LG unveils three new UltraWide 21:9 IPS LED monitors

Charles Gantt | Displays & Projectors | Aug 5, 2013 3:03 PM CDT

Today, LG Electronics announced three new additions to its IPS 21:9 UltraWide line of PC monitors. LG says that "the new monitors enable users to work on multiple files simultaneously as well as maximize their movie and gaming experience." The three new models--29EA73, 29EB73 and 29MA73--all feature LG's 29-inch IPS 21:9 display but differ in feature sets.

The 29MS73 model features a built-in TV tuner as well as the new Extra View picture and teacher feature that gives users the ability to access TV schedules, smartphone games, and other content in the extra window while watching TV at the same time. The 29EB73 model features an ergonomic adjustable stand that makes it easy to reposition the monitor to a comfortable height to reduce neck strain, stress, and to create a more productive work environment. It appears that the 29EA73 is a normal PC monitor with not many extra features.

All of the new UltraWide monitors feature a new enhanced four-screen split feature which automatically divides this display into four segments to allow quick and easy multitasking from the desktop. The segments are repositionable with just a few mouse clicks and there is a built-in Dual Link-up feature that allows users to simultaneously access and view information stored from to external devices such as smartphones or other PCs.

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MSI unveils 17" GS70, world's thinnest and lightest gaming notebook

Charles Gantt | Laptops | Aug 5, 2013 2:03 PM CDT

Today, MSI unveiled the world's thinnest and lightest 17-inch portable gaming laptop. The GS70 is designed to accommodate the power needs of the most demanding gamer, while still maintaining extreme portability that is needed to take the next battle on the road. MSI says that the GS70 features a "lethal arsenal of cutting-edge components" that high-level gamers require to give them that extra edge over the competition.

The GS70 features Intel's latest 4th generation Core i7 4700HQ Haswell processor, 16GB of RAM, and an NVIDIA GeForce GTX 765M 2GB graphics processor. Storage is available in two configurations that includes a dual 128GB mSATA SSD setup in RAID 0 with a 1TB HDD for mass data storage. The second configuration includes a single 128GB SSD with a 750GB HDD for file storage. Measuring in at just 0.85 inches thick, the GS70 only weighs 5.7lbs thanks to its all aluminum chassis.

"The GS70 has the capability to crush the most demanding games and the featherlike portability for on-the-go multi-tasking or gaming," stated Andy Tung, vice president of sales for MSI US. "We understand the needs of our audience and are committed to delivering solutions that exceed even the highest expectations."

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GTA V to run at the retina-busting resolution of... 720p

Anthony Garreffa | Gaming | Aug 5, 2013 4:40 AM CDT

One of the most anticipated games of all time is nearly here, but Grand Theft Auto V is only hitting current generation consoles meaning we're going to see the games vast open world clamped down by the ageing hardware in the PS3 and Xbox 360.

Gadget Mill have found out, through GTA V's official website, that the game won't be running at 1080p. They're claiming that the website didn't include any in-game screenshots above 720p. To me, the screenshots look fantastic, which means we're seeing it rendered on a PC, or super amounts of AA at 720p.

Rockstar's previous titles, such as Red Dead Redemption, Max Payne 3 and GTA IV, all ran at 720p. Current generation consoles are really holding games back, and GTA V is one of them. Let's hope that Rockstar unleash the open-world game onto next-gen consoles.

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Google Glass could triple its battery life with this new product

One thing that stays common between early adopters of Google Glass is its not-so-great battery life, but designer and inventor, Kevin Alan Tussy, has an idea that could triple the battery life of Google's wearable device.

His idea is called PWRGlass, which is an external battery pack that would be sold as an optional accessory to Glass. PWRGlass isn't anywhere near ready, with the only form it exists in right now is in a computer, as a 3D render. But, as it stands, it features a 2000mAh lithium-ion battery that is built into the sunglass band-like design.

There would be a microUSB connector on PWRGlass, that would allow a user to recharge both the PWRGlass, and Google Glass, at the same time. The designer is also working on a second device that would give Glass an injection of storage from its on-board 12GB.

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Jelly Bean finally becomes the dominant version of Android

Anthony Garreffa | Software & Apps | Aug 4, 2013 1:28 PM CDT

I've been using Android 4.x Jelly Bean since day one, and I'm in love with it. But, it has seen a slow adoption rate, but thanks great selling smartphones like the Galaxy S4, HTC One and Xperia Z, Jelly Bean has finally become the dominant version of Android.

The numbers speak for themselves, with the digits posted on the Android Developers website. As it stands right now, Android 4.1 and 4.1 are found on 40.5% of all Android devices, up from 38% of devices last month. This news means that Android 2.3 "Gingerbread" users are upgrading, with Android 2.3 numbers down to 33%, just 1% lower than June's numbers of 34%.

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Qualcomm: 8-core processors for smartphones are 'dumb'

Anthony Garreffa | CPU, APU & Chipsets | Aug 4, 2013 11:32 AM CDT

We are finally seeing 8-core processors in our smartphones, but do we really need all of this power? According to chipmaker Qualcomm, we don't. More specifically, Qualcomm's Senior Vice President, Anand Chandrasekher has come out and said 8-core processors for smartphones are just "dumb."

Chandrasekher likened adding more cores to taking eight lawnmower engines, putting them together and calling it an eight cylinder Ferrari engine. Chandrasekher added that Qualcomm are focusing on providing consumers with a good experience, which starts with a good modem, long battery life and an affordable price point.

The Qualcomm executive said that adding more cores into the mix is like throwing spaghetti at a wall and seeing what sticks. Your move, Samsung.

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OUYA apologizes to backers with $13.37 credit to use on Discover

Anthony Garreffa | Gaming | Aug 4, 2013 6:29 AM CDT

I received an e-mail late last night from OUYA, I was hoping it was a shipping confirmation on my two custom controllers - which it wasn't - but it's not all bad news. Original backers are set to receive $13.37 credit for the OUYA Discover store.

Why the handouts? It's because OUYA are sorry about some original backers, like myself, not receiving their consoles on time. Some users received their consoles after they hit retail shelves, controllers have been delayed, and more. OUYA says: "If you feel you've had any kind of less-than-OUYA experience with us (a polite way of saying at any time you felt pissed at us for whatever the reason: late shipment, missing controllers, a delayed response to a CS ticket you opened), we'd like to give you a store credit of $13.37 to use toward any purchase(s) on DISCOVER."

Not too bad at all, but I think OUYA still have a way to go yet. Hopefully this fixes the issue of 73% of OUYA owners not purchasing a game yet, too. Our review will be online this week, so be sure to check back! Until then, you can check out our unboxing of the OUYA console.

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BioShock Infinite arrives on the Mac later this month

Anthony Garreffa | Gaming | Aug 2, 2013 10:53 PM CDT

BioShock Infinite has been quite popular on the PC, selling over four million copies since launch but now Irrational Game's hot-selling title is jumping over to the Mac.

Apple users will be able to purchase BioShock Infinite for the Mac on August 29 through Steam, the Mac App Store, and Aspyr's GameAgent storefront. GameAgent members will receive a 20% off pre-order coupon code on the game's page. If you pre-order through Aspyr, you'll receive the Columbia's Finest DLC Pack, which includes 500 Silver Eagles, five lock picks, six unique gear items and a couple of weapon upgrades for the shotgun, and sniper rifle.

The Mac system requirements aren't too bad:

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Microsoft files patent for augmented reality glasses

Today, we're seening evidence that Microsoft has plans to build its own version of so-called SmartGlasses similar to that of Google Glass. A recent patent application from the software giant shows off what appears to be augmented reality glasses for multiplayer gaming.

The patent shows off what appears to be a pair of normal sunglasses with a camera and microphone mounted in the nose bridge. Sensors would be located at different positions around the frame as well as speakers mounted near the ears. The patent claims device could receive voice commands, track your eyes, calculate depth, and recognize the faces of fellow players.

This patent falls in line with a similar patent by Microsoft recently that details how to augment live events with augmented reality displays. At the moment, it is still unclear if Microsoft has produced any prototypes or if this patent is simply IP.

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Microsoft launches Enforcement United, community police for Xbox Live

Charles Gantt | Gaming | Aug 2, 2013 6:25 PM CDT

Today, Microsoft announced plans on how Xbox Live will be policed in the future. Dubbed Enforcement United, the new policing system allows community members like you to volunteer to the enforcement team. Those volunteers will have the opportunity to earn rewards such as new avatar clothing, forum badges, and even Xbox Live Arcade games.

In the beginning, the only powers the enforcement team members will have will be the ability to force a user to change their gamer tag if it uses inappropriate terms, names, or words. Eventually Microsoft plans on adding the ability of enforcement volunteers to report players for illegal activity, hate speech, profanity, and insensitive treatment for the vocalization of controversial of topics.

"The Enforcement United program puts part of the enforcement process in the hands of our valued Xbox Live Gold subscribers," said a Microsoft spokesperson. "It's our way of directly involving the Xbox Live community in our efforts to foster and maintain a safe and enjoyable environment for all our members. Eligible volunteers are given the ability to judge whether certain types of content violate our Code of Conduct. If there is sufficient agreement within the community that the content breaks the rules, we'll take enforcement action on behalf of the community!"

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