God of War Ascension in doppia limited edition

God of War: Ascension raddoppia le limited ed offre due esclusivi pacchetti: Special e Collector’s Edition per lo spartano per eccellenza.

God of War: Ascension è senza ombra di dubbio uno dei titoli più attesi e richiesti dall’utenza PlayStation 3, il ritorno di Kratos dopo la splendida chiusura della trilogia avvenuta col terzo capitolo rilasciato esattamente il 17 marzo 2010 in Europa. Quasi a tre anni di distanza, giorno 12 marzo 2013 (profezia Maya permettendo) Kratos tornerà sul monolite casalingo Sony per stupire nuovamente con le sue cruente gesta eroiche (e antieroiche).

Il ritorno di uno dei simboli (vedi PlayStation Battle All Star) del videogioco secondo PlayStation, non poteva avvenire senza almeno due limited edition previste per il mercato. Si chiameranno Special Edition e Collector’s Edition ed includeranno extra succulenti per i fan di God of War.

La Special sarà meno ricca di contenuti ma includerà comunque il gioco dentro una custodia metallica, la colonna sonora ufficiale in formato digitale, un tema dinamico di Ascension per PS3 e dei bonus per gli avatar del PSN, inoltre un extra di punti XP doppi per la modalità multiplayer.

D’altra parte la Collector’s Edition gode di ulteriori aggiunte, tra cui un’action figure da 8 pollici di Kratos, la steelbook per il gioco, la colonna sonora in versione digitale, un tema dinamico PS3 e pacchetto personalizzazione avatar ed inoltre diversi extra per il multiplayer: punti esperienza doppi, DLC pass per sbloccare tutti i futuri DLC del gioco a costo zero ed infine il Mythological Heroes Multiplayer Pack, un pacchetto unico che sarà acquistabile anche singolarmente e che comprenderà un set di quattro armature appartenenti a grandi eroei ellenici quali, Ulisse, Achille, Perseo e Orione.

Il prezzo della Collector’s Edition sarà di circa 79,99 dollari. Le novità su God of War: Ascension non finiscono qui però, proprio il director del gioco, Todd Papy, ha promesso grandi novità sul gioco per domani, 15 ottobre 2012.

Fonte: PlayStation Blog ufficiale 

God of War: Ascension in doppia limited edition, 5.0 out of 5 based on 6 ratings

Classifiche di vendita dal 29 Dicembre 2012 al 5 Gennaio 2013

F [1.9.22_1171]Rating: 5.0/5 (1 vote cast)

Classifica Software Europea

Ed eccoci finalmente sbarcare nel nuovo anno. Nonostante si dovrebbero buttare via le cose vecchie, vediamo che anche nel 2013 certe cose non cambiano. Ed eccolo di nuovo lì, Call of Duty: Black Ops II per PS3 che si gode il primo posto, mentre la versione X360 cala vertiginosamente alla sesta posizione. Il podio è occupato, oltre che da Black Ops II, da FIFA 13, che torna nelle posizioni alte con entrambe le versioni. Far Cry 3 abbandona il podio, ma non si allontana molto. Con grande sorpresa vediamo riapparire in classifica Need for Speed: Most Wanted in versione PS3:

Call of Duty: Black Ops II (PS3)FIFA 13 (PS3)FIFA 13 (X360)Far Cry 3 (X360)Far Cry (PS3)Call of Duty: Black Ops II (X360)Just Dance 4 (Wii)Halo 4 (X360)Need for Speed: Most Wanted (PS3)Assassin’s Creed III (PS3)

Classifica Software Giapponese

Anche in Giappone la prima posizione resta invariata, con Animal Crossing: New Leaf ben deciso a rimanere con la corona in testa, mentre Mario fa una tripletta conquistando la seconda, la terza e la quarta posizione. Nintendo Land continua a salire posizionandosi in sesta posizione, mentre Fist of the North Star: Ken’s Rage 2 esce dalla classifica. Molto bene anche per Inazuma Eleven Go 2: Chrono Stone:

Animal Crossing: New Leaf (3DS)New Super Mario Bros. 2 (3DS)Paper Mario: Sticker Star (3DS)New Super Mario Bros. U (Wii U)Inazuma Eleven Go 2: Chrono Stone (3DS)Nintendo Land (Wii U)One Piece: Romance Dawn – Bouken no Yoake (PSP)Fantasy Life (PSP)Magician’s Quest: Town of Magic (3DS)Tousouchuu: Shijou Saikyou no Hunter-Tachi Kara Nigekire! (3DS)

Classifica Globale Hardware

Per questa settimana i grani cambiamenti sono tutti nella parte bassa della classifica. vediamo infatti le console portatile di Sony riprendersi dal fondo e raggiungere la quinta e la sesta posizione, superando addirittura la Wii che cala alla settima posizione. Sempre in fondo alla classifica il povero DS, mentre il suo fratello in tre dimensioni resta sempre in prima posizione:

3DSPlayStation 3XBOX 360Wii UPSPPS VitaWiiDS

Parecchio altalenanti le classifiche, ma sempre dalla seconda posizione in poi. Il dominio di certi titoli è ormai evidente, ma riusciranno a superare le prossime uscite? In Giappone la Wii U rimane l’unica console casalinga ad avere titoli in classifica, mentre il 3DS occupa l’intero podio. Avendo abusato dei soliti tioli, il trailer di chiusura sarà dedicato al secondo e terzo classificato della classifica europa: FIFA 13

F [1.9.22_1171]Rating: 5.0/5 (1 vote cast)Classifiche di vendita dal 29 Dicembre 2012 al 5 Gennaio 2013, 5.0 out of 5 based on 1 rating

Samsung Stealth spotted at FCC

Samsung unveiled their first 4G LTE phone at CES in January, which was the temporary codename then, though it will have a formal name when it goes on retail. Recently, a 4G Samsung handset was spotted at the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), called Samsung Stealth, model SCH-I510.

From the FCC documentation, this phone and the Samsung 4G LTE look different and it is likely both are not one and the same. Earlier news reports stated that the Samsung I510 will feature a 4.3-inch AMOLED capacitive touchscreen display (800x480 resolution), 8-megapixel rear camera, supports Wi-Fi and runs Android 2.2 Froyo mobile operating system. The Samsung SCH-I510 is said to be available in Q2 this year.

Sony brings quot;Cinemagraphy quot; to Android with Motiongraph

Are you looking for something to spice up those boring static photographs that you have in your mobile devices gallery? Well Sony has brought a nice new digital toy for you. Sony Digital Network Applications has recently developed and released a new application that will let you sprinkle bits of fantasy in your pictures.

The name of the app is Motiongraph. To put it simply, it is an application that is designed to create cinemagraphs. To those who are new to the term, cinemagraphs are technically defined as very, very short edited videos that has most or all of its moving visual elements controlled or manipulated in some way. They are in a way similar to a GIF, but the relationship is more of a subtype than that of a synonym. The effects that are brought to cinemagraphs most of the times give the edited images a surreal feel, as they are often given attributes or motion sequences that are usually impossible to do in the real world.

To use the Motiongraph, you first have to use the mobile devices camera to record a very short video of something (2 seconds). Then, you will be given the chance to edit certain elements of the video that you want to move and dont want to move throughout the entire sequence. The final product will be a cinemagraph that is animated or given motion exactly according to your preferences. App usage is mainly divided between the shoot, play/rub and save options. There are also various other lighting or color controls to edit the basic visual properties of the cinemagraph depending on the camera used by your unit.

The Motiongraph app is now available at the Google Play Store (starting December 12, 2012), with a price tag of 104 yen (1.2+ USD).

Source: Androwire (JP)

Razer unleashes ultra-smooth Ironclad gaming mousepad

Razer, the world’s leading manufacturer of high-end precision gaming and lifestyle peripherals, today announced the Razer Ironclad elite hard gaming mouse mat - the only metal mat in Razer’s product range built to enhance and optimize the gliding capabilities of your mouse for unparalleled mousing comfort and control.

Equipped with a finely sandblasted surface, the Razer Ironclad minimizes hand discomfort and feels smooth to the touch, allowing for effortless and natural mouse movement over its sleek top. It features just the right amount of friction to deliver the precise targeting you need to eradicate all competition with sharpshooting accuracy without abrasive results.

"The Razer Ironclad stands apart from the pack because it delivers the highest form of comfort and long-lasting performance with its ultra-smooth surface and sturdy metal body," said Robert "Razerguy" Krakoff, President, Razer USA. "We understand the diversity of gamers out there, from ones who demand a large surface area to those who want superior tracking precision. We produced the Razer Ironclad to make winning feel easy, and give every type of gamer the feel, traction and durability that they need to do so."

Made from anodized aluminium, the Razer Ironclad features a robust unibody construction for reinforced strength and extreme durability to withstand the test of time in any gaming environment. Its extra-large surface area catersfor low-sensitivity settings and wide sweeping movements. Gamers can now have a premium combination of both precision and reliability for those kill-or-be-killedmoments in gameplay.

About The Razer Ironclad

The Razer Ironclad combines premium comfort, well-built resilience, and high precision tracking with its ultra-smooth sandblasted surface and extra-wide anodized aluminum body,providing gamers with the ultimate long-lasting hard gaming mouse mat. The non-slip rubber base ensures the mat stays put during the most intense of gaming sessions, and it comes with a carrying case for added mat protection and portability.

Price

US$59.99

Availability

Razerzone - October 2010, Worldwide - November 2010

Product Features

Ultra-smooth sandblasted surface for the best mouse glide comfort and controlAnodized aluminum body for reinforced strength and extended durabilityExtra-large to cater to low-sensitivity gamersCompatible with all miceNon-slip rubber base that stays putProtective carrying case for greater portabilityApproximate size: 320 mm (length) x 270mm (width) x 2.5mm (height)

ViewSonic announces availability of 24-inch, 3D-capable V3D245 monitor in the US

ViewSonic has announced the availability of the new LED-backlit V3D245 monitor which boasts a 24-inch display, along with support for 3D display via the use of NVIDIAs 3D Vision technology.

According to the official press release issued by the company, the new V3D243 3D-capable monitor makes use of a combination of "world-leading LED technology with extraordinary power-saving performance" and is capable of offering a refresh rate of 120Hz, along with an "ultra-fast 2ms video response time", thus "making it ideal for delivering a truly immersive 2D and 3D entertainment and gaming experience". In addition, ViewSonic claims that video-input is achieved via a HDMI port which supports version 1.4 of the HDMI standard, while the 1920x1080 full HD display panel used in the assembly of the V3D243 is capable of achieveing a 20,000,000:1 dynamic contrast ratio and up to 300 nits of brightness for "great color accuracy and picture detail for unsurpassed 3D image quality".

To top off the package, ViewSonic has also claimed that the V3D243s built-un support for NVIDIA 3D Vision technology allows users "to play more than 550 3D games in full 1080p, 60 fps resolution, view 3D videos and photos, and stream 3D web content" when the monitor is hooked up to a PC which utilizes a supported GeForce graphics card. Alternatively, users can also make use of the built-in HDMI-in port to connect various media devices such as the "latest Blu-ray 3D players" or video game consoles. Last but definitely not least, the company has confirmed that the monitor will also feature an "integrated two-watt SRS Premium Sound audio speakers provides consumers the ultimate multimedia entertainment display".

No information about global availability has been announced at this point of time, although ViewSonic has confirmed that the V3D245 3D monitor, along with the bundled pair of NVIDIA 3D Vision active stereo 3D glasses, will be available for sale in North America come mid-to-late August at the estimated retail price of US$499.

Source: Engadget

Toshiba Cell Chipset Board

Toshiba Corporation today took major steps toward creating a comprehensivedevelopment environment for applications based on the Cell microprocessor withthe announcement of a Cell Chip Set consisting of the new microprocessor and keyperipheral chips, and a Cell Reference Set development platform. The chip setand the reference set will support development of digital consumer products andcommunication equipment that draw on the powerful broadband capabilities of theCell microprocessor.

"Software developers and other customers will be eager to make full use ofCell's unsurpassed multitasking and real-time processing functions," saidTomotaka Saito, General Manager of Broadband System LSI Division, ToshibaCorporation Semiconductor Company. "The Cell Chip Set and Reference Set willsupport them in developing products and applications that reach new levels ofperformance and excitement."

The Cell Chip Set is composed of the Cell processor, a Super Companion Chip—theinterface between Cell and external audio/visual input/output equipment—and apower supply system chip optimized to drive the Cell microprocessor.

The Cell Reference Set development platform consists of a Cell microprocessor,peripheral chips mounted on a printed circuit board with a general-useinterface, peripheral equipment, such as DVD and HDD drives, and coolingequipment required for stable operation, all housed in case. The availablesoftware includes operating systems and middleware and software developmenttools. This combination of hardware and software reduces development costs, cutsturnaround time and simplifies testing.

Toshiba expects to start marketing the chips set and reference set in April 2006or later, once it has assured supply of the component chips and all relateddocumentation.

Toshiba Corporation will showcase the Cell Chip Set and Cell Reference Set, anddemonstrate digital media applications on the Cell Reference Set at the Toshibabooth of CEATEC JAPAN 2005, from October 4 to October 8 at Makuhari Messe.

Outlines of Cell Chip Set and Cell Reference Set:

Cell Chip Set:

Cell microprocessor: Next generation microprocessor jointly developed by IBM,Sony Group and Toshiba. Adopts a multi-core architecture and offers superhigh-speed data transfer capability. The processor is expected to findapplication in equipment handling data-rich media applications.

Super Companion Chip: Cell's peripheral LSI, which houses audio and imageinterfaces supporting Cell's super high-speed data transfer capability. The chipalso supports a group of interfaces for various systems (video, audioinput/output, digital AV interface, IEEE1394, digital tuner interface) and agroup of interfaces that make it easier to connect standard input/output devices(standard bus interface, high speed network interface and storage deviceinterface.)

Highly efficient power supply system: The supply system is optimized to drivethe Cell processor. Includes controller LSI, TB6814FLG, which makes it possibleto offer high-speed response and high-accuracy required by Cell. Includesmulti-chip module, TB7003FL, which embeds power device in a small 8mm x 8mmpackage. Realizes small, high-power and high-efficient power supply system whichhas 4 phases of 1MHz high-speed switches.

Cell Reference Set:

Development platform for Cell-based, next generation digital consumer products,
High-speed multi-bit wiring technology and wide variety of interfaces thatsupports broadband system architecture
Linux and ITRON are both provided on the hypervisor OS that manages hardwareresources. This approach facilitates the reuse of application property.
A comprehensive development environment including the Eclipse framework basededitor, compiler, debugger, and performance monitor.
An audio-visual application model includes simultaneous multiple digital andanalog broadcast television reception, recording and playback.

DFI LP UT X58-T3 Board Quick Test

VR-zone got hold of some early tests on the DFI LANPARTY UT X58-T3 using the 2.93GHz Core i7 processor. DFI is currently revising the board so that 3-way SLI can perform optimally. The current revision runs in x16/x16/x4 configuration while the new revision will run in x16/x8/x8 configuration.

8 phase power

Debug LED

Reset & Power On/Off Buttons

Easy Replaceable BIOS Chip

Core i7 Stability Test