What is Windows Home Server?

May the Flock be with you Angry Birds Star Wars Coming to Consoles

Gaming
News

Chris Hare

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Jul 18, 2013

May the Flock be with you Angry Birds Star Wars Coming to Consoles

May the flock be with you! Activision Publishing, Inc., in conjunction with Rovio Entertainment Ltd. and Lucasfilm Ltd., today announced that the mobile gaming sensation, Angry Birds Star Wars, is expected to release on gaming console systems for the first time on 29^th October, 2013. Complete with new levels, features and platform-unique design elements, these new editions will be available for the Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, PlayStation Vita, Nintendo’s Wii and Wii U and Nintendo 3DS hand-held system.

[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x0VulZxp_60?feature=player_detailpage%5D

“Downloaded more than 100 million times since its release last year, Angry Birds Star Wars melds together two of the biggest names in pop-culture entertainment for an out of this galaxy gaming experience,” remarked Jami Laes, Executive Vice President of Games at Rovio Entertainment. “Angry Birds and Star Wars™ are franchises with millions of fans around the world and we’re excited to partner with Activision to bring the marriage of these beloved properties to gamers everywhere this holiday season.”

Iterating on many of the engaging mechanics of Angry Birds and Angry Birds Space, Angry Birds Star Wars evolves the core game design and hilarious tone of previous entries in the series with new characters, challenges and environments that pay homage to the iconic hallmarks of the Star Wars universe. This title adds 20 never-before-seen exclusive levels – in addition to the existing 200 from the original Angry Birds Star Wars mobile game – and for the first time ever, multiplayer modes. Play alongside family members or friends in two-player co-op mode to achieve a combined high score or against them (up to four players) in competitive mode. In addition, the game delivers achievements and trophies, leaderboards, high-definition graphics (on HD-compatible systems) as well as unlockable bonus levels, items and content.

Preview of Beatbuddy: Tale of The Guardians by THREAKS

Gaming

phillvine

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Jul 18, 2013

0

So, you play as an underwater blue blob thing, your Beatbuddy, to solves platforming puzzles that conform to, or create, the games’ oh so prominent music. Sounds pretty reasonable to me. To be fair, one of the most popular games ever is based on a plumber killing a dinosaur to save a princess named after a piece of fruit. With that crucial analysis complete let us begin.

German Indie developer THREAKS where kind enough to let me try out their new tittle, Beatbudy: Tale of The Guardians. Right from the word go you’re introduced to the unbearably catchy beats that will accompany you, and your Beatbuddy, on your journey. I challenge anyone to play Beatbuddy and not get caught up with the beat. The entire world and its puzzles revolve around the music. Even your cool little Beatbuddy starts dancing if you leave him alone.

Not to say the music is just regurgitated generic background music but is in fact rather different and unique, utilizing all sorts of genres and sticking a nice bass beat behind it. The music is cleverly layered so that different obstacles in the world contribute in different ways to the music. It must have been painstaking to create such intricate and challenging environments and then make sure they’re accurately timed to the music.

The hand drawn environments are artistic and frankly gorgeous. The underwater setting adds nicely to the slick feel of the game ensuring your character moves smoothly at all times. It looks nice, it sounds good and it’s actually challenging at points too. You can often get by relying on good old fashioned platforming ability but for times when that doesn’t work you can call on your musical timing to help. Most of the puzzles can be solved, or at least made easier, by moving to a certain beat; which is clever and more importantly requires good level design. There’s enough variety and complexity in the puzzles that I found myself wanting more when I finished.

The only problem I had was that I found some of the more challenging sections a little tricky to complete on my keyboard. There’s only so much finesse and accuracy that four buttons can provide you with. Switching to a gamepad allows for much more precision and I found it much easier to get my Beatbuddy to go where I wanted him. Maybe I’ve got a crappy keyboard (or maybe I’m just not very good with it) but if you’ve got a pad spare I’d use it. Beatbuddy does feel like it would be at home on a console but unfortunately doesn’t have a scheduled console entry. Hopefully the XBOX ONE and PS4 will put an end to indie developers been unable to get their titles to a console, or at least make it more appealing to do so. But for now here’s Beatbuddy’s new trailer.

So long as THREAKS provide us with enough well designed levels and interesting music Beatbuddy will be challenging, addictive and refreshing. The only problem now is getting that beat out of my head. Dum dum dum dum.

Beatbuddy: Tale of The Guardians is due for release on August 6 2013 on Windows PC, MAC, and Linux.

Watch the Lovebox Music Festival This Weekend on your Xbox

Chris Hare

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Jul 18, 2013

0

Watch the Lovebox Music Festival This Weekend on your Xbox

This coming weekend, Xbox will be bringing the flamboyant mayhem of London’s hottest music festival Lovebox to living rooms across Europe like never before. The immersive and interactive coverage will feature appearances by:

Plan B
Kelis
John Newman
Scrufizzer
Oddisee
Mykki Blanco
Sam and the Womp
With more set to appear in the live broadcast

Brought to you by Xbox Live, Gold subscribers in the UK, Ireland, France, Germany, Spain and Italy will be thrown into the action this 20th Saturday and 21st Sunday of July from 18.00 – 23.00 BST. Don’t miss your chance to get VIP access as Xbox brings you the performances, artist interviews, and best of all, live and exclusive DJ sets that can only be seen on Xbox Live.

Furthermore, viewers who tune in will be encouraged to shape the show through interactive voting on the Xbox Live dash, and can also get involved via Twitter by using the #XboxLovebox hashtag, with the best tweets appearing on-screen throughout the show. This partnership marks the first Lovebox broadcast on a game console and provides the Xbox audience with a truly unique offering.

BBC Radio 1’s Alice Levine and The Voice of Ireland’s Eoghan McDermott will present live and uncensored from the festival, going backstage to give fans unprecedented access to some of the music world’s biggest stars and ground-breaking acts.

Shoot for Glory When Inazuma Eleven 3 Launches on 3DS on 27th September

Gaming
News

Chris Hare

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Jul 18, 2013

0

Shoot for Glory When Inazuma Eleven 3 Launches on 3DS on 27th September

Inazuma Eleven 3: Lightning Bolt and Inazuma Eleven 3: Bomb Blast are coming to the Nintendo 3DS on 27th September. In these two new versions of the popular football RPG, the action this time takes place on the global stage, with your daunting objective to win the Frontier International Championships and be crowned the greatest team in the world! In the pursuit of such glory, you will be able to create a formidable and unique line-up, with Inazuma Eleven 3 containing over 2000 characters to encounter and recruit.

Only by creating the strongest and most balanced team will you experience success, especially when there are also over 350 in-game special moves to consider, which have the potential to dramatically alter the course of a match. In terms of the storyline, both Inazuma Eleven 3: Lightning Bolt and Inazuma Eleven 3: Bomb Blast adopt the point of view of a different character, each version having different powerful rivals to take on. Bringing back the unique formula of RPG elements combined with football-based action, this time around you can get further immersed in the action with the series making its debut in 3D, making the special moves and “battle scenes” even more intense.

New features in action on the pitch include the ability to roll out special tactical team plays which involve the whole team, as well as a goal shoot chaining system where you can string together special moves from different team mates to launch powerful attacks on goal. Off the pitch, to hunt down the best of the best, a new method for scouting players via a capsule vending machine is to be introduced, giving you new tools to find the perfect players for your line-up! Away from the game meanwhile, and to celebrate some of the players starring in the Inazuma series, a set of Inazuma figurines will be made available for fans in the lead-up to launch.

Get ready to take to the playing field once again and challenge the rest of the world in the Frontier International Championships when Inazuma Eleven 3: Lightning Bolt and Inazuma Eleven 3: Bomb Blast launch for the Nintendo 3DS family of consoles on 27th September 2013. More details will be released closer to kick-off; please stay tuned.

Are you Game for a Lock In for Splinter Cell – Blacklist

Chris Hare

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Jul 18, 2013

0

Are you Game for a Lock In for Splinter Cell – Blacklist

Today GAME and UBISOFT are teaming up to smuggle super agent Sam Fisher into the UK to give lucky gamers an exclusive opportunity to experience the latest instalment in the Splinter Cell series.

The UK’s leading video games retailer will host a series of after-hours Lock-Ins in 12 GAME stores across the UK on the 26th and 27th of July. This is a unique chance for gamers who, for one night only, can get to grips with the stunning new entry to the Splinter Cell franchise ahead of the release on 23rd August.

To keep gamers fully fuelled to formulate attacks, tackle terrorists and apply tactical precision to missions, GAME will be keeping recruits well-equipped with free supplies of food and drink. And of course, knowledgeable GAME staff will be on hand to talk about the upcoming epic and offer goodies throughout the night.

GAME is also offering three special editions of Splinter Cell: Blacklist to fans, two of which are exclusive to the retailer: · The 5th Freedom Edition complete with steel book case that gives collectors the chance to get their hands on game memorabilia including 24cm Sam Fisher figurine and Splinter Cell Echoes, a 96 page graphic novel and incredible additional in-game content including two maps – Dead Coast and Billionaire’s Yacht. *Exclusive to GAME · The Upper Echelon Edition is perfect for those who are after extra in-game content and comes complete with Dead Coast map, gold goggles and Upper Echelon suit. *Exclusive to GAME · Ultimatum Edition swaps the figurine of the 5th Freedom Edition for a digital watch and the graphic novel for a 24 page comic book and includes the two maps, plus the gold goggles, ghost boots and Upper Echelon suit These editions are not to be missed and can be pre-ordered in store or online at http://www.game.co.uk/splintercell.

Dave Howard, Store Director at GAME said: “I can’t wait for the Splinter Cell: Blacklist Lock-Ins – there’s a huge dedicated following for Splinter Cell and Blacklist is yet another incredible title for the current generation of gaming. Gamers keep telling us how much they love the unique community experience they get at our in-store events and with a huge and varied programme of Lock-Ins planned for the next few months, the Splinter Cell events are a great way to kick off the gaming season.” With over 5,000 gamers having already attended GAME Lock-Ins this year, this is a not-to-be-missed opportunity. Gamers can register interest at their nearest participating GAME store or send a tweet.

To get involved in the action, gamers must be over 18 years old and as spaces are limited, entry will be on a first-come, first-served basis. Further details and contact information as follows:

Friday 26th July

Store address and Time

Edinburgh, 32 St James Centre, , Edinburgh, Lothian, EH1 3SL
18.00pm

https://twitter.com/GAMEStJames1

Liverpool, 72 Lord Street, Liverpool, L2 1TL
19.00pm

https://twitter.com/GAME_Liverpool

Nottingham, Unit 308A, Victoria Centre, Nottingham, Nottinghamshire, NG1 3QN
18.00pm

https://twitter.com/GAMENottingham

Bristol, Unit LR53, Cribbs Causeway, Bristol, Avon, BS34 5GG
19.00pm

https://twitter.com/GAMECribbs

Norwich, 2-10 Back of the Inns, Norwich, Norfolk, NR2 1PT
19.00pm
https://twitter.com/GAMENorwich

Croydon, 80 North End, Croydon, CR0 1UJ
18.30pm

https://twitter.com/GAMECroydon

Saturday 27th July

Store address
Time

Leeds, Unit 50, White Rose Centre, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS11 8LL
19.00pm

https://twitter.com/GAMEwhiterose

Arndale, Unit 59, Arndale Centre, Manchester, Greater Manchester, M4 3AB
20.00pm

https://twitter.com/GAMEmancArndale

Solihul, 17 Mill Lane, Solihull, West Midlands, B91 3AR
21.00pm

https://twitter.com/GAME_Solihul

Cardiff, 5 Grand Arcade, St Davids 2 Centre, Cardiff, CF10 2ER
19.00pm

https://twitter.com/GAMEcardiff

Reading, Unit 18, Oracle Shopping Centre, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 2AQ
19.00pm

https://twitter.com/GAMEReadingOrac

Southampton, Unit SU8, West Quay Centre, Southampton, Hampshire, SO15 1QD
19.00pm

https://twitter.com/GAMEsouthampton

Can you “Become what they most fear” in the New Splinter Cell – Blacklist Trailer

Gaming
News

Chris Hare

-

Jul 18, 2013

0

Can you “Become what they most fear” in the New Splinter Cell – Blacklist Trailer

Watch the new trailer for Splinter Cell : Blacklist from Ubisoft called “Become what they most fear most”, A deadly terror ultimatum has been issued : THE BLACKLIST. The clock is ticking and it’s down to Sam Fisher to do whatever it takes to save millions of lives… But he will do it his way.

Splinter Cell: Blacklist release date of 20th August in North America, 22nd August in EMEA territories and 23rd August in the UK. The game will be available on Xbox 360, PS3, Wii U and PC.

[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aYAyBdn-tew?feature=player_detailpage%5D

HTC Announces the HTC One Mini (Updated With Price)

Chris Hare

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Jul 18, 2013

0

HTC Announces the HTC One Mini (Updated With Price)

Today HTC introduced the HTC One Mini, it is a 4.3 inch version of the HTC One. The main design and onboard software remains unchanged, but for HTC One Mini it had to downgrade a few things that was on the main HTC One.

HTC One Mini has a 1.4GHz dual-core processor (Snapdragon 400), 1GB of RAM, 16GB of non-expandable storage, and with the loss of NFC and optical image stabilization for the camera. Also the HTC has cut the IR blaster that was in the HTC One that is also gone.

The 720p Super LCD display on the HTC One Mini with a pixel density at 341ppi. The HTC One Mini will come with Android 4.2.2 out of the box, running Sense 5.0. Notably, it features the same excellent 4MP UltraPixel camera in the back with BSI, f/2.0, 1/3-inch sensor

The BoomSound, via a pair of two front mounted speakers, is still on the HTC One mini, as is the UltraPixel camera sensor. LTE band support with the HTC One Mini will also be identical to the original HTC One.

No Specific carriers, in the US or elsewhere, have not yet been announced yet, however HTC aims to roll out the One Mini around the world starting in August. Two Colours will be available at launch, silver and black, and the first countries to get it in Europe will be the “key markets” of Germany and the UK.

HTC One Mini specs include:

4.3” 720 (1,280 x 720 (341 ppi) S-LCD3 display
f/2.0, 1/3” BSI 4MP Ultrapixel main camera,
1.6MP front camera
1.4 GHz Snapdragon 400 CPU
Android Jelly Bean 4.2.2 OS with Sense 5
1GB of RAM, 16GB of internal storage
1800 mAh battery
Dual front speakers with BoomSound
Dimensions: 132 x 63.2 x 9.25mm

[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ttyZLYeaIEg?feature=player_detailpage%5D

HTC ONE Mini – Sneak Preview From Carphone Warehouse

Update

The online retailer Mobile fun will be stocking both the silver and black versions of the HTC One mini SIM-free for £379.99. With stock is listed as arriving some time in August.

The Making of Flashback

Gaming
News

Chris Hare

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Jul 18, 2013

0

Ubisoft is bringing Flashback back after 20 years after the original game’s launch, Conrad is enlisted back to active service for the triumphant return of one of the most acclaimed franchises in gaming history.

It is Flashback re-imagined. The original Core-Team revamped their own creation, leveraging the best of today’s technology while remaining true to the classic side-scroller that set the standards of the genre in the 90’s.

[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-fYIkmi9_nA?feature=player_detailpage%5D

One of the best adventure-action games ever created re-imagined by its creators. It’s the same team. It’s the same passion. Only this time, they have had much more firepower at their disposal to recreate the legendary classic!
Gorgeous graphics, amazing animations. It’s the Flashback you’ve always dreamed of. True to the original spirit but made a million times better by using modern engines such as Unreal and Havok. The makeover is completely stunning.
It’s all about Gameplay. The team modernized gameplay mechanics, making the game more reactive, offering new features, like gadgets and an experience progression system. But the developers kept the original formula in mind: a fine balance between rolling and shooting, exploring remote space stations and obliterating hostile alien planets.
Bringing back new memories. The story was revamped to speak to 21^st century gamers. Most of the cast of the original game is still here – Conrad, the Morphs – but you can expect new characters and a few twists you’re definitely not going to forget… this time.

Microsoft announced last week that Flashback HD will be part of the Summer of Arcade and will launch on XBLA on 21st August for 800 Microsoft Points PC & PSN version no release dates/price at the moment.

Even though the plot remains faithful to the original game, the missions have been revamped to speak to 21^st century gamers. The maps have been complexified and now benefit from a range of details and animations even wider. Try not to lose your way in the deep jungle!

In addition to the updated version of the game, Ubisoft is pleased to announce that the original Flashback will be included so players can play the original game that started it all. Now is your chance to play the re-imaged cult classic hit as well as the original game you may have missed.

Who Back in Saints Row 4 and Who’s doing the Voice Talent

Gaming
News

Chris Hare

-

Jul 17, 2013

0

Who Back in Saints Row 4 and Who’s doing the Voice Talent

Deep Silver has announced that Saints Row 4’s will have the voice talent includes Michael Dorn (Worf) and Neil Patrick Harris (How I Met Your Mother).

Expendables star Terry Crews, Keith David (Mass Effect) and WWE wrestler Rob Van Dam also feature, the latter of whom is playing himself.

For your player character (the President) you can choose one of seven voices, including the voice acting stars Troy Baker (The Last of Us, BioShock Infinite) and Nolan North (a favourite here at CDW).

Full Cast List

Keith David – As himself
Danielle Nicolet – Shaundi
Jennifer Jules Hart – Shaundi #2
Natalie Lander – Kinzie Kensington
Terry Crews – Benjamin King
JB Blanc – Zinyak/Phillipe Loren
Michael Dorn – Maero
Neil Patrick Harris – DJ Veteran Child
Yuri Lowenthal – Matt Miller
Arif Kinchen – Pierce Washington
Tim Thomerson – Cyrus Temple
Mike Carlucci – Zach
Rob Van Dam – Bobby
Rebecca Riedy – Asha Odekar
Andrew Bowen – Josh Birk/NyteBlayde
Michael Yurchak – CID
TC Carson – Big Tony
Ursula Taherian – Tanya
Ogie Banks – Warren Williams
Nolan North – The President
Troy Baker – The President
Laura Bailey – The President
Robin Atkin Downes – The President
Diane Michelle – The President
Kenn Michael – The President
Sumalee Montano – The President

Also was announced that Johnny Gat is back in Saints Row 4 but how is Johnny back all will be told soon.

[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=98VrXks_jH0?feature=player_detailpage%5D

Adventure Time and Regular Show Coming to Wii U,Xbox360 and PS3 and 3DS Soon

Gaming
News

Chris Hare

-

Jul 17, 2013

0

Adventure Time and Regular Show Coming to Wii U,Xbox360 and PS3 and 3DS Soon

Turner CN Enterprises and D3Publisher,a publisher and developer of interactive entertainment software, today announced that they will bring to Europe and Australasia two new video games based on the popular Cartoon Network award-winning animated shows. Adventure Time: Explore the Dungeon Because I DON’T KNOW! will be available on the Wii U, the Xbox 360, the PlayStation 3 and for the Nintendo 3DS. Regular Show: Mordecai and Rigby In 8-Bit Land will be exclusively available for the Nintendo 3DS system.

Adventure Time: Hey Ice King! Why’d You Steal Our Garbage?!!, show creator Pendleton Ward again teams up with developer WayForward to create Adventure Time: Explore the Dungeon Because I DON’T KNOW!. In a completely new storyline and adventure and featuring the voices of the show’s most popular characters, fans will have to save the Candy Kingdom by exploring the mysteries surrounding a massive Secret Royal Dungeon deep below the Land of Ooo. Select from an assortment of fan-favourite characters from the show, including Finn, Jake, Marceline, Cinnamon Bun, and more, and team up with your friends in four-player co-operative multiplayer as the Adventure Time world comes to life. Adventure Time has encountered a huge success in the US and is in the process to soar across the globe among fans of all ages.

Making its first foray into the video game world, Regular Show: Mordecai and Rigby In 8-Bit Land brings the characters and humour from the Emmy Award-winning animated comedy to Nintendo 3DS this autumn. Regular Show is the Cartoon Network series starring best friends Mordecai and Rigby and their adventures as groundskeepers of the local park. When Mordecai and Rigby get transported into some of their favourite video games they’ll have to use their best skills and unique abilities to traverse the various challenges to escape and get back home in this ‘eggscellent’ journey. Developed by WayForward, in close collaboration with show creator JG Quintel, Mordecai and Rigby prove that a day in the life of Regular Show is anything but.

“We are very excited to extend our partnership with Turner CN Enterprises, via our sister company D3Publisher, with two exciting titles based on the famous Cartoon Network animated shows, Adventure Time and Regular Show” said Olivier Comte, Senior Vice-President at NAMCO BANDAI Games Europe. “Following the success of these two TV shows, we are delighted to bring truly authentic video game experiences to Europe and Australasia that will please fans of all ages.”

Faction Pack DLC for Metro – Last Light

Gaming
News

Chris Hare

-

Jul 17, 2013

0

Deep Silver today announced that the first piece of add-on content for 4A Games’ critically acclaimed Metro: Last Light, the ‘Faction Pack’, is now available worldwide on Steam, the Xbox Live and the PlayStation Network. This add on includes three original single player missions, each casting the player as a different specialist from the warring factions – the Red Line, the Reich and the Polis Rangers.

[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a_05b5w9YNM?feature=player_detailpage%5D

The video shows the three different roles the players can take on: the special detachment sniper of the Red Line, the heavily armed Reich soldier and the Polis Ranger.

The Faction Pack costs just $4.99 / £3.99 / €4.99 /400 Microsoft Points, and is the first of four add-on content packs to be included in the Metro: Last Light Season Pass, which at $14.99 / £11.99 / €14.99 / 1200 Microsoft Points offers a discount over buying the packs separately, and also includes an additional exclusive weapon, the Abzats.

The ‘Faction Pack’ is the first downloadable content pack in a series of four add-ons for Metro: Last Light. The following packs are:

· The ‘Tower Pack’ presents a unique experience for seasoned Metro gunslingers – a challenge based game mode, with online Leaderboard support, as players fight their way up the combat simulator known as The Tower

· The ‘Developer Pack’ boasts a fully stocked Shooting Gallery, the AI Arena and Metro Museum… And a bonus solo mission – The Spiders’ Nest – offers some new tools for dealing with an infestation of the skittering Spider mutants

· Lastly the Chronicles Pack will feature original single player missions that cast the player as three of the game’s standout characters – Pavel, Khan and Anna – and explore their side-stories away from Artyom’s adventure

Plastic Piranha Joins 505 Games for Rekoil

Gaming
News

Chris Hare

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Jul 17, 2013

0

Plastic Piranha Joins 505 Games for Rekoil

Today 505 Games announced an exciting new partnership with indie game developer Plastic Piranha to bring their mod-focused shooter Rekoil to Windows PC and the Xbox Live for the Xbox 360 later this year.

Plastic Piranha, the development team behind Rekoil, is comprised of industry veterans and modding marvels, and each team member has an unquenchable passion for creating titles that speak directly to the hearts of core gamers.

Already gathering a loyal following amongst hard core gamers, the eSports community and gaming media, Rekoil is a multiplayer FPS set in a world devastated by an unrelenting pandemic with a focus on support for modding, customizable servers, and esports. Rekoil is a shooter the way you want it.

Jason Brice, president and CEO, Plastic Piranha, said “We are truly honoured to be joining the team at 505. With a history of amazing titles such as Sniper Elite V2 and Terraria, an upcoming slate of great games like PAYDAY 2 and Brothers – A Tale of Two Sons, and a focus on indie teams like Serellan’s TAKEDOWN: Red Sabre and now Plastic Piranha, we are very proud and excited to be a part of the 505 family,” .

”The team here at 505 Games are really proud of the relationships we’ve forged with independent developers such as Starbreeze Studios, Relogic and Serellan over the last couple of years” added Tim Woodley, Senior Vice President of Brand & Marketing for 505 Games “and we’re really excited to add Plastic Piranha to that list with Rekoil; which promises to delivery fast paced, thrill-a-minute competitive shooting with player choice at the heart of the experience”

“For us, joining the 505 stable was a no brainer, the team at 505 truly backed our ideas and vision for Rekoil, and we feel that our team has delivered a hugely entertaining game, but we wanted to join the most indie friendly publisher in the industry today and in our mind, that is 505. I look forward to seeing everyone running and gunning,” said Kevin Dent, Minister of Chaos, Plastic Piranha.

Rekoil is focused entirely on balanced, infantry-based combat across numerous locations without killstreaks and other unfair advantages. From the fast moving Assault class, to the heavily armed and dangerous Heavy Gunner class, a player’s skill is always at the forefront.

NETGEAR Announces New Sprint LTE/4G Devices

Jim McCarthy

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Jul 17, 2013

0

NETGEAR has announced several new devices aimed at harnessing the Sprint 4g/LTE network: a mobile hotspot and a USB modem. Read on for details.

NETGEAR has announced several new devices aimed at harnessing the Sprint 4g/LTE network: a mobile hotspot and a USB modem. Both devices can operate on of 800MHz spectrum, 1.9GHz spectrum and 2.5GHz spectrum bands, and the hotspot is the first Sprint mobile hotspot capable of international GSM roaming. Here is the press release:

Get Ready to Experience Two of the First Tri-Band 4G LTE Devices from Sprint – NETGEAR Zing Mobile Hotspot and NETGEAR USB Modem – Available July 19

Tri-band devices expect to bring Sprint customers an improved 4G LTE network experience and stronger coverage indoors promised by the Sprint Network Vision build-out

OVERLAND PARK, Kan., and SAN JOSE, Calif. – July 15, 2013 – Sprint (NYSE:S) and NETGEAR^® Inc. (NASDAQGM: NTGR) today announced July 19 availability of two of the first tri-band 4G LTE devices from Sprint, the NETGEAR^®Zing Mobile Hotspot™ and the NETGEAR^® 341U USB Modem. These devices are designed to bring customers improved network performance and stronger in-building coverage by taking advantage of 4G LTE deployment on Sprint’s network (at 1.9GHz 800MHzand2.5GHz).

The three bands of spectrum accessible on these devices will provide Sprint customers a high-quality, consistently fast 4G LTE network experience, whether they are sitting at their desks, catching up with friends at a coffee shop, or relaxing on vacation.

800MHz spectrum being added to Sprint’s LTE network later this year excels at in-building coverage. This spectrum has been repurposed for LTE as Sprint ceased operations June 30 of the Nextel National Network.

Sprint’s 1.9GHz spectrum acts as the primary band in its 4G LTE nationwide build-out. Average performance falls in the range of 6-8Mbps, peaking at 25Mbps, for downlink and 2-3Mbps for uplink.

2.5GHz spectrum , which excels at broad-based, high-speed coverage, is expected to provide Sprint customers increased speeds and capacity in densely populated cities.

Customers will be able to purchase the NETGEAR Zing Mobile Hotspot for $49.99 (excluding taxes) after a $50 mail-in rebate via reward card²and the NETGEAR 341U USB Modem for $19.99 (excluding taxes) after $50 mail-in rebate via reward card². Pricing for both devices requires a new line or eligible upgrade, a two-year service agreement and can be purchased through www.sprint.com, Sprint retail stores, 1-800-SPRINT1 and Sprint Business Sales.

Sprint mobile broadband data plans for the Zing Mobile Hotspot start at $34.99 per month excluding taxes and fees for 3GB of combined 3G/4G data while on the Sprint network. For both the Zing Mobile Hotspot and the 341U USB device, customers can choose the $49.99 plan with 6GB of combined 3G/4G data or $79.99 plan with 12GB of 3G/4G data.

“The launch of devices like the NETGEAR Zing Mobile Hotspot and the plug-in 341U USB Modem that can operate on three spectrum bands is another milestone in Sprint’s rollout of Network Vision,” said David Owens, vice president-Product Development, Sprint. “These two devices are the perfect choice for customers who need mobile broadband to stay connected when working remotely or while traveling. When combined with one of the Sprint mobile broadband plans, they can save a significant amount of money compared to our competitors’ services.”

Three Network Bands, Two Devices, One Great User Experience

The NETGEAR Zing Mobile Hotspot is the first 4G LTE mobile hotspot from Sprint with international capabilities using GSM roaming. With this versatile device, Sprint customers can extend their experience beyond their laptops to up to 10 Wi-Fi-enabled devices, such as tablets, laptops, cameras, music players, personal media players and portable game consoles.

The device is also the first mobile hotspot from Sprint with a 2.4-inch LCD touchscreen display, offering the ability to drill down into the settings menu with just a tap of the finger to adjust settings like brightness, network settings and Wi-Fi options. It is simple to set up and connect with no software required and users can expect up to 10 hours of battery life with the 2,500mAh battery.

The NETGEAR Zing Mobile Hotspot will be the first mobile hotspot that meets Sprint’s environmental specifications and marks an expansion of Sprint’s sustainability leadership beyond offering phones with eco-friendly attributes. Sprint and NETGEAR worked closely together to extend the device’s environmental attributes, boasting a high recyclability rate (75 percent), minimal use of environmentally sensitive materials, and 100 percent recyclable packaging. Sprint will continue to work with other manufacturers to achieve similar environmental attributes for hotspot products going forward.

“NETGEAR’s core value is to strive toward making the Internet fast and simple to access,” said Michael Clegg, senior vice president of Service Provider Business at NETGEAR. “This is something that is built into all of our leading-edge wireless products. We are very excited to be working with Sprint to launch these two products, which align with both Sprint’s and NETGEAR’s missions and values. Sprint’s customers can now get the best network connection available to them in any location and continue to enjoy the freedom of mobile broadband.”

For those who prefer a plug-in option, the NETGEAR 341U USB Modem will be the first tri-band 4G LTE-capable USB modem from Sprint. This small yet powerful device features a built-in LCD display to monitor connection status, signal strength and data usage with a quick glance. With no installation CD required or startup delay, the NETGEAR 341U USB Modem makes it easy to stay productive on-the-go without having to constantly hunt for public Wi-Fi. Other great features include integrated GPS for location-based services, and a unique foldaway USB swivels 180 degrees.

Sprint offers 4G LTE service in 110 markets, including Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Dallas, Los Angeles, Miami and Puerto Rico. Additionally, many customers are discovering Sprint 4G LTE in cities that haven’t yet officially been announced, including Washington, D.C., New York and San Francisco.

For the most up-to-date details on Sprint’s 4G LTE portfolio and rollout, visit www.sprint.com/network. For detailed 4G LTE maps, visit www.sprint.com/coverage. Customers are encouraged to check back often because the maps will be updated whenever coverage is enhanced.

These look like nice upgrades to Sprint’s 4G line…check them out starting July 19th!

Pokemon Rumble U Coming to Wii U Next Month Only on the E-Shop

Gaming
News

Chris Hare

-

Jul 17, 2013

0

Pokemon Rumble U Coming to Wii U Next Month Only on the E-Shop

Nintendo of Europe & The Pokémon Company International announced today that’s the upcoming Wii U Nintendo eShop release of Pokémon Rumble U: a fun packed action game, with intuitive controls and wild battles.

Pokémon Rumble U is the tale of the Toy Pokémon’s great adventure: after a mishap in the Toy Pokémon Shop, a few Pokémon capsules are swept down a river and washed up on a strange riverbank. Our heroes set out to find their way back to the Toy Pokémon Shop. Along the way our heroes discover all is not right: Can you help our friends discover why some of the Toy Pokémon are fighting each other, and what the enemy Pokémon are plotting?

Featuring every last one of the 649 Pokémon that have been discovered as far as Pokémon Black Version 2, and Pokémon White Version 2, with hundreds of moves to master Pokémon Rumble U will provide hours of entertainment for fans and new comers alike.

Pick up and play controls will allow players to jump in and play solo, or with friends, as they accompany our intrepid heroes on their quest to return to the Pokémon Toy Shop. They will pass through a variety of fun-packed locations, like Sparkly Playland, Mysterious Forest, and Blue Sky Park.

In Pokémon Rumble U the more Pokémon you defeat the more Pokémon you can befriend: different types of Pokémon have different strengths and weaknesses, so strategies can be developed to exploit these factors in battle.

Other surprises and pick-ups will crop up along the way – which will help strengthen the team, restore health, or cause damage to the opponents. Pikachu and friends will encounter Giant Bosses, and players can even use the Wii U GamePad to set off Touch Bombs when faced with many Pokémon in battle at once!

Up to four players can enjoy multiplayer battles: with cooperative play to defeat the strongest enemies with team work, or head to head battles to see who can defeat and befriend the most Pokémon in one go.

The game launches on August 15th exclusively for download via the Nintendo e-Shop on Wii U.