Author - Jerry Paxton

Razer Unveils Updated Death Adder and Basilisk Gaming Mice

2020/01/14
Jerry Paxton
Geek News, News, Peripherals News

IRVINE, USA – Razer™, the leading global lifestyle brand for gamers, today announced the launch of the Razer DeathAdder V2, the latest iteration of Razer’s best-selling mouse, and the Razer Basilisk V2, Razer’s highly customizable gaming mouse, both upgraded and refreshed with the latest in Razer’s industry-leading mouse technology.

Since its initial launch, the Razer DeathAdder has consistently raised the bar for gaming mice, with over 30 variations on the iconic design which, as of 2019, has sold more than 10 million units worldwide. Retaining its signature design and class-leading ergonomics, the Razer DeathAdder V2 now features Razer’s Focus+ Optical Sensor, Optical Mouse Switches and Razer™ Speedflex Cable; making the DeathAdder V2 an essential weapon in any gamer’s arsenal.

“Razer has always strived for perfection with every product we make, and we’ve continually fine-tuned and honed the DeathAdder over the years,” said Alvin Cheung, Senior Vice President of Razer’s Peripherals Business Unit. “With the DeathAdder V2, we’ve taken the most iconic gaming mouse on the market and improved it even further, to give gamers the ultimate weapon and honor the DeathAdder’s reputation of being ‘the unfair advantage’.”

Iconic ergonomic design, shaped to perfection

Designed specifically for medium to large hands, the DeathAdder’s unique ergonomic shape is perfectly suited for palm grip users and works well with claw grip styles. Going beyond conventional office ergonomics, the optimized design also provides greater comfort for gaming with reduced stress on your hands, eliminating unnecessary finger drag points.

The DeathAdder V2 is further improved beyond just tweaks to the shape. The mouse is equipped with a new sweat-resistant coating and rubberized side grips for better control. The DeathAdder V2’s refined scroll wheel is also perfectly-tuned for distinct, notched scrolling at a lower resistance. All of this is achieved within a sleek, 82g lightweight design for the best gaming experience.

Gaming at the speed of light

At the heart of the DeathAdder V2 is the Razer Focus+ Optical Sensor, boasting the highest sensor specifications in the market and further enhanced with new intelligent functions. With the new Smart Tracking, Asymmetric Cut-off and Motion Sync features, the Focus+ optical sensor makes the DeathAdder V2 an incredibly precise gaming mouse – critical when pixel-perfect aim could be the difference between winning or losing.

The DeathAdder V2 is fitted with Razer’s Optical Mouse Switches, which use infrared light beams to actuate clicks, completely eliminating the risk of any unintended double-clicks. With a faster, reliable response time on every click, the DeathAdder V2 becomes a true extension of a gamer. Ultra-fast and durable, these Optical Mouse Switches are built to last for 70 million clicks.

The Razer DeathAdder V2 also sports the highly flexible Razer™ Speedflex Cable. With the new, low-drag Razer™ Speedflex Cable covering, gamers will experience less friction and snagging along the normal pinch-points, minimizing desktop and ‘edge drag’ to make large unhindered swipes and snag free movements.

Weaponized for greater performance

The DeathAdder V2 sports 8 programmable buttons, all fully customizable via Razer Synapse 3, giving you quick access to macros and secondary functions through Razer HyperShift. Accessible through Razer’s Synapse 3 companion software, HyperShift allows gamers to assign secondary functions to any button, activated by a user-defined shift key or button – no more fumbling awkwardly for a key out of reach.

The DeathAdder V2 now also features Advanced On-board Memory, with room for up to 5 profiles saved onto the mouse, allowing users to access their personalized settings anywhere, anytime. Razer Chroma™ RGB support lets gamers personalize their preferred color scheme and synchronize the DeathAdder V2 with other Razer Chroma™ enabled devices.

ABOUT THE RAZER DEATHADDER V2

  • True 20,000 DPI Focus+ optical sensor
  • Up to 650 inches per second (IPS) / 50 G acceleration / industry best 99.6% resolution accuracy
  • Razer™ Optical Mouse Switches rated for 70 million clicks
  • Improved ergonomic design with ultra-durable rubber side grips
  • Large 100% PTFE mouse feet (0.8mm thick).
  • Gaming-grade tactile scroll wheel
  • On-The-Fly Sensitivity Adjustment (Default stages: 400/800/1600/2400/3200)
  • Hybrid Cloud storage and on-board memory (4+1 profiles)
  • Razer Chroma™ RGB lighting with true 16.8 million customizable color options
  • Eight independently programmable Hyperesponse buttons
  • Advanced Lift-off/Landing distance customization
  • Razer Synapse 3 enabled
  • 2.1 m / 7 ft Speedflex cable
  • Approximate size: 127.0 mm / 5 in (Length) x 61.7 mm / 2.43 in (Grip Width) x 42.7 mm / 1.68 in (Height)
  • Approximate weight: 82 g / 2.9 oz (Excluding cable)
  • Compatible with Xbox One for basic input

PRICE & AVAILABILITY

$69.99 USD / 79.99€ MSRP

Razer.com and authorized retailers – 14th January 2020

PLAY IT YOUR WAY WITH THE RAZER BASILISK V2

Also announced today is the Razer Basilisk V2, enjoying many of the same upgrades as the DeathAdder V2 while retaining all the customizable features distinct to the Basilisk family. Equipped with the same advanced technologies as the DeathAdder V2, the Basilisk V2 features 11 programmable buttons including the acclaimed multi-function paddle and customizable scroll wheel resistance, making it an excellent choice for gamers looking to personalize their mouse.

Total customization for total domination

Now upgraded with 11 programmable buttons, gamers can enjoy greater flexibility of assigning either simple keymaps, item hotkeys, spells or any other in-game commands that they require. With Hypershift technology enabled, gamers can double the number of customizable controls at their disposal.

For players that demand complete control of every aspect of their mouse, the Basilisk V2 offers a customizable scroll wheel resistance, where users can fine tune to suit their preferred level of tactility, from high resistance with plenty of detent feedback to a smooth, virtually friction-free spin, making the Basilisk V2 a truly personalized weapon of choice.

And to ensure that accuracy and responsiveness isn’t limited by movement, the Basilisk V2 is fitted with 100% PTFE mouse feet for a smoother glide and the Razer™ Speedflex Cable for fast, accurate swipes with smooth, snag free movement.

ABOUT THE RAZER BASILISK V2

  • True 20,000 DPI Focus+ optical sensor with 99.6% resolution accuracy
  • Up to 650 inches per second (IPS) / 50 G acceleration
  • Advanced Lift-off/Landing distance customization
  • Eleven independently programmable buttons
  • Replaceable multi-function paddle
  • Razer™ Optical Mouse Switches rated for 70M clicks
  • Ergonomic right-handed design with textured side-grips.
  • Gaming-grade tactile scroll wheel with infinitely customizable resistance
  • On-The-Fly Sensitivity Adjustment (Default stages: 800/1800/4000/9000/20000)
  • Hybrid On-board and Cloud Storage (4+1 profiles)
  • Razer Synapse 3 enabled
  • 2.1 m / 7 ft Speedflex cable
  • Approximate size: 130mm / 5.11 in (Length) x 60mm / 2.36 in (Grip Width) x 42mm / 1.65 in (Height)
  • Approximate weight: 92 g / 3.3 oz (Excluding cable)

PRICE & AVAILABILITY

$79.99 USD / 89.99€ MSRP

Razer.com and authorized retailers – 14th January 2020

Knott’s Announces PEANUTS Celebration 2020

2020/01/13
Jerry Paxton
Geek News, News

Buena Park, Calif. –The Knott’s PEANUTS Celebration invites guests to step into the iconic world of Charles M. Schulz comic strips as the characters take over the entire theme park with special activities for everyone including a brand new stage show, HAPPINESS IS. The PEANUTS-themed celebration will take place on weekends beginning January 25th through March 1st, plus select dates. The limited time event welcomes fans of all ages to join in on the excitement with family-friendly options for guests to play and interact with the PEANUTS Gang throughout the park. The celebration includes interactive character experiences, new festive PEANUTS inspired décor, vibrant comic strip photo opportunities including a never-before-seen photo backdrop in Camp Snoopy, live shows, festive merchandise, and all-new themed seasonal food offerings.

The celebration features plenty of surprises hidden around every corner. One-of-a-kind photo opportunities will be available throughout the park allowing guests to step inside a PEANUTS comic strip for a unique and shareable memory. The vibrant décor include full-size comic strip props like Charlie Brown’s kites and his renowned thought bubbles which will adorn the park’s pathways. Guests will have the chance to meet with the beloved PEANUTS characters throughout the day as the characters appear at unexpected locations for personal interactions.

At the Calico Mine Stage the PEANUTS characters will be debuting a brand new musical surprise for guests. During the day Join Charlie Brown, Snoopy, Peppermint Patty and Linus in HAPPINESS IS.., along with their friends as they play, dance, sing and laugh through a medley of popular songs about fun, laughter and the true bonds of friendship. The new show teaches a lesson of self-discovery, being proud of friends and the differences that make everyone special.  At nightfall, the stage will transform into a musical extravaganza as the park hosts Woodstock’s Musical Festival. The musical event features the Peanuts Gang joined by the family-friendly indie band The Jelly of the Month Club, performing a high energy rock concert for the whole family.

In Fiesta Village guests will uncover an experience that is guaranteed to make everyone dance with, Discoteca de Silencio, also known as a silent disco. The fun will begin with guests strapping on a set of headphones and enjoying some upbeat tunes. The party will be hosted by Snoopy’s brother Spike. It’s the most fun guests can experience while being quiet.

Camp Snoopy Theater hosts the Space Beagle show featuring Charlie Brown and Lucy, as the world’s most famous beagle becomes the first dog on the moon. It’s out of this world fun for the whole family.  Also in Camp Snoopy, the Grand Sierra Railroad invites kids to celebrate with the PEANUTS Gang as they head to the Beagle Bonanza in this fun ride overlay.

The PEANUTS inspired festivities will also be offered at the Bird Cage Theatre as the park offers an experience that gives both the young and the young at heart a lesson on how to draw their favorite PEANUTS characters. The PEANUTS Sketch School will include our resident art teacher who will provide step by step instructions on how to draw the perfect PEANUTS masterpiece. At Calico’s Town Hall, a new family-friendly, inspired PEANUTS exhibit will be open for guests to experience. Organized by the Charles M. Schulz Museum, the Pigskin PEANUTS Exhibit chronicles the enduring cultural legacy of the PEANUTS characters through its football-themed storylines.  It also traces the origins of the most iconic PEANUTS gag, Lucy pulling away the football from Charlie Brown.

Franklin and Linus are on a Western escapade as they transform into cowboys in the PEANUTS Cowboy Jamboree at Calico Park. The boys are looking to challenge guests with some of the rootiniest, tootinest games in Calico. Also in Ghost Town, everyone’s favorite messy pal, Pigpen will be joining the rest of the PEANUTS Gang as he hosts a special meetup at the Livery Stables with some of his favorite animal friends. The celebration also adds a special overlay to one of the park’s tallest attractions.  Sky Cabin will be donning a festive overlay as an homage to the smallest member of the PEANUTS Gang, by transforming into Woodstock’s Bird’s-Eye View. Guests will be seated on Woodstock’s nest as the loveable yellow bird takes those aboard on a breathtaking journey above the entire PEANUTS Celebration.

On Sunday, February 2nd, Knott’s will be celebrating good ol’ Charlie Brown during the Knott’s PEANUTS celebration. For Charlie Brown day the park will invite guests to show some love to everyone’s favorite blockhead, Charlie Brown by hosting with the largest gathering of Charlie Browns in one picture.  To show Charlie just how special he is attendees will be encouraged to pay homage to Charlie Brown by sporting his signature bright yellow zig-zag striped tee, black shorts, and red baseball cap outfit.  At a designated time all guests dressed as Charlie Brown will be invited to gather at the Calico Mine stage for a once in a lifetime photo opportunity as a crowd of Charlie Browns poses alongside the boy of the hour.

The best way to enjoy every weekend of the all-new Knott’s PEANUTS Celebration and the upcoming 100th Anniversary Celebration, the Knott’s Family Reunion is with a 2020 Season Pass

A Regular Season Pass includes unlimited admission in 2020 to Knott’s Berry Farm with no blackout dates, and a Gold Season Pass includes unlimited admission in 2020 to both Knott’s Berry Farm and Knott’s Soak City Waterpark with no blackout dates. Regular passes are just $101 or six easy payments of $13.50 after an initial payment and Gold Passes are $125 or six easy payments of just $17.00 after an initial payment. These offers end April 19, 2020. Applicable taxes and fees apply. Payment plans are only available at knotts.com.

For more information about Knott’s Berry Farm please visit knotts.com or download the Knott’s Berry Farm app for your smart phone. For all current Knott’s PEANUTS Celebration assets please visit the event’s electronic press kit.  Join the conversation using the hashtag #KnottsPeanutsCelebration

New Critical Role D&D Sourcebook Announced

2020/01/13
Jerry Paxton
Book News, Geek News, News

RENTON, WA – January 13, 2020 – When Critical Role debuted in March 2015, no one predicted the success of a Dungeons & Dragons liveplay show starring prominent voice actors. Not only has the show inspired a vast fan community of “Critters” to create fan art, cosplay, and even musicals based on Critical Role’s adventures, but the stories crafted by Matthew Mercer and his friends have encouraged droves of new players to try D&D for the first time. The D&D Team at Wizards of the Coast is excited to officially collaborate with Mercer by publishing a brand new tabletop roleplaying book detailing the continent explored in the second campaign of Critical Role, complete with player options such as subclasses, magic items, and more. Explorer’s Guide to Wildemount will be available in stores everywhere on March 17, 2020!

“Critical Role is a great example of why Dungeons & Dragons has been popular for over 45 years: a group of friends getting together, telling stories, and making each other laugh. In this case, the friends are talented performers playing live on camera, but the fun’s the same. We’re thrilled D&D fans and Critters alike can now enjoy playing in Matt’s world, as brought to fifth edition in this lovingly-crafted book,” said Nathan Stewart, VP of Franchise for Dungeons & Dragons.

“I’m sincerely so honored and excited to be working directly with Chris Perkins and this team of talented D&D writers and designers to bring this book to not just our community, but to D&D players everywhere,” said Matthew Mercer, Chief Creative Officer and Dungeon Master of Critical Role, as well as lead writer on the guide. “Dungeons & Dragons has had such a massive, positive impact on nearly my entire life, and I am ever inspired by the endless creativity I see it spark in so many others across the world. To have been able to work with Wizards of the Coast to bring my world to life as an official campaign book is nothing short of surreal. I can’t wait to see what other DMs and players create within my world to make it their own!”

The 304-page Explorer’s Guide to Wildemount invites DMs to start playing in any of Wildemount’s regions using introductory adventures, dozens of story-inspiring plot seeds, and the new heroic chronicle system. Adventurers can also expect to discover countless secrets revealed by Critical Role Dungeon Master Matthew Mercer for the first time. Players and DMs will find new character options available for play in any campaign, like the Echo Knight fighter subclass, spells of dunamancy, numerous new monsters, and more!

For more information about Explorer’s Guide to Wildemount and Dungeons & Dragons, please go to dungeonsanddragons.com.

Garmin Instinct Tactical Edition Watch Review (Tech)

2020/01/10
Jerry Paxton
Action Sports, Airsoft News, Articles, Geek News, News, Reviews, seal of excellence, Tech News, Tech Review

Garmin’s line of Instinct smartwatches bridge the gap for those individuals wanting some smartwatch functionality while also keeping more standard watch functions – functions, such as, not having to charge it every single day. This hybrid approach, coupled with an inherent build heartiness, make the Garmin Instinct a rugged travel companion. Garmin has taken the Instinct even further with its Tactical Edition. The Garmin Instinct Tactical takes the Instinct’s featureset and marries it to some of the tactical options found in the high-end Garmin Fenix line of wearables.

The Garmin Instinct Tactical, of course, has the standard Instinct specs. Things like activity tracking (with over 25 activities available), GPS tracking (with GLONASS and Galileo support), and GPX course support. It also features Garmin’s TracBack ability. TracBack is a feature that allows the user to return along a traveled path or route without marking any waypoints on the device. As per Garmin’s official specs for TracBack, “The Instinct will store a tracklog or “electronic breadcrumb trail” as it moves. The device will look at hundreds or thousands of tracklog points. It will take the 30 most significant and turn them into a route to get back to the starting point”.

What’s new in the Instinct Tactical Edition? The Tactical adds a number of enhancements. The Instinct Tactical Edition is constructed to military standards (MIL-STD-810G) for thermal, shock and water resistance (rated to 100 meters). The Instinct Tactical Edition includes multiple features specific to tactical operations including Jumpmaster and tactical preloaded activities, projected waypoints, dual-position GPS formatting, and night-vision compatibility. It also has what Garmin calls stealth mode. When operating in stealth mode, GPS location position is visible on device; however, locations are not saved to device memory or shared. This allows for training functionality in areas with location security concerns without revealing the location in the event a device is physically captured or if the recorded activities are shared. Stealth mode also quickly disables all wireless communication to and from the device.

I got the chance to use the Garmin Instinct Tactical Edition over the course of a couple months and had literally NO bad experience or cons with the device. It performs without fail and provides just the right amount of flexibility in its smartwatch/watch functionality. In terms of battery life, the Garmin Instinct (Tactical or standard) features three different battery life ratings. Garmin claims that the Instinct has 14 days battery life in regular watch mode (no GPS enabled), and 16 hours in GPS-on mode. It also claims 40 hours in GPS-on mode with UltraTrac enabled. I tested this and found the claims to be, more or less, accurate, which means you have a lot of options in terms of just how often you want to plug the watch in to recharge.

Overall, the Garmin Instinct Tactical Edition is an outstanding smartwatch for adventurers looking to explore the world. It will also make for a perfect companion to those people needing more tactical options. The Garmin Instinct Tactical Edition retails for $299.99 and is available now.

Universal Studios Hollywood Unveils Lunar New Year 2020 Event

2020/01/09
Jerry Paxton
Geek News, News

Universal City, CA, January 9, 2020 — Universal Studios Hollywood ushers in the “Year of the Rat,” the first of the Chinese zodiac animals, as the theme park celebrates with the Lunar New Year event from Thursday, January 23 through Sunday, February 9. Lunar New Year is included in the price of admission to the theme park.

This spectacular themed Lunar New Year event will take place within Universal Plaza, located at the heart of the theme park. Under a curtain of traditional red Chinese lanterns and stunning plum blossom Wishing Trees, the festivities will come to life as guests discover the 12 zodiac animal signs accompanied by their symbolic attributes. Guests with birthday years that correspond with the “Year of the Rat” are said to be intelligent, witty and charming.

The immersive event will feature Po and Tigress from the thrilling “Kung Fu Panda Adventure” attraction who will greet guests and pose for engaging photos; Mr. Ping’s Noodle Shop returns by popular demand to serve up delicious culture-themed food, and Mr. Ping himself will be on hand to interact with guests and take memorable souvenir photos. Guests can learn how to draw Po and take home the drawing as a keepsake memento and, on select days, community cultural performances featuring traditional lion dances will round out the program.

Beloved global pop icon Hello Kitty, created by the lifestyle brand Sanrio, further complements this year’s Lunar New Year celebration when she steps out in style wearing her signature red bow and specially designed Lunar New Year attire. Hello Kitty will be available to meet guests at the Hello Kitty Shop located within the Animation Studio Store.

Keeping with Universal Studios Hollywood’s Lunar New Year tradition, MEGATRON from the TRANSFORMERS franchise will be speaking Mandarin while interacting with guests at the entry of the festivities. The imposing robot leader of the DECEPTICONS will engage attendees in real-time conversation reflective of his persona and will be sure to entertain TRANSFORMERS fans visiting the park.  MEGATRON is one of the stars of Universal Studios Hollywood’s thrill ride, “Transformers™: The Ride-3D.”

Illumination Entertainment’s Minions from the theme park’s popular Despicable Me Minion Mayhem ride will add to the festivities, entertaining guests in their brightly colored traditional Lunar New Year attire.

The world-famous Studio Tour is available in Mandarin at select times throughout the day. Featuring expertly-trained Mandarin-speaking tour guides, the experience provides insight into the world of movie-making magic as guests enjoy behind-the-scenes access to one of the largest production studios in the world. In-language park maps are also available for guests.

Guests can continue their Lunar New Year celebration at Universal CityWalk’s Dongpo Kitchen restaurant which features upscale and modern Sichuan cuisine. Inspired by China’s premier restaurant Meizhou Dongpo, Dongpo Kitchen offers the comforts of a casual dining environment with both indoor and al fresco seating and caters to an eclectic palate with a variety of signature dishes.

More information is available at www.UniversalStudiosHollywood.com. Mandarin-speaking guests can learn more about the Lunar New Year event at www.ush.cn.

Monster Hunter World: Iceborne Expansion Available on PC

2020/01/09
Jerry Paxton
Geek News, News, Screenshots / Photos, Windows PC News

January 9, 2020 – Gear up, PC hunters! Monster Hunter World: Iceborne, the critically acclaimed massive expansion to Capcom’s best-selling Monster Hunter: World, is now available globally for PC players on Steam. Also currently available on PlayStation®4 and the Xbox One family of devices, including Xbox One X, Iceborne builds on every aspect of Monster Hunter: World by offering an enormous amount of new content. Featuring a new storyline, Iceborne hunters can explore an icy new locale called Hoarfrost Reach, which progressively expands to become the largest region in the game thus far and is home to the mysterious new Elder Dragon Velkhana. Players face off against a multitude of challenging new monsters and fierce subspecies variations, while utilizing exciting new gameplay mechanics that offer increased depth to the combat system.

The expansion amps up every aspect of Monster Hunter: World including a higher difficulty rank, called Master Rank. Hunters must have completed the main story in Monster Hunter: World through Hunter Rank 16 in order to access Master Rank and the new Iceborne content. To help hunters along their journey, new gameplay features have been added, including the new Clutch Claw mechanic and updates to all 14 weapon types. Other new “series first” gameplay features include a two-player balanced difficulty scale, the ability to ride small monsters to traverse maps and a Hunter Helper player incentive to encourage more experienced Master Rank hunters to help Low and High Rank players progress through the World game. Also, for hunters who have yet to complete the story from Monster Hunter: World, free Defender Weapons and a Guardian Armor set help them progress through the main story in order to get to Iceborne.

The PC version of Iceborne includes features such as a high resolution texture pack, customizable graphical settings, DirectX 12 support, plus optimization for FidelityFX CAS and upscaling. Additionally, mouse-and-keyboard controls have been revamped across the board to better suit the new actions and abilities on PC. To celebrate the launch of Iceborne on PC, two different item packs offering free consumable items are being offered as login bonuses to PC hunters. The first item pack is being provided to all PC players and the second pack is only available for players who purchased Iceborne on PC. Both item packs are available for a limited time and can be claimed by logging in between now and February 5th. More info on the PC version of Iceborne can be found at the Monster Hunter World: Iceborne website.

As with previous series iterations, Iceborne will include a robust amount of free post-launch support, with the first PC title updates planned for early February and March. Title updates for Iceborne on PC are planned to align with the console update release schedule in the future. More details on the upcoming post-launch content will be shared on January 18, 2020 US time.

For existing owners, the Monster Hunter World: Iceborne expansion is available now as a digital download for MSRP $39.99 / €39.99. A Digital Deluxe version, including both the expansion and a Monster Hunter World: Iceborne Deluxe Kit DLC of cosmetic items, is offered for MSRP $49.99 / €49.99. For newcomers, the Monster Hunter World: Iceborne Master Edition containing both the main game and the Iceborne expansion can be purchased digitally for MSRP $59.99 / €59.99. The Monster Hunter: World base game is required to play Iceborne.

Creative Labs Unveils SXFI Carrier Soundbar at CES 2020

2020/01/08
Jerry Paxton
CES, Geek News, News, Tech News

SINGAPORE – 6 January, 2020 – Creative Technology will be previewing at CES 2020 the Creative SXFI CARRIER, a home theater soundbar jointly developed with Dolby Laboratories. Combining the cutting-edge competencies of both companies in audio engineering, design, and surround sound technologies, The SXFI CARRIER has redefined the performance limits of what a compact soundbar can achieve.

First-of-its-kind Dolby Atmos® Speaker System (DASS) Soundbar

The audio quality of compact soundbars is typically compromised by its smaller footprint which limits their ability to create an expansive soundstage. SXFI CARRIER, despite measuring just 880 mm in length, delivers breathtaking, moving audio from a soundbar based on a custom Dolby design for a first-of-its-kind DASS soundbar.

“We are thrilled to have partnered with Creative to bring this first-of-its-kind sound bar experience to consumers around the world,” said Mahesh Balakrishnan, Vice President, Dolby Laboratories. “Consumers will be able to enjoy a breathtaking Dolby Atmos experience through an innovative acoustic design developed by Dolby, which is unheard of from such a small compact form factor.”

The SXFI CARRIER carries on from the engineering marvel of Creative’s award-winning soundbar, the X-Fi Sonic Carrier, dubbed by industry experts as ‘the soundbar of the gods’. The development of the SXFI CARRIER involved meticulously arranging the acoustic concepts to achieve a pristine, unadulterated, and powerful acoustic performance that sings the prowess of a home theater system in an incredibly compact form factor. The finishing touch is a powerful 10-inch wireless subwoofer, which serves to maximize the full potential of a compelling soundbar solution.

First Soundbar with Super X-Fi®

The SXFI Carrier breaks yet another dimension by being the world’s first soundbar with Super X-Fi Headphone Holography – that swept 15 best-of awards at CES 2019. Super X-Fi recreates the soundstage of a surround speaker system in headphones, and personalizes it with Artificial Intelligence for a natural listening experience. Users will be able to experience this through SXFI CARRIER’s headphone output, and enjoy cinematic audio as if they were listening in speaker mode; a feature that is especially useful when watching late-night movies.

Beyond this, the SXFI CARRIER will also feature a versatile connectivity profile, including Bluetooth, USB-C and USB-A ports, a HDMI eARC port for uncompressed and lossless HD audio, and two HDMI 2.1 inputs, which will allow rich sound and high-resolution picture quality to pass through from an 8K video source.

“The SXFI CARRIER is the result of a defining collaboration between Dolby and ourselves, which has broken through so many boundaries and realized so many possibilities of what a compact soundbar can achieve, which of course was only possible with the full dedication and commitment from both teams. With this, SXFI CARRIER is able to achieve the same audio signature as the Sonic Carrier, at half the size and at a fraction of the price. Moreover, with Super X-Fi Headphone Holography, users can enjoy the definitive Dolby Atmos experience through headphones as well,” said Sim Wong Hoo, CEO of Creative.

Pricing and Availability

The SXFI Carrier is slated to be launched in Q2 2020 and will be priced attractively under USD1,000.

It is being showcased at the Creative suite at CES 2020, located at the Venetian, Veronese Meeting Room 2504 from 7-10 January, 2020.

Elgato and Corsair Bring New Products to CES 2020

2020/01/07
Jerry Paxton
CES, Geek News, News, Peripherals News, Tech News

CES 2020, LAS VEGAS, NV, January 6th, 2020 – Elgato, the leading provider of hardware and software for content creators, today announced the launch of both Elgato 4K60 S+, a cutting-edge external 4K60 HDR10 capture solution capable of standalone SD card recording, and Elgato Key Light Air, a compact model of the wildly popular Key Light LED panel. Elgato’s parent company CORSAIR also announced the K95 RGB PLATINUM XT mechanical gaming keyboard – the first keyboard to integrate Elgato Stream Deck software, enabling powerful instant control of streaming apps and devices at just the press of a key.

4K60 S+ debuts as Elgato’s most powerful external capture device yet. In addition to USB 3.0 connectivity for live streaming via a PC, 4K60 S+ features a memory card slot to record gorgeous 4K60 HDR10 gameplay directly to an SD card without the need for a connected computer. Onboard HEVC encoding keeps file sizes manageable, while true zero-lag passthrough displays high-fidelity Xbox One X and PS4 Pro games in their original format for an uninterrupted, authentic gaming experience.

When connected to a PC, 4K60 S+ records unlimited footage directly to a hard drive and takes advantage of versatile Elgato software features such as Flashback Recording to easily save gameplay retroactively and Live Commentary to record microphone audio as a separate track. Compatible with leading PC broadcasting software such as OBS Studio, 4K60 S+ is the most complete external capture solution for recording high-fidelity console footage in 4K60 HDR10 quality, with or without a computer.

Following the success of Elgato Key Light, launched at CES 2019, Key Light Air offers the same powerful customizable LED studio lighting in a compact form factor that fits effortlessly into any setup. Equipped with 80 premium OSRAM LEDs and multi-layer diffusion technology, the edge-lit LED panel outputs 1,400 lumens and a wide range of warm to cold color temperatures between 2,900-7,000K. A free app available on iOS, Android, Windows, and Mac enables wireless control of Key Light Air, making it easy to turn on/off, dim, and adjust on the fly. Key Light Air mounts using a telescopic pole attached to a compact, freestanding base, or via Elgato Multi Mount (not included), while Stream Deck compatibility enables seamless studio integration.

The result of close collaboration between the engineers at both Elgato and CORSAIR, the K95 RGB PLATINUM XT is the first keyboard to leverage both Elgato Stream Deck software and CORSAIR iCUE software out of the box. Fully equipped with all the features that made the original K95 RGB PLATINUM one of the most awarded mechanical keyboards on the market, such as dynamic per-key RGB backlighting with an iconic 19-zone LightEdge, a durable brushed aluminum frame, and 100% CHERRY MX mechanical keyswitches, the K95 RGB PLATINUM XT ups the ante with several key upgrades.

With Elgato Stream Deck software, users can program custom streaming commands onto the K95 RGB PLATINUM XT’s dedicated macro keys, just as they would for the Stream Deck broadcast controller. The keyboard comes with an alternate set of blue S-key keycaps for the macro keys to visually denote streaming commands, and the remaining keys feature ultra-durable PBT double-shot keycaps. The K95 RGB PLATINUM XT provides plush comfort with a cushioned leatherette detachable palm rest, and is available with three different types of keyswitches: CHERRY MX Brown and SPEED Silver – both now guaranteed for 100 million keystrokes – or standard CHERRY MX Blue keyswitches.

With versatile hardware from both Elgato and CORSAIR opening up new possibilities for both console and PC streaming, it’s already an exciting new year for content creators.

Availability, Warranty and Pricing

Elgato 4K60 S+, Key Light Air, and the CORSAIR K95 RGB PLATINUM XT are available immediately from the Elgato and CORSAIR worldwide network of authorized retailers and distributors.

The CORSAIR K95 RGB PLATINUM XT is only available in North American (NA), British (UK), Nordic (ND), or Chinese (CN) layouts.

Elgato 4K60 S+, Key Light Air, and the CORSAIR K95 RGB PLATINUM XT are backed by a two-year warranty and the CORSAIR & Elgato worldwide customer service and technical support network.

For up-to-date pricing of all newly released Elgato and CORSAIR products, please refer to the Elgato website or contact your local CORSAIR/Elgato sales or PR representative.

Web Pages

For more information on 4K60 S+, please visit:

https://www.elgato.com/game-capture-4k60-s-plus

For more information on Key Light Air, please visit:

https://www.elgato.com/key-light-air

For more information on the K95 RGB PLATINUM XT, please visit:

https://www.corsair.com/k95-xt-gaming-keyboard

Razer Unveils New Products for CES 2020

2020/01/07
Jerry Paxton
CES, Geek News, Hardware News, News, Tech News

LAS VEGAS (CES 2020) – Razer™, the leading global lifestyle brand for gamers, today announces the new Razer Kishi universal mobile gaming controllers, the Razer Sila 5G Home Router, the Razer Tomahawk Gaming Desktop, and a new Razer Eracing Simulator concept created in collaboration with several game publishers and technology vendors.

At Razer’s CES booth (#21000), visitors are invited to enjoy a dedicated cloud gaming experience zone including a preview of NVIDIA’s GeForce NOW cloud gaming, check out Razer’s industry-leading gaming systems including the new modular, ultra-compact gaming desktop, and participate in a three-lap challenge on the Razer Eracing Simulator.

For more details about Razer’s CES 2020 highlights, please read on.

PAVING THE WAY FOR HIGH-PERFORMANCE CLOUD GAMING

As the undisputed innovation leader in gaming hardware, software and services, Razer is looking to get players ready for the future of cloud and mobile gaming. With a view to creating a unique ecosystem of high-performance input devices and infrastructure solutions, the company introduces the Razer Kishi, a universal cloud-gaming compatible controller for iOS and Android phones, and the Razer Sila 5G Home Router, the first gaming-focused 5G router.

The Razer Kishi universal mobile gaming controllers support low latency gameplay on either Android or iOS devices. Building on the compact ergonomic form of the Razer Junglecat which primarily targeted Razer Phone 2 owners, Razer’s new Kishi cloud-compatible controllers provide clickable analog controls and thumbsticks on both sides of the phone with a universal fit created in partnership with Gamevice for compatibility with most smartphones.

Ultra-low latency native and cloud game control is now delivered through a hidden USB-C or Apple Lightning® connection, and pass-through charging ports on the Kishi allow for device charging during game play. The Kishi for Android offers support for most Android or iOS games that are compatible with mobile controllers, including both native titles and cloud services.

“Razer is excited to strengthen its collaboration with NVIDIA by joining their GeForce NOW Recommended program,” said Jason Schwartz, Head of Mobile Gaming at Razer. “GeForce NOW is PC gaming in the cloud, transforming underpowered or incompatible hardware into a powerful GeForce gaming PC. Razer mobile gaming controllers are perfect complementary devices to enhance this type of gameplay which we are pleased to feature here at the Razer CES booth.”

The Razer Kishi mobile controllers (for Android or iOS) will be available in early 2020.

Razer’s Sila 5G Home Router concept is a high-speed networking device tailored for gamers to offer ultra-low latency during both stationary and mobile gameplay, featuring Razer’s proprietary FasTrack engine. A built-in rechargeable battery also adds capability as a mobile 5G hotspot for impromptu, latency-free tournaments wherever you go.

Razer’s FasTrack engine is an intelligent, continuously adaptive QoS (quality of service) feature that prioritizes bandwidth for applications and devices for high-speed gaming & streaming. A unique Gaming Mode allows for online gameplay with no interruptions.

The Razer Sila 5G Home Router lets users prioritize between client hardware, such as Xbox or desktop PC, and is designed to optimize cloud gaming services. Additionally, a manual indicator will notify users when the priority has changed so that they’re always in-the-know.

The router can be easily controlled through the available Android or iOS apps with the option to prioritize individual apps or games, or alternatively, to prioritize the categories of those apps. The accompanying app allows users quick and easy control of guest networks, to set security protocols, or adjust device priorities.

REDEFINING COMPACT GAMING SYSTEMS

In partnership with Intel®, Razer introduces the Razer Tomahawk Gaming Desktop – the first truly modular desktop system utilizing the new ultra-compact Razer Tomahawk N1 chassis.

A perfect fit for the Intel® NUC 9 Extreme Compute Element, the Razer Tomahawk N1 is a sleek, compact desktop chassis with an advanced modular layout, infusing Razer’s minimalistic design language into a gaming chassis to create a one-of-a-kind desktop case, capable of achieving high clock speeds and framerates without the bulk of a full-sized desktop.

The Razer Tomahawk N1’s all-aluminum body is flanked by tempered glass on both sides, highlighting the vertically mounted GPU in all its glory, with an open vent design at the top to maintain cooling performance. The rear features a lock-and-slide sled mechanism that opens with minimal effort, allowing for quick access to internal components without the need for tools.

The Razer Tomahawk Gaming Desktop will feature up to an Intel® Core-i9 processor, 64GB of DDR4 RAM, and NVIDIA™ GeForce RTX™ 2080 Super graphics. Both the RAM and SSD modules on the NUC card will be upgradeable as well as the fans, GPU and NUC itself, to satisfy the needs of the most demanding gamers, streamers, and content creators alike.

The Razer Tomahawk Gaming Desktop will be available in the first half of 2020. The Tomahawk N1 case will be available as a standalone product for hardware-savvy PC enthusiasts looking to build their own compact yet powerful gaming PCs.

With the increasing need for processing power in next-gen games and an ever demanding user base, Razer will also launch the next generation of Razer Blade gaming laptops later this year. Featuring the latest 10th Gen Intel® Core™ H-Series Processors to meet those expectations, they will pack up to 300Hz refresh rate panels, powerful graphics processors, and optimized designs to stay ahead of the game.

TAKING POLE POSITION IN NEW ERACING ESPORTS CATEGORY

For the Razer Eracing Simulator concept, Razer brought together some of the leading companies in sim racing to deliver the most immersive racing experience to date, offering a preview and demo of the future of competitive eracing. Running Project CARS Pro, the concept model features technology from Vesaro, Simpit, Fanatec and Synthesis VR, creating a thrilling and immersive eracing setup with a 202-degree projection system, a hydraulic racing platform, full manual controls, and a steering wheel with paddle shift.

The simulator chassis is built with an ultra-strong hand-crafted center core designed around an advanced modular upgrade system, allowing for many simulation scenarios. The center core sits on a motion platform powered by two actuators and a gaming control box for a professional racing training setup that maps terrain surfaces, G-force and sounds into motion for a completely immersive experience. Real surround visuals provided by Simpit come from two Full-HD projectors beaming onto a 128-inch custom black projection surface with 202-degree field-of-view with vibrant colors and deep blacks.

Driver controls from Fanatec feature an anodized aluminum and carbon fiber steering wheel sheathed in smooth leather, magnetic paddles and adjustable buttons for gear shifting and precise driver aide, paired to a three-pedal system below. The racing harness simulates the effects of G-forces by applying pressure, allowing the body to feel the fast acceleration speeds and tightest corners.

“The competitive eracing scene is an untapped but growing sector of esports for which Razer has brought a new innovation, making the games more enjoyable, more immersive and more exciting for fans,” says David Tse, Global Esports Director at Razer. “We are ready to invest resources into growing this area of competition.”

“We are very excited to be working alongside Razer as they enter the racing esports space at CES 2020; combining one of our professional grade systems with Razer’s racing sim effort, we can’t wait to see how this will push virtual racing further into the mainstream spotlight and take the sport to the next level,” says Nevil Slade, CEO & Designer for Vesaro.

Razer will continue to develop and build the ultimate eracing simulator, rallying together the best hardware and software technology companies in the industry. Razer will also invest in eracing competitions and leagues in the near future.

ABOUT THE RAZER KISHI MOBILE GAMING CONTROLLERS

  • USB-C or Apple Lightning™ connection
  • Android smartphones: Samsung Galaxy S8/S8+/S9/S9+/S10e/S10/S10+/Note 8/Note 9/Note 10/Note 10+, Google Pixel 2/2 XL/3/3XL/4/4XL, and other Android 7.0 Nougat or higher devices
  • iOS Smartphones: iPhone 11/11 Pro/11 Pro Max, iPhone XR/XS/XS Max, iPhone X, iPhone 8/8 Plus, iPhone 7/7 Plus, iPhone 6s/6s Plus, iPhone 6 / 6 Plus
  • Pass through charging
  • Latency-free connectivity

ABOUT THE RAZER SILA 5G HOME ROUTER

  • Qualcomm SDX55 + Hawkeye IPQ8072A
  • 5G NR (Sub-6 and mmWave), and 4G LTE
  • Wi-Fi 6 802.11ax 4×4
  • 1 x 2.5Gbps WAN, 4 x 1Gbps LAN, 1 x USB 3.0 port
  • 1 x SIM slot

Mesh Node Specifications

  • Qualcomm Atheros IPQ6000
  • Wi-Fi 6 11ax 2×2
  • 1 x 1Gbps WAN, 4 x 1Gbps LAN, 1 x USB 3.0 port

ABOUT THE RAZER TOMAHAWK GAMING DESKTOP

Intel NUC

  • Up to Intel 9th Gen i9 8-Core CPU
  • Up to 64GB DDR4
  • Dual M.2 SSD Slots
  • Wi-Fi 6

Graphics

  • NVIDIA® GeForce RTX™ 20 Series, Support for full-length PCI graphics cards

Design

  • Toolless design
  • Compact footprint
  • Open vents for efficient cooling

Ports

  • 2x Thunderbolt 3, 2x 1G Ethernet, 2x HDMI 2.0A, 6x USB 3.2 Gen 2

Creative Labs to Unveil Super X-Fi Gen 2 at CES 2020

2020/01/07
Jerry Paxton
CES, Geek News, News, Tech News

SINGAPORE – 2 January, 2020 – A year on after sweeping 15 best-of-CES awards with its breakthrough Super X-Fi Headphone Holography, Creative Technology will be unveiling the all-new Super X-Fi Gen2 audio profile, which features key improvements to provide users with a more natural headphone audio experience than ever before.

Unprecedented Realism in Headphones

Super X-Fi recreates the soundstage of a high-end surround speaker system in headphones, and personalizes it with Artificial Intelligence (AI) for a natural listening experience. Since its worldwide launch at CES 2019, users and critics have been blown away by the realism of personalized audio, which is tailored according to their anthropometric profiles.

“At the beginning, our user profile base was in the range of tens of thousands. Over the past year, riding on the successful launch of Super X-Fi, we have accumulated hundreds of thousands of user profiles. This significant jump in real-world data has provided us with the capacity for more research, and importantly, it has enabled us to train the Super X-Fi AI engine to be even more accurate in personalizing the audio experience for our users. This was key in our development of the Super X-Fi Gen2 profile,” said Lee Teck Chee, Vice-President of Technology at Creative and inventor of Super X-Fi.

Super X-Fi Gen2 incorporates other important enhancements as well, including the preservation of more details in the surround sound configuration, along with higher positioning accuracy. Audio fidelity is improved, resulting in a clearer sound signature. This translates to more pristine audio across a broader range of content, and a much higher level of enjoyment for users overall. For movies, dialogue becomes clearer, and audio cue positioning is more precise, with an enhanced bass performance. This is also better across various genres of music, as the improved restoration of details moves users closer to a studio environment.

For gaming, the Super X-Fi experience is improved across a broad range of game types, with better perception of distance and position. Furthermore, Creative will be showcasing at CES 2020 a special gaming sound profile designed for first-person-shooter games in a preview of the SXFI GAMER headset.

The benefits of the new Super X-Fi Gen2 profile do not end there. With its new approach in design methodology, power consumption becomes more efficient. For instance, the SXFI AIR headphone will gain more than 10% of battery life.

The Super X-Fi Gen2 profile will be implemented on all existing user profiles worldwide during CES 2020, and users just need to perform simple firmware updates on their products, and download their new profiles through the SXFI APP to experience the all-new holographic audio.

Lee added – “Super X-Fi Gen2 is the new fruit of our unrelenting research for audio excellence. Also, while Gen2 is the best sound profile we have, we are constantly looking into developing the next higher standard. Gen3 is already on the horizon.”