLED Model and Nintendo Switch Lite, PC via Steam, and Apple Arcade. Players can look forward to exciting content updates coming soon.

Zen Pinball World and Pinball FX Receive New Content on Mobile and Nintendo Switch

2025/03/03
Jerry Paxton
Geek News, News, Nintendo Switch, Trailers / Videos

Zen Studios, the leading global producer and publisher of digital pinball video games, is excited to announce that the newest Williams™ Pinball Volume 7, featuring three new pinball tables, Swords of Fury™, The Machine™: Bride of Pin·Bot™, and Whirlwind™, along with four previous Williams™ Pinball DLCs (including Indiana Jones™: The Pinball Adventure), are now available on the Nintendo Switch in Pinball FX. A huge content update is also live for the recently released mobile game Zen Pinball World!

With Williams™ Pinball Volume 7, dive into breathtaking adventures on three of the greatest Williams™ classics for a discounted price! Enjoy Swords of Fury™, The Machine™: Bride of Pin·Bot™, and Whirlwind™ in their original form or as remastered tables with amazing visual upgrades. Take Williams™ Pinball Volume 7 wherever you want and enjoy them on the go on the Nintendo Switch for the first time ever! Four DLCs that are already available in Pinball FX3 are being released to Pinball FX on Nintendo Switch.

Players who already purchased these DLCs can access them in Pinball FX for free:

  • Williams™ Pinball Volume 4 White Water™, Red and Ted’s Road Show™, Hurricane™
  • Williams™ Pinball Volume 5 Cirqus Voltaire™, Tales of the Arabian Nights™, No Good Gofers™
  • Williams™ Pinball Volume 6 FunHouse™, Space Station™, Dr. Dude and his Excellent Ray™
  • Indiana Jones™: The Pinball Adventure
  • Williams™ Pinball Volume 7 (available on the Switch for the first time ever!)

Williams™ Pinball Volume 7 Key Features:

  • SWORDS OF FURY: Unleash the fury of this 1988 solid state classic! Join the legendary Lion Man and prove your might! All in a world of sword and sorcery full of heroes, villains, and mythical monsters.
  • THE MACHINE: BRIDE OF PIN·BOT: Here comes the Bride! Awaken the Machine by activating her vocal circuits and eyes. Or go even further and bring her to life! A legendary table from the PIN-BOT trilogy.
  • WHIRLWIND: Storm Alert! Blow away the highest scores while battling the elements and capturing the wonders of our powerful nature.

Zen Studios is also excited to announce a new content update for their recently released mobile game, Zen Pinball World! With their recent update, the Zen team added 11 Williams™ Pinball tables to the library, including amazing classics like Attack from Mars, Medieval™ Madness™, and Monster Bash™. Players will be able to transfer these tables from Zen’s previous title, Williams Pinball, to Zen Pinball World as long as they are on the same platform and are on or above 2 stars in Williams Pinball.

This update includes:

Monster Bash™
The Creature From The Black Lagoon™
Medieval Madness™
The Getaway: High Speed II™
Junk Yard™
Attack from Mars™
Black Rose™
The Party Zone™
Theatre of Magic™
Safe Cracker™
The Champion Pub™

Tables will be available for purchase individually or as bundles.

GORN 2 Announcement Trailer

2025/03/03
Jerry Paxton
Geek News, News, PlayStation 5 News, Trailers / Videos, Windows PC News

It’s time for more gladiator skull bashing and physics-based thrashing, GORN 2, the follow-up to the hit million+ seller 2017 VR title from Devolver Digital and Free Lives, is headed to Meta Quest, SteamVR and PSVR2 later this year. New developers Cortopia, working alongside original series creators Free Lives, are stepping into the arena to take on virtual reality’s most outrageous gladiator sim for release later this year: https://store.steampowered.com/app/3391450/GORN_2/

https://www.meta.com/experiences/gorn-2/7525358220915248/

Trailer:

In GORN 2 you will ascend to a heavenly realm where the souls of all the gladiators you slaughtered in the first game now dwell—and kill them again. Expect new weapons, new arenas, new traps, new enemies and new bosses as you raise Hell in the heavens and prove your battle prowess before an army of terrifying foes.

This brutal slapstick brawler will be making its way to Meta Quest, SteamVR and PSVR2 later this year, with in-your-face combat so irresponsibly violent you’ll check your headset for blood spatters when the fight is over.

Key Features:

  • Engage in fierce gladiatorial battles powered by an outrageous fully physics-driven combat engine, savagely striking down foes with a bountiful collection of 35 devastating, uniquely violent weapons, including many monstrous new additions to your gladiator’s arsenal.
  • Journey through a series of heavenly realms populated by the fallen heroes of the original game. Here you’ll battle the five sons’ champions: powerful bosses primed to unleash fresh challenges upon even the most seasoned, blood-flecked arena veteran.
  • GORN 2 is everything GORN was but MORE. More weapons, more enemies, more arenas, more traps, more power-ups and more hilariously over-the-top combat. If you loved the first game, but still feel a raging yearning for more, GORN 2 will sate your blood-thirst.
  • Conquered all five heavenly arenas? Then stand your ground in the relentless non-stop onslaught of Endless Mode, or try creating your own battlefields of destruction in Custom Mode. Get creative and crush your opponents any way you choose, no matter how outlandish.

GORN 2 will launch later this year on Meta Quest, SteamVR and PSVR2.

2K Launches PGA TOUR 2K25

2025/03/03
Jerry Paxton
Geek News, News, PlayStation 5 News, Trailers / Videos, Windows PC News, Xbox Series X News

Today, 2K announced that PGA TOUR® 2K25, the newest entry in the golf simulation franchise from HB Studios, is now available worldwide on Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation®5, and PC via Steam. Players can step onto the tee box and take their best shot at golf glory with several franchise advancements, including upgraded graphics and the addition of new EvoSwing mechanics, which offer a host of new shot types, ball flights, roll physics, and visual improvements. The new Perfect Swing difficulty setting offers beginner players a more forgiving intuitive experience and veteran players a more relaxing round. The most immersive and customizable PGA TOUR 2K MyPLAYER and MyCAREER* experience to date offers a diverse suite of customization options, while the franchise’s signature Course Designer offers new tools to allow players more freedom to create their dream courses and share them with the global community.

“We’ve reached a major milestone in the evolution of the franchise with PGA TOUR 2K25,” said Dennis Ceccarelli, Senior Vice President and General Manager, Sports at 2K. “From the moment players step onto the digital tee box, they’ll feel the difference – whether it’s the precision of EvoSwing, the ease of Perfect Swing or the depth of our all-new progression systems. With enhanced realism, refined gameplay and three Major Championships, PGA TOUR 2K25 delivers the most immersive and rewarding golf experience ever made.”

PGA TOUR 2K25 features an array of new features and improvements on existing fan-favorites:

  • EvoSwing: Realism is dialed up with the all-new EvoSwing mechanic for both Swing Stick and 3-Click Swing. Whether a player is new to the franchise or a seasoned veteran, EvoSwing complements the player’s own rhythm and dexterity to better simulate the feeling of swinging a golf club when using Swing Stick. While with 3-Click Swing, players can enjoy the enhanced simulation while using visual cues to hit their shot;
  • Perfect Swing: Delivering the most accessible and intuitive golf experience, players can try out the all-new Perfect Swing experience, which ensures perfect contact with every swing. New players can get their bearings with club choice, shot types, lie, wind and various other inputs without worrying about immediately finding their “perfect swing.” Perfect Swing is also great for veteran players who simply wish to enjoy a relaxing experience before jumping back into more competitive modes;
  • Make History in Major Championships: For the first time in franchise history, PGA TOUR 2K25 players can prove themselves on some of golf’s grandest stages and become a legend of the game by conquering three Majors – the 2025 PGA Championship at Quail Hollow Club, the 125th U.S. Open at Oakmont Country Club, and The 153rd Open at Royal Portrush Golf Club – marking the franchise debut for all three iconic venues.
  • Licensed Courses and Topgolf: 27 licensed courses and events are available at launch, including PGA TOUR tournaments such as the WM Phoenix Open at TPC Scottsdale, the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am at Pebble Beach, and THE PLAYERS Championship at TPC Sawgrass. The familiar Topgolf experience returns while also adding a range of quests for players to complete. Not to be outdone, the Home of Golf comes to PGA TOUR 2K25 in Season 2 with The Old Course at St. Andrews Links ready for play shortly after launch;
  • Play as the Pros: In addition to leaderboards stacked with 200+ big names across the PGA TOUR landscape, PGA TOUR 2K25 players can take control of a roster of 11 featured male and female pros at launch, including Tiger Woods, Max Homa, Matt Fitzpatrick, Justin Thomas, Tony Finau, Lydia Ko, Tom Kim, Brooke Henderson, and more. Also, “The World’s Greatest Golfer” Chris McDonald** joins the field to teach the pros a thing or two about the sport;
  • MyPLAYER, Your Way: The most diverse suite of MyPLAYER creation tools yet allows players to represent themselves in the most authentic way on the course. MyPLAYER progression also comes with an updated Attributes Points system, new Skill Trees per on-course discipline, and an all-new Equipment Progression system. Players can still choose from five archetypes: Powerhouse, Technician, Magician, Greenskeeper, and Sculptor, to match their preferred play style. Apparel options are available from licensed brands, including adidas, FootJoy, Malbon Golf, and more***. Clubs and balls from brands including Callaway, COBRA, Mizuno, PUMA, and Titleist can deck out players’ golf bags and keep them swinging in style;
  • A More Dialed-In MyCAREER Mode: PGA TOUR 2K25 offers the franchise’s most immersive and customizable MyCAREER experience yet. Players can show off their personality and resilience with more choices to make and challenges to take on than ever before. The option to dynamically simulate MyCAREER rounds or play through extra gameplay moments has been added with all-new training and pre-tournament events making the MyCAREER journey one every player can take at their own pace;
  • Seasons & Clubhouse Pass: Seasons are back in PGA TOUR 2K25 with more on offer than ever before. Each Season includes an all-new Clubhouse Pass**** that remains available to purchase and progress through even when a new one is released, plus seasonal power increases for equipment progression, ranked leaderboard resets, and more. Fresh content will also be coming daily, weekly, and monthly. Regular Pro Shop drops, as well as updates to events, challenges, and Quests will keep the game fresh and exciting for new and existing players alike.The Clubhouse Pass now includes 100 tiers of new rewards with 34 tiers containing free rewards available for all PGA TOUR 2K25 players to earn, including club fittings, evo tools, Level-Up tokens, equipment, apparel and more. Players have the opportunity to earn rewards at every tier by purchasing the Clubhouse Pass Premium for each season or by purchasing the Member’s Pass, included in the PGA TOUR 2K25 Legend Edition, which unlocks Clubhouse Pass Premium for Seasons 1-5 and also includes the Clubhouse Gear Pack, which contains 1 outfit per body type, per Season, delivered at the start of each Season;
  • Tee It Up with or Against Friends: Players can fire up the friendly competition with a robust variety of multiplayer offerings with different match formats, including Stroke Play, Match Play, or Scramble, with or against each other, online or locally. New Ranked Tours offer daily and weekly tournaments for players to earn rewards each season and climb the rankings ladder. New cross-platform Societies encourage players to challenge friends no matter which platform they prefer;
  • Unleash Your Inner Course Architect: The PGA TOUR 2K signature Course Designer offers new tools, surfaces, and items to create even more intricate courses, faster than ever before. Plus, new camera systems let designers show off their custom courses in all their beauty. Designers can publish, share, and play created courses, making them available for the entire community to experience.

PGA TOUR 2K25 Editions

PGA TOUR 2K25 Standard Edition:

  • Physical and digital versions for Xbox Series X|S and PlayStation®5 consoles, as well as the digital-only version for PC, include the base game.

PGA TOUR 2K25 Deluxe Edition (available in digital format only):

  • Available on Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation®5, and PC, includes the base game, as well as the Extra Butter x adidas Pack, the Birdie Pack, and the Starter Pack;
  • The Extra Butter x adidas Pack includes playable character Chris McDonald, Extra Butter x adidas Hat, Extra Butter x adidas Jacket, and Extra Butter x adidas Shoes;
  • The Birdie Pack includes a Titleist GT4 Driver, Titleist Golf Ball Cosmetic, Footjoy Premiere Series Shoes, Umbrella Hat, and 3 Golf Ball Fittings;
  • The Starter Pack includes 1,800 VC (Virtual Currency), one Evo Tool, three Ball Fittings, five Club Fittings, and 5 Level-Up Tokens.

PGA TOUR 2K25 Legend Edition (available in digital format only):

  • Includes all the contents of the Standard and Deluxe Edition for the purchased platform;
  • Includes the Member’s Pass – which unlocks the Clubhouse Pass Premium for the first five Seasons, and the Clubhouse Gear Pack, which contains 1 outfit per body type per Season delivered at the start of each Season;
  • Includes the Malbon Bucket Ball Pack – with three Malbon cosmetics balls;
  • Includes the Sun Day Red Pack – which includes the Red 3 Button Polo, Black Ballcap, Black Pants, White Gloves, and TaylorMade Driver Qi10.

For more information on PGA TOUR 2K25, visit the game’s official website, become a fan on Facebook, subscribe on YouTube, follow the game on X, Instagram, and TikTok, and use the hashtag #PGATOUR2K25.

*PGA TOUR 2K25, Internet connection and 2K Account (minimum age varies) required to access online features, including MyCAREER. See www.take2games.com/legal and www.take2games.com/privacy for additional details. 2K Accounts are free.

**Playable character Chris McDonald requires Extra Butter x adidas Pack. Extra Butter x adidas Pack included within PGA TOUR 2K25 Deluxe and Legend Editions. Terms apply.

***Some cosmetic items and consumables may require unlocking with virtual currency (earned or paid) or via gameplay.

****Clubhouse Pass rewards require unlocking with gameplay. Clubhouse Pass Premium is available for separate purchase. Paid Premium Passes unlock additional rewards for the Season through gameplay. For more information on Clubhouse Pass, and Premium Pass offerings, go to pgatour.2k.com/2k25/clubhouse/

HB Studios is a 2K studio. 2K is a publishing label of Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc. (NASDAQ: TTWO).

Two Point Museum Review: A Quirky & Addictive Management Sim!

2025/03/01
Jerry Paxton
Geek News, News, Reviews, Windows PC News, Windows PC Review

Two Point Museum is the latest in a long line of quirky management sims from Two Point Studios, and it might just be their best yet. Taking the reins of a fledgling museum, players are tasked with curating exhibits, managing staff, appeasing guests, and balancing the books – all while contending with the occasional escaped mummy or rampaging dinosaur skeleton. It’s a delightful blend of whimsical humor and surprisingly deep simulation mechanics, wrapped in a charming art style that’s sure to bring a smile to your face.

From the moment you step into your first museum, you’re immersed in a world of eccentric characters, curious artifacts, and endless possibilities. The game wastes no time in throwing you into the thick of museum management, sending intrepid explorers on expeditions to far-flung corners of the globe in search of fascinating exhibits. These expeditions are more than just fetch quests; they require careful planning, strategic staff selection, and a bit of luck to avoid mishaps like injuries, stolen artifacts, or even the dreaded “MIA” status for your hapless explorers.

Back at your museum, the real work begins. You’ll need to design and build exhibition spaces, carefully arranging artifacts and decorations to maximize visitor engagement and generate “buzz.” The level of customization is truly impressive, allowing you to create themed areas, craft intricate layouts with winding paths and hidden corners, and even control the flow of visitors with strategically placed one-way doors and corridors. Want to recreate the grandeur of an ancient Egyptian tomb? Or perhaps a futuristic space exhibit filled with alien technology? Two Point Museum gives you the tools to bring your vision to life.

As your museum grows in popularity, you’ll unlock new exhibits, research exciting technologies, and expand your collection with ever more bizarre and wonderful artifacts. But managing a successful museum isn’t just about aesthetics and archaeology. You’ll also need to manage your staff, ensuring they’re well-trained, happy, and adequately compensated. Each staff member has unique qualifications and personality traits that affect their performance, adding a layer of strategic depth to hiring and training. Do you prioritize speed and efficiency, or charisma and knowledge? The choices you make will shape the culture and success of your museum.

And of course, no management sim would be complete without a healthy dose of financial juggling. You’ll need to keep a close eye on your income and expenses, balancing ticket prices, gift shop revenue, and staff salaries to ensure your museum stays afloat. As your museum expands, you’ll face rising costs, demanding guests with ever-growing expectations, and the occasional vandal or thief looking to make off with your prized possessions.

One of the things that sets Two Point Museum apart from its predecessors is its sheer variety. The campaign takes you across a diverse range of museums, each with its own unique challenges and themes. You’ll go from managing a dusty fossil exhibit in a quaint countryside town to curating a cutting-edge science museum in a bustling metropolis, a spooky haunted hotel filled with restless spirits, and even an underwater aquarium teeming with exotic marine life. This constant change of scenery keeps the gameplay fresh and engaging, preventing the management loop from becoming stale.

However, the game’s ambition is also its biggest flaw. Two Point Museum is absolutely packed with content and mechanics, sometimes to the point of feeling overwhelming. The sheer number of systems to manage, from staff training and expeditions to exhibit research, visitor flow, marketing campaigns, and security patrols, can be daunting, especially for newcomers to the genre. While the game does a decent job of introducing these mechanics gradually, it can still feel like a lot to juggle, particularly when you’re also trying to maintain a positive cash flow and keep both staff and visitors happy.

Another minor gripe is the occasional lack of clear feedback in certain areas. While the game provides financial reports and visitor feedback, it can sometimes be difficult to pinpoint the exact cause of problems, such as declining profits or low guest satisfaction. This can lead to a bit of trial and error as you try to identify and address issues, which can be frustrating for those who prefer a more analytical approach to management.

Despite these minor shortcomings, Two Point Museum is a thoroughly enjoyable and engaging management sim. Its charming visuals, quirky humor, and surprisingly deep gameplay make it a worthy addition to the Two Point series. While the abundance of mechanics might be overwhelming for some, those who embrace the challenge will find a rewarding and addictive experience that will keep them hooked for hours on end. Whether you’re a seasoned veteran of management sims or a curious newcomer, Two Point Museum is well worth a visit.

Overall Rating: 4 out of 5

ZHIYUN Launches AI Tracking Technology for Smartphone Gimbals

2025/03/01
Jerry Paxton
Geek News, News, Tech News

With the insatiable demand for timely video content, video creators now need to produce compelling, pro-quality video, on demand, with lightweight equipment, and a small crew – often only one person.

This challenge seemed impossible, but ZHIYUN has developed AI that controls smartphone gimbals to help any creator produce professional video that’s ready to broadcast – or even to livestream. The technology produces astounding results for Vlogs, outdoor sports, and live streaming, as well as general video shooting.

The rapid growth of the short video, live streaming, and Vlog markets has led to an increasing demand for more efficient and intelligent video creation tools. So, responding to this market demand, ZHIYUN is introducing innovative AI tracking technology to enhance the creation experience and efficiency for content creators.

An AI solution that makes professional videos
At the core of ZHIYUN’s AI video tech is smart tracking and gesture recognition. This capability allows a smart ZHIYUN gimbal to keep the subject in view, and respond instantly to user demands. The technology is now so sophisticated that the star of the video can also be the director. Whether vlogging solo or capturing action shots, the AI tracker becomes the user’s personal camera operator, ensuring perfect video quality, even when the user is far from the camera.

The AI tracking unit installs easily onto popular ZHIYUN gimbals, such as the SMOOTH 5S AI and CINEPEER CQ5 smartphone stabilizers. It only takes a second for users to place the compact AI tracker onto the magnetizing slot on the gimbal phone clamp.

Intuitive gesture control makes users into directors
The AI tracker contains its own independent camera that is dedicated to recognizing gestures, and controlling the gimbal to keep the subject in the shot. The system does not only follow the subject of the video, but frames and focuses the subject perfectly and responsively. This technology allows for automatic target following, without the need to connect to an external app.

ZHIYUN’s AI produces impressive results with barely any effort from the user. But, when users want more control to get a stunning shot, the system also enables user control of the gimbal and camera through simple hand gestures.

For example, a simple ‘OK’ signal (circled thumb and forefinger) tells the gimbal and camera to track the user. A raised palm tells it to stop tracking. There are also simple gestures for common requirements, such as following a subject without keeping it in the centre of the frame, or to count down a few seconds before starting filming. These gestures are recognized with either hand.

Front and back camera AI tracking
Simply rotate the tracker 180° to switch the camera direction to provide either front camera orrear camera following. The independent tracker will continue to follow and frame the subject, and to respond to hand gestures.

No matter what happens, the AI technology will stay glued to the subject, with sophisticated features like re-identification and recovery tracking after re-framing the shot. The result is perfect video without hassle.

Find out more

Virtual Tabletop Hedron Exits Open Beta, Launches Mobile App, and More

2025/02/28
Jerry Paxton
Geek News, News, Windows PC News

Today, Hedron, the premier virtual TTRPG platform for homebrew creators and GMs, officially exits its open beta and launches v1.0. With a host of new additions, features, and updates, including a mobile app, subscription tiers, new marketplace content, and new tools, Hedron further empowers users to make their mark in the tabletop gaming world.

Mobile App

Hedron’s new mobile app focuses entirely on playing games, no matter what they are – making it the first VTT that doesn’t just accommodate mobile play, but actively focuses on it. And with Hedron’s acquisition of Role Gate in 2024, those same insights and lessons are being incorporated to bring an all-in-one platform that plays any game any way you want, whether live or play-by-post.

Subscription Tiers

Hedron is also unlocking subscription tiers to give dedicated users and creators more control over their experience on the platform. The new tiers each come at competitive price point, with increasing storage limits, prioritized technical support, and other perks at higher levels, such as a discount on the Hedron merch store, vanity URLs for their games, and promotion of their games on Hedron.

Hedron also assures users that the base membership tier will always remain free and include all features and tools, so casual users can still join to play in other creators’ worlds.

New Marketplace Content

Launched at the end of 2024, Hedron’s marketplace offers publishers, indie creators, and homebrewers a streamlined way to distribute and sell their original creations for TTRPG systems, campaigns, modules, and more! With v1.0, Hedron is proud to partner with Storytellers Forge, Gehenna Gaming, and other publishers to provide official content and new additions from several Hedron users.

  • The Black Ballad – Storytellers Forge
  • Eldritch Automata (Ashcan Rules) – Gehenna Gaming
  • Gilmoril: Technogothic Nightmare – Tales Untold

New Tools

New tools are also launching with v1.0 to streamline system creation, testing, and implementation so that GMs can enhance their play sessions more easily. The Mechanics Sandbox allows users to actively test rule systems as they are building for quality assurance without pushing the new mechanics live, while new “ad hoc” system design tools allow GMs to save rules to build out systems while in the middle of a session without interrupting the game. Other niche features, such as automatically assigning items to players at the beginning of a campaign, are also included.

Guild Program

In addition to the features designed to help users create their games, Hedron is partnering with long-time collaborator Nine Realms Agency to help those users bring their games to market. The new Hedron Guild Program will identify and support creators whose systems are ready for playtesting, crowdfunding, and/or publication to gain marketing support and consulting.

The update also sports a UX overhaul with a refreshed look, quality-of-life improvements, and hundreds of bug fixes to make the user experience smoother.

Hedron was built by homebrewers for homebrewers, with features like a customizable mechanics editor, graphical map-making tools, and detailed campaign management resources. Whether it’s a first-time GM looking to share a campaign or a seasoned publisher with an expansive RPG world to sell, Hedron is the go-to destination for GMs who want to craft their own unique RPG worlds.

Titan Quest II Dev Diary: Introducing the Rogue Mastery

2025/02/28
Jerry Paxton
Geek News, News, Trailers / Videos, Windows PC News

As we approach the highly anticipated Early Access launch of Titan Quest II, the dev team at Grimlore Games has been hard at work refining the initial content while also preparing what’s to come. Today, we’re excited to share a surprise that we think will make the wait even more worthwhile. Previously, we announced that Titan Quest II would launch with the Warfare, Earth, and Storm masteries. But what’s better than three masteries? You guessed it: Four masteries! The Rogue mastery will be available right from the start!

The Rogue mastery is built around three core pillars:

  • Precision – Every ability in this mastery is designed for accuracy, striking exactly where intended.
  • Preparation – Rogues can apply specialized coatings to their weapons, setting up devastating combos through ailments and debuffs.
  • Evasion – Rather than brute force, success comes from outmaneuvering foes, striking from the shadows before they can react.

Rogue skills are designed to complement one another and create high-impact moments when used strategically. Here are a few highlights:

  • Lethal Strike – A signature Rogue ability that delivers a massive damage multiplier to a single target. If the target is killed, the cooldown resets, allowing for rapid execution of weakened enemies. When paired with the “Flow” status, bonus damage is applied. Modifiers include additional poison explosions, HP percentage damage, and increased damage to marked targets.
  • Mark for Death – A marking ability that enables various interactions and debuffs, dealing a portion of damage as vitality damage. When combined with skills like Lethal Strike, this ability creates deadly synergies, such as summoning shadow daggers or triggering explosive poison effects.
  • Flicker – A teleport skill that deals piercing damage to the target, ideal for glass cannon builds. It can grant Flow, reduce cooldowns, and even become an offensive tool with the right modifiers.
  • Preparation – A passive aura that boosts poison and physical damage at the cost of reserved energy. Modifiers enhance ailment application, critical hit chances, and even convert weapon damage to poison or pierce. Shadow daggers can also be summoned upon critical hits.

Synergies and Playstyle

While the Rogue mastery is focused on damage output and mobility, its limited defenses make cross-mastery combinations essential. Depending on your second mastery, you can enhance survivability or amplify offensive capabilities. For instance, Earth and Storm masteries pair well, allowing Rogues to scale elemental damage through the Knowledge attribute. By stacking poison damage, marking enemies, applying Flow with Flicker, and executing Lethal Strike, Rogues can unleash devastating chain reactions that clear the battlefield with precision.

For further details on Titan Quest II, please refer to our latest updates: https://thqn.net/3KqqyXQ

For a deep dive into various Titan Quest II topics check out the previous dev diaries:

Check out the gameplay video here: https://youtu.be/KAOO7UQuhQU
The Titan Quest II Announcement trailer: https://youtu.be/bY6yb8OoFvw

Forged in the creative crucible of Grimlore Games in Germany, Titan Quest II is currently under development. This epic odyssey is destined for PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series S/X, eagerly anticipated to launch into Early Access soon.

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