New PSVR model allows HDR pass-through

Derek Strickland | Gaming | Oct 2, 2017 5:17 PM CDT

Sony is updating the original PlayStation VR headset with some small hardware iterations--just don't expect new HMD technology or anything.

New PSVR model allows HDR pass-through

The new PlayStation VR, model CUH-ZVR2, will allow HDR pass-through via a new enhanced Processor Unit, aka the little box that flips the video signal to the television. With the new box users will no longer have to unhook the video feed cable to game on an HDR screen, which solves one of the main frustration points for PS4 Pro owners. But there's a trade-off: the new CUH-ZVR2 model won't be compatible with the cord from the original CUH-ZVR1 launch model, meaning if you lose your cord you'll have to buy a new one.

"A hardware update to PlayStation VR is being prepared. The new version, model number CUH-ZVR2, features an updated design that enables the stereo headphone cables to be integrated with the VR headset and a slimmer, streamlined connection cable. There's also an updated Processor Unit that supports HDR pass through, enabling users to enjoy HDR-compatible PS4 content on a TV without having to disconnect the Processor Unit in between the TV and the PS4 system. This function can be used only when the VR headset is turned off," reads an update on the PlayStation Blog.

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HTC Vive comes with free copy of Fallout 4 VR

All new purchases of an HTC Vive now come bundled with a free copy of Fallout 4 VR.

HTC Vive comes with free copy of Fallout 4 VR

Fallout 4 VR is being heralded as an industry changer by AMD, who has recently partnered with Bethesda in a cross-collaborative initiative. A bit ago I predicted that Fallout 4 VR would be the killer app VR so desperately needs, and Bethesda Game Studios is doing everything in their power to make that happen.

"[Fallout 4 VR] is a ground-breaking VR title. It will change the way we think about VR. It will be an industry changer," AMD corporate vice president Roy Taylor told MCVUK at this year's VR World Congress.

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Battlefront II multiplayer resurrected on Steam and GoG

Derek Strickland | Gaming | Oct 2, 2017 2:11 PM CDT

In a surprise announcement, Disney and GoG.com have brought back Battlefront 2's classic multiplayer on PC.

Battlefront II multiplayer resurrected on Steam and GoG

When GameSpy went kaput in 2014, many games that used its servers were knocked offline, including the beloved 2005 shooter Battlefront II. Over the past few years dedicated fans kept the game alive through private servers, but now Disney and CD Projekt RED's GoG storefront have brought the game back online and restored it to its full glory--and just a month before the release of the big new Battlefront sequel, I might add.

In a press release GoG explains that the definitive Battlefront II legacy experience will be available to all owners on Steam and GoG.com with full cross-play. Existing and new owners will be able to play online in the full range of modes and gametypes, and no one will need to download any special tools--the game will be hosted with GoG Galaxy's servers.

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Cuphead brews hot cup of Steam-ing sales

Derek Strickland | Gaming | Oct 2, 2017 12:50 PM CDT

The newly released fantastic indie gem Cuphead is selling well on Steam, where it's now broken 100,000 copies since launch.

Cuphead brews hot cup of Steam-ing sales

Cuphead is one of those rare indies that completely entrances most anyone who watches. The old 1930's cartoon style is enamoring and whimsical, and melded with a brutal Contra-esque bullet-hell run-and-gun style, Studio MDHR Entertainment has created something unique that engages players on so many levels. As a result of that style, and the mechanics, and massive press, Cuphead is doing very well on Steam so far.

According to SteamSpy, Cuphead has currently sold 124,540 units on Steam. The game is also available on Xbox One and the Windows 10 Store for $19.99. Cuphead holds the triumphant and much revered 90 Metacritic score, and currently has Overwhelmingly Positive reviews on Steam. It's great to see that after being delayed two times, fans and gamers everywhere are still willing to take a risk on an interesting indie and breathe fresh life into a retro genre. The indie movement has been responsible for keeping nostalgia alive for quite some time, and it'll be interesting to see if companies like Nintendo attempt to emulate or capture that style in their own way.

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Nokia to release new 3310 model to include 3G

Shaun Grimley | Mobile Devices, Tablets & Phones | Oct 2, 2017 10:20 AM CDT

Earlier this year HMD Global announced at MWC 2017 that the Nokia 3310 will make a grand, updated return to the market with a 2.4-inch QVGA color display, 16MB storage, 2-megapixel camera and of course, Snake. The good news continues to roll in for all of us nostalgia folk, HMD Global have recently revealed their plan to release yet another model of the Nokia 3310, this model will include 3G.

Nokia to release new 3310 model to include 3G

This is significant news for the 17-year-old new phone, as this version can now be used on some GSM networks like T-Mobile and AT&T. Set for a mid-October release, HMD Global have added Yellow and Warm Red to the Azure and Charcoal color options and is priced at €69, or about $81. No word on which, if any US carriers will sell the Nokia 3310.

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Cougar annouce the Puri and Puri TKL gaming keyboards

Shaun Grimley | Peripherals | Oct 2, 2017 9:15 AM CDT

Cougar have announced the arrival of two FPS orientated gaming keyboards. the Puri and Puri TKL. Combining German-made Cherry MX mechanical switches and powerful backlight that allows for individual customizable, the Puri and Puri TKL are great solutions for high-level FPS gaming.

Cougar annouce the Puri and Puri TKL gaming keyboards

A heavy focus on mobile gaming for LAN parties and tournaments is evident, Cougar have included a detachable cable and unique magnetic protective cover making the Puri and Puri TKL an excellent choice for professional gamers and gaming enthusiasts who are constantly on the move. Other features included by Cougar include 3-level high adjustment and cable management.

The Puri features a full-size keyboard while the Puri TKL, is obviously a TenKeyless edition that allows for even more versatility. These two keyboards offer great value starting at $69.99 for the Puri TKL and $79.99 for the Puri with availability set for some time during October 2017.

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Free NVMe RAID for X399 is now here

Steven Bassiri | CPU, APU & Chipsets | Oct 2, 2017 8:00 AM CDT

About a month ago we brought you news that AMD was planning to add NVMe based RAID capabilities to its X399 platform, and wasn't going to charge for it like Intel. The set date was September 25th, and while that date came and went with little fuss, nothing showed up except some BIOS versions that were quickly pulled (but had stated NVMe RAID was added).

Free NVMe RAID for X399 is now here

Today we are happy to bring you news that AMD has followed through on their promise, albeit a few days late. While BIOS versions with NVMe RAID have been available for a few days, AMD's NVMe RAID driver has not, but you can now download it.

While we all know that RAID (redundant array of independent disks) is all about increasing speed and/or reliability, until now, NVMe drives were not capable of RAID on the X399 platform, instead you only had SATA RAID. The latest and greatest SSDs are all coming out as NVMe based drives, and now you can put them in RAID 0, 1, or 10 without paying a dime (well you have to buy the drives).

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Creative Launches Aurora Reactive SDK for Sound BlasterX

Shaun Grimley | Audio, Sound & Speakers | Oct 2, 2017 6:30 AM CDT

Creative Technology have released the Aurora Reactive SDK. This tool effectively converts the Aurora Reactive Lighting System that is featured with Sound BlasterX products into an open platform, allowing developers to customize, animate and synchronize lighting behavior to add another layer of customization with their products.

Creative Launches Aurora Reactive SDK for Sound BlasterX

The SDK will come complete with sample codes, an API library, and documentation that allows even novice programmers to get started. This gives developers greater creative control to fully immerse the user by programming various lighting behavior modes. Lighting can reflect in-game scenarios by turning red the user is hurt, turn orange when attacking an enemy, or breathe with when searching for an enemy, the possibilities are endless.

Developers can download the Aurora Reactive SDK from here with Creative released monthly performance update patches with improved features and functionality. Current supported products include Sound BlasterX Katana, Sound BlasterX Vanguard K08 keyboard, Sound BlasterX Siege M04 gaming mouse, Sound Blaster AE-5 PCIe DAC and Sound BlasterX Kratos S5 2.1 USB gaming speakers

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Xbox One gamers can now digitally gift Xbox One titles

Shaun Grimley | Gaming | Oct 2, 2017 5:31 AM CDT

One of the great, yet simple features of Steam's platform is the ability to digitally gift games. Xbox One gamers can rejoice with the introduction, albeit currently only for the Xbox Insider Program, the ability to gift Xbox One titles (and titles that also support Play Anywhere to Windows 10 users) through the official Xbox Marketplace.

Xbox One gamers can now digitally gift Xbox One titles

Xbox One players now can send a title directly to one of your Xbox Live friends or straight to a nominated email address. The recipient then has to simply redeem a code to claim their game, download and then enjoy.

No official word on when this feature will reach the public builds, we can imagine sooner rather than later. We all have a friend that 'can't afford' to buy a game and now you will probably find a few more friends who suddenly can't afford to purchase games either!

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The C64 Mini: The miniature Commodore 64 to be released

Shaun Grimley | Gaming | Oct 2, 2017 4:24 AM CDT

Nintendo's mini NES and SNES have seen great success, it would only make sense for more retro-mini gaming systems to be released, wouldn't it? Correct, next up is the Commodore 64, or as it's officially been released as, the C64 Mini.

The C64 Mini: The miniature Commodore 64 to be released

The C64 Mini is a 50% scale replica of the original Commodore 64 that features HDMI output, pixel filter options (sharp, CRT, scanline emulation), ability to save games and multiple USB ports to allow for a USB keyboard, joystick or to add a second joystick for 2-player games.

64 pre-installed games are currently included for the C64 Mini, including cult classics such as California Games, Monty Mole and Paradroid. Personally, I would have LOVED to see Street Rod included, Street Rod was my first experience with computer games and is still a game I enjoy today.

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