Archive for Hardware
Ant Commandos’ New Lineup Of Musical Video Game Controllers
The Ant Commandos (TAC), a leading provider of innovative wireless video game music peripherals and accessories, announced today its upcoming lineup of products hitting retail this spring. The new lineup includes the first-ever guitar controllers to offer 4-in-1 compatibility, with all of its new guitars being 100% compatible with all Guitar Hero and Rock Band games for PlayStation 2 and PlayStation 3.
The new lineup includes the Double Range Guitar in flame red, electric blue and jet black, the Widow Maker Wireless Bass Guitar, Breakfree Wireless Microphone Dual Pack, BreakFree Wireless Microphone Single Pack (for Rock Band) and a Universal PS2 to PS3 adapter for guitar and game controllers. TAC will also introduce illuminated drumsticks and a new Universal Guitar Controller Bag to help gamers tote their guitar controllers wherever they want to rock out.
“The music genre in the video game industry has grown so much in recent years, we have seen the demand for products that deliver high-quality, high value musical experiences also grow,” said Raymond Yow, Director of Marketing at TAC. “All of our Guitar controllers are designed to provide 100% 4-in-1 compatibility, even down to the most minute features, with Guitar Hero 1, 2 and 3 and Rock Band for both the PS2 and PS3 platforms.”
After successfully offering the first wireless and then the first 10 button design guitars for the Guitar Hero games, TAC is at it again by introducing the first 4-in-1 guitar that is 100% compatible with all Guitar Hero and Rock Band products on the PlayStation 2 and PlayStation 3.
TAC’s new line of guitar controllers and accessories help make the most of any player’s musical gameplay experience:
The Double Range Guitar
The first 4-in-1 compatible guitar, the Double Range is 100% compatible with all Guitar Hero and Rock Band products for the PS2 and PS3. The guitar will retail for $49.99 in late April and will be available in flame red, electric blue and jet black. The Double Range Guitar controller allows players to act out their rock star fantasies with its 2.4GHz wireless technology which doesn’t require a direct line of infrared sight to the console. Providing gamers the freedom to thrash around up to 30 feet away from the console, players will also appreciate the second set of FeatherTouch fret buttons on its patent pending Xtended Fret Button Array which enables players to jam like their musical idols by jumping to the lower set of fret buttons for world-class solos, and then using the higher set for rhythm parts. The Double Range’s lower 5 buttons are 100% compatible with Rock Band’s Solo Guitar play and it offers a 5-way switch to support the sound effect feature in Rock Band. In addition, players will love the FreedomClip, a special belt clip that allows for strap-free play.
The Widow Maker Wireless Bass Guitar
The first bass guitar that is 100% compatible with both Guitar Hero and Rock Band, the Widow Maker will retail for $59.99. Compatible with all versions of Guitar Hero and Rock Band for the PlayStation 2 and PlayStation 3, the Widow Maker is the most advanced controller on the market, featuring AutoSense wireless technology using 2.4GHz connectivity and offering a larger and longer body design that mimics a real Bass guitar. The Widow Maker features the new BigBoy Strum Bar which makes for a wider and tighter strumming zone, and players can be ready for fast action with the FeatherTouch Fret Buttons which are undercoated with new rubber cushions, designed to activate at the slightest touch. For special features that every guitar fan will love, the Widow Maker features a special button cluster that has a recessed pause button so players do not accidentally pause during a jam session. With its 4-in-1 compatibility, players can be assured that their investment is a good one, even if they upgrade to another system-because their guitar will work with all PS2 and PS3 versions of the games.
The Breakfree Wireless Microphone Dual Pack
The Breakfree Wireless Microphone Dual Pack will carry a retail price of $49.99, comes in two colorful designs - flame red or electric blue, and the package includes two wireless microphones, two wireless microphone antennas and one wireless microphone receiver unit. The microphones are compatible with SingStar, Boogie, High School Musical and Karaoke machines. Featuring an AutoSeek ‘n’ Set RF wireless antenna, gamers can perform like a star up to 45 feet away from the base station without worrying about getting caught in wires and cords. No one will know you’re not a professional singer, with the 100 to 10,000 Hz frequency response which delivers a wide spectrum of rich sound. The Breakfree Wireless Microphone conserves energy by turning off if it doesn’t receive a signal for more than 10 minutes, and it offers up to 100 hours of extended play on one battery pack.
PlayStation2 to PlayStation3 Adapter
The new PlayStation 2 to PlayStation 3 adapter enables all PlayStation 2 controllers and Guitar Hero and Rock Band Guitars to be utilized on the PlayStation 3 so players do not have to throw away all of the valuable hardware and software they have invested in. Unlike previous adapters from other companies, this adapter is compatible with most of the popular guitar controllers on the market and is engineered to function perfectly with all the features of the Guitar Hero and Rock Band games.
For more information about TAC or the products it sells, please visit the official Web site.
New Keyboard Puts Cyborg Power At Your Fingertips
Saitek, a leading designer and manufacturer of consumer electronic products for PC and gaming, announces the launch of its new Cyborg Keyboard. This high end gaming keyboard has advanced customisation options for greater control and convenience, and a durable design for improved gaming performance.
Customisable & Programmable
The Cyborg Keyboard features fully customisable, tri-colour key backlighting which can be applied in different colours and brightness for the key gaming areas of the keyboard. The red, green or amber backlights can be programmed to highlight the keys most often used in gaming — the WASD, cursor, ‘C’ and Numpad keys — for convenience and practicality, with current settings saved even after a system reboot.
The touch-sensitive, backlit dashboard control panel allows the user to quickly convert the keyboard from normal mode to gaming mode by pressing the Cyborg button. Gaming mode instantly disables the Windows keys (which can quit games if accidentally pressed) and configures the colour and brightness of gaming keys.
Programmable features include enhanced multiple key presses in gaming areas for complex in-game commands and 12 programmable ‘C’ keys with three programming modes. In addition, keyboard settings and complicated in-game commands can be saved as game-specific profiles using Saitek’s SST software so the user does not have to re-program the keyboard each time a new game is loaded.
Comfortable & Durable
The Cyborg Keyboard has adjustable rake angle at the front and back for maximum comfort, and to prevent strain injuries from intense keyboard use. The WASD and cursor keys are metal plated to prevent wear from prolonged gaming use, and the keyboard also includes pass-through USB, audio and microphone sockets for neatness and increased cable reach.
Gaming & Non-Gaming
While the Cyborg Keyboard is designed for gamers, it can be quickly switched to Normal mode to make it suitable for a work and home environment. In normal mode the ‘C’ keys can be programmed to open files and applications or perform specific actions, such as printing, at the touch of a button. Media keys simplify watching films or listening to music.
Saitek’s Cyborg Keyboard is available from Amazon.
The Cyborg Range
Saitek’s new Cyborg range is designed specifically for serious gamers who demand the best equipment and includes the Cyborg 5.1 Headset, Cyborg Command Unit, Cyborg Rumble Pad, Cyborg Mouse and the Cyborg Keyboard. Enthusiastic gamers will play intensely for long periods of time and need peripherals that offer comfort and durability.
Cyborg Competition
For a chance of winning Cyborg accessories visit pimp-my-orc.com. For the chance to win Saitek prizes and a copy of Fantasy Wars, a battle strategy game from Ascaron, download an orc head from the site and try creating your own orc-celebrity!
System requirement:
Connectivity: USB 2.0
Windows XP, XP 64 and Windows Vista (all versions)
Intel’s QX9770 Quad-Core Processor Beefs Up Alienware’s Area-51
Alienware, the leading manufacturer of high-performance desktop, notebook, and professional systems, now offers the Intel QX9770 Core 2 Extreme Quad-Core processor on the new Area-51 desktop computer. With four cores churning out clock speeds of 3.2GHz, the QX9770 brings unprecedented multitasking capabilities to Alienware desktops already known for pushing the outer limits of computer performance.
Intel built the QX9770 around the 45nm microarchitecture and its dynamic thermal management solutions. This makes the Area-51 the most robust gaming platform ever offered by Alienware. Whether users take on next-generation games, 3D and video rendering or day-to-day productivity applications, the Area-51 delivers with power to spare. A 1600MHz Front Side Bus allows for faster read/write speeds between the processor and memory and any PCI-Express devices. Combine a QX9770 CPU with the new NVIDIA nForce 790i motherboard, with support for both DDR3 memory and PCI-E 2.0, and the new Area-51 desktop speeds past not only the competition, but all expectations, as well.
“Alienware is about empowering our customers by providing the highest performing, most versatile computers possible,” said Brian Joyce, Senior Vice President at Alienware. “Incorporating the Intel QX9770 processor into our award-winning Area-51 desktop is just one more example of how Alienware is at the forefront of cutting-edge PC technology.”
Area-51 Desktop
- Most robust gaming platform ever offered by Alienware
- Intel QX9770 Core 2 Extreme Quad-Core processor
- Clock speeds of 3.2GHz
- Unprecedented multitasking capabilities
More information on the Alienware Area-51 here.
NVIDIA Launches The Fastest Graphics Card On The Planet
The NVIDIA GeForce 9800GX2 is the latest graphics card to revolutionize your PC experience. GeForce 9800 GX2 gives the best gaming performance in the world; hybrid power means a quieter, lower power-draining, and more environmentally friendly PC and PureVideo HD takes your PC to the cutting edge of high definition.
Bar none the fastest graphics card on the planet
The GeForce 9800GX2 is at the cutting edge of technology; with 256 screaming fast processor cores and a 1GB total framebuffer, all running through PCI Express 2.0, means the GeForce 9800GX2 is designed from the ground up for gaming at extreme HD resolutions.
NVIDIA Hybrid Power gives you power when you need it most
Combining a GeForce 9800GX2 with one of the latest motherboards featuring NVIDIA’s nForce 790i Ultra SLI chipset makes your system ready for hybrid power. Not all applications require a high end GeForce discrete GPU, for times such as these an integrated GeForce GPU can run these applications perfectly while saving power and, therefore, the environment. The intelligent hybrid power system can also combine the power of the GeForce 9800GX2 with the onboard graphics for maximum performance.
PureVideo HD makes your PC the center of your digital home
PureVideo HD makes high definition content come to life on your PC — whether videos are downloaded, streamed, or on Blu-ray — even the most demanding HD content plays back effortlessly thanks to the best HD engine available on the market. But it is not only the speed of HD rendering that is improved — with PureVideo, HD films come to life with dynamic contrast enhancement and automatic enhancements to greens, blues, and skin tones.
New Futuristic Gaming Mouse Delivers Cyborg Performance
Saitek, a leading designer and manufacturer of consumer electronic products for PC and gaming, has announced the launch of its new Cyborg Mouse. The high end laser mouse is designed specifically for gaming and aimed at serious gamers who play intensely for long periods at a time.
The Cyborg Mouse has a unique switch-activated motor that moves the rear shell back and forth, expanding or contracting the mouse to fit any user’s hand. This not only increases control but will also prevent tiredness during long periods of game play. Mouse length can be adjusted using either a software control panel installed with the drivers, or by holding the mode button on the Cyborg mouse down and then pushing the mouse’s d-pad into position.
As well as adjustable length, the Cyborg mouse also features a scroll wheel with adjustable detent force. The scroll force selector switch has three positions and sets the sensitivity of weapon selection from low to high to suit the gamer’s preferences.
Other controls include a 4-way low profile hat switch plus 7 buttons. Controls are programmable using Saitek’s SST programming software which, with the 3 stage mode button, effectively gives a total of 24 programmable commands to customise any gaming experience. The SST software saves chosen settings as game-specific profiles.
The 3-stage mode switch also allows the user to change mouse sensitivity to help with their aim. Adjustable from 400 dpi up to 3200 dpi, the Cyborg mouse’s new anti-deceleration laser technology ensures reliable movement tracking, even at higher speeds.
With a grey and black, sleek, futuristic design, the Cyborg Mouse ensures gamers can play their favourite games with control, precision and high speed, and in complete comfort, no matter how long the gaming session.
The Cyborg Range
Saitek’s new Cyborg range is designed specifically for serious gamers who demand the best equipment and includes the Cyborg 5.1 Headset, Cyborg Command Unit, Cyborg Rumble Pad, and the Cyborg Keyboard. Enthusiastic gamers will play intensely for long periods of time and need peripherals that offer outstanding comfort and durability.
Cyborg Competition
For a chance of winning a Cyborg Mouse and other Cyborg accessories visit pimp-my-orc.com. To be in with a chance of winning Saitek prizes and a copy of Fantasy Wars, a turn based battle strategy game from Ascaron, download an orc head from the site and try creating your own orc celebrity!
Guitar Hero III: Legends of Rock Wireless Guitar Controllers By Early 2008
Activision, Inc. today announced that standalone wireless guitar controllers for Guitar Hero III: Legends of Rock will be available at retail stores nationwide by early 2008.
Guitar Hero III: Legends of Rock lets fans thrash and burn with new wireless guitar controllers available for each platform, including exclusive Gibson Guitar’s Les Paul model for the Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system from Microsoft, Wii home video game system from Nintendo, and PlayStation 3 computer entertainment system. PlayStation2 gamers will also get to shred on an exclusive shape, Gibson’s Kramer guitar, popularized by hard rockers and known for its body design, pickups, electronics and construction for furious finger fretting.
Girl Gamer Accessories
WolfKing, a world leader in the innovation and creation of gaming input devices, today announced it is customizing its award-winning WARRIOR gaming pad and TROOPER gaming mouse to appeal to female PC gamers. The specially designed gaming devices, which will be sold exclusively through Dell, provide the same high level of quality that consumers have come to expect from WolfKing.
The Girl Gamer WARRIOR (MSRP: $34.99) features the same 54-key circular layout and USB 2.0 plug-and-play capability as the original WARRIOR, but now features a Flamingo Pink accent gradient on top of a full stealth black matte finish, with polished deep black audio keys. It offers all the functionality of the WARRIOR, but with a feminine touch.
The Girl Gamer Gear TROOPER (MSRP: $39.99) also features the Flamingo Pink accent over a 6.4 megapixels-per-second laser mouse with a dpi range of 800-2200. The sense of style doesn’t compromise the high-end gaming mouse functionality gamers expect from the TROOPER.
"Female gamers have an incredibly high set of standards when it comes to quality as well as design," said Bob Costlow, director of sales, WolfKing. "You can’t just paint something pink and say it’s for girls. The Girl Gamer products give women access to fully functioning, hardcore gaming devices, but with an aesthetic touch."
Limited Edition AG RiffMaster Guitar Controller Available Now
ArtGuitar, a leading designer of custom graphics for electric and acoustic guitars, announced today the launch of the limited edition AG RiffMaster Guitar Controller, the worlds first genuine Peavey guitar modified for play with guitar-based music videogames on the PlayStation2 computer entertainment system.
Exclusively available online, the limited edition AG RiffMaster Guitar Controller includes 17 limited edition designs featuring mega artists KISS, Ozzy Osbourne, Pantera, Megadeth, and Lynyrd Skynyrd.
“The AG RiffMaster Guitar Controller is ideal for anyone seeking the most realistic interaction with guitar-based music videogames,” stated Steve Spurgeon, CEO of ArtGuitar. “With the quality and value of a real guitar customized with iconic rock band artwork valued at $1,500 and up, the limited edition AG RiffMaster offered at $399 is an amazing value for music enthusiasts, collectors and gamers alike.”
Created from a real Peavey guitar, ArtGuitar has preserved the qualities found in the original makeup of the instrument. The guitar strings have been removed, but the headstock of the AG RiffMaster Guitar Controller, still sports real tuning pegs for an added visual appeal. Crafted from natural basswood, the body displays custom artwork showcasing 17 unique designs featuring five legendary rock bands. The neck created from hard rock maple, features five colored fret buttons located amongst true frets and position markers on a genuine fingerboard while the pickup consists of one humbucking and a scale length of 25.5″. The guitar controller also features premium 2.4GHz wireless technology for high-performance precision gaming.
Best known for its patented process that digitally paints images onto real guitars, ArtGuitartransforms the instruments into collectible masterpieces. Using the same state-of-the-art technology, ArtGuitar and Peavey are bringing exclusive, limited edition rock designs to a guitar controller for the first time.
The limited edition AG RiffMaster Guitar Controller is available this holiday season only, and is being sold exclusively at www.ArtGuitar.com. A broad range of premium accessories will also be offered from the online shop including a top of the line hard shell electric guitar case, Peavey logo barstool, guitar polish care kit, guitar stands and much more.
To order the AG RiffMaster Guitar Controller or to learn more about ArtGuitar please visit the official Web site.
Commodore XX Now With Even More X-Rated Power
Commodore Gaming will be one of the first vendors to ship the new Intel Core 2 Extreme Desktop Processor. The chip will initially be available in the range topping, all powerful XX model, available exclusively from Commodore Gaming. The XX will be one of the first products available in the UK to take advantage of the Penryn processor and one of the first off-the-shelf gaming PCs to offer gamers the most powerful processor on the market.
Sean Charles, Commodore Gaming marketing and PR manager, commented, "We’re delighted to be one of the first gaming PC vendors to be utilising new Penryn processor. It’s great kudos that the Commodore brand is back at the forefront of the PC gaming and working so closely with Intel. The XX has always been about giving customers the very latest and cutting edge gaming components and the best gaming experience. The new Intel Extreme processor fits that bill perfectly. Bench testing has blown us all away, the XX always delivered a powerful punch, from next year it’s going to be even more of a beast."
The new processors are designed for better graphics, performance and power efficiency. The Commodore Gaming XX will ship as standard with the 45-nm Intel Core 2 Extreme QX9650 quad-core processor as well 2x NVIDIA 8800 ULTRA graphics cards the XX to offer unrivalled gaming capabilities from early 2008.
The XX with the all new Intel Core 2 Extreme QX9650 begins shipping in Q1, batten down the hatches it’s going to be a powerful beast.
Xbox 360 Arcade Controllers Announced
Arcade-In-A-Box announces the immediate availability of single and dual-player authentic arcade controllers for the Xbox 360. The Xbox 360 control panels feature authentic arcade controls that are identical to those used on your favorite arcade machines including Street Fighter, Mortal Kombat, and Galaga. In addition to being compatible with the Xbox 360, the arcade controllers can also be used with a Windows PC.
“Xbox 360 gamers have a wide variety of classic arcade games to play, but until now there hasn’t been a high-quality, stick with the authentic controls that hard core gamers demand” Says Ed Farias, Owner of Arcade-In-A-Box. “Our goal was to design and deliver a product for the gamer who wanted the most elite, most authentic, and most thrilling Xbox 360 arcade experience possible.”
The Xbox 360 arcade controller joins other items that are at the top of home arcade gamer’s holiday wish lists, including the Arcade-In-A-Box home arcade console, Jamma-In-A-Box featuring authentic arcade PC Boards and the extremely popular home arcade cabinet kit. More information on those products can be found here.
Tags: xbox, game control, game controller
Astro Gaming To Launch The A40 Audio System In Mid-November, 2007
The much anticipated A40 Audio System from ASTRO Gaming drops into the hands of the eagerly awaiting public in mid-November. Meticulously designed and engineered at ASTRO’s headquarters in San Francisco, the A40 Audio System combines a custom-built audiophile headset with a powerful audio mixer/amp that incorporates the latest Dolby Digital and Dolby Headphone technologies. Complete systems retail for $249 and preorder deposits are now being accepted online at astrogaming.com.
The A40 Headset unites iconic industrial design with audiophile components and hardcore gaming functionality. A removable noise-canceling boom mic provides crystal-clear voice communication, and the boom swaps to either the right or left side. State-of-the-art 41mm drivers boast an incredibly accurate range of high, medium, and low frequencies. The A40 Headset is compatible with both consoles or PCs – and any analog audio source. Standalone pricing for the A40 Headset will be $199.
The A40 Mixer/Amp provides the brains behind the A40 Audio System — combining Dolby Digital and Dolby Headphone processing with a powerful amplifier and patent-pending mixing circuit. With a full array of inputs, the A40 Mixer/Amp works with any analog or digital signal to deliver Dolby Headphone surround sound, and combines game sound with voice communication such as Xbox Live. Standalone pricing for the A40 Mixer will be $99.
Initially conceived as a solution for quality team-chat solutions for professional team-based gaming tournaments, the A40 Audio System sets a new standard for private team communication. Through the patent-pending daisy chain connection, any number of A40 Mixer/Amps can be combined together to create a high quality, lag-free voice channel – the perfect solution for live multi-player team games.
At home, the A40 Audio System provides both PC and console gamers with enhanced functionality. Console gamers can now combine high quality voice-communication with game audio in one headset. PC gamers can connect the A40 Mixer/Amp directly to their PC’s digital output – providing them with the highest quality Dolby Digital processing without a complex soundcard upgrade. The A40 Mixer/Amp even has an additional audio input for a separate music player – enabling gamers to mix their own soundtrack to their games.
With over twelve months of heavy field-testing by professional gamers at dozens of tournaments and LAN parties around the country, we are certain that the A40 Audio System meets and exceeds even the most demanding gamer’s needs.
See — and hear — for yourself what all the noise is about at the Penny Arcade Expo during August 24 through 26. Visit us in the ASTRO Gaming booth (#538) on the Expo floor at the Washington State Convention Center in Seattle, WA.
Tags: sound system, gaming sound
Nyko PS3 Intercooler Now Available
Nyko Technologies, a premier peripherals manufacturer, announced today that it has shipped its highly anticipated Intercooler for PlayStation 3. The Intercooler for PS3 provides increased airflow away from the console’s advanced internal technology using state-of-the-art technology and design.
The innovative cooling device features a two piece clip-on assembly for easy and secure installation and allows for both vertical and horizontal placement of the PS3, making it ideal for all home theatre configurations. Superior design seamlessly attaches the Intercooler to the console and permits the high-efficiency external fans of the Intercooler to dramatically increase the amount of air flow away from the system, allowing the PS3 to run at optimal temperature levels.
The Intercooler for PS3 also features unique cooling customization provided by a potentiometer control knob, allowing gamers to manually adjust the cooling and noise level. Fan speed can be lowered to reduce noise in a quiet environment, or cranked up to provide more airflow for cramped spaces. Nyko’s patent-pending power pass through technology turns the system and Intercooler on and off simultaneously. The Intercooler also relocates the systems main power switch to the front, making it easier to power on and off in cramped or small entertainment system configurations.
“The Intercooler for PlayStation 3 compliments the state-of-the-art PS3 console with the same phenomenal cooling results that our acclaimed Intercooler 360 brought to the Xbox 360,” said Chris Arbogast, Marketing Manager at Nyko. “We’re confident that the Intercooler for PS3 will prove to be just as valuable for the PlayStation 3 by keeping it well ventilated and running at optimal temperature levels.”
The Intercooler for the PlayStation 3 is available now with a SRP of $29.99 at major retailers.
Tags: nyko, intercooler, playstation 3
Commodore Gaming PCs Now Available Online
At 4pm today Commodore Gaming will open the virtual doors to its online store for the UK and Ireland, offering gamers in these countries the privilege to be amongst the first in the world to own one of the unique Commodore Gaming PCs. Commodore Gaming plans to roll out its cool gaming rigs across Europe in mid May, before the rest of the world.
Bala Keilman, CEO for Commodore Gaming, commented “This marks a new chapter in the history of Commodore, opening our Webshop to offer great gaming PCs that are as unique as they are customizable. We’re extremely excited and proud to offer our range of exceptional gaming machines and since PC gaming and online gaming is about instant entertainment, this is what we intend to deliver with machines that will satisfy everyone from the casual gamer to the professional.”
The online store will be launching across Europe in mid May, alongside retail outlets in UK, Germany, France, and the Benelux. Further details on retailers for European territories will be released shortly.
The online store will supply the higher specification models Commodore gx and Commodore xx, while the Commodore g and Commodore gs range will be made available in retail outlets. Commodore Gaming machines are priced competitively for such high spec components and hand-finished build quality:
- Commodore gx - £1759 (inc VAT)
- Commodore xx - £2899 (inc VAT)
(Above prices include buyers choice of C-kin case artwork)
Commodore Gaming has also confirmed that customers will be able to customise aspects of their gaming PC, offering a customized interior and exterior. All components can be selected to build a personal specification on each machine.
Commodore Gaming now offers over 100 unique ‘C-kins’ designs in their online store, each case being artistically painted using a patented dye process (unique to Commodore Gaming) and individually finished with a scratch proof surface usually reserved for the automotive industry.
All Commodore Gaming PCs come with a full two-year service and parts warranty.
Tags: commodore gaming, c-kin, commodore gx, commodore xx
Uninterrupted Online Gaming And HDTV Support Anywhere In The Home
DS2, the world’s leading Powerline Chipset provider, has announced that its UPA compliant 200Mbps chip is fully compatible with Microsoft’s new Xbox 360 and Sony’s recently-launched-in-Europe PS3. It becomes the only chip to guarantee uninterrupted high performance online gaming anywhere throughout the home, and will enable online gamers worldwide to interact in real-time, with guaranteed uninterrupted play via standard wall sockets.
DS2’s ‘UPA Plugtested’ 200Mbps chipset guarantees ‘zero latency’, ensuring that all online gamers can participate in high definition virtual-reality role-playing games without any instances of time delay or dropped lines inherent in Wi-Fi. DS2’s Powerline Networking chipset is available now through worldwide providers of technologically advanced network products, such as Allnet, Corinex Communications, Comtrend Corporation, Conceptronic, D-Link, Defidev, Ilevo, Logitec, Netgear, Pirelli Broadband Solutions, Toyo Network Systems and Xavi. It delivers simple, reliable broadband connectivity that offers the necessary bandwidth to connect the digital home by turning any electrical outlet into a high-speed broadband connection.
“As online gaming and other high-definition applications are becoming more mainstream, consumers require fast, reliable broadband access in every room in the home without the inconvenience of latency,” states Victor Dominguez, Director of Strategy & Standardisation at DS2. “Our technology extends high-performance Internet connections to any room in the home, making it possible for consumers to enjoy high-quality, high-definition online gaming and other bandwidth-hungry applications without interruption.”
DS2 technology supports advanced multimedia Quality of Service (QoS) transmission, expanding the range of services that can be offered without compromising the quality perceived by the user. It supports the increasing range of services consumers have now come to demand, from the extreme latency requirements of online gaming to the enormous bandwidth requirements of HDTV. This ultimately ensures the best possible end-user experience as it differentiates traffic into multiple types of communication, and ensures the correct transmission of services so that performance characteristics, such as bandwidth and latency, are preserved in the presence of other traffic.
Tags: ds2, powerline chipset, upa, zero latency, wi-fi
Commodore To Launch New Breed Of Gaming PC
Commodore Gaming today announces that CeBIT 2007 will see the launch of a new breed of gaming PC as the legendary Commodore brand returns to the world of computer and video games hardware with the highest specifications available for gamers.
Bala Keilman, CEO for Commodore Gaming, commented “25 years ago, Commodore launched the best selling personal computer of the late 20th Century, the C64, and defined the early computer games experience for millions of people worldwide. We are privileged and excited to bring the Commodore brand back to the gaming community and mark a new chapter in its history with this exceptional machine. We’re sure that it will deliver what gamers need and want.”
The new range of optimised Gaming PCs will be launched at the CeBIT show in Hannover, Germany, on 15th March, offering people the chance to play the high performance purpose-built machines with the latest PC games.
Commodore Gaming will be making further announcements at the launch, and the company promises there are some very exciting aspects of the product still to be revealed.
Visit Commodore Gaming at CeBIT- Hall 21, Stand D08.
Tags: cebit 2007, commodore, bala keilman, gaming pc
Xbox 360 Wireless Receiver For Windows Now Available
There’s a reason why gamers choose the Xbox 360 Wireless Controller over other gamepads; it delivers a mean combination of precision, speed and accuracy. Windows gamers can take advantage of the Xbox 360 Wireless Controller and other Xbox 360 wireless accessories with the Xbox 360 Wireless Receiver for Windows, which is now available on store shelves.
As a great gift for yourself or for fellow gamers, the Xbox 360 Wireless Receiver for Windows costs $19.99 (MSRP) and is available at retailers across North America including, GameStop, Wal-Mart and Circuit City. For gamers that need both a wireless controller and receiver, Microsoft is offering the Xbox 360 Wireless Controller for Windows which includes both the receiver and controller in one package for $59.95 (MSRP).
The Xbox 360 Wireless Receiver for Windows opens up a whole new world of Windows gameplay by allowing the Xbox 360 Wireless Controller for Windows, Xbox 360 Wireless Headset and Xbox 360 Wireless Racing Wheel to work on any Windows Vista or Windows XP (SP1 or higher)-based PC.
Not sure which games support these accessories? You can be confident that all Games for Windows branded titles natively support the Xbox 360 accessories when applicable. Additionally, you can easily map button configurations for any game that enables gamepad support.
What else can you do with the Xbox 360 Wireless Receiver for Windows?
- When you use the Xbox 360 Wireless or Wired Headset with the Xbox 360 Wireless Receiver for Windows or the Xbox 360 Wireless Controller for Windows, it will be recognized as a second sound device. That means you can configure the headset in games that use voice communication or voice over IP programs. For example, in Games for Windows title, “Flight Simulator X,” you can output voice communication and radio chatter through the Xbox 360 Wireless or Wired Headset, while still hearing the airplane noise through your main speakers - just like a real cockpit!
- Talk to other gamers through the Xbox 360 Wireless Headset when you play online via Games for Windows - Live, soon to hit Windows Vista with “Shadowrun,” “UNO” and “Halo 2 for Windows Vista,” later this year. Use the Xbox 360 Wireless Headset to chat with friends online on MSN Messenger and other applications that use a voice input device.
- Use the Xbox 360 Wireless Controller for Windows with all of Windows Vista’s inbox games or navigate Windows Media Center.
Tags: xbox 360 wireless controller for windows, vista, windows media center, wireless
Headplay, Inc. Unveils Final Design Of Headplay Personal Cinema System At 2007 CES
Headplay, Inc., a Los Angeles-based visual entertainment and technology company, today announced the unveiling of the HEADPLAY Personal Cinema System’s final production ready design at the 2007 Consumer Electronics Show. The HEADPLAY Personal Cinema System is a portable, visual headset and media center that delivers an immersive, high resolution, cinematic, big screen viewing experience for gaming, movie watching and Internet use. The HEADPLAY Personal Cinema System’s innovative technology was first recognized at the prestigious DEMOfall 2006 conference in September, and now the product’s breakthrough “Fashion-Tech” design by renowned industrial design firm IDEO is being revealed to the public.
The HEADPLAY Personal Cinema System combines its revolutionary design with proprietary, high-performance optical technologies to deliver a portable, personal viewing experience not currently available in the market. Connecting directly to game consoles, DVD players, iPods, PCs and cell phones, the Personal Cinema System is also capable of reading stored media using compact flash or USB. Use of SD, XD, Memory Stick or Smart Media is also expected to be available at launch. The HEADPLAY Personal Cinema System provides universal compatibility with hardware platforms worldwide. In addition, the Personal Cinema System displays, with content availability, true stereoscopic 3D.
The Headplay Personal Cinema System redefines the portable media device category, providing an immersive and startling 3D viewing experience for both movie and game enthusiasts and a no-compromises mobile entertainment experience for anyone on the go.
“As the demand for portable entertainment options continues to expand, coupled with the ‘New Generation 3D’ content coming from Hollywood and game publishers, HEADPLAY allows consumers to experience this explosion of content,” said Glen Ward, Co-CEO of HEADPLAY, Inc. “We are thrilled to be unveiling our product’s unique look and feel at the 2007 Consumer Electronics Show.”
Headplay will host private, hands-on demonstrations of the Personal Cinema System during the length of the CES at the Venetian hotel. The company will also hold booth demonstrations at ShowStoppers 2007, a premiere CES launch pad for innovators and award winners in the technology space.
The Personal Cinema System is comprised of three major components: the Viewer, the Liberator and the Navigator.
The Viewer
The Viewer, or headset, is worn by the user and displays a virtual 52″ screen, providing an immersive, movie theatre-like experience. The Viewer has been designed by industrial design firm, IDEO, to provide the ultimate in style and comfort for extended wear and viewing. It allows for the simultaneous use of a game controller or keyboard. The Viewer incorporates truly amazing optical technologies and will support various resolution levels up to 1024 X 768. HEADPLAY’s patented technology delivers separate but identical images to each eye via a single LCoS micro display, thereby helping to eliminate eyestrain.
The Liberator
The Liberator is both the brains and the heart of the Personal Cinema System. It accepts a composite video, component video and S-video signal in the formats of NTSC, PAL and SECAM. The Liberator runs the software for managing the system and allows for reading and displaying content through its Compact Flash slot or two USB host ports. It enjoys universal connectivity, making it compatible with virtually any device that has video out, including video game consoles, DVD players, video iPods, PCs, cell phones and USB storage devices such as previous generation iPods, thumbdrives or any MP3 player. Just plug and play, with no special drivers required.
The Navigator
The Navigator is a connected remote control that allows the user to select and control content and screen settings. It also serves as the connection point for the Personal Cinema System’s high-performance, noise-suppression ear-buds or listening device of your choice.
Initial Market Launch
The HEADPLAY Personal Cinema System will be available to consumers April 2007 for $499 at this site. Additional accessories will be available for purchase at launch.
Tags: headplay, personal cinema system, media device, portable, consumer electronics show, ces
Give Your Nintendo Wii A Graphical Overhaul With The Talismoon Component Cable
Give your Nintendo Wii a graphical overhaul with the Talismoon Component Cable!
Now you can be sure to maximize everything the Nintendo Wii has to offer with the Talismoon Wii component cable. Become in awe of tremendously enhanced visuals and super crisp textures! Immerse yourself in the digital gaming world and get closer to the game with another premium quality product by Talismoon. Live every jump, shot, and twist and turn to the fullest thanks to the highest quality image displayed on your TV set. Experience the benefits of premium quality gaming for one third less of the retail cost in relation to the official counterpart.
Product Specifications:
- Ideal for standard or HD TVs
- Supports screen resolutions up to 480p
- 5 year warranty
- Stereo sound available through left and right RCA cables
The Talismoon Wii component cable is now shipping and available at retail price of $19.95.
Tags: wii, nintendo, talismoon wii component cable
The EdgeFX Controller
SplitFish GameWare has announced GameStop is the first to receive the EdgeFX Controller for the Sony Playstation 2. The EdgeFX controller is expected in their retail stores next week.
The EdgeFX is part of the “FX GameWare Series,” our console product line designed for competition game play.
Computer gamers know the best way to control the action is with a keyboard and mouse combination. The EdgeFX puts that same style of game play on the PS2. The EdgeFX has a right hand optical mouse controller and gaming pad with a detachable left hand controller. During game play, the left hand controller is used to move while the right rumblemouse is used to shoot, look left, right, up and down.
The EdgeFX features all the normal buttons of a PS2 controller and complete support for all PS2 games, it also features force feed back, a speed button to adjust the overall controller speed and a focus button to switch to precision mode.
The EdgeFX allows you to move at maximum speeds and then instantly slow down for precision targeted shooting when the focus button is pressed. The rumble-mouse in the right hand adds to a true interactive experience. The suggested retail price for the EdgeFX Controller is $69.99. SplitFish has patents pending on key internal portions of this technology. We expect the retail EdgeFX PS3 version that is now in production, to be available soon. Further we are measuring the demand for the readied xBox Halo designed version.
Tags: splitfish gameware, rumblemouse, edgefx
Meroncourt To Distribute The New Tarantula
Meroncourt Europe Limited is pleased to announce that as of the end of October 2006 it will be distributing throughout the UK and Ireland the new Tarantula Keyboard from Razer. Steve Walsh Sales Director of Meroncourt explained, “the Tarantula is just another extension of the tools available from Razer to enhance gamers performance, with stylish looks and many great features it will be a winner and on all Gamers Christmas wish lists this year for definite!”
The Razer Keyboard has the following features:
As the first definitive gaming keyboard created For Gamers, By Gamers, the Razer Tarantula packs an ultra-large high resolution (up to 256 x 64 dots) Organic LED (OLED) screen for built-in advanced interactive menu display, programmable function keys, customisable macro commands, up to 95 programmable keys which can be stored via an on-board memory of up to 5 profiles powered by Razer Synapse.
The built-in 85mm X 25mm high resolution OLED screen, which is one of the largest designed and built in the industry, will allow users to simultaneously view in-games statistics and display information from other applications such as incoming email and message alerts, multimedia key functions, full-colour image files and graphic sound equalizers, without interfering with current gameplay. The screens’ high image quality is achieved by utilizing advanced Graphic User Interface (GUI) powered by Razer’s Intuition Engine. Gamers will not only be able to keep a keen eye and close track of their performance, they will also be able to effectively communicate with their team mates.
The 95 programmable keys on the Razer Tarantula allow configuration of customised keystrokes and macro commands, empowering gamers with seamless control and unparalleled flexibility in competitive gameplay. The personalized touch, significant in Razer’s latest line of gaming peripherals, is all part of Razer’s promise to deliver only the best for gamers. These keys can be programmed without drivers and on up to 5 different gaming profiles which can be stored on the keyboard itself which makes moving from one tournament to another with ease. The onboard memory capability is Powered by Razer Synapse which was first featured in the multi-award winning Razer Copperhead gaming mouse.
A unique feature of the Razer Tarantula is the cool ambient illumination light source running underneath the keys, enabling the keys to be adequately lit for gaming in low or no light conditions. The keyboard also has a dimmer switch that gives gamers the option to adjust illumination according to preference This feature will allow gamers to quickly strategise which moves to execute in mere seconds.
The sleek design of the Razer Tarantula is specially engineered for competitive gamers looking to get their hands on cool-looking Razer gaming peripherals. Features such as the built-in USB 2.0 port, headphone and microphone jack for ease of connection so the gamers won’t have to worry about plug-and-play problems; and the 2 jog-dials and a gaming mode switch, which, when turned on, disables the Windows key. The Razer Tarantula also comes rigged up with a detachable wrist-rest and adjustable feet, ensuring maximum portability while offering a much desired equilibrium and ergonomics, all set to deliver optimal gaming performance.
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Have Joystick, will travel! For Action and Adventure, Classic and Retro, RPG, Sports, Strategy and Simulation - we\’ll provide you with the latest releases, tips, updates, and advice for the PC and console gaming world.
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