Tech News

  • MSI MEG X570 ACE Review @ Vortez

    There once was a time when I didn't really like MSI and thinking back on that time it wasn't really so much to the products but how the company treated "me" as someone who wanted to help them promote their brand.

    You'd be surprised at how much "that' factors into a reviewers mindset when it comes to deciding what to say about XYZ product.

    I say this because over the past several years I have reviewed quite a few MSI products and most of them have made their way as permanent fixtures on my test bench and in the lab under LN2.

    Vortez has done a review of the X570 ACE from MSI.  This is a Ryzen based motherboard dressed in the new MEG Ace trim.  Basically, lots of overclocking support and pleny of onboard features.

    The X570 ACE sports a unique style. There’s a large portion of the board covered by extensive heatsinks adorned by a unique dark grey and copper theme, with a mirrored section for impressive RGB lighting. However, RGB lighting as a whole is kept to a minimum, contrary to many manufacturers at the moment.

    On a side note I'm not a fan of dedicating an entire page to product specs that were flat out copied from the mfg website.  Granted I have been known to sample from the official pages but, it would seem they didn't get the memo that spec pages are kinda worthless.

  • TUNAI CREATIVE SQUARE Launches Portable Qualcomm CSR Bluetooth 5.0 USB DAC/Headphone Receiver

    Instantly transform any wired earphones into Bluetooth wireless earphones

    TAIPEI CITY, TAIWAN, September 5th, 2019 – TUNIA CREATIVE, a Taiwan-based consumer electronics company, is thrilled tannounce the launch of SQUARE, the Qualcomm CSR Bluetooth 5.0 receiver, solving a common problem faced by consumers today by seamlessly transforming any 3.5mm headphones intwireless Bluetooth headphones. Featuring aptX, aptX Low Latency, AAC, Discrete Cirrus Logic DAC, low noise floor, cord management, and built-in microphone, TUNAI SQUARE makes the listening experience more joyful and with nlag.

    Many consumers have headphones that must be connected directly ta media source tplay, which poses an obstacle for those whwant tenjoy hands-free music. The SQUARE comes tthe rescue with a robust solution. The SQUARE is compact and small enough tfit in the palm or a pocket. It is compatible with streaming service applications such as Amazon, Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube, and more.
     
    Thanks taptX from Qualcomm, Bluetooth 5.0 technology and high-quality CIRRUS LOGIC DAC with 114dB DNR, the SQUARE ensures an exceptional listening experience that eliminates background noises. Users can enjoy the freedom of the wireless, and the original sound clarity and delicacy. As one of the very few Bluetooth receivers in the market that features aptX Low Latency technology, the SQUARE offers perfect audisync with nlag when watching the video, and playing games on an aptX Low Latency equipped the device.
     
    The SQUARE comes ta play/pause, forward, and back button, volume control of the media, and answer/reject call functions. It can alsbe used with Siri and Google Assistant. The built-in cord management is a huge plus tavoid tangles and messes. The SQUARE features an impressive Bluetooth range of up t164 feet outdoor and 32 feet indoor. A long 7-hour battery life allows users tenjoy their Bluetooth listening experience for extended periods.

    The SQUARE has the following technical specifications:

    • Bluetooth chip: Qualcomm CSR Bluetooth 5.0
    • Discrete DAC: Cirrus Logic 114dB DNR
    • Profile Support: A2DP, AVRCP
    • Audiformat: aptX, aptX Low Latency, AAC, SBC
    • Bluetooth range: Extended 165 ft/50m (open space)
    • Built-in microphone: Digital MEMS 62dB SNR
    • World’s only built-in cord management
    • Remote control: Play/pause/previous/next/volume / Answer/end/reject call / Mic mute / Access Siri
    • Battery life: 7 hours of continuous playback
    • Aluminum alloy clip design toperate with one hand
    • Size: 1.97 in*1.77in*0.47in/50mm*45mm*12mm
    • Weight: 0.59oz/17g
    • Package content: 1 of SQUARE, 1 of micrUSB charging cable, 1 of the user Manu

    Pricing and Availability:
    $ 59.99 at Amazon: https://amzn.to/2ZW9V1h

  • XFX Radeon RX 5700 XT Ultra THICC II @ TechPowerUp

    It has been awhile since we have seen an XFX review in the wild which is sad since I consider them one of the premier brands when it comes to video card design.  TechPowerUp has a review posted of the new Radeon RX 5700 XT Ultra THICC II.

    Now, when it comes to product names this one is pretty bad.  Sure the "THICC" implies the the triple slot cooler on the card but, also has some sexual overtones making the whole thing a nice failure when it comes to naming.

    Or is it??  hummm

    The XFX Radeon RX 5700 XT Ultra THICC II is one of the highest clocked Navi custom designs out there. It is cooled by a large triple-slot, dual-fan thermal solution that runs quieter than the AMD reference card and includes idle-fan-stop. With $440, pricing isn't unreasonable either.

    The one nice thing about the card is the overall design of the Ultra THICC II (still a silly name) as it is really quite good.  The cooler features a dual fan radiator with a curved aluminum shroud over the entire card, several polished accents which comes off as extremely clean.

  • The New Magic Number for Gaming Laptops Is 300Hz @ Gizmodo

    We all know that gaming PCs (personal computers) are the best and most powerful platform for games however, there is a growing segment that seems to be getting special treatment.  Gaming Laptops.

    Case in point, there are two due to be on the market soon from Asus and Acer that both come with 300Hz refresh panels giving them the edge when it comes to smooth refresh and reduced tearing.

    So, who exactly “needs” 300Hz gaming laptops. Both Acer and Asus said their laptops were aimed at hardcore gamers and esports competitors, but I’m willing to venture even the most obsessed amateur might flinch at Acer’s starting $2,800 price tag for the Triton 500. I asked Asus how much the Zephyrus S GX701 would retail for, but a representative demurred, saying, “It’ll depend on the locality.” It’s probably safe to say it’ll be expensive as hell though.

    I like to think that gaming laptops are just a fad that might eventually die off however, hardware makers have become upset with PC Enthusaists and found that the gaming laptop segment to be more profitable.

  • TUNAI CREATIVE’s Low Latency Long Range Bluetooth Transmitter Now Available on Amazon

    TUNAI CREATIVE’s Kickstarter-Backed aptX Low Latency Long Range Bluetooth Transmitter Now Available on Amazon.com

    After a successful crowdfunding campaign on Kickstarter, the TUNAI WAND – a world’s smallest Bluetooth transmitter for TVs, home stereo, PCs, game consoles – is now featured on Amazon.com at a very attractive price.

    TAIPEI CITY, TAIWAN, AUGUST 22, 2019 – TUNIA CREATIVE, a Taiwan-based consumer electronics company, is thrilled to announce the launch of their Kickstarter-backed WAND, the long range aptX low latency transmitter for TVs, home stereos, PC, game consoles on Amazon today. The WAND is a never-before-seen world’s smallest Bluetooth transmitter offering the powerful audio experience with parallel streaming to up to 2 devices, the WAND is at 2.95 inches tall and provide an exceptional audio experience for sports, music, and much more. The WAND offers a powerful range of up to 164 feet, and supports Bluetooth 5.0 input as well as three different codecs, aptX, aptX low latency, and SBC.



    Lip-sync delay is a common problem with Bluetooth transmitted products, and it’s noticeable when the latency is higher than 125ms. Thanks to dual aptX Low Latency support *, the WAND is one of the very few Bluetooth transmitters in the market that allow users to enjoy a lip-sync delay-free audio experience when two headsets are connected. The WAND is ultimate home entertainment accessory, offering a great range of up to 164 feet, and providing three different audio inputs, AUX/RCA, micro USB, and Optical S/PDIF Toslink, it is ideal for watching TV, video or playing games with no audio lag while using Bluetooth.

    The TUNAI WAND is designed to be small and unobtrusive, but incredibly powerful, it launched on Kickstarter in 2018 to mass success - 471 backers pledged $32,812. Now, TUNAI Creative has announced the launch of the WAND on Amazon, where it has already garnered high reviews.

    “We saw a big need to be filled with all of the users of PlayStation, home stereos, computers and other similar devices that weren’t Bluetooth-ready to use Bluetooth,” commented Judy Lin, the Marketing Manager from TUNAI. “Our R&D department met that need and then Kickstarter funded our launch. We were blessed to have so much support for this product while it was still in prototype. Now being on the world’s biggest marketplace, Amazon, is something we are supremely pleased with. It really opens up the door to people who want to use the TUNAI WAND.”

    The WAND has the following technical specifications:

    • Bluetooth 5.0
    • Profile support: A2DP, AVRCP
    • CODEC support: aptX, aptX low latency, SBC
    • Operation range: up to 164ft / 50m (open air) *
    • Dual link CODEC support: aptX, aptX low latency, SBC
    • 3 | P a g e
    • Max device connection: 2 devices *
    • Audio input: AUX/RCA, Optical, and USB
    • Product dimension: 0.67in x 0.67in x 2.95in / 17mm x 17mm x75mm
    • Weight: 0.77oz / 22g

    Be sure to check out the Hardware Asylum Review of the Tunai Creative WAND here.

    You can pick up your own TUNAI WAND at Amazon for $59.99 USD.
    https://amzn.to/2Hq1sYT

  • NVIDIA Gamescom News - Ray Tracing for ALL!

    There is some great news coming out of Gamescom including a new list of game titles that will support NVIDIA RTX.

    New Wave of Blockbuster Games Showcase Ray Tracing at Gamescom

    In the year since NVIDIA made it possible to achieve real-time ray tracing in games, this revolutionary technology has been embraced across the industry,” said Matt Wuebbling, head of GeForce marketing at NVIDIA. “Looking at the number of games, the big-name franchises and the breathtaking visuals at our Gamescom 2019 event, it’s clear that ray tracing has arrived and is truly the way forward for game development

    The Ray Tracing build up has been a pretty slow burn but when you get to the juicy center things tend to explode.  Of the games that are getting Ray Tracing I'm actually excited about these two.

    - Dying Light 2 Gets Ray Tracing!
    - Minecraft Gets Ray Tracing!

    I have over 300 hours in Dying Light and am really looking forward to the second installment.  As for Minecraft, have you seen the screenshots??

    To be honest, this looks similar to what they did with Quake 2 but I'm not going to judge, too much at least. happy smile

  • TUNAI CREATIVE announces the launch of its innovative TUNAI Button

    TAIPEI CITY, TAIWAN, AUGUST 12th, 2019 - TUNAI CREATIVE has again reiterated their goal of providing their customers across the globe with amazing technology-driven solutions to easy their daily lives with the introduction of the TUNAI Button. The device is a compact, portable media control that uses the Bluetooth 5.0 technology to help users get more from their smart mobile devices on-the-go.



    The TUNAI Button features Bluetooth 5.0 with a 30-foot range and buttons for answering and rejecting calls and controlling media playback. It can be used to answer calls, access voice assistants, listen to media, control shutter, take selfies, set reminders, schedule alarms, and more. Users can get the most out of their smartphones on-the-go without taking their eyes off the road or their hands off the wheel. The Button is made of IPX5 grade material which can take some light rain or a splash when biking - making it a perfect companion for your commute.
     
    The versatile and easy to use remote control is compatible with iPhone and most of the Android smartphones, allowing users to control their phone safely and easily from anywhere, including steering wheel, bike handlebar, and sofa. The gadget is also ideal for taking selfies and video recordings with the remote shutter button with easy pairing via Bluetooth and a long-lasting easily replace the battery.



    The button’s magnetic base with 3 sizes of rubber strap also offers a fast and easy installation. It can also be easily removed, moved, and adjusted, leaving no mess on the surface.

    TUNAI Button has quickly become one of the most sought-after products in its category on Amazon with accolades from different quarters. “I have it mounted on my bike. Used a few zip ties to keep it in place. It was hard to get my phone to do what I wanted with riding gloves on this makes it so easy.” said MIC, Amazon customer. “It's very handy for music looks great with my Google play music and Spotify equals many other entertainment sources. I would definitely suggest this or anybody that is looking for a good Bluetooth media remote.” said Roy, Amazon customer.

    For anyone who has been looking for a sleek and streamlined way to control the most vital features of their smartphones and mobile devices without holding their devices, the TUNAI Button offers an exceptional option. More information can be found at http://www.tunai-creative.com/tunai/button/. TUNAI CREATIVE is also available across several social media platforms, including Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

  • Thermaltake View 71 Tempered Glass ARGB Edition Full-Tower Chassis

    Spectacular Views from Every Direction

    Taipei, Taiwan-August 16th, 2019-Thermaltake, the leading PC DIY premium brand for Cooling, Gaming Gear, and Enthusiast Memory solutions, is thrilled to announce the new member of the View 71 TG Series – the View 71 Tempered Glass ARGB Edition. Designed to expand the legacy of the View Series lineup, the View 71 Tempered Glass ARGB Edition Full-Tower chassis features three 140mm 5V ARGB fans for outstanding ventilation that can sync with motherboard brands including ASUS, MSI, GIGABYTE, and ASRock.

    The seven drive trays and modular drive racks deliver advanced storage capacity and excellent liquid cooling expansion. This elegant chassis utilizes swing-out side panels, and is enclosed in four-side 5mm tempered glass panels for users to demonstrate their DIY handwork and showcase their internal components. With support for the latest PC hardware, the View 71 TG ARGB Edition is not only fascinating in appearance but comes with endless possibilities for PC lovers.

  • PowerColor Radeon RX 5700 XT Red Devil @ TechPowerUp

    The Powercolor Devil cards will never fall out of style.  Sure they are extremely rare with only a handful making it to consumers and might even be fast.  Thing is because they are in the same family as the Devil 13 they must be good.

    Must.

    TechPowerUp has a review posted of the new Devil.

    The PowerColor Radeon RX 5700 XT Red Devil is overclocked out of the box and uses a massive triple-slot, triple-fan cooler that delivers outstanding noise levels. It's actually the quietest Radeon card we ever tested, and quieter than all NVIDIA RTX cards, except for just one custom-design.

    Seems good.  Why not check it out?

  • Thermaltake Pacific CL360 Max D5 Hard Tube Water Cooling Kit

    Premium Cooling Solutions Now Available

    Taipei, Taiwan-July 30th, 2019 Thermaltake, the leading PC DIY premium brand for Cooling , Gaming Gear and Enthusiast Memory solutions, announces that the premium water cooling kit

    - Pacific CL360 Max D5 Hard Tube Water Cooling Kit is now available on the market. The Pacific CL360 Max D5 Hard TubeWater Cooling Kit features a premium-quality combo kit which is ready to be controlled by the TT RGB PLUS software; it also supports the Razer Chroma and Amazon Alexa Voice Service. The Pacific CL360 Max D5 Hard Tube Water Cooling Kit includes the Riing Duo 12 RGB Radiator Fans, a Pacific W5 RGB CPU Water Block, Pacific PR22-D5 Plus Pump/Reservoir Combo, Pacific CL360 Plus RGB Radiator, a bottle of T1000 Coolant Pure Clear, eight C-Pro G14 PETG 16mm OD Compressions, eight V-Tubler PETG Tubes and other accessories. Every component in the Pacific CL360 Max D5 Water Cooling Kit iscarefully selected by the Thermaltake PC DIY experts. The kit takes away the hassle of researching and selecting the many complex cooling components, and provides an easy cooling solution for beginners stepping into the PC DIY liquid cooling field. The Pacific CL360 Max D5 Water Cooling Kit is the one stop for enthusiast’s looking to build a powerful and high-tech liquid cooling system!