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Games to look for in 2013

Gaming

phillvine

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Jan 10, 2013

With 2012 over, what do gamers have to look forward in 2013. Looking at the current potential of the next year we could be in for a very entertaining time indeed!

XBOX 720 and the Playstation Orbis

It seems to me that more and more I’m reading about the “death of the games console” or at least that the old ways are soon to be no longer. Whilst excited about change I can’t seem to help but instantly fight the classic-console corner every time I read an article telling me I might not be looking forward to the next console release in the future.

Avoiding my inevitable (and reasonably dull) rant on how much I like the way things are, with no justification what so ever, we actually saw a damn good year of gaming in 2012. Whilst a lot of developers have been limited by the XBOX 360 and PS3’s relative lack of power, we tend to forget that a lot of them have and continue to impress and show us what can be done with specs that embarrass someone with even basic modern PC hardware.

Microsoft and Sony are currently working on the XBOX 720 and the Playstation Orbis respectively and I am really clinging to hope that they both decide to use some serious hardware this time. To be honest it would be refreshing if Microsoft and Sony manage to provide cooling better than the equivalent of wafting a sheet of paper in front of a very expensive fan heater.

Information is in short supply at the moment but 2013 should bring us more info on the platforms relatively soon. Either way I eagerly await the next gen battle between Microsoft and Sony and hope for a late 2013 release.

The Games

Already there is a truly outstanding roster to look forward to in 2013 with enough completely new titles to get excited about and plenty of AAA sequels to fill it all out nicely. I haven’t managed to get literally every predicted 2013 release here but it should provide a good selection.

Bioshock: Infinite

So far the new Bioshock is looking very nice indeed and I’m sure Irrational Games will not disappoint. It does look at lot less dark and brooding than other Bioshock titles but has a separate plot and setting for us to explore which I’m sure will be great. Looking at a March release for XBOX, Playstation and PC.

Dead Space 3

Probably the best way to pay money to be scared senseless and the only true survival horror game we’ve seen in a long time. Dead Space 3 boasts drop-in/drop-out co-op and a cover system. Sounds a lot like this may be going the way of Resident Evil 5 and the death of one of my favorite franchises but so far Visceral Games haven’t disappointed and hopefully Dead Space 3 will continue this success. Scheduled February release for XBOX 360, Playstation 3 and PC.

Gears of War: Judgment

What is there to know? Gears of War is great, third-person thrills from square one right up to the end with some surprisingly emotional cut-scenes thrown in for good measure. I’ve been lucky enough to play previous installments but as a PS3 owner this is a title truly worthy of my jealousy.

South Park: Stick of Truth

Expected in March 2013 this might actually be one of the best in this list.The South Park humor will undoubtedly be present and by definition remind us all that we’re not quite as sophisticated as we like to think. Obsidian Entertainment are taking the reins to create this RPG, and with titles like KOTOR II, Fallout: New Vegas and Dungeon Siege III under their belt this might make for a surprisingly deep RPG for XBOX 360, PS3 and PC.

Aliens: Colonial Marines

One of the best multiplayer demos I got to try out at Eurogamer completely exceeding my expectations, despite them being quite high anyway. Sometimes its just nice to get on an FPS and kill Aliens, especially with Gearbox at the helm, old school you UGLY…anyway. Feb release date for XBOX 360, PS3, PC and Wii U. Make sure to try the multiplayer, if you can get a squad of friends together all the better.

Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance

Definitely the most ridiculous title here, and possible ever but still, Metal Gear is Metal Gear. Since MGS4 Raiden is definitely a complete and total bad-ass and running around as a ninja robot with weird blood stuff should be cool. Hopefully Platinum games have hit the mark, look for a worldwide release in February for XBOX 360 and Playstation.

Dead Island: Riptide

Coming to us in April on XBOX 360, Playstation 3 and the PC the second installment to the Dead Island series sees our “heroes” getting into another zombie apocalypse situation (like you do) and hopefully sees them crafting machetes with electrocution damage and sticking nails through bats to go and beat the absolute crap out of the horde getting as much blood on your own face as possible while you’re at it. Encore.

Army Of Two: The Devils Cartel

The previous Army Of Two titles remain one of my favorite games this generation so I’m eagerly awaiting the latest installment from Visceral Games. This time around they will be using the very sexy Frostbite 2 engine rather than Unreal Engine 3 so great visuals should be in the bag. New characters and no doubt an overly convoluted plot combined with Frostbite 2, Army Of Two: Devils Cartel hits the XBOX 360 and Playstation 3 in March and is shaping up well.

Grid 2

True there isn’t much to be said about Grid 2 other than the development of a new handling model by Codemasters, absolutely loads of content and stunning visuals. The first Grid was a solid game and if Codemasters have adequately built on it and progressed the mechanics Grid 2 could be an all time great. XBOX 360, Playstation 3 and PC owners should expect a summer 2013 release.

Tom Clancy’s Splinter Cell® Blacklist™

Creating a new organization with Sam Fisher as the commander Blacklist promises the usual espionage, betrayals and silent murder from the worlds most surly OAP. Ubisoft have continued with the increase in action rather than hardcore stealth developing “killing in motion” for the latest Splinter Cell title to kill multiple targets quickly, which looks very organic in the video footage. Splinter Cell: Blacklist is slated for a spring 2013 release on XBOX 360, Playstation 3 and PC.

Grand Theft Auto V

XBOX 360 and Playstation 3 release expected for Q2 2013. Boasting more vehicles than ever before, new car handling mechanics and improved gun-play we’re all but guaranteed that Rockstar will not disappoint, as if you had any doubts. The single player will see the player cycling between three different protagonists, which sounds very cool. Combined with the usual GTA antics, GTA V is almost guaranteed to be great.

Tomb Raider

Crystal dynamics are behind the new Tomb Raider reboot starting the franchise at Lara’s beginnings in March on XBOX 360, Playstation 3 and PC. Tomb Raider looks very pretty indeed and the mechanics are much more realistic than previous titles which coincides with the entire tone of the game. There is a solid RPG perk style leveling system and the game promises to be open world. We’re going to see a very different Lara this time around and so far it seems to be a change for the better.

The Last Of Us

From what we’ve seen of The Last Of Us it has managed to generate a huge amount of excitement. Naughty Dog are behind this Playstation 3 exclusive, due for release in May, so we know it’s in good hands. Set in post-apocalyptic America the game sees two protagonists trying to survive against other survivors and infected humans, rather survival horror style. It looks absolutely brilliant and I reckon it’ll be snatching a couple of awards later on in 2013.

Beyond: Two Souls

Quantic Dream’s latest venture and another Playstation 3 exclusive. Beyond: Two Souls is an interactive movie from the same developer that brought us Heavy Rain and it looks absolutely incredible. There isn’t much info yet but if you haven’t seen it yet, check the trailer out below. You will not be disappointed. Ellen Page is staring which is obvious to see when you start the trailer, it really does look stunning. Have you watched it yet? Do it now.

Watch Dogs

Ubisoft Montreal have developed Far Cry and Assassins Creed in the past and now they bring us Watch Dogs. Watch Dogs sees the protagonist using his phone to hack almost anything imaginable. Using it to disrupt other equipment, altering traffic lights to create a subtle “diversion” or raising a bridge just in time to perform a daring escape. Sounds varied and original, not easy to do these days. Again, if you haven’t already, take a look at the trailer and see for yourself. Personally my game to look out for in 2013.

2013 shows some promising new tech and a huge amount of great looking and original gaming. Now we play the waiting game.

DropBox Is Released for Windows 8, Windows RT

Microsoft

Jim McCarthy

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Jan 10, 2013

0

DropBox has released their popular cloud file storage and sharing app for Windows 8 and Windows RT. Read on for details.

DropBox has released their popular cloud file storage and sharing app for Windows 8 and Windows RT. Sharing content with Facebook or Twitter works via the People app, and of course sharing from email links works as well. You can upload and download files from your Windows 8/Windows RT devices. Read more about it on the DropBox blog here. If you are a DropBox user on Windows 8 or Windows RT, go ahead and install the new app!

DropBox Windows 8/RT Blog Post

App Update: Dropbox for iPhone and iPad updated to version 2.0.2

Apple

Andrew Edney

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Jan 10, 2013

0

Dropbox has updated it’s iPhone and iPad app to version 2.0.2.

Dropbox is a free service that lets you bring all your photos, docs, and videos anywhere. After you install Dropbox on your computer, any file you save to your Dropbox will automatically save to all your computers, your iPhone and iPad and even the Dropbox website! With the Dropbox app, you can take everything that matters to you on the go.
Read your docs or flip through your albums when you’re out and about. Save photos or videos to your Dropbox and share them with friends in just a couple taps. Even if you accidentally leave your iPhone in a taxi, your stuff is always safe on Dropbox.

Features:

Always have your stuff with you, no matter where you are.
Add files to “Favorites” for fast, offline viewing.
Easily save photos and videos to your Dropbox.
Share your photos and docs with family and friends.
Save email attachments straight to your Dropbox.

What’s New in Version 2.0.2

• Bug fixes and performance improvements

Download now from the Apple App Store

Microsoft Shows IllumiRoom Concept Video at CES

Chris Hare

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Jan 10, 2013

0

Microsoft has revealed a proof-of-concept video at CES 2013 for a new gaming feature called IllumiRoom.

IllumiRoom projects images on the walls surrounding a television to induce a range of effects such as changing the room’s appearance, extending the game environment and creating a sense of motion.

[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=re1EatGRV0w?feature=player_embedded%5D

According to Microsoft, all effects shown in the proof-of-concept video were recorded in real time, without any effects added in post-processing.

IllumiRoom accomplishes its effects through use of a Kinect sensor and a projector. The Kinect sensor scans the room so that the projected effects contour with other objects that might be in the room, such as lamps or bookcases.

Last year Microsoft filed a patent that describes the same technology used for IllumiRoom. The proof-of-concept video shows that it is a patent Microsoft is still actively researching, and could be an indication of Microsoft’s next Xbox console.

The patent also integrated with a pair of rumoured Kinect 3D glasses, codenamed Fortaleza, that would allegedly add depth to objects and environments projected onto the walls.

It is believed that Microsoft will officially unveil its next Xbox system at E3 this year.

The console was first given the codename ‘Durango’. However, more recently the codename ‘Kryptos’ has been used in reference to the system.

Alleged patent filings for the new Xbox suggest Microsoft’s next console will feature an improved Kinect device and two CPUs, one for gaming and another for multimedia applications.

The filings support some of the details discovered within a set of alleged leaked Xbox documents from 2010.

The 56-page set was removed from the web following an intervention by Microsoft’s legal team.

It claimed that the next Xbox will launch during the 2013 holiday season and feature Kinect 2.0, 3D technology and the long-rumoured Xbox TV.

PaperTab Flexible Tablet Revealed by Plastic Logic

Chris Hare

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Jan 10, 2013

0

Plastic Logic has unveiled PaperTab, a flexible tablet computer that bends like a sheet of paper.

The wafer-thin 10.7-inch touchscreen device was developed in conjunction with Intel and Queen’s University and is powered by the chip-maker’s Core i5 processor.

PaperTabs are designed to be used in numbers, with one for each app in use, rather than having multiple tabs open on a single device. Documents can be shared between PaperTabs over a wireless network or by touching them together.

“Using several PaperTabs makes it much easier to work with multiple documents,” said RoelVertegaal, Director of Queen’s University’s Human Media Lab.

“Within five to ten years, most computers, from ultra-notebooks to tablets, will look and feel just like these sheets of printed colour paper.”

Commands are carried out on PaperTab through bend and swipe gestures, and multiple devices can be placed in close proximity to create a larger display area.

“Plastic Logic’s flexible plastic displays are completely transformational in terms of product interaction,” said Plastic Logic CEO Indro Mukerjee.

“They allow a natural human interaction with electronic paper, being lighter, thinner and more robust compared with today’s standard glass-based displays. This is just one example of innovative revolutionary design approaches enabled by flexible displays.”

[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=81iiGWdsJgg?feature=player_embedded&w=640&h=360%5D

Ubisoft launches Far Cry 3 Outpost mobile app for iOS and Android

Apple

Andrew Edney

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Jan 10, 2013

0

Today, Ubisoft announced the release of Far Cry 3 Outpost, a new mobile companion app for Far Cry 3, now available on iOS and Android platforms.

With this Far Cry 3 mobile app for Multiplayer and Co-op, players can decode the encrypted data found during game sessions to earn advanced weapon mods and customize their Loadouts on the go. Far Cry Outpost also allows players to track their progress through the daily and weekly challenges, check out their stats and compare with their friends, and keep track of the maps created via the in game map editor.

Detailed features:

– Decode the encrypted data you find in game to unlock advanced weapon mods and earn bonus XP. Don’t wait until you’re playing the game to start decoding. Instead, decode on the go! Once you unlock a weapon mod, you can accept it, give it to one of your friends or sell it for more XP straight from your phone.

– View and customize your Loadouts so that you’re ready to play once you’re back in the game.

– Keep track of your progress through the Daily and Weekly Challenges. Completing these Challenges will earn you XP.

– Check out your personal stats and the stats of your friends, including time played, level, top weapons, awards and more.

– Keep track of the maps you’ve made in the Map Editor. You can follow the current tier placements and how many people have liked or favourited your maps.

Check out the trailer below:

Download for iOS: https://itunes.apple.com/gb/app/far-cry-the-outpost/id576781855?mt=8

Download for Google Play: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.ubisoft.farcry.outpost

Are you going to download it? Let us know by leaving a comment below.

Apple Releases EFI Firmware Update 2.6

Apple
News

Andrew Edney

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Jan 10, 2013

0

Apple has just released an EFI firmware update 2.6.

The update is recommended for MacBook Air (mid 2012) models and fixes a few issues.

Kickstarter “Pebble” Shipping 23rd January

Apple

Chris Hare

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Jan 9, 2013

0

Today Pebble made an announcement at CES that the First of the Pebbles will be starting to ship first to the 85,000 Kickstarter Backers on the 23rd January. There will be making 15,000 Pebbles a week the delivery should be complete within 6-8 weeks. The e paper display which is 144 x 168 pixels and it’s made to be readable in direct sunlight. The polyurethane, 22mm watch band is interchangeable, and is “water-resistant through five atmospheres”. It withstands running in the rain, doing the dishes everyday tasks. The Pebble will come in Red, White, Black, Orange and Grey options, There’s a Bluetooth 4.0 module inside the watch its recharged by a tiny USB cables that snaps on your Pebble, that helps maintain the water-resistant rating for the watch.

There’s also an ambient light sensor built-in, the smartwatch supports, Android 2.3.3 and up and iOs 5 and up. “It works even better in iOS 6”, as Apple added a new Bluetooth profile, users will have a pebble account at go.getpebble, which will manage push notifications, Android Intent API system will allow third-party apps to push notifications to the watch. iOS app integration is coming, too. Incoming phone calls, Pebble will vibrates when the call comes in and you can cancel the call with the touch of a button. The SMS features allows you to view texts on the Pebble, You can change the font size directly on the pebble device, of course other settings include date and time.

The Pebble comes stocked with several watch faces, but you also install additional ones. The Pebble app for iOS and Android which will let you manage watch faces and control other settings when you select a new face to install on your phone, it will show up on your Pebble shortly after. To turn on the backlight on the Pebble, you tap the watch, and it will trigger the accelerometer to brighten things up. Pebble will continue notifying Kickstarter backers on the latest manufacturing and software updates every two to three weeks.

You can order one today from GetPebble

CES 2013: Netgear Spotlights Smart Home

Jim McCarthy

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Jan 9, 2013

7

Netgear’s CES announcements revolved around the smart home, covering their new 802.11ac router, a new home surveillance camera system, a new range extender and a Google TV with Slingbox support, among other things! Read on for details.

Netgear’s CES announcements revolved around the smart home, covering their new 802.11ac router, a new home surveillance camera system, a new range extender and a Google TV with Slingbox support, among other things! Netgear’s focus was on how their products can simplify and improve the smart home experience. Of course, they talked about their new 802.11ac router, and explained how beamforming can help to minimize dead spots in the home, but the real surprises to me were a new surveillance camera with cloud recording support, designed for ease of installation, and the new Google TV with Slingbox support. Here is the press release:

NETGEAR SPOTLIGHTS THE SMART HOME AT 2013 CONSUMER ELECTRONICS SHOW

CES Innovations Award double-winner offers look into innovative tech products for streaming entertainment, cloud-based video monitoring and high performance connectivity

LAS VEGAS — January 7, 2013 — NETGEAR®, Inc. (NASDAQGM: NTGR) (www.netgear.com), a global networking company that delivers innovative products to consumers, businesses and service providers, today unveiled a roster of powerful new connectivity solutions for the “smart” home at a press conference held in conjunction with the opening of the International Consumer Electronics Show (CES®) in Las Vegas. NETGEAR launched a number of new WiFi, networking and media streaming products that demonstrate the company’s leadership in technologies that are transforming the connected home and entertainment experience. You can read today’s other CES-related announcements from NETGEAR at netgear.com/about/press-releases/.

NETGEAR is focused on leading the revolution in how people around the world use connected devices that take advantage of “cloud computing” whether they’re at home, at work or on the go. The industry clearly recognizes this aim, as NETGEAR is a double-honoree this year in the CES Innovations Design and Engineering Awards competition, the industry’s highest accolade, for VueZone® Add-On Night Vision Camera (VZCN2060) and NeoTV® MAX Streaming Player (NTV300SL).

“NETGEAR has always been dedicated to helping you simply do more with your home network, and thanks to new mobile devices that work in the cloud, your connectivity options have expanded from fundamental to fantastic,” said Patrick Lo, CEO of NETGEAR. “This year at CES, we shine a spotlight on how we’re ensuring seamless connectivity and control of your home network. This includes more products that take advantage of the cloud to incorporate mobile controls and apps so that you can monitor, set, manage and do more, wherever you are — and with the performance, ease-of-use and reliability that you’ve come to expect from NETGEAR. We help you to connect TVs to the Internet, supercharge and extend the reaches of your network, and monitor what’s going on at home via the cloud, whether you’re at home or away. We want to help you make your house the smartest home in the neighborhood.”

Monitoring Your Home and Streaming Your Favorite Entertainment Content
NETGEAR has expanded the NETGEAR VueZone Home Monitoring product line with the NETGEAR VueZone Add-On Night Vision Camera (VZCN2060), a CES Innovations Award honoree. It’s a two-part system: a powerful AC-powered infrared lamp along with the only wire-free night vision camera that lets you see in the dark. The camera is suitable for both daytime and nighttime use and can be set to automatically detect motion, record an event and send an alert. You can play back your recorded videos from anywhere on Apple iOS or Google Android™ smartphones and tablets, or on PCs or Mac computers. Use your smartphone to easily keep an eye on children, elderly relatives, pets, property, vacation homes or businesses, from anywhere at any time. For more information, please visit www.netgear.com/nightvision.

Building on the features of the NETGEAR NeoTV, NeoTV PRO and NeoTV MAX family of streaming players, the new NETGEAR NeoTV PRIME with Google TV (GTV100) streaming player extends your entertainment experience beyond just streaming video or even basic TV viewing. It enables you to easily find what you love to watch —whether it’s on live TV, streaming entertainment, apps, or the web— using one small NeoTV player. NeoTV PRIME opens up the world of apps from Google Play, delivering access to a growing library of entertainment including movies, TV shows, and music from streaming services such as Netflix, Amazon Instant Video, HBO Go, Crackle, Flixter, Rhapsody, Pandora and many more. Visit http://www.netgear.com/gtv100 to learn more about NeoTV PRIME with Google TV.

NETGEAR has also added Sling Media’s SlingPlayer® to a growing list of hundreds of existing streaming channels on the NETGEAR line of NeoTV Streaming Players — NeoTV (NTV300), NeoTV PRO (NTV300S), the 2013 CES Innovations Award honoree NeoTV MAX (NTV300SL), or the just-announced NeoTV PRIME with Google TV™ (GTV100). With the combination of a NETGEAR NeoTV Streaming Player and a Slingbox®, you can now easily enjoy streaming of your favorite live TV shows, sporting events, recorded programming and even premium movies on any TV using your Internet connection. Find more information on NeoTV Streaming Players at www.netgear.com/landing/stream/tv/#neotv.

Accessing Entertainment on Your Home Network and Mobile Devices Through the Cloud

At CES, NETGEAR is debuting the NETGEAR Universal Dual Band WiFi Range Extender, Wall-plug Edition (WN3500RP). It amplifies both WiFi network frequency bands, giving you a greatly improved wireless experience throughout your home for WiFi connected devices including tablets, laptops, smart TVs, smartphones and more. It’s the first WiFi range extender that can also be directly connected to speakers for music streaming using AirPlay® from devices such as the iPhone® and iPad®, or DLNA® for wireless audio streaming from Android™ smartphones, while at the same time amplifying an existing network connection. To learn more about the NETGEAR Universal Dual Band WiFi Range Extender and the family of easy-to-use WiFi range extenders, please visit: www.netgear.com/home/products/wireless-range-extenders/WN3500RP.aspx.

CES2013: Linksys Updates Smart Wi-Fi Portfolio

Jim McCarthy

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Jan 9, 2013

0

CES2013: Linksys Updates Smart Wi-Fi Portfolio

Linksys introduced several new devices, applications and features for their smart wi-fi line at CES2013. Read on for details.

Linksys introduced several new devices, applications and features for their smart wi-fi line at CES2013. The goal of the Smart Wi-Fi line is to simplify installation, to provide high-speed full coverage of your home, and to expand the usefulness of your internet connection by integrating cloud capabilities and by linking your mobile devices to your smart router. Here is the Linksys press release:

New Linksys Smart Wi-Fi Solutions Revolutionize Home Wireless for Consumers with New Features, Higher Speeds, Longer Ranges and Additional Apps

LAS VEGAS, January 7, 2013 – Cisco Linksys today announced the expansion of its Linksys® Smart Wi-Fi portfolio with three new 802.11ac powered Smart Wi-Fi Routers, a new compact 802.11ac USB adapter, new features and new Smart Wi-Fi Apps. Together, these innovations give consumers a smarter way to control their wireless home network and connected devices.

With the new Smart Wi-Fi Routers, consumers will enjoy incredibly fast Wi-Fi speeds with exceptional in-house Wi-Fi coverage. Consumers will also notice simplified installation that can be completed in a matter of minutes. Additionally, the routers offer new tools for home network monitoring and control, and new mobile apps for anytime, anywhere remote access of files, photos, videos, music and more. The new Smart Wi-Fi Routers and compact USB adapter are expected to be available in the spring.

“Today’s smart homes and smart devices deserve a smart home network,” said Brett Wingo, vice president and general manager, Cisco Linksys Home Networking. “With the introduction of our new powerful Smart Wi-Fi routers that deliver unprecedented speed and range, and include game-changing Smart Wi-Fi tools and apps for simple management of today’s smart home, Linksys once again is leading the category with innovation, quality and simplicity. As the router becomes the hub of the smart home, these products allow for simple control of kids’ screen time, delivery of top-quality video, and easy ways to centrally store and serve up music and video, all controlled from your smartphone or tablet wherever you are.”

Smarter Routers for Smart Devices
With more smart devices entering the home, consumers need Wi-Fi that is powerful, easy to use and can maximize their connected experiences. Linksys’ latest additions to its Smart Wi-Fi Router portfolio include the Linksys Smart Wi-Fi Router AC1200, AC1600 and AC1750. All three of the new dual-band Linksys Smart Wi-Fi Routers are equipped with the latest 802.11ac technology, offering fast wireless speeds—up to three times the speed of Wireless-N, excellent range and backward compatibility with existing wireless 802.11b/g/n devices.¹

Linksys Smart Wi-Fi Router AC 1750 HD Video Pro, EA6700– The most powerful Smart Wi-Fi Router in the Linksys portfolio, the AC1750 is designed for today’s power users with 10 or more connected devices and streaming HD in the home. The dual-band AC1750 delivers Wi-Fi speeds up to 1300 Mbps on the 5 GHz band and up to 450 Mbps on the 2.4 GHz band. This router also offers broad compatibility with the latest devices including smartphones, tablets, e-readers, laptops, game consoles, Smart TVs, Blu-ray players and wireless cameras, among other devices.

Linksys Smart Wi-Fi Router AC 1600 Video Enthusiast, EA6400– The dual-band AC1600 is an ideal option for homes with five to seven connected devices. This router has Wi-Fi speeds up to 1300 Mbps on the 5 GHz band and up to 300 Mbps on the 2.4 GHz band.

Linksys Smart Wi-Fi Router AC 1200 Advanced Multimedia, EA6300– Offering up to 867 Mbps on 5 GHz band and up to 300 Mbps on 2.4 GHz band, the dual-band AC1200 is the perfect fit for a small home with three to five connected devices such as a PC, smartphone and Smart TV.

All three of the new Linksys routers are also equipped with Gigabit Ethernet and USB 3.0 ports. The USB ports allow for storage devices such as USB flash drives or hard drives, to be connected to the router. With Gigabit Ethernet and USB 3.0 ports the routers can rapidly transfer files between the connected storage and other devices – ideal for using the router’s USB storage capabilities to back up media from consumers’ smartphones, tablets or notebooks.

Linksys is also adding beamforming technology to all new 802.11ac routers to deliver better network range and faster Wi-Fi speeds in the home. Linksys Smart Wi-Fi Routers with beamforming technology are designed to precisely adjust, steer and monitor the direction and shape of the Wi-Fi signals in order to send data back and forth over the optimal path.

The Linksys AC 580 USB Wi-Fi Adapter allows consumers to easily upgrade the Wi-Fi in their laptops or computers to 802.11ac and enjoy the benefits of this new technology on existing devices.

Easier Management and Setup

To make home networks easier for consumers to monitor and control, Linksys is also introducing a smart network map, a new Smart Wi-Fi tool that will be free for new Linksys Smart Wi-Fi Routers. The smart network map displays a visual representation of the home network and all of the connected devices to give users valuable information about network connectivity and current bandwidth usage so they can easily control devices, resolve issues, and get the most out of their home network.

To further simplify setup, Linksys’ new Smart Wi-Fi Routers can be installed from most tablets and smartphones or from a browser on a PC, without the need for a setup CD. Consumers simply connect to the router with their computer, tablet or smartphone, and then follow the simple set-up wizard to complete the installation. An optional Linksys Smart Wi-Fi account can be created following the set-up process to provide easy control of the home network, including settings, connected devices and Smart Wi-Fi tools on virtually any device, anytime, anywhere.

‘Black Ops 2’ Revolution DLC Preview Trailer Unveiled

Gaming
News

Chris Hare

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Jan 9, 2013

1

Black Ops 2 has been given a new trailer by Activision for its DLC.

The latest video features a preview of the upcoming ‘Revolution’ DLC map pack featuring four multiplayer maps, a co-operative map and game mode for Zombies and a new weapon.

The four multiplayer maps are called ‘Hydro’, ‘Grind’, ‘Mirage’ and ‘Downhill’, while the new Zombies map is titled ‘Die Rise’.

‘Hydro’ will take place on a hydroelectric plant with a waterway that can flood during matches that can wash players away.

‘Grind’ is set in a skate park, with the map formed mostly out of half pipes and curved ramps for a unique arena.

‘Downhill’ is the first snow-covered map for Black Ops 2, with players fighting over ski slopes with open areas and high vantage points for snipers.

‘Mirage’ takes place on a sandswept resort in the Gobi desert, with sand dunes and indoor environments giving the map a lot of terrain variety.

The popular Zombies mode receives the new ‘Die Rise’ map, which offers a vertical descent through towers with new dangers as players climb down elevator shafts.

There is also the new ‘Turned’ game mode for zombies, where players actually control the zombies trying to defeat a single human player. Defeating the human lets players respawn as the new human, where they have to defend against the other zombies for points.

The new weapon, meanwhile, will be called the Peacekeeper, and will function as a cross between an SMG and an assault rifle.

The ‘Revolution’ DLC map pack will be available first on Xbox Live from January 29, with releases on other platforms to follow at an unspecified date.

Black Ops 2 is available on Xbox 360, PS3, Wii U and PC.

Value Confirms Its Will Release its Own Steam Box

Chris Hare

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Jan 9, 2013

0

Valve co-founder Gabe Newell has revealed new details about the Steam-based gaming device commonly referred to as the ‘Steam Box’.

One prototype for the Steam Box, codenamed ‘Piston’, was revealed at this week’s Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas from PC manufacturer Xi3. However, in an interview with The Verge, Newell has since clarified that Valve will ultimately create its own gaming hardware.

“We’ll come out with our own and we’ll sell it to consumers by ourselves,” Newell said. “That’ll be a Linux box, [and] if you want to install Windows you can. We’re not going to make it hard. This is not some locked box by any stretch of the imagination.”

While Valve will release its own system, it is also interested in having multiple Steam Boxes on the market. The company has been in talks with multiple PC manufacturers, including Xi3, to help them design their own Steam-optimized hardware.

“It’s much more like herding cats, so we try to take the pieces where we’re going to add the best value and then encourage other people to do it. So it tends to mean that a lot of people get involved. We’re not imposing a lot of restrictions on people on how they’re getting involved,” he said.

“It’s been surprisingly difficult when we say to people, ‘Don’t put an optical media drive in there’, and they put an optical media drive in there and you’re like, ‘That makes it hotter, that makes it more expensive, and it makes the box bigger. Go ahead’.”

Sony Shows off New TV Hardware at CES 2013

Chris Hare

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Jan 9, 2013

0

Sony has showcased its upcoming television at CES 2013.

The electronics giant revealed a prototype model of a 56-inch 4K OLED TV, claiming that it will be the largest display of its kind when it arrives on the market.

Sony also announced 55- and 65-inch LED Bravia sets at the trade show, as well as four new ranges of Full HD televisions.

The firm’s W900A series headlines its Full HD offerings, backed by X-Reality Pro technology, Triluminos Display, one-touch mirroring with NFC and support for the Sony SideView tablet and phone app.

Available in 55,46 and 40-inch variations, the TVs are also backed by Active 3D, Motionflow XR 800Hz and the Sony Entertainment Network’s media library.

The W802A range is a passive 3D-sporting alternative, available in 55, 47 and 42-inch variations, while the low-end W650A and W600As do not support 3D technology and come in 42, 32 and even 24-inch models.

Sony’s new full HD lines will be available in April, while the new Bravia sets are scheduled for the spring.

Huawei Unveils First Windows Phone 8 Device

Chris Hare

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Jan 9, 2013

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Huawei Device has today announced its first ever Windows Phone 8 smartphone, the Huawei Ascend W1, backed by UK launch partner O2. Huawei was not among the hardware partners for Microsoft’s latest smartphone operating system when it launched last year, but the Chinese technology giant confirmed that it was interested in getting on board with the platform.

At the CES 2013 show in Las Vegas this week, Huawei officially announced the Ascend W1, running the revamped Windows Phone 8 software.

But as the new device is billed as a “powerful entry-level smartphone”, this indicates that Huawei still views Google’s Android as its primary operating system for more premium handsets.

The Ascend W1 has a 4-inch IPS LCD touchscreen, which is the same size as the iPhone 5, but seems rather modest compared to the 6.1-inch screen-toting Android phone also announced at CES by Huawei.

The screen also boasts a rather modest pixel resolution of 480×800, but comes with full lamination technology, claimed to provide “brilliant visibility under any lighting condition”.

Huawei has fitted the phone with the Qualcomm Snapdragon S4 MSM8230 dual-core 1.2 GHz processor and Adreno 305 GPU. The 1950 mAh battery is claimed to give 470 hours of standby time, the longest among all smartphones in its class.

The 10.15 mm thick phone’s design appears similar to the Windows Phone 8X by HTC, and also comes in multiple colour options, including blue, red, black and white.

The phone has a 5-megapixel camera with LED flash, and 4GB of on-board memory expandable to 32GB via microSD card.

“Inspired and powered by people, the Ascend W1 is a combination of Huawei’s user-centric design philosophy and Windows Phone 8 software, bringing consumers a truly compelling alternative,” said Richard Yu, the chief executive of Huawei Consumer Business Group.

“The addition of the Ascend W1 to our smartphone portfolio gives consumers access to an even wider range of Huawei smartphones.

“At a price that makes sense to consumers, Ascend W1 underscores our commitment to put smartphones within reach of every consumer, no matter who you are or what you want from your phone.”

Windows Phone Division corporate vice president Tyson Myerson added: “We are excited to be working with Huawei to further expand our device portfolio to new locations and price points, allowing more people to experience Windows Phone 8 while enjoying the Ascend W1’s unique features.”

The Huawei Ascend W1 will be available in China and Russia from January, with Western Europe, Middle East, the US and other selected countries to follow in Q1 2013.

In the UK, O2 has agreed a deal to become the launch partner for the Ascend W1. The mobile network will offer the phone in blue and ruby-pink, with pricing and availability to follow.