Game of Thrones USB Flash Drives

Andrew Edney

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Apr 18, 2016

With the new season of Game of Thrones almost upon us, why not get your hands on some USB flash drives from HBO.

Drogon

Your files are precious to you like Drogon is to Daenerys. Keep track of all of them with the Game of Thrones Drogon USB Drive. Pop his head off and this drive is ready to capture all your most powerful documents and doesn’t let anyone forget that you’re the biggest fan of Game of Thrones.

You can order Drogon now from the HBO store.

Ghost the Direwolf

Data is coming! Keep track of it all with the Game of Thrones Ghost USB Drive. Pop his head off and this drive is ready to capture all your most powerful documents and doesn’t let anyone forget that you’re the biggest fan of Game of Thrones.

You can order Ghost now from the HBO store.

These two and other USB drives are priced at £15.99.

Review : TP-Link AC3200 Wireless Tri-Band Gigabit Router

Andrew Edney

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Apr 17, 2016

0

Review : TP-Link AC3200 Wireless Tri-Band Gigabit Router

It’s time to review TP-Link’s AC3200 Wireless Tri-Band Gigabit Router.

The Archer C3200 uses Tri-Band technology to run three separate Wi-Fi channels at once, creating a network that can connect to more devices without a trade-off in performance.

Features

Tri-Band technology creates three separate Wi-Fi bands for connecting more devices to your network without a drop in performance
Combined 3200Mbps Wi-Fi speed over one 2.4GHz (600Mbps) and two 5GHz (1300Mbps each) bands
Smart Connect helps devices run faster by assigning them to the best available channel to balance network demand
Six high-performance antennas maximize coverage area and stability
1GHz dual-core CPU and three co-processors handle simultaneous connections without interruption

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DmDllNDomgw

What’s in the box?

The box contains the router, a power supply, cables and a quick installation guide.

A Closer Look

Setting Up the AC3200

Setting up the AC3200 is done through a web interface.

You have to create a new username and password as part of the process.

Then you pick your region and time zone.

And your Internet Connection type.

And if you want to clone a MAC address.

Then you set up the SSIDs and passwords for the AC3200.

The web interface is very comprehensive with everything you need laid out very well.

You even have a map of your network devices.

Final Thoughts

The first thing you notice about the AC3200 is it’s 6 moveable antennas – they make the AC3200 look like some sort of spider! These antenna can be moved to ensure you get the best signal.

The AC3200 is also quite small and is fairly light weight so it can fit in without looking too much out of place.

Setting up the AC3200 was fairly simple with a wizard taking you through each step you need to get up and running quickly.

The AC3200 has four Gigabit ports that you can connect your devices to, along with a USB 3.0 port and a USB 2.0 port.

Performance wise the AC3200 does very well, both on the 2 and 5 Ghz ranges, and during our review we had a very long reach with the signal, including over several floors in a house, something that often fails with older routers (understandably). We also didn’t notice any loss of speed when we had multiple devices connected to it at the same time.

You can connect an external storage device to the router if you want to share your files too.

If you are in the market for the latest router that supports all the current wi-fi specifications, then look no further than the TP-Link AC3200.

The TP-Link AC3200 Wireless Tri-Band Gigabit Router is available now priced around £170.

You can learn more from the TP-Link website.

Spotify and PlayStation Celebrate One Year Together

Gaming
News

Chris Hare

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Apr 15, 2016

0

Spotify and PlayStation Celebrate One Year Together and Hit More Than Five Billion Streams on PlayStation Music.

It’s been a year since the music joined forces with PlayStation. Last March, Spotify/Sony launched the music experience on PlayStation Music (PS Music), making it easier than ever for gamers to enjoy their favourite tracks on PlayStation 4 PlayStation 3 and Xperia devices.

Since launch, Spotify has reached more than five billion streams. While Drake rules the airwaves as the most streamed artist, “Lean On (ft. MØ and DJ Snake)” by Major Lazer is the most streamed song. What else are Spotify users on PlayStation listening to while gaming?

Here’s a look at what’s on rotation, including the most popular gaming soundtracks:

Most streamed artists

● Drake

● Eminem

● Justin Bieber

● The Weeknd

● Fetty Wap

Most streamed tracks

● “Lean On (feat. MØ & DJ Snake)” by Major Lazer

● “See You Again (feat. Charlie Puth) – From Furious 7 by Wiz Khalifa

● “Can’t Feel My Face” by The Weeknd

● “Hotline Bling” by Drake

● “Trap Queen” by Fetty Wap

Most streamed gaming soundtracks

● The Music of Grand Theft Auto V, Vol. 1: Original Music

● The Last of Us ● Rocket League (Official Game Soundtrack)

● The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt

● Minecraft – Volume Alpha For gamers in the US, hip-hop is by far the favourite genre and Drake still tops the charts: Most streamed artists in the US

● Drake

● Future

● Fetty Wap

● The Weeknd

● Eminem

Most streamed tracks in the US

● “Jumpman” by Drake, Future

● “Hotline Bling” by Drake

● “White Iverson” by Post Malone

● “Me, Myself & I” by G-Eazy, Bebe Rexha

● “Antidote” by Travi$ Scott It’s no surprise that music and gaming go hand-in-hand. But when does the most listening happen?

● Across the world and in the US, Saturday is the most popular day to listen to Spotify on PS4, PS3, and Xperia devices

New Ghostbusters new game coming this summer

Chris Hare

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Apr 15, 2016

0

New Ghostbusters new game coming this summer

Today Activision in collaboration with Sony Pictures Consumer Products, has announced a pair of new Ghostbusters video games set in and inspired by the comedic action world of the upcoming Ghostbusters film, in cinemas on the 15^th July. Taking place after the events of the new movie, both Ghostbustersgames introduce new casts of rookies keeping watch over the station while the now-famous Ghostbusters tour the country stopping high-profile poltergeists. When paranormal phenomena unleash apparitions across New York City, these new squads of recruits must don their proton packs and wrestle those rogue spirits back to the afterlife!

The console game, Ghostbusters, is a third-person action role-playing game positively charged for thrilling couch co-op with up to four players locally. As rookie Ghostbusters, players can level up their characters’ gear and abilities by tackling objectives, defeating ghastly creatures and discovering hidden collectibles in Manhattan’s most haunted haunts. There are four heroes to choose from, and each has his or her own unique personality and play style, bringing special strengths to support the team.

Ghostbusters is expected to arrive on the PlayStation 4, Xbox One and Windows PC via Steam on the 15^th July in Europe.

The mobile game, Ghostbusters: Slime City, lets players be a Ghostbuster and save New York City from a new wave of threats. Team up with other players in asynchronous co-op, and collect powerful ghosts to rise to the top of the leaderboards. Players can also craft their own proton packs from any number of combinations of components, as well as upgrade their own headquarters and complete jobs around the city for new weapons and rewards.

Ghostbusters: Slime City is expected to launch in July on select iPhone, iPad and iPod touch devices via the App Store, select Android devices via Google Play and select Kindle devices through the Amazon Appstore.

Paramount release first Ghost in the Shell image and info

Chris Hare

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Apr 14, 2016

0

Paramount release first Ghost in the Shell image and info

Paramount Pictures and DreamWorks Pictures have announced that production is underway on “GHOST IN THE SHELL,” starring Scarlett Johansson (“AVENGERS: AGE OF ULTRON,” “LUCY”) and directed by Rupert Sanders (“SNOW WHITE AND THE HUNTSMAN”). The film is shooting in Wellington, New Zealand.

Paramount Pictures will release the film in the U.S. on 31st March, 2017.

The film, which is based on the famous Kodansha Comics manga series of the same name, written and illustrated by Masamune Shirow, is produced by Avi Arad (“THE AMAZING SPIDER-MAN 1 & 2,” “IRON MAN”), Ari Arad (“GHOST RIDER: SPIRIT OF VENGEANCE”), and Steven Paul (“GHOST RIDER: SPIRIT OF VENGEANCE”). Michael Costigan (“PROMETHEUS”) Tetsu Fujimura (“TEKKEN”), Mitsuhisa Ishikawa, whose animation studio Production I.G produced the Japanese “GHOST IN THE SHELL” film and television series, and Jeffrey Silver (“EDGE OF TOMORROW,” “300”) will executive produce.

Based on the internationally-acclaimed sci-fi property, “GHOST IN THE SHELL” follows the Major, a special ops, one-of-a-kind human-cyborg hybrid, who leads the elite task force Section 9. Devoted to stopping the most dangerous criminals and extremists, Section 9 is faced with an enemy whose singular goal is to wipe out Hanka Robotic’s advancements in cyber technology. “We are so pleased to be in Wellington to shoot ‘GHOST IN THE SHELL,’” said producers Avi Arad, Ari Arad, Michael Costigan and Jeffrey Silver. “The city boasts state-of-the-art production facilities and a rich urban landscape that make it an ideal setting for a sci-fi action film.

The crew-base in New Zealand working on the film is first class, and working with Sir Richard Taylor and the team at Weta Workshop is inspirational on every level. The people of New Zealand have been terrific partners in helping us bring this story and its beloved characters to audiences around the world and we are thankful for their continued hospitality.”
Paramount Pictures and DreamWorks Pictures have entered into a marketing agreement with the New Zealand Film Commission (NZFC), Tourism New Zealand (TNZ), Callaghan Innovation and the Ministry of Business Innovation and Employment (MBIE) which recognizes the significant economic, cultural and industry development benefits the production will bring to New Zealand.

The collaboration will further promote New Zealand’s growing screen industry, develop local talent and showcase New Zealand to the rest of the world. “The production will broaden the perceptions of the diversity of New Zealand’s locations by showcasing a science fiction urban setting in New Zealand,” says Dave Gibson NZFC Chief Executive.

Tourism New Zealand’s Chief Executive Kevin Bowler said: “Tourism New Zealand is thrilled to be working with Paramount Pictures for the first time on ‘GHOST IN THE SHELL.’ Film tourism is an important element in Tourism New Zealand’s work to inspire people to visit New Zealand and we look forward to this new opportunity to showcase New Zealand to the rest of the world.”

The cast of “GHOST IN THE SHELL” includes Beat Takeshi Kitano (“MERRY CHRISTMAS, MR. LAWRENCE,” “BATTLE ROYALE” series) as Daisuke Aramaki, Juliette Binoche (“THE ENGLISH PATIENT,” “CHOCOLAT”) as Dr. Ouelet, Michael Pitt (“Hannibal,” “Boardwalk Empire”) as Kuze, Pilou Asbæk (“BEN-HUR,” “LUCY”) as Batou, and Kaori Momoi (“MEMOIRS OF A GEISHA,” “HONG KONG CONFIDENTIAL”). The members of Section 9 are played by Chin Han (“INDEPENDENCE DAY: RESURGENCE”), Danusia Samal (“Tyrant”), Lasarus Ratuere (“Terra Nova”), Yutaka Izumihara (“UNBROKEN”) and Tuwanda Manyimo (“THE ROVER”).

The film’s crew includes Cinematographer Jess Hall (“THE SPECTACULAR NOW”), Editor Neil Smith (“SNOW WHITE AND THE HUNTSMAN”), Production Designer Jan Roelfs (“FAST & FURIOUS 6”), and Costume Designers Kurt Swanson and Bart Mueller (“THE HUNGER GAMES: MOCKINGJAY – PARTS 1& 2”).

TrustMaster announces a Doom Edition of Y-350X Headset

Gaming
News

Chris Hare

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Apr 14, 2016

0

TrustMaster announces a Doom Edition of Y-350X Headset

Has Thrustmaster has created the ultimate detection weapon. A brand-new headset just issued by Thrustmaster’s R&D teams, the Y-350X is a technological powerhouse allowing users to quench their thirst for mass destruction.

Officially licensed for both Xbox One and Windows, the Y-350X has met the challenge of harnessing the advantages of spatialized 7.1 virtual sound with no compromises in terms of power, thanks to the Y Power Pack – and ensures pinpoint precision, with the Y Sound Commander. More than just a headset, it’s a complete arsenal for relentless combat!

Arsenal #1: Y-350X

The Y-350X uses all of Thrustmaster’s R&D expertise to demonstrate its perfect mastery of audio technology, and meet the challenges that this degree of power gives rise to. The incorporation of ultra-large 60 mm drivers – the most powerful to date in the world of console gaming – combined with boosted bass allows gamers to experience the full intensity of combat. The earpieces’ large design provides bass depth and power unmatched at this price point. Since there’s no respite to be found for true gamers, total comfort and sound isolation are ensured thanks to the memory foam used in the ear pads.

Thrustmaster has selected AM3D technology as a key ally in this battle, allowing for 7.1 virtual sound on a level that’s rarely been heard until now. When it all comes down to talent and tactical organization, knowing the terrain is essential in terms of detecting where opponents are coming from: it’s a question of survival. 7.1 sound lets you know exactly where everything is, so that you can plan your movements accordingly.

Thrustmaster has worked on the headset’s frequency response range, adjusting and optimizing it in an anechoic chamber. The goal was to let users experience a gaming environment with incredibly vivid bass response, while at the same time allowing them to understand this hostile world by way of details that only the Y-350X’s 7.1 sound spatialization, audio power and perfectly-calibrated medium and treble frequencies can provide – thereby enhancing gamers’ precision and agility. Ready for multiplayer mode: the headset’s microphone is unidirectional, detachable and adjustable. It has been designed to target only the user’s voice, guaranteeing optimized, high-performance communication.

In conjunction with the Y Sound Commander, all elements can be adjusted for incredible real-time precision with respect to in-game sounds and chatting. The Y-350X features extended compatibility: Xbox One and Windows.

Arsenal #2 (combined): Y SOUND COMMANDER

The key advantage for survival. Used with Xbox One Wireless Controller, Y Sound Commander is an audio control base which manages virtual 7.1 sound (enabled/disabled) and all volume, bass and chat level settings – right at your fingertips while using the controller. A unique feature in its category: it includes backlit real-time indicators for instant status overviews, allowing gamers to make quick adjustments and stay agile: volume / bass / chat and volume balance.

This arsenal is also equipped with a built-in sound card, so that gamers can manage all of this power without any interference.

Arsenal #3 (combined): Y POWER PACK

There can’t be any pauses – and that goes for your weapons too. The Y Power Pack has been designed with this in mind: it provides its own power source, so that you don’t run down your gamepad’s battery.

With the Y Power Pack, the Y-350X headset is self-powered – for truly epic, extended battle sessions.

The Y Power Pack even lets gamers play and charge the headset at the same time: now there are no excuses for not keeping the fight going… ·

The Y-350X will be available from 13th May , at a suggested retail price of $129.99/€149.99 (taxes included).

To complete the range, a special DOOM edition of the best seller Y-300CPX, a universal gaming headset, will also be available from 13th May at the suggested retail price of €59.99 (taxes included).

Sherlock Holmes: The Devil’s Daughter new trailer and new date

Gaming
News

Chris Hare

-

Apr 14, 2016

0

Sherlock Holmes: The Devil’s Daughter new trailer and new date

Bigben Interactive, the publisher and distributor, and development studio Frogwares has today revealed the first gameplay trailer for Sherlock Holmes: The Devil’s Daughter. The game will be available 10th June on PlayStation 4, Xbox One and PC.

The adventure is just beginning for the celebrated detective! Beset by doubt and fear, he must act quickly to escape his darkest demons. Will his nerve be up to the task?

Sherlock Holmes: The Devil’s Daughter is a unique adventure game that blends exploration, investigation and action for a breath-taking and fantastic playing experience.
What led young Katelyn to 221B Baker Street?

Could she have discovered the dark truth about her family? And who is the charming clairvoyant who has moved in to 221C? Is there room for séances and occult rituals in the bastion of logic and rationalism?

For the first time in his prestigious career, the most illustrious of detectives must fight not to reveal a secret, but to keep one…

In Sherlock Holmes: The Devil’s Daughter, you play as the master detective himself, plunged against his will into a fantastic adventure brimming with intense action sequences for an interactive experience that is more immersive than ever.

The mysteries follow one after another, the clues pile up, trails intersect, the hypotheses contradict… Will you be able to guide Sherlock Holmes to the incredible final revelation?

Review: Dark Souls 3

Diogo Miguel

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Apr 13, 2016

1

The Souls series and any of the games associated with it have been known as the ultimate endurance challenge for years. Dark Souls 3 has the potential to embrace this status like never before with a brand new thrilling adventure from Bandai Namco and developer FromSoftware.

Continue

Welcome to the new Amazon Kindle Oasis

News
Tech

Chris Hare

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Apr 13, 2016

0

Eight years ago, Amazon introduced Kindle, making it possible for the first time to think of any book and start reading it in seconds. Since then, Amazon has introduced new Kindle e-readers that are smaller, lighter, and faster all on a mission to make the device disappear so you can lose yourself in an author’s story.

Today, Amazon took another step toward this mission: introducing Kindle Oasis the eighth generation of Kindle crafted from the ground up for readers, with an all-new, incredibly thin and light design, plus an included charging cover that delivers months of battery life. Kindle Oasis is available for pre-order today for £269.99 and will start shipping in the coming weeks. Meet Kindle Oasis at www.amazon.co.uk/kindleoasis.

“To lean back and read for hours, you need a sanctuary from distraction,” said Jeff Bezos, Amazon.com Founder and CEO. “We want Kindle to disappear, and Kindle Oasis is the next big step in that mission. It’s the most advanced Kindle we’ve ever built—thin and ultra-lightweight, it gets out of the way so you can lose yourself in the author’s world.”

Kindle Oasis

All-New Design—The Thinnest and Lightest Kindle Ever

The new Kindle Oasis is unlike any Kindle you’ve ever held. With an incredibly thin display and an ergonomic grip, Kindle Oasis weighs just 131 grams and is just 3.4 mm at its thinnest point—30% thinner on average and over 20% lighter than any other Kindle. To achieve this, Kindle Oasis has a featherweight polymer frame that is plated with metal by structural electroplating this makes the device incredibly light while ensuring it has the strength and rigidity of metal so it is resilient enough to take anywhere you want to read.

Designed for Comfortable and Extended Reading

Kindle Oasis is designed for extended reading sessions—with an entirely reimagined shape, Kindle Oasis shifts the centre of gravity to your palm, to rest in your hand like the spine of a book so that the device feels balanced for one-handed reading. Effortlessly turn the page with either the touch display or physical buttons. Oasis is comfortable to read on with either hand—a built-in accelerometer detects whether you are reading with your left or right hand, and automatically rotates the page and page turn buttons to match.

Dual-Battery Design Delivers Months of Battery Life

Kindle Oasis introduces a new dual-battery system as soon as you connect the cover to Kindle Oasis, the battery in the cover begins recharging Kindle Oasis automatically. The battery in the cover uses a custom cell architecture that optimises power and energy while keeping an incredibly small and light form factor and delivering months of battery life. You can charge the device and cover simultaneously while both are snapped together and plugged in. Plus, a new hibernation mode minimises power consumption when your Kindle is inactive.

The included charging cover is made of high-quality leather and is available in black, merlot, or walnut. The cover opens like a book and fits closely around the bezel, waking Kindle Oasis when opened and putting it to sleep when closed. Twelve magnets form a secure and solid attachment between the device and cover, while ensuring it is easy to detach when you choose to read without the cover.

Next Generation Paperwhite Display

Kindle Oasis features the latest generation high-resolution 300 ppi Paperwhite display for crisp text that reads like the printed page. A redesigned built-in front light features 60% more LEDs for our brightest Kindle display ever and leverages new cylindrical diffractive patterns to increase the consistency and range of screen brightness for improved reading in all types of lighting. The new Paperwhite display on Oasis is the first Kindle display designed using a ground-breaking 200 micron display backplane that is as thin as a single sheet of aluminium foil, but is robust enough for you to throw in your bag and take with you on-the-go, combined with a custom cover glass engineered from chemically-reinforced glass.

All the Features Readers Love about Kindle

The new Kindle Oasis includes all of the features that have made the Kindle family the most popular e-readers in the world for eight years running:

 Reads like a book—Thanks to a built-in front light, read without eyestrain or glare, even in bright sunlight.

 Weeks of battery life—Battery life is measured in weeks, not hours.

 No set-up required—Kindle arrives pre-registered so you can start reading immediately.

 Whispersync—Saves and synchronises your last page read, bookmarks, and annotations across all of your devices and Kindle apps, so you can always pick up where you left off.

 Worry-free archive—Automatically backs up your Kindle books in the cloud, so you never need to worry about losing your books—re-download your books wirelessly anytime for free.

 Goodreads—Kindle is integrated with the world’s largest site for readers and book recommendations, with over 50 million members, 1.3 billion books added, and 47 million book reviews.

 X-Ray—Explore the “Bones of the Book”—see all of the passages across a book that mention relevant ideas, fictional characters, historical figures, places, or topics of interest.

 Word Wise—Available on many popular English language titles, Word Wise makes it easier to enjoy and quickly understand more challenging books. Short and simple definitions automatically appear above difficult words, so you can keep reading with fewer interruptions.

 Family Library—With Kindle and Kindle reading apps, you can access not only your own books, but also books from the Amazon account of a spouse or partner.

 Kindle for Kids—Gives parents a simple, engaging way to encourage kids to spend more time reading. Hand-select books for your kids to read, and achievement badges are earned when they hit reading milestones.

 Time to Read—Tells you how much time it will take to finish a chapter or a book based on your personalised reading speed.

 Vocabulary Builder—Compiles words you look up in the dictionary into an easy-to-access list. Use these lists to quiz yourself with flashcards and instantly see words in context.

 Share your favourite passages—Share book recommendations, highlighted sections, and meaningful quotes with friends via Facebook and Twitter.

 Smart Lookup—Integrates a full dictionary definition with other reference information via X-Ray and Wikipedia.

 Custom-Built Typesetting Engine—Word and character spacing, with hyphenation, justification, ligatures, and kerning lays out the pages just as the author intended.

The new Kindle Oasis is £269.99. It is available for pre-order around the world and will start shipping in the coming weeks. Order now at http://www.amazon.co.uk/kindleoasis. Kindle Oasis will also be available from John Lewis stores, as well as Dixons Travel, Argos and Currys PC World.

Homefront: The Revolution ‘Hearts and Minds 101’ featurette

Gaming
News

Chris Hare

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Apr 13, 2016

0

Homefront: The Revolution ‘Hearts and Minds 101’ featurette

Homefront: The Revolution will begin its uprising on 20th May, but those who can’t wait to explore Occupied Philadelphia can start earning Merits that can be used to earn in-game content once the title releases on PC, PlayStation 4, and Xbox One.

The Homefront: The Revolution Merits Program will require players to go to Homefront-Game.com to begin earning Merits simply by completing missions on the site. Each mission will take players deeper into the lore of the universe, with each Merit earned unlocking a corresponding piece of Combat Gear from the Red Rebel set. The Combat Gear can then be used to further customize your co-op character in Resistance Mode.

In order to retrieve the associated in-game Combat Gear, you’ll need to link your Homefront profile with your Xbox Live, PSN, or Steam account. Seven merits are currently available for the launch of the Merits Program, and more will be available in the coming weeks.

In addition to the launch of the Merits Program, Deep Silver has also released a new trailer for Homefront: The Revolution called “Hearts and Minds 101.” The trailer shows players who they can perform actions within the red, yellow, and green zones to earn support from the oppressed population of Occupied Philadelphia.