With the new PRO and the FOCUS (E23), XMG introduces two laptop series on a similar hardware basis: Both feature Intel's Core i9-13900HX and NVIDIA graphics cards up to the GeForce RTX 4070. While the PRO 15 and PRO 17 are slightly thinner as gaming workstations and boast more extensive connectivity, the FOCUS scores at a more affordable price and is not only available in 15.6 and 17.3-inch versions, but also in a 16-inch format. For the laptops originally designed as an entry-level series, the hardware upgrades mean a significant upgrade: the FOCUS series moves closer to the PRO laptops.

The key components found in the new XMG PRO 15 and PRO 17 as well as the XMG FOCUS 15, FOCUS 16 and FOCUS 17 are almost identical. All laptops employ Intel's Core i9-13900HX with 24 cores (8 P-cores, 16 E-cores) and 32 threads. The freely configurable graphics card options each include NVIDIA's new, DLSS-3-capable GeForce RTX 4050 (FOCUS only) as well as 4060 and 4070 (FOCUS and PRO) with a maximum graphics power rating of up to 140 watts (115 watts TGP plus 25 watts Dynamic Boost 2.0). However, since the clock behaviour and the actual power consumption of the GPUs in the new generation are subject to much more restrictive, application-specific specifications from NVIDIA, the maximum values are only achieved in synthetic stress tests such as Furmark - according to the official requirements of the graphics chip manufacturer.

Razer, the leading global lifestyle brand for gamers, today announced the new Razer BlackWidow V4 Pro, a full blown battlestation keyboard packed with features for gamers and PC enthusiasts to perfect their gaming set-up. With the new Razer Command Dial, dedicated macro keys, comprehensive Razer Chroma RGB lighting, Razer Mechanical Switches and dedicated media controls, this is the ultimate keyboard for every PC gamer.

This latest iteration in Razer's award winning BlackWidow line of keyboards has a host of features to suit every gamer. The Command Dial gives advanced controls and shortcuts for desktop apps and in games. In addition, dedicated macro keys allow for complex actions to be executed with one button press during heated gameplay moments. The keyboard also boasts per-key Razer Chroma RGB lighting and a multi-zone RGB underglow lighting. This allows for near limitless customization options and in-game immersion.

Yesterday, Intel reported that the company experienced one of the most challenging quarters and year overall revenue results, which led the company's share price to plummet and erase almost 10 billion dollars from its market cap. Amid the economic downtrend, the company is preparing to axe unnecessary developments and research costs that it would get in low-margin markets. Today, this has been reflected in the company's network switch business and the RISC-V pathfinder program. In 2019, the company acquired Barefoot Networks, which ended up in a line of Tofino series of standalone network switches. Apparently, this has been a low-margin or unprofitable business for Intel. "NEX continues to do well and is a core part of our strategic transformation, but we will end future investments in our network switching product line, while still fully supporting existing products and customers," noted Intel CEO Pat Gelsinger, adding, "Since my return, we have exited seven businesses, providing in excess of $1.5 billion in savings". Intel NICs are not affected, and the company's investments in other networking businesses continue.

Additionally, the company is also doing a shutdown of its RISC-V Pathfinder program. Thanks to Yusuke Ohara, who questioned Intel's Pathfinder for RISC-V program support, we have information that the company is discontinuing the program "effective immediately." The support also advises that Intel will not provide additional advancements or bug fixes, so everyone should consult 3rd parties for any software and development.

A new operating system for Nintendo Switch? Yes, please! Download nOS new Operating System today and join the revolution! Explore the various options nOS has to offer, including some not yet seen on this console, from writing texts to your day planning. Have fun, customize the platform, and make it your very own.

nOS new Operating System will allow you to transform your favorite console into an amazing, and surprisingly small personal computer. Enjoy every awesome feature of the nOS. Draw, write, calculate, organize your day, and play around at your convenience. Brighten up your day and customize the nOS to suit your every need. Find your favorite setup and create the fantastic user experience you deserve.

QNAP Systems, Inc., a leading computing, networking, and storage solutions innovator, today released the Half-width Rackmount QSW-M2106R-2S2T 10-port Layer 2 Web managed Switch. Supporting 2.5GbE, 10GbE and practical Layer 2 management functions, the QSW-M2106R-2S2T satisfies high-bandwidth requirements of servers and LAN infrastructure for SMBs. With its half-width design, the QSW-M2106R-2S2T is an ideal networking solution for server rooms in small businesses and organizations.

"Compared with the previous QSW-M2108R-2C, the QNAP QSW-M2106R-2S2T includes two 10GbE SFP+ and two 10GbE RJ45 ports," said Ricky Ho, Product Manager of QNAP, adding "the half-width rackmount design also allows IT administrator to make efficient space utilization of server racks and cabinets, fulfilling high-bandwidth applications at a cost-optimized price."

Zyxel Networks, a leader in delivering secure, AI- and cloud-powered business and home networking solutions, today announced the launch of the XMG1930 Series of Multi-Gigabit Lite-L3 Smart Managed Switches. XMG1930 series switches provide SMBs, system integrators, managed service providers, and small internet service providers with an ideal solution to support the increasing bandwidth requirements driven by advanced business applications.

XMG1930-30 and XMG1930-30HP switches are layer 2 switches that are equipped with 24 2.5G multi-gigabit ports, delivering higher bandwidth capacity to support wireless access points, servers, and workstations. Both switches can be upgraded to Lite-L3 with the purchase of a license that also adds the capability to manage the switches via Command Line Interface (CLI). A first for SMBs, both XMG1930 models offer six 10G uplinks that support fiber or copper infrastructures, enabling service providers to upgrade customers' network speeds from 1G to 2.5G without re-cabling, and provide extensibility and resilience for network expansion.

Global video game publisher Good Shepherd Entertainment has revealed a new partnership to adapt series creator Mike Mignola's Hellboy franchise, published by Dark Horse Comics. Developed by Upstream Arcade, Hellboy Web of Wyrd is an upcoming roguelite action-adventure game in development for all major gaming consoles and PC. It features an original storyline crafted in collaboration with Mignola, as well as the renowned voice talents of Lance Reddick as Hellboy himself. Mignola has also designed the game's unique key art.

"Adapting the Hellboy comics to a game is a dream project for all of us. The opportunity to create something authentic—that's something we take very seriously," said Amanda Kruse, Publishing Director at Good Shepherd Entertainment. "Our partnership with Mike Mignola and the creative team at Dark Horse has been inspiring. The support and trust they've given us has allowed Upstream Arcade to bring their vision to life. Hellboy Web of Wyrd is a bold new work we are excited to share with fans of the comics and action-adventure games alike."

OddBallers, the new multiplayer party game, releases on January 26 for Switch, Xbox One, PS4, and PC, as well as Xbox Series X|S and PS5 via backwards compatibility. A new type of dodgeball game, players in Oddballers can throw anything and everything at their opponents to win - the more absurd, the better. With many different arenas, a variety of mini-games, and perilous environments that include electric fences, explosive gas tanks, and tennis ball launchers, OddBallers provides a fresh experience with every match.

Up to six players can compete locally on the Switch, and up to four players on other platforms. For long-distance competitions, dodgeballers can also play OddBallers online, taking on opponents around the world. Each match also comes with customizable accessibility features, allowing players to adjust match length and difficulty. Players can also customize their avatar, celebratory dance moves, and choose which mini-game to play thanks to OddBaller's custom mode. You can pre-order OddBallers today, and be sure to challenge your friends and family to some goofy dodgeball when the game releases on January 26, and stay tuned to Ubisoft News for more updates.

The number of devices, such as WiFi 6 access points and NAS, with multi-gig capabilities and speed is increasing. Also, the use of modern applications, increasing prevalence of BYOD and usage of more and more video requires companies to have more bandwidth to ensure smooth network traffic that just can't be handled by Gigabit connectivity anymore. Even the smallest firms are doing big business when it comes to the sheer volume of data that their networks are expected to handle, and this load will continue to grow as applications become more advanced.

To help businesses cost-effectively expand their networks with multi-gigabit speeds, we've introduced a couple of new 5-port Multi-Gigabit Unmanaged Switches, MS105 and MS305. The MS105 and MS305 Multi-Gigabit Ethernet switches come with five 2.5G ports in a metal case that can be placed on a desk or mounted on a wall. These switches are energy efficient, built to last, and rigorously tested to provide the reliability businesses need.

SQUARE ENIX today released HARVESTELLA, a brand-new life simulation RPG, for Nintendo Switch and STEAM. Featuring concept art by Isamu Kamikokuryo (FINAL FANTASY XII) and music by Go Shiina (Tales series), in HARVESTELLA, players will experience a beautiful world that changes with the flow of the seasons and enjoy a variety of gameplay, including tending to crops, befriending townspeople and adventuring into challenging dungeons.

HARVESTELLA is set in a vibrant and colourful world where four giant crystals called "Seaslight" create a stable change between the four seasons. The adventure begins as abnormalities in the Seaslight begin to appear, creating the "Quietus," a season of death that takes place between the naturally occurring four seasons. During the Quietus the crops wither and people cannot venture outside, and troublingly, these seasons are mysteriously growing longer with each year.

SOEDESCO launches first-person horror mystery game Charon's Staircase on Steam, Epic Games Store, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, and Nintendo Switch. In order to announce the news, SOEDESCO and Indigo Studios released an exciting launch trailer, available in multiple languages.

Uncover the dark secrets that lie beneath Oack Grove
In Charon's Staircase, you set out to bury the horrible past of an institution called "The Ministry" by retrieving and destroying classified documents. Venture through nightmarish landscapes, solve puzzles, decipher codes, and avoid dangers to unravel the macabre events that took place years ago in the experimental facility of Oack Grove. Charon's Staircase is a story filled with mystery while telling a dark and dramatic narrative through its ominous environments, chilling details and fully-voiced narration. Will you discover the terrifying truth and find your way out?

EnGenius Technologies Inc., a multinational networking company, known for delivering future-proof networking solutions for businesses of all sizes, is proud to announce the release of its expandable, cloud-managed ECS5512F 12-port 10G fiber SFP+ half-rack aggregate switch. This aggregate fiber switch is the newest addition to the EnGenius unified cloud platform. The switch is a powerful tool for boosting traffic flow and network performance in large-footprint businesses like multi-dwelling units, hotels, resorts, and university campuses—delivering the fastest speeds available.

Administrators have the advantage of using the EnGenius Cloud for fast configuration, 24/7 monitoring, and remote tech-savvy troubleshooting tools of the fiber switch from everywhere. Its compact design can help administrators easily scale from 12 to 24 SFP+ ports on a single rack as network demands increase. With its lightning-fast speeds and super long-distance capabilities, this aggregate switch is the perfect solution for large organizations that need to keep their network running at peak performance. The EnGenius fiber aggregate switch will come in at a competitive price of $699 MSRP.

Denuvo by Irdeto, is pleased to unveil a revolutionary technology to protect games launching on Nintendo Switch from piracy. The announcement comes as the video gaming industry is gathered for this year's Gamescom, currently taking place in Cologne, Germany. Nintendo consoles have long suffered from piracy issues and the Switch is no different. Even if a game is protected against piracy on its PC version, the released version on Switch can be emulated from day one and played on PC, therefore bypassing the strong protections offered on the PC version. This can happen with any of the numerous games available on Switch.

By preventing piracy on Switch while blocking unauthorized emulations on PC, studios are able to increase their revenue during the game launch window, which is the most important period in regard to monetization. The Nintendo Switch Emulator Protection will ensure that anyone wishing to play the game has to buy a legitimate copy.

Jade Ember Studios is proud to announce Reliquary, a story-driven action-adventure game in which you explore the preserved ruins of a vanished empire as you fight your way through a land teeming with monsters, magic, and lost technology.

Reliquary is an original 3D, action-adventure title with an emphasis on character-driven story and ability-driven exploration and progression, taking influence from titles like Metroid Prime, Hyper Light Drifter, and Tomb Raider (2013), planned for release in the coming December-February window for Nintendo Switch, PS4, Xbox One, and PC, with additional PS5 and Xbox Series versions planned for 2023.

Indie publisher Digerati is delighted to announce it's teaming up with developer Charge Games to bring clone sacrificing puzzle-platformer, Overloop, to PC, Nintendo Switch, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X|S. Overloop will launch first on PC, arriving 26th August on Steam, Epic, GOG, Humble, and other storefronts. The console versions will follow in Q4 2022 (exact release date TBC). Created by Charge Games - a development duo of George Kobyakov (programmer, game design, artist) and Charles Bardin (narrative design, sound design) - Overloop is a light-hearted adventure set in a dark future where big brain scientists create a cloning gun - the Quantum Matter Replication Device - and their profit-hungry paymasters sell it to the masses, with disastrous consequences.

"We are a small team, but we are huge game fanatics. We're especially crazy about fun gameplay, atmosphere, and humor. And story. And music," explains Kobyakov. "Our goal was to successfully combine all these elements into a game, and we think we've achieved that with Overloop. It's the game we've always wanted to create and we can't wait to share it with the world!"

[Editor's Note: We Reviewed Razer DeathStalker V2 Pro Optical Keyboard here.]

Razer, the leading global lifestyle brand for gamers, today announced the return of the acclaimed DeathStalker keyboard in the form of the new DeathStalker V2 Pro, DeathStalker V2 Pro Tenkeyless, and DeathStalker V2.

With a clean, low-profile design language running across the range, the new DeathStalker V2 line is ideal for gamers looking for a clutter-free desktop set-up. Boasting a sleek, low-profile design, the DeathStalker V2 line is all about high-profile performance, featuring both linear and clicky variants of the Razer Low-profile Optical Switches across the range. Adding to the premium experience are a slim-line aluminium top plate for superb durability, and laser-etched keycaps with an ultra-durable coating for even greater longevity.

Nintendo could release its next-generation handheld game console, a successor to the crazy-popular Switch, by 2024. This could be powered by an NVIDIA-sourced SoC. NVIDIA recently put up a job listing for a "Game Console Developer Tools Engineer," looking for talent designing the software development applications for the next-generation console. Nintendo is a long-standing customer of NVIDIA chips for its handheld consoles. The next-gen SoC could implement an NVIDIA-designed Arm CPU, and a highly efficient GPU based on the NVIDIA graphics architecture of the time.

JamesDonkey is a fairly established peripheral maker based out of China with an unfortunate but catchy name, and has been known to provide good value offerings when it comes to keyboards, mice, headsets etc. The company reached out to us about its new TKL keyboard that JamesDonkey aims to make globally accessible courtesy vendors such as Mechkeys, and I thought it was worth talking about here at least—if not do a full review. The JamesDonkey RS4 is a new take on a feature-rich TKL mechanical keyboard with wired USB connectivity in addition to Bluetooth and 2.4 GHz wireless options. There is a side-mounted multi-function wheel for volume and media playback, and a 4000 mAh battery helps with the available 16.8 M per-key RGB lighting too. It comes stock with two-tone PBT keycaps as well as Gaterons' new Pro Yellow 2.0 switches that promise a buttery smooth typing experience. The JamesDonkey RS4 is up for pre-order now at $79 and is expected to ship in May for those interested.

Today MaxLinear announced the immediate availability of two 1000BASE-T Ethernet Switches (GSW125, GSW145) and a quad-port 2.5GBASE-T PHY (GPY245), expanding its Ethernet product portfolio to better serve the industrial, telecommunications, and networking outdoor markets, where products must perform efficiently in harsh temperature environments. With the increase of outdoor Wi-Fi access points, Industrial IoT and Industrial PCs used to collect, monitor and control equipment, products must operate in either high heat or frigid cold environments. Extreme temperatures can impact network operation, data transmission, and system reliability, causing interruptions and downtime, leading to security risks and costly emergency repairs.

"MaxLinear has a 40-year history of being a leading supplier in industrial interface devices, having shipped over 1B serial transceivers over the past five years," said James Lougheed, Vice President of Marketing, High Performance Analog. "As the requirements for industrial-grade Ethernet products continue to grow, we continue to invest to remain in a strong position to support these fast-growing markets."

CHERRY, the market leader and expert for mechanical switches for keyboards, extends the lifetime of the MX Low Profile RGB from 50 to more than 100 million actuations without loss of input quality. This extension already applies to all switches in the low-profile format that have been shipped since mid-2021. Therefore, new and existing customers benefit from a doubled guaranteed lifetime of the MX Low Profile RGB. Thanks to this unrivaled durability, CHERRY MX now solidifies its position as the industry leader in the field of low-profile mechanical switches. Extensive internal and external testing validates the new durability claims. The more than 100 million actuations are achieved by optimizing the world-exclusive and technically superior Gold Crosspoint contact system and the unique selection of materials, guaranteeing the switch's permanently consistent quality over many decades.

Introduced in 2018, the entirely newly developed CHERRY MX Low Profile RGB switch now positions itself between the MX Standard and the MX Ultra Low Profile in terms of dimensions. Thanks to an overall height of only 11.9 millimeters, modern slim, mechanical keyboard designs for desktop applications can be implemented without compromising switching characteristics and feel. The MX Low Profile RGB is around 35 percent thinner than the standard version but still offers the inimitable typing feel with which the conventional MX switches have already established themselves as the gold standard on the market.

Razer, the leading global lifestyle brand for gamers (Hong Kong Stock Code: 1337), is kicking off 2022 with new Razer Blade gaming laptop models including the Razer Blade 14, Razer Blade 15, and Razer Blade 17. The world's fastest laptops for gamers and creators are equipped with the recently announced NVIDIA GeForce RTX 30 Series Laptop GPUs, up to an RTX 3080 Ti, making the new Blades better than ever, now shipping with Windows 11. All new Razer Blade gaming laptops now also include groundbreaking DDR5 memory, providing blistering clock speeds up to 4800 MHz, an increase in frequency by up to 50% compared to the previous generation.

"The Razer Blade series continues to be the best gaming laptop by providing desktop-class performance on-the-go," says Travis Furst, Senior Director of Razer's Systems business unit. "Additionally, we've enabled creators to work anywhere with gorgeous displays, available NVIDIA Studio drivers, and up to 14-Core CPUs. Users will have the ability to choose any model or configuration that best fits their gaming or creating needs, while getting the latest and greatest in graphics, memory and processing technology."

Although most people use WiFi for their network connectivity these days, there are times when a wired connection is needed, say for large file transfer and backups. We've finally seen a transition onwards from Gigabit Ethernet on the humble desktop PC, but for some 2.5 Gbps isn't enough and 10 Gbps has become more and more of a viable option. However, it seems like QNAP has decided that 10 Gbps is getting a bit long in the tooth and as such, the company has introduced a 16-port SFP28 switch, for those that are craving even faster LAN speeds.

The QSW-M5216-1T has a combined switching capacity of 820 Gbps and all of the 25 Gbps SFP28 ports are backwards compatible with 10 Gbps SFP+ based network cards. There's also a single multi-gig capable RJ45 port that goes from 100 Mps to 10 Gbps, plus a 1 Gbps management port, as well as a serial port around the back for management. The QSW-M5216-1T is also capable of combining four ports into a 100 Gbps capable link, when combined with QNAP's QXG-100G2SF-E810 100 Gbps capable network card, although it retails for north of US$1,000. A more reasonable alternative would be the US$219 QXG-25G2SF-CX4 dual-port 25 Gbps card, which seems quite reasonably priced for the speeds on offer.

NVIDIA today announced NVIDIA Quantum-2, the next generation of its InfiniBand networking platform, which offers the extreme performance, broad accessibility and strong security needed by cloud computing providers and supercomputing centers.

The most advanced end-to-end networking platform ever built, NVIDIA Quantum-2 is a 400 Gbps InfiniBand networking platform that consists of the NVIDIA Quantum-2 switch, the ConnectX-7 network adapter, the BlueField-3 data processing unit (DPU) and all the software that supports the new architecture.

QNAP Systems, Inc., a leading computing, networking and storage solution innovator, today launched the eight-port 2.5GbE unmanaged switch - the QSW-1108-8T. Featuring eight 2.5GbE ports, plug-and-play set up, automatic loop detection and blocking, and auto-negotiation functions, the QSW-1108-8T is a cost-efficient high speed network upgrade solution for homes and businesses.

"One of the major elements holding back people from upgrading their Ethernet infrastructure is the cost and availability of switches and adapters. QNAP have demonstrated a firm commitment to the 2.5GbE ecosystem, with the new QSW-1108-8T switch representing an affordable way for home and business users to take their Ethernet network to the next level," said Ricky Ho, Product Manager of QNAP.

ASUS Republic of Gamers (ROG) today announced an all-new gaming peripherals lineup that channels the minimalist feel of monochrome through a striking Moonlight White color scheme. The ROG Strix Scope NX TKL 80%, tenkeyless mechanical RGB gaming keyboard, ROG Strix Impact II ambidextrous gaming mouse, ROG Strix Go Core gaming headset and ROG Cetra II Core in-ear gaming headphones are all now available in North America in this stunning colorway.

ROG has a long history of weaving Aura Sync into a huge ecosystem of devices to let gamers shine a light on their personalities through their gear - but many players also seek a minimalist look. That's why the ROG color palette is expanding to include the Moonlight White series, providing a commanding counterpart to the signature red-and-black color scheme.