Hardware Archives - Page 5 of 6

The Fitbit Family just got three additions

September 3, 2020 Richard Armitt 1560 Views AZM, FitBit, FitBit Family, Inpsire, Versa, Wearable

The Fitbit Family has been something of a revelation in wearables over the last two years. Especially for those of us without Apple phones. Falling neatly into our Tech area we’ve had the opportunity to get Guy in a sweat with a couple of them. His recent feature on Active Zone Minutes (AZM) was well worth a look.

As a spectator of Fitbit in my family, I’ve been impressed. Now FitBit have launched three new models. No doubt after such an unprecedented year they’ll be on a lot of virtual Christmas Lists come December.

I haven’t worn a watch in decades. However there is enough tech squeezed into this series to make it damn sexy again!

Gaming Hardware Hardware Reviews PC / Mac

Epos Sennheiser GSX300 external sound card

August 27, 2020 Gerard Campbell 1511 Views external sound card, Sennheiser, Sound

For those older gamers reading this, you’ll remember vividly how it used to be commonplace to have a dedicated sound card in your PC: On-board audio encoding wasn’t a thing back in the days of beige boxes, shareware and 486CPUs.

As PCs became more and more modern, motherboards started appearing with in-built sound cards offering OK but often not stellar sound. Still, it was early days and you made the most of what you had. I still remember my Creative Labs Sound Blaster sound cards with fond memories.

Fast forward to today

Gaming ATARI VCS Game News Hardware Hardware Reviews

ATARI VCS, Bluemouth confirmed as local distributor

August 14, 2020 Richard Armitt 5259 Views ATARI, ATARI VCS, Bluemouth, console, indie, PC, Steam

The back end of the year and especially November is starting to look crowded. With Sony and Xbox still unconfirmed on launch dates or pricing for their new consoles, the rebooted ATARI VCS is coming in hot.

The big news for Australasia is that Bluemouth have been secured as the local distribution partner for the new “PC/Console Hybrid”. Effective from 14th August 2020, Bluemouth will bring their 17 years of experience to supply Australia and New Zealand.

With Sony and Microsoft still unconfirmed on dates and pricing, November 20th could go either way for the ATARI VCS. It might not have the system selling AAA games that the fans want, but there’s a big enough user base for people to want to try something different.

If the market positioning is right, you’d have to admit. “A third player has entered the game.”

Gaming Hardware Hardware Reviews PC / Mac PS4 Switch Console Video Content Xbox One

JBL Quantum 400 Headset – Review

June 27, 2020 Guy 3886 Views Hardware Review, Headset, JBL, Quantum 400

JBL have been a mainstay of the home audio fraternity since 1946. They have in recent years been brought under the Samsung Electronics umbrella, which may explain why after so many years, they have finally taken the leap into Gaming Headsets see what we think of the Quantum 400.

They have certainly jumped in boots and all too. The new ‘Quantum’ range boasts seven different models. Spanning entry level headsets through to models with head-tracking, noise cancellation and wireless surround sound.

The JBL Quantum 400s are a great headset. If the rest of the Quantum range have had this much thought put into them, then safe to say JBL are not here to muck about, Gamers!

Gaming Hardware Hardware Reviews Video Content youtube review

JBL Quantum 400 – Video Unboxing

May 23, 2020 Guy 1742 Views Hardware, Headset, Preview, Unboxing, youtube

A quick unboxing of the brand new JBL Quantum 400 gaming headset, so why not take a look. Keep an eye on the site and for the full Review in the next few weeks.

First impressions are good though, but we will see how they stack up with some gaming hours under their belt!

Remember, as always…Click, Like and Share!

Fitness Gaming Hardware Hardware Reviews

FitBit: Charge 4 – Review

May 19, 2020 Guy 2088 Views Exercise, FitBit, GPS, mobile device, nerding, Stats

For the past week I have swapped out my trusty time piece for the brand new FitBit Charge 4.

My “wrist real estate” is a valuable commodity in 2020. If I’m going to stick something on the all important none-master-side wrist, it better be worth my while.

This impressive little GPS Fitness Tracker, has managed to punch its way into the Smart Watch space.

The actual nuts and bolts are like this. The FitBit: Charge 4 is a compact fitness tracker that will monitor a myriad of fitness data points. Including heart rate, steps, distance traveled, sleep patterns, minutes in various cardio zones… and more.

Thanks to FitBit for the review item to trial, any questions feel free to ask me @nzBrowncoat on Twitter.

PS5 Dualsense Feature Article Game News Gaming Hardware Playstation Sony

DualSense, PS5 – don’t judge a Book by its Cover

April 14, 2020 Richard Armitt 1516 Views Dualsense, Dualshock, Haptic, Light Bar, Playstation 5, PS4, PS5, Share Button

Easter 2020 came early when Sony Interactive Entertainment revealed: “the first images and design details of the DualSense wireless controller, the new wireless controller for PlayStation 5”. Being a few days before the holiday weekend it certainly gave all the thirsty gamers something to discuss. Fervently.

Given the consumable nature of Social Media and the way it spreads virus-like at unknown speeds. It was not surprising that the negativity outweighed the positive commenters. Because “Its the internet” and “They are all bored on lockdown”. Here’s an idea:

DualSense: Don’t Judge a Book by its Cover.

All the discussion and ribald rivalry was only concerned with how the controller looked. The news being supported by a decent rap sheet of features was devoid of interest for many. Personally and to get it out of the way, I love the look. Love, love, love it, love the look.

Gaming Feature Article Hardware PS4 PSVR Video Content

3dRudder for PSVR : Q/A with Stanislas Chesnais

December 20, 2019 Richard Armitt 1686 Views 3dRudder, Bethesda, DoomVFR, No Man's Sky, Playstation, PSVR, Skyrim, Sony, The Wizards

We are no strangers to PSVR here at the site and its fair to say we are constantly surprised by the improvements being made in PSVR games. Something exciting on the horizon with future Australasian distribution is the 3dRudder.

As a feet-on experience it makes the difference and fills a gap. Anybody that has tried been challenged by movement in PSVR versions of Skyrim or DoomVFR (already on PC) would agree, if they were integrated 3dRudder would change the game.

Our thanks go to Stanislas Chesnais, CEO, for taking the time to answer our questions and hopefully pique some interest in the 3dRudder. Knowing The Wizards and wishing No Man’s Sky integration was on the horizon can’t wait to give it a spin. Literally.

Now, DoomVFR – time to lift your PSVR game.

Hardware Hardware Reviews iOS

Phillips Hue, go into the light

December 16, 2019 Richard Armitt 972 Views Google Home, Hardware, Lighting, Phillips Hue

In summary there is more than meets the eye with the Phillips Hue, once you start to tinker and play setting the mood becomes an event in itself. There is much I have not touched on here, but being able to program set routines and actions just builds on the automation dream.

My other absolute favourite benefit is being able to set the lights to ‘on’ as I approach the house, no more stumbling home in the dark because you didn’t think it would be that long.

I’m sold, well and truly – the Hue bulbs will certainly be staying and I will be extending them out across the house as soon as I can.

Follow the light.

Hardware Hardware Reviews iOS PS Vita PS4 Xbox One

Powerwave Controller Phone Mount, Xbox review

November 5, 2019 Richard Armitt 1607 Views Bluetooth, Controller Mount, Mobile Gaming, Powerwave, PS-TV, Vita

Powerwave Controller Phone Mount. That’s a mouthful, isn’t it?

Yes, I would say, but then I would also say. Good things come in small packages.

Currently hitting retail across Australia these nifty clip-on mounts really do offer you a better mobile gaming experience. With two models designed for PS4 and Xbox Powerwave have not re-invented a wheel, but they have done a good job making sure theirs is round.

When offered the chance to take a closer look I went with the Xbox unit. The main reasons being that I still actively use my Vita and PS-TV for gaming away from the TV. So with one eye on the future of Xbox streaming I figured it would be worth seeing how the unit fit for Microsoft.

Gaming Feature Article Game News Hardware Indie Game iOS Nintendo PC / Mac PS4 PSNetwork PSVR Switch Console Xbox One

PAXAus 2019, being there and slightly square

October 20, 2019 Richard Armitt 1284 Views EB Expo, Expo, indie, Microsoft, PAXAus, Playstation, Sony, XBOX

After all the build up and fervour PAXAus 2019 has been and gone. It was a first visit for me, probably not the last, but my old bones are currently arguing against it. Having become something of a big hitter on the gaming calendar I was keen to see this year what all the fuss was about.

As an eclectic gathering of Gaming, Pop Culture and Cosplay it does the job well, and you can see from the eyes of the consumer that wanders the floors glassy eyed that they are getting all the shiny things they need. I enjoyed the relative tranquility of the table-top game area and retro section, it was a relief from the pressing crowds squeezing through the aisles.

The main event was loud, brash and exhausting, especially when I flew in for a single day with a maximum of six hours on the ground.

But, that’s me, at PAXAus 2019, being there and slightly square.