Author - Jerry Paxton

JBL Redefines Gaming Audio with Bold New JBL Quantum Series Lineup

2026/01/06

JBL unleashes the latest evolution in gaming audio with the release of three new models in the JBL Quantum series. The new JBL Quantum lineup offers three distinct headset options built for every type of gamer. The latest flagship gaming headset is the JBL Quantum 950X, designed to deliver the ultimate competitive edge through unmatched precision, comfort, and control, while the JBL Quantum 650X and JBL Quantum 250 bring pro-grade audio technology to players at every level. From the feature-packed, dual-battery of the JBL Quantum 950X to the versatile wireless JBL Quantum 650X and the reliable, wired JBL Quantum 250, across the range, each model delivers powerful 50mm carbon dynamic drivers, spatial sound, clear communication, and a choice of designs and connectivity options to match any setup or playstyle. Offering a fresh new look, next-level comfort, and elite audio precision, the new JBL Quantum series rewrites the rules of the gaming audio experience.

“No competitor offers this level of acoustic technology,” said Carsten Olesen, President of Consumer Audio at HARMAN. “Our expertise in audio innovation shines through in the new JBL Quantum headsets and the redesigned JBL QuantumENGINE software. We have developed professional-level gaming audio and made it accessible to everyone.”

JBL Quantum 950X

The flagship JBL Quantum 950X is engineered from the ground up to deliver a competitive edge whether players are climbing leaderboards or exploring cinematic worlds. This multiplatform powerhouse combines premium sound and enduring comfort with reliable, uninterrupted performance.

JBL’s new 50mm carbon dynamic drivers deliver rich, Hi-Res Certified Audio with ultra-low distortion, offering enhanced high-frequency response that reveals subtle in-game cues such as footsteps, reloads, and positional shifts often missed by other headsets. This level of precision, once reserved for elite in-ear monitors, is now reimagined for immersive over-ear gaming. Powered by the all new JBL QuantumENGINE, the JBL Quantum 950X incorporates JBL Quantum Spatial Sound, 3D head tracking, and active noise cancellation to heighten immersion and keep players focused and competitive.

JBL Quantum 950X is built for long-lasting comfort during marathon gaming sessions. The patented hammock headband evenly distributes weight across the head for a barely-there feel, while breathable memory foam ear cushions stay cool while gameplay heats up. Every element was crafted for endurance, from the lightweight materials to the fully replaceable components, including the mic, cushions, cables, and hammock.

Communication is critical in gaming, and the JBL Quantum 950X upgrades to a 6mm cardioid boom microphone with AI Noise Reduction to isolate the user’s voice from background noise. Whether streaming, plotting next moves with teammates, or chatting cross-platform, gamers can count on crystal-clear communication every time.

Pushing the boundaries of convenience, the JBL Quantum 950X introduces a hot-swappable dual battery system and a wireless Base Station that doubles as a low-latency 2.4GHz receiver and control hub for lighting and audio. With multi-platform compatibility across PC, console, and mobile via 2.4GHz, Bluetooth 5.3, or wired modes, the JBL Quantum 950X delivers total freedom to play, create, and compete uninterrupted.

JBL Quantum 650X and Quantum 250

For players looking for versatility with serious gaming audio, JBL Quantum 650X delivers much of the flagship experience, including JBL Quantum Spatial Sound and the new 50mm carbon dynamic drivers, in a more accessible package. It supports the same flexible connectivity: 2.4 GHz wireless, Bluetooth 5.3, and wired, ensuring strong performance across any platform.

For plug-and-play simplicity, JBL Quantum 250 delivers wired performance across PC, Mac, console, and mobile. The new model is lightweight, comfortable, and built with the same modern, modular design and 50mm precision drivers that define the new JBL Quantum series, ideal for everyday gaming, streaming, or calls.

The new JBL Quantum 250 will be available on JBL.com in March 2026, and JBL Quantum 950X and Quantum 650X will be available in April 2026.

Model	Specs & Features	Battery Life	Color	Price	Release
JBL Quantum 950X	50mm carbon dynamic driver with Adaptive Noise Cancelling and Ambient Aware mode Spatial sound with 3D headtracking Dual wireless connectivity with 2.4 GHz low-latency dongle + Bluetooth^® 5.3 Wireless Base Station with controls for RGB lighting, EQ presets, and game-chat balance 6mm Cardioid Noise Cancelling Boom Mic Replaceable components include mic, cushions, cable, hammock, and earcup cover Universal connectivity	50 hours of playtime with 2 rechargeable batteries. Hot swap using the included spare battery.	Black	$399.95	April 2026
JBL Quantum 650X	50mm carbon dynamic driver Spatial sound Dual wireless connectivity with Dual 2.4 GHz low-latency dongle + Bluetooth^® 5.3 6mm Cardioid Noise Cancelling boom mic Replaceable components include mic, cushions, cable, hammock, and earcup cover Universal connectivity	45 hours.	Black	$199.95	April 2026
JBL Quantum 250	50mm carbon dynamic driver with spatial sound Wired connectivity with 3.5mm cable 6mm Cardioid Noise Cancelling Boom Mic Replaceable components include mic, cushions, cable, and hammock	N/A	Black, White	$79.95	March 2026

ViewSonic Expands Gaming Line-Up With Two New 27-Inch Monitors

2026/01/06

Jerry Paxton

CES, Geek News, News, Tech News

ViewSonic Corp., a leading global provider of visual and edtech solutions, introduces two new 27-inch monitors to its gaming line-up. The VX2730D-4K and VX2738-2K-OLED come with unique features that deliver remarkable performance to both hardcore gamers and gaming enthusiasts. From switchable refresh rates and screen sizes of the VX2730D-4K to the QD-OLED technology with 2K resolution of the VX2738-2K-OLED, ViewSonic continues to offer distinctive monitors for the gaming market.

The ViewSonic VX2730D-4K is a 27-inch monitor with native 4K Ultra HD resolution, designed for gaming versatility. The VX2730D-4K provides super smooth performance that can be customized to just about any gaming need. At the push of a button, the monitor can also switch to 288 Hz at FHD for ultra-competitive speed. With HDMI 2.1 and DisplayPort inputs, the monitor is ideal for multi-device setups. A 0.5ms MPRT response time, AMD FreeSync Premium technology, and G-SYNC compatibility ensure that the monitor can be used with a variety of games.

With native 2K QHD (2560×1440) resolution, the 27-inch VX2738-2K-OLED leverages QD-OLED panel technology to deliver exceptional color accuracy and a stunning, ultra-fast 0.03ms GTG response time. The monitor features Esports Mode that allows switching from 27-inch to a 24.5-inch view, matching the screen size preferred by professional esports players. The VX2738-2K-OLED is compatible with NVIDIA G-SYNC and features AMD FreeSync Premium technology.

“ViewSonic is excited to offer gamers both the VX2730D-4K and VX2738-2K-OLED gaming monitors,” said Jeff Muto, Business Line Director at ViewSonic. “The switchable refresh rates and screen size offering of the VX2730D-4K makes it a great monitor that any gamer can enjoy. The VX2738-2K-OLED monitor offers a combination of performance with superior visual excellence due to the OLED technology. Gamers of all levels can take advantage of the 27-inch monitor that suits them best.”

VX2730D-4K Gaming Monitor

27-inch monitor with native 4K UHD (3840 x 2160) resolution
Switchable refresh rates 144 Hz at 4K to 288 Hz at FHD
0.5ms MPRT response time
AMD FreeSync Premium and G-SYNC compatibility to synchronize frame rate output
Connectivity options include HDMI 2.1, DisplayPort, and Audio-Out
24.5-inch esports viewable screen setting through OSD
Available February for an estimated street price of $339.99 [USD]

VX2738-2K-OLED Gaming Monitor

27-inch QD-OLED gaming monitor with native 2K QHD (2560 x 1440) resolution
0.03ms GTG response time with a 240 Hz refresh rate
24.5-inch esports viewable screen setting through OSD
NVIDIA G-SYNC compatibility and AMD FreeSync Premium technologies for minimal lag, motion blur, and ghosting
Connectivity includes HDMI 2.1, DisplayPort, and Audio-Out
Available February for an estimated street price of $499.99 [USD]

Razer Unveils AIKit Open-Source Solution for Local LLM Development

2026/01/06

Jerry Paxton

CES, Geek News, News, Tech News

Razer AIKit is an open-source platform that simplifies the entire AI development lifecycle. It automatically configures GPUs, forms clusters, and optimizes settings for local LLM inference and fine-tuning—delivering cloud-grade performance with lower latency and full local control.

Designed for AI researchers and developers, AIKit enables fast, secure, and cost-efficient workflows with a single launch command.

Accelerate AI Development Without the Cloud

Automatic GPU Discovery and Cluster Formation – Detects compatible GPUs and builds optimized clusters, allowing teams to scale models without manual orchestration.

Seamless Razer Hardware Integration – Tuned for Razer AI-enabled laptops, external GPUs, and workstations; designed to leverage Razer’s high-performance AI hardware.

Open-Source and Supported – Available on GitHub with ongoing engineering support from Razer and the developer community.

For more information, visit razer.ai/AIKit.

Virtuix Omni One at Pimax Booth with New 8K Dream Air Headset

2026/01/06

Jerry Paxton

CES, Geek News, News, Tech News

Virtuix, the developer of the Omni One full-body VR gaming system, today announced its presence at CES 2026, where it will be exhibiting in partnership with Pimax at Booth #14450. As part of the collaboration, Virtuix will demonstrate Omni One using Pimax’s new Dream Air headset, highlighting the system’s seamless compatibility with PC VR and SteamVR games.

Omni One is designed to work with any PC VR headset compatible with SteamVR, giving users access to hundreds of PC VR titles while enabling unrestricted, full-body movement inside virtual worlds. When paired with Pimax’s Dream Air headset, the system delivers a premium, high-fidelity PC VR experience that pushes immersion to the next level.

“CES is the perfect stage to showcase what’s possible when cutting-edge VR headset technology meets true full-body movement,” said Jan Goetgeluk, CEO of Virtuix. “Our partnership with Pimax underscores Omni One’s broad compatibility across the PC VR ecosystem. Pairing Omni One with the Dream Air headset creates a deeply immersive experience that redefines how gamers move inside virtual worlds.”

“Dream Air was built to deliver uncompromising visual clarity in an ultra-lightweight form factor,” said Robin Weng, Founder of Pimax. “With its 8K resolution and ergonomic design, pairing Dream Air with Omni One creates a uniquely immersive PC VR experience—combining stunning visuals with true freedom of movement. Together, we’re showcasing what full immersion in VR can really feel like.”

Attendees at CES can see Omni One firsthand at the Pimax booth (#14450), where Virtuix will be demonstrating full-body gameplay using the Pimax Dream Air headset across popular SteamVR titles.

Razer Unveils Project Madison – The Future of True Gaming Immersion

2026/01/06

Jerry Paxton

CES, Geek News, News, Tech News, Trailers / Videos

Announced at CES 2026, Project Madison is a groundbreaking concept designed to push the boundaries of gaming immersion. Moving beyond traditional ergonomics, Project Madison enhances what gamers see, hear, and feel, turning the setup from a passive seat into an active participant in play.

By synchronizing three distinct sensory inputs—visual, auditory, and tactile—Project Madison creates an ecosystem that responds dynamically to in-game environments for complete sensory integration.

True Integration, Pure Immersion

Project Madison is built on three core pillars of technology designed to place the gamer at the center of their world:

Reactive Game Lighting – Bring setups to life with the world’s largest lighting ecosystem for gaming devices. Featuring Razer Chroma™ RGB’s 16.8 million colors and dynamic effects, lighting responds in real time to victories, battles, and in-game events, syncing seamlessly with other Chroma™ enabled peripherals.

Scalable Audio Ecosystem – Powered by THX Spatial Audio, delivering an expansive, immersive soundstage with pinpoint positional accuracy—so every detail is heard exactly where it should be. It serves as a powerful primary speaker with crisp trebles and deep, punchy bass that users can feel, or pairs with front speakers for a full 5.1 or 7.1 surround sound setup.

Multi-Zone Haptic Feedback – Feel every heartbeat, impact, and explosion through six haptic motor actuators powered by Razer Sensa™ HD Haptics, delivering lifelike sensations that match on-screen intensity and directionality.

Project Madison is a concept. For more information and updates on the project’s development, visit razer.com/concepts/project-madison.

Razer Unveils Project AVA – The Next Evolution of AI Companions

2026/01/06

Jerry Paxton

CES, Geek News, News, Tech News, Trailers / Videos

Building on the groundbreaking concept introduced at CES 2025, Project AVA redefines what an AI companion can be. Last year, AVA debuted as an esports AI coach. This year, it evolves into a fully integrated AI desk companion featuring a collection of animated holographic avatars, advanced AI personalization, and an adaptive learning engine.

Project AVA is more than a gaming assistant – it is a true digital partner designed to support every facet of modern life. From organizing daily tasks to delivering real-time gaming strategies, AVA combines intelligence with personality for an experience that feels natural, engaging, and personal.

Key Features:

Animated Avatar & Personalization
- 5” Animated hologram with natural movements, eye-tracking, facial expressions, and lip sync for engaging interaction.
- Choose avatars that range from exclusive Razer characters like Kira and Zane to esports legends.
- Pick personalities from bold and sassy, to calm and friendly.
Adaptive AI Intelligence
- Advanced learning engine remembers preferences for smarter, more personal interactions.
- Contextual awareness with HD camera, eye-tracking, and far-field mic for seamless communication.
- PC Vision Mode lets AVA see the user’s screen for real-time strategy advice or productivity support.
Beyond Gaming: Everyday Assistance
- Personal organizer for schedules, wardrobe tips, and dinner plans.
- AI consultant for brainstorming, data analysis, and creative problem-solving.
- Top-tier game teammate for strategy, puzzles, and competitive edge.

For more information on Project AVA, visit razer.com/concepts/razer-project-ava.

Razer Unveils Project Motoko at CES 2026 AI-Native Wearable

2026/01/06

Jerry Paxton

CES, Geek News, News, Tech News, Trailers / Videos

Razer™, the leading global lifestyle brand for gamers, today unveiled Project Motoko, an AI-native wireless headset concept that redefines the boundaries of wearable technology.

Powered by Snapdragon® platforms and universally compatible with leading AI solutions, Project Motoko ushers in a new era of personal computing with contextual awareness, real-time vision processing, and intuitive controls – all delivered through a sleek, wireless form factor.

“Project Motoko is more than a concept, it’s a vision for the future of AI and wearable computing,” said Nick Bourne, Global Head of Mobile Console Division, Razer. “By partnering with Qualcomm Technologies, we’re building a platform that enhances gameplay while transforming how technology integrates into everyday life. This is the next frontier for immersive experiences.”

“Snapdragon delivers the advanced AI and XR capabilities that make Project Motoko possible,” said Ziad Asghar, SVP and GM of XR at Qualcomm Technologies, Inc. “As we transition to an era of multiple AI powered Personal devices such as Project Motoko, that can see and hear and work together with an AI agent to anticipate your every need. We’re thrilled to collaborate with Razer to enable this vision and push AI wearable computing into a new era where intelligence, performance, and immersive experiences converge.”

Designed to seamlessly integrate into everyday life, Motoko combines cutting-edge hardware with advanced AI capabilities to deliver an intelligent companion for work, play, and everything in between.

Augmented AI Computer Vision

Dual first-person-view cameras positioned at eye level match the natural viewpoint, enabling real-time object and text recognition for smarter interactions. From translating street signs to tracking gym reps or summarizing documents on the fly, Motoko’s vision system understands context instantly to keep pace with modern lifestyles.

AI-Enhanced Visual Awareness

Motoko delivers stereoscopic precision with a wide field of attention, capturing depth, symbols, and details beyond human peripheral vision. This expanded awareness ensures users perceive more than ever before, whether navigating complex environments or multitasking on the go.

Dual Far and Near-Field Microphones

Multiple microphones work together to capture voice commands, pick up dialogue within view, and sense environmental audio—providing accurate sound detection for seamless interaction in any setting.

On-the-Fly Audio Feedback

Motoko interprets and responds instantly, acting as a full-time AI assistant that adapts to schedules, preferences, and habits. Hands-free control ensures uninterrupted flow during commuting, gaming, or multitasking at home.

Universal AI Platform Compatibility

Motoko connects effortlessly with leading AI platforms such as Grok, OpenAI, and Gemini, offering complete flexibility and customization for every task.

Machine Learning Tools

By capturing authentic human POV vision data—including depth, focus, and attention patterns—Motoko provides robotics teams with high-value datasets to train humanoids for natural perception and decision-making.

Availability

Project Motoko debuts as a concept at CES 2026, offering a glimpse into the future of AI-driven wearables. For more information, visit razer.com/concepts/project-motoko.

Audeze Unleashes Maxwell 2 Gaming Headset

2026/01/05

Jerry Paxton

CES, Geek News, News, Tech News

Audeze today announced the release of their latest gaming headset, Maxwell 2. This is an inside-and-out upgrade of the original Maxwell, which received global recognition from media, gamers, and audio industry professionals. Every aspect of Maxwell 2 has been engineered to provide unmatched audio fidelity, exceptional comfort, and seamless connectivity across all platforms. Serious competitors and immersion-seeking enthusiasts alike will find much to praise in this latest evolution of a vaunted gaming audio classic.

The cornerstone of Maxwell 2’s audio improvements is Audeze’s patent-pending SLAM™ technology, which produces heightened spatial immersion and precision along with punchier bass response. First introduced in 2024’s flagship CRBN2 electrostatic headphone, this new technology joins Audeze’s advanced 90mm planar magnetic drivers with patented Fluxor™ magnets and Fazor™ waveguides to deliver an expansive 10 Hz to 50 kHz frequency range that clearly articulates every detail from the faintest footsteps to the most earth-shattering explosions with near-zero distortion.

Maxwell 2 is designed for extended hours of comfortable gameplay. The upgraded suspension strap is wide and supple, with ventilation holes to ensure long-term comfort. A new earpad design offers increased space to the over-ear closed-back fit to accommodate fatigue-free listening for a wider range of users. The new magnetic attachment system makes earpad replacement quick and easy.

Communication is key in competitive gaming, and the Maxwell 2 delivers with its cutting-edge, AI-powered noise-cancelingnoise canceling microphone system. Featuring the newly upgraded FILTER™ AI noise removal with twice the bandwidth, the removable hypercardioid boom microphone eliminates unwanted background noise, ensuring crystal-clear voice communication with your teammates. Convenient hardware volume control puts command of your audio right at your fingertips.

Maxwell 2 is engineered for seamless connectivity and extended gameplay. Connect wirelessly with the included ultra-low latency USB-C dongle for lag-free gaming, or utilize the latest Bluetooth 5.3 technology including LE Audio and LDAC for versatile connectivity with mobile devices. The high-capacity lithium-polymer battery provides over 80 hours of continuous wireless use (at 80dBA), and the USB-C fast charging ensures you’re never sidelined for long.

An all-new Audeze app debuts with Maxwell 2, with sleek, modern design, lightning-quick responsiveness, and improved user experience and customization management. The new Audeze app also supports the original Maxwell, and is available on Windows and MacOS, as well as the iOS and Android app stores.

Styx: Blades of Greed Gameplay Trailer

2026/01/05

Jerry Paxton

Geek News, News, PlayStation 5 News, Trailers / Videos, Windows PC News, Xbox Series X News

To celebrate the New Year 2026, NACON and Cyanide Studio are delighted to unveil the gameplay trailer for Styx: Blades of Greed. More than 8 years after his last adventure, the most devious of goblins returns in a third-person, solo stealth experience, launching on February 19 on PlayStation®5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC (Steam, Epic Games Store).

In a new adventure for the master of shadows, Styx: Blades of Greed invites players to explore the Continent of Iserian in all its verticality and to stealthily eliminate their enemies. Thanks to the powers of Quartz and new traversal tools, Styx is freer than ever. In this installment, stealth is driven above all by creativity, giving players a great deal of freedom in their approach, where every situation becomes a playground for experimentation. There is never just one way to tackle a mission: players are free to invent their own style of stealth to sneak, trap, and assassinate without leaving a trace.

Styx now boasts an entirely new arsenal: he can harness the mysterious powers of Quartz to control his enemies or even time itself. He also has new mobility tools, including a glider to soar through the air, metal claws to climb walls, and a grappling hook to reach otherwise inaccessible areas. Finally, the most mischievous of goblins can be fully customized through skill trees that enhance his powers and tools, as well as runes that modify gameplay.

Developed on Unreal® Engine 5, the game features vast vertical environments that players can explore freely. For the first time in the series, the game adopts a Metroidvania-style structure, allowing players to gradually unlock previously inaccessible areas as they acquire new abilities.

Styx: Blades of Greed is a stealth and action-adventure game developed by French studio Cyanide® and the third installment in the Styx series, which has captivated more than 2 million players worldwide. The game builds on the proven formula of its predecessors and refines it by placing freedom and creativity at the heart of the experience. Players take on the role of Styx, a cunning goblin with a razor-sharp mind and a true master of stealth. Their goal is to get their hands on Quartz, the most valuable and dangerous resource in a world on the brink of war between elves, humans, and orcs. Players can freely explore vast vertical environments thanks to new tools such as the grappling hook and the glider, as well as new powers. They must help the master of shadows steal the Quartz while outsmarting the traps of the Inquisition. Whether discovering Styx for the first time or reuniting with a familiar goblin, greed has never felt this good!

XGIMI Unveils New Professional Grade Projector Series TITAN Noir Max

2026/01/05

Jerry Paxton

CES, Geek News, News, Tech News

After its breakout debut in the professional world, XGIMI’s TITAN returns at CES 2026 in a new generation built for anyone who craves uncompromising quality. The new TITAN Noir Max Series takes everything the brand has learned from designers, producers, AV professionals, and everyday viewers, and transforms it into a projector that feels just as at home in a family media room as in a high-end creative workspace. It’s powerful enough for professionals, but intuitive enough for the people who simply want their favorite movies, games, and stories to project extraordinarily.

Where last year’s TITAN marked XGIMI’s entrance into the pro space, the new TITAN Noir Max Series marks something bigger: the moment professional-grade projection becomes personal. Upgraded hardware, the most advanced dynamic iris system, and precision-tuned optics bring out the kind of depth, contrast, and color nuance once reserved for post-production studios – now available to anyone who wants the best picture XGIMI has ever engineered.

A Dynamic IRIS System That Brings Stories to Life

The heart of the TITAN Noir Max Series is XGIMI’s most advanced dynamic IRIS system to date, boosting native contrast to 10,000:1 and reshaping how every scene feels. This isn’t just about deeper blacks or brighter highlights, but mood, emotion, and immersion that improve real-world viewing.

Every frame becomes an invitation to look closer. See the individual drops of rain catching neon light on a midnight street, the delicate weave of a velvet curtain in shadow, the faint tremor of a candle flame illuminating a character’s face – details once lost now define the scene. Highlights don’t just glow, they breathe: city lights hold their shape against true black, eyes gleam with intention, and specular reflections on metal stay crisp, not blown out. This is how contrast becomes narrative – by revealing not just what’s in the frame, but why it matters.“We’ve always believed that projection should feel extraordinary – something that elevates

any space, whether it’s a family room or a full production studio,” said Apollo Zhong, Chairman of XGIMI. “With TITAN Noir Max, we took everything we learned from building our first professional model and pushed it further. This series reflects our vision for projection’s future: professional-grade performance that anyone can enjoy, without complexity or compromise.”

Re-engineered SST DMD Architecture Pushes Brightness Boundaries

At the heart of the new system is SST, a re-engineered DMD architecture capable of handling substantially higher light power densities. The upgraded thermal pathway effectively dissipates heat at the chip level, ensuring sustained brightness, reduced thermal stress, and improved lifecycle stability in demanding projection environments.

The re-engineered SST Architecture advances XGIMI’s philosophy of accessible innovation by pairing professional hardware with the kind of simplicity usually reserved for consumer products.

For professionals, TITAN Noir Max offers the stability, accuracy, and reliability required for color-critical work, studio environments, and high-end installations. For families and enthusiasts, it turns a blank wall into a cinematic event.

This is projection in its purest form: precision engineering that fades into the background, leaving only a brilliant, immersive image before users.

From CES to Launch

The new TITAN Noir Max Series will make its public debut at CES 2026, where media, creators, and industry partners will be invited for hands-on demonstrations ahead of its preorder in Q1 2026. Further sales details for the TITAN Noir Max Series will be announced at a later date.