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RØDE Unveils Wireless GO II Wireless Mic System

The world’s smallest and first truly wireless microphone has been reborn. Meet the RØDE Wireless GO II, a new ultra-compact and extremely versatile dual channel wireless microphone system. Offering the same pocket-sized form factor and professional sound quality as the best-selling Wireless GO, with a host of incredible new features making it even more powerful and flexible, this is next generation wireless audio from RØDE.

The original Wireless GO, released in 2019, revolutionised audio for content creators. With its innovative form factor, unique clip ‘n’ go versatility, and in-built microphone offering truly wireless recording for the first time, it changed the way creators captured sound for video.

The Wireless GO II offers all of these features and much more, including dual channel recording, universal compatibility with cameras, mobile devices and computers, extended range and improved transmission stability, and on-board recording capabilities. Wireless audio has changed again.

KEY FEATURES OF THE WIRELESS GO II

  • Dual channel wireless microphone system – record two sound sources simultaneously or use as a single channel wireless microphone
  • All-new Series IV 2.4GHz digital transmission with 128-bit encryption – delivers an extended range of up to 200m (line of sight), optimised for extremely stable operation in dense RF environments
  • 3.5mm analog TRS output, USB-C and iOS digital audio output – universal compatibility with cameras, mobile devices and computers
  • On-board recording capability – record over 24 hours of audio direct to each transmitter as a failsafe against dropouts and other audio issues
  • Ability to switch between mono or stereo recording modes – record each channel separately or combine them for ultimate flexibility in post-production
  • Flexible gain control – three-stage pad, expandable to 10-stage pad
  • Safety channel – records a second channel at -20dB as a backup in case the main channel distorts
  • Complete control over all features and functions via the RØDE Central app
  • In-built rechargeable lithium-ion batteries – up to 7 hours battery life, plus a power saver mode
  • Designed and made in RØDE’s state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities in Sydney, Australia

“The original Wireless GO was a gamechanger,” says RØDE CEO Damien Wilson. “It truly revolutionized sound capture for everyone from vloggers to business professionals producing content while working from home. The form factor and feature set had never been seen before and many have attempted – and failed ­– to replicate it since.”

“The Wireless GO II is a huge leap forward in terms of useability and versatility, while retaining all the elements that made the first edition such a success. It represents RØDE’s mission to innovate and continue evolving our product lines, always with creators in mind. The Wireless GO II is once again going to change the way people record audio for their content.”

UNMATCHED VERSATILITY

The Wireless GO II takes the versatility of the original to new heights. Each kit contains two transmitters and a single receiver, allowing users to capture two sound sources simultaneously – perfect for a wide range of filmmaking scenarios, from recording interviews to two-person vlogs. It can also be used as a single channel wireless microphone for recording just one sound source.

The Wireless GO II features a 3.5mm analog TRS output for plugging into cameras, plus a digital audio output via USB-C for plugging into smartphones, tablets and even computers. This universal compatibility with any device makes the Wireless GO II extremely versatile, ideal for everyone from filmmakers to YouTubers to business professionals.

Another groundbreaking feature is its on-board recording capability. The Wireless GO II can record over 24 hours of audio directly to each transmitter (without the need for an SD card), ensuring a backup recording is always available in post-production in case of transmission dropouts and other audio issues.

This feature is activated via RØDE Central, a new app that gives users access to firmware updates and advanced features for the Wireless GO II. In addition to on-board recording, these include activation of the safety channel, which records a second track at -20dB in case the main channel distorts, a fine gain control that expands the three-stage pad to a 10-stage pad, and more. The Wireless GO II is the first RØDE product to utilise RØDE Central, with the VideoMic NTG, AI-1 and others to be integrated in future.

Other key features of the Wireless GO II include the ability to switch between mono and stereo modes, allowing users to record each transmitter separately or combine the two for ultimate flexibility in post-production, a mute button, in-built rechargeable lithium-ion batteries that last up to 7 hours, and more.

No other wireless microphone system packs in such an incredible range of features, making the Wireless GO II one of the most versatile microphones on the market.

ULTRA-COMPACT WIRELESS AUDIO

The Wireless GO II offers the same pocket-sized form factor as the original. The receiver weighs just 32g and the transmitters weigh just 31g, with each measuring less than a matchbox, taking up virtually no space in a camera kit bag, backpack, handbag or briefcase.

The transmitters and receiver feature the same unique clip design as the original, which make them incredibly easy to clip onto talent and mount onto a DSLR or mirrorless camera, mobile camera rig, boom pole or cold shoe accessory. This also means the extensive range of Wireless GO accessories work with the Wireless GO II, including the Interview GO and MagClip GO. Ultra-compact wireless audio for any recording situation.

Each Wireless GO II kit ships with a flat TRS memory cable for plugging into cameras and three USB-C to USB-A cables for connecting to computers for charging and recording (additional RØDE cables or adaptors are required for connecting to mobile devices and computers with USB-C inputs). There is also a handy carry pouch for keeping the kit tidy and secure.

PROFESSIONAL SOUND. SEAMLESS CONNECTIVITY

The Wireless GO II has been designed to deliver professional sound while being incredibly simple to use. Out of the box, the two transmitters come auto paired to the receiver and will remember which channel they’ve been assigned to in future, ensuring a seamless setup process every time.

The system utilises RØDE’s all-new Series IV 2.4GHz digital transmission with 128-bit encryption, which delivers an extended range of up to 200m (line of sight) and is optimised for operation in areas with a high level of RF activity, including dense urban environments, shopping malls, universities, convention centres and offices. The internal antenna has been redesigned to ensure an extremely stable connection, and with on-board recording providing a backup of all audio, users never have to worry about dropouts again.

Each transmitter features a high-quality in-built omnidirectional condenser capsule for completely wireless recording, plus a 3.5mm TRS input for plugging in a lavalier microphone, such as the RØDE Lavalier GO.

The Wireless GO II also comes with three furry windshields, which incorporate an innovative new twist-to-lock design for recording in windy conditions, ensuring crystal-clear, professional sound in any situation.

The Wireless GO II is shipping worldwide now. Find out more information at rode.com/wirelessgoii and rode.com/wirelessgoii/learning-hub.

Razer Unveils Kiyo Pro High-Performance Webcam

Razer™, the leading global lifestyle brand for gamers (Hong Kong Stock Code: 1337), today announced the Razer Kiyo Pro, a USB camera with a high-performance Adaptive Light Sensor to deliver market-leading image fidelity, even in low-light conditions. Combining an ultra-sensitive CMOS sensor with STARVIS™* technology, the Kiyo Pro brings a professional level of image quality to video conferencing and streaming.

With working from home now being a large part of professional life, the demand for better image quality on video calls is greater than ever. Built-in laptop cameras lack the resolution and framerates for professional looking conference calls and most webcams struggle to cope with less-than-ideal lighting, giving a dim, blurry video image which can impact a professional presentation. The Kiyo Pro solves these issues with a high-performance Adaptive Light Sensor, providing superior imaging under almost any lighting conditions.

“For both video conferencing and streaming, smooth and crystal-clear video quality under any lighting conditions is a vital part of the experience,” said Alvin Cheung, Senior Vice President of Razer’s peripherals business unit. “The Kiyo Pro, with its fantastic low-light performance, is ideal for those working from home who want to impress their customers and colleagues, and for streamers wanting to entertain their audience with a bright, vibrant image.”

Advanced Imaging. Absolute Fidelity.

At the heart of the new Kiyo Pro is the advanced Type 1/2.8 CMOS sensor with STARVIS™ technology. STARVIS™ is a back-illuminated pixel technology, used in surveillance camera CMOS sensors, to create high quality images from visible and near infrared light regions. By incorporating this technology into the Kiyo Pro, video conference calls will have a consistently bright, clear image, even under a wide variety of typical work-from-home lighting conditions such as dim rooms, harsh lighting, backlighting or just screen lighting.

The Kiyo Pro is capable of uncompressed full HD 1080p 60FPS, for unsurpassed image fidelity and detail. The HDR 30FPS mode ramps up the dynamic range, correcting under or over exposed areas on the fly, eliminating silhouetting if the subject is lit from behind, for vibrant colors and even lighting, across the whole image.

The wide-angle lens on the Kiyo Pro gives a choice of three fields of view: 103°, 90° or 80°, making it ideal for video conferencing or streaming. The 103° view is wide enough to include everyone in a group video call or allow stream viewers to clearly see live activities, while the 80° view is perfect for professional headshot view or an engaging facecam window on gaming streams.

Flexible and fast

The Kiyo Pro has a range of extra features to adapt to any set-up and situation. With flexible mounting options for monitor, tabletop or tripod mounting, the Kiyo Pro can be positioned perfectly for use as a streaming camera regardless of the space available. The wide field of view and tripod mounting make the Kiyo Pro ideal for group conference calls, and its 16bit, omni-directional stereo microphone array ensures all participants’ voices are picked up.

For maximum uncompressed video performance, the Kiyo Pro utilizes a USB 3.0 connection to pass a 5GB/s signal. A separate privacy cover is included to both protect the lens and assure user privacy when not in use.

For more information on the Razer Kiyo Pro, please see here.

ABOUT THE KIYO PRO

Camera Specifications

  • Connection type: USB3.0

  • Image resolution: 2.1 Megapixels

  • Video Resolution: 1080p @ 60/30/24FPS / 720p @ 60FPS / 480p @ 30FPS / 360p @ 30FPS

  • Video encoding: H.264 codec

  • Still Image Resolution: 1920×1080

  • Image Quality Settings Customization: Yes

  • Diagonal Field of View (FOV): 103°, 90°, 80°

  • Focus Type: Auto

  • Mounting Options: L-shape joint and Tripod (Not included)

  • Cable Length: 1.5 meters braided cable

Microphone Specifications

  • Channels: Stereo

  • Audio Codec: 16bit 48KHz

  • Polar patterns: Omni-directional

  • Sensitivity: -38dB

System Requirements

  • PC with a free USB port

  • Windows® 8 (or higher)

  • Internet connection

  • 500 MB of free hard disk space

  • Compatible with Open Broadcaster Software and Xsplit

PRICING AND AVAILABILITY

$199.99 USD / €209.99 MSRP

Razer.com: February 23rd, 2021
Authorized retailers: Q1, 2021

The Amazing American Circus Kickstarter On Now

Video game publisher KLABATER and indie development studio Juggler Games inform that their Kickstarter campaign to fund The Amazing American Circus for Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, Xbox One and PC has been live since February 10.

The Amazing American Circus is a single-player deck-building game with elements of resource management, tycoon, and exploration. Hire artists, each with their own set of cards, and travel across the Gilded Age USA, meeting famous people, completing quests and becoming the greatest showman on Earth.

With 20 days to end and 48% of our objective already pledged, the Kickstarter campaign will help both KLABATER and Juggler Games getting more funds to finish The Amazing American Circus and cover the costs related to the production and development without compromising the quality of the game.

What The Amazing American Circus has to offer?

  • Become a legend! Save a run-down circus, gather a troupe of performers, and dare to defy the greatest showman on earth – P.T Barnum himself.
  • Recruit and train over 15 different types of circus artists
  • Take part in exciting battles on the circus arena using the beautifully illustrated collectible cards
  • Upgrade your circus caravan thanks to different types of wagons offering over 100 possible modifications
  • Meet both historical and fictional characters deeply embedded in American folklore, such as John D. Rockefeller, Susan B. Anthony, or Nikola Tesla
  • Immerse yourself in a story taking place during the turbulent era of the fading Wild West and enter the beautiful and dark world of Native American folklore and the immigrant populace
  • Listen to a unique soundtrack inspired by classic circus music and American country & folk

The Amazing American Circus in numbers

  • 170 hand-illustrated cards
  • Recruit and train over 15 different types of circus artists
  • 15 types of circus artists, among them mimes, strongmen, and acrobats
  • 12 different circus wagons unlocking new skills and options
  • 16 different types of audience, whom you have to attract and entertain
  • Over 100 modifications and upgrade options for your circus caravan
  • 90 cities and towns to visit
  • 4 distinct geographical regions – travel across the American continent90 cities and towns to visit
  • 1 powerful opponent to defeat – the legendary P.T. Barnum
  • 1 but epic adventure akin to Buzz Luhrman’s musicals, Ennio Morricone’s westerns, and the classic road movies
  • 60 minutes of a soundtrack inspired by country and folk music from different parts of the USA

NGPX Game Expo Announced for Early March

For a second year, New Game+ Expo (NGPX), a collaborative initiative of video game developers based around the world, will present a digital showcase featuring dozens of games that includes new title announcements and live gameplay demos.

The live showcase will be shown exclusively on Twitch on Thursday, March 4th beginning at 8 AM PST/5 PM CET, followed by additional gameplay, Q&As and more. The full showcase, along with trailers and highlights, will be available to view after the livestream on NGPX’s YouTube channel. Find the official Twitch channel at www.twitch.tv/newgameplusexpo.

 

Lust From Beyond Gets New Release Date

Movie Games Lunarium announced that the new release date for the Lovecraftian horror game “Lust from Beyond” is March 11th, 2021. The game’s beta version is available for testing to the press.

‘Lust from Beyond’ is a first-person survival horror game set between our world and a world of endless ecstasy. As Victor Holloway, an American antiquarian, the player pursues the mystery of otherworldly visions, which seem related to Victor’s sex addiction.

This bold, mature production with erotic and occult themes, inspired by the works of Lovecraft and Giger, was already introduced to gamers via two free standalone chapters: Prologue and Scarlet. Both have been enthusiastically received on Steam.

New Release Date

The new release, scheduled for March 11th, was chosen after the beta tests showed an opportunity to further optimize the code and environment, to make the game run and look better on older hardware.

Disney+ Announces Secrets of Sulphur Springs

The riveting tale of mystery, suspense and time travel for kids and families, “Secrets of Sulphur Springs,” will premiere with five episodes on Friday, Feb. 26, on Disney+ with new episodes available to stream each Friday in March through April 9. Since its Disney Channel premiere, “Secrets of Sulphur Springs” has reached 3.5 million total viewers (P2+), has ranked as the #1 series across all basic cable with Girls 6-11 and is the #1 series on DisneyNOW. Its season finale debuts Friday, March 12, on Disney Channel.

Filmed and set in Louisiana, the series follows 12-year-old Griffin Campbell (Preston Oliver), whose world has been upended by his father, Ben (Josh Braaten), after he moves the family from Chicago to take ownership of an abandoned hotel property, The Tremont. Now, the family—which also includes Griffin’s mother, Sarah (Kelly Frye), and his younger twin siblings, Wyatt (Landon Gordon) and Zoey (Madeleine McGraw)—live in The Tremont in hopes of restoring it to the lively vacation destination it once was. On his first day at his new school, Griffin hears rumors that the hotel is haunted by the ghost of Savannah (Elle Graham), a girl who disappeared decades ago. He soon meets and befriends Harper (Kyliegh Curran), a thrill-seeking classmate, and they discover a secret portal that allows them to travel back in time and uncover clues about the town mystery.

“Secrets of Sulphur Springs” is from creator, writer and executive producer Tracey Thomson (“The Young and the Restless”). Charles Pratt Jr. (“STAR”) also serves as executive producer. The series is produced by Gwave Productions, LLC, and carries a TV-PG parental guideline.

Mortal Kombat 2021 Red Band Trailer Released

Today, Warner Bros. Pictures and New Line Cinema released the official global red band trailer for their explosive new cinematic feature “Mortal Kombat.”

Inspired by the blockbuster video game franchise, which most recently enjoyed the most successful video game launch in its history with Mortal Kombat 11, “Mortal Kombat” features MMA fighter Cole Young, a brand new character to the Mortal Kombat universe, played by Lewis Tan (“Deadpool 2,” Netflix’s “Wu Assassins”).

In the film, Cole is unaware of his heritage, and why he is being hunted by Outworld’s Emperor Shang Tsung’s best warrior, Sub-Zero. Fearing for his family’s safety, Cole goes in search of Sonya Blade at the direction of Jax, a Special Forces Major who bears the same strange dragon marking Cole was born with. Once he is brought to the temple of Lord Raiden, Cole begins his training with experienced warriors Liu Kang, Kung Lao and rogue mercenary Kano. Soon he will stand with Earth’s greatest champions against the enemies of Outworld in a high stakes battle for the universe.

Helmed by award-winning Australian commercial filmmaker Simon McQuoid, marking his feature directorial debut, and produced by James Wan (“The Conjuring” universe films, “Aquaman,”), Todd Garner (“Into the Storm,” “Tag”), McQuoid and E. Bennett Walsh (“Men in Black: International,” “The Amazing Spider-Man 2”), “Mortal Kombat” is releasing worldwide on April 16, 2021 in theaters and will be available in the U.S. on HBO Max for 31 days from theatrical release.

NINJA GAIDEN: Master Collection Announced

Today, KOEI TECMO America and famed developer Team NINJA revealed the long-awaited and highly-anticipated NINJA GAIDEN: Master Collection for the Nintendo Switch™, PlayStation®4 Computer Entertainment System (playable on PlayStation®5 via Backward Compatibility), the Xbox One consoles (playable on Xbox Series X|S via Backward Compatibility), and Windows PC via Steam®. The collection, slated to launch on June 10, 2021, will package the classic game NINJA GAIDEN Sigma alongside beloved titles NINJA GAIDEN Sigma 2 and NINJA GAIDEN 3: Razor’s Edge – with most of the previously released game modes and DLC costumes in one thrilling collection.

The NINJA GAIDEN: Master Collection brings the renowned action games to PC and consoles, allowing fans and newcomers alike to experience the tale of “super ninja” Ryu Hayabusa as he battles deadly fiends causing chaos around the world. NINJA GAIDEN Sigma, originally released in 2007, set the standard of high-speed action for the series – introducing dual-wielding weapons, and a Mission Mode alongside its gripping Story Mode. NINJA GAIDEN Sigma 2, originally released in 2009, continued Hayabusa’s journey alongside characters Ayane, Rachel, and Momiji, with four difficulty levels testing player’s battle techniques with every heart-stopping fight. The latest entry, NINJA GAIDEN 3: Razor’s Edge, originally released in 2012, upped the challenge with powerful new enemies and fiercely violent depictions, as well as bringing Kasumi into the action, making it the series’ most alluring white-knuckle experience to date.

The nostalgic yet timeless action of the three games offers a highly responsive and challenging experience – with battles that require defensive and offensive moves similar to fighting games. Players can enjoy playing as the fan-favorite ninja, Ryu Hayabusa, alongside the additional characters such as Ayane, Rachel, Momiji and Kasumi as they appeared in the original version of the games. Master your favorite characters in intense action-packed battles like only the NINJA GAIDEN series can deliver.

“NINJA GAIDEN is one of the most important and monumental titles for the Team NINJA brand, but we haven’t been able to release the series title on current generation platforms, so I am very delighted to be able to release it in this format as a trilogy,” says Yosuke Hayashi, Chief Head of Team NINJA. “If you enjoy challenging action games, we hope you will give it a try.”

Adds Fumihiko Yasuda, Head of Team NINJA: “NINJA GAIDEN is the origin of Team NINJA’s action games, and I hope that not only fans of the series, but also fans of the Nioh series will play these games. I hope that the day will come soon when I can provide information about the next game in the NINJA GAIDEN series, which I’ve been continuously saying that I want to develop, but until then, please play as the ‘super ninja’ Ryu Hayabusa in the NINJA GAIDEN: Master Collection.”

To celebrate the reveal of NINJA GAIDEN: Master Collection, Team NINJA will also run a special collaboration with Nioh 2. The development team have created the “Dragon Ninja” skin, which players can use to transform themselves into Ryu Hayabusa, the protagonist of NINJA GAIDEN: Master Collection. Players who own Nioh 2 – The Complete Edition (PlayStation®5, PlayStation®4, and Steam) or Nioh 2 (PS5 and PS4) can download this costume for use in-game starting on Feb. 18 – with further details on this collaboration detailed on the official Nioh 2 website.

For all of the latest news on the NINJA GAIDEN: Master Collection, check out the official site, Like us on Facebook www.facebook.com/koeitecmous and Follow us on Twitter @koeitecmoUS.

The Outer Wilds Coming to Nintendo Switch

Today on the Nintendo Direct livestream, Annapurna Interactive and Mobius Digital announced that Outer Wilds, 2019’s critically acclaimed mysterious first-person space simulator game, is coming to Nintendo Switch this Summer 2021. Previously released on Xbox One, PC and PlayStation 4, this open-world exploration game rewards players’ curiosity as they probe their surroundings, track down mysterious signals, decipher ancient alien writing, and roast the perfect marshmallow. Watch the official announcement during the Nintendo Direct reveal here:

Outer Wilds started as a student project by Creative Director Alex Beachum, and the alpha version of the project won the Seamus McNally Grand Prize and Excellence in Design awards at the 2015 Independent Games Festival. Following its launch, Outer Wilds has garnered numerous industry accolades including award wins from the BAFTA Game Awards 2020, New York Game Awards 2019, Golden Joystick Awards 2019 and Pégases Awards 2020, as well as nominations from The Game Awards 2019, D.I.C.E. Awards 2020, SXSW Gaming Awards 2020 and Game Developers Choice Awards 2020.

Outer Wilds Key Features:

  • From planets and moons to alien structures and spacecraft, discover the mysteries of this hand-crafted, fully dynamic solar system.

  • Play as the newest recruit of Outer Wilds Ventures, a fledgling space program searching for answers in a strange, constantly evolving solar system.

  • The planets of Outer Wilds are packed with hidden locations that change with the passage of time. Visit an underground city before it’s swallowed by sand, or explore the surface of a planet as it crumbles beneath your feet.

  • Use a variety of unique gadgets to probe your surroundings, track down mysterious signals, decipher ancient alien writing, and roast the perfect marshmallow.

The Sinking City PlayStation 5 Release Trailer

Frogwares have surprise launched a PS5 enhanced version of The Sinking City. The HP Lovecraft inspired, story-rich, free investigation horror game comes to the PS5 store with multiple enhancements and improvements that utilize the console’s power and functionalities.

This digital-only version of the game rolls out on Friday, February 19th, 2021 at midnight in each respective region. The game is solely published by Frogwares themselves.

A gameplay video showcasing loading times, graphic comparisons and additional features was also released.

Confirmed PS5 Version Improvements:

Frogwares has confirmed the following improvements and features for the Playstation 5 version:

  • 4K (3840×2160) resolution
  • 60 frames per second
  • Improved graphical fidelity
  • Improved loading times
  • Additional quests – part of the Merciful Madness DLC (included in Deluxe Edition, or as a separate purchase)
  • DualSense controller features
  • PS5 activities support
  • New Adjusted Price

Frogwares has also made the conscious decision to drop the price of the PS5 version to 49.99 USD for the standard edition and 64.99 USD for the Deluxe Edition, despite both the previous pricing and next-gen game price increases being seen elsewhere.

“As the sole owner and publisher of The Sinking City on PS5, we have chosen to price the game in a region that we feel is fair to players for this type of game. We’ll also be carefully looking at how we price all our future releases to try keep with this way of thinking.” – Serge Chervonnyi, Head of Production

On top of the reduced price, PS+ subscribers will have an additional 30% off discount for the first two weeks of the game’s release.

Regarding a potential upgrade for existing owners of the game on PlayStation4, Frogwares have issued this statement: https://frogwares.com/the-sinking-city-playstation-5-release-statement/

A Journey Through Madness – Digital Artbook

To coincide with the launch, Frogwares is putting together an extensive digital artbook that shows the game’s journey from conception to release. Players who purchase the PS5 version of the game will receive the artbook automatically as a DLC at a later date.

The Sinking City PS5 (Digital) launches worldwide today on the PlayStation 5 store. The game is published and wholly owned by Frogwares.