Latest News - Page 2659

We knew that NVIDIA's Pascal architecture was going to deliver a massive update over the current Maxwell-based offerings in the GeForce GTX 980 Ti and Titan X, but the transistor count is going to be insane. Titan X features 8 billion transistors while Pascal will reportedly contain an insane 17 billion transistors.

NVIDIA will be tapping TSMC's 16nm process for its Pascal architecture, as well as using HBM2, which should see a massive increase in horsepower. But even with 17 billion transistors, the Pascal-based GPU will be "significantly smaller" than the 28nm-based Maxwell GPUs, reports Fudzilla. NVIDIA will be making use of HBM2 on the next-gen video cards, offering up to 32GB of the next-gen VRAM technology on its highest end card.

Expect around 50% or more performance over the already fast GTX 980 Ti, which will see NVIDIA easily dominate AMD's Radeon R9 Fury X. But where does this leave AMD? Right now, AMD is in dire need of a huge architectural change, as Fiji didn't really bring anything new to the table. All AMD has done is used HBM1, but it's benefits weren't really shown on Fury X, apart from the card being smaller than usual. NVIDIA is really going to leapfrog AMD next year with its triple-punch in 16nm + Pascal + HBM2.

Fallout Shelter has been a major success for Bethesda, generating more than $5 million in just two weeks, but that doesn't mean the game studio will create a large catalog of mobile games.

"We'd been thinking about [making Fallout Shelter] for a while. It was a case of 'We won't do it unless it's a good fit," said Pete Hines, VP of PR and marketing at Bethesda, in a statement to IGN.

"This isn't the start of a formula where every time we make a game we need to do a mobile game... that's not why Fallout Shelter was great. People appreciate the game because it doesn't have our hand in your pocket. It did monetization in a way that people didn't have a problem with."

Tech modding expert Dave Bennett is a kind of emulation wizard who is responsible for many improbable wonders like running PlayStation 2 games on a smartphone as well as playing Valve's epic puzzler Portal on Android. Bennett's latest achievement let's you play Half-Life on a smartwatch. Not that most of us would ever want to play Valve's epic FPS on a smartwatch, but it's still a pretty impressive spectacle nonetheless.

According to the modder, the SDLash3D app is able to emulate Valve's old-school GoldSource game engine that powered classic titles like Team Fortress Classic (which is also playable on Android). While working on making Half-Life run on a phone, on a lark Bennett tried it on his Android Wear-powered LG G smartwatch.

And it worked. As you can see for yourself in the video, Half-Life's unforgettable monorail scene starts up and runs on the tiny 1.65-inch screen. The framerates flux anywhere from 2FPS to an impressive 30FPS, and of course, the game is practically unplayable in itself, but it only goes to show you how versatile Android really is.

Dr. Jack Horner consulted on all Jurassic movies, and believes it's just a matter of "fixing" birds so they look "a little more like a dinosaur."

Horner believes research is about 50 percent there in regards to creating a so-called "chickenosaurus." Researchers would need to give the chicken teeth, a long tail, and turn the chicken's wings into arms and hands. In addition, researchers have already successfully created a modified mouth for the chickenosaurus.

It seems like the biological project is "well on its way to becoming reality," and trying to create the tail remains the most difficult challenge. The project requires reverse evolution and a significant amount of trial and error - and researchers will continue trying out new things.

Activision and Treyarch will launch a global multiplayer beta for Call of Duty: Black Ops 3 next month, in an effort to ensure a smooth game launch later this year.

The multiplayer beta will be available for the PC, Microsoft Xbox One, and Sony PlayStation 4. PS4 gamers will get first crack on August 19, while PC and Xbox One gamers will be able to start playing on August 26. The multiplayer beta will last just four days.

"During the beta, fans will have an opportunity to try the new momentum-based, chained movement system, find the perfect Specialist to fit their play style, get a feel for the new multiplayer maps and more," said Scott Lowe, communications manager at Activision, in a blog post.

Following news that cybersecurity researchers were able to remotely hack an operational Jeep, it looks like Fiat Chrysler has issued a 1.4 million vehicle voluntary safety recall. This is the first time any automaker in the United States has issued a recall because of a cybersecurity threat - after hackers used the infotainment system to gain access to the vehicle.

The security recall will include upgraded vehicle software that has enhanced security features able to resolve the problem. However, it looks like political leaders in Washington want a more proactive response, as more connected vehicles hit the road:

"There are no assurances that these vehicles are the only ones that are this unprotected from cyberattack," said Sen. Ed Markey (D-Mass), as he called upon the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to launch a full investigation. "A safe and fully-equipped vehicle should be one that is equipped to protect drivers from hackers and thieves. Both automakers and NHTSA should immediately take steps to verify that other similar vulnerabilities do not exist in other models that are on the road."

Edward Snowden remains in Moscow, Russia, unable to find a new temporary home - and afraid of serious charges awaiting him in the United States. However, Snowden has said on multiple occasions that he would like to return home in the future, but only if he's treated fairly.

"Edward loves America and he would definitely like to return home," said Anatoly Kucherena, Snowden's attorney in Russia, in a statement to the media. "But it is our position, and a very simple one, that as long as his case is politicized and commented on as it is by politicians of all levels, that his return to his motherland is impossible."

Snowden is holed up in Russia, and while he didn't disclose information to the Russian government, he also didn't defect to the country. Instead, Snowden released damning data to the public "as an act of conscience," Kucherena said.

Virtual reality has potential well beyond just video games, and it looks like movies providing a more interactive experience could help the market surge even higher. Oculus recently signed a "multi-project, multi-experience virtual reality production deal" with Felix & Paul Studios to create custom content for the Oculus Rift.

If you're not familiar with Felix & Paul Studios, the company created Jurassic World and Wild VR experiences for the Samsung Gear VR headset. Working directly with VR headset manufacturers gives Felix & Paul Studios the ability to provide polished VR experiences directly to consumers - and will hopefully create interest for the VR industry overall.

"We believe in virtual reality's profound potential as an art form and storytelling medium," said Felix Lajeunesse, co-founder of Felix & Paul Studios. "Our studio's objective is to create content of the highest quality - both artistically and technologically - and to expand the boundaries of what can be expressed through the medium."

Lizbeth Uzcategui recently received the i-limb quantum from Touch Bionics, a programmable and more precise prosthetic hand. Uzcategui was born without a hand or arm below her right elbow, but the i-limb quantum will give her the ability to live a more normal life.

The i-limb quantum has greatly improved battery life, has more strength when a wearer needs it, and is faster and smarter than other bionic prosthetics. Uzcategui noted that other prosthetic hands she has used were unable to keep up with her daily tasks - a common complaint among patients with prosthetics.

"This is the latest and greatest in upper extremity prosthetic hands. It's quicker, it's faster, it's lighter and smaller," said Matthew Klein, from the Hanger Clinic, in a statement to CBS News Miami.

The Microsoft Xbox One has greatly suffered while trying to sell its Xbox One and keep up with the Sony PlayStation 4, handily outsold in the United States, Europe and Japan.

It's been a difficult battle that Microsoft is taking seriously, and there have been moments of relief - like after the holidays, when gamers could purchase several Xbox One gaming bundles.

"This progress, as well as the excitement we generated at E3 - with Xbox exclusive gaming content and backwards compatibility - demonstrates the building momentum that exists with the Xbox ecosystem," said Amy Hood, CFO at Microsoft, while speaking during a recent financial call.

"Upgradeability is a core tenet of all Eurocom systems" reads a recent press release from this high-end portable technology company. Eurocom's latest release, the Shark 4, is no different with its changeable wireless card compatibility, M.2 4G/LTE module support, replaceable keyboard and even the ability to change your display to suit your needs.

Further supporting DDR3-1600 RAM up to 16GB, three storage devices, an optical drive and more - this product strays away from Eurocom's general tech-heavy products but still includes customization to suit all needs.

Complete wth an Intel i7-4720HQ processor, an NVIDIA GTX 960M and the choice between two 15.6" displays (matte or gloss), the technology within is certainly nothing to sneeze at either way, but it's the extra options that Eurocom believes will set it apart from the rest.

It looks like NVIDIA is all systems go to launch its Maxwell-based GeForce GTX 950 next month according to HWBattle, where we now have some specs and a better idea on price to share.

NVIDIA will be pricing its GeForce GTX 950 at under $150, $50 less than the GTX 960 which kicks off at around $199. The new video card will be based on NVIDIA's successful Maxwell architecture, with a GM206 GPU and 786 CUDA cores, 2GB of GDDR5 spread out over a 128-bit memory interface. We should expect memory bandwidth to be around 107GB/sec, while it uses a single 8-pin PCIe power connector using up to 90W of power.

NVIDIA will position this at MOBA and casual gamers, but that sub $150 pricing is going to be very enticing for many gamers.

The idea that a professional cyclist in the peloton has a secret electric motor, likely hidden in his seat tube, isn't something new. However, it looks like something the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) is taking seriously, after checking bikes following four stages of the 2015 Tour de France.

During the most recent check, which took place after Stage 18, saw yellow jersey Chris Froome, mountains classification leader Joaquim Rodriguez, Peter Sagan, Nairo Quintana, Pierre Rolland, and Romain Bardet all have their bikes inspected.

It simply wouldn't be the Tour de France if the media and fans didn't have something new to complain about - and so-called "moto doping" is just the latest trend.

Whilst filmmakers continue to prep for the 2017 release of 'Guardians of the Galaxy 2', the Disney animation arm is readying an animated spin off for the Disney XD cable channel which will launch later this year. Today, the company has given fans the first glimpse at the show and the animation style it will employ.

While the upcoming show won't be part of the Marvel Cinematic Universe official canon, it's very clearly modeled on and follows the events of the 2014 feature film. None of the original cast will return to voice their characters, but they have tried to remain roughly true to the film's cast voices.

'Guardians of the Galaxy' premieres on the DisneyXD channel this September.

As a staunch supporter of Destiny's Titan class (Defenders do it best!), I get excited at the prospect of modeling an incredibly detailed miniature version of my in-game character on my desk...or shelf...or anywhere else.

But where are all the Destiny action figures? Halo has a ton of them, made by McFarlane Toys no less. What about Bungie's newest shooter? Bambaland has answered the call with their gorgeous new Titan action figure that features all the articulation, detail, and eye-catching glory you'd expect from a proper Light-infused space hero.

The only catch is that it's $190. Well the one that comes with the Hawkmoon is $190, maybe the basic retail versions are a little cheaper. At that price range it's clear that the figure is meant to be a handsome bounty sitting atop a collector's shelf of prized valuables. Most of us don't plan to buy it, but it doesn't hurt to window shop. So let's take a closer look, shall we?

The digital download of Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain, scheduled for release later this year, will only require 25.1 GB of free space for Sony PlayStation 4 gamers.

Considering how large some recent games have been, some of you may be happy to hear that Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain will only be about 25 GB. The massive open-world game is smaller than the PlayStation 3's Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots, which is about 26.6 GB.

The game features real-time cutscenes, very little audio files since Snake doesn't talk much, and good compression could attribute to the relatively small file size.

If you're in the market for a new GPU and have had your eye on Metal Gear Solid V, then NVIDIA has you covered.

For a limited time NVIDIA will hand out free copies of Konami's latest tactical espionage adventure to those who purchase a GeForce GTX 980 Ti, 980, 970, or 960 GPU or 980/970M notebook. The copies will be digital, much like NVIDIA's past promotions that include titles like The Witcher 3. Let's hope that this promo goes better than the ill-fated Arkham Knight fiasco.

Interestingly enough, the ex-Konami franchise creator Hideo Kojima released a new promo poster for the game, which can be found below. Kojima's name is markedly absent from the promo. After the heated controversy between Konami and Kojima and subsequent cancellation of the highly anticipated Silent Hills it's fair to say that the publisher has a lot riding on this one. They can't afford a blunder on any platform, especially not on PC.

It looks as if the Xbox One's hot new backwards compatibility feature isn't actually so new after all. In fact Microsoft might have planned to include it before the console was even released, despite Don Mattrick's "backwards compatibility is really backwards" antics.

A very interesting snippet has surfaced as part of an Xbox Wire interview with Xbox's Director of Program Management, Mike Ybarra. "The Xbox Engineering team spent over three years making backwards compatibility a reality," reads the line in question.

Over three years? Wait, that doesn't exactly add up. Since it originally released November of 2013, the Xbox One will only turn two this November, so a round of quick math will reveal that Microsoft had indeed banked on backwards compatibility before the system was released on store shelves. Even with that extra forethought and planning, the Xbox team hasn't had an easy time tackling the feature.

To celebrate the release of Walt Disney's original animated classic 'Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs' from the Disney Vault for a limited time, we have copies of the Blu-ray to give away to five readers.

No Film in history has captured the world's imagination like Walt Disney's first full-length animated masterpiece. The beautiful and kindhearted princess Snow White charms every creature in the kingdom except one -- her jealous stepmother, the Queen. When the Magic Mirror proclaims Snow White is the fairest one of all, she must flee into the forest, where she befriends the lovable seven dwarfs -- Doc, Sneezy, Grumpy, Happy, Bashful, Sleepy and Dopey. But when the Queen tricks Snow White with an enchanted apple, only the magic of true love's kiss can save her! Share this beloved classic with your family and celebrate Snow White's happily ever after again and again!

To go into the running to take a Blu-ray home, simply answer the following question in 50 words or less:

Amid reports that professional eSports players were abusing Adderall during sanctioned tournaments, the Electronic Sports League (ESL), is taking steps crack down on performance-enhancing drugs in the world of pro gaming.

The Daily Dot reports that ESL is working alongside the World Anti-Doping Agency and the National Anti-Doping Agency to institute random drug screens for tournament participants. "We have known for some time that [performance enhancing drugs] would be a challenge at some point and we need to face that," the ESL stated. "As the stakes rise (we issue $500k per season of the Pro League alone) the athletes will push for whatever edge they can, however they can."

Due to the ramifications the ESL is hard-pressed to take action to put out the PR fire as soon as possible. Many key hardware titans have put their might under the banner of pro gaming, and these reports could very well blemish companies like AMD, NVIDIA, and Microsoft.