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SEGA will reveal a 'high-budget' AAA title at Gamescom 2019

Jak Connor | Gaming | Aug 7, 2019 6:04 AM CDT

Gamescom 2019 is expected to go off with a bang, and to add to the craziness SEGA has revealed that they will be showcasing a brand new AAA title.

SEGA will reveal a 'high-budget' AAA title at Gamescom 2019

Gamescom 2019 will be held in Cologne, Germany and according to a new SEGA press release, the company is ready to reveal a brand new triple A title. It is unclear what this title will be, but it has been described as a 'high-budget' game so we can expect that SEGA have been sitting on this for quite some time.

According to the press release, "visitors will be treated to a first-hand look at an all-new AAA game that has yet to be revealed to the public". Tune into Gamescom 2019 event, on August 20 to August 24.

Continue reading: SEGA will reveal a 'high-budget' AAA title at Gamescom 2019 (full post)

7 years of Mars secrets revealed by NASA's 'Curiosity' rover

Jak Connor | Science, Space, & Robotics | Aug 7, 2019 5:13 AM CDT

Back in 2011, NASA launched their 'Curiosity' rover from Earth with the mission of landing it on Mars to scour the surface in search for new information. It now has been there seven years, and its still kicking about doing research.

7 years of Mars secrets revealed by NASA's 'Curiosity' rover

The 'Curiosity' rover spent several months floating through space before safely landing Mars' surface on August 6th, 2012. NASA and Jet Proplusion Laboratory and giving 'Curiosity' a birthday celebration and by doing this we have learned where Curiosity is at the moment and what it is doing.

According to a new blog post, Curiosity is currently stationed in a spot known as the "clay-bearing unit" which is in inside the Gale Crater. The rover is currently using drills to get some of the soil, and with these samples scientists will be able to determine what the conditions of the crater were like long ago. Scientists know that Mars once had traces of what seems to be water, but it is still unclear if this water harbored any form of life whether it be microbial, or intelligent.

Continue reading: 7 years of Mars secrets revealed by NASA's 'Curiosity' rover (full post)

Borderlands 2 passes 22 million copies sold globally

Jak Connor | Gaming | Aug 7, 2019 4:15 AM CDT

Gearbox Software is 'gearing' up for the release of Borderlands 3, but before launch of the third installment in the series, let's take a look at Borderlands 2 sales.

Borderlands 2 passes 22 million copies sold globally

According to a recent article posted by GamesIndustry.biz, Borderlands 2 has seen a small jump in sales traction as of late. The title recently had its sales revealed by Take-Two Interactive in the last fiscal earnings call, clocking in at 20 million units sold globally. Now, new reports have surfaced revealing that Borderlands 2 has gained a further 2 million sales.

This quick increase in sales has a combination of reasons behind it, the game receiving extreme discounts on Steam as well as the hype for Borderlands 3 has well and truly caused some players to quickly smash out the previous titles so they can enjoy the third one. There is also the fact that Gearbox recently released the Commander Lilith and the Fight for Sanctuary DLC back in June. If you didn't know, Borderlands 3 recently went completely GOLD, more on that here.

Continue reading: Borderlands 2 passes 22 million copies sold globally (full post)

Your printer isn't safe from Russian Spy hackers

Jak Connor | Hacking, Security & Privacy | Aug 7, 2019 3:13 AM CDT

By now you would know that if it is on the internet then you should assume that it can basically be hacked. A new report has come out of Microsoft and even your printers aren't safe.

Your printer isn't safe from Russian Spy hackers

Microsoft announced on Monday that Russian hackers who go by the names; Strontium, Fancy Bear, and APT28 have been detected by Microsoft. These Russian hackers have also been linked to military intelligence agency GRU, and are known for their infiltration into the Democratic National Committee in 2016 and other well known hacks.

Since most PC's are using Windows at a corporate level, Microsoft has some of the best hacking detection software available and in April of 2019 Microsoft's Threat Intelligence Center detected an infiltration by Fancy Bear. According to Microsoft, Fancy Bear has used 'internet of things' devices such as phones, a connected office printer and a video decoder to access corporate networks.

Continue reading: Your printer isn't safe from Russian Spy hackers (full post)

Huawei set to launch Hongmeng OS for mobile with Mate 30

Shannon Robb | Mobile Devices | Aug 7, 2019 2:32 AM CDT

Huawei has been on somewhat shaky ground as directives have been handed down by the administrative branch of the USA pushing US-based companies to stop working with Huawei.

Huawei set to launch Hongmeng OS for mobile with Mate 30

Huawei has been caught in several scandals which led to a temporary trade ban which was later rolled back mostly. Now speculation/news is coming from the Global Times, which is a Chinese run state media. They have stated that Huawei will have the Hongmeng OS ready as early as Q4 2019 to go along with the Mate 30 series of phones.

Huawei as of recent is still 100% onboard with using Android, or at least it seems so on the surface. Huawei has made it apparent that they intend for Hongmeng OS to be an IoT solution at least at first. But, that is not to say that if push comes to shove, it could not end up being their version of an Android replacement. It is reported that Huawei has been testing several Android apps for compatibility should the US trade ban rear its head again.

Continue reading: Huawei set to launch Hongmeng OS for mobile with Mate 30 (full post)

MSI teases its new Radeon RX 5700 XT EVOKE OC graphics card

Anthony Garreffa | Graphics Cards | Aug 7, 2019 2:00 AM CDT

MSI has officially teased its upcoming Radeon RX 5700 XT EVOKE OC graphics card, with an official image that they've shared with us to release now. It's not much...

MSI teases its new Radeon RX 5700 XT EVOKE OC graphics card

... but it's all we were given. MSI's new Radeon RX 5700 XT EVOKE OC graphics card rocks a slick gold/black style by the looks of things, but this is just a tease. The company has shipped us a sample for review, so once the NDA is up on the custom Radeon RX 5700 card reviews you can be your bottom dollar (or should that be gold) that we'll have a review ready for you.

MSI's new Radeon RX 5700 XT EVOKE OC graphics card should have overclocked GPU frequencies and the same 8GB of GDDR6, all on a PCIe 4.0 x16 slot and should have 8+6-pin PCIe power connectors. We'll know more in the coming days.

Continue reading: MSI teases its new Radeon RX 5700 XT EVOKE OC graphics card (full post)

Astronomers find ancient Big Bang 'time machine' star

Jak Connor | Science, Space, & Robotics | Aug 7, 2019 1:05 AM CDT

A new discovery has been made by astronomers scouring the observable universe, they have run into what has been called a 'time machine' that takes us back to some of the earliest stars when the universe formed.

Astronomers find ancient Big Bang 'time machine' star

According to a recent research that has been published in Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society: Letters, astronomers from the Australian National University have discovered one of the first stars that formed after the universes Big Bang. Lead study author Thomas Nordlander, spoke out about this research saying, "We've found a time machine that takes us back to the universe's earliest stars."

Since the Big Bang occurred 13.8 billion years ago, many of the stars that formed in the early days were gigantic in comparison to our sun. A bio-product of the stars being extremely big is that they are also short-lived. Once the stars decay to the point of their supernova explosion many of the elements are ejected into space, this is what astronomers search for and have recently found.

Continue reading: Astronomers find ancient Big Bang 'time machine' star (full post)

Cyberpunk 2077 is being turned into a tabletop card game

Anthony Garreffa | Gaming | Aug 6, 2019 11:26 PM CDT

CD PROJEKT RED is on the fringes of getting its next big game out, with Cyberpunk 2077 being turned into a tabletop card game in the meantime.

Cyberpunk 2077 is being turned into a tabletop card game

Cyberpunk 2077 - Afterlife: The Card Game is coming "sometime in 2020" and is being designed by Eric Lang and published by CMON Games who were behind the Bloodborne card game. In Cyberpunk 2077 - Afterlife, players will assume the role of 'Fixers' which are a type of 'handler' in the universe of Cyberpunk.

You will need to build a faction of cyberpunk agents and task them on missions, which means Afterlife sounds like a management title of sorts. You will have to continue washing through funds to keep your agents in the best condition as they fight in Night City. Interesting flex for Cyberpunk.

Continue reading: Cyberpunk 2077 is being turned into a tabletop card game (full post)

Apex Legends receives limited-time Solos mode

Anthony Garreffa | Gaming | Aug 6, 2019 11:00 PM CDT

Respawn Entertainmetn and EA have announced through the official Apex Legends Twitter account that a new limited-time Solos mode is dropping with the Iron Crown Collection event. Check it out:

Apex Legends receives limited-time Solos mode

As you can see, solo mode is coming to Apex Legends for a very limited time with the Iron Crown Collection event taking place between August 13-27 so you'll have just two weeks to enjoy one-on-one battles.

I'm sure the developer could change things up and offer a Solos mode permanently if it were popular, but we'll have to wait and see how it is received. We should expect some new cosmetics and other changes in the Iron Crown Collection event for Apex Legends, and we're only a few days away from finding out.

Continue reading: Apex Legends receives limited-time Solos mode (full post)

North Korea stole BILLIONS in crypto to fund weapon programs

Anthony Garreffa | Cryptocurrency & Mining | Aug 6, 2019 10:42 PM CDT

Here we go again: Reuters is now reporting that a report that was researched by "independent experts" was presented to the UN Security Council North Korea sanctions committee last week, which has sold bold claims.

North Korea stole BILLIONS in crypto to fund weapon programs

The report says that North Korea used "widespread and increasingly sophisticated" hacks to secure $2 billion, laundered over the internet. These funds, according to the UN report, are being used to fund its weapons of mass destruction. Scooping up the funds this way means it's much harder for other governments and their respective spy agencies to snoop.

The experts said they are looking into "at least 35 reported instances of DPRK actors attacking financial institutions, cryptocurrency exchanges and mining activity designed to earn foreign currency" in around 17 nations around the world.

Continue reading: North Korea stole BILLIONS in crypto to fund weapon programs (full post)

GPU-Z v2.23.0 better supports RX 5700 series, and more

Anthony Garreffa | Graphics Cards | Aug 6, 2019 10:17 PM CDT

The latest version of GPU-Z has improved support for AMD's new Radeon RX 5700 series graphics cards, with TechPowerUp detailing the new GPU-Z v2.23.0 in a new post.

GPU-Z v2.23.0 better supports RX 5700 series, and more

TPU also added in support for additional variants of NVIDIA's new GeForce RTX 2060 and RTX 2070 SUPER, while a bunch of other graphics cards on both Team Green and Team Red received added support in GPU-Z v2.23.0.

The new version has an updated icon and splash screen with high-DIP support, so high-res monitor owners and reviewers/benchmarkers willl enjoy that. GPU-Z is a staple of my life, so the new changes are welcomed. You can grab TechPowerUp GPU-Z v2.23.0 here.

Continue reading: GPU-Z v2.23.0 better supports RX 5700 series, and more (full post)

Apple iPhone to have in-display fingerprint sensor by 2021?

Shannon Robb | Mobile Devices | Aug 6, 2019 10:03 PM CDT

Many of us have gotten used to the fingerprint sensors on various locations on our smartphones.

Apple iPhone to have in-display fingerprint sensor by 2021?

Over the last year, many manufacturers have started placing fingerprint sensors into their phone screens with varying levels of success. While we will see this improve on Android-based handsets as time goes on, Apple is choosing a more refined (slower) approach as they commonly do.

While many Apple fans would be delighted to see in-screen fingerprint sensors on their newest iDevices now, Apple tends to take the more 'when its ready' approach. This is good as it in many cases can ensure the bugs get worked out. But if its anything like wireless charging, let's hope Apple is not last to the races.

Continue reading: Apple iPhone to have in-display fingerprint sensor by 2021? (full post)

Gaming suitcase turns your Xbox or PlayStation portable

Anthony Garreffa | Gaming | Aug 6, 2019 9:29 PM CDT

GAEMS has just released its new Guardian Pro XP (and for me out of nowhere) and holy hell does it look impressive, it is the latest in gaming cases from the company and costs a hefty $700. But check it out:

Gaming suitcase turns your Xbox or PlayStation portable

It rocks a built-in 24-inch 1440p HDR display that can connect into an Xbox One or PS4 console (as well as the Xbox One S, Xbox One X, and PS4 Pro). GAEMS also includes chambered speakers with passive subwoofers, and rails at the top of the case above the monitor that can be used to mount webcams and/or lighting.

A sizeable space for your PS4 and controller, where it'll also get charged up in a neat spot. A couple of thumbscrews keep the console in its place, nice and neatly with lots of ventilation above it.

Continue reading: Gaming suitcase turns your Xbox or PlayStation portable (full post)

Resident Evil 8 could soon be announced by Capcom

Anthony Garreffa | Gaming | Aug 6, 2019 8:47 PM CDT

Did Capcom just tease the world of Resident Evil 8... or can we expect another awesome Resident Evil remake to be announced soon? Whatever is coming, we know there's a new Resident Evil game in the works.

Resident Evil 8 could soon be announced by Capcom

According to an email that originated from fan-site Biohaze, members of the Resident Evil Ambassadors program in Japan have been receiving invites to alpha test a new Resident Evil game. The email in question is seeking testers to test a game that is in-development, with testing to kick off on either September 8 or 9.

Capcom Division 1 is the team developing Resident Evil, with the email from the team reading: "To all Resident Evil Ambassadors, thank you for your patronage regarding the Resident Evil series. Today, we are letting you know that we are recruiting testers for a game that's in development! We are interested in incorporating the feedback of all Ambassadors into our development, so please read the details below and, if you are interested in participating, click the Entry button".

Continue reading: Resident Evil 8 could soon be announced by Capcom (full post)

F1 2019 patch adds NVIDIA DLSS and AMD FidelityFX support

Anthony Garreffa | Gaming | Aug 6, 2019 8:17 PM CDT

Update: Codemasters has since updated F1 2019 gamers, saying the patch wasn't fully baked. The developer explains: "Just a quick update on yesterday's correction to our patch notes for 1.07. We inadvertently released a partially completed integration of NVIDIA's DLSS technology in patch 1.07 which was not supposed to be enabled until a later patch. We are currently working towards enabling this in a completed state for an upcoming patch. Thanks to NVIDIA for helping us in tracking down this issue".

F1 2019 patch adds NVIDIA DLSS and AMD FidelityFX support

The latest update to F1 2019 adds in two important technologies from both Team Green and Team Red, with the v1.07 update including support for NVIDIA's DLSS technology (Deep Learning Super Sampling) as well as AMD's FidelityFX technology.

F1 2019's new update also reduces GPU usage on the front end, as well as HDR now being available on DX12 on the PC. As for DLSS and FidelityFX, the developer explains in the release notes: "NVIDIA Deep Learning Super Sampling (DLSS) and AMD FidelityFX Upscaling and FidelityFX Sharpening are now available as Anti-Aliasing options on applicable devices".

Continue reading: F1 2019 patch adds NVIDIA DLSS and AMD FidelityFX support (full post)

Toshiba Memory introduces new speedy SLC XL-Flash

Shannon Robb | Storage | Aug 6, 2019 8:10 PM CDT

Toshiba is busy at Flash Memory Summit in Santa Clara, but the big news is coming across as Toshiba has now launched their XL-Flash.

Toshiba Memory introduces new speedy SLC XL-Flash

XL-Flash is an SLC part designed for very low latency. It is meant to combat Samsung's Z-NAND or even Intel 3D Xpoint which powers their OPTANE storage solutions.

XL-Flash is stated as you can see above to have a 5-microsecond delay which is 10x faster than existing TLC (50-microseconds). XL-Flash will be available to partners, which is a nice shift since Samsung's Z-NAND is locked to their models. We should see some very capable and speedy drives coming very soon.

Continue reading: Toshiba Memory introduces new speedy SLC XL-Flash (full post)

Is VirtualLink Dead? Valve's recent cancellation may say so

Shannon Robb | Extended Reality (XR) | Aug 6, 2019 7:41 PM CDT

Valve corp, yep the same one that brought you Steam, has canceled their VirtualLink adapter.

Is VirtualLink Dead? Valve's recent cancellation may say so

VirtualLink is a USB-C connection which can carry power, DisplayPort, and data all through a single interface and was touted as the potential next step for VR.

Valve made an adapter for its new Index headset which was to be the first step in adoption for VR HMD's and VirtualLink. But as of a few days ago, Valve pulled the plug on the adapter stating 'lack of adoption.'

Continue reading: Is VirtualLink Dead? Valve's recent cancellation may say so (full post)

Biostar reveals Racing X570GT in its small mATX form

Anthony Garreffa | Motherboards | Aug 6, 2019 7:29 PM CDT

Biostar has just announced its new Racing X570GT motherboard, with the mATX board supporting both AMD's second- and third-gen Ryzen CPUs.

Biostar reveals Racing X570GT in its small mATX form

It has 4 x DDR4 DIMMs that will support up to 128GB of RAM, 1 x iron-reinforced PCIe 4.0 x16 slot, 1 x M.2-2280 slot for an SSD over PCIe 4.0 x4, 2 x PCIe 3.0 x1 slots for add-in cards, and 4 x SATA connectors.

There's an active cooling fan keeping the X570 chipset cool, while for connectivity we have 1 x GbE, 4 x USB 3.1 Gen 1 Type-A ports, 2 x USB 2.0 ports, a single PS/2 port, HDMI and D-sub video out, and 7.1 audio connectors (thanks to the Realtek ALC887 codec). Biostar also includes an RGB 12V LED header and Digital 5V LED header that can take control of your RGB LED goodness.

Continue reading: Biostar reveals Racing X570GT in its small mATX form (full post)

Intel teases next-gen 56C/112T CPUs for 2020 still on 14nm

Anthony Garreffa | Processors | Aug 6, 2019 5:56 PM CDT

On the eve of AMD's launch of its EPYC Rome CPUs, competitor Intel has announced that its future Intel Xeon Cooper Lake family of CPUs will have server versions with up to 56C/112T of power.

Intel teases next-gen 56C/112T CPUs for 2020 still on 14nm

Intel detailed the future of its Xeon Scalable platform at its Data-Centric Innovation Summit that it's bringing its 56C/112T Xeon Platinum 9200 family to Cooper Lake. The reason? For the new bfloat16 instructions mixed with the high 28-core count CPU as well as the new Cooper Lake CPUs being socketed versus BGA only.

This means the new Xeon Platinum 9200 family on Cooper Lake is on the LGA4189 socket -- the same as the upcoming Ice Lake CPU coming after Cooper Lake. The new Xeon Platinum 9200 chips will have 8-channel DDR4 support and TDPs of up to

Continue reading: Intel teases next-gen 56C/112T CPUs for 2020 still on 14nm (full post)

Halo Reach Xbox One testing delayed indefinitely

Derek Strickland | Gaming | Aug 6, 2019 5:38 PM CDT

It could be a while before Halo Reach's Master Chief Collection testing begins on Xbox One.

Halo Reach Xbox One testing delayed indefinitely

Photo: Isaac Hannaford

Halo Reach is coming soon to the Master Chief Collection on both consoles and PC, but early testing still hasn't begun on consoles. The culprit? The new re-vamped cross-game progression system is eating up all of the Xbox One's limited 8GB DDR3 RAM system memory. Remember 343i has to make sure all Halo games run just as smooth on the base 2013 model as the higher-end Xbox One X with its 12GB of GDDR5 shared memory. That means having to work with lower-end hardware.

Continue reading: Halo Reach Xbox One testing delayed indefinitely (full post)

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