Asus India has introduced its latest gaming LCD monitor, the PG191, which incorporates the power Bass System and the fastest 2 milli-seconds gray-to-gray response time to deliver audio and video performance demanded by hardcore gamers.
Talking about the product, Leena Ajmera, Assistant Product Manager - LCD Business, Asus India, said, "The Asus PG191 gaming monitor is one of the best LCD monitors around due to its sleek design and the latest technology. Its unparalleled features like the real time audio/video communication, a 1.3-megapixel camera, the fastest 2 milli-seconds response time, and the power Bass System make this monitor any hardcore gamer's dream come true."
The PG191, which is a 19-inch TFT-LCD panel, comes in Black and Silver color along with a Sleek Aluminum alloy neck and circular base and glared panel frame. And for gamers, the display contour is based on stealth bombers, and the subwoofer speakers at the back look like tank cannons.
The PG191 comes with 2.1-channel speakers (2 x 10W speakers and 15W super bass system) to deliver an exhilarating audio experience when battling in the virtual world. And complemented by SRS Lab's Flagship TruSurround XT audio technology, the display supports the latest game titles' 5.1 and 6.1 channel sound standards.
The PG191 incorporates the 'Trace Free' technology, which accelerates gray-to-gray response time to 2 milli-seconds to enable smooth video quality whether it is football matches, 3D gaming, or DVD playbacks.
The built-in 1.3 Web cam and headphones and microphone jacks together offer a total interactive solution for online gaming. Gamers can also battle online, and strategize with teammates through video conference. And the bundled 'Life Frame' video communication software further lets users take snapshots and record video with ease.
The PG191 also offers 6 convenient hot keys to activate its special audio and video modes. There are 5 audio modes, including Standard, First-Person Shooting Games, RPG Games, Theater and Music; and 5 splendid image enhancement modes, which include Standard, Scenery, Night View, Theater, and Gaming.
This LCD monitor also has 'Splendid Video Intelligence' technology that detects activation and usage of video applications, and automatically optimizes image quality for the best visual results. Besides the five modes (Standard, Game, Theater, Scenery, and Night), this innovative technology also enables users to select three skin tone options for the best visual results in different video applications.
The other key features of the PG191 include resolution of 1280 x 1024, 800:1 contrast ratio and 320nits brightness, 3 USB 2.0 ports, touch sensor key controls and power on/off melodies, flexible tilting and swivel angle adjustment, support for both DVI-D and D-SUB inputs, 3-year system and panel warranty, and 1-year Zero Bright Dot Warranty.
Meanwhile, this Asus PG191 LCD monitor will be available in the India market at an approximate end user price of Rs 29,500 plus taxes.
Friday, February 23, 2007
Asus Intros Gaming LCD Monitor
Vista Adoption Difficult for Some?
Now that Vista's here... finally... why is Microsoft making it difficult for potentially influential customers - say Mac owners, to adopt the new operating system?
According to an Associated Press (AP) report, Microsoft is actually doing this, and is citing security reasons for the same.
Now, virtualization has been around for a while, and lets one computer mimic multiple machines - even those having different operating systems. Multiple applications are run simultaneously, but in separate compartments of the computer.
Apple Macs use Intel chips just like Windows-based PCs. Virtualization programs allow Mac users switch back and forth between Mac OS X and Windows operating systems.
By that standard, the Vista launch should have been an excellent opportunity for companies like Parallels that sell virtualization products.
However, while Apple's Boot Camp program lets Windows run on a Mac, Parallel's virtualization software, which costs around $80 (Rs 3,600), lets Windows run within a window on the Mac desktop.
Parallels also sells a $50 (Rs 2,250) version of its virtualization product that lets users run both Vista and Windows XP - which means they get to keep programs that aren't yet Vista compatible.
And, in the price charged for the virtualization product, a Windows copy does not come included. To get that copy, buyers must agree to Vista's draconian licensing regulations.
Then again, when users scour through the 14-page legal document, they inevitably come across a ban on using the least expensive versions of Vista in virtualization engines, viz the $199 (Rs 8,955) Home Basic edition, and the $239 (Rs 10,755) Home Premium edition.
Which means that they must opt for the $299 (Rs 13,455) Business version or the $399 (Rs 17,955) Ultimate package.
This kind of arm-twisting is surprising, considering Macs account for less than 5 percent of PCs in USA. Why would Microsoft be interested in presenting such a miniscule market with such roadblocks?
Meanwhile, the general feeling is that when Vista is so undeniably cool, Microsoft should not let go of any opportunity to reach people who normally dont use Windows operating systems - be it Mac users or Linux users.
Scott Woodgate, one of the Directors of Microsoft's Vista team, said that while the least expensive versions of Vista would actually work in virtualization programs, Microsoft wants to restrict them because of new security holes created by the technology.
Woodgate even said that Microsoft was initially considering banning virtualizing Vista entirely on all versions, but then ultimately, the company decided that most tech savvy users or people in companies with tech support would be better able to handle Vista in virtualization programs than say - home users.
What's more, the prohibitive rules apply not only to third-party virtualization vendors like Parallels but also to Microsoft's own Virtual PC software, which is available as a free download.
And, while higher priced versions of Vista are allowed on virtualization engines, even in those - some powerful features are forbidden.
Besides, why in the world would tech-savvy people want only more expensive versions of Vista. All said and done, the maze of dos and donts is enough to drive Vista enthusiasts up the wall...
Tuesday, February 20, 2007
The Nokia N93i Launched...
Today, Nokia launched its N93i, a compact, stylish digital camcorder cum multimedia device designed to 'unleash the movie maker' within the consumer.
The new metallic finish (Deep Plum and Warm Graphite) key mat and mirror effect, 2.4-inch display with up to 16 million colors and 160 degree viewing angle, easy-to-use joystick, and dedicated camera keys all make for a snazzy visual effect.
Optimized for mobile filmmaking, the N93i packs a 3.2 mega pixels (2048 x 1536 pixels) camera with Carl Zeiss optics, 3x optical zoom, auto focus, and close-up mode. It comes with a 1GB miniSD card for capturing up to 45 minutes of DVD-like quality video, or up to 1,250 high quality photographs.
Based on S60 3rd Edition software on Symbian OS, the N93i, according to Nokia, is the perfect choice to create video content and shoot DVD-quality videos in MPEG-4 VGA at up to 30 frames per second, with stereo audio recording, and digital stabilization.
The multimedia phone integrates a new personal video and photo blogging service called Vox, which allows easy sharing of stories/thoughts/ideas with friends and family.
The bundled Adobe Premiere Elements 3.0 software enables users create professional quality movies on compatible PCs. The videos can be transferred back to multimedia computers or burned onto DVDs.
The N93i is designed to work on WLAN, 3G (WCDMA 2100 MHz), EDGE, and GSM (900/1800/1900 MHz) networks, and provides mobile Broadband Internet access for browsing, uploading content, sending/receiving emails, generally staying connected on the move.
Besides, thanks to direct TV out functionality, it is possible to simply connect the N93i to a compatible TV with the supplied video-out connectivity cable, to enjoy screening of one's own movie or latest photographs.
Else, integrated wireless LAN (WLAN) technology can be used to connect the phone to a compatible UPnP (Universal Plug and Play) enabled device.
The N93i is immediately available for Rs 42,229 (taxes included).
Saturday, February 17, 2007
Sony VAIO UX390
The ultramobile PC, or UMPC, is still largely a concept in search of a purpose. While the idea of a palm-size computer running Microsoft Windows and including most of the features you'd find on a full-size desktop or laptop is an engaging one, these devices are still not exactly practical. The first generation of these handheld PCs, including the Samsung Q1 and the Sony VAIO UX50, were addled by poor performance and battery life. Representing the second wave of UMPCs, the $2,500 Sony VAIO UX390 offers Windows Vista Business, a better CPU, and more RAM than its predecessor, but the biggest improvement is the move to a solid-state hard drive that offers better battery life and stability than standard hard drives. While the UX390 is the best UMPC we've seen to date, it still runs for only a few hours and is harder to type on than your average smart phone, leaving us hard-pressed to figure out who the target audience is.
It would be easy to describe the Sony VAIO UX390, with its two-hand design and slide-out keyboard, as a $2,500 Sidekick. The UX390 is actually slightly larger, thicker, and heavier than the T-Mobile phone--measuring 5.9 inches wide by 3.7 inches deep by 1.5 inches thick. Slide the 4.5-inch screen up, exposing the keyboard, and the system is 5.25 inches deep. The VAIO UX390 is only 1.1 pounds (1.6 with the AC adapter), which is lighter than the smallest ultraportable laptop, but for such a tiny device, it feels somewhat heavy.
The 4.5-inch display's 1,024x600 native resolution is clear and bright, but Web sites and onscreen icons can be hard to read at arm's length. Two zoom keys are located on the right side of the device, but they're slow and the zoomed-in image is blocky and hard to see. You'd be better off just changing to a lower resolution if visibility is a problem.
Interfacing with the UX390 is easy, thanks to the multiple input options. Sliding up the screen reveals a full, backlit keyboard, made up of flat, miniaturized keys. For two-thumb BlackBerry-style typing, the keyboard is somewhat hard to use. Slightly raised or rubberized keys would have given a welcome tactile response. The keyboard also lacks a few common keys, including a shift key on the right side, making it hard to hit the @ symbol when sending e-mail.
Reading Web pages on the 600-pixel-high screen requires a lot of scrolling. Unfortunately, the page-up and page-down keys can be accessed only by holding down the function key and hitting the up and down arrow keys. We'd much rather have the page-up and page-down keys easily accessible--perhaps in place of the zoom buttons that sit directly under your right thumb.
Besides the keyboard, there is a pencil-eraser-style nub on the right side of the chassis, used for moving the mouse pointer, and there are left and right mouse buttons to the left of the screen. It takes a little getting used to, but it's pretty easy to get pinpoint control of the cursor.
If mastering a thumb stick doesn't appeal to you, the UX390 is also a tablet PC, and its touch-sensitive screen works with both the included stylus or your fingertip (or any similar object). The responsiveness was good, although the stylus worked much better than our fingers when we tried to hit tiny buttons on the small screen.
You'll find a slim but useful collection of ports and connections on the VAIO UX390. The system has a single USB 2.0 port, headphone and mic jacks, a memory card reader, and a built-in Webcam. An included docking station adds three more USB ports, one mini FireWire port, an Ethernet connection, and an A/V out for connecting to an external monitor. Networking options include 802.11a/b/g wireless, Bluetooth, and EV-DO, via a small antenna that swings out from behind the system.
The default specs for the VAIO UX390 wouldn't be out of place in a low-end ultraportable laptop; they include a 1.3GHz Intel Core Solo U1500 CPU, 1GB of DDR2 RAM, and Intel 945GM graphics. The only surprising component is the 32GB solid-state hard drive, which means no moving parts, better battery life, less heat, and faster access to your data (or at least to 32GBs' worth of your data). Flash memory-based hard drives have increased in capacity and come down in price over the last several months, making them a more viable storage medium. But the 32GB capacity doesn't leave much room for your files, especially after a full Windows Vista Business install, and we quickly found ourselves filling up the hard drive.
The UX390's Intel Core Solo can't come close to the latest dual-core CPUs, but it certainly puts this UMPC in the same ballpark as similar processors used in ultraportable laptops, such as Sony's own 11.1-inch VAIO TXN17. The solid-state hard drive fared well in CNET Lab's hard drive-intensive Photoshop CS2 test, coming in ahead of several systems with traditional hard drives (but not the surprisingly snappy TX17, which has only a 4,200rpm drive).
Battery life has always been one of the big downfalls of UMPCs. For a device that shares a lot in common with PDA-style cell phones, getting only a couple of hours of use makes it of questionable value for those who expect a handheld device to easily last through an eight-hour work day. The solid-state drive in the UX390 offers some improvement in that area, giving us 3 hours, 32 minutes in our DVD battery-drain test, using an external DVD drive powered by the UX390's USB port. In anecdotal use for Web surfing and document editing, we got closer to 3 hours of use, but that's still an improvement over earlier UMPC models.
Sony backs all VAIO UX models with an industry-standard warranty: one year of free service, including free shipping both ways, and 24/7, toll-free telephone tech support; after the year expires, support calls cost $20 per incident. Sony offers an array of warranty extensions; a three-year plan costs $299. The company's Web site provides a good knowledge base and e-mail support from Sony technicians
Netgear Digital Entertainer EVA700
Netgear has introduced the first Intel Viiv technology-verified digital media adapter (DMA), called the Netgear Digital Entertainer (EVA700), bringing home computers and home entertainment systems together.
The company says that the Digital Entertainer (EVA700) enables consumers to stream digital media content, applications, and services from PCs, network storage devices, USB devices, and the Internet via a home network to TVs and home entertainment systems.
Netgear has also received Intel Viiv technology verification for its best-selling RangeMax Wireless Router (WPN824) and 54 Mbps Wireless Router (WGR614), which enables an easy installation process with the Digital Entertainer and Intel Viiv technology-based PCs.
On this occasion, Atul Jain, Country Manager - India and SAARC region, Netgear Technologies, said, "We have dedicated considerable effort to ensure options for high-quality video streaming for hours of uninterrupted video playback, so digital media and services can be delivered from the PC to home theaters across multiple rooms. Like other Netgear products, our Digital Entertainer and wireless routers verified to work with Intel Viiv technology-based PCs are characterized by their elegance, reliability, and simplicity."
The Netgear Digital Entertainer (EVA700) enables TV viewers to access digital videos, music, and photos stored on the Intel Viiv technology-based PC via their home network. It also supports services and applications through the Intel Viiv Zone, which will provide over time a growing choice of on-demand, Internet-delivered premium content, including music and music videos, information services, sports and TV shows, full-length movies, and other entertainment.
Besides, other Intel Viiv technology features supported include the ability to wake a sleeping PC from the Digital Entertainer, and simplified device set-up via Intel Hub Connect Technology, which also requires a verified router such as the WPN824 and the 54 Mbps WGR614.
The EVA700 also features an intuitive TV user interface that enables users to browse their digital movie, video, music and photo files using a single remote control. In addition to Intel Viiv technology based-PCs, it supports access to content on standard Windows XP PCs through Windows Media Connect as well as other Universal Plug and Play (UPnP) media servers such as TwonkyMedia. Besides, it can also stream content via the home network from the Netgear Storage Central (SC101), associated with a PC, and many USB storage devices such as flash drives, digital cameras and iPods.
Meanwhile, the Netgear Digital Entertainer (EVA700) is now available in India through the company's value added resellers. The EVA700 is priced at around Rs 17,500.
Soon: Quake Wars on Xbox 360, PS3
ID Software and Activision have disclosed that their highly anticipated videogame title, "Enemy Territory: Quake Wars" will be launched on the Xbox 360 and the PlayStation 3 (PS3) platforms.
The company said that in this multiplayer-focused game, players can choose to defend humanity as part of the Global Defense Force (GDF) or destroy it as the merciless Strogg alien invaders in the battle that ensues for control over Planet Earth.
It is learnt that programming details for the Xbox 360 edition are being handled by Nerve Software, while Z-Axis is the developer for the PS3 model.
In a statement, Todd Hollenshead, Chief Executive Officer, id Software, said they are pleased to be working with Nerve and Z-Axis to bring the highly anticipated game play from "Enemy Territory: Quake Wars" to the Xbox 360 and PS3 platforms.
Quake Wars, which will also feature strategic team play, persistent character promotions and online stats tracking, will allow players choose to battle as one of the five unique classes in either the conventionally armed GDF army, or the futuristic Strogg invasion force, each outfitted with specialized weapons and combat hardware.
Besides, warring forces will utilize different vehicles, deployable structures, and defense systems, including quad-bikes, tanks, and alien walkers for epic ground assaults; or helicopters and anti-gravity ships to unleash a string of air attacks. And throughout each battle, teams will establish bases, deploy defense structures, artillery, radar, and advanced forward-command systems into enemy territory, while constructing and demolishing obstacles to speed-up progress and gain tactical advantage over the opponent.
The game also features 16-player battles on console systems, thus delivering the ultimate team-and objective-based multiplayer experience.
Friday, February 16, 2007
What's the Word about Vista?
As most of us know by now that amidst all the hype of Vista, Vista, Vista... in both national and international markets, it was finally launched in India last month.
Windows Vista was launched with the promise to "wow" consumers with the new user interface (UI), greatly enhanced security, integrated search, and improved overall performance.
Although, Vista has not yet reached considerable number of hands, it has surely managed to grab the attention of every single person who has some interest in new computing technologies. And that includes a vast set of people, ranging from students to professionals to enthusiasts.
We spoke to a cross section of people (consumers, OEMs, and dealers) to get a drift of what they thought about the newly launched system, and whether it is living up to all the hype.
Right at the start of our small survey, we realized that as a result of the hype, curiosity, and the cost factor, most people have downloaded the beta version. And since its Microsoft's flagship product, it is getting rave reviews from those who have used it.
Taking the users' point of view, we spoke to one Madhuker Sinha, Software Engineer from Siemens, who said, "Windows Vista is the much-anticipated next version of the OS produced by Microsoft. Its upgrades are easier to deploy, and less expensive to maintain than earlier versions of Microsoft Windows. And what I would want from an OS i.e. a great graphical user interface, better security, and more user friendliness, I got from Vista. So I can say it is near to my expectations, but not bang on because of its hardware configuration and cost."
However, he is reluctant to switch his OS to Vista as hardware requirements are much higher than previous versions of Windows. Sinha added, "But still, I think all the hype created by Microsoft is to an extent justifiable because of Vista's new interface, faster search capability, and better security."
Sharing his viewpoint, Ashish Saxena, Branch Manager - Consumer PC Division, HCL, one of the OEMs shipping Vista-ready PCs, said, "In terms of hype and demand, I can say its really good as a lot of inquiries have already being generated. But as far as sales are concerned, they are not as high because customers are still apprehensive about the product because of its cost factor. However, we have managed to liquidate all the Vista-ready PCs we had in stock, and the volume will definitely rise but that too will take another 6 months to a year to create a good impact."
"Windows Vista, however, is not going to replace Windows XP or any other OS. Yes, it has some advantages over the existing Windows OS in terms of Quick Search, Data Management, and virus protection, amongst others, which I think will help it in positioning itself in the market. Vista is not up to the expectations of the consumers, but the transition will happen - but it will take time," added Saxena.
Keeping his expectations high from Vista, Navinder Singh Chauhan, Rashi Peripherals, said, "Yes, we also do have high hopes as an industry, as it is going to be a unique experience for everybody. Though at the moment it's not directly available to users, but those who have used the beta version are giving good reviews about it."
Another IT vendor, Gulbir Bhatia, Proprietor, Prime ABGB, in his unique way, explained, "It's very simple. Those who have money will go for it and those who don't will stick to their existing OS. Only tech savvy people are going the whole hog. The fact is there's not that much excitement about Vista. But we still have sold a couple of Vista-ready units, and that too Ultimate edition and not Premium/Home Basic/Starter editions. I think gradually the system will make its place in the market."
After taking the industry view point, we thought it's also necessary to know what the younger generation has to say about Vista...
Once again we found students have mostly used the beta version, and are of the view that without doubt Vista is more secure as compared to Windows XP, at least while using the Internet. It is the visual display that has managed to appeal to most of them.
According to Vasant, a Final Year Bachelor of Engineering student, "To run Vista (Beta 2), you need RAM of more than 512MB, so you need a PC of very high configuration, and the requirement of a backup of 11GB adds to it. Moreover, it does not support some of the popular games and applications. Therefore, I would like to stick to Windows XP as its user friendly, and can be loaded on computers with low configurations."
Considering all view points, one thing can be said with utmost surety that Vista is the most secure OS till date. But when it comes to practical application it seems that it might not be able to replace XP (at least) in the near future.
Tuesday, February 13, 2007
Virgin Plans the 'iTunes of PC Games'
Flamboyant Virgin Head Honcho, Sir Richard Branson, hopes to do for PC games what an 'iTunes' has done for music...
Virgin Games and Game Domain International (GDI) have announced plans to launch an 'iTunes like' platform for streaming distribution of PC games.
The joint platform, dubbed "A World of My Own" aka AWOMO is presently in its initial testing stage, and is expected to launch in the latter part of this year.
Commenting on the development, Branson said this is really exciting, and that GDI technology will revolutionize how the mass market plays games, giving them more choice for less money.
Reportedly, game publishers, including the likes of Electronic Arts, Ubisoft, and Koch Media have already evinced interest in participating in the project.
While AWOMO faces quite an uphill task, Virgin Games and GDI are both banking on the platform's rapid download speeds, greater security, easier interface, and yes - prizes, including a 'trip to the Moon'.
A confident Chris Gorman, Director of GDI, said that the highly alluring combination of being able to download a game in minutes instead of the existing few hours, and the promoted mega cash prize gaming tournaments would create a 'Mecca of opportunities' for sponsors and promoters to target the vast gaming community.
A lot is expected out of AWOMO... Once it completes the first phase, the platform is intended to morph into a virtual world - somewhat like Second Life and its counterparts...
Saturday, February 10, 2007
Gears of War
The following is a recipe for a multi-award-winning game; the best game engine, a new innovative gameplay mechanism, the most popular console in the market, and enough hype to put the latest Hollywood blockbuster to shame.
Sounds difficult, but the geniuses at Epic games and Microsoft studios think differently. They have created, what can be possibly called the best action on the Xbox 360, best on most platforms if you ask me. This is truly an amazing game, a game that takes you so deep in the action that life itself feels secondary. My words may have a very strong dramatic and exaggerated undertone, but trust me; this game is a visual spectacle that delivers on each of its promises.
The game as always starts years into the future on a fictional planet called Sera. The planet is inhabited by humans for years and was a glorious land before the war started. The War between humans and the Locusts, a horde of ugly, powerful creatures, who want to eliminate all humans, is brilliantly presented. The humans fight a losing battle as solider after soldier is eliminated and the humans get weaker. Enter Marcus Phoenix, a war veteran combined felon, who was imprisoned because he disobeyed a direct order to save his father. Marcus is a blend of the Terminator's fire power and Maverick's (Top Gun) arrogance; he is a one man army, ready to battle it out. Although Marcus no longer cares for humanity, he is self-centered enough to battle more than a few locust.
Let me start by talking about the Graphics, that's what everyone wants to know about. What ever you have heard about the game is true; this is the best looking game in Console history. The Unreal 3 engine shines even in this mostly dark scenario, proving that U3 engine is the developer's new best friend.
With characters so detailed you can actually see the fear of death on their face. The special effects like blood and gore are a nice touch; my favorite is the chainsaw slicing through the enemy releasing a fountain of blood. The game physics are true and very impressive, as there is a lot of moving around to do, you will realize how the interactive environment reacts to your every move. But this isn t just another pretty looking gory game, it s leagues ahead of any other game in terms of action.
From the first mission till the last, Gears is always inventing new ways to cause you some trouble. The action is never ending, every minute, every second you are either chasing or running away. How the developers managed to keep such intensity and tension present, at the same time keeping it appealing, is a mystery to me.
Rocks, pillars, boulders, devastated walls are all your new found friends. They are more like your parents protecting you from danger; ok, I know that was a tad dramatic. But on a more serious note, you can t roam around exploring the beautiful visuals as there is hardly any time. The Locusts are constantly emerging and making sure you don t walk a step without a bullet hole on the path. The only way to survive is to take cover whenever possible, as in the open you will be grilled to death with locust bullets. Taking cover is easy, just pressing the action key will make your character jump to the nearest cover, while displaying an impressive scripted move.
Moving from cover to cover is necessary as sticking to one place for long can be fatal. The locusts are smart enough to chuck grenades at you, if you stick around too long at a place, like uninvited guests. You can jump or charge around to take cover, charging for cover is presented better than any game ever made. The camera moves to a lower angle following you as you run past dead locust, this adds more realism to the effort of finding a corner to hide. The whole game will see you fighting along with a squad, so you have to look after them as well. If your comrade s health goes to zero you can go to him and revive him from his downed state, simply by clicking the action button.
GOW will not only throw loads of enemies at you but also options to take them out. Like turrets and grenades you will find at random locations. When you take cover behind a wall, there are many ways to shoot back at the enemy. You can shoot blindly from behind the cover without exposing yourself or quickly take position and fire back. There is no health bar, but the health system is similar to Call of Duty 2, wherein you die after taking repeated damage in a small interval. You can always regain health by staying out of the action for a few seconds. But I would suggest staying away and behind cover. The following sections include more about the AI and guns, as well as Co-op mode.
he AI in GOW is as impressive as its other aspects, truly a step ahead. The locusts react to your every move, including incoming grenades, flanking, and blind fire. They will find cover, shoot from blind spots, cover each other, and even flank you. It s like playing hours of deathmatch with an equally challenging enemy. The AI is a major reason why the game is so enjoyable. I personally would have liked more enemy types, as you tend to see more and more of the same type of locust. I guess the locust parents weren t too creative or were too lazy.
The fire power in GOW is awesome, with some of the best guns ever to grace the action genre. Machine guns called Lancers with a secondary chainsaw is slaughter paradise, add to that shotguns, grenades, and more. There is also the Hammer of Dawn, a gun similar to the ion painter from UT. With HoD, you can pinpoint a target on the outside and a satellite driven laser will slice away any enemy type. You can carry only two primary rifles, sidearm, and up to 4 grenades. This may seem limited, but it again adds to the realism factor of the game.
Multiplayer and Co-op
Gears of War supports both split-screen and regular multiplayer over Xbox Live. There are two multiplayer modes in Gears of War, Cooperative and Versus mode. Multiplayer also adds the "downed" state, which works similar to down comrades the player must help in the single-player missions. When a player has taken too much damage from enemy, their character becomes incapacitated instead of dying instantly.
The player remains in this state until they bleed out and die, are killed by the enemy, or are revived by another player. There are the regular team death matches and team based combats as well. My favorite is Execution, where you have to finish an enemy in the downed state, by either blowing his head off or ripping him with a chainsaw.
The whole game can be completed in Co-op as well. Dominic Santiago, he is your closest friend and co-op partner as well. The whole game has been designed in such a way that Dominic is present in all the scenarios with you. The Co-op is unbelievable and highly addictive. GOW has already gained more popularity than Halo 2, a game that has been on the top for the past two years.
Final Verdict
This is the best game that money can buy now; this is the next big thing on the Xbox. The only drawback is the 8-10 hours to the single player, which is injustice to such a great game.
I can see sequels, movie adaptations, spin offs, books, even a cult dedicated to GOW. No doubt about it, you ain't a movie fan if you haven't seen The Godfather, you ain't a music lover if you haven't heard Elvis, I say you ain't a gamer if you haven't experienced Gears of War.
Microsoft Unveils Windows Mobile 6
Microsoft has reportedly unveiled a new version of it's Windows Mobile operating system (OS), Windows Mobile 6, which has the look of Windows Vista, plus features that were earlier available only on PCs.
Windows Mobile 6 promises to take advantage of features in Exchange Server 2007, as also provide a richer e-mail experience on devices .
Reportedly, the new version includes Windows Live, offering instant messaging with more than one person at a time, as well as sending files/images and record/send voice notes.
Another new feature that comes from Exchange Server 2007 is the ability to reply to meeting requests made in Microsoft Outlook in various ways such as email reply and forwarding the message to someone else from the mobile device. Presently, a user can either just accept or decline the invite. It now also supports direct e-mail push technology to receive and send e-mails faster.
Windows Mobile 6 also introduces the ability to view e-mails in their original HTML Internet format with live Web links from smart phones.
Moreover, it allows viewing, navigating, and editing documents in original Word, Outlook, Excel, and Powerpoint format, without affecting tables, images, or text. Other features include support for synchronisation with Vista via the new Windows Mobile Device Center, improved search, encryption of data stored on removable memory cards, .NET Compact Framework, SQL Server, and usability of the device as a modem for notebook PCs.
According to Microsoft, Windows Mobile 6 will be available in the second quarter of 2007. And, manufacturers that are expected to come out with new devices supporting Windows Mobile 6 include Toshiba, Lenovo, LG Electronics, and Samsung Electronics.
Japan Chooses PS2 over PS3?
A classic case of competing with self!
According to figures published Friday by a research company, Media Create that receives data from nearly 3,000 stores around Japan, Sony Computer Entertainment's seven year old console PlayStation 2 has beaten its brand new PlayStation 3 in terms of sales in late January.
Media Create figures say that for the week beginning Jan 22 through Jan 28, sales of PS2 totaled 20,995 units, whereas those of PS3 totaled 19,996.
No doubt a small margin, but significant nevertheless!
Since PS3's Japan launch on Nov 11, Sony had set itself a target of shipping 2 million PS3 consoles word-wide by end-2006; which somehow spilt-over to mid-January 2007.
While sales of PS2 tipped, Sony has now set a target of shipping 6 million PS3 consoles word-wide by end-March 2007.
A closer look reveals that the PS2 is cheaper at Yen 16,000 (AUD$169) than the PS3 at Yen 49,980 ($529) or Yen 59,980 ($635), and has a string of software titles to its credit. Naturally, it is attracting more customers...
However, Sony maintains that the PS3 will ultimately win the race, as more and more titles become available...
Wednesday, February 7, 2007
Get Ready for Rockstar Manhunt 2!
According to reports, Rockstar Games of 'Grand Theft Auto' fame, has announced that they are working on the sequel to their controversial 2003 stealth-action 'Manhunt' game, 'Manhunt 2'.
The new 'Manhunt 2' is being developed for the Nintendo Wii and Sony PlayStation 2 (PS2) and PlayStation Portable (PSP) platforms, by several of their studios.
While the Wii version is being developed by the Canadians from Rockstar Toronto, the PS2 and PSP versions are created by the veterans from Rockstar North and the newcomers from Rockstar London.
Talking about their initiative, Sam Houser, Founder and Executive Producer, Rockstar Games, said that with 'Manhunt 2', they have tried to create a game that stays close to the original concept of chilling suspense and stealth, while pushing the game design and storytelling forward. They are also excited to have their newest development team, Rockstar London, working on the title alongside their two established UK studios, Rockstar North and Leeds.
The original Manhunt game, which was released for the PS2, Xbox, and PC in 2003, is a third-person action title where players are given the task of violently murdering gang members with a variety of sadistic weapons, including plastic bags, piano wires, and glass shards. The game has made a name for itself as one of the bloodiest and most violent video games of all time.
Houser also pointed out that the original Manhunt clearly sold more than they imagined, having generated enough hype through its controversial serial-murderer theme although reviews were somewhat of a mixed bag.
Meanwhile, 'Manhunt 2' will be released in the second quarter this year.
Saturday, February 3, 2007
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Friday, February 2, 2007
Bose QuietComfort 3 Headphones
The next step in Bose noise cancellation headphones, the QuietComfort 3 Acoustic Noise Canceling Headphones, is here. With unmatched noise cancellation as well as amazing sound quality, the QC3 is currently the best by Bose and they're proud of it. Bose has not been releasing many of their new products here, the QC3 being among the few. We at Techtree had the privilege to review it, so let's see what the Best of Bose is like.
The beauty of the QC3 is that when you wear it, you can feel its superiority to the normal headphones. This happens even without switching it on. Bose's latest technology enables QC3 on-ear headphones to give you the same level of acclaimed performance as the QC2 around-ear headphones. Ideal for frequent travelers, especially those who are frequent flyers, the QC3 solves the problem of constant ambient noise while traveling.
Bose's amazing new technology has embedded two different types of noise cancellation in a pair of headphones - Active and Passive. Passive Noise Cancellation, which is simpler than Active, is done simply by the headphones covering your ears, thereby drowning out the surrounding noise.
Active, on the other hand, is a bit complicated. The headphones have been constructed in such a way that they have a tiny microphone on each side that detects outside noise before it enters your ears. Then the noise cancellation circuitry does its magic by inverting the captured signal and merges it with what you are listening to, thereby canceling most of the noise created in the area.
Features
Unlike its predecessor, the QC3 has been made to fit the ear perfectly and not cover it. This makes the headphones more acceptable to be worn outdoors without the look of a DJ-on-the-move while walking down the road. To enhance the noise cancellation, a special type of foam has been used as the ear cushions which is known as "memory foam." The memory foam shapes according to your ear, thereby giving more effective passive noise cancellation.
