Author - Jerry Paxton

Razer Unveils Project Christine Modular PC at CES

2014/01/08
Jerry Paxton
CES, Hardware News, News, Tech News

christine

LAS VEGAS (CES 2014) – Razer, the world leader in entertainment devices and software, today announced a concept of what promises to be the world’s most modular gaming system, Project Christine.

RZR_Christine_1RGB

The PC has traditionally been one of the most open platforms in all of technology. However, given the technical complexities of PC hardware, only the most hardcore enthusiasts have been able to take advantage of this openness to build, customize and continuously upgrade their PC desktop systems.  The tremendous promise of the PC has remained underexploited by the vast majority of general consumers for more than 30 years, largely due to the convoluted hardware – knowing what does what, what works with what, and how to connect the pieces.

Project Christine is a revolutionary new concept design that will change the way users view PCs. It will allow any user to build and customize his or her PC in any configuration without any prior technical knowledge. Further, as new upgrades come to the market, the same PC can be easily and quickly upgraded without additional technical assistance and without the fear of incompatibility or obsolescence.

Project Christine’s modular design allows users to easily build their PCs by allowing them to select and install modules on-the-fly, whether it’s a CPU, GPU, or memory and storage configuration. The PCI-Express architecture of Project Christine automatically syncs components. Need more graphics processing power or storage? Easy – a user can slot-in additional graphics modules and add more storage by either swapping-out the existing storage drives or adding more modules. Equally exciting, Project Christine is able to run multiple operating systems that the user may require.

RZR_Christine_2RGB

The modularity of Project Christine make it perpetually customizable, offering plug-and-play upgradability as new and improved technology evolves, ostensibly eliminating the need to replace entire systems. Modules connected to the PCI-Express backbone can be added in any order or combination, featuring up to quad-SLI graphics, multiple SSD and RAID storage components, I/O and even power supplies, ensuring maximum flexibility.

The cable-less design of each sealed module is entirely self-contained and features active liquid cooling and noise cancelation, which allows Razer to factory overclock components without voiding warranties, safely and quietly.  The system also features a touch-screen LED display that indicates control and maintenance information.

“Project Christine is a new concept design that will revolutionize the way users view the traditional PC. This is the first gaming system that is able to keep pace with technology and could allow consumers to never buy another PC, or gaming system, again,” says Min-Liang Tan, Razer co-founder, CEO and creative director. “We have a history of bringing incredibly innovative concept systems to market and it’s fair to say that Project Christine is a very exciting new prospect for future development.”

RZR_Christine_4RGB

For more information, check out www.razerzone.com.

Product features: 

  •          Fully modular design for perpetual, cable-less customization
  •          PCI-Express architecture
  •          Open operating system platform
  •          Factory overclocked components
  •          Self-contained modules with active liquid cooling and noise cancelation
  •          Quad SLI capable
  •          SSD + RAID 5 HDD Array
  •          LED touchscreen control display

For more information about Project Christine, please visit www.razerzone.com/christine.

Mad Catz Unveils R.A.T. TE Gaming Mouse for PC and Mac

2014/01/08
Jerry Paxton
CES, News, Peripherals News

pgalleryRAT_TE_2

San Diego – January 7, 2014 – Mad Catz Interactive, Inc. (“Mad Catz”) (NYSE MKT/TSX: MCZ) announced today the R.A.T.TE(Tournament Edition), a new mouse designed for the professional and competitive gaming community.

Expected to ship early 2014 for PC and Mac, the R.A.T.TE has been designed to appeal to the e-sports professional.  With a newly developed Phillips® Doppler-laser sensor, the R.A.T.TE provides reference quality tracking with speeds up to 8200 DPI.

Each feature of the R.A.T.TE has been engineered for mobility, performance and precision. Weight has been reduced to decrease inertia; speed and resolution have been radically improved for faster reaction times, and programmable button mapping has been optimized for popular e-sports games.  In addition, customizable attributes such as ‘Lift-Off’ height calibration and dynamic surface detection have been added to create the ideal mouse for professional gamers.

“We launched our original R.A.T. line of gaming mice four years ago, and we’re pleased to continue expanding this highly successful range with the announcement of the Tournament Edition model,” said Darren Richardson, the President and Chief Executive Officer of Mad Catz.  “The R.A.T.TE is another example of our ongoing commitment to building high performance hardware for the passionate gaming community.”

SEGA Unveils Alien: Isolation

2014/01/08
Jerry Paxton
News, PlayStation 3 News, PlayStation 4 News, Trailers / Videos, Windows PC News, Xbox 360 News, Xbox One News

isolation

SAN FRANCISCO & LONDON – Jan. 7, 2014 – SEGA® of America, Inc., SEGA® Europe, Ltd. and Twentieth Century Fox Consumer Products today announced Alien: Isolation™, a thrilling first-person survival horror experience that will focus on capturing the horror and tension evoked by Ridley Scott’s 1979 classic film. Developed by Creative Assembly, Alien: Isolation is due for release in late 2014 on PlayStation®4 computer entertainment system, Xbox One, the all-in-one games and entertainment system from Microsoft, PlayStation®3 computer entertainment system, Xbox 360 games and entertainment system from Microsoft and Windows PC.

On a decommissioned trading station in the fringes of space, fear and panic have gripped the inhabitants. Players find themselves in an atmosphere of constant dread and mortal danger as an unpredictable, ruthless Xenomorph is stalking and killing deep in the shadows. Underpowered and underprepared, you must scavenge resources, improvise solutions and use your wits, not just to succeed in your mission, but to simply stay alive.

“In Alien: Isolation, we have taken the series back to the roots of Ridley Scott’s 1979 movie, the original survival horror,” said Alistair Hope, Creative Lead at Creative Assembly. “Our Alien is a truly terrifying creature, as intelligent as he is hostile, relentless, brutal and unstoppable. This is the Alien game fans of the series have always wanted.”

“Creative Assembly has created a truly incredible gaming experience, capturing perfectly the very core of what has made the Alien franchise remain relevant after 35 years,” said Jeffrey Godsick, president of Twentieth Century Fox Consumer Products. “This partnership has led to the creation of a game that is simply outstanding and sets the tone for what is to come this year for the 35th anniversary of Alien.

Alien: Isolation will be available in late 2014 for PlayStation®4 system, Xbox One, PlayStation®3 system,  Xbox 360 and Windows PC. Throughout 2014, Twentieth Century Fox Consumer Products will be honoring the milestone 35th anniversary with a yearlong celebration marking the beginnings of the Alien legacy by releasing commemorative and fan-favorite products.

For more information and to keep ahead with the latest news, find us at www.alienisolation.com, follow us on facebook.com/alienisolation and join the conversation on twitter.com/alienisolation.

Developer Diary

About Alien: Isolation

It’s one of the most storied film franchises in history with a rich legacy in gaming and today SEGA announces it will return to its Alien roots with the release of Alien: Isolation. This thrilling first-person survival horror experience will focus on capturing the tension evoked by Ridley Scott’s 1979 classic film in this edge-of-your seat adaptation 

Developed by Creative Assembly, creator of the award-winning Total War strategy series, Alien: Isolation pits players against the deadliest killer in the Universe 15 years after the events of Alien™. Set in an atmosphere of constant dread and mortal danger, the game focuses on Ellen Ripley’s daughter, Amanda, who enters a desperate battle for survival as she tries to unravel the truth behind her mother’s disappearance.

As Amanda, you will navigate through an increasingly volatile world as you find yourself confronted on all sides by a panicked, desperate population and an unpredictable, ruthless Alien. Underpowered and underprepared, you must scavenge resources, improvise solutions and use your wits, not just to succeed in your mission, but to simply stay alive.

More information on the game can be found below my signature along with a link to assets within the press release.  There was an error in reporting earlier today about a feature of the game stating multiplayer and co-op features for Alien: Isolation. There will be no help, no solace, no escape from the Universe’s deadliest killer. Please let us know if you’d like to discuss further.

Signal Announces RP One iOS 7 Game Controller

2014/01/07
Jerry Paxton
CES, Mobile News, News, Peripherals News

signal-controller

LAS VEGAS- January 7, 2014– SIGNAL™, a new brand focused on design and performance, is providing CES attendees with an exclusive preview of the RP One wireless game controller concept. Designed for compatibility with all iOS 7 devices, the RP One is a Bluetooth enabled wireless controller that delivers a console-quality experience in terms of playability and performance.

“We are at the dawn of the next major era of gaming,” says SIGNAL Director of Business Development & Channel Marketing, Mark Prince. “The RP One is our invitation to the future. Gamers want to experience their favorite titles anywhere, anytime, without limitation, and the RP One enables them to do it. It is the first full-scale controller designed specifically for the iPad, iPhone, and iPod touch.”

The RP One delivers all the performance advantages of a “pro style” game controller. The lightweight controller features an ergonomic design for a wide range of hand sizes, comfort for extended gaming sessions, precision triggers, buttons, and d-pad; as well as highly accurate and responsive joysticks.

Included with every RP One is a universal stand for iPhone/iPad/iPod touch that is compatible with most covers and cases, and a high quality charge cable. Because the RP One connects wirelessly, users can charge and play both the controller and their iOS device at the same time- resulting in virtually unlimited play time. When playing on the go, the RP One’s built-in lithium ion battery provides up to 10 hours of continuous play.

The RP One will be available in the first half of 2014 for $99.99 SRP. The controller will be compatible with all iOS 7 devices, which presently includes the iPad (2nd/3rd/4th gen), iPad Air, iPad mini, iPhone 5/S, iPhone 5C, iPod touch v5, and iPhone 4/S.

Additional products SIGNAL will unveil at CES include: OnGo, a line of portable power solutions featuring 2.4 amp USB ports to quickly charge power hungry mobile devices, including tablets. Powerstation 5, a high performance charger able to juice up to five USB devices simultaneously via 2.4 amp ports. And InConcert Pro, a premium wireless speaker that pairs with, charges, and holds most mobile devices. All products are available for personal demos at Booth #6006 at the 2014 Consumer Electronics Show.

About SIGNAL

SIGNAL’s mission is to deliver performance and design-driven consumer electronics and accessories, with a focus on mobility. Founded in 2013, SIGNAL creates innovative power, audio, and gaming accessories for today’s leading mobile devices. The SIGNALteam includes leading hardware and software developers with extensive MFi partnership experience, backed by management with a history of success in consumer electronics. To lean more please visit www.signal-usa.com.

Tiffen Unveils Steadicam Curve for GoPro Cameras at CES

2014/01/07
Jerry Paxton
CES, News, Tech News

Steadicam-Curve

Las Vegas, NV – January 7, 2014 – The Tiffen Company, a leading manufacturer of award-winning digital imaging accessories, today announced the availability of its new Steadicam® CURVE™ for GoPro® HERO® camera stabilizer system.

Making its official launch at CES 2014 in Tiffen booth 9143, which is located right next to the GoPro booth in Central Hall, Steadicam CURVE for GoPro HERO is a stealth camera stabilizing system from the Academy Award-winning Steadicam family of products. Designed for action-packed, one-handed GoPro HERO camera shoots, Steadicam CURVE weighs in at a mere half-pound. Its compact form factor gives GoPro HERO users the freedom to shoot shake-free video using Steadicam’s legendary stabilization technology with clever options to lock the camera to frame, using it as a handgrip for rock-solid performance on the wildest of adventures. The compact handle folds up small enough to fit in a pants pocket.

“At Tiffen, every product we manufacture has one single purpose – to help create the world’s greatest images. We have held this steadfast focus for more than 75 years and the commitment has translated into innovative products that pioneer new paths in image making, delivering outstanding value and performance for both consumers and professionals,” says Steve Tiffen, President and CEO, The Tiffen Company. “Steadicam CURVE for GoPro HERO is the perfect example of this philosophy: the same award-winning technology used in Hollywood is at the very heart of the CURVE™ system, giving the GoPro community a product that can take their impressive videos to the next level. And GoPro HERO users couldn’t be more excited. These action sports enthusiasts are shooting some of the world’s most amazing material, and thanks to the Steadicam CURVE for GoPro HERO, those wild moments are captured with a steady hand.”

The groundbreaking development from Steadicam, which was announced earlier this year, has already gained industry recognition for its one-of-a-kind design. In July, Steadicam CURVE for GoPro HERO received Dealerscope’s CE Week Line Show 2013 Best in Show Premier Product award in the Digital Imaging category. In choosing the winners, Dealerscope Editor-in-Chief Jeff O’Heir chose winners based on unique product design, quality build, exceptional user experience, and practical and sensible features, among other criteria. This past November, CURVE™ also earned an honorable mention from NewBay Media for its Product Innovation Awards, which recognizes excellence in manufacturing, praising some of the industry’s most innovative new products that serve TV, professional video and broadcast/online radio users.

Pricing and Availability
Steadicam CURVE for GoPro Hero is available today for 99.95 USD. Steadiam CURVE for GoPro HERO is designed specifically for use with GoPro® HERO®, GoPro® HERO® 2, GoPro® HERO® 3 and GoPro® HERO 3+ cameras (LCD BacPac® or LCD Touch BacPac® required).

EVGA Unveils the TORQ X10 Gaming Mouse at CES

2014/01/07
Jerry Paxton
CES, News, Peripherals News

torq

January 7th, 2014 – Introducing the EVGA TORQ X10 gaming mouse. Built with the highest quality materials including a real carbon fiber surface, this mouse was designed from the ground up to satisfy the needs of the hardcore gamer with a high quality laser sensor that provides up to 8200 DPI, an adjustable weight system, nine programmable buttons and a unique sizing system that allows you to adjust the height and the length of the body.

EVGA are experts in the computer hardware and enthusiast/gaming segments with over 14 years of experience. We listen to our loyal and enthusiastic community and often design products that are desired by them. Over the years, you can see this in our award winninggraphics cards, power supplies, motherboards, chassis and overclocking accessories to name a few.

Over the past year, EVGA has been focused on developing a brand new gaming mouse – the EVGA TORQ X10 Carbon. Designed with the highest possible build quality, it is the first EVGA gaming input device that brings our hardware and software expertise to a whole new category.

This mouse was designed from the ground up to be unlike anything you have ever seen on the market. We used the ultimate in quality components including a REAL Carbon Fiber surface and the highest quality Omron switches with a lifespan of over 20 million clicks. We didn’t stop there though. We also included a full metal base that provides solid construction, an Avago 9800 laser sensor providing up to 8200DPI with 1000Hz polling rate, a 6FT silver coated USB cable, and much more.

EVGA TORQ X10 FEATURES:

  • Ambidextrous grip supporting left and right handed gamers.
  • Moveable mechanism allows for proper support of various hand sizes.
  • Avago 9800 laser provides up to 8200 DPI with up to 1000Hz polling rate.
  • Highest quality Omron switches with a lifespan of over 20 million clicks.
  • Supports up to 9 programmable buttons.
  • Fully customizable RGB LED.
  • Built in 512KB memory for profile storage.
  • Metal base provides solid construction.
  • Weight control system allowing you to customize the weight to your liking.
  • 6ft silver coated USB cable with braided surface.

Learn more at:  www.evga.com/torq

 

Element Case and Hogue Collaborate on Mil Spec iPhone 5 Cases

2014/01/07
Jerry Paxton
Airsoft News, CES, Mobile News, News

API5-1023-XXHX-9T

January 7, 2013 – CES – Las Vegas, NV – Element Case (www.elementcase.com), the pioneer brand in ultra-premium iPhone cases, has partnered with Hogue, Inc. (www.getgrip.com) – the premier manufacturer of shooting sports and outdoors accessories  – for the first full line of iPhone 5S accessories crafted with genuine Mil-Spec components made in the USA.  Element Case and Hogue will also have their wares on display at Shot Show (www.shotshow.org), the National Shooting Sports Federation and arms industry’s largest annual trade show in Las Vegas on January 14 – 17, 2013, in a special section at the Hogue booth.

Element Case and Hogue have collaborated on a full line of specialty products in limited edition and full scale quantities including the Ion 5, Rogue Black Ops, Sector 5 Black Ops Elite and the latest design, the unique Ronin G10 – combining Hogue’s proprietary and patent-pending G10/ G-Mascus composite materials – with Element Case’s renowned CNC-Machined Aluminum components. Element Case will also utilize Hogue’s proprietary TPU polymer grips material — renowned for its tactile and shock-absorbing qualities.

Offering unique features including composite back plates, side rails and other components utilizing proprietary mil-spec materials, Element Case’s Hogue line offers both affordable and high-end options – all with the same caliber and quality of manufacturing, originality and style.

The full line of products from these unique manufacturers – both renowned for market-leading design, materials sourcing, top-quality domestic manufacturing and unrivaled authenticity – brings a new line of innovative products to the iPhone accessories industry unlike anything else available on the market.

Debuting the full line at CES 2014 the Element Case’s Hogue line retail price spans $50 to $200 and is available online at www.hoguestore.com or www.elementcase.com.

“Partnering with Hogue for the first line of mil-spec cases speaks to Element Case’s unyielding quest to find unique, category-leading partners for phone accessories a world away from the everyday retail case,” said Jeff Sasaki, CEO & Founder of Element Case. “Developing a full line of products across multiple Element Case product families gives customers a wide array of selections and price points to choose from.”

“Element Case has the perfect brand ethos and image for Hogue’s philosophy and design quality,” said Hogue, Inc. “We are proud to feature their unique line of product designs booth at Shot Show and beyond.”

Valve Unveils First Generation Steam Machines at CES

2014/01/06
Jerry Paxton
CES, News, Tech News

steam-mach-alien-ware

January 6, 2014 – Valve, creators of best-selling game franchises (such as Counter-Strike, Dota 2, Half-Life, Left 4 Dead, Portal, and Team Fortress) and leading technologies (such as Steam and Source), today announced over one dozen Steam Machine designs now in production from leading manufacturers and targeted for release in 2014.

The lineup of Steam Machines announced today offers a wide variety of price and performance options made possible by the Steam Machine’s open design, with systems starting as low as $499 and top end systems rivaling today’s bleeding edge gaming PCs.

Every Steam Machine includes an innovative Steam Controller designed for use with a wide variety of game genres, and is powered by the SteamOS, a custom OS built atop Linux.

“The first generation Steam Machines offers something for every gamer, which is a critical part of extending Steam into the living room,” said Gabe Newell of Valve. “With over 3,000 games and more than 65 million gamers on Steam, it’s important to offer gamers a variety of Steam Machines that allow them to select what makes the most sense for them.”

Announced earlier this year, Steam Machines are new entertainment systems targeted for use in the living room and leveraging Steam, the popular online platform for gaming and software with over 65 million accounts worldwide.

The makers of first generation Steam Machines are:

  • Alienware
  • Alternate
  • CyberPowerPC
  • Digital Storm
  • Falcon NW
  • GigaByte
  • iBuyPower
  • Maingear
  • Material.net
  • Next Spa
  • Origin PC
  • Scan
  • Webhallen
  • Zotac

For more information, please visit www.steampowered.com.

BenQ Introduces Two New G-Sync Monitors at CES

2014/01/06
Jerry Paxton
CES, News, Tech News

BenQ_XL2720G

LAS VEGAS, 2014 International CES — Jan. 6, 2014 — BenQ America Corp., a globally renowned LED and gaming monitor expert, today announced the unveiling of two new gaming monitors at this year’s International CES. Featuring NVIDIA’s G-Sync technology, the company’s new XL2420G and XL2720G displays eliminate performance issues related to image tearing, stuttering, and latency — providing gamers with the ultimate in smooth, fast-action play. The monitors come equipped with BenQ’s RevolutionEyes™ technology, helping users take a turn for the better by providing the comfort needed for exceptional monitor performance during competitive play.

“Our new line of G-Sync gaming monitors confirms BenQ’s commitment to making the market’s most advanced technologies available to today’s avid gaming community,” said Bob Wudeck, Associate Vice President, Strategy and Business Development for BenQ America Corp. “Equipped with three new gaming modes powered by G-Sync technology, our innovative XL monitors feature seamless graphic card synchronization for the smoothest picture quality possible. The monitors also come pre-loaded with BenQ’s RevolutionEyes technology featuring ZeroFlicker, Black Equalizer, and Low Blue Light capabilities — providing competitive players with the critical performance tools needed for edging out their opponents.”

Based on BenQ’s market-changing XL gaming monitor series, the new XL2420G and XL2720G displays add three new G-Sync gaming modes to further augment the gaming experience: the G-Sync Mode for smooth, low-latency gaming; Low Motion Blur Mode for CRT-like sharpness of moving objects; and a full-featured 3D Vision Mode to create more lifelike on-screen action. By synchronizing the displays’ refresh rate to the graphic cards’ GPU, G-Sync technology eliminates screen tearing for better graphic integrity, minimizes stutter for smoother gaming, and reduces input lag for seamless, low-latency gaming responses. The result is scenes that display instantly, sharper object resolutions, and smoother overall gameplay. 

To increase visual comfort, the 24-inch (XL2420G) and 27-inch (XL2720G) displays feature BenQ’s new RevolutionEyes technology. Including ZeroFlicker™ capabilities, the monitors eliminate traditional LED flicker issues to support eSports enthusiasts in longer gaming sessions by providing more comfort during competitive action. The RevolutionEyes monitors also feature BenQ’s Black eQualizer, which enables total gaming visibility by allowing players to adjust brightness without over-exposing white levels, revealing critical combat details with improved visibility in darkened areas. The duo also brings an ultra-fast 144Hz refresh rate and GTG response time for faster pixel rates — giving players complete control over their gaming experience.

For even more gaming comfort, the display duo is equipped with Low Blue Light technology. Designed to manage the exposure of blue spectrum light, the monitors help gamers protect their eyes during extended periods by providing several adjustable low blue light levels that automatically adjust emission without affecting picture quality. For setup flexibility, the monitors are fully height-adjustable and feature an intuitive on-screen user interface.

BenQ’s new XL2420G and XL2720G G-Sync monitors are expected to ship in Q1 2014. More information on BenQ’s full line of gaming monitors is available at www.BenQ.us.