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New features usb dlna support coming soon to Xbox One

Chris Hare

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Aug 12, 2014

New features usb dlna support coming soon to Xbox One

Today Microsoft announce the starting in the early access program later this month, of new social features making it easier for gamers to connect with their friends and new ways to access their TV and entertainment throughout their homes will be coming to Xbox One.

The updates include:

New “Friends” section – the new Friends section has been available for a few early access Preview members and we’re expanding it to everyone enrolled in the Preview program. The new Friends section enables users to see at a glance what’s going on with their friends. They can stay up-to-date with their current activities, the most popular games their friends are playing, and a Gamerscore leaderboard to see who has improved their Gamerscore over the last 30 days.
Snap Center – Some of gamers’ favorite features in the Xbox 360 guide, are coming to Xbox One in a way that’s now truly be side-by-side with games. Messages, friends, parties, and achievements will all be available in the new Snap Center, providing a seamless way to switch back and forth without having to leave a game.
Threaded Messages – keeping gamers in their games while they multitask has been a huge focus. The new Messages app features threaded messages with the full conversation history – including embedded links to Game DVR clips – that can be viewed without interrupting gameplay.

Media Player – a new app will be available soon that enables users to play media files from either an attached USB device or from a network connected home media server that supports DLNA protocols. The preview version of the Media Player app will initially only support USB devices, with DLNA support coming soon. Xbox One will support more formats than Xbox 360, including support for dozens of new file formats like mpeg 2 TS, animated gifs and mkv which will be added by the end of the year. See below for additional file formats.
Xbox One Digital TV Tuner – This new accessory will enter a limited preview program in Europe (UK, France, Germany, Italy, and Spain), in advance of its retail launch beginning in October.
Stream TV to SmartGlass – launching first in markets receiving the Xbox Digital TV Tuner, Xbox One owners will be able to stream their TV across their home network to their smartphones and tablets using the Xbox SmartGlass app. They can also pause, play and rewind as well as change channels, without interrupting gameplay on the Xbox One. This will work for SmartGlass apps on Windows, iOS, and Android.
Boot to TV – Now Xbox One owners will be able to set their console to boot directly to television when coming out of connected standby.
Live TV mini guide – for markets where OneGuide is available, a new mini guide on the bottom of the screen will display details about the TV content that is currently playing. Users can quickly change channels and see what’s on other channels, while still watching TV.
Country Expansion – we’re doing a lot of work on the backend to prepare for Xbox One to launch in 29 new markets in the coming weeks.

As with previous updates, these may be rolling out in general availability to Xbox One owners at different stages in the coming months. We continue to be amazed by our fans’ enthusiasm for our Xbox One system updates and their fantastic input. We’re working hard to make Xbox One more social and the best place for all your games and entertainment, and we can’t wait to roll out these new features, and more, in the coming months.

Later today, my gamescom co-host Acey Bongos, and one of the lead engineers on Xbox, Ashley Speicher, are demoing the new features. Stay tuned and we’ll post that demo a little later.

Xbox One compatible file types

3gp audio
3gp video
3gp2
aac
adts
animated gif
asf
avi divx
avi dv
avi uncompressed
avi xvid
bmp
jpg
gif
h264 avchd
mjpeg
mkv
mov
mp3
mpeg 1 ps
mpeg 2
mpeg 2 hd
mpeg 2 ts
mpeg 4 h264 aac
mpeg 4 sp
png
tiff
wav
wma
wma lossless
wma pro
wma voice
wmv
wmv hd

Rise of the Tomb Raider will be an Xbox One exclusive!

Chris Hare

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Aug 12, 2014

0

Rise of the Tomb Raider will be an Xbox One exclusive!

Update

It’s a timed exclusive but no window of the length of time that it stays one.

Original Post

Today Microsoft dropped a giant bomb on the Tomb Raider fans just got a huge shock during todays Microsoft’s Gamescom media briefing, when they learned that not only would Rise of the Tomb Raider come out during holiday 2015, but it would also be exclusive to Xbox One and Xbox 360.

Crystal Dynamics’ Head of Product Development Darrell Gallagher took the stage to make the bombshell announcement. Tomb Raider was a highly-acclaimed reboot across a number of platforms, making the decision to go console-exclusive a bit of a curious one for Square Enix. It’s not curious for Microsoft, though. They just landed a heavy-hitting exclusive for themselves.

If you are asking yourself why Rise of the Tomb Raider is an exclusive to Xbox One, Gallagher explained in a tumblr post shortly after the news was revealed.

“Dear Tomb Raider Community,

As you may have seen, we’ve just announced that Rise of the Tomb Raider, coming Holiday 2015, is exclusively on Xbox. We consider all of you to be the lifeblood of Tomb Raider and the work we do at Crystal. I’d like to give you some insight into this decision, and why we feel this is the very best thing for the Tomb Raider sequel we’re creating at the studio.

Tomb Raider in 2013 was a success due in large part to your continued support. Our goal has always been to deliver something truly special with Rise of the Tomb Raider. Today’s announcement with Microsoft is one step to help us put Tomb Raider on top of action adventure gaming. Our friends at Microsoft have always seen huge potential in Tomb Raider and have believed in our vision since our first unveil with them on their stage at E3 2011. We know they will get behind this game more than any support we have had from them in the past – we believe this will be a step to really forging the Tomb Raider brand as one of the biggest in gaming, with the help, belief and backing of a major partner like Microsoft.

This doesn’t mean that we’re walking away from our fans who only play on PlayStation or on PC. Those are great systems, with great partners, and amazing communities. We have Lara Croft and the Temple of Osiris coming to those platforms this December, and Tomb Raider: The Definitive Edition is available on PS4.

We know that there are probably many more questions and concerns. Please do send them to us, and we’ll answer to the best of our ability. Meanwhile we’re going all out to try and make something truly special – the most ambitious Tomb Raider game ever built.

Thanks,

Darrell Gallagher, Crystal Dynamics Head of Studios

Xbox One Announces White 1TB Xbox One Console

Gaming
News

Chris Hare

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Aug 12, 2014

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Xbox One Announces White 1TB Xbox One Console

Today at the Microsoft’s Gamescom 2014 media briefing, Sledgehammer’s Glen Schofield and Michael Condrey took the stage to reveal some more about Call of Duty: Advanced Warfare. Namely, they pulled the curtain back on more of the single-player mode, showing off one of the campaign’s early missions along San Francisco, while also revealing a new Xbox One bundle set to land in November.

The Call of Duty: Advanced Warfare bundle will come with the console, some slick-looking CoD decals, and a 1TB hard drive. The bundle will be available for £429.99 / $499.99 / €499.99 and come with a downloadable Day Zero edition of Call of Duty: Advanced Warfare.

Assassin’s Creed Unity Paris Horizon Gamescom Trailer

Gaming
News

Chris Hare

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Aug 12, 2014

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In Assassin’s Creed Unity, all of Paris is your playground. From the skyward reaching spires of Notre Dame to the tunnels and slums inhabited by the city’s less fortunate, you can run, climb, and leap from nearly any surface. Follow Arno as he traverses the rooftops, streets, and back alleys of French Revolution era Paris all brought to life in breathtakingly intricate detail made possible by the next gen Anvil engine. Assassin’s Creed Unity will be released on 28th October for Xbox One, PlayStation 4 and Windows PC. Set in a once-magnificent Paris, Assassin’s Creed Unity plunges into the terror of the 1789 French Revolution and features the most dense and immersive Assassin’s Creed city ever created.

Through the streets of Paris, the starving inhabitants are set to take up arms for freedom and equality. In this time of chaos and brutality, a young man named Arno, wounded by the loss of those he loved, sets out on a deadly path of redemption. Arno’s pursuit throws him into the middle of a ruthless struggle for the fate of a nation and transforms him into a true Master Assassin.

Donald Duck joins Disney Infinity 2.0

Gaming
News

Chris Hare

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Aug 12, 2014

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Disney Interactive has announced that Donald Duck, one of Disney’s most iconic characters, is coming to the Disney Infinity Toy Box 2.0!

Joining Sorcerer’s Apprentice Mickey from Disney Infinity, Donald Duck is the second of Disney’s fab five to be added to the Toy Box and is sure to bring nostalgia to Disney fans everywhere.

Joining the cast of characters set to appear in Disney Infinity 2.0: Play Without Limits, alongside other fan favourites – Merida, Maleficent, Stitch, Tinker Bell, Aladdin and Jasmine.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kzjKPvfc1qk

FIFA 15 Xbox One bundle coming to Europe

Gaming
News

Chris Hare

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Aug 12, 2014

0

FIFA 15 Xbox One bundle coming to Europe

Soon players will be able to “kick it” on the pitch for once more with EA Sports’ FIFA 15, and Microsoft is more than ready to satisfy them with some exclusive content.

During today’s Gamescom press conference, Microsoft confirmed that EA Sports will provide a number of exclusive playable Legends, as part of the game’s Ultimate Team mode. A number of players will be accessible in this mode, including Manchester United’s Peter Schemichel, who joined the team on-stage to talk his favourite Football players, as well as other stars like Roberto Carlos, Roy Keane, Sir Bobby Moore and Alan Shearer.

With FIFA 15 will drop on 23rd September for North America but 26th September for Europe for Xbox One, as well as PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, and PlayStation 4.

In addition, an exclusive FIFA 15 bundle is available for pre-order in Europe, starting today. The bundle will go for £349.99, and feature a Kinect-less Xbox 360 console and a digital copy of FIFA 15.

Hands-on with Skylanders Trap Team Tablet edition

Andrew Edney

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Aug 12, 2014

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Activision have just announced Skylanders Trap Team Tablet edition and we got to play with it.

Children (and some adults) love Skylanders, that’s a fact, but the biggest problem has been needing to be at home with the console to play it. Well all that changes now with the introduction of the tablet edition of Skylanders Trap Team.

It comes in a starter pack that includes a Bluetooth Portal of Power, a controller, Food Fight and Snap Shot, two traps and a tray to keep it all one. The controller and the portal of power connect to the tablet (either an iOS, Android or FireOS device) using the Bluetooth low energy standard, which means longer lasting playtime. Both devices take AAA batteries (the controller takes 2 and the portal takes 3). Pairing the devices to your tablet is simple – just open the game and press the button on the device – simple as that!

The controller is stored on the underside of the portal of power making it very easy to transport. The controller itself is smaller than an usual console controller as it has been designed for smaller hands. It is however easy and comfortable to use and is Skylanders branded.

If you want to play the game in co-op mode then you can either use another controller or you can use another supported controller or gamepad.

The game itself appears on your tablet and you can either play it holding your tablet or you can slot it into the side of the portal of power, effectively making your own little gaming setup.

The portal supports tablets up to 12” in size so you should be ok for most tablets today.

You don’t have to play the game using the controller if you don’t want to. Just switch it off and you can use the touch screen controls on the tablet, and they work surprisingly well! The game detects if you are using the controller, or not, and changes the game for you.

You may be thinking that there will be times that you can’t use the portal as you might be in the car, or on a train, well don’t worry as you can actually play the game without using it! If the portal is not connected then the game switches automatically to using “on the go characters” which are digital versions of the toys, in this case Instant Snap Shot and Instant Food Fight. These are separate characters with their own skill trees, but they are essentially the same as the toys, just without having to carry them!

And talking of the toys, all of the previous toys are also supported with the tablet edition too!

The game itself is a free download, you only need to buy the starter pack to get the portal, controller and toys. However you can actually play the game without buying the starter pack! It’s not the full game obviously, but it will be a special introductory adventure that is being created just for this purpose. The idea being that if you like it you can buy the starter pack, and then all the toys!

The game itself is around 1GB for the initial download so you will want to be on a wireless connection when you first download it, and all later levels are actually streamed for you in the background ready for you to play. At this point I don’t know how large those levels will be and if it would be possible to stream them using a data connection (if you were on a train or in a car for example), but that will become clear soon.

I was very impressed with the whole thing, it was easy to setup and the game looks and plays exactly the same as the console version and throwing everything you need into the starter park, including a controller is a great move. I think that a lot of parents are going to find this keeps their children quiet for hours and hours on those long trips.

So the starter pack, which includes the portal of power, two toys, two traps, the controller and a tray will cost £64.99 and will be available at the same time as Skylanders Trap Team on the consoles, which is October 10th in Europe.

Introducing Skylanders Trap Team Tablet edition

Gaming
News

Andrew Edney

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Aug 12, 2014

0

Skylanders is redefining the Toys-to-Life phenomenon with yet another ground-breaking innovation, Skylanders Trap Team. With Skylanders Trap Team, players can take characters out of the game and place them into physical “Traps” that kids can take with them, effectively bringing Life to Toys.

Now, for the first time in franchise history, Activision Publishing, Inc. is bringing the full AAA console experience of a Skylanders game to tablet devices with the Skylanders Trap Team Tablet Starter Pack. Launching day-and-date with the console version, the Skylanders Trap Team Tablet Starter Pack will include a Bluetooth version of the Traptanium Portal, a new ring of magical energy which reverses the magic of the Toys-to-Life category by letting players bring digital characters into the physical world. The new portal gives players the freedom to dock their tablet, providing a hands-free gaming experience. The Skylanders Trap Team Tablet Starter Pack will also include a Bluetooth-enabled controller for the best possible play experience; a built-in tablet stand; two Skylanders characters; two Traps; and a display tray that lets Portal Masters keep track of the Traps they’ve collected and which villains they have trapped.

Like the console version of the game, all 175 existing Skylanders toys will be forward compatible and playable across all platforms, truly allowing Portal Masters to play wherever and whenever they want. Delivering another meaningful technological leap to the Skylanders franchise, the launch of Skylanders Trap Team on tablet underscores Activision’s continued commitment to bringing significant innovation to the Toys-to-Life category that the company firmly established in 2011.

The game introduces more than 50 new playable Skylanders heroes and more than 40 villains in an all-new adventure, delivering a diverse and dynamic story-driven gameplay experience filled with adventure, combat, puzzles, mini games, activities and platforming, all set within a variety of lush, compelling environments.

KEY FEATURES:
• Unprecedented Tablet Innovation – Skylanders Trap Team on tablet represents a huge technological leap for the Toys-to-Life category as one of the first AAA experiences of its kind on the platform. The team is delivering a feat of development innovation with a game that was built alongside the console versions, driving an unparalleled level of performance from the tablet devices that it supports.
• Complete Toys-to-Life, Life to Toys Tablet Experience – The Skylanders Trap Team Tablet Starter Pack gives fans everything they need for a rich gameplay experience wherever and whenever they want to play. Tablet players will experience the Skylanders Trap Team innovation through a Bluetooth© version of the Traptanium Portal and Bluetooth© controller. They can also play the full game on their tablets using touch controls and two digital Skylanders characters and two digital Traps.

• Two Ways to Play – Once players purchase the tablet Starter Pack and download the game via their tablet’s app store, the game will recognize the Traptanium Portal and unlock the full experience. Players will experience the same AAA content they come to expect from Skylanders console games, but with two ways to play:

• “Controller” –– Fans can play the game just like the console version using the tablet-specific Traptanium Portal and toys with the custom Bluetooth Skylanders game controller included in the Starter Pack.
• “Touch Controls” – For players who prefer to use touch controls instead of a controller, fans have the option to play the game just using on-screen touch controls.

• Innovative Gameplay – In Skylanders Trap Team, you can play as a Skylander or capture Skylands’ most wanted foes and unleash them for good. It’s up to Portal Masters to find these villains and capture them inside the new Traps that transport the villains into the real world via the Traptanium Portal. Once trapped, players can return the villain to Skylands as a playable character. This exciting new play pattern gives fans the option to switch between playing as a Skylander hero or a villain at any time, creating fun and unique “tag team” gameplay.

Kano Coming back in Mortal Kombat X

Gaming
News

Chris Hare

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Aug 12, 2014

0

Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment and NetherRealm Studios released a new Mortal Kombat X gameplay video showcasing Kano, leader of the international crime syndicate The Black Dragon, as he goes up against new-to-the-series character D’Vorah.

Narrated by Mortal Kombat co-creator and NetherRealm Studios’ creative director Ed Boon, the new gameplay video features the overgrown Jungle environment and guides players through Kano’s character variations and play styles. Kano’s variations include “Cutthroat,” “Cybernetic” and “Commando.”

Watch the new trailer for Bedlam

Gaming
News

Chris Hare

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Aug 12, 2014

0

RedBedlam has unveiled the new trailer for its upcoming genre-hopping FPS Bedlam.

Visitors to Gamescom will be able to get their hands on Bedlam on the UKIE stand.

Early access for Bedlam is also available now: http://store.steampowered.com/app/261490

Turtle Beach showcases PS4 and Xbox One and PC headsets

Chris Hare

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Aug 12, 2014

2

Turtle Beach showcases PS4 and Xbox One and PC headsets

Turtle Beach will showcase its new line-up of next-gen console headsets at Gamescom 2014 including the global debut of new Call of Duty: Advanced Warfare limited edition headsets.

New product highlights include:

· The first gaming headsets for the PlayStation 4 and Xbox One with DTS Headphone:X 7.1 surround sound.

· The first gaming headset to provide fully wireless game and chat audio for the Xbox One.

· The first headset for the PlayStation 4 with noise cancellation and invisible microphones.

Call of Duty: Advanced Warfare limited edition gaming headsets for the PlayStation 4

and Xbox One.

“Gamescom is an exciting show for consumers and retailers, full of great title and hardware debuts, and we are excited to be sharing our most advanced console headsets ever,” said Juergen Stark, Chief Executive Officer at Turtle Beach Corporation. “Industry firsts, like DTS Headphone:X 7.1 surround sound and active noise cancelling, will improve the gaming experience for Xbox One and PlayStation 4 players. The demand in Europe for next-gen consoles has been strong, and we are responding to that demand by introducing console gaming headsets that we believe will excite gamers and retailers alike.”

Call of Duty: Advanced Warfare

Gamescom attendees will be the first in the world to see Turtle Beach’s limited edition Call Of Duty: Advanced Warfare headsets, which will be on display at the Activision booth Hall 6.1 Stand A041 B040. The headsets, which have been designed in partnership with Activision, feature fully immersive sound and exclusive Call of Duty: Advance Warfare branding.

Turtle Beach’s Call of Duty: Advanced Warfare limited edition headsets are the ultimate accessory for franchise fans and are due to launch in line with the game’s release date.

PlayStation 4 Compatible Headsets

The all new Turtle Beach Elite 800 is the most technologically-advanced wireless gaming headset ever made, setting a new standard for wireless gaming audio. Compatible with the PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 3, the Elite 800 utilizes DTS Headphone:X 7.1 surround sound and active noise cancellation to create an incredible, immersive audio experience. Both are firsts for console gaming headsets. A completely reimagined preset system allows surround sound modes to be finely tuned for different types of games, movies and music. Presets can be customised and managed using a new mobile app. Dual invisible microphones provide high-quality chat audio and a clean, boom-free look. Rocker plate controls makes using features easy and keeps the Elite 800 looking sharp. Customise the look of the Elite 800 with a wide range of snap-on speaker plates available at TurtleBeach.com. A low profile magnetic charging stand keeps the Elite 800 charged without cables and the rechargeable battery provides up to 15 hours of playing time. High-performance Wi-Fi ensures an interference-free wireless experience, and Bluetooth connects to mobile devices for phone calls, music and more.

The Ear Force Stealth 400 is a fully wireless stereo headset compatible with PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 3. A new lightweight, sleek design provides comfort during long sessions of game play or movie marathons. Controls on the ear cup provide quick access to separate game and chat volume, as well as for distinct surround sound presets for games, movies and music. The built-in rechargeable battery provides up to 15 hours of playing time and new high-performance Wi-Fi ensures an interference-free wireless experience. Acoustically angled, large 50mm Neodymium speakers deliver an immersive audio experience. Swap out the removable microphone for the included mobile cable and use the Stealth 400 on the road as wired headset.

The Elite 800 and Stealth 400 will be available in the Fall of 2014.

Xbox One Compatible Headsets

The Ear Force Stealth 500X is a fully wireless surround sound headset for the Xbox One console. The Stealth 500X delivers digital audio from the Xbox One’s optical connection, and separate wireless channels for chat and game audio. Utilising immersive DTS Headphone:X 7.1 surround sound and a completely reimagined preset system, players can use surround sound modes that are finely tuned for different types of games, movies and music. For example, the game surround sound mode offers presets that have been acoustically tuned for first person shooter, racing, and sports games. The built-in rechargeable battery provides up to 15 hours of playing time, and new high-performance Wi-Fi ensures an interference-free wireless experience. Swap out the removable microphone for the included mobile cable and use the Stealth 500X on the road as wired headset.

The Ear Force XO ONE is a lightweight, comfortable stereo Xbox One gaming headset that is packed full of features. The XO ONE features finely tuned 50mm drivers, multi-step Bass Boost and Microphone Monitor. The high-quality flex microphone is removable for use with mobile devices as a headphone.

With the new Stealth 500X and XO ONE, the Turtle Beach Xbox One headsets line-up now includes five models. In March 2014, Turtle Beach released the first officially-licensed Xbox One headsets on the market: the XO FOUR, XO SEVEN, and Titanfall Atlas.

PC Headsets

Heroes of the Storm Stereo PC Gaming Headset

The Heroes of the Storm Stereo PC Gaming Headset is the ultimate headset for fans of Heroes of the Storm, a new raucous online team brawler that draws iconic characters from more than 20 years of Blizzard gaming history, including the award-winning Warcraft®, Diablo®, and StarCraft® franchises. The new PC gaming headset features swappable speaker plates, so fans can personalize their headset with a unique design featuring their favourite Blizzard heroes.

Ear Force Z60

The Ear Force Z60 is the first PC gaming headset to unleash game changing 7.1 channel DTS Headphone:X Surround Sound on any PC or Mac. Delivering incredible bass response through PC gaming’s largest speakers at 60mm, you get an outstanding audio advantage from Surround Sound Audio Modes for games, movies and music plus Dynamic Chat Boost keeps your communications above the action. Add in quick access to audio controls including separate game and chat volume. All this audio power with no waiting or software to install on any PC, Mac or Netbook

Ear Force Recon 320

The Ear Force Recon 320 brings surround sound gaming to the PC market at a very competitive price. Amazing Dolby 7.1 Surround Sound allows players to pinpoint enemy locations and hear accurate, immersive surround sound with any type of content. A new around-the-ear headset design allows for hours of comfort and noise-isolation plus the ability to personalize the Recon 320 with swappable speaker plates. The Recon 320 uses a single USB connection for PC or a 3.5mm jack on mobile devices. An included mobile cable with in-line mic and multi-function button for mobile controls ̶ such as answer call, pause music, and skip track ̶ makes the Recon 320 a true mobile headset as well.

Ear Force Recon 100

A European exclusive, the Ear Force Recon 100 Stereo PC Gaming Headset delivers an incredible audio experience for PC and mobile devices in comfort no matter where you play. Swappable speaker plates let you personalise the headset with a unique design while full-range 50mm speakers drive crisp highs and powerful lows.

The Ear Force Z60, Recon 320, Recon 100 and Heroes of the Storm headsets will join Turtle Beach’s growing PC gaming portfolio, which includes three models introduced in 2013 — the surround sound Z SEVEN wired and Z300 wireless headsets, and the stereo Z22 wired headset. These new headsets will contribute to Turtle Beach’s efforts to increase the company’s share of the PC gaming headset market.

Elgato announces the Game Capture HD60

Andrew Edney

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Aug 12, 2014

0

Elgato have announced Elgato Game Capture HD60, the next generation of its gameplay sharing solution.

A perfect match for the Xbox One and the PlayStation 4, Elgato Game Capture HD60 captures gameplay in stunning 1080p with 60 fps. The hardware comes with an all-new design and superior build quality. It features a matte, soft-touch surface with a set of stunning LEDs and is just 0.75 inches thick. The Elgato Game Capture 2.0 software features a refined user interface and the unique Stream Command feature for an even better live streaming experience. Stream Command enables you to easily add a webcam and overlays, and change your stream layout on-the-fly with scenes.

Representing the next generation of gameplay sharing, Elgato Game Capture HD60 combines these features:

1080p60 support. Elgato Game Capture HD60 uses superior H.264 hardware encoding to create incredibly smooth footage in easily manageable files that you can access directly on your PC or Mac.
Flashback Recording. With Elgato Game Capture HD60 you don’t have to worry about pressing the record button – simply slide back in time on your PC or Mac and hit the record button retroactively.
Built-in Live Streaming with Stream Command. Elgato Game Capture HD60 gets you up and running on Twitch, YouTube, Ustream or Dailymotion in a snap. The brand-new Stream Command makes it easy to add your webcam and overlays. Add your voice with the built-in Live Commentary feature.
Simultaneous live streaming and high quality capture. With Elgato Game Capture HD60 you don’t have to choose between streaming and recording. No matter what resolution you broadcast, you can simultaneously capture full resolution 1080p.

Elgato Game Capture HD60 is available now for pre-order on BestBuy.com at an MSRP of $179.99 USD. It is set to arrive in 900+ Best Buy retail locations nationwide on August 15. The Elgato Game Capture HD 2.0 software is a free download from elgato.com/gaming/download. It includes hardware support for the original Elgato Game Capture HD that Elgato will continue to offer.

Review : Ultra Street Fighter IV

Sean Labode

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Aug 12, 2014

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Now that the retail boxed version of Ultra Street Fighter IV has arrived it is now the complete edition. Within the boxed title comes everything that was available from the digital upgrade a couple of months prior but with all the alternative costumes that were purchasable over the years. Players like myself who held off from buying the online upgrade that required the Arcade edition before hand have also had the chance to pick up additional costumes through pre ordering the game at selected shops. Doing so and awaiting for the boxed version now means you’ve got everything that Capcom has to offer. This is biggest update to a Street Fighter game to date even though Seth Killian originally planned for the previous title to be the last.

Over the past few years we’ve seen 2 updates, the first being Super Street Fighter that added 10 new characters, then Super Street Fighter Arcade Edition which brought 4 more characters, and now Ultra Street Fighter IV which adds 5 more characters. 3 of the 5 characters you might have already played or come across from 2012’s Street Fighter X Tekken game. Poison, Hugo and Rolento, all from Street Fighter X Tekken have their same moves with some tweaks and are joined by 2 additional characters, Elena and Decapre. Elena is a female Capoeira fighter seen in previous Street Fighters with the unique ability to heal as her ultra move. Fighting only using her feet as Capoeira fighters do, Elena is the only additional character that offers a unique fighting style and is also very quick and accessible to learn. Decapre was the last character to be announced and also debuts in Ultra Street Fighter IV. She has a similar look to Cammy but has her own unique move set and is armed with a claw and some moves which resembles Cammy’s.

With the added characters there sadly isn’t the option to take them into the Trial mode to challenge yourself to furthering your training. Being a feature I only tend to use when I fancy trying out a new character I can’t fault this but there will be some fans out there who’ll miss the 24 stages of trials. Perhaps this is something that could be rectified by an update as opposed to a paid microtransaction.

There’s an additional 6 stages to battle it out on for even more visual variety. Pitstop 109, Mad Gear Hideout, Cosmic Elevator, Blast Furnace, Half Pipe and Jurassic Era Research Facility make their way across from Street Fighter X Tekken which I enjoyed as they were dynamic in that game and some of the background animations have made it over too.

There are a few other additional cool tricks you can now pull off within the matches. From delaying your standing up after being knocked down to throw off your opponent’s timing if they’re anticipating you getting back up, to the new Red Focus move which absorbs multiple attacks in exchange for some of your super bar. But my favourite feature is having the option to having both of your ultra moves. For anyone that doesn’t know, your ultra move is only powered up if you’re taking quite the beating, previously named the Revenge bar which makes sense. Now this ultra bar allows you to do 1 of 2 moves chosen by you whilst selecting your character and can’t be changed mid fight. With the addition of Ultra Combo Double you can now have the option to do either move at the cost of reduced damage to keep it fair. Now players like myself who use a character with an ultra offensive move and an ultra counter move can have game changing options right at our finger tips.

This version of the game has added a lot more than it says on the tin and with almost no faults it’s the best upgrade to the current Street Fighter series. The only crime is that if you’ve moved onto the Xbox One or PlayStation 4 you’ll be missing out as this title is only for the 360 and PS3, for now.