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Dell announces the new XPS 18 All-In-One PC

Andrew Edney

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Mar 13, 2013

Today Dell announced the XPS 18, the world’s thinnest and lightest All-In-One. With the perfect blend of weight, large display size and performance in a thin, elegant and highly-mobile design, the XPS 18 opens up new possibilities in multimedia and gaming for families.

The XPS 18 features:

18.4-inch Full HD capacitive touch display
Maximum portability with a starting weight of just 4.85 lbs (2.2kgs)
Aluminium back finish with soft grip for traction and comfort
Flexible design allowing it to be used in a variety of ways for the most comfortable viewing angle
Wireless keyboard and mouse

Built with families and active consumers in mind, the XPS 18 is the world’s thinnest, lightest and most portable AIO, and can be easily transported around the house for watching movies in the living room, playing games with the family, viewing recipes in the kitchen or creating professional presentations in the home office. When it’s time to move the XPS 18 into another room to do homework in a quiet environment, its slim and light weight design make it so portable a child can carry it.

The XPS 18 boasts a number of competitive and industry firsts that set a new standard for AIOs. Coming in at just 5lbsⁱ, the XPS 18 is less than half the weight of other currently available portable AIOs and has nearly double the battery life offering up to five hours of run time between charges. The 18.4-inch Full HD touchscreen is nearly twice the diagonal screen size of an Apple iPad and lends itself to new ways of sharing a computer and collaborating on a single device. It is light enough to hand back and forth, but the screen is large and vibrant enough for multiple people to watch videos, share content or enjoy dual-player games on the same screen from a variety of angles. The XPS 18 is based on third-generation Intel Core processors and Windows 8 operating system for no-compromise performance whether docked or on the go.

The XPS 18 is built on the XPS heritage of uncompromised form, function and thoughtful craftsmanship, and combines the performance characteristics of a primary home PC with the advanced design features of other XPS products. The XPS 18 features an aluminium back finish with soft grip for traction and comfort. It comes with a wireless keyboard and mouse and its flexible design allows it to be used in a variety of ways for the most comfortable viewing angle: on a powered stand for ‘walk up’ computing; on any flat surface using the built-in-flip-out feet; laid flat for sharing; or held on your lap for reading and browsing.

“The XPS 18 will change the way people define and use a PC today,” said Kirk Schell, vice president, Consumer PC Group, Dell. “Everyone who uses it is shocked and amazed at how light it is and comfortable to use in a variety of settings. By combining the performance, versatility and space-saving design of a traditional AIO with an ultra-thin and light touch display and unmatched battery life, we’re giving customers a whole new computing experience that can go anywhere.”

Availability and Pricing

The XPS 18 will be available on Dell.com in the United States and in UK, France and Germany on April 16 starting at £849.

We got some hands-on time with the new Dell XPS 18, so check back tomorrow to hear our thoughts and see some images.

Amazon Launches Kindle Fire HD 8.9″ in Europe and Japan

Andrew Edney

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Mar 13, 2013

0

Amazon today announced that Kindle Fire HD 8.9” — the large-screen version of its best-selling tablet — is now available in the UK, Germany, France, Italy, Spain and Japan. With the expansion of Kindle Fire HD 8.9” to Europe and Japan, Amazon also announced it is able to lower the price of Kindle Fire HD 8.9” in the US, with the Wi-Fi version now starting at $269 and the 4G version starting at $399.

“We’re thrilled with customer reaction to Kindle Fire HD 8.9”. Customers tell us they love our large-screen version of Kindle Fire HD for web browsing, email, gaming, watching TV shows, reading magazines, and more,” said Dave Limp, Vice President, Amazon Kindle. “As we expand Kindle Fire HD 8.9” to Europe and Japan, we’ve been able to increase our production volumes and decrease our costs. Across our business at Amazon, whenever we are able to create cost efficiencies like this, we want to pass the savings along to our customers.”

Kindle Fire HD 8.9” is the highest-resolution, largest-display Kindle Fire. Designed for entertainment, it is perfect for web, apps, movies, games and magazines. Features include:

Large 8.9” display has the highest resolution of any Kindle Fire (1920×1200, 254 ppi), with rich color and deep contrast; ideal for movies, apps, and gaming.
Custom Dolby audio and dual stereo speakers for crisp, rich sound.
Over 23 million movies, TV shows, songs, magazines, books, and audiobooks.
The most popular apps and games.
Ultra-fast web browsing and streaming with built-in dual-band, dual-antenna Wi-Fi.
Front-facing HD camera for taking photos or making video calls.
Exceptional battery life — Kindle Fire HD 8.9” gets 10 hours of battery life.
Easy-to-use e-mail, calendar, and contacts for work or home, including Gmail, Hotmail, Exchange, and more.
New Amazon-exclusive features like X-Ray for Movies, X-Ray for Textbooks, Immersion Reading, Whispersync for Voice and Whispersync for Games.
Kindle FreeTime, a free, personalized tablet experience just for kids and exclusively available on Kindle Fire. Parents can set daily screen limits and give access to appropriate content for each child.
“Buy Once, Enjoy Everywhere” with Amazon apps available on the largest number of platforms so customers can use their Amazon content on any of their devices.
Amazon’s top-rated, world-class customer service.

Kindle Fire HD 8.9” is available starting today.

Assassin’s Creed III The Tyranny of King Washington DLC episode 2 The Betrayal screenshots and trailer released

Gaming
News

Andrew Edney

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Mar 13, 2013

1

Ubisoft have released some new screenshots and a trailer for the 2nd episode of Assassin’s Creed III The Tyranny of King Washington DLC, called The Betrayal.

This three-part single-player experience will let gamers discover an alternate history of the events following the American Revolution where George Washington has succumbs to the temptation of infinite power and crown himself king.

Here is the trailer which shows off the power of the eagle flight:

Assassin’s Creed III – The Tyranny of King Washington: The Betrayal is out March 19th.

And you can watch our exclusive Interview with Marc-Alexis Cote here.

Xtreamer Joyz 4.7 Information Released With Video

Chris Hare

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Mar 13, 2013

1

Xtreamer Joyz 4.7 Information Released With Video

Today Xtreamer Mobile released the first information on their newest Flag Ship Android Phone the Xtreamer Joyz. With an Impressive spec sheet for €299.

Samsung Quad Core CPU
13 Mega Pixel HD Camera
Gorilla Glass 2.0
4.7″ HD Touch Screen
2500 mAh Powerful Battery
Xtreamer Deck OS ROM
Single Sim
ICS 4.0.4
1280×720 pixel display
2500mAh high capacity battery
145g

[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zwebB4Y_njU%5D

App Update: Chrome browser for iPhone and iPad version 25.0.1364.124

Apple

Andrew Edney

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Mar 13, 2013

0

If you are fan of Google’s Chrome browser you can now get it as an app for both the iPhone and iPad and it’s just been updated to version 25.0.1364.124.

Browse fast with Chrome, now available on your iPhone, iPod touch and iPad. Sign in to sync your personalized Chrome experience from your computer, and bring it with you anywhere you go.

What’s New in Version 25.0.1364.124

Fix for startup crash

Have you tried it yet? Be sure and let us know by leaving a comment below.

Download Google Chrome for iOS now

STAR TREK The Video Game introduces T’Mar

Andrew Edney

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Mar 12, 2013

0

On April 26, STAR TREK The Video Game reunites the crew of the U.S.S. Enterprise for an amazing, completely new Star Trek adventure – and alongside Kirk, Spock, Bones, Scotty, Uhura, Chekov and Sulu will be two new characters making their first appearances in the Star Trek universe.

As the game begins, Kirk and Spock are called to aid in the rescue of a mysterious space station that is heading towards catastrophe. Upon their arrival, Kirk and Spock meet a female Vulcan scientist named T’Mar, who plays a prominent role in the action-packed journey that awaits.

“T’Mar is the captain of the space station and was a childhood friend of Spock,” says Paramount Senior Vice President and Executive Producer Brian Miller. “Her blend of incredible intelligence and unexpected beauty prove intriguing to Kirk.”

As the story progresses, T’Mar joins Kirk and Spock as they travel to New Vulcan, a planet that orbits a binary star and was colonized by Vulcans after the destruction of their home world, seen in 2009’s Star Trek. There, they find Surok – a great Vulcan leader.

“When we crafted this story we wanted to make sure the player realizes that the usually logical, Spock can have very emotional connections to the ones he cares about,” adds Miller. “Surok was one of Spock’s childhood mentors and is also T’Mar’s father. Together, they are helping to lead the colonization of New Vulcan.”

As the game progresses, players will learn that Surok is one of the lone survivors of a vicious attack on the New Vulcan planet by the villainous Gorn. Why they have attacked and what they want are at the heart of STAR TREK The Video Game.

“Video games are not only exciting to play, they’ve become a compelling medium for telling stories, so with Star Trek, we had an amazing opportunity to introduce new characters that are integral to the plot of our game,” Miller says. “Our game’s story is canon to the new Star Trek universe, so we had a great responsibility to get these new characters right, and to make them exciting and meaningful to players.”

Throughout the story, both T’Mar and Surok play key roles in helping Kirk and Spock uncover more about the brutal attacks that the Gorn have been engaging in across the galaxy. They also reveal that the Gorn have stolen a mysterious machine known as the Helios Device – one whose functions could prove disastrous in the hands of an enemy as ruthless as the Gorn.

“For players who want to simply enjoy the experience of playing as Kirk and Spock, Star Trek is going to be a great game experience,” Miller says. “But for those eager to dig deeper into a robust story, we hope it’s an adventure that will excite both longtime fans and game enthusiasts alike.”

Check out our recent interview with Brian below:

Scott Pilgrim vs. the World: The Game gets new DLC

Andrew Edney

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Mar 12, 2013

0

The fight between Scott Pilgrim and Ramona’s evil exes continues today as his roommate Wallace Wells joins the roster of playable characters in Scott Pilgrim vs. The World: The Game in a new downloadable content pack.

Along with a new character, the DLC pack includes online multiplayer allowing friends to tackle the popular downloadable title together. The new DLC pack for Scott Pilgrim vs. The World: The Game is now available on the PlayStation Network for £3.99 and will be available on March 13 for 400 Microsoft Points via the Xbox LIVE online entertainment network for Xbox 360.

Scott Pilgrim vs. The World: The Game brings the award-winning graphic novels series created by Bryan Lee O’Malley to life on the Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system from Microsoft and PlayStation 3 computer entertainment system. Originally released in 2010, Scott Pilgrim vs. The World: The Game is a four-player action game that features playable characters from the cast – including Scott Pilgrim, Ramona Flowers, Kim Pines and Stephen Stills. The game and new downloadable multiplayer content are available on Xbox LIVE and PlayStation® Network, along with additional downloadable content that adds Knives Chau as a playable character and two new modes. For a limited time, PlayStation PLUS members receive 20% off for 2 weeks between March 12, 2013 – March 26, 2013 on the multiplayer DLC and the updated Ultimate Edition.

Here is the new trailer:

For more information on Scott Pilgrim vs. The World: The Game, please visit: http://www.ubi.com/UK/Games/Info.aspx?pId=8919

DVBLogic, 08Software Team Up to Offer Live iOS TV Streaming

Jim McCarthy

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Mar 12, 2013

0

DVBLogic, 08Software Team Up to Offer Live iOS TV Streaming

DVBLogic and 08Software have announced that they are partnering up to deliver live TV streaming without transcoding for iOS devices. Read on for details.

DVBLogic and 08Software have announced that they are partnering up to deliver live TV streaming without transcoding for iOS devices. This is especially useful for users that run DVBLogic on NAS units or other low-powered PC’s where transcoding is too intensive to be useful. Users will install the 08Software video player app 8Player Lite as well as version 1.3 of the DVBLogic client-side app. Live TV streaming will work for iPad 2 and later hardware. Here is the press release from DVBLogic:

DVBLogic partners with 08Software to offer TV playback on iOS devices without video transcoding!

DVBLogic and 08Software have partnered together to enable DVBLink iOS app playing live TV stream without the need for video transcoding on the server side. This new feature is particularly important for DVBLink users who run server on network attached storage devices and low-spec/low-power PCs, which are not capable of re-coding the video stream.

This new functionality is available in the version 1.3 of DVBLink iOS client app and requires installation of the free 8Player Lite app from the AppStore. Depending on the bitrate and video compression some channels can be played artifact-free on the IPads and iPhones from 2nd generation and above.

This looks like a really nice feature; if you are running DVBLogic, give it a try.

Preview: Monster High Skultimate Roller Maze for the Nintendo 3DS

Andrew Edney

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Mar 12, 2013

0

Lace up your skates and play with your fave ghouls in Monster High Skultimate Roller Maze the Video Game.

Pick your own clawsome team as you race through the scary-challenging course filled with terrifying traps and killer obstacles. Unlock 12 different Monster High characters and 6 tracks–including Monster High Stadium, Gloom Beach, Skull Shore and more–by winning races.

There are four different modes to select from, including a circuit mode where the team with the most points at the end wins and a timed mode where it’s you against the clock!

You can pick from 12 characters, including Clawdeen, Robecca Steam and Abbey Bominable. Each of the characters has their own special power that they can using during a race once they have collected power ups and their power meter is full. These special powers include Electric Kisses and Bat Calls and have a different outcome in the game.

The tracks give you the chance to really get into the game and use your special powers and gives a lot of replayability.

If you are a fan of Monster High, or more likely you have a child who is a fan of Monster High, then this game should keep them occupied and quiet for hours and its actually rather fun.

Monster High Skultimate Roller Maze for the Nintendo 3DS is released March 13th and costs £24.99

The Last of Us demo on God of War: Ascension won’t be playable for 80 more days

Gaming
News

Andrew Edney

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Mar 12, 2013

10

Back in January we told you that if you purchased God of War: Ascension that a chapter of The Last of Us would be included. Well that is true, but you just can’t play that chapter for another 80 days!

This is what Naughty Dog posted on their blog in January:

We teamed up with the development crew at Santa Monica Studio to include a chapter of The Last of Us in every copy of God of War: Ascension so you won’t have to wait too long to get your hands on two of the biggest games of the year. You’ll simply have to load your God of War: Ascension disc into your PS3 and find The Last of Us listing on the main menu. There you’ll find details on how you can obtain The Last of Us demo for free and when it launches. So, shortly after you’re done carving your way through Ancient Greece in Kratos’ quest for vengeance, you’ll be able to get an early taste of the story in The Last of Us without even swapping discs.

But in reality, when you select The Last of Us from the God of War: Ascension menu you get a countdown clock. Looking at the dates, it appears that early chapter is only going to be about two weeks before the full game actually comes out.

I have to say I am a little disappointed that we have to wait that long, considering what they said. And even on the hardest difficulty level on God of War: Ascension it’s not going to take you 80 days to finish it!

What do you guys think? Let us know by leaving a comment below.

Microsoft Updates Surface RT Firmware, Changes IE10 Flash

Jim McCarthy

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Mar 12, 2013

0

Microsoft released an update to the Surface RT’s firmware today; along with some minor tweaks intended to improve Wi-Fi performance, they also changed the implementation of Flash in the Metro interface of Internet Explorer 10. Read on for details.

Microsoft released an update to the Surface RT’s firmware today; along with some minor tweaks intended to improve Wi-Fi performance, they also changed the implementation of Flash in the Metro interface of Internet Explorer 10. Here is a screen shot of the updates from my Surface RT:

The major change delivered is part of Microsoft’s decision to now allow Flash in the Metro version of Internet Explorer 10 by default. When RT shipped, IE10 only allowed Flash for websites that Microsoft had whitelisted. Now, Microsoft only maintains a blacklist of unallowed sites, and today’s update was necessary in order to implement that fix. Now, the great majority of Flash-enabled websites should work with IE10.

If you have a Microsoft Surface With Windows RT, go ahead and install this update, and enjoy the enhanced Flash experience!

Splinter Cell: Blacklist European Collectables

Chris Hare

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Mar 12, 2013

0

Splinter Cell: Blacklist European Collectables

Splinter Cell: Blacklist‘s European Collector’s Editions have been announced today by Ubisoft.
Containing watches, figurines, comics and more, the European editions are available to pre-order now.

The 5^th Freedom Edition (Exclusive to Game in the UK and Gamestop in Ireland):

This prestigious edition includes-

· A Sam Fisher figurine (24cm)
· A steelbook case
· A 96 page graphic novel, Splinter Cell Echoes^®
· Single and Multiplayer Co-op maps: Dead Coast and Billionaire’s Yacht
· Unlockable digital items:
- o 5 pieces of gear: Gold Goggles and Amber Goggles, Ghost Boots, Armored Boots and Tactical Gloves
- o 5 suits: Elite Digital Ghillie Suit, Spy Suit, Mercenary Suit, Upper Echelon Suit and Eclipse Suit
- o 5 Weapons: VSS Sniper Rifle, M1014 Tactical Shotgun, HK 416 Assault Rifle F40, Pistol and Crossbow

The 5th Freedom Silver Edition:

This edition is exclusive to Uplay^® and includes –

· An exclusive Silver Sam Fisher figurine (24cm)
· A special steelbook case with silver finish
· A 96 page graphic novel, Splinter Cell Echoes®
· Single and Multiplayer Co-op maps: Dead Coast and Billionaire’s Yacht
· Unlockable digital items:
- o 5 pieces of gear: Gold Goggles and Amber Goggles, Ghost Boots, Armored Boots and Tactical Gloves
- o 5 suits: Elite Digital Ghillie Suit, Spy Suit, Mercenary Suit, Upper Echelon Suit and Eclipse Suit
- o 5 Weapons: VSS Sniper Rifle, M1014 Tactical Shotgun, HK 416 Assault Rifle F40, Pistol and Crossbow

The Ultimatum Edition:

This special edition includes-

· Special-Ops Digital Watch
· A 24 page Splinter Cell Echoes Graphic Novel
· Single and Multiplayer Co-op maps: Dead Coast and Billionaire’s Yacht
· Unlockable digital items:
- o 2 pieces of gear: Gold Goggles and Ghost Boots
- o 1 Suit: Upper Echelon Suit

Upper Echelon Day 1 Edition (Exclusive to Game in the UK and Xtravision in Ireland)

This Day 1 edition includes –

· The Dead coast single player and coop map
· A pair of gold goggles
· The legendary Upper Echelon Suit
· Early access to the HK 416 Assault Rifle
· Elite Digital Ghillie Suit

This Week on Xbox Live (12th March 2013)

Gaming
News

Chris Hare

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Mar 12, 2013

0

Here is a list of what is on special offer on Xbox Live Marketplace for the week of 12th March 2013 and more.

Xbox LIVE Arcade

Kinect Sports Gems: Wave 3, 12th March, 720 MP

Darkstalkers Resurrection, 13th March, 1200 MP

Alien Spidy, 20th March, 800 MP

Game Add-ons

Scott Pilgrim: Online Multiplayer+Wallace Pack, 12th March, 400 MP

Dead Space 3 Awakened, 12th March, 800 MP

Dead Space 3 First Contact Pack, 12th March, 400 MP

Dead Space 3 Witness the Truth Pack, 12th March, 400 MP

Dead Space 3 1609, 12th March, 160 MP

Dead Space 3 EG-900 SMG, 12th March, 160 MP

Sleeping Dogs: Year of the Snake, 12th March, 560 MP

Minecraft Skin Pack #4, 13th March, 160 MP

Assassin’s Creed 3 The Betrayal, 9th March, 800 MP

Gears of War: Judgment Season Pass, 19th March, 1600 MP

Tomb Raider: Caves and Cliffs Multiplayer Map Pack, 19th March, 400 MP

Deal of the Week

Grand Theft Auto IV, 12th-18th March

GTA IV GonD, varies by region

GTA IV Lost and Damned, 400 MP (50% off)

GTA IV Ballad of Gay Tony, 800 MP (50% off)

Ubisoft, 19th-25th March

Assassin’s Creed Revelations The Lost Archive, 400 MP (50% off)

Assassin’s Creed Revelations Mediterranean Traveler Map Pack, 400 MP (50% off)

Assassin’s Creed Brotherhood Da Vinci Disappearance, 400 MP (50% off)

Assassin’s Creed 2 Bonfire of the Vanities & Secret Locations, 280 MP (50% off)

Assassin’s Creed 2 Battle of Forli, 160 MP (50% off)

Beyond Good & Evil, 400 MP (50% off)

Rayman 3 HD, 400 MP (50% off)

Might and Magic Clash of Heroes, 600 MP (50% off)

Outland, 400 MP (50% off)

Prince of Persia Epilogue, 400 MP (50% off)

Splinter Cell Conviction – Deniable Ops: Insurgency, 400 MP (50% off)

Mad Riders, 400 MP (50% off)

Sales & Specials

Square Enix Publisher Sale, 12th-18th March, up to 50% off

Brave: The Video Game, 12th-18th March, varies by region

Haunt, 19th-25th March, 320 MP (60% off)

Games on Demand (all 12th March)

Dark Souls Prepare to Die

Motion Explosion

Binary Domain

Winter Stars

F1 Race Stars

Never Dead

KINECT RUSH: A Disney PIXAR Adventure

Battlefield 3 “Multiplayer Update 6” Released for Xbox 360

Gaming
News

Chris Hare

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Mar 12, 2013

3

If you are a Battlefield 3 fan and are heading onto Xbox LIVE today, then you may want to make a start on downloading the latest 1.92GB patch for the game which has just been released.
Titled “Multiplayer Update 6,” the patch “contains improvements to the multiplayer portions of the game”, according to Xbox.com, before going on to say, “We strongly advise you download it.”
Being such a huge update it would seem that this patch more than likely prepares Battlefield 3 for the ‘End Game DLC’ which will arrive for the game later this month.

Either way, if you were planning to play today, you might have a bit of a wait while this downloads.