ADATA Technology, a leading manufacturer of high performance DRAM modules, NAND Flash products, and mobile accessories today launched the SD600 external SSD, which uses high quality 3D TLC NAND to offer 256GB and 512GB variants. The drive reaches speeds of 440MB/s read and 430MB/s write, easily outpacing external HDDs. It weighs a mere 90g for convenient portability, and works driver-free with Windows PC, Xbox One, PS4, and Android. The SD600 is available in all-black and red-black color schemes, and employs impact-resistant materials in its sporty design to support active lifestyles.

In a bid to improve overall gaming experience on their Windows 10 operating system, Microsoft will introduce a new feature on their next big OS update. "Game Mode" is Microsoft's take on a modern, console-like take on the CPU and GPU of any given user system, so long as they are running the as of yet upcoming "Creators" update for Windows 10.

Essentially, "Game Mode" is an optional setting which dedicates more of the available CPU and GPU resources to a given gaming application - whether on Windows' new UWP or the good-old Win32 games (though Microsoft was clear in that they expect the feature to have more of an impact on UWP games simply because "Game Mode" then has more information on the game's requirements and performance profiles). This means that less of your system's resources will be available to and used by background tasks, and should make itself visible not so much on peak frame-rates, but on a arguably more important metric: a more consistent, less "stuttery" frame-rate.

An upcoming build of Windows 10 operating system, build 14997, reportedly features a component ominously named "gamemode.dll." This sparked off speculation of the operating system featuring a special runlevel that's optimized for PC gaming. It's likely that in game mode, the operating system prioritizes CPU, memory, and GPU allocation to games being run, and sheds unwanted processes to free up memory.

Sources tell "Windows Central" that the game mode could allocate hardware resources to a game with the efficiency of an Xbox One console, which means only the bare minimum services needed to correctly play the game will be enabled. At this point it's unclear if the Game Mode will benefit only games built on the UWP, or even the vast Win32 ecosystem of games distributed by Steam, Origin, and UPlay.

Japanese developer and publisher Capcom has publicized that the PC version of their anticipated Resident Evil 7 game will support up to 4K resolutions and HDR. Naturally HDR will remain dependent on being connected to a compatible TV or panel, whereas high resolution support could provide additional levels of image quality through the use of super sampling on screens that do not support such resolutions natively. It is said that HDR will complement the immersive experience, better enabling the game to deliver overwhelming fear and ultimate horror.

As previously revealed by Capcom, Resident Evil 7 will also support cross saves between the PC and Xbox One versions of the game, however this will only be possible if you purchase it for PC on the Windows Store. Resident Evil 7 is also available on Steam and this version will not support cross saving. Resident Evil 7 will be available for PC on the 25 January, 2017.

After months of speculation, the lid is off Nintendo's "NX" project, with the company finally announcing today its much-awaited games console, the Nintendo Switch. With an expected release slated for March 2017, the console blurs the line between a games console and a handheld device, by making use of a docking station which will allow it to connect to a television, much like a traditional games console, while instantly entering a so called "portable mode" when it is undocked. As both a console and a portable device, the Nintendo Switch will use cartridges known as Game Cards, displaying games in a "high definition display" embedded on the console while on the go, with two detachable Joy-Con controllers stepping in as input devices.

For PC hardware enthusiasts, that may not be all too interesting. What is arguably more interesting is that this games console will make use of NVIDIA hardware: most notably, a custom Tegra processor is the one pulling out all of the console's processing needs, with the graphics being served by what the company calls "the same architecture as the world's top-performing GeForce gaming graphics cards."

HyperX, a division of Kingston Technology Company, Inc., the independent world leader in memory products, solidifies its commitment to creating quality gaming gear for everyone with the release of the HyperX Cloud Stinger gaming headset. Designed to make even the most casual gamer feel like a pro, the HyperX Cloud Stinger features HyperX signature memory foam and 50mm directional drivers to deliver a comfortable, high-quality sound experience at an affordable price.

HyperX Cloud Stinger weighs just 275 grams and is built with 90-degree rotating ear cups to provide hours of comfort for console and PC gaming. The lightweight headset includes 50 mm directional drivers that are tilted to position sound directly into the ear, resulting in a broader and more accurate in-game sound. HyperX Cloud Stinger also offers a convenient set of features for gameplay, including a swivel to mute the microphone, an adjustable steel slider for long lasting durability, and volume controls on the headset.

NVIDIA today announced that it is bundling "Gears of War 4" with GeForce GTX 1080, and GeForce GTX 1070 graphics cards, and notebooks powered by mobile variants of the GTX 1080 and GTX 1070. What's more, the game will be given away as an Xbox Anywhere digital entitlement, so you can enjoy not just its PC version with eye-candy maxed out, but also its Xbox One version in your living room.

Microsoft recommends GeForce GTX 1080 as the "ideal" solution for "Gears of War 4" at 4K Ultra HD (3840 x 2160 pixels) resolution. It also finds that a GeForce GTX 1060 should have the muscle for running the game at WQHD (2560 x 1440 pixels). A GeForce GTX 750 Ti should handle 1080p. NVIDIA also set up this page, which helps you locate which retailer in your country is running the promotion.

HyperX, a division of Kingston Technology Company, Inc., the independent world leader in memory products, announced it is shipping its official Xbox licensed gaming headset, CloudX Revolver Gears of War. Fans of Gears of War can show their pride as the headset features an exclusive battle-weathered design that complements the Xbox One S Gears of War 4 Limited Edition 2TB Bundle and Xbox One Gears of War 4 Crimson Omen Limited Edition Wireless Controller.

HyperX CloudX Revolver Gears of War headset is ideal for FPS and open-environment gameplay. It offers a studio-grade sound stage that lets gamers hear opponents from farther away and more accurately. HyperX CloudX Revolver Gears of War features a 3.5mm (4-pole) plug and 2M PC extension cable to go with the genuine leather headband and high-quality, award-winning HyperX memory foam for hours of gaming in ultimate comfort.

Razer, a world leader in connected devices and software for gamers, today announced the launch of the Razer ManO'War 7.1. This analog-digital gaming headset is an encore to the recent debut of the wireless Razer ManO'War, an editor's choice among the ranks of TechRadar, Tom's Guide, VentureBeat and more. Powerful 50 mm drivers deliver virtual 7.1 surround sound to the listener. The Razer Synapse configuration software allows gamers to customize the sound. The Razer ManO'War 7.1 is equipped with sound isolation technology, while in-line volume controls and a retractable MEMS boom mic offer a streamlined gaming audio experience.

An included USB digital-to-analog convertor (DAC) allows the Razer ManO'War 7.1 to deliver crisp, outstanding audio on PC and Mac platforms. The pure analog connection (3.5mm audio jack) offers universal compatibility for Xbox One, PlayStation 4, and other platforms. "The Razer ManO'War 7.1 is a fantastic addition for any gamer, especially those that play on both PC and console," says Min-Liang Tan, Razer co-founder and CEO. "There may not be a more versatile high-performance headset available today."

Eidos announced that its upcoming AAA title "Deus Ex: Mankind Divided," which was touted as one of the posterboys for DirectX 12 by GPU manufacturers, won't ship with DirectX 12 support at launch. The game will release on August 23, 2016, with a DirectX 11 renderer, while the DirectX 12 renderer will be added via a patch, which will release in the week of 5th September.

Eidos said that it delayed DirectX 12 support because it needs some "extra work" by the developers, followed by optimizations. "We have some extra work and optimizations to do for DX12, and we need more time to ensure we deliver a compelling experience," the release reads. "Deus Ex: Mankind Divided" releases for PC, Xbox One, and PlayStation 4 on the 23rd of August, and is the 5th entry to the smash hit cyberpunk RPG.

Microsoft's new slim Xbox One S console achieves its slimness - including its inbuilt power-supply, by significantly reducing thermal load of its key components. This begins at the heart of the console, its SoC. A semi-custom chip by Microsoft and AMD, the SoC powering the Xbox One S is built on the 16 nm FinFET process at TSMC. The chip powering the original Xbox One was built on the same foundry's 28 nm node.

The new SoC isn't merely an optical shrink of the original 28 nm chip down to 16 nm FinFET, Microsoft added a few components to the chip, including an HEVC hardware decoder, hardware CODECs for Blu-ray UHD with HDR; and a revamped display controller with HDMI 2.0 and HDCP 2.2. The chip also performs 1080p to 4K UHD upscaling, with a native upscaling algorithm. The eSRAM memory bandwidth is increased slightly from 204 GB/s from 219 GB/s.

Samsung Electronics America, Inc., today announced availability of the Galaxy TabPro S, a two-in-one device created specifically for on-the-go consumers and mobile professionals. The powerful, sleek TabPro S - which runs Windows 10, and features an Intel Core m3 processor - will be available beginning March 18 starting at $899.99 with a full-size ergonomic keyboard with trackpad.

"Today's consumers and professionals are dynamic and highly mobile, and they demand tablets and laptops to use at the office, at home, or on the go, such as the TabPro S," said Gary Riding, senior vice president, product marketing at Samsung Electronics America. "Through our longstanding strategic partnerships with Intel and Microsoft, our products deliver power and functionality - all in a beautifully designed device."

Corsair, a leader in high-performance gaming hardware, today announced the immediate availability of the Corsair VOID Surround and Corsair VOID Wireless RGB White headsets, further expanding its range of multi-award winning gaming headsets. Offering universal compatibility for PC, PS4 and Xbox One, VOID Surround opens up its legendary gaming audio and supreme comfort for any platform, while the white version of the VOID Wireless RGB headset adds a striking, clean look to complement its 40 ft. wireless range and all-day battery life.

The VOID Surround Hybrid Stereo Gaming Headset brings Corsair's most advanced gaming headset to the widest range of devices yet. VOID Surround's mobile-compatible 3.5mm connector offers instant connectivity to virtually any audio source, as well as full headset capability with Sony's PlayStation 4 and Microsoft's Xbox One (requires Xbox One Wireless Controller with a 3.5mm port or Xbox One Stereo Headset Adapter). The 3.5mm jack also enables use on smartphones, tablets and handheld gaming devices. For connection to a PC, VOID Surround includes a USB 7.1 Dolby headphone adapter, unlocking genuine Dolby Surround for deadly accurate positional audio, as well as a fully customizable EQ in the Corsair CUE (Corsair Utility Engine) software.

HyperX, a division of Kingston Technology Company, Inc., the independent world leader in memory products, today announced an agreement with Microsoft to be an official licensed headset partner for Xbox One. HyperX CloudX Pro Gaming Headset will ship in late Q2 2016. When the HyperX Cloud Series launched in 2014, it was aimed at PC gamers.

HyperX CloudX is the company's first venture into the gaming console market as it plugs directly into Xbox One Elite controllers with a 3.5mm port.
Based on the award-winning HyperX Cloud II design, HyperX CloudX brings a new level of audio performance to console gamers. It delivers every gunshot, explosion and dialogue in crystal-clear sound via large 53mm drivers. HyperX CloudX has convenient in-line volume controls and uses memory foam ear cushions as well as a soft leather-padded headband with custom stitching for enhanced comfort and style.

Microsoft could make the Xbox One "slimmer" and more energy-efficient by leveraging AMD's upcoming 4th generation Graphics CoreNext architecture, codenamed "Polaris." Found in the footnotes of AMD's "Polaris" press-deck, mentioned as an ominous-sounding "Xbox One Polaris," the mention hints at a revision of Xbox One that features an SoC running a "Polaris" based SoC. Microsoft could leverage the energy-efficiency improvements, and possibly upcoming processes, such as 14 nm FinFET, to bring down power-draw, thermal requirements, and possibly cost.

AMD is in no mood to let NVIDIA run away with the PC graphics market, with its GameWorks SDK that speeds up PC graphics development (in turn increasing NVIDIA's influence over the game development, in a predominantly AMD GCN driven client base (20% PC graphics market-share, and 100% game console market share). AMD's counter to GameWorks is GPUOpen, with the "open" referring to "open-source."

GPUOpen is a vast set of pre-developed visual-effects, tools, libraries, and SDKs, designed to give developers "unprecedented control" over the GPU, helping them get their software closer to the metal than any other software can. The idea here is that an NVIDIA GameWorks designed title won't get you as "close" to the metal on machines such as the Xbox One and PlayStation 4, or PCs with Radeon GPUs, as GPUOpen. Getting "close to the metal" is defined as directly leveraging features exposed by the GPU, with as few software layers between the app and the hardware as possible.

HyperX, a division of Kingston Technology Company, Inc., the independent world leader in memory products, today announced the launch of HyperX Savage USB Flash drive. The USB drive joins the HyperX Savage range of products including DRAM and SSDs, replacing the successful DataTraveler HyperX 3.0.

HyperX Savage USB Flash drive operates at exceptionally fast transfer speeds of up to 350MB/s read and 250MB/s write, and is available in 64GB, 128GB and 256GB capacities. The speedy USB 3.1 Gen. 1 (USB 3.0) Flash drive makes it great for users who want to spend less time waiting for files to transfer. HyperX Savage USB drive lets anyone store large digital files like movies, music, and hi-res images, quickly. It features a bold design with its sleek black casing and metallic red HyperX emblem. The drive both complements and is compatible with the latest desktops, notebooks and gaming consoles such as PS4 and Xbox One.

AMD this Wednesday, announced a major internal re-organization, with the merger of its various visual computing divisions as a monolithic entity, called Radeon Technologies Group. It will be led by Raja Koduri as Senior Vice President. Koduri served as VP of the company's visual computing division. He will now report directly to CEO Lisa Su, and the various other graphics-related divisions (eg: professional graphics business, led by Sean Burke), will report to him. AMD's lucrative semi-custom business - the one responsible for SoCs that drive popular game consoles such as the Xbox One and PlayStation 4 - will also come under the unified Radeon Technologies Group.

"We are entering an age of immersive computing where we will be surrounded by billions of brilliant pixels that enhance our daily lives in ways we have yet to fully comprehend," said Lisa Su. "AMD is one of the few companies with the engineering talent and IP to make emerging immersive computing opportunities a reality," said Koduri, adding "Now, with the Radeon Technologies Group, we have a dedicated team focused on growing our business as we create a unique environment for the best and brightest minds in graphics to be a part of the team re-defining the industry."Many Thanks to Dorsetknob for the tip.

Razer, a world leader in connected devices and software for gamers, today announced the launch of the Razer Wildcat for Xbox One, a pro-gamer-validated, tournament-grade, console controller with four multi-function buttons added to the conventional array, which allows gamers to re-bind any button on the controller for easy access. Twenty-five percent lighter than other tournament grade controllers, the Razer Wildcat for Xbox One features an ergonomic shape to increase actuation speed and a quick control panel that allows users to create dedicated button layout profiles for different games on the fly.

"The Razer Wildcat for Xbox One is the third generation Razer Xbox controller and the result of years working with eSports athletes on many prototypes," says Min-Liang Tan, Razer co-founder and CEO. "The lightest tournament-grade controller in its class with additional remappable buttons gives gamers an incredible edge." Designed with the feedback of eSports athletes, the Razer Wildcat for Xbox One offers unrivalled durability with reinforced high carbon steel analog stick necks, removable aircraft-grade aluminum triggers, and optional palm grips and analog stick grip caps.

Logitech, a leading innovator of gaming products, today introduced two new gaming headphones, the Logitech G933 Artemis Spectrum Wireless Gaming Headset and the Logitech G633 Artemis Spectrum Gaming Headset. Featuring patent pending Pro-G audio drivers, the new headphones were designed by Logitech's sound engineering team, with more than 25 years in audio development. The result is gaming headphones that deliver a superior all-around audio experience.

"We saw that no one was really building a pair of high quality headphones for gamers," said Ujesh Desai, vice president and general manager of the Logitech gaming business. "So we challenged our audio team to see if they could do it. I'm a gamer and a musician, so I was really excited when the team came back with a design that delivered." The headphones are fully customizable, feature RGB lighting, swappable backlit speaker plates and programmable G-keys. When paired with Logitech Gaming Software you can customize audio settings, create personal sound profiles, and easily save your favorite EQ (for the G933 Artemis Spectrum only).

Seagate Technology plc, a world leader in storage solutions, today announced at Gamescom the new 2TB Game Drive for Xbox, the result of a strategic marketing relationship with Microsoft. This new external drive is designed to complement the Xbox color scheme and is set up for an easy plug-and-play connection with an Xbox One or Xbox 360 gaming console.

"With all of the new and amazing titles expected for this holiday season and a ton more games coming in the future, Xbox gamers will need even more storage and portability," said Matt Kesselring, business development manager for Microsoft's designed for Xbox partner program. "Microsoft is privileged to be working with Seagate as our trusted partner for this important designed for Xbox peripheral."

Last year, Corsair captured the imagination of gamers with innovative RGB multicolor lighting that transformed PC gaming keyboards and mice. Today at Gamescom, Corsair raises the bar higher with new RGB gaming peripherals: the STRAFE RGB mechanical keyboards, Scimitar RGB MMO/MOBA mouse, and flagship VOID gaming headsets. Corsair is also unveiling the ultra-quiet STRAFE RGB Silent, the world's first keyboard with Cherry MX RGB Silent gaming switches. To complement the launch of these new products, an enhanced version of the Corsair Utility Engine (CUE) software is available, enabling cascading rainbows, dynamic ripples, and other multicolor lighting effects to operate in tandem across all Corsair RGB keyboards, mice, and headsets.

Today Corsair unleashes two new mechanical gaming keyboard models with RGB lighting: STRAFE RGB and STRAFE RGB Silent. The STRAFE RGB Silent gaming keyboard is the world's first with Cherry MX Silent switches which deliver the speed and precision of linear mechanical switches with significantly quieter actuation. The new switches combined with the noise-suppressing architecture of the keyboard chassis, make the pro-level STRAFE RGB Silent 30% quieter than other mechanical gaming keyboards. The STRAFE RGB keyboard comes in versions with Cherry MX Red or Brown switches.

Following the success of the Company's Stealth 500X and Elite 800X gaming headsets, Turtle Beach Corporation (NASDAQ: HEAR), the leading-edge audio technology company and #1 in gaming audio, is pleased to announce that its third 100% fully wireless Xbox One headset, the EAR FORCE Stealth 420X is available for pre-order today! Head over to the Turtle Beach website or your favorite participating retailer and pre-order the Stealth 420X right now to ensure you get it on Day 1 when it becomes available July 18, 2015.

"When you look beyond the high-quality and immersive sound you get from our headsets, Turtle Beach is the clear market share leader in gaming headsets because we continue to offer a broad range of products that cater to gamers' varied desires and budgets," said Juergen Stark, CEO, Turtle Beach Corporation. "This is part of our DNA, and why we've now put together another great feature set for the Stealth 420X as our third 100% fully wireless Xbox One gaming headset. Like its predecessors, the Stealth 420X will feature our renowned audio and mic quality in a comfortable headset designed to give gamers the most immersive and enjoyable gaming experience."

Razer, a world leader in connected devices and software for gamers, today announced the improved Razer Kraken Pro gaming headset. The Razer Kraken Pro now comes with inline controls for volume and mic mute in addition to its fully retractable microphone. "The Razer Kraken Pro encompasses everything serious gamers need in a headset," says Min-Liang Tan, Razer co-founder and CEO. "By adding inline controls, the most popular headset among eSports athletes is now more functional than ever."

Available in green, black and white, the Razer Kraken Pro is designed for ultimate comfort, delivering an unmatched balance of weight, functionality and performance. A closed ear cup with plush circumaural padding creates superior sound isolation, ensuring an immersive gaming experience over long periods of time, perfect for practice and tournaments. The Razer Kraken Pro headlines the Kraken family of audio devices, which also includes a USB-powered Razer Kraken 7.1 Chroma with 16.8 million customizable color options, and an audio solution for the Xbox One.

AMD's Graphics CoreNext (GCN) architecture does not support Direct3D feature-level 12_1 (DirectX 12.1), according to a ComputerBase.de report. The architecture only supports Direct3D up to feature-level 12_0. Feature-level 12_1 adds three features over 12_0, namely Volume-Tiled Resources, Conservative Rasterization and Rasterizer Ordered Views.

Volume Tiled-resources, is an evolution of tiled-resources (analogous to OpenGL mega-texture), in which the GPU seeks and loads only those portions of a large texture that are relevant to the scene it's rendering, rather than loading the entire texture to the memory. Think of it as a virtual memory system for textures. This greatly reduces video memory usage and bandwidth consumption. Volume tiled-resources is a way of seeking portions of a texture not only along X and Y axes, but adds third dimension. Conservative Rasterization is a means of drawing polygons with additional pixels that make it easier for two polygons to interact with each other in dynamic objects. Raster Ordered Views is a means to optimize raster loads in the order in which they appear in an object. Practical applications include improved shadows.