Author - Jerry Paxton

Audeze Unveils Maxwell Wireless Gaming Headphones for PC and Console

2022/12/08

Audeze, the leading audio technology brand and pioneer of high-end gaming audio products, today announces Maxwell, a new ultra-low-latency wireless PC & console gaming headset with class-leading 80+ hours of battery life. Two versions of Maxwell will be available: Maxwell for Xbox & PC is officially licensed by Microsoft and includes the first auto-activating Dolby Atmos license, while Maxwell for Playstation & PC supports Tempest 3D Audio. Maxwell is the latest release from Audeze in a line of purpose-built gaming headsets like the LCD-GX and Mobius which have garnered rave reviews for their innovations in audio performance and headtracking.

Connect and game anywhere, without limitations. Maxwell provides ultra-low-latency, high-resolution audio up to 24-bit 96kHz when connected to the included USB dongle. Low-latency wireless range and stability are improved up to 3X from the award-winning Audeze Penrose headset. Maxwell features many wired and wireless connection options including the latest Bluetooth 5.3 LE Audio technology, supporting the LC3 and LC3plus codecs. In addition, Maxwell supports classic Bluetooth codecs like SBC, AAC and LDAC for high-quality portable audio. Maxwell also supports lossless high-resolution audio up to 24-bit 96kHz over wired USB.

Audeze brings its proprietary lag-free A.I. powered noise filtration to Maxwell for crystal-clear communication in any environment (this was pioneered with Audeze’s FILTER Speakerphone – one of Time Magazine’s Best Inventions of 2022). The hardware based A.I. system automatically eliminates background noise at the touch of a button, with no additional software or setup required. Friends and teammates will never miss your banter and call-outs thanks to five built-in microphones and a detachable boom mic (designed by our friends at Shure!).

Maxwell delivers studio-quality sound and lifelike, powerful dynamics with Audeze’s latest planar magnetic drivers. These made-in-California, 90mm planar magnetic drivers have 3X more surface area than competitor’s drivers for incredible sonic detail, authority, and impact. Maxwell’s chassis, featuring a spring-steel headband with an adjustable suspension strap is built for greater comfort over long gaming sessions. The earcups feature a reinforced dual-chamber design for class-leading passive noise isolation.

Maxwell combines the best of both worlds for PCs and Consoles by adding support for features like Game-Chat mix, advanced gaming presets, personalized multi-band EQ etc. Maxwell also comes with Audeze HQ gaming app that gives users access to a wide range of customizable features.

Maxwell for Playstation will retail for $299 and Maxwell for Xbox will retail for $349 and comes with a Dolby Atmos license. Both versions support Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, and Nintendo Switch. The first shipments are expected later in January.

MAXWELL SPECIFICATIONS:

Physical

Style: Over-ear (circumaural), closed-back
Transducer Type: Planar Magnetic
Transducer Size: 90 mm
Diaphragm Type: Ultra-Thin Uniforce™
Magnetic Structure: Fluxor™ Magnet Array
Magnet Type: Neodymium N50
Phase Management: Fazor™
Earpads: Synthetic Leather / memory foam
Weight: 490g

Microphones

Boom Microphone: Detachable Hypercardioid, Designed by Shure
Beamforming Microphones: Inbuilt 5-mic array for convenience and noise reduction.
A.I.-Powered Hardware Noise Filter removes unwanted noise

Audio Performance

Frequency response: 10Hz-50kHz
THD: <0.1% (@ 1 kHz, 1mW)

Power

Battery: Lithium-polymer, 1800mAh
Battery Life: 80+ hour wireless playback @ 80dBA
Charging: USB-C, 5v 1.8A max
Charge time: 0-100% in 2.5hr, 0-25% in 20min (with 1.8A charger)

Connectivity

Ultra Low Latency Wireless: When used with included USB-C dongleBluetooth: 5.3, supports multipoint, LE Audio, LC3, LC3plus, LDAC, AAC, SBC
Wired USB: USB-C, PC connection supports dual USB audio endpoints with inbuilt game-chat mix
Wired: 3.5mm TRRS active analog

Connectivity

Xbox edition: XBox Series X, XBox Series S, Windows 10/11, macOS, Android, iOS, Nintendo Switch
Playstation edition: Playstation 5, Windows 10/11, macOS, Android, iOS, Nintendo Switch

For more information on the Audeze Maxwell, follow Audeze on Twitter and Instagram, “Like” Audeze on Facebook, subscribe to Audeze on Youtube to see and hear video demonstrations of Audeze products, and visit the website at www.audeze.com.

Quilts & Cats of Calico – Announcement Teaser

2022/12/07

Jerry Paxton

Geek News, News, Trailers / Videos, Windows PC News

Everything is better with cats. Even sewing quilts. Or fighting evil corporations. Or traveling through a world torn apart by war. So, if you’re tired of rescuing the universe for the millionth time, fed up with playing as yet another testosterone-jacked musclehead who shoots before asking any questions, or don’t want to look for that stuck-up princess who’s trapped in yet another castle, then how about becoming an itinerant tailor for a change? We guarantee you a meeeowtastic experience as loads of cute cats will accompany you in your adventure.

Add the game to your wishlist on Steam (https://store.steampowered.com/app/1993180/Quilts_and_Cats_of_Calico/) not to miss its launch.

Killing Floor 2 Polar Distress Update Trailer

2022/12/07

Jerry Paxton

Geek News, News, PlayStation 4 News, Trailers / Videos, Windows PC News, Xbox One News

The weather isn’t the only thing that’s frightening this Holiday season… Developer and publisher Tripwire Interactive is excited to announce that the esteemed first-person shooter and co-op action title, Killing Floor 2 is set to receive its free annual winter update with Polar Distress. Releasing on the PlayStation®4 computer entertainment system, Xbox One family of devices including the Xbox One X, and PC (via Steam and the Epic Games Store), the content update boasts a new featured community map, weekly mode, and weapons, as well as quality-of-life improvements, letting players spread their holiday cheer as they take down ferocious Zeds in style.

The Polar Distress update will run from Dec. 7 – Jan. 10 and brings a wealth of new content for the holiday season. The new community map, Crash, lets players loose on an icy compound, full of terrors around each corner and a new set of map objectives for players to complete. As a bonus, those who complete all the seasonal map objectives will earn a special Train Conductor Companion. Additional update content includes two new paid DLC weapons with five skin-variant cosmetics each and two free HRG weapons. For all the latest information on the Polar Distress update, special sales and more, fans can follow Tripwire on Twitter, or visit the official website.

Killing Floor 2: Polar Distress Update Highlights:

New Featured Community Map: Crash:

Standard Survival Map
Compatible with Survival, Weekly, Versus, and Endless Game Modes.

Time-limited Objectives:

New seasonal objectives related to Crash
Complete all seasonal objectives to earn the Train Conductor Backpack

Weekly Game Mode:

Perk Roulette: In this mode, your perk is no longer a choice. For each wave, you’ll have to adapt to the perk assigned. Use snap judgment and make the best with what you got in this intense mode of random mayhem!
Players can earn the Perk Roulette Backpack

Weapons: 2 New Paid DLC Weapons with 5 skin variants each

HV Storm Cannon
Zed Eradicator Device MK III

HRG Weapons: 2 New Free HRG Weapons

HRG Medic Missile
HRG Ballistic Bouncer

Cosmetics: 4 Weapons Skin Bundles and 1 Outfit Bundle

Retro Gamer Weapon Skin Bundle Pack
Chameleon MK III Weapon Skin Bundle Pack
Medieval Weapon Skin Bundle Pack
Tacticool Weapon Skin Bundle Pack
Train Conductor Outfit Bundle

Fallout 76 Nuka-World on Tour and Season 11 Available Now

2022/12/07

Jerry Paxton

Geek News, News, PlayStation 4 News, Trailers / Videos, Windows PC News, Xbox One News

The Nuka-World on Tour update is now available and free for all Fallout 76 players. The travelling road show has officially set up permanent residence in Appalachia! Head to the fairgrounds in the Ash Heap region to find new Public Events, square off against the monstrous Ultracite Titan, try games of skill in the Nukacade, meet new characters, earn rewards, and more!

In addition, Season 11 kicks off today for all players. Complete challenges and rank up to earn tons of rewards, from Nuka-Cola themed backpacks to C.A.M.P. decorations, power armor skins, and so much more.

Read on to learn more about what’s coming in Nuka-World on Tour…

NEW PUBLIC EVENTS
Nuka-World on Tour has set up various activities all around the park, including three new public events that will appear every 20 minutes, and contain new rewards for players to collect, from all new weapons to new clothing items, C.A.M.P. décor and more!

NEW REGION BOSS
Band together to take down a new region boss: the devastating Ultracite Titan. Prepare for a battle of epic proportions. The Ultracite Titan is the largest creature ever in a Fallout game! Gear up and prepare for a showdown like never before.

GET A HIGH SCORE IN THE NUKACADE!
Take a break from the new Public Events or massive Ultracite Titan and visit the Nukacade to try your hand at carnival games that are sure to be fun for the whole family! It’s got all your favorites, like “Bandit Roundup,” “Nuka Zapper Race,” and “Whack-A-Commie.” We’re also proud to introduce “Bottle Blaster,” which will truly test your might. As you play, you will earn Nukacade points, which you can redeem to get exciting prizes.

BUILD LIKE NEVER BEFORE WITH THE FREE CAM
Free cam is a new quality-of-life feature for builders. When inside build mode, select X on keyboard, or Start on controller to enter Free cam mode. In this mode, the camera detaches from your character, allowing you to freely build at new heights, pan through walls, doors, windows, and floors.

GamingShogun 2022 Holiday Gift Guide Series – Microphones

2022/12/07

Jerry Paxton

Articles, Geek News, News, Tech News

Microphones have become so much more important in our age of remote work – even more so if you are a content creator. So, here are our top microphone gift picks for the 2022 holiday season.

Desktop Microphones

Winner

ROCCAT Torch

The ROCCAT Torch USB microphone is an outstanding choice for creators that absolutely will NOT break your bank account. It features a dual condenser capsule design with 24-Bit audio quality and three selectable pick-up patterns. It also has a stylish and professional look with some RGB to boot!

Price: $99.99

ROCCAT Link

Runner-Up

Shure MV7 USB/XLR

The Shure MV7 USB/XLR microphone features outstanding audio recording capabilities – in fact – way better than most people need. If you’re a more professional creator who prefers using USB microphones, this is a game changer. The Shure MV7 USB/XLR does also feature an XLR port, but it doesn’t work as well as the dedicated XLR Shure microphones out there. The downside to all this quality is the price.

Price: $224

Shure Link

Wireless Microphones

Winner

DJI MIC

DJI has really stepped up their game in the last five years, with most of their tech being simply outstanding gift ideas. The DJI Mic is the company’s take on a dual channel wireless lavalier mic system geared towards content creators. It’s audio backup capabilities coupled with connection adapters and sheer ease-of-use push the DJI Mic ahead of the RØDE Wireless GO II in almost every way except one – cost. This is a pretty pricey wireless microphone setup.

Price: $329

DJI Link

Runner-Up

Hollyland Lark M1

While the RØDE Wireless GO II wireless mic system might have almost the same level of quality and features as the DJI Mic, it’s still very pricey. The Hollyland Lark M1 wireless mic system, however, will provide decent audio recording at a budget price point. Don’t expect DJI or RØDE level quality and you won’t be disappointed.

Price: $149

Hollyland Link

Dead Island 2 Showcase – Another Day In HELL-A Showcase Reveals Gameplay and A Lot More

2022/12/07

Jerry Paxton

Geek News, News, Trailers / Videos, Windows PC News, Xbox One News, Xbox Series X News

The bold new “Dead Island 2 Showcase – Another Day In HELL-A” premiered online today, presenting players with all new info and content with an incredible live action short, which also included an extended look at exclusive gameplay.

Watch the VOD on Twitch (https://www.twitch.tv/deepsilver), or view the Showcase on YouTube at https://youtu.be/wMrwcmG3eqk. A recast of the event will be available to stream on Prime Video (https://www.primevideo.com) starting on Dec. 8.

Today’s showcase featured a live-action pulp-adventure starring three fictional characters set in a similar universe to Dead Island 2. With the military long gone, we follow the fearless survivors as they search for a safe haven from the virus outbreak and zombie hordes. As they roam the supposedly abandoned mansion of a local video game and movie producer in Los Angeles’ Hollywood Hills, they’ll soon discover that nowhere is safe.

The new Dead Island 2 Welcome To HELL-A Trailer also premiered – narrated by Jacob and Amy, two of the game’s slayers, as they visit HELL-A. Witness Dead Island 2’s unique gore tech, upgradable weapon and combat system, and, of course, its gruesome zombies. Join the slayers as they take you on a tour around the stylish, sunbaked zombie-smashing playground of HELL-A.

Another surprise inside the showcase was a sneak peek into the Alexa Game Control feature, which allows players to quickly perform in-game actions using their voice. This feature will be launching in Dead Island 2 for Xbox and PC, for English in the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom.

Currently available to pre-order, the highly collectible Dead Island 2: HELL-A Edition is full of unique items from the game world to further the immersion of every Dead Island fan.

Players who pre-order any edition of Dead Island 2 will receive the “Memories Of Banoi Pack,” featuring two unique weapons that celebrate the original Dead Island, along with a special skill card.

Last but not least, a stunning, hand-painted resin collector figurine of Amy, posed chilling in the iconic Burger 66 diner after a zombie slaying session. This standalone premium figurine is available to purchase exclusively from Deep Silver at www.DeadIsland.com.

The HELL-A Edition includes:

Exclusive SteelBook® with game disc
Expansion Pass
Venice Beach Travel Map
Six Slayer Tarot Cards
Two Pin Badges
A DI2 Patch
Golden Weapons Pack
Pulp Weapons Pack
Character Packs 1 & 2

The Memories of Banoi Pack includes:

Banoi War Club
Memories of Banoi Baseball Bat
Weapon Perk – “Balanced”
“Personal Space” Skills Card

View the 101 Trailer on YouTube here – https://youtu.be/ZEmrfritmg8

View the pre-order trailer on YouTube here – https://youtu.be/N8g_5WHoYPk

View the Amazon Games Control trailer on YouTube here – https://youtu.be/LyTe6rKhYmA

View the pre-order options and retailers on the website here – https://deadisland.com/preorder

Knott’s Berry Farm to Ring in the New Year

2022/12/06

Jerry Paxton

Geek News, News

The countdown to the New Year is on at Knott’s Merry Farm with special fireworks, live entertainment, and special extended hours for the one-night event. Guests have a chance to say goodbye to the final moments of 2022 at Knott’s as the park celebrates with memorable festivities including Merry Farm seasonal performances throughout the day on December 31st. The enchanting Knott’s New Year’s Eve celebration gives guests front row seats to the final event of the year as the park rings in 2023 with a park wide-party unlike any other and everyone is invited.

The New Year’s celebration features entertaining activities for the whole family including a family-friendly comedian, live bands, swing dancing and more. Guests are invited to count down the final moments of 2022 with festive music, party hats and noisemakers making this night extra special. The spectacular firework celebration sets the skies above Knott’s ablaze at the stroke of midnight as colorful fireworks light the start of the New Year. The nighttime extravaganza offers a stress-free night perfect for family and friends to come together and create new memories by starting a new tradition by celebrating the New Year ’s Eve at Knott’s.

This year’s line-up of can’t miss entertainment are:

At the Midnight Fireworks Spectacular, guests can ring in the New Year with a bang as the park’s skies wonderfully light up for an aerial fireworks display that will leave the young and young at heart in awe.
Visit Krazy Kirk and the Hillbillies at Wagon Camp for the best entertainment this side of the Santa Ana freeway that will have the crowd’s toes tappin’, hands clappin’ and guts bustin’.
DJ Howley brings the party to the farm for a special New Year’s celebration, with high energy music and dancing taking place at the Calico Mine Stage.
Next to the Calico Mine Stage, the PEANUTS characters will be posing for pictures with guests to celebrate the New Year in their favorite party outfits.
Surf on by Boardwalk BBQ where you can catch PianoMania Dueling Pianos. These two talented musicians go head-to-head in a musical battle you won’t want to miss.
The Calico Mine Stage will blast unforgettable pop and rock music courtesy of the band Mic Dangerously and the Royal We.
Family-friendly comedian, Chipper Lowell, brings his hilarious comedy, magic and audience participation to the Bird Cage Theatre.
Jitterbug Pop Swing Band, Dance Instructors, and the Jitterbug Jumpers are on hand to play the slickest standards ever. Swing, sway and jump with the hippest cats in town. The Jitterbug Pop Swing Band provides the tunes and you’re invited to dance the night away in the legendary Boardwalk Ballroom. Dance instruction classes included!
A New Year’s Eve celebration is not complete without a delicious meal. Spur’s Restaurant is serving up a special New Year’s Eve Buffet. Walk up only.

WHEN: Knott’s New Year’s Eve Celebration is included with regular daytime admission. Park hours on New Year’s Eve are 9am to 1am.

WHERE: Knott’s Berry Farm – 8039 Beach Blvd, Buena Park, CA 90620

Hogwarts Legacy New Trailer – Making the Music for Overture to the Unwritten

2022/12/06

Jerry Paxton

Geek News, News, PlayStation 4 News, PlayStation 5 News, Trailers / Videos, Windows PC News, Xbox One News, Xbox Series X News

Warner Bros. Games and Avalanche Software released today a behind the scenes video, “Making the Music,” for “Overture to the Unwritten” and other compositions featured in the upcoming Hogwarts Legacy game which is scheduled to be released on February 10, 2023.

In “Making the Music,” the team of composers and audio producers for Hogwarts Legacy take fans behind the scenes into some of their decision-making process and the complexity of creating new orchestral pieces set in the 1800s wizarding world. Composer chuck e. myers “sea” describes his experience working on Hogwarts Legacy over the last four years as a project that was truly a once in a lifetime. Audio Producer Nathan Ayoubi discusses how the music in Hogwarts Legacy enhances the overall experience for the player, being simultaneously new and fresh while also nostalgic. Composer Peter Murray shares how the team balanced this new original composition with the music of the films, while composer J. Scott Rakozy describes the music as childlike awe and wonder.

To create the ancient melody of Hogwarts, the team brought in unique instruments such as the “thunder sheet”—a giant piece of sheet metal—and a waterphone to make the sounds of magic. Since music accounts for every movement the player makes in the game, the composers were challenged to balance the darker side of the game with slow emotional strings to help guide the player and enhance the overall experience. Exploring the common rooms in each of the Hogwarts houses, the team infused different dynamic personalities through their use of music. The original score serves as an additional character in the game, immersing the player in the complex 1800s wizarding world.

Choir and orchestral members for “Overture to the Unwritten” were comprised of students from the University of Utah, BYU and the Salt Lake Symphony Orchestra, as well as featuring renowned recording artists Nicole Pinnell, Nicole Klossner, Ryan Shupe, Abe Kaelin, Bart Olson, John Knudsen and Dune Moss. Filmed on location at big idea music studios in Sandy, Utah and Media Grabbers in North Salt Lake City, Utah, the behind-the-scenes video features “Overture to the Unwritten,” the original composition by composers chuck e. myers “sea”, J. Scott Rakozy and Peter Murray, performed by a 54-piece orchestra conducted by Nathan Hofheins.

As of today, fans are now able to stream or digitally purchase “Overture to the Unwritten.” All of the additional music from Hogwarts Legacy will be available on launch day on the Hogwarts Legacy (Original Video Game Soundtrack). Additionally, songs from Hogwarts Legacy will be featured on a second album titled, Hogwarts Legacy (Study Themes From the Original Video Game Soundtrack), an album focusing on more ambient, chill, relaxing music that is ideal to listen to while studying for classes at Hogwarts or any school. Both albums will be released by WaterTower Music and will be available at all digital streaming services.

Hogwarts Legacy is available for pre-order on PlayStation®5 and PlayStation®4 via the PlayStation Store, Xbox Series X|S and Xbox One consoles via the Microsoft Store, and PC via the Steam and Epic Games Store. The Nintendo Switch pre-order date will be revealed soon.

For more information on how to pre-order Hogwarts Legacy, visit: www.hogwartslegacy.com

theHunter: Call of the Wild Gets New England Mountains Reserve

2022/12/06

Jerry Paxton

Geek News, News, PlayStation 4 News, PlayStation 5 News, Trailers / Videos, Windows PC News, Xbox One News, Xbox Series X News

Released today for €/$ 7,99 on PC via Steam and Epic Games Store (save 20 %), and the Microsoft Store, as well as on PlayStation and Xbox, Expansive Worlds’ immersive hunting game has expanded with an all-new alpine reserve and the Granite Update, which includes a framerate boost of up to 60 FPS on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S, Cosmetics, and performance improvements.

Covering roughly a quarter of the state of New Hampshire, as well as portions of Western Maine, the White Mountains in the northern Appalachians served as the inspiration for the New England Mountains reserve. This vast new region gives Hunters a wonderful new area to explore, and it is teeming with wildlife to stalk and natural beauty to take in. So grab your gear and explore the majesty that is the New England Mountains!

New England Mountains – Key Features:

Hunt in stunning surroundings – The New England Mountains reserve features varied landscapes shaped by the passing of time, from open alpine regions to coniferous and mixed woodlands interspersed with lakes and rivers. When you are tired from stalking deer through the spruce or hunting waterfowl along the bends of the river, there is no shortage of perfect opportunities to sit back and take in the picturesque environment around you.
Wildlife, Great Ones and refined classics – Hunters have a wealth of wildlife to hunt – from the humble Ring-necked Pheasant to the sneaky Coyote and the majestic Moose. Speaking of the Moose, this gentle giant is now present as one of the extremely rare Great Ones alongside the equally giant Black Bear and the graceful Whitetail Deer. Not only do the Moose and Whitetail Deer have the Great One status in common – along with the stunning Red Fox, they are also among the three beautifully refined animals, who now look better than ever.
New weapon, unique cosmetics: Visit the Weapons Cache at any Outpost, and you will find a new weapon waiting for you. The Patriot is a powerful, modern 0.50 cal break-action muzzleloader made locally in New Hampshire. It is perfect for hunting large prey, but aim carefully – with great power comes… slow reload speed.Hunters will also receive three special welcome gifts: a free paint and a free camo, as well as the New England Mountains Scout Pack, which contains six weapon customization options. For Hunters looking for even more customization, the Veteran Pack (available to purchase via the in-game store) offers additional unique New England Mountains-inspired cosmetics: Paints, sprays, materials, camos and a unique wrap.
Free Granite Update – 60FPS + more wildlife: Alongside the New England Mountains reserve, we are excited to offer a series of free updates dubbed the Granite Update for theHunter: Call of the Wild:
- The PS5 and Xbox Series X/S versions will receive a framerate boost of up to 60 FPS for a smoother hunting experience.
- Extra animal species across nearly every reserve, giving Hunters plenty of reason to revisit their old favorite spots in search of new prey.
- Already own a previously released reserve? Want to give your weapons a unique flavor? Well, you’re in luck, because we are giving all Hunters two free, themed cosmetics for each reserve, which they already own – one paint and one camo. This includes the two reserves in the base game.
- This update also includes a range of performance improvements and minor additions to make your gameplay more enjoyable – an updated Harvest screen with preview, the ability to place/remove waypoints when using binoculars, as well as improved stability on consoles and various minor tweaks across the game on all platforms.

For more information, visit callofthewild.thehunter.com, and keep up with the latest updates from the game by following the team on Twitter @theHunterCOTW.

Killer Klowns from Outer Space: The Game – Meet the Lackeys Trailer

2022/12/06

Jerry Paxton

Geek News, News, PlayStation 4 News, PlayStation 5 News, Trailers / Videos, Windows PC News, Xbox One News, Xbox Series X News

Good Shepherd Entertainment and Teravision Games just premiered a brand-new video at LA Comic Con for Killer Klowns from Outer Space: The Game! Killer Klowns from Outer Space: The Game is a 3v7 asymmetrical multiplayer horror game based on the iconic 1988 cult horror classic film. When murderous alien Klowns come to feed on the quiet town of Crescent Cove, the locals must work together to fight back and survive the invasion. Players can team up as either Klowns or humans, choosing from a variety of character classes, to explore an expansive, ever-changing map with creepy surprises waiting around every corner.

https://youtu.be/gpefErBBfXo

Developed by Teravision Games, this playfully panic-inducing action experience faithfully recreates the atmosphere of the iconic movie and aims to stir up the asymmetrical multiplayer horror genre in multiple ways. The game is being developed as a live-service title, with multiple content updates planned for post-launch, and is expected to release in 2023 on Steam, PlayStation®5, Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation®4 and Xbox One.