Review : DatAshur Pro USB Drive from iStorage

Andrew Edney
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Review : DatAshur Pro USB Drive from iStorage

Here is our review of the DatAshur Pro USB Drive from iStorage.

The iStorage datAshur Pro is the world’s most secure, easy to use and affordable USB 3.0 flash drive, employing PIN code access with military grade XTS-AES 256-bit hardware encryption. The datAshur Pro incorporates a rechargeable battery allowing the user to enter a 7-15 digit PIN onto the on-board keypad before connecting the drive to the USB port.

All data transferred to the datAshur Pro is encrypted in real-time with the built in hardware encryption engine and is protected from unauthorised access even if your datAshur Pro is lost or stolen. The datAshur Pro automatically locks when unplugged from the host computer or power to the USB port is turned off and can be set to timeout (lock) after a predetermined amount of time.

Specifications

  • USB 3.0 Flash Drive
  • Capacities up to 64GB
  • FIPS 140-2 Level3 validated
  • CESG CPA / NLNCSA – certifications pending
  • FIPS PUB 197 certified
  • IP57 certified – water/dust resistant
  • Bootable drive
  • AES 256- bit hardware encryption – no software required
  • OS & Platform independent

Who are iStorage?

From their website:

iStorage is the trusted global leader of PIN authenticated, hardware encrypted data storage devices, that include: USB Flash Drives, Hard Disk Drives, and Solid State Drive formats. We deliver the most innovative products to securely store and protect data to Military specified encryption levels, safeguarding your valuable business information whilst ensuring compliance to regulations and directives.

The iStorage range of products are accredited across the range, include FIPS 197 (Advanced Encryption Standard, Computer Security Standard, Cryptography), FIPS 140-2 Level 2 (Tamper Evident, and seals), FIPS 140-2 Level 3 (Responding to attempts of a Physical attack), IP57 (Protected from limited dust ingress and water immersion up to 1M), CESG (National Technical Authority for Information Assurance), CCTM (Claims Tested Mark).

What’s in the box?

The box contains the drive and a quick start guide.

A Closer Look

You can even add laser etched text or a logo if you want to personalise the drive, something that could be very useful if you wanted to brand them for your company.

Using the Drive

When you want to use the drive, you press the Key button and wait for the locked padlock LED to be lit. Then you press the buttons that correspond to the PIN number (within 10 seconds) and if that is successful the green unlocked LED will light up.

You then have 30 seconds to plug the drive into your computer. Once connected the blue LED under the key button will light up and you are ready to use the drive.

Final Thoughts

The DatAshur is the same size as an average USB drive, with the only different being the front panel with the keypad and LEDs.

Using the drive is very simple – just enter your code and the drive is ready to use. When you have finished with the drive just remove it and it locks automatically.

One nice feature is the ability to have an Admin code on the drive, so if you forget your code you can use that one to gain access.

You may be wondering why the drive has a keypad and why you wouldn’t just use the keyboard on your computer to unlock the drive. It’s to stop keyloggers and brute force attacks from gaining access to the drive.

If you enter your code incorrectly 10 times in a row (for example if someone else is trying to guess your code) the user code is deleted. The only way to access the drive is to use the Admin code and reset the user code. If the Admin code is then entered incorrectly 10 times in a row that too is deleted and this time all the data on the drive is also deleted thus protecting whatever you stored on it, so you should feel safe in the knowledge that whatever happens your data is safe and secure.

The drive is recharged when it is plugged into a powered USB port, so don’t worry too much about it losing charge.

Unlike the DatAshur Personal 2 drive which is primarily aimed at home users, the DatAshur Pro is aimed squarely at business and government users who demand that extra level of protection and security for their data – and the DatAshur Pro certainly delivers!

When the drive is in its case, it is also certified as waterproof, but obviously try not to put it in water, just to be on the safe side!

The drive is bootable too which means you can load an operating system on it and boot your computer straight from that.

Speed wise the drive delivers up to 116MB per second read and up to 43MB per second write. But remember, it is hardware based encryption so that is far more important than speed.

The drive weighs around 25 grams so it’s nice and light and slips easily into your pocket.

 

Available now in 8GB, 16GB, 32GB and 64GB, with prices starting at £69.

You can learn more about iStorage and their product range here.

Star Wars: Battlefront II coming to PC/Xbox One and PS4 this November

Chris Hare
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Star Wars: Battlefront II coming to PC/Xbox One and PS4 this November

Today EA has announced Star Wars: Battlefront II, to be a new take on the Rebel Alliance, think again. The new game will focus on the Imperial troops as heroes and the Rebels as terrorist insurgents. And you’ll be able to jump into the war on 17th November.

Mark Thompson, game director at Motive Studios, said that his dev team began working on narrative for the game around the same time that The Force Awakens was in theaters. With all the movies, having dealt with the Rebellion as heroes, it wanted to turn the tables.

“We wanted to give the Empire heroes,” he said. “Who are the soldiers that lead the rank-and-file Stormtroopers? Who are the elite pilots that inspire kids to join the Imperial Academy? Focusing on Special Forces soldiers gave us a chance for a new hero.”

Motive, which is focusing on the game’s story while DICE focuses on multiplayer, came up with idea of placing the story right at the end of Return of the Jedi when Death Star 2 blows up. “We wanted to turn that victory into a loss,” Thompson said. “We wanted to look at the soldiers that were committed to their beliefs … who wanted to avenge their emperor.”

And that is how Iden, the commander of Inferno Squadron, was born. The goal was to create someone above the rank-and-file, with the swagger of an elite soldier that could do it all. “What we came up with was this new elite TIE fighter commando hybrid that was lethal in space or on the ground.” From infiltration to sabotage, with weapons or gadgets, Iden can do it all.

Of course, Motive needed to get approval from Disney and LucasFilm for this direction, which is part of the expanded canon of the Star Wars universe. “We wanted compelling narratives that have strong game play elements,” said Creative executive Steve Blank of LucasFilm. “We love Motive’s idea. They wanted to explore the Imperial perspective and we had never done that before.” And with Iden, Blank said that the concept worked perfectly with the new viewpoint.

While players will get to play Iden during the bulk of the single-player campaign, there will still be opportunities to become one of the iconic heroes that fans are familiar with. The game will let players see the inside of Imperial and Rebellion ships using a mechanic that will allow a switch from an Imperial perspective to a Rebellion one, without seeming contrived. “There will even be one mission where you get to play as Luke Skywalker,” Thompson said.

As for multiplayer, DICE wanted to be able to span all eras, so characters such as Darth Maul and Yoda will join Rey and Kylo Ren. as seen in the above trailer will be playable in the fights. “The blaster, ship, family, faith, friends … all are part of the heroes journey,” said Bernd Diemer, creative director at DICE. “We made the heroes more physical, and given them careers so you can actually make them more powerful with new abilities that let you personalize your play style.”

But the key to matches will still be the troopers and their different classes. “But we wanted to also explore how a lowly trooper can become a hero in a match … the guy who turns the battle at the last second. What are the tools we need to give you to make that possibility a reality?”

Each class will have a different “authentic” look, based on the planet they were on. Upgrades that are added will also look different based on location.

And Criterion is back working on the vehicles. There will be space battles, something the community has asked for, but the team is working to make the battles “meaningful,” and not just thrown in. Since players will be assuming the role of an elite TIE pilot, it is imperative that controls are easy to use and players get a feeling of real speed. “We plan on treating the ships the same way we treat the troopers and heroes,” Diemer said, adding that there will be plenty more ships and vehicles this time around.  There will also be hero ships, like the Millennium Falcon.

“Not a single weapon or outfit will be in the game that the team hasn’t discussed in depth,” Diemer said. “Details must be good and every pixel is important. We geek out a lot.”

“It will feel like Star Wars,” Blank said. “It will be Star Wars.”

The game will be coming on 17th November, coming to PC/Xbox One and PS4, but the Xbox One version of Star Wars Battlefront II will be two-player offline split-screen co-op. Diemer said that there will be Early Access for some, but didn’t offer details.

That could mean through a beta, or more likely through EA or origin Access membership, meaning that members would get a week or two jump on everyone else. We can likely expect more at EA Play around E3.

 

Two Minute Review: Nintendo Switch Starter Kit from Venom

Andrew Edney
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0
Two Minute Review: Nintendo Switch Starter Kit from Venom

It’s time for our Two Minute Review of the Nintendo Switch Starter Kit from Venom.

Features

  • Keep your Nintendo Switch controller safe and protected
  • Robust EVA case with internal mesh pocket for additional accessories and games
  • Glass screen protector included to keep your controller screen free from dirt and scratches
  • Also includes applicator, cleaning cloth and a set of earbuds

Who are Venom?

From their website:

“Since 1999, UK based Venom has designed and manufactured gaming accessories. We pride ourselves on producing quality products at an affordable price. All our products are designed in the UK by our dedicated design team to create desirable accessories to enhance the gaming experience.”

What’s in the box?

The box contains a carry case, screen protector and earbuds.

A Closer Look

Final Thoughts

If you have just purchased a brand new Nintendo Switch you might want to keep it protected – why wouldn’t you?

The Starter Kit from Venom has everything that you need to do just that. There is a hard case that both protects your Switch and controllers, but also has a mesh pocket inside to keep game cartridges, earphones, etc in.

There is also a tempered glass screen protector included in the kit – you will want to fit that as soon as possible, after all, you wouldn’t want to scratch your new Switch would you?

Last but not least there is a set of earbuds included which you can use on your Switch, or on any other device too.

Available now priced around £14.99.

To learn more, check out the Venom website.

Star Wars: The Last Jedi poster and teaser released

Andrew Edney
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Star Wars: The Last Jedi poster and teaser released

The official poster and teaser for Star Wars: The Last Jedi has been released!

STAR WARS: THE LAST JEDI is written and directed by Rian Johnson and produced by Kathleen Kennedy and Ram Bergman and executive produced by J.J. Abrams, Jason McGatlin and Tom Karnowski.

STAR WARS: THE LAST JEDI IS IN CINEMAS FROM DEC 15TH 2017

Two Minute Review: Venom In Ear Stereo Gaming Headset

Andrew Edney
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0
Two Minute Review: Venom In Ear Stereo Gaming Headset

It’s time for our Two Minute Review of the Venom In Ear Stereo Gaming Headset.

The In-Ear Stereo Gaming Headset has a soft ear hook and ear grommets for maximum comfort during gameplay with a built in ergonomically designed in-game volume control.

Features

  • 13mm speaker drivers for superior sound clarity
  • Ergonomically designed In-line volume control unit for in-game volume
  • Soft ear-hook and 3 sets of ear grommets (small, medium and large) for a true fit
  • Adjustable & flexible microphone for in-game chat
  • 1.2 meter flat cable with 3.5mm to 2.5mm adaptor provided for Xbox 360
  • Compatible with PS4, Xbox One (requires Official Stereo Headset Adapter), Xbox 360, PC & Mac

Who are Venom?

From their website:

“Since 1999, UK based Venom has designed and manufactured gaming accessories. We pride ourselves on producing quality products at an affordable price. All our products are designed in the UK by our dedicated design team to create desirable accessories to enhance the gaming experience.”

What’s in the box?

The box contains the headset, user instructions, additional ear buds, the mic, a remote and a cable to use it on the Xbox 360.

A Closer Look

Final Thoughts

The Venom In Ear Stereo Gaming Headset is compatible with the PS4, Xbox One, Xbox 360, PC and Mac. You an also use them on the Nintendo Switch!

The headset itself is pretty small and light weight, and it looks good too! As well as the in ear part of the headset, there is also an ear hook to help hold it in place, which actually is quite comfortable. You also get 3 different size ear buds too so make sure you select the right size to make sure you maintain your comfort!

The mic is removable and easy to fit, so if you don’t want to use that and you just want to use the headset to listen to something then it won’t get in your way.

The quality of the mic is good and it could be positioned easily.

The overall length of the cable worked well too!

The is also a remote that can be used to, so if you just want to listen to music you don’t need to have your device on show.

Overall the Venom In Ear Stereo Gaming Headset is small, light weight and works well with good quality sound coming from both the earphones and the mic. If you want something small to use, then definitely take a look at these.

Available now price around £19.99.

To learn more, check out the Venom website.

Two Minute Review: Nintendo Switch Starter:Kit from Snakebyte

Andrew Edney
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0
Two Minute Review: Nintendo Switch Starter:Kit from Snakebyte

It’s time to do a two minute review of the Nintendo Switch Starter:Kit from Snakebyte.

 

 

 

Who are Snakebyte?

Established in Germany 1997, the snakebyte group is a leading global provider of consumer electronics. The Company has offices in Germany, Shenzhen, the US and Hong Kong and develops and distributes a wide selection of products specializing in connected media devices, gaming, simulation, drones & RC products. In addition, the Company provides its services in the OEM/ODM sector, working with partners to realise their goals and stay ahead of the competition. The snakebyte group have high levels of expertise in hardware engineering and software development, experts at creating an ecosystem in which technology and media can co-exist and provide state-of-the-art experiences for the consumer.

What’s in the box?

The box contains the bag, game case for game cartridges, controller caps, stereo in-ear headphones, screen protector, cleaning cloth and soft card.

A Closer Look

Final Thoughts

If you have just purchased your lovely new Nintendo Switch then you will probably want to protect it. The Starter:Kit provides everything you will need to do just that. It contains a screen protector, which is very easy to fit, thumbstick caps if you so wish to use them (I find its a personal preference if you use these or not, personally I don’t bother, but I know other people who do) and also a carry case which protects the Switch and the controllers.

There is also a hard plastic carry case which will protect your Switch and carry all your other items too!

The Starter:Kit doesn’t stop there though. There is also a set of in-ear headphones, which whilst not giving you the best quality sound, certainly do the job.

The final item in the box is a cartridge case that can fit a couple of game cartridges to keep them safe too!

All in all if you want to protect your Nintendo Switch, plus you want a few other items, then take a look at the Starter:Kit. If you are not bothered about the headphones, thumbstick caps or the cartridge case, then take a look at the Snakebyte Carry:Bag instead although the Carry:Bag is not as robust as the case in this kit. For the price, you certainly can’t argue about what you get in the kit!

Available now, the Nintendo Switch Starter: Kit from Snakebyte is priced around £17.99.

For more information, please visit mysnakebyte.com and follow snakebyte on Facebook, and Twitter.

Bandai Namco Invites Players to Prepare to Dine

Diogo Miguel
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1
Bandai Namco Invites Players to Prepare to Dine

Bandai Namco is used to teasing players with unique teasers for new titles, as has already been seen with the announcement of upcoming title Little Nightmares. Now the company is preparing to do the same as it invites players to… prepare to dine.

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ARMS and Splatoon 2 Lead a Switch Focused Nintendo Direct

Diogo Miguel
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0
ARMS and Splatoon 2 Lead a Switch Focused Nintendo Direct

Although the majority of the latest Nintendo Direct focused on upcoming Nintendo Switch ARMS and Splatoon 2 titles, it didn’t stop the company from revealing a couple of impressive surprises.

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Nintendo Provides New Details on Upcoming 3DS Titles

Diogo Miguel
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0
Nintendo Provides New Details on Upcoming 3DS Titles

The latest Nintendo Direct presentation might have been focused on upcoming Nintendo Switch titles, ARMS and Splatoon 2, but that didn’t stop the company from providing new details on several upcoming Nintendo 3DS titles.

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Win a Digital copy and T-shirt of The Void

Andrew Edney
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0
Win a Digital copy and T-shirt of The Void

To celebrate the release of The Void, we have a digital copy of the film along with a t-shirt to giveaway.

Prepare for a fresh slice of terror from the warped imaginations of VFX and design masters Steven Kostanski and Jeremy Gillespie. The Void is a highly anticipated new horror following a series of successful and prestigious festival appearances.

Encountering a blood-soaked man on a dark deserted road, a police officer rushes the victim to the local hospital. Soon the staff and patients are trapped by a terrifying, otherworldly threat and forced on a hellish voyage into the depths of the building to escape the nightmare.

Shocking, haunting and boasting mind-blowing practical special effects, The Void is a new must-see horror event, starring Ellen Wong (Scott Pilgrim vs the World), Kathleen Munroe (Alphas), Aaron Poole (Forsaken) Kenneth Welsh (The Aviator) and Daniel Fathers. Written and directed by Jeremy Gillespie and Steven Kostanski and from the Executive Producer of The Witch.

How to enter to win

We have a a Digital copy and T-shirt of The Void

All you have to do to be in with a chance of winning is to enter below:

Win a Digital copy & T-shirt of The Void

The closing date is 12.00am on Saturday 29th April 2017. This contest is only open to those in the UK – sorry!

The Void is out now on Digital HD and on DVD & Blu-ray from 24th April

Team Kirby Clash Deluxe is Out Now on 3DS

Diogo Miguel
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0
Team Kirby Clash Deluxe is Out Now on 3DS

The very first Kirby game was released 25 years ago and Nintendo is planning on celebrating in style. With that in mind, Nintendo is kicking off the celebrations with the release of the free-to-start Team Kirby Clash Deluxe title on the Nintendo 3DS.

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Celebrate Easter with an #HBOEggHunt on the HBO Shop!

Chris Hare
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0
Celebrate Easter with an #HBOEggHunt on the HBO Shop!

While many kids will be at the park on egg hunts this weekend, HBO fans can have their own Easter EGGstravaganzas from the comfort of their own home, while saving money on merchandise from their favourite HBO shows!  Starting Thursday 13th April through Monday 17th April, the HBO Shop will host an Easter Egg Hunt featuring hidden discount codes that can be found throughout the product listings of six fan-favourite HBO shows: Game of Thrones, Westworld, Last Week Tonight, Silicon Valley, Veep, and True Blood.

Hunt through each of these series product selections in search of a single item with an egg decal. Once found, visit that product page to see if your egg contains a discount code for up to 20% off your entire purchase, or if your egg is empty and you have to keep hunting! Whether you have a friend or family member who loves HBO shows, or just want to treat yourself to a great deal, don’t miss out on the chance to have some fun navigating through great, discounted merchandise this Easter weekend.

Get Dangerous With This New Sniper Ghost Warrior 3 Trailer

Chris Hare
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Get Dangerous With This New Sniper Ghost Warrior 3 Trailer

CI Games, the team behind the Sniper Ghost Warrior and Lords of the Fallen series of games, is ready to show just how deadly one can be in Sniper Ghost Warrior 3. Strap on your seat buckles, because you’re going for a ride.

In this trailer sets the stage for many of the ways Jon North is wickedly effective at taking out the enemy in Sniper Ghost Warrior 3. Sniping isn’t the only way he can take out enemies, there are also stabbings, explosions (with red barrels nonetheless), knees to the face, and vehicular manslaughter.

But, really, it’s the armour-piercing bullets that leave a mark on the head of a bad guy. A big, red mark. You’ve been warned. Sniper Ghost Warrior 3 tells the story of brotherhood, faith and betrayal in the most complete sniper experience ever. Take the role of an American sniper named Jonathan North, who is dropped into enemy territory in northern Georgia, nearby Russian borders. Explore large open-world maps with dynamic weather and a day and night cycle that actually impacts play and decisions. Customize weapon equipment, accessories, vehicles and a drone, and utilize the three pillars of gameplay to your liking: Sniper, Ghost and Warrior.

Sniper Ghost Warrior 3 launches on the PlayStation 4, Xbox One and Windows PC on 25th April, 2017.

Star Wars: Forces of Destiny mini animated shorts coming soon

Chris Hare
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0
Star Wars: Forces of Destiny mini animated shorts coming soon

Disney and Lucasfilm have today announced ahead of the ‘Star Wars Celebration’ convention opening in Orlando Star Wars: Forces of Destiny, a new initiative celebrating the inspiring stories of iconic heroes from across the Star Wars universe.

An original series of animated shorts (each 2-3 minutes in length) will explore exciting, all new adventures of key characters including Rey, Jyn Erso, Sabine Wren, Princess Leia, Ahsoka Tano and others, ahead of books and a TV special later in the year.

The stories will also be supported by a line of toys from Hasbro, including new ‘Adventure Figures’ – a fusion between traditional dolls and action figures.

Key points of interest:

  • Micro-series of original, animated shorts will focus on untold stories of everyday heroism that shape the destinies of Rey, Jyn Erso, Princess Leia, Sabine Wren, Ahsoka Tano and others
  • Daisy Ridley, Felicity Jones, Tiya Sircar, Ashley Eckstein and Lupita Nyong’o reprise their roles for new series launching in July
  • Books, apparel and toys including new ‘adventure figures’ from Hasbro launching this summer
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