Tech News
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Phj34r my L4k of n3wz
Hey everyone, It would seem that I have let the news page slide quite a bit over the past several months and I have to apologize.
As you can imagine the "job" of posting "news" aka posting content on this page is not an easy one. Normally I just glean the news@ inbox for review stories and for many years that has worked out great. Mostly because I spend some time writing about the review, both good and bad. The problem is the Google gods don't count news postings as content anymore and have refused to index those pages or posts. Likewise many site owners have taken the Google decision and stopped posting links to reviews making the whole "Review Site Ring" model no longer work.
Of course, there are still some hard asses out there that say "post my stuff and I'll post yours". Seems like a Good Guy Greg approach to sharing traffic but, you know, that never worked with the girls in high school and it has never worked with review sites either.
I have learned a few things over the past 15 years of running a content based website.
- Never trust other site owners, instead appreciate that they are willing to help, value their opinions and never demand anything from them.
- Even though the Google Gods love to bully websites they do so because there is always someone out there looking to exploit the system. We have them to thank for making news postings invalid.
- I'm pretty sure that even if I paid someone to post news on this website (and I have) it would still never get done on a regular basis. Either the post frequency falls off or the quality goes to shit.
- Content is King, unless it comes to posting news on a website that is generated by a third party with a link at the end saying "read more". (oh wait isn't that what everyone does?)
- Phj34r my lack of n3wz. Gonna start working on that again. For those of you loyal readers who have bothered to read this. I thank you for sticking around.
- This is post 6565 in my news database, that might not be enough given the history of my site.
Sorry for the rant and apparent lack of news stories for you to read. When I designed Hardware Asylum I decided to put more emphasis on Articles and Reviews and less on News. Reason being, nobody reads this stuff and try as I might there was only one time in the history of Ninjalane/Hardware Asylum where news actually became a factor in site traffic.
I would like to get back to that time. Strangely enough it was a time when I didn't post anything and let someone else run the page.
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GTA 5 PC gets 4k support and first person mode @ PC Gamer
Now this has me excited for playing GTA5 on the PC.
The PC iteration will be the most visually impressive version of GTA 5, according to CVG's latest hands-on account. GTA 5 will run at 4K resolution on PC, and all 'next gen' versions of the game will include a fully-supported first person mode, complete with modeled car interiors and proper first-person shooting.
As Dan mentions in his preview, "It's not just a case of plonking a new camera within a character's head, just because they could, but an extensive rework of the game's movement, driving and targeting engines. There are thousands of new animations for gun reloading alone, no to mention the first-person views of parachuting, carjacking etc."
First-person extends to GTA's sandbox online mode, which creates space for proper FPS modes within GTA. Multiplayer heists—a long awaited feature for console players—are also nearing completion.4K has really become big news lately, panels are getting cheaper (rather fast I might add) and high-end graphics cards are adding proper support for the new resolution. Seems I might be buying one sooner rather than later.
If anything, to play GTA5 at 4K
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MSI's GT80 Titan Notebook Becomes World's First To Include Mechanical Keyboard @ HotHardware
With newer mobile gaming notebooks coming out, it was only a matter of time until one took the leap and looked into building in mechanical switches. Gaming aside, I see this as a positive improvement for even notebook users who utilize their keyboard routinely for work or play. Hopefully this catches on and we start to see some of the linear switches like MX Red's or Blacks released as well.
For what it's worth, this isn't just some ordinary mechanical keyboard; instead, it comes from SteelSeries, a company that knows how to design great peripherals. Because of the GT80 Titan's 18-inch size (you read that right!), a full numpad is included, although it's touch, rather than mechanical.
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Twitch: No Shirt? Stop streaming you sexy nerd
When I was reading this little news post over at Joystiq it brought back a few twitch memories like the couple who streamed their living room nakedness via the built in PS4 streaming app. There was some question as to if the girl knew she was on the internet or being undressed so it brought up some red flags and basically illustrated how stupid some people can be.
Next I remember a few instances where a couple twitch partner streamers (male) would game topless if they got enough donations. Sadly this moves them into the level of a cam girl but was still entertaining and safe to watch.
In the wake of the mega purchase by Amazon we are waiting to see how the company will change things and while Twitch says this announcement isn't related to the sale I get the impression that these formalities are really just for the public image and gamergate.
"This is a long-standing policy meant to create an open, supportive, safe environment for all gamers," Chase says. "We are not the fashion police and this is not a new policy, just clarity on a long-standing one rooted in common sense. In other words, don't broadcast naked or in lingerie, swimsuits, pasties and undergarments. We don't actually get many cases of dress code violations, but felt it should be clarified since our community has occasionally asked about specifics."
The updated policy notes that the dress code applies to both men and women. Basically, the rules boil down to, "Keep your shirts on, you sexy nerds."Of course twitch broadcasters know the policy and partner streamers pay special attention to the rules to ensure they will continue to get special treatment and phat paychecks.
Keep it clean people!
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NZXT Kraken X41 Liquid CPU Cooler Review @ ThinkComputers
NZXT has released another top-shelf AIO, liquid CPU cooler. The X41 uses a single 140mm radiator and fan for the heavy lifting so it works well for smaller builds as well where space would be tight or impossible to mount larger radiators.
For several years now NZXT has been reaping the benefits of listening to the computerbuilding/modding community and delivering products that they actually want. This in turn has led to one of the most loyal customer bases and served to increase the popularity of their brand.
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ROCCAT and Alienware Become Exclusive Partners
Two of the biggest names in gaming peripherals and hardware combine creative forces
Hamburg, October 28, 2014 – ROCCAT Studios proudly announces an exclusive partnership with legendary cornerstone in PC gaming greatness, Alienware. Together, ROCCAT and Alienware are bringing the first of their collaborative efforts to gaming fans the world over with the melding of Alienware’s incredible AlienFX lighting system, and some of ROCCAT’s most innovative peripherals, the Kone XTD, Isku FX and groundbreaking Tyon gaming mouse.
Says René Korte, ROCCAT’s CEO and founder, “We are extremely proud and honored to begin this rich, collaborative partnership with Alienware. Since 1996, Alienware has been a benchmark for quality, exciting design, and love for the PC Gaming community. Like us, they value high standards in every product they bring to the public, and relentlessly strive to innovate. Our ROCCAT family is thrilled to take these first steps in what will without question be a fruitful partnership, combining some of our very best peripherals with Alienware’s AlienFX software.”
AlienFX will be paired with the ROCCAT products named above after a driver software update efficient end of November at the latest.
Having pioneered some of the most vibrantly striking, highly customizable lighting systems in the market, ROCCAT’s Kone family of mice were the first in industry sporting multicolor LEDs. Additionally, ROCCAT’s TalkFX was the first software system to provide lighting effects attuned to in-game events for many of our keyboards. Thus, it was only natural to sit down with the minds at Alienware to join in expanding these features. AlienFX brings the exciting lighting event interactions for games like MIDDLE-EARTH: SHADOW OF MORDOR, LEAGUE OF LEGENDS, GAUNTLET, GUILD WARS 2, PAYDAY 2 and 81 more to your favorite ROCCAT peripherals.
Alienware and ROCCAT are a natural fit,” says Frank Azor, Alienware’s CEO. “You look at what ROCCAT brings to the table in terms of quality, fantastic in-house design strategy, and their forward-thinking team from top to bottom, and you see a studio that fits our PC Gaming philosophy on every level. AlienFX combined with ROCCAT’s new Tyon gaming mouse, the Isku FX, the Kone XTD? It was a no-brainer, and we believe fans of our brands will agree.”
ROCCAT Studios and Alienware are excited to take this first step on what will be a long and fulfilling road, with fans reaping the exciting, innovative benefits.
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Apacer Introduces UrKey Security Dongle at Cloud EXPO 2014 Silicon Valley
As more options continue to surface to help secure your data, balancing your data's safety against the convenience of using the security device seems to be paramount. These new plug and play security dongles from Apacer seem to be pretty comprehensible. But as interesting as these new dongles may be, I'm dying to hear about the first case of someone getting the shiny key labeled 'Destroy' plugged into their laptop inadvertently by their kid.
October 27th 2014,Taipei, Taiwan – Apacer’s UrKey USB dongles use their exclusive CoreSecurity Technology for SSD core data security tailored for customers’ system design and use. The newly launched UrKey USB dongle can trigger, enable or remove the three major special security instructions of CoreSecurity through its usb-based 2-way dongle. These include CoreEraser, CoreDestroyer and CoreProtector, which deliver quick erase, full erase and security protection that will facilitate data security and increase storage reliability. The UrKey technology acts as a literal key for computer security. Once inserted in the preset USB slot, it will easily activate any CoreSecurity function and quickly ensures security protection.
Specifically, the UrKey acts as a token for activating or triggering security functions. The UrKey is pre-programmed with the designated Apacer security features of Erase, Destroy, or Write Protect, depending on the specific request. Each UrKey is unique to its paired SSD due to the identification recognition process. In other words, the identifications between the UrKey and the SSD have to match in order to trigger the security feature. If the UrKey is connected with another SSD, the drive’s firmware will not be able to recognize the ID and thus there will be no function triggered.
Come join Apacer at Cloud EXPO 2014 Silicon Valley to check out demonstrations of the UrKey among other solutions from November 4th to the 6th. During the show we will also be showcasing our latest Solid State Drive solutions and innovative technologies which add value to products and solutions.
Please come by our booth #620 November 4-6, 2014 at the Santa Clara Convention Center in Santa Clara, California. Show Hours are:
Tuesday Nov. 4th, 5:45pm – 7:30pm
Wednesday Nov. 5th, 10:30am – 12:30pm
Wednesday Nov. 5th, 2:00pm – 5:30pm
Thursday Nov. 6th, 10:30am – 12:30pm
Thursday Nov. 6th, 1:30pm – 5:00pm -
Finished Borderlands The Pre-Sequel
Mind you this is just the first playthru and Athena and after 20 some hours, some time spent playing Claptrap and one forced restart I can say the following.
OMG This game is way undercooked!
Of course having said that let me list off some reasons why.
- The game is short, way short and every mission is "extended" by BLATANTLY making you do some meaningless sub task just to complete a subtask. ex. a mission to round up some "stuff". First the map is a maze and when you reach the location and they send you off to fetch something else before they will go with you. The maps are also multi leveled so there is TONS of “find the stairs, kill the horde, find the stairs” #justannoying
- The game is BUGGY!, There are glitches everywhere and the most annoying is clipping in the map. if it’s not you running into an invisible wall at a stairwell (yes stairs in front of you that you are required to walk down) preventing you from proceeding unless you jump, it is enemies and loot clipping into the floor or a building and just looking ugly. I read that it is PhysX related but damn, the guys down under can’t afford a GTX 660Ti? #WTF
- The grind is real. The bosses are pushovers however the endless swarms of enemies make it impossible to damage them. To make matters worse weapons seem to be two dimensional. Rare based on color and Rare based on ability. For instance you need a corrosive laser to take down armor and the only ones you can find are from 6 levels back and are worthless now. Basically it is making you stop the story progression and farm for loot, thus attempting to extend the game. Yes this was the case in Borderland 2 but damn it is #annoying. I don’t mind fighting enemies 4 levels above me but using weapons 8+ underleveled makes it tough.
All things considered I had fun, the story was "ok" and I liked how they plan to change things up on the second playthru. However, for a third installment into the Borderlands universe they needed to spend more time testing the maps, searching for bugs and planning the story so that the "tasks" you do were more random and felt more transparent.
I do applaud 2K and Gearbox for making The Pre-Sequel happen and given that they were able to keep everything a secret is both good and bad. On the positive it kept the entire story a surprise to everyone however, not allowing an ample amount of beta testing really hurt the game overall. It’s no wonder they marketed the game so heavily with pre-order bonuses. Had they skipped that step I'm pretty sure it would have haulted DLC sales. #yesthatbad
Best Glitch Ever
I was fighting the final boss running and gunning and noticed that my shield wasn't going down. So, I stopped and noticed that when I got hit the recharge was near instant. This was basically the premise of the Gaige "buck-up glitch" in Borderlands 2. No clue how I made that happen but I'm gonna see if I can reproduce it.
Bottom line, I’m going to continue to play the "Borderlands The Pre-Sequel" Most everything I found is easily fixed and will likely go away with the first patch. After that it should be smooth sailing.
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Rapoo Launches KX Wireless Mechanical Keyboard
For those looking at a budget friendly mechanical keyboard with linear lighted switches. Razoo's newest offering might be one to look into.
Press Release -
LOS ANGELES – Oct. 22, 2014 – Rapoo’s KX Mechanical Keyboard, available now, is a sleek, wireless keyboard with vibration feedback that enhances any user’s computing experience. The mechanical keys provide a comfortable typing experience for up to 60 million operations, and its sturdy stainless-steel casing provides durable and steady placement for a long-lasting appeal.The KX Mechanical Keyboard runs on a reliable 5GHz connection for a wireless and interference-free connection, with a range of up to 32 feet. Boasting a low-energy consuming li-ion battery, the keyboard has a standby time of up to 40 hours. However, if running out of juice, the integrated Dual-Mode feature allows users to plug-in a micro-USB cable for a wired connection. This allows users to recharge via USB while in use, which only takes about 4 hours.
The sleek KX Mechanical Keyboard adds interest to any home or office space. The keyboard features adjustable key illumination to easily type while in dark or dim lighting. With just the press of the FN key, users can toggle between 3 levels of lighting intensity for a customized typing experience. The FN key also activates additional hotkeys for easier and quicker use of multimedia functions.
The Rapoo KX Mechanical Keyboard is available now in black or white for $79.99 MSRP at Walmart.com and other retailers.
The keyboard will be available in other rich hues including red, yellow, or blue in 2015.
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Custom Case Mod Giveaways!! Time to Pick 3
It is that time again. What time you say? Time to pull out the modding tools and make something great even greater.
Attached is a photo of four awesome cases.
1) Thermaltake Core V51
2) Cooler Master HAF Stacker 936 (first gen)
3) Silverstone Raven 5
4) Silverstone Raven 4
I am going to custom paint 3 of these cases and I what my followers to help me pick which three will get a custom coat of Hardware Asylum pearl orange.
You can cast your vote on either the Hardware Asylum Facebook Fan Page Or the Hardware Asylum Google+ Page If you would like to tweet about it use #asylumpick3
