Author - Jerry Paxton

ORIGIN PC Unveils RTX 4070 Ti GPUs on Custom PCs

ORIGIN PC, a leader in custom high-performance systems, announced today the availability of NVIDIA® GeForce RTX™ 4070 Ti graphics cards for their desktop systems. Choose from a lineup of ORIGIN PC’s premium systems like a super-tower GENESIS system that brings high performance and unlimited possibilities. Otherwise, customize an award-winning MILLENNIUM to meet any and every need with a sleek, minimalistic design. Complementing high-performance graphics, ORIGIN PC systems offer endless choices in regards to personalization such as custom hardware and high-definition UV printing.

Featuring 12GB of GDDR6X memory and designed with Ada Lovelace Architecture, you can make the most out of dedicated Ray Tracing Cores, dedicated Tensor Cores, and NVIDIA DLSS 3. You can expect to see impressive performance leaps with the upgrade of NVIDIA’s latest graphics card and also take advantage of other features like NVIDIA Broadcast, NVIDIA G-SYNC®, or NVIDIA GPU Boost™.

Bring 4K resolution at 240Hz or 8K at resolution at 60Hz to your gameplay and creation. The ultimate experience is even more accessible than before – customize your own ORIGIN PC system now with the latest NVIDIA® GeForce RTX™ 4070 Ti as well as other high-end hardware from the likes of CORSAIR and more.

Availability

ORIGIN PCs are available immediately with NVIDIA® GeForce RTX™ 4070 Ti graphics cards

Web Pages

Customers interested in customizing and ordering an ORIGIN PC gaming desktop with the NVIDIA® GeForce RTX™ 4070 Ti can visit: https://www.originpc.com/gaming/desktops/

Customers interested in customizing and ordering an ORIGIN PC workstation desktop with the NVIDIA® GeForce RTX™ 4070 Ti can visit: https://www.originpc.com/workstation/desktops/

Kingston Comes to CES 2023 With New Hardware Lineup

Kingston Technology Company, Inc., a world leader in memory products and technology solutions, today announced it will return to Las Vegas to showcase the latest offerings and upcoming products in 2023. No matter the industry, use case or customer, Kingston® continues to provide industry leading, award-winning, high-performance products.

As work-from-home continues to grow, so does the need for proper measures to secure sensitive data. This week, Kingston IronKey™ launched its first USB Type-C® Vault Privacy 50C (IKVP50C) drive. Now, on any system users can protect their data against BadUSB and Brute Force attacks with the FIPS 197 Certified & XTS-AES 256-bit hardware-encrypted Vault Privacy 50 series. The Multi-Password Option with Complex or Passphrase modes lets users choose a numeric PIN, sentence with space characters, or list of words so their password is easy to remember but harder for others to guess. The award-winning line of hardware-encrypted storage offers a myriad of other features designed to protect you and your data. Whether it’s with the VP50 series, FIPS 140-3 Level 3 (Pending) Certified KP200 with alphanumeric keypad, or the VP80ES, Kingston’s first innovative OS-independent external SSD with intuitive color touch screen – don’t let your data be a soft target.

Since the last time Kingston was present at CES, it launched its Kingston FURY gaming line providing memory and storage for those in need of cutting-edge performance. From high-speed Kingston FURY Renegade DDR5 up to 7200MT/s, Impact SODIMM for small form factor systems, or the Renegade SSD with heat sink, the line offers PC enthusiasts, gamers, and content creators the power and style they’re looking for.

“It’s great to get back to in-person tradeshows but we’re especially glad to be amongst colleagues and friends at CES, ‘the global stage for innovation’ to share not just what we’ve been up to the past few years but also what’s coming from Kingston in 2023,” said Craig Tilmont, senior director of marketing, Kingston. “We’re committed to delivering technology solutions that suit consumers’ everyday needs and we look forward to talking about them this week.”

Kingston continues its collaboration with Intel® showcasing the gaming power achieved when the latest systems technology from Intel NUC and high-performance Kingston FURY memory and storage come together.

Kingston will demo and display:
• Bandwidth test with Kingston FURY Impact DDR5 5600MT/s SODIMMs in Intel Raptor Canyon NUC
• Game demo with Kingston Fury Renegade and Impact DDR4 in Intel Serpent Canyon NUC
• Kingston FURY Renegade DDR5 with White Heat Spreader
• Kingston Server Premier DDR5 4800MT/s Registered DIMMs
• Kingston IronKey hardware-encrypted USB Flash Drives
• 4TB NV2 PCIe 4.0 NVMe SSD

Illustrated Official Launch Trailer

Illustrated, the revelatory, relaxing puzzle game created with famous artists from around the world by developer BorderLeap, collaborates with the Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam to feature puzzles showcasing art from throughout Vincent Van Gogh’s life. Experience one of the most important artists in human history in a brand new way starting Friday, Jan. 13 exclusively on Apple Arcade for iPhone, iPad, Mac, and Apple TV.

Watch the Launch Trailer Here

Van Gogh’s paintings are paired with the inspiration and story behind each masterpiece. These words serve not only as a clue themselves to solve the interior of the puzzle, but also as a way to learn about the famed Impressionist painter’s work and life.

“Van Gogh’s Early Years” gallery explores his first works, chronologically cataloging his growth as a young artist. Next, play through the “Van Gogh in Paris” gallery to see and learn about his colorful works as he began to further develop his signature art style. More galleries will be released in the game throughout 2023, which is also the 50th anniversary of the Van Gogh Museum.

The Van Gogh Museum galleries in Illustrated go along with hundreds of puzzles based on the artwork and stories of more than 20 contemporary artists beginning Friday, Jan. 13 exclusively on Apple Arcade for iPhone, iPad, Mac, and Apple TV.

Canon Unveils IVY 2 Mini Photo Printer

Some say a picture is worth a thousand words, and a small and portable photo printer is a fun, easy – and straight-up cool – way to bring your unique and unforgettable moments to life. To help creators share and save memories with family and friends, Canon U.S.A., Inc., a leader in digital imaging solutions, is excited to announce the new version of the IVY Mini Photo Printer – the IVY 2. The IVY 2 is an upgrade from its predecessor; delivering higher quality pictures, a faster charging battery and better connectivity, enabling DIY creators to “Print, Peel, Stick and Go” with even more personal, customized creative expression.

IVY creators quickly and easily print photos of family, friends, pets or any other source of inspiration from their compatible smartphone1 onto sticky photo paper and add them to a scrapbook, a laptop, or virtually anywhere you can think of, all with a compact printer that fits easily in a small purse, or even your pocket. Plus, a new, expanded 100-sheet photo sticker paper pack (purchased separately) frees up everyday IVY users to continually update their self-expression without the continued worry of running out of sheets.

“Our Canon customers continually motivate us to focus on enhancing daily experiences and preserving important memories, whether they are using Canon products for the first time or they have been with us since the beginning,” said Isao “Sammy” Kobayashi, senior vice president and general manager of Canon U.S.A., Inc. “As a Canon leader, the IVY product line is personal for me, as we are frequently finding our product’s user-base is new to the brand, and so I am very excited for our team to bring you our new IVY 2 Mini Photo Printer with enhanced picture quality and improved user experience.”

For the kid at home, as well as the “older kid” at school, taking pictures from their compatible smartphone or tablet1, and who enjoys decorating and sharing stickers with friends, this second generation of the IVY Mini Photo Printer is a perfect tool. You can “print, peel, stick, go” – peeling off the back of the printed photo and sticking the picture to personal belongings, your journal, or adding it to a scrapbook with favorite photos. Parents can make great use of the IVY 2 too, printing pictures to add to a photo album, their fridge, and other creative spaces.

The IVY 2 can easily fit in your pocket or bag, making it convenient to carry place to place. The printer is available in two colors – pure white and blush pink. It takes just a few minutes to set up, and the multi-color LED will clearly tell you the printer status. Using a compatible USB cable, the printer can fully charge in as little as 45 minutes2. The IVY 2 easily connects to your compatible smartphone with Bluetooth®, and utilizes ZINK Zero Ink™ Technology from ZINK™, an amazing way to print in full color without the need for ink cartridges. ZINK paper is available in pre-cut circle sticker form (purchased separately), for those whose lives can’t be confined to straight edges.

To set and send print jobs, users download the free Canon Mini Printer App¹, which offers the option to print individual smudge-free 2×3 prints or stickers. From selfies to sunsets, this feature offers the freedom of expression for a wide variety of consumers. The app includes creative filters, such as photo frames and stickers, image collage templates, as well as additional photo-editing tools including added text, fun frames and the option to draw.

Price and Availability

The Canon IVY 2 Mini Photo Printer will be available this October, with a pre-order available now, through select major retailers and Canon USA’s site here. The estimated retail price is $129.99*, which includes the printer and a starter pack of 10 sheets of 2×3 photo paper. The Canon ZINK Photo Paper Pack will also be available for the first time with 100 sheets later this year.

For more information, please visit usa.canon.com.

Canon Partners with M. Night Shyamalan for Immersive CES Experience

Canon U.S.A., Inc., a leader in digital imaging solutions, pushed innovation to new heights in 2022. At CES 2023, the company will demonstrate how its technology is working to help dissolve limits between real and virtual worlds through a first-of-its-kind immersive movie experience that will place attendees inside of the story. With the launch of the theme ‘Limitless Is More,’ and Canon’s latest imaging innovations, CES attendees will be able to fully immerse themselves into M. Night Shyamalan’s upcoming Universal Pictures thriller, Knock at the Cabin (in theaters February 3). Canon will prove how its solutions can remove the limits humanity faces to create more meaningful communication, more powerful collaboration, more exciting perspectives, and more boundless imagination across four unique technologies.

“Canon is creating groundbreaking solutions that help people connect in more ways than we ever could have imagined, redefining how they work and live at a time when many of them are embracing a hybrid lifestyle,’’ said Kazuto Ogawa, President and CEO, Canon U.S.A., Inc. “Canon’s ultimate role is to bring people closer together by revealing endless opportunities for creators. Under our theme of ‘Limitless Is More,’ we will show CES 2023 attendees what we are creating as a company focused on innovation and a world without limits.”

The corporate philosophy of Kyosei, the principle defined as “all people, regardless of race, religion, or culture, harmoniously living and working together into the future for the good of society,” is threaded through all of Canon’s technologies, services and people. With Kyosei as the driving force, Canon’s immersive experience and featured technologies at CES 2023 will show attendees how the company looks to contribute to society and have a positive impact.

Limitless Communication: Kokomo

Kokomo is a first of its kind immersive virtual reality software^, designed to change human communication by combining virtual reality with an immersive calling experience. The innovative software is designed to provide users with a way to meet friends and family virtually “in-person” by using a compatible VR headset and a compatible smart phone. The Kokomo solution will allow users to see and hear one another in real time with their live appearance and expression, in a photo-real environment.

The Kokomo solution is being designed so that people can feel together and experience social interaction from their home, hotel, dorm room or across other distances if there is a compatible headset, the software and an internet connection. The Kokomo solution will work to fully mirror true physical appearance – even facial expressions – inside what is effectively a 3D video call. At the Canon booth, visitors will be able to put on a VR headset and step into a 1:1 Kokomo conversation with one of four characters from Knock at the Cabin.

Limitless Perspectives: Free Viewpoint

The revolutionary Free Viewpoint Video System for arenas, stadiums, and studios comprises more than 100 Canon Cinema EOS-based 4k cameras and lenses. The data captured from the cameras is sent to a server system that creates point-cloud based 3D models that quickly reproduce various viewpoints or desired camera angles, like that from a drone, swooping in and around players, or a small POV camera, looking at actors in a commercial or music video shoot. The result is an immersive and customizable viewing experience from perspectives that may not be possible with traditional camera systems.

In the USA, the system has been installed at two NBA arenas including Rocket Mortgage Field House in Cleveland (Cavaliers), as well as Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York (Nets). The video can be broadcast out live and also compiled into replay clips. The system also allows for extensive flexibility with virtual advertising and other opportunities for monetization.

CES attendees will be able to view an action scene from Knock at the Cabin from multiple perspectives as captured by the Free Viewpoint Video System, supervised by M. Night Shyamalan and shot at Canon’s Volumetric Video Studio in Kawasaki, Japan. Viewing the scene from multiple viewpoints allows for different perspectives to be uncovered as attendees watch through the “eyes” of the various characters. Booth visitors will experience a new meaning to the term “best seats in the house.”

Limitless Imagination: MREAL

MREAL, a mixed reality experience, utilizes Canon imaging technology to integrate real and virtual worlds, showing end-users what this type of integration can do for industry, education, medicine, entertainment, and more. MREAL is unlike anything Canon has ever developed, a premium visualizer/simulator that helps account for limits of scale, perception, analysis, and participation, and provides superb, almost life like image clarity and color accuracy.

The MREAL technology is currently in the market research phase in the USA, but an example of the technology can be seen in the Canon CES booth. Visitors to the booth will be able to experience a break-in scene from the movie Knock at the Cabin as if they are a character in the movie. A gamified experience gives CES attendees the ability to immerse themselves in the movie’s action. Users can interact with virtual furniture and other objects in order to barricade themselves inside the cabin and successfully keep intruders out.

Limitless Collaboration: AMLOS (Activate My Line of Sight)

The AMLOS (Activate My Line of Sight) solution* was developed by Canon U.S.A. to help amplify how people see and interact in hybrid meeting environments. The AMLOS solution is a software-and-camera product suite designed to provide an amazing level of engagement for collaboration across multiple meeting locations. The advanced software-and-camera product suite features sophisticated PTZ (pan, tilt, and zoom) camera functionality guided by hand gesture controls for certain actions for in-person participants. Remote users are given the flexibility to customize their viewing experience and to see objects or areas of the in-person space. This allows both in-person and remote participants to engage in meetings or collaborative discussions, with an intuitive experience with hand gesture controls for certain actions for in-person participants, and a user interface that can be customized by a remote participant to help promote collaboration.

Using AMLOS, CES attendees will connect with a stranger on the actual set of Knock at the Cabin located in Philadelphia. They will work together to investigate the aftermath of events from the movie while creating their own stories on what could have happened in the cabin. Canon worked with M. Night Shyamalan to develop clues that will be placed throughout the space for participants to discover, varying from handwritten notes to broken furniture and more, adding to the mystery of the movie’s events.

Learn more at the in-person Canon press conference held on January 4th from 1-2 p.m. PST at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center, Room D & C. Please also visit Canon from January 5th-8th (Hall 3, #16359) at the Las Vegas Convention Center. Follow Canon throughout the show on Instagram and Facebook at @CanonUSA and LinkedIn at @CanonUSA. Use #CanonCES2023 to join the conversation. Visit our website at www.usa.canon.com to view the recording of our Press Conference which will be hosted on our Home Page after January 4.

About Canon U.S.A., Inc.

Canon U.S.A., Inc., is a leading provider of consumer, business-to-business, and industrial digital imaging solutions to the United States and to Latin America and the Caribbean markets. With approximately $30.6 billion in global revenue, its parent company, Canon Inc. (NYSE:CAJ), as of 2021 has ranked in the top-five overall in U.S. patents granted for 36 consecutive years† and was one of Fortune Magazine’s World’s Most Admired Companies in 2022. Canon U.S.A. was featured in Newsweek’s Most Loved Workplaces list for 2021, ranking among the top 100 companies for employee happiness and satisfaction at work. Canon U.S.A. is dedicated to its Kyosei philosophy of social and environmental responsibility. To keep apprised of the latest news from Canon U.S.A., sign up for the Company’s RSS news feed by visiting www.usa.canon.com/rss and follow us on Twitter @CanonUSA.

About Knock at the Cabin

While vacationing at a remote cabin, a young girl and her parents are taken hostage by four strangers who demand that the family make an unthinkable choice to avert the apocalypse. With limited access to the outside world, the family must decide what they believe before all is lost. The film stars Dave Bautista (Dune), Jonathan Groff (Hamilton), Ben Aldridge (Pennyworth), Nikki Amuka-Bird (Persuasion), newcomer Kristen Cui, Abby Quinn (Little Women) and Rupert Grint (Servant).

Sharp Develops Prototype Smartphone-Connectable Head-Mounted VR Display

Sharp Corporation (hereinafter “Sharp”) has developed a head-mounted display prototype for VR (virtual reality) that connects to smartphones, realizing an ultra-light weight of approximately 175 grams and high-definition images.

The prototype with ultra-light weight of approximately 175 grams is made possible by employing Sharp’s proprietary cutting-edge devices, such as an ultra-lightweight VR display and a bright, ultra-thin eyepiece. The light weight also owes much to Sharp’s expertise in component miniaturization, accrued over the years in the development of smartphones. The unit can be used for long hours with less fatigue, and folds up into a compact size, making it easy to carry around. The display delivers 4K (2K per eye) high definition and smooth reproduction at a refresh rate of 120 Hz. The resulting realistic images create a truly immersive experience.

 

The prototype incorporates Sharp’s unique RGB color camera module, which uses a polymer lens to allow ultrafast autofocusing. The prototype also has an image display function that takes in images of the surrounding real world and displays them in color. It also has a pop-up image function that displays the surrounding real world in a separate window on a section of the VR space. Image focusing is achieved by changing the thickness of the polymer lens, which means that focusing is much faster than on a conventional camera. Even when the position of the focus moves, the angle of view (the range that can be seen) remains the same, reducing motion sickness. In addition, the headset features two B/W cameras to support a hand-tracking function that recognizes the user’s hand movements and converts them to operation in the visible field. This function enables intuitive operation without the need for controllers.

Starting with this development, Sharp will accelerate the creation of new experiences that fuse the real and virtual worlds.

The prototype is on exhibit at CES 2023, one of the largest tech events in the world, held January 5 to 8 (Thursday to Sunday; Location of Sharp booth: Petrus Ballroom, Wynn Las Vegas Hotel at 3131 Las Vegas Blvd., Las Vegas, NV 89109, U.S.A.).

Main Features

  1.  Ultra-light body weighing only approximately 175 grams thanks to Sharp’s state-of-the-art devices and proprietary miniaturization expertise derived from smartphone development
  2.  Display delivers 4K (2K per eye) high definition and smooth reproduction at a refresh rate of 120 Hz
  3.  RGB camera module using a polymer lens enables fast autofocusing and comfortable viewing with reduced motion sickness

CCP Games Unveils EVE Online Roadmap for 2023

Today, CCP Games shared a 12-month development roadmap for spacefaring MMO EVE Online, commemorating the MMO’s landmark 20th anniversary throughout 2023 with two new expansions and the launch of Microsoft Excel integration planned in May. CCP Games also announced a Lunar New Year event celebration, launching on January 19 alongside the rollout of simplified Chinese support, outside of Mainland China on EVE Online’s Tranquility server.

Click Me!

Watch CCP Games discuss their 2023 plans in the stream recording here and learn more in the blog post here.

“2022 was huge for EVE, but 2023 is going to be monumental,” said CCP Games’ Creative Director, Bergur Finnbogason. “As we now enter this majestic third decade of EVE, our roadmap only scratches the surface of what we have in the works. We will continue to evolve the future of war with two expansions arriving later this year, bringing a wealth of new events, content, and features for players and our incredible community to look forward to.”

Pilots can look forward to two robust content expansions in 2023. Building upon the dynamic narrative introduced in the Uprising expansion, upcoming content updates offer fresh storylines, new features, and invigorating events around New Eden. Starting with the Direct Enlistment feature launching in Q1 2023, players can seamlessly join Factional Warfare events without leaving their corporations or alliance mates. Additional updates to the EVE Evolved initiative and Factional Warfare system will be available in the coming months.

In partnership with Microsoft, EVE Online players with an Omega subscription can import data directly from EVE’s API into Microsoft Excel using a native Excel Plugin when the feature launches in May. Revealed at EVE Fanfest 2022, Excel feature compatibility enables players to access and calculate everything from profit margins to battle strategy, making day-to-day EVE operations easier to execute. Eager pilots can apply to participate in the closed beta at the end of January.

EVE Online can be downloaded for free by visiting www.eveonline.com. For all the latest information about the game, please visit EVE News.

Wednesday Renewed for Season Two on Netflix

It’s two snaps for Wednesday, as Netflix confirms the record-breaking smash hit will return for a second season, only on Netflix. Season two details and additional information will be shared at a later time.

In an exclusive interview with Tudum.com Creators/Showrunners/Executive Producers Alfred Gough and Miles Millar said: (Please credit quote to Tudum.com)

“It’s been incredible to create a show that has connected with people across the world.  Thrilled to continue Wednesday’s tortuous journey into season two. We can’t wait to dive head first into another season and explore the kooky spooky world of Nevermore. Just need to make sure Wednesday hasn’t emptied the pool first.”

Wednesday, which is produced by MGM Television, continues to have a resounding cultural impact across entertainment, the internet, music, fashion and beauty.

Since the series debuted in November 2022:

  • Wednesday is now one of the most successful series ever on Netflix. It ranks #2 on the Most Popular (English) TV list with 1.237 Billion hours viewed within its first 28 days.
  • More than 182 Million households have seen the series since its debut. (1.237B hours divided by 6.8 hours)
  • Wednesday crossed the 1 billion hour view mark only three weeks after debut – joining Stranger Things 4 and Squid Game as the third title to reach this milestone within its first 28 days.
  • The series broke the record for the most hours viewed in a week for an English-language TV series on Netflix – not once, but twice – when it debuted in the #1 spot with a record breaking 341.23M hours viewed, and again in its second week with a staggering 411.29M hours viewed.
  • To date, Wednesday has had six consecutive weeks with over 100+M hours viewed on the English TV List — another record!
  • On TikTok, #WednesdayAddams has amassed over 22 Billion views
  • The Wednesday soundtrack reached #1 on the iTunes Soundtrack chart where it remained in the Top 10 for three weeks. Wednesday Addams, the artist, now has over 1 Million followers on Spotify.
  • On Spotify, “Goo Goo Muck” by The Cramps saw a streaming increase of more than 9.5K% compared to the month prior to the series release.
  • Wednesday’s iconic dance scene has gone massively viral across global social media. Fan generated content utilizing “Bloody Mary” by Lady Gaga led to a streaming increase of more than 1,800% of the song on Spotify compared to the month prior the series release. Even Lady Gaga joined in on the fun.
  • With over 80 Million views and counting, fans can’t get enough of the cast’s reaction to the iconic dance scene video.
  • Wednesday’s viral makeup look has been searched for and viewed over 100 Million times by fans on TikTok.
  • Wednesday products are in high demand with select items selling out at retailers like Hot Topic, MAC and Cakeworthy.

ABOUT WEDNESDAY (SEASON 1)

  • Premiere Date: November 23, 2022
  • Logline: The series is a sleuthing, supernaturally infused mystery charting Wednesday Addams’ years as a student at Nevermore Academy, where she attempts to master her emerging psychic ability, thwart a monstrous killing spree that has terrorized the local town, and solve the murder mystery that embroiled her parents 25 years ago — all while navigating her new and very tangled relationships at Nevermore.
  • Showrunners / Executive Producers / Writers: Alfred Gough & Miles Millar
  • Director / Executive Producer: Tim Burton
  • Executive Producers: Steve Stark (Toluca Pictures),  Andrew Mittman (1.21 Entertainment), Kevin Miserocchi (Tee and Charles Addams Foundation), Kayla Alpert, Jonathan Glickman (Glickmania), Gail Berman, Tommy Harper, Kevin Lafferty
  • S1 Cast: Jenna Ortega (Wednesday Addams), Gwendoline Christie (Principal Larissa Weems), Jamie McShane (Sheriff Galpin), Percy Hynes White (Xavier Thorpe), Hunter Doohan (Tyler Galpin), Emma Myers (Enid Sinclair), Joy Sunday (Bianca Barclay), Naomi J Ogawa (Yoko Tanaka), Moosa Mostafa (Eugene Ottinger), Georgie Farmer (Ajax Petropolus), Riki Lindhome (Dr. Valerie Kinbott), with Christina Ricci (Marilyn Thornhill) and guest stars Catherine Zeta-Jones (Morticia Addams), Luis Guzmán (Gomez Addams), Fred Arimisen (Uncle Fester) and Isaac Ordonez (Pugsley Addams)
  • Studio: MGM Television

Razer Unveils New Laptops Soundbars Webcam and More at CES 2023

Razer™, the leading global lifestyle brand for gamers, ushers in its showcase at CES 2023 with all-new, innovative technologies for attendees to get exclusive first looks. Among groundbreaking concepts and product announcements, CES 2023 is the first opportunity for gamers and tech enthusiasts to get hands-on with the upcoming Razer Edge, the ultimate Android handheld gaming device.

Razer Edge and Razer Edge 5G – Exclusive Hands-On and Release Date revealed at CES

Developed with a 6.8” AMOLED display and 2400×1080 FHD+ resolution that boasts a 144Hz refresh rate, the Razer Edge is ideal for an always-connected mobile gaming experience. The handheld is the first device powered and developed exclusively for the latest Snapdragon G3x Gen 1 Gaming Platform, and is purpose-built with active cooling for long gaming sessions playing top AAA titles and native games on the go without having to compromise performance. The Razer Edge will release in two versions in the US on January 26: Razer Edge (Wi-Fi) exclusively at Razer.com and RazerStore locations across the US for $399.99, and the Razer Edge 5G exclusively at Verizon.com and Verizon store locations. More details for Razer Edge 5G pricing are available through Verizon here.

For more details on the new Razer products and concepts that were announced during the show and can be experienced at Booth #15083, Central Hall, please read on below.

Project Carol Concept Design – World’s first head cushion with near-field surround sound and haptics

Razer presents Project Carol, the world’s first head cushion with enveloping near-field surround sound and haptics, taking gamers into a new world of audio and tactile immersion. Project Carol is the latest concept design from Razer’s innovative R&D division, a team dedicated to exploring new product designs, influencing Razer’s future product portfolio, and winning multiple CES Innovation and Best of Show Awards along the way.

Project Carol takes immersion and realism to new heights with its clever use of near-field surround sound for clear, pure audio, paired with 7.1 surround sound for a captivating gaming experience. Unlike traditional speakers, Project Carol’s near-field surround sound provides closer, more direct rear audio, giving a more enveloping soundscape. Project Carol is powered by the award-wining Razer™ HyperSense technology.  The cushion converts game sounds into haptic feedback in real-time, allowing gamers to feel everything behind them, placing them firmly in the middle of the action.

Project Carol is natively supported on PC, and designed to fit with all gaming chairs, including Razer’s popular Iskur and Enki lines, via elastic, adjustable straps. Once connected via 2.4 GHz wireless, Project Carol provides up to 8 hours of gaming before needing charging.

For more information on Razer’s Project Carol, please see here.

A new generation of Razer Blades

This 2023 evolution of the Razer Blade marks a paradigm shift for gaming laptops, combining larger, cutting-edge 16:10 aspect displays with the latest and most powerful graphics and processing technology – all contained within Razer’s signature thin and light chassis.

Unveiled at CES, the new Razer Blade 16 and Razer Blade 18 both come equipped with the latest 13th generation Intel®️ Core™ i9 HX chipset, NVIDIA®’s next-generation RTX™ 40 series graphics processors running up to 175W TGP, and upgradeable DDR5 5600MHz memory. All of this power is made possible by an evolution in design philosophy, facilitating further advancements in thermal regulation provided by an expansion of Razer’s patented vapor chamber cooling technologies.

Razer Blade 16: Bigger. Better. Still the Best.

Within the iconic machined aluminum chassis, the Blade 16 pushes performance and portability further than ever. At 1.50 Graphics Power Density (GPD), the Blade 16 is capable of delivering 35% more graphics power per cubic inch than any other currently available 16-inch gaming laptop.

The Razer Blade 16 continues a proud tradition of employing the absolute best in display technology, configurable with the world’s first 16-inch HDR-capable dual-mode mini-LED display that boasts 1000 nits peak brightness and less than 3ms response time that ensures that every cycle of graphics power is used to its fullest potential. The defining feature of this display is dual native mode switching, allowing seamless selection between Creator and Gamer modes to fit the desired application. Creator mode enables sharp UHD+ native resolution with a 120Hz refresh rate, while Gamer mode provides an ultra-smooth 240Hz refresh rate in native FHD+.

For more information on the new Razer Blade 16, please see here. The Blade 16 will be available Q1 2023 at Razer.com, RazerStores, and select retailers starting at $2,699.99.

Razer Blade 18: The Ultimate Desktop Replacement.

With the Razer Blade 18, Razer takes an aggressive first step into the 18-inch laptop category, redefining the large-format laptop. The Blade 18 is Razer’s most powerful laptop ever – a truly uncompromising machine built for hardcore gamers and professional creators.

It touts the most screen real estate yet in a Blade, with a large 18-inch QHD+ 240Hz high refresh rate display providing pristine color accuracy, sharp resolution, and rapid response to support smooth, immersive gameplay and rigorously detailed content creation. All of this without sacrificing the premium, sleek aesthetics and form-factor for which every Razer Blade is known.  As a true desktop replacement, in addition to desktop-grade performance the Blade 18 also delivers a feature set expected from a full desktop-and-peripheral setup: a 5MP camera, a THX spatial audio 6-speaker array, upgradeable components, a comprehensive port selection, and hyper-efficient vapor chamber cooling.

For more information on the new Razer Blade 18, please see here. The Blade 18 will be available Q1 2023 at Razer.com, RazerStores, and select retailers starting at $2,899.99.

Razer Leviathan V2 Pro – The World’s First Beamforming Soundbar with Head-Tracking AI

The Razer Leviathan V2 Pro represents the latest innovation in 3D audio, being the world’s first beamforming soundbar for desktop with head-tracking AI. In partnership with immersive audio pioneers, THX®, and leading 3D audio beamforming experts, Audioscenic, Razer’s new PC soundbar provides the best of both worlds, delivering a surround soundstage whilst ensuring users are always in the sweet spot for the optimal listening experience. All of this is packed into a compact, premium form factor with a simple setup, allowing for a clutter-free desktop.

Combining beamforming surround sound with head-tracking AI technology, the Leviathan V2 Pro delivers immersive 3D audio thanks to the integrated IR camera that detects the user’s position. This allows the soundbar to adapt the audio beams to the listener’s positioning in real-time, ensuring that they are always in the sweet spot for the best audio experience.

Powered by THX® Spatial Audio for the immersive experience, combined with Audioscenic user adaptive beamforming, the soundbar provides true-to-life 3D audio for all your entertainment needs. 3D audio can be experienced in two modes: THX® Spatial Audio Virtual Headset is for any stereo content, providing you with pinpoint positional audio previously only found in headsets, while THX® Spatial Audio Virtual Speakers is for any multi-channel content that provides a wide, room-filling soundstage that users would normally experience with a full home theatre system.

Along with the included subwoofer, the Leviathan V2 Pro multi-driver PC soundbar delivers crisp, clear treble and deep, punchy bass with support for Razer Chroma™ RGB, allowing for deeper immersion with 30 lighting zones, 16.8 million colours, and over 200 games integrated into the world’s largest lighting ecosystem for gaming devices.

For more information on the Razer Leviathan V2 Pro, please see here. It will be available from January 2023, starting at $399.99 USD / €489.99 MSRP at Razer.com and RazerStores.

Razer Kiyo Pro Ultra – The Largest Sensor Ever in a Webcam for DSLR-like high quality

The bigger the sensor, the better the image quality: The Razer Kiyo Pro Ultra redefines the visual standards of content creation and streaming. Boasting the largest sensor ever used in a webcam, creators can experience DSLR-level detail and clarity with the plug-and-play simplicity of the most powerful webcam from Razer so far.

The heart of Razer’s new professional webcam is an industry leading ultra-large Sony 1/1.2″ STARVIS™ 2 sensor with a 2.9 μm pixel size to capture more light and image data in every pixel for exceptional detail and color. In order to maximize the sensor’s full potential, the Kiyo Pro Ultra is fitted with a custom, ultra-large F/1.7 aperture lens that can capture almost four times more light compared to other webcams, providing crisp, clear images even in low-light conditions.

This exceptional image fidelity is maintained thanks to a cutting-edge processor that can convert raw 4K 30 FPS (or 1080P 60 FPS) footage into uncompressed 4K 24 FPS, 1440p 30 FPS, or 1080p 60 FPS directly into your stream. To guarantee creators are always the center of attention, the Kiyo Pro Ultra’s AI-powered Face Tracking Auto-focus tracks the user’s face to ensure sharp, steady focus while artfully blurring the background thanks to the true bokeh effect. All this without the need for any supplementary hardware or software.

Coupled with High Dynamic Range (HDR) support at 30FPS, creators can achieve true-to-life colors thanks to the Kiyo Pro Ultra’s ability to automatically refine lighting and contrast while correcting over or under exposed areas, in order to add more visual detail and textures that make colors pop, even for darker or lighter tones. Creators can take this further with Razer Synapse which allows them to finetune or tweak their content quality with a comprehensive selection of customizable settings including ISO, shutter speed, pan, tilt, and more.

In addition, the Kiyo Pro Ultra can be plugged in and online within minutes, via direct, hassle-free USB 3.0 connectivity, allowing users quick and easy access to truly professional video quality.

For more information on the Razer Kiyo Pro Ultra, please see here. It will be available on January 5, 2023 starting at $299.99 USD / €349.99 MSRP exclusively at Razer.com and RazerStores.

VR peripherals designed for Meta Quest 2 – real support for virtual reality

Razer also revealed two VR accessories for Meta Quest 2: The Razer Adjustable Head Strap System and the Razer Facial Interface. Meant to extend VR gameplay and increase comfort, the Adjustable Head Strap System and Facial Interface are built for Meta Quest 2 by Razer in collaboration with ResMed, a leading expert in human factors.

Designed for long-lasting comfort and weight-balanced support, the Razer Adjustable Head Strap System was created with all head shapes in mind. The high-performance nylon material provides reliability, comfort, and durability while the optimized weight distribution allows for more balance during active gameplay. The soft adjustable straps will help gamers find their perfect fit and quick slip-on design ensures little interruption in resuming gameplay.

The Razer Facial Interface was developed for extended comfort and optimized support. Created with ultra-thin textured and profiled membranes, the Razer Facial Interface eliminates facial pressure and the use of medical grade, hypoallergenic materials helps to reduce skin irritation. The interface also blocks light while still providing ventilation, so gamers experience uncompromised immersion. The crevice-free surface allows for better hygiene and easier cleaning maintenance while the contoured 3D profile provides the perfect balance of comfort and support.

Razer’s VR peripherals for Meta Quest 2 will be available in the US in Q1 2023 with plans to expand into other regions in the future. For more information, please see here.

CAKE Unveils the Åik Utilitarian E-Bike

CAKE, the Swedish maker of premium lightweight, electric motorcycles is pleased to announce the newest addition the Åik. The Åik is the utility choice for the demands of working professionals who rely on two-wheeled transportation for their livelihood or indeed for the demanding lifestyle requirements of individuals. Not to be mistaken as just an e-bike, it is a utility tool that redefines the category with an unsurpassed range and power of up to 224 miles and gross vehicle weight of 200 kg. Like the Ösa, Åik is designed around a modular aluminium frame so customers can outfit the Åik with the right types of racks, bags, trailers, baskets, passenger seats, and more to suit the job at hand.

By creating a transportation solution that does not require any special license to operate, CAKE has filled a gap in the :work series. The newest member of the :work family blurs the lines between lightweight electric motorcycle and utility e-bike. For those who typically rely on motorized transportation, it opens up networks of bike lanes and paths that are off limits to motorcycles and cars. It’s also indisputably easier to find a spot to park a bicycle than it is a motor vehicle.

“With Åik joining the :work series lineup, we’re now offering a complete assortment of electric two-wheeled solutions for any business in need of a transportation solution” said CAKE founder and CEO Stefan Ytterborn. He continued “Our range is optimized for artisanal needs, from the fastest deliveries in town through to surveillance work in the backcountry.”

In designing this bike, CAKE took its expertise from manufacturing high-performance electric motorcycles and applied it to e-bikes. The result is a robust bike that’s ready for the demands of commercial fleet use and everyday commuting alike.

The key feature of the Åik is its battery, or batteries. One of the 750 Wh batteries can power the bike for up to 74.5 miles, but users can connect as many as three batteries to extend the range to cover more miles than most want to ride in a single day. The batteries can also power electronic devices such as temperature-controlled food boxes, electronic tools, and equipment.

Like the rest of the :work series, the Åik is also available direct to consumers and later this spring a wider assortment of accessories will be available to further suit their lifestyle needs.

The Åik is available for pre-order on ridecake.com and is expected to start shipping in May of this year.

One way or another, all CAKE names derive from the island of Gotland. The Åik comes from the local ancient language “Gutniska” and means ’big and heavy load’ referring to Åik’s hundreds of utility combinations to pull, stow and carry heavy loads.