Author - Jennifer Paxton

AION Classic Europe Celebrating Anniversary Event

2024/04/22

Following the successful launch of AION Classic Europe’s Update 2.7, Rise of the Revenant, which introduced the killer new “Revenant” class exclusive to AION Classic, publisher Gameforge has announced even more exciting new content to come from the nostalgic fantasy MMORPG server.

Today, Gameforge is delighted to officially announce AION Classic Europe’s upcoming first Anniversary celebration, featuring an array of in-game events and exclusive rewards for players. Beginning on April 24 and ending on May 22, this month-long extravaganza invites adventurers to partake in an event filled with gifts, excitement, and rewards.

Additionally, from now until May 8, those joining the ever-growing community during the 1st-anniversary celebrations will be able to claim a free reward as a welcome gift. This special package rewards new players with a host of valuable items, including a coveted seven-day Siel Energy subscription, a character costume, and other useful items for those just starting out. Join now and embark on an epic journey through Atreia with a head start courtesy of the newcomer bundle!

Key Highlights of AION Classic Europe’s Anniversary Event:

1st Anniversary Events: Dive into the festivities with a series of thrilling in-game events, including gift giveaways, boosted experiences, epic battles, and city-wide decorations
Exclusive Rewards: Players can anticipate a cornucopia of exclusive rewards, ranging from Major Ancient Crowns and Divine Serums to Motion Cards and Enchantment Stones
Limited-Time Boosts: Experience increased Abyss Points, boosted Experience Points, and reduced Soul Healer costs during the Anniversary Weekend Boosts from April 25 to April 29
Decorative Celebrations: Sanctum and Pandaemonium will be adorned in celebration of the anniversary, providing players with a red-carpet experience
Special Rewards: As part of the anniversary celebrations, from April 24 to May 8, players can redeem special anniversary login rewards. A new bundle will also become available, and it will include Siel’s Energy (180 days), symbolizing the enduring legacy of AION Classic. Additionally, players will receive a free 1st Anniversary gift, available once per account.

Now is the perfect time to embark on epic adventures and join the ever-growing community of AION Classic Europe. Don’t miss out on this extraordinary opportunity to celebrate the game’s milestone anniversary, and stay tuned for more adventures and challenges in the world of Atreia!

Kingsgrave Out Now

2024/04/22

Jennifer Paxton

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

Arise, mighty monarch, and begin reclaiming your realm! Publisher Alawar and new developer Egg or Chicken Games are thrilled to announce today’s launch of the dark fantasy RPG, Kingsgrave! Together, they have breathed life into the captivating journey of a long-dead monarch tasked with rebuilding a realm that has fallen to ruin. Kingsgrave is now available on Steam for $9.99 USD, with a 10% launch discount until May 1st!

Check out the official launch trailer for a closer look at this soul-stirring adventure:

Kingsgrave is a gloomy 2D RPG inspired by the classics, with puzzles and gated exploration that are approachable yet provide a satisfying challenge. Players will traverse the fractured lands to gain more power and combat skills, slay foes created by plague, solve various puzzles, and rebuild villages along the way.

Ampere Dusk App-Enabled Tint Changing Glasses Review

2024/03/28

Jennifer Paxton

Geek News, News, Reviews, Tech News, Tech Review

Smart sunglasses aren’t entirely new, but Ampere Dusk sunglasses deliver a compelling blend of innovative technology and style. Their core feature—electronically adjustable tint—sets them apart from anything else on the market. Add to that discreet built-in audio, and you have a product that redefines the way we interact with our sunglasses. Imagine sunglasses that seamlessly adjust their tint throughout the day without you ever having to swap pairs. Ampere Dusk makes this a reality. The electrochromic lenses use liquid crystal technology, controlled by either a physical button on the frame or the accompanying app, to change tint levels at lightning speed. With a vast range of tint adjustments, you’ll always have the perfect level of shading, whether facing harsh midday sun or gentler twilight.

Ampere offers both a classic Wayfarer-style frame (Dusk) and a sporty option (Dusk Sport). Regardless of your style preference, both offer a surprisingly lightweight and comfortable fit due to the use of TR90 material. They feel remarkably normal on your face, with no bulky tech hindering the overall experience. The frames are also cleverly designed to conceal the technological magic within.

Hidden within the temples of the Dusk sunglasses are built-in open-ear speakers. They offer surprisingly clear audio while keeping you aware of your environment. From music and podcasts to phone calls, these speakers deliver a seamless audio integration. The integrated microphone allows you to take calls and even interacts smoothly with your phone’s voice assistant. It’s worth noting that, in noisy environments, the sound quality can suffer slightly. Controlling the magic of the Dusk sunglasses is the companion Ampere app. While you can adjust tint with the physical button, the app unlocks the full potential. Here you can fine-tune your shade level precisely, schedule automatic tint changes, and even create custom presets. The app is intuitive and easy to use, enhancing the overall functionality of the sunglasses.

The instant responsiveness of the tint change is a real game-changer. Walking from outside into a dimly lit room? With a quick tap, your sunglasses adapt, keeping your vision clear. Driving into a setting sun? The Dusk sunglasses ensure you’re not blinded, while still offering optimal visibility. While primarily targeted at outdoor activities, the Dusk delivers even in more casual scenarios. Whether taking a walk, relaxing on the beach, or working outdoors, the ability to control your shade makes them incredibly versatile.

There are a few points to consider before investing in Ampere Dusk. Firstly, the price point is higher than standard sunglasses, reflecting the technology packed within. Secondly, the battery life, while decent, isn’t extraordinary. You’ll get an impressive 7 days of standby time for tint control, but expect around 4 hours of continuous audio playback.

Overall Review: 4 out of 5

Ampere Dusk sunglasses are impressive. They push the boundaries of what sunglasses can be. If these features genuinely intrigue you, the Dusk sunglasses make a strong case. These aren’t just another pair of shades; their transformative nature truly enhances how you experience the outdoors.

F-15E Strike Eagle Module for DCS is Now Available for Pre-Order

2023/02/17

Jennifer Paxton

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

Eagle Dynamics is delighted to announce the pre-sale of the F-15E Strike Eagle by RAZBAM. The F-15E is one of the most potent multi-role fighter-bombers ever developed. It first came into service in the mid ‘80s, designed to perform air-to-air and air-to-ground missions. An impressive array of avionics and electronics systems give the F-15E the capability to fight at low or high altitude, day or night, and in all weather.

The Strike Eagle delivered fighter aircrew several first-time capabilities. Its APG-70 radar, based on the very capable APG-63 from the F-15A-D, boasted a synthetic mapping capability that can create pictures of the target based solely on radar imaging. A self-contained, networked electronic warfare suite gives the aircraft excellent self-protection capabilities with enhanced battlespace information being delivered to the ergonomic two seat cockpit layout.

The Low-Altitude Navigation and Targeting Infrared for Night (LANTIRN) allows the aircraft to fly at low altitudes, at night and in all weather conditions to attack ground targets with a variety of precision-guided and unguided weapons. The LANTIRN system, consisting of two pods attached to the exterior of the aircraft, gives the F-15E unequalled weapons delivery accuracy. The Navigation Pod contains a Terrain-Following Radar that allows the pilot to operate at very low altitudes following cues displayed on the heads-up display. This system can also be coupled to the aircraft’s autopilot to provide fully “hands off” capability.

Each of the low-drag Conformal Fuel Tanks adapted to smoothly fit the fuselage can carry 750 gallons of fuel. The tanks hold weapons on short pylons rather than conventional weapon racks, reducing drag and further extending range. For air-to-ground missions, the F-15E can carry most of the weapons in the United States Air Force inventory including AIM-9M Sidewinders and AIM-120C AMRAAM for the air-to-air role. The “E” model also has an internally mounted 20mm gun that can carry up to 500 rounds.

The subject of this study level simulation is the F-15E Strike Eagle Suite 4E+ software installed in Strike Eagles around 2003.

Key Features include:

Advanced Flight Model that provides realistic performance and flight characteristics for the F-15E Strike Eagle with P&W F100-PW-229 engines.
Highly detailed external 3D model and textures for the most accurate F-15E currently available in any simulation software.
Highly detailed and accurate 6 DOF cockpit based on 3D scanned objects with high resolution textures, specular and bump mapping, and mouse-interactive controls.
Detailed and thorough simulation of the AN/APG-70 Radar.
Joint Tactical Information Distribution Systems (JTIDS) datalink.

Pre-Order Here: https://www.digitalcombatsimulator.com/en/shop/modules/strike_eagle/

Sherlock Holmes The Awakened Delayed due to Russia-Ukraine War

2023/02/17

Jennifer Paxton

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

Ukrainian developer Frogwares has made the decision to delay their upcoming game, Sherlock Holmes The Awakened by a few weeks.

While development of the game since April 2022 had always been challenging due to the war, the last 5 months starting in October 2022 have been extremely difficult on the team.

Initially Frogwares was aiming for a late February / early March release window but the relentless strikes on civilian infrastructure in Ukraine have forced the team to work around continual blackouts and redo their entire production pipeline. A delay of a few weeks moving the game into late March / April 2023 was therefore decided by the team.

An update video from the devs showing more of the current situation in Kyiv has been released.

“We had been trying so hard to make our planned release window, but the continual interruptions to power on top of the frequent missile attacks since October meant we had to replan and reschedule almost every month. We’re now at the spot we’re the game is content complete so we need to move into doing final QA, polishing and launch setup. To say we are tired of how much all this has derailed our day to day work since the start of winter is an understatement. But we’re doing our best to push on. Once we feel we are maybe a month away from release, we’ll be able to announce our full release date with an exact day. ” – Sergiy Oganesyan, Head of Publishing, Frogwares – Sergiy Oganesyan, Head of Publishing, Frogwares

The Awakened will be coming to PC, PS4, PS5, XB1, Xbox Series X/S and Nintendo Switch.

Battle Cry of Freedom Update 2.0 Trailer

2023/02/15

Jennifer Paxton

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

Battle Cry of Freedom, the first and third-person American Civil War multiplayer shooter, is about to receive a huge update; the release date for the 2.0 Update is the 9th of March.

The list of new content is long but here are some highlights: cavalry, vehicles, trench warfare, graphic overhaul, new classes, and realistic gore and blood.

What is included in the new 2.0 Update?

The Battle Cry of Freedom 2.0 Update is packed with numerous changes and enhancements to every aspect of the game. Here are some of the most significant features included in the update:

Cavalry: Players can now mount horses and even tow artillery across the battlefield for greater mobility.
Graphic Overhaul: The game’s graphics receive a major upgrade, with improvements to terrain rendering, flora and grass shaders, and reworked post-processing effects for a stunning new look.
Blood & Gore: The 2.0 Update includes a free Blood & Gore DLC that adds a visceral touch to the game with realistic gore and blood.
Vehicles: Players can now operate armored trains, steamboats, and wooden launches, providing new ways to traverse the battlefield.
Trench Warfare: Engineers can now use shovels and pickaxes to dig trenches, adding a new level of strategy to the game.

Other notable additions:

Enhanced Performance: The update delivers improved performance, particularly when there are many players on the screen.
Dynamic Terrain: The fully deformable terrain in the 2.0 Update allows artillery to leave craters in the ground, creating an ever-changing battlefield.
Refined Class System: The class system has been reworked, offering distinct skills and abilities for each class to make gameplay more varied and dynamic.
New Classes: A variety of new character classes, such as the Chaplain and War Correspondent, are introduced to add depth to gameplay.
Brass Band Music: Players can purchase the Brass Music DLC for access to the Brass Band, featuring instruments like the tuba, saxhorn, cornet, bass drum, and trombone.
Expanded Weaponry: A range of new weapons and artillery pieces are included in the update, offering more options for players to tailor their playstyle.
Smarter AI: The AI code has been entirely reworked to provide players with intelligent and challenging opponents.
Original Soundtrack: Players can purchase the game’s original soundtrack, featuring 57 minutes of original music.

X-Plane 12 Review – Come Fly With Me

2023/02/13

Jennifer Paxton

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

Laminar Research has been developing its X-Plane flight simulation product for many years now and the draw to their sim has always been its real-time modeling of airflow over lifting surfaces. If Microsoft’s Flight Simulator has always been the attractive, popular kid in school, X-Plane has been the geeky kid in their room doing calculus and playing tabletop wargames (I was that kid, by the way). With the newest game in the franchise, X-Plane 12, Laminar Research has brought better visuals and gameplay to the fore while retaining its attention to real-time simulation. That being the case, is it any fun and is it worth your hard-earned money? Read on!

X-Plane 12 carries on the tradition of hardcore simulation that its franchise is known for. Both air traffic control and ILS systems are outstanding and you really get a sense of the pilot experience – especially in larger aircraft. The ATC communication menu system works great and features a branching, menu-based system for commands and responses. Plane handling “feel” how you would expect and I loved the immersion that feeling added to my time with the game. I am fortunate to have a full flight yoke, throttle quadrant, and rudder pedal setup to play the game with and I was hooked almost right away. The game includes a large variety of aircraft right outside the box – including helicopters and some special airframes like an F-14D Tomcat and Space Shuttle. I found a new level of Zen in flying its glider though. I didn’t have a lot of experience in glider simulation before but being pulled up into the heavens by a an engine-powered airplane and then cut loose to rise and sink over the earth free of internal combustion was an absolute blast.

I feel the need – the need, for speed!

Visually, X-Plane 12 looks very good. The game is not as photo realistic or as breathtaking as MS Flight Simulator is but it doesn’t need to be – its focus was never on being beautiful. X-Plane 12’s focus is on flight model realism. Despite this, I was not disappointed in the least at how the game looked. Scenery and buildings are automatically generated and, it does a very good job of doing so overall. However, I did note that it didn’t always get it right and buildings sometimes ended up where they probably wouldn’t be in real life. The weather engine is also very good and flying around huge clouds was sometimes awe-inspiring. Also, I love how the rain looks as it pours down the aircraft’s canopy – really cool stuff. X-Plane 12’s audio presentation is great – everything sounds how you think it should I noted no problems in that department. Unfortunately, there were some irritating bugs inhabiting X-Plane 12. I have recently come back to the game and, thankfully, Laminar Research the issues I was having have been done away with. Anecdotally, I am still reading some reviews mentioning them so your mileage may vary as to whether or not you’ll encounter any. I am sure they’ll be patched in the future – Laminar Research stands by its products in that way.

Busy airports

Overall, Laminar Research’s X-Plane 12 is worthy of the franchise and your valuable time and money as an excellent flight simulator. The flight dynamics feel very realistic and and if you are a more serious flight sim pilot, I think you won’t be disappointed in its presentation and game experience. Just be sure to have some patience for any remaining bugs or quirks you might encounter.

Overall Rating: 4 out of 5

Creative Pebble Pro Out Now

2022/11/16

Jennifer Paxton

Geek News, News, Tech News

Creative Technology today launched Creative Pebble Pro, the popular Pebble speaker series’ latest and best addition, which boasts a compelling mix of size-defying audio quality, minimalist elegance in form, and a subtle yet distinctive personable touch of RGB lighting to adorn any desktop setup.

This new 2.0 USB speaker system sees various improvements across its features set, headlined by its audio performance. With revamped full-range drivers, and featuring digital amplifiers with built-in audio processing, which replace analog ones used in previous models the Pebble Pro belies its diminutive form factor with more headroom for louder, clearer audio across the volume range, as well as up to 3.5 times more bass than the previous model Pebble V3.

Two of Creative’s proprietary audio technologies apply further audio shine:

BassFlex – delivers an extended low frequency response and deeper bass across all volume levels, without the need for a subwoofer
Clear Dialog – enhances vocals such that they sound more natural and are easily comprehensible; this is especially helpful when watching movies on the PC

Considering its tiny size, the Pebble Pro’s acoustic power output is capable of reaching a mind-boggling 30W RMS and 60W peak when connected to a 30W PD adaptor*, which unleashes the full potential of its audio competence.

The visual appeal of the Pebble Pro is accentuated by a new RGB lighting feature, tastefully integrated at the bottom of each speaker. Users can take their pick from a wide color spectrum by conveniently dialing the volume knob to set the mood of the day, and illuminate their desktops creatively with 3 lighting effects (Cycle, Pulsate or Solo).

Other features which make the Pebble Pro a must-have desktop accessory:

A wide array of connectivity options that include Bluetooth 5.3 wireless technology, 3.5mm AUX-in port, USB-C port for audio streaming and power
Headphone and microphone ports to transform the Pebble Pro as a convenient communications tool, or for late-night private listening
Series signature 45-degree elevated angle for optimal audio projection to users’ ears
Long wire (1.8m / 5.9 ft) connecting both speakers; offers more flexibility in placement
Long USB-C cable (1.5m / 4.92 ft) for connection to the computer

Pricing and Availability

Creative Pebble Pro is priced at US$59.99 and is available at Creative.com.

For more information, visit www.creative.com/PebblePro.

Elgato Unveils Facecam Pro 4K60 Web Camera for Creators

2022/11/02

Jennifer Paxton

Geek News, News, Tech News, Trailers / Videos

Elgato, a leading provider of hardware and software for content creators, today unveiled Facecam Pro, the first ever webcam to sport 4K capture at 60 frames per second. Boasting a large area Sony sensor, a wide-angle photographic lens with variable focus, a revolutionary image processor, and onboard flash memory, the premium plug-and-play webcam allows creators to produce Ultra High Definition video without the need for an elaborate camera setup. This groundbreaking technology combined with Elgato’s powerful Camera Hub software makes Facecam Pro the new benchmark in the global webcam industry.

Facecam Pro features the studio-grade f/2.0 21 mm Elgato Autofocus Lens, which can also be set manually within a focus range of 10 cm / 4 in. to infinity. A field of view up to 90 degrees allows for wide studio shots or group video calls, while the state-of-the-art, large area 1/1.8″ SONY® STARVIS™ Sensor captures exceptional detail, even when using effects like pan, tilt, and zoom, or when lighting is suboptimal. Rounding off the webcam’s high-end performance is Elgato’s latest image signal processor, a powerhouse of a chip that is responsible for encoding and streaming 4K60 video via USB 3.0 with ultra-low latency – all while facilitating instant light correction, automatic noise reduction, and a slew of other nano-computations that deliver phenomenal video quality in any setting. Even when using apps that do not support 4K60 video input, the processor applies an advanced algorithm that turns raw 4K60 video into 1080p60 video, allowing you to stream better-looking Full HD video than you would with a standard 1080p webcam.

“Last year’s launch of Facecam was our first step in pushing webcam technology and performance forward. Facecam Pro represents a leap,” said Julian Fest, SVP and GM of Elgato. “We didn’t set out to build another webcam. Instead, we set out to pioneer a state-of-the-art camera with plug and play connectivity and incredibly video quality. Alongside our other webcam products – EpocCam, Cam Link 4K, Cam Link Pro, Facecam – we now offer an incredible suite of solutions for content creators, remote workers, even professional broadcasters.”

Elgato once again offers an exemplary software-enhanced user experience in the form of Camera Hub, which gives you DSLR-like control of settings such as field of view, exposure, and white balance. Cinematic PTZ effects – namely pan, tilt, and zoom – can be applied without pixilation thanks to Facecam Pro’s powerful sensor and ISP, while creators with GeForce RTX GPUs can benefit from NVIDIA Broadcast integration, which enables AI-powered effects like background replacement and cinematic background blur. With one mouse click, Camera Hub settings are saved directly to Facecam Pro for instant recall when restarting or switching computers. Like all Elgato software, Camera Hub works with Stream Deck for instant, tactile control of camera settings, and integration with your entire audiovisual setup. The Camera Hub plugin, updated for Facecam Pro and available today on the Stream Deck Store, enables you to trigger preset pan, tilt, and zoom transitions by simply tapping a key on Stream Deck.

Facecam Pro comes with a robust monitor mount that features an industry standard ¼-inch thread for attaching the webcam to Elgato Multi Mount or any compatible tripod. Also included is a USB-C to USB-C cable to get you connected right out of the box.

Whether you’re just getting started or looking to upgrade, Facecam Pro equips you with industry-leading hardware and software to create professional 4K60 video of the highest caliber.

Availability

Elgato Facecam Pro is available immediately from the Elgato and CORSAIR worldwide network of authorized retailers and distributors.

Elgato Facecam Pro is backed by a two-year warranty and the CORSAIR & Elgato worldwide customer service and technical support network.

For up-to-date pricing of Elgato Facecam Pro, please refer to the Elgato website or contact your local CORSAIR/Elgato sales or PR representative.

Web Pages

For more information on Elgato Facecam Pro, please visit:

elgato.com/facecam-pro

Insta360 Launches Link AI Powered 4K Webcam

2022/08/02

Jennifer Paxton

Geek News, News, Tech News, Trailers / Videos

Today marks the beginning of a new chapter for Insta360 as they announced the launch of Insta360 Link, an AI-powered 4K webcam.

Insta360 Link offers the powerful combination of premium image quality with a seamless user experience for business professionals, educators and live streamers. Equipped with 4K resolution and an industry-leading 1/2’’ sensor, Link delivers life-like image quality, detail, and high dynamic range in any lighting conditions. A 3-axis gimbal and built-in AI algorithms enable the webcam to always keep the user in frame and respond to gesture controls. With versatile modes like DeskView and more, Insta360 Link is ready for any kind of remote work.

“Developing Insta360 Link was a natural evolution of our mission to help people share their lives. With the pandemic shifting work to our homes at an unprecedented rate, we saw the opportunity to help people ‘work from home’ better with our expertise in AI image processing. Link’s ultra-precise AI tracking algorithms and premium imaging hardware make communicating remotely more intuitive than ever before,” said JK Liu, Founder of Insta360.

Insta360 Link is available to order from August 2, 2022 via Insta360.com and select retailers.

Premium imaging

Insta360 Link offers best-in-class 4K Ultra HD resolution at 30fps, for online interactions that are true to life, with detail in all the right places. There are several resolutions and frame rates to choose from, as well as full settings customization for brightness, exposure, white balance, and more in the companion Link Controller software.

Link’s 1/2” sensor puts it head and shoulders above many other webcams with similar resolutions. The larger sensor size means it captures far more detail, has a better dynamic range, and stronger low light capabilities. This ensures a consistently perfect image in any room or environment.

A specialized HDR mode is also available to give greater balance between highlights and shadows in the image, ensuring the background isn’t blown out by a nearby window or other light source.

And blurry shots are a thing of the past thanks to True Focus. Link uses Phase Detection Auto Focus (PDAF) and auto exposure technology for near-instant focusing.

Work smarter with AI

“Insta360 Link is as much about the software as the hardware. Insta360 has been a pioneer in developing AI image processing technologies for 360 cameras since 2020, and we’re now bringing that expertise to a wider audience of people with Insta360 Link,” said Max Richter, Vice President of Insta360.

Link’s AI-powered features make life easier for webcam users in a number of ways. The 3-axis gimbal lens uses AI tracking to follow the user’s movement, keeping them perfectly centered at all times. With automatic framing and zooming, there’s no need to manually adjust the camera during a call.

For adjustments from a distance, Link responds instantly to gesture control. Using simple hand gestures, users can enable AI tracking, zoom in and out, and activate other camera modes. No clicks necessary.

Link’s advanced software also enables DeskView Mode, which allows users to quickly toggle between showing their face and their tabletop. Software algorithms level the perspective for easier viewing of documents, perfect for presenting during a video call or working out a math problem.

Specialized modes for improved communication

With so many potential use cases, Link has a series of specialized modes to give users every possible advantage when communicating online:

Whiteboard Mode: Enhance a designated whiteboard area to give students or meeting participants a much clearer view.
Portrait Mode: Live stream with a totally uncropped 9:16 view for optimal mobile viewing and better image quality.
Overhead Mode: Capture precisely level top-down views with Link mounted on a table stand, perfect for unboxing a product or sketching a design.

When you’re done with your call, Link’s lens will automatically point downwards within 10 seconds of inactivity to maintain privacy protection.

Life compatible

From dual noise-canceling mics to block out unwanted interruptions, to easy mounting with a built-in screen clip and 1/4” mount, Link is designed to fit seamlessly into everyday work and life. For video calling, it’s fully compatible with Zoom, Microsoft Teams, Skype, Google Meet, and various other platforms on both macOS and Windows computers.

Available Now

Insta360 Link is available to order from August 2, 2022 via Insta360.com and select retailers. It retails for US$299.99, with the webcam, 4 reusable whiteboard recognition markers, a USB-C cable and USB-C to A adapter included in the box.