Author - Jerry Paxton

Swann Launches SwannSecure All-in-One Wi-Fi Video Monitoring System

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Santa Fe Springs, Calif. – (April 17, 2014) – Swann Security, an industry leader with more than 25 years of security monitoring experience, announces the SwannSecure™ All-in-One Wi-Fi Video Monitoring System. The newly introduced surveillance system offers not only a quick and easy do-it-yourself security solution, but also day and night HD quality video that is accessible remotely from mobile devices and tablets.

The SwannSecure system offers a powerful 720P high definition camera, capable of recording up to a distance of 50 feet/15 meters and producing high quality images both in daylight and at night using its IR cut filter. In addition to clarity, the camera features a built-in microphone allowing users the opportunity to both see and hear what is going on while they’re away from their homes or businesses. For added security, the camera’s cable is thread through the vandal resistant stand to prevent intruders from cutting it. The cord is not exposed to the elements, offering the versatility for indoor or outdoor usage.

“We are continuously listening to consumer feedback and developing new products based on those needs,” says Jeremy Stewart, Swann’s VP Global Marketing. “More and more, people want to take home security into their own hands, whether it’s setting up their own security systems or checking on their homes or businesses whenever and wherever they want. SwannSecure provides these advantages while also pushing them to their limits for a truly exceptional product.”

Viewing live-feed is easy via the 7” touch screen Wi-Fi monitor/recorder, which offers a widescreen format. For checking video on-the-go, users can watch the feed using the free SwannLink™ app, compatible with Android devices, iPhone and iPad.

SwannLink connectivity uses peer-to-peer technology, a new method of connecting to the internet using the SwannLink server in the cloud and a product ID number. Each SwannSecure system includes a unique QR code and ID number, and once scanned; the QR code checks the ID number on the server to confirm the owner’s username and password. It then connects the user directly to the SwannSecure using a secure 128-bit encrypted connection.

The system’s motion triggered video recording capability means users can extend recording for longer periods of time. The system includes an 8GB micro SD card (memory is expandable up to 64GB) that saves video feeds. A mini HDMI port allows users to view live or recorded HD video on their HDTV or LCD monitor and also connects to a hard drive for an easy back-up option.

The SwannSecure retails for $379.99 at B&H, Fry’s Electronics online.

Knott’s Berry Farm Mine Ride Sneak Peek and Camp Snoopy Media Event

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This morning, we were invited to Knott’s Berry Farm to check out some of the upcoming additions and rennovations being performed on both the venerable Calico Mine Ride attraction and the park’s “Camp Snoopy” street area.

While touring the Calico Mine Ride, we were fortunate to be witness to the first test of the attraction’s steam effects system. Why is this a big deal? Well, the ride was originally intended to feature steam rising from the various vents throughout the “mountain” but those systems eventually broke down and were not replaced… Until now. The ride has not seen steam used in this way for about 20 years! Check out the video of the first steam test below as well as images from our tour of the new Camp Snoopy – which, is still partially under construction

The Calico Mine Ride was created by legendary ride designer Bud Hurlbut back in 1960 while Camp Snoopy joined Knott’s Berry Farm in 1983. The upgrades to both the mine ride and Camp Snoopy are looking to be completed around Summer time, but that date is somewhat fluid given the dynamic nature of the construction projects.

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Styx: Master of Shadows New Trailer and Screenshots

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Cyanide Studio and Focus Home Interactive have released a new trailer and set of screenshots for their upcoming stealth RPG, Styx: Master of Shadows.

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World of Tanks Update 9.0 Will Release on April 17

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April 16, 2014 — Wargaming today announced that Update 9.0: New Frontiers for World of Tanks will release in North America on April 17, 2014.

This addition kicks off Wargaming’s plans for a massive visual overhaul for World of Tanks throughout 2014, featuring enhanced graphics for all battle arenas, tanks and in-game objects, high definition models for ten armored vehicles, and an all new Historical Battles game mode.

In New Frontiers, the American M4 Sherman, Soviet T-54, and German Tiger I are among the first ten iconic tanks to be revamped with high definition models and textures. New physics functions including blow-off turrets upon explosion of the ammo rack, and realistic suspension behavior in the HD models, create a more realistic environment allowing players to delve deeper into tank battles.

The new Historical Battles game mode pits enemies against each other in some of World War II’s most legendary tank encounters. Tankers will command historically-outfitted vehicles and relive three of history’s iconic battles: Operation Spring Awakening, the Battle of Kursk, and the Ardennes Breakthrough.

For more information about World of Tanks and to download the award-winning, free-to-play action MMO, visit:

War Thunder Update 1.39 Goes Live

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(MOSCOW, RUSSIAN FEDERATION) – April 16, 2014 – Gaijin Entertainment has announced that update 1.39 for their WWII MMO mega-hit War Thunder is live. This major update is a milestone for Gaijin Entertainment as they release several new features including the support for user generated content, squadron battles, the addition of even more planes, and early access to Ground Forces Expansion.

War Thunder now supports user-generated content and players have access to special downloadable tools.  From now on users are able to create their own planes, from adding the tiny details inside the cockpit to truly personalizing their plane’s skin or creating a completely new model. A quick-check system ensures that newly created planes fit within the game’s parameters before allowing players to use them on local PC in custom missions or share them with the community.

Players can go one-step further in the creative process by using stand-alone maps and missions editor. Players can ingeniously build upon existing maps, using them as a blueprint, or go off on an inspired tangent to devise their own brand of new maps. Players can share as well as test out user-generated content via a special area housed within the War Thunder forum. Click here for instructions: http://wiki.warthunder.com/index.php?title=War_Thunder_CDK

1.39 also offers Squadron Battles – competitive events for player created factions complete with PvP-rating for squadrons, calculated by the Elo system. In addition, update includes an additional 18 new aircraft, changes in the interface and improvements for player progression. Last, but not least, update 1.39 will allow those players who currently possess codes for the Ground Forces Expansion Closed Beta to be the first to play as either a tank or an aircraft 24/7, but not from the very start. Gaijin Entertainment will slowly implement Ground Forces Expansion into the update to ensure seamless gameplay.

The new mission called Battle of Kursk is based on a real life historic engagement that took place July – August 1943 where the Soviets defeated the German strategic offensive, thereby turning the tide on the Eastern Front. In the game, Kursk will provide players with AI-tanks, field artillery and planes fighting alongside real players.

For more information on the update: http://warthunder.com/en/game/changelog

Respawn and EA Dish On Next Steps for Titanfall

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Looks like the folks at EA and Respawn Entertainment are not resting on their laurels with the success of their online shooter, Titanfall. Instead, they have posted up an entry on the game’s official site detailing the game’s next steps. Here are some of the talking points, but be sure to checkout the full post for more info.

Future Updates to Titanfall

• First, we tend the garden and keep the weeds out. The focus here is on the current game, rather than adding new features. One category here would be minor tweaks and fixes, such as our recent adjustments to the Gooser challenge, more generous Hardpoint scoring for attacking players, and weapon balance tweaks to the Titan 40mm and Quad Rocket. Our ongoing improvements to matchmaking also fall into this group. This is all about the core health of the game.

• Next, there are “convenience features” – these are not huge infrastructural pieces, but they will make your life more pleasant in Titanfall, and they tend to be related to things you use or do repeatedly. For example, our most recent update introduced the requested Party Colors feature, allowing you to easily identify fellow party members both in game and in the lobby. The next update will bring more convenience features such as: the ability to rename your custom loadouts and to make custom loadouts specific to each game mode, a way to filter your Challenges by criteria such as ‘closest to complete’, and displaying the final scoreboard from your previous match in the Last Game Summary so you can review the scores at your leisure in the lobby.

• Then there are the “infrastructural features”. One example of this is the recent beta release of Private Match. In future updates, we’ll be bringing you the first wave of custom Private Match options, allowing you to personally tweak your Private Match experience in a variety of ways. Whenever possible, we want to get these kinds of features out early in beta form, in order to get your feedback and arrive at the best possible result through multiple iterations. Competition-oriented and what we call ‘competitive spirit’ features also fall into this category. More on that in future updates.