Varjo ("shadow" in Finnish, pronounced "Var-yo") Technologies today brought unprecedented levels of Virtual Reality and Mixed Reality (VR/XR) realism a step closer for professional markets through its new development partner program. The company's first public technology demonstration occurred at one of the world's leading startup events - Slush. Global brands including 20th Century Fox, Airbus, Audi, BMW, Technicolor and Volkswagen will now be collaborating with Varjo to optimize the company's human-eye resolution VR/XR Bionic Display for their respective business sectors. The company's recent $8.2m Series A round, led by EQT Ventures (with new, additional funding of $6.7m from Tekes, the Finnish funding agency for innovation) has enabled Varjo to begin the early access program for its partners as well as ramp up R&D capabilities.

Varjo will start shipping Alpha Prototypes to its first technology partners before the end of the year. Beta Prototypes will begin shipping to existing and new partners in the design, engineering, simulation and entertainment sectors during Q1 2018, allowing the next wave of VR/XR innovators to join the 'Resolution Revolution'. The partners will provide feedback on product experience, features and usability, and combine their industry insights and expertise with Varjo's product development.

CORSAIR, a world leader in enthusiast memory, PC components and high-performance gaming hardware, today announced the latest addition to its line-up of award-winning peripherals, the HS50 Stereo Gaming Headset. With adjustable plush ear cups and aluminum construction, the HS50 provides exceptional comfort for hours of gameplay and legendary CORSAIR build quality, ensuring long-term durability.

Precision-tuned 50mm neodymium speaker drivers deliver superior sound quality with wide range and accuracy, while a fully detachable Discord-certified microphone and on-ear volume and mute controls make on-the-fly adjustments easy without pulling you out of your game. Connecting via a 3.5mm connector for wide compatibility and available in carbon black, green or blue trim, the HS50 brings award-winning CORSAIR quality audio to all gamers, whether they play on PC, console or mobile.

LG demonstrated their prototype VR headset at the Game Developer Conference earlier this year. It was widely known as the LG VR HMD, since it lacked a proper name at the time. Mobiel Kopen, a very popular Dutch publication, later discovered a LG filed patent revealing the device's name to be the UltraGear. LG's UltraGear headset, just like the HTC Vive, employs Valve's SteamVR tracking technology. Both headsets even share a similar controller design. However, LG has implemented two 3.64" OLED displays into the UltraGear, which features a 1440 x 1280 resolution and an impressive 90 Hz refresh rate to beat out both the HTC Vive and Oculus Rift headsets. But LG's innovative flip-up design is the real differentiating factor here. The concept is to give users the option to lift the front of the headset when they want to exit the VR world.

SteelSeries introduced a new Arctis gaming headset to the award-winning line-up, the Arctis 3 Bluetooth. This addition of Bluetooth allows users to hear audio from both Bluetooth sources and wired connections at the same time. Arctis 3 Bluetooth is designed for everywhere you game, with remarkable sound, comfort and style on all gaming platforms, including PC, Mac, PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, VR and mobile.

Arctis 3 Bluetooth is now even more ideal for Nintendo Switch. Gamers can connect to their phones via Bluetooth to use the Nintendo Switch Online chat mobile app, while using the wired connection to hear game audio from their Nintendo Switch. This is the first headset with this type of compatibility for the Nintendo Switch.

LucidSound, one of the fastest growing brands in gaming audio, announced today the LS25 eSports Gaming Headset is shipping to retail. The LS25 has been developed to appeal to the eSports and competitive PC gaming community, concentrating on the features essential to provide superior performance during tournament play.

"eSports players need the best equipment to compete at tournament level. That's why we have been working with eSports teams to deliver the best possible product in the LS25," said Chris Von Huben, CEO of LucidSound. "The LS25 is engineered to win with an uncompromising commitment to quality and a focus on the core features players are looking for in an eSports headset."

ROCCAT is proud to announce that its newest stereo gaming headset, the Khan Pro, is now available across all major channels. The suggested retail price is $99.99. The Khan Pro is the first gaming headset in the world granted the Hi-Res Audio certificate, given only to the very best audio products on the market. With its remarkable sound clarity, the player can hear and locate any opponent long before they come in sight. With a broad frequency range between 20Hz and 40kHz, the Khan Pro boasts deep bass, rich mids and clear highs, enabling gamers to enjoy unrivalled sound. The Khan Pro makes every gamer a winner.

The Khan Pro also features a Real-Voice mic, offering the most natural voice transmission deliverable in a gaming headset. The microphone of the Khan Pro can pick up lower frequencies than competitors in its class. This expanded spectrum makes the human voice sound as natural as possible on a gaming headset, optimizing team communication like never before, and ensuring commands and callouts are crystal clear.

Logitech ASTRO Gaming, a leader in premium video gaming equipment, today unveiled the latest entry into its new line of essentially featured gaming headsets with the launch of the studio's ASTRO A20 Wireless Headset. The ASTRO A20 Wireless Headset is designed to make gameplay more immersive, exciting and memorable with a category-leading set of features and enhancements.

The companion to the studio's recently released ASTRO A10, the ASTRO A20 Wireless Headset is a robustly featured wireless audio solution designed to make ASTRO Gaming's renowned build quality, enhanced comfort and audio fidelity more attainable. The ASTRO A20 features two models compatible with PlayStation4, Windows 10 PCs and Mac iOS, and two models compatible with the Xbox One family of devices (Xbox One, Xbox One S, Xbox One X), Windows 10 PCs and Mac iOS.

ADATA Technology, a leading manufacturer of high performance DRAM modules and NAND Flash products, today launched its first dedicated audio products. The three are XPG-branded as they deliver powerful, clear, and comfortable sonic experiences to enthusiast gamers. The EMIX H30 headsets feature a full-sized, over-ear design with 53 mm drivers while EMIX I30 earphones bring an advanced in-ear design with oversized 13.5 mm drivers. The SOLOX F30 amplifier (sold paired with EMIX H30 or separately) provides multiple connections, four audio presets, and virtual 7.1 surround. All three products boast an attractive gaming-inspired style, while EMIX H30 and EMIX I30 are universally compatible with PC, Mac, consoles, and mobile devices.

SteelSeries announced its award-winning Arctis 3 gaming headset is now available in three new colors: solar red, boreal blue and slate grey. To celebrate this launch, and SteelSeries' mission of providing gamers with the confidence to rise up, to aspire to something great and see it through, the brand has partnered with anti-bullying non-profit organization, Ditch the Label. SteelSeries will donate 10 percent of all Arctis Colors web shop sales - with a goal to raise $10K - to support the charity's mission through online tools and one-on-one support for youth and gamers.

"We questioned everything about gaming headsets when we designed the Arctis line - and because of that, it has driven the gaming audio industry forward to become the most sought after gaming headsets on the market with its beautiful, powerful features," said Ehtisham Rabbani, SteelSeries CEO. "With the new, trending colors of Arctis, we celebrate vibrant personalities and passionate gamers that help drive this culture forward, as well as support a worthy cause benefiting youth and gamers."

HyperX, the gaming division of Kingston Technology Company, Inc., is now shipping its next generation gaming headset - the HyperXTM Cloud Alpha - to casual gamers and pro teams around the world. Building on the comfort and sound DNA of previous award-winning headsets, Cloud Alpha offers a range of new and enhanced features, including HyperX Dual Chamber technology for better sound and less distortion. With 50mm drivers, the dual chamber design allows HyperX to tune the bass frequencies separate from the mids and highs, creating a dynamic sound that makes gaming, music and movies more realistic and immersive.

"The Cloud Alpha is the first gaming headset to integrate HyperX dual chamber technology to deliver an unrivaled sound experience," said Ignacio Sune, HyperX EMEA Sales Manager. "Designed and tested in the HyperX labs, Cloud Alpha delivers the best possible audio performance, comfort and build quality for the ultimate competitive advantage for top eSports pros and casual gamers around the world."

Gigabyte's AORUS branding is becoming closer and closer to ASUS' ROG in the scope and market of their products. Not letting itself be shadowed by ASUS' headset offerings, Gigabyte has just announced impending availability of their H5 Gaming headset, which brings beryllium to what is usually a neodymium fight. Beryllium is considered to be generally superior to neodymium-based drivers, and AORUS is banking on that as the main differentiator for improved acoustics. Like all AORUS products these das, there's support for RGB lighting and control through software suites, and an increased concern with ergonomics, so that this headset can be used through long gaming sessions with the least amount of fatigue possible. That is one of the reasons it comes in at 285 g.

ASUS Republic of Gamers (ROG) announced Strix Fusion 300, the first gaming headset in the brand-new ROG Strix Fusion series. Featuring an exclusive, airtight chamber design, 50mm ASUS Essence drivers, built-in virtual 7.1-channel surround sound and ROG Hybrid ear cushions.

Strix Fusion 300 lets users enjoy fully immersive gaming experiences with uncompromising comfort and sound quality. Strix Fusion 300 is compact and lightweight to provide maximum comfort during marathon gaming sessions, and features a futuristic, metallic design accented by stylish lighting effects. Compatible with a wide range of devices - including PC, Mac, game consoles and smartphones - Strix Fusion 300 delivers immersive gaming and media enjoyment at home or on the go.

ASUS is another company that will be launching hardware developed according to Microsoft's Mixed Reality specifications. The company has put out some details on its HC102 Mixed Reality headset, which put it on par with other offerings from the likes of Acer, Dell and Lenovo in terms of both features and design. 2x LCD screens display a combined 2880x1200 resolution (1440x1440 per eye), at a 90 Hz refresh rate and an acceptable 90º FoV (Windows' MR solutions typically have a slightly lesser FoV compared to pure VR solutions like the HTC Vive or Oculus Rift).

Hardware-wise, ASUS also has the mandatory 6 DoF tracking, with an accelerometer and magnetometer increasing input data. A proximity sensor is also there, which we still haven't seen mentioned on other MR headsets. There are 2x inside-out cameras for positional tracking, and a 3.5 mm audio jack for your own high-quality headsets. All of this will set you back the same €449, with a pair of motion controllers, as the other options that have been announced on the market. It seems that vendors are generally locking in on Microsoft's recommended configuration - and the same price-tags - rather than differentiating through hardware and features - and, potentially, higher pricing. However, ASUS has done some work in making the HC102's design stand out a little more than the other solutions we've seen so far.

In what is possibly one of the most mouth-watering Microsoft reports as of late for this particular TechPowerUp news editor, it seems that Microsoft is making all the right strides towards bringing its Mixed Reality push to mainstream, popular support. Microsoft seems to have seen the error in its ways towards their usual walled-garden approach, and has announced that their Windows Mixed Reality initiative will see its Mixed/Vitual Reality headsets supporting Steam VR games. This means third-party support for yet another VR hardware piece, and something that Microsoft sorely needed, since adoption of its still upcoming platform wasn't showing much pulse.

But most important than all that (you are allowed to disagree), is that Microsoft is seemingly tapping its first-party studios to produce VR content for its Mixed Reality platform. Case in point, 343 Industries and the Halo franchise. Whether this means VR-only experiences or actual VR-enabled full fledged, numbered Halo games remains to be seen - only Microsoft and 343 know the answer to that. Though it's also likely none of the parts knows much about that at this point in time either; as it seems, and as Microsoft said on their blog post announcing these features, "we are working with 343 Industries to bring future Halo experiences into mixed reality. We are not providing specifics right now, but it is going to be a lot of fun to work with them."

Leading gaming headset and audio accessory brand Turtle Beach Corporation (NASDAQ: HEAR) today unveiled the new Recon Camo multiplatform gaming headset for Xbox One, PlayStation4 and PC. Additionally, the Recon Camo's standard 3.5mm connection makes it great for using with PC, Mac and mobile/tablet devices. With films like Dunkirk and the upcoming Call of Duty: World War II video game on the horizon, clearly a collective fascination for World War II has re-emerged, and the Recon Camo deftly incorporates the style of the era with its evocative camouflage and military green design.

Not only does the Recon Camo look great, but it sounds amazing and produces richer, louder and more precise game audio thanks to its large, high-quality 50mm speakers with roughly 56% more surface area compared to the 40mm drivers found in other similarly priced headsets. The Recon Camo is built on one of Turtle Beach's fan-favorite designs with a comfortable yet durable frame, and features Turtle Beach's renowned high-sensitivity mic to deliver the essential crystal clear chat needed to secure victory on the multiplayer battlefield. The Recon Camo will be available this fall at participating retailers for a MSRP of $69.95.

CORSAIR, a world leader in enthusiast memory, PC components and high-performance gaming hardware, today announced the release of its new range of VOID PRO gaming headsets. When you're deep in the game and sound is never just noise, you need to pick up on every note, cue and echo. VOID PRO gives you that advantage. Building on the success of CORSAIR's VOID headsets, the three new VOID PRO models boast enhanced comfort, lightweight and durable aluminium construction, and improved audio quality, creating a headset that's ready to put you ahead of the competition.

VOID PRO was designed with comfort in mind, so that when you're in the heat of the game, your headset disappears and it's just you and your audio. Built with microfiber mesh fabric, the balanced headband and over-the-ear memory foam ear-cups offer all-day comfort for even the longest gaming sessions. Equipped with cast aluminum yokes and a metal reinforced headband, the VOID PRO combines comfort with durability, so you've got a headset that's built to last.

Cooler Master, a Taipei-based leader in designing and manufacturing computer components and peripherals releases a new closed-back ear cup gaming headset, the MasterPulse MH320. Whether you're a marathon gamer looking for versatile sound options or a casual gamer looking for an all-around headset, the MasterPulse MH320 is the perfect gaming companion.

"We designed this headset with gaming in mind so we made the headset lightweight to ensure comfort for hours on end, coming in at only 280 grams. We didn't make any compromises on quality though and the MH320 has a self-adjusting headband with a steel support structure," says Bram Rongen, Peripheral Product Marketing Manager.

COUGAR is proud to announce the arrival of its most powerful gaming headset ever. Endowed with immersive 7.1 Virtual Surround audio, a flexible microphone, and a cool ergonomic design with RGB backlight, this headset unites performance and style to provide everything a serious gamer could ask for.

Immersa Pro's integrated sound card brings you the best audio technology
Immersa Pro's 7.1 Virtual Surround capabilities are a massive improvement to your gaming experience. This technology allows you to know the direction from which a sound comes, generating a more immersive atmosphere and, in online games, dramatically increases your performance. Hear your rivals as they come to meet their defeat!

ROCCAT unveils their newest stereo gaming headset, the Khan Pro, during ChinaJoy Expo 2017 in Shanghai. The Khan Pro delivers unheard of sound clarity, the first gaming headset in the world granted the "Hi-Res-Audio" certificate, given only to the very best audio products on the market. Thanks to the new ROCCAT Khan Pro, the player can hear and locate any opponent long before they ever come in sight. With a broad frequency range between 20Hz and 40kHz, the Khan Pro boasts deep bass, rich mids and clear highs, enabling gamers to pinpoint sound and location with ease in the heat of play. The Khan Pro makes every gamer a winner.

ROCCAT's Khan Pro also features a "Real-Voice-Mic", offering the most natural voice transmission deliverable in a gaming headset. The microphone of the Khan Pro can pick up lower frequencies than other competitors in its class, ranging from just 100Hz to 10kHz. This expanded spectrum makes the human voice sound as natural as possible on a gaming headset, optimizing team communication like never before, ensuring commands and callouts are crystal clear.

Razer, the leading global lifestyle brand for gamers, today announced two new headsets: Razer Tiamat 7.1 V2 and Razer Tiamat 2.2 V2. The Razer Tiamat 7.1 V2 is an analog, true 7.1 surround sound PC gaming headset featuring 10 discrete drivers, five per ear cup, creating an immersive soundstage, essential for pinpoint positional audio and deep gaming immersion. Each ear cup contains a 40 mm subwoofer, 30 mm front (L/R) and center drivers and 20 mm rear and side surround drivers, working together to create highly accurate directional audio.

Included with the Razer Tiamat 7.1 V2 is a completely new Audio Control Unit, which allows gamers to set the volume of each audio channel as well as toggle between true 7.1 surround sound and 2.0 stereo audio. The Audio Control Unit also has a pass-through feature, allowing gamers with external desktop speaker setups to switch between their Razer Tiamat 7.1 V2 and their speakers at the press of a button.

In its ongoing commitment to elite players on every platform, leading gaming headset and audio accessory maker Turtle Beach Corporation (NASDAQ: HEAR) today announced the global availability of the all-new Elite Pro-PC Edition. This new headset is a key expansion that brings PC gamers into the groundbreaking line-up of Elite Pro Tournament Gaming Headsets.

"PC gaming continues to be one of the most competitive and demanding segments in all of Esports," said Juergen Stark, CEO, Turtle Beach Corporation. "The Elite Pro represents the pinnacle of our design and engineering efforts and we could not be happier to have PC players now able to compete and win in all their gaming endeavors using our new Elite Pro - PC Edition."

MSI is extremely proud to launch the Immerse GH70 Gaming Headset as the latest addition to its Gaming Gear line of peripherals. The Immerse GH70 is a gorgeous gaming headset that features driver unit with Hi-Res certification for incredibly detailed sound quality and virtual 7.1 audio for precise positioning. Fitting in seamlessly with the latest MSI high-end gaming products, Mystic Light RGB delivers brilliant lighting effects to let gamers light up the battlefield in the style of their choice.

Using 50 mm Neodymium driver units with Hi-Res certification, the Immerse GH70 provides highly detailed and crystal clear sound. Whether you're trying to hear the enemy's slightest movements or just looking to enjoy your favorite music in all its glory. Virtual 7.1 channel surround sound puts you right in the middle of the action and creates a 360 degrees soundscape where accurate positional audio allows you to pinpoint your opponent's exact location.

IN a bid to increase attractiveness in the VR ecosystem (particularly its own VR ecosystem), HTC is seemingly working on expanding its VR headset lineup beyond just the Vive headset, with other options spaced out at different price points. Lower price points are all but guaranteed, since HTC sees - and expects to continue seeing - the Vive as the top of the line VR headset in the market. Marc Metis, Global Head of Vive X at HTC Vive, told TechRadar that the company will "(...) also always try to address other market segments as well [beyond the high end] (...) Expect new offerings from us over time. We're an entrepreneurial company. Don't view us as static. We'll only enter a segment when we can offer the most immersive and considered experience. "

Mr. Metis also said that there are always innovations being applied to the current Vive inside their labs, as they try to keep up with technological advancement for what their Vive successor might be, saying that HTC will " (...) continue to evolve the current Vive with innovations." Certainly an improved Vive VR headset is great news, as technology progresses and matures, allowing for higher specs in the same power envelope. However, better than improving image resolution further, perhaps the focus should be on usability and the untethering of the VR experience, which seems to be one of the more immersion breaking faults in current-gen VR. The addition of different products at different price-points is also a result of technological development and manufacturing improvements. Perhaps before seeing new, lower performing products hitting the market, we'll see a new Vive 2 headset, displacing the current Vive to a lower price-point. That certainly would make more sense (in theory) than developing a whole new VR headset.

Logitech G, a brand of Logitech, today announced the launch of the Logitech G433 7.1 Gaming Headset and the Logitech G233 Prodigy Gaming Headset. These headsets feature advanced gaming technologies, including patent-pending Pro-G audio drivers, for superior audio performance, in a lightweight, extremely comfortable fit designed to go with you beyond gaming sessions.

"If you're like me and game a lot, having an awesome gaming headset is critical," said Ujesh Desai, vice president and general manager of Logitech G. "And if you love music then having a great pair of headphones is also important. Now you can have one headset that delivers the best of both worlds. You can move seamlessly from your PC to your console, and because of the beautiful design, Pro-G audio drivers, and removable boom mic, you can step outside and wear them on the go and have a headset that fits your lifestyle."

Patriot, a global leader in performance memory, SSDs, gaming peripherals and flash storage solutions, today announced the release of the Viper Gaming Headset Stand /USB 3.0 Hub providing users with additional, easy-access, USB ports and a convenient storage solution for their favorite headset.

Powered by a USB connection on the rear of the base, the Patriot Viper Gaming Headset Stand is equipped with three USB 3.0 ports and a 3.5mm audio and microphone jack for a seamless connection to USB storage solutions, gaming peripherals and audio/visual devices. Offering easy plug-and-play functionality, no software is needed and connected devices will be detected almost instantly. A power switch at the rear of the stand allows users to easily turn the device off without having to power down their PC.