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AMD Piledriver CPU pre-order pricing leaks out
It's always just been a matter of "when" and "how much," but it looks as if PC gamers looking to score a powerplant upgrade can start planning on specific amounts. AMD's impending FX Piledriver CPUs are now up for pre-order at ShopBLT, an outlet that has proven reliable in the past when it comes to nailing down processor pricing. For those in need of a refresher, these are built using the Vishera design, with the range including between four and eight CPU cores. We're expecting 'em to best the Bulldozer family, and if all goes well, they could be available to the earliest of adopters in October. Presently, the FX-4300 ($131.62), FX-6300 ($175.77), FX-8320 ($242.05) and FX-8350 ($253.06) are listed, but CPU World seems to think launch day quotes will actually be a bit lower. Only one way to find out, right?
Sons of Anarchy game is getting 'no traction,' says Sutter
Sons of Anarchy creator/writer/producer/director/actor Kurt Sutter doesn't sound terribly hopeful when it comes to the video game adaptation of his FX cable television show. As it stands, the game is "getting NO TRACTION," Sutter tweeted earlier today, and that it "looks like our big publisher blew us off." Sutter went on to say that the project was not a priority for FX, and that he doubts it will happen.After cautioning his followers that game development is an incredibly risky business, Sutter reiterated that he does not wish to "do a shitty browser game," giving AMC The Walking Dead Social Game as an example of what not to do -- "sorry @glenmazzara, show's awesome, game sucks." He also said that it was his responsibility as a gamer to release a quality product, "not some 1/2 promotional piece of shit like GOT."Though he admittedly does not know what his options are at this time, Sutter did jokingly suggest a Sons of Anarchy edition of Monopoly as an alternative to a console title.
Nikon D600 pictures leak, offers full-frame snapping at a crop-frame price
The first images of what's purported to be the new Nikon D600 have appeared online. The budget (for photographers, at least) full-frame camera is expected to come with a 24.7-megapixel sensor, a 3.2-inch LCD display and a built-in autofocus motor. What makes us hopeful of its rapid arrival is today's earlier announcement concerning the FX-compatible Nikkor 24-85mm lens -- the pair combined would make a devastating duo if the company hits the mark on pricing. Those in the market for a gentle introduction to DSLRs can take a peak at another picture after the break.
Sons of Anarchy getting a 'real' console title, rather than browser-based multiplayer
Kurt Sutter, the creator of the FX TV series, Sons of Anarchy, said a little while back there was a game in progress, based on the series' rowdy biker family exploits. It was set to be "a high-end browser-based" title, but a recent tweet from Sutter says that's all changed. Instead, FX and Fox have agreed to "do a REAL game. Console based. Not some slapcrap browser [multiplayer] thing," according to Sutter. He admits it'll take a long time to put together, but since the browser game "felt rushed and unsatisfying," he wants the property treated right.That's good news for Sons of Anarchy fans ready for a full console experience based on their show. As for us, as long as Ron Perlman's Clay Morrow is playable somehow, we're happy with whatever SAMCRO-based experience we can get.
Pioneer launches RMX1000 Remix Station, now no tune is safe (video)
Pioneer has been dishing out its line of digital DJ tools for long enough that you'd hope it knows what the spinners want, and these days it seems that's remixing tools. The RMX1000 is a new effects based unit, that looks like an evolution of the firm's EFX range. It still cooks up those chops, rolls, and reverbs, but also has a companion "Remixbox" software, as well as studio-friendly VST / AU functionality. The software lets you overwrite the default set-up with one of your own, and there's an SD card slot so you can leave yours at home, but still bring your settings to the club. Word is that pro DJ settings will be available for download, so nosey DJs can see how James Zabiela likes his high-pass filters. The effects themselves come in four flavors: Scene, Isolator, Release and X-Pad. Connectivity-wise it's rocking a pair of RCA and 1 / 4-inch plugs for both in-and out-put, and there's USB for the computer / MIDI hook-up. It's set to land in June with a $1000 price tag, but in the meantime if you want to see if it'll be worth your savings, hit-up the video after the break, or click the PR for the full specs.
Nikon D4 hands-on with sample images, video
Remember when we were in a tizzy about the Nikon D4, way back in January? We got to play with this tank of a DSLR a bit, but sadly weren't permitted to actually publish any of the photos or video that we shot with the thing. Sure, we've seen some samples of it in action, but it's not quite the same. Thankfully, the company made our late-February that much better, allowing us to take the D4 on a jaunt around the city, a couple of weeks ahead of its mid-March launch. We strolled around Washington Square Park and 6th avenue, with the beast of a camera in-hand, shooting tourists and scenery, before popping by a subway station to have a go with the camera's purported excellent low-light capabilities that we've been hearing so much about. Click on through to take a look at some sample video.%Gallery-149058% %Gallery-149055%
Nikon D4 Ethernet tethered shooting hands-on (video)
After getting our eager mitts on Nikon's long overdue D3 successor, aptly named the D4, we got a second chance to revisit our fat-bodied, photo-taking friend at the company's CES booth. The 16.2MP DSLR features a 3.2-inch LCD screen and is capable of 1080p video capture at 30fps. But that's not why we went back for more and it's not why you're reading this right now. We were keen to put the D4's big, bad networking capabilities to the test -- one of which links an array of up to ten of the cameras together for simultaneous, remote shooting over WiFi. Unfortunately, this feature requires use of the WT-5A wireless dongle, which is still awaiting FCC certification and could not be demonstrated. Neither could the imaging company show off the one-to-one connection that allows an auxiliary camera to be controlled from a primary unit. We did get to briefly interact with the camera's native web server running on a laptop, from which you can snap shots, toggle settings (like ISO and shutter speed), playback and download your recordings. You can catch a peek of the interface and an extra look at this sought after shooter after the break.
Nikon D4 hands-on and manufacturer sample images (video)
With the onslaught of CES launches still several days away, the big news today is the D4, Nikon's brand new full-frame digital SLR camera. The 16.2 megapixel DSLR offers 1080/30p video capture, an extended ISO range of 100 to 204,800, a 91,000-pixel 3D color matrix meter and a top high-speed shooting option of 11 frames-per-second. And with the D3 first hitting stores nearly five years ago, this FX-mount successor was long overdue. Earlier today, Nikon held its D4 launch event in Asia, previewing the camera before a group of journalists in Hong Kong. We were on hand for a first look at the massive $6,000 pro body, and were quite pleased with what we saw. Jump past the break for our impressions.
Nikon announces D4 DSLR camera: full-frame 16.2 MP sensor, 204,000 extended ISO, $6,000 price tag
More than two years after the D3S began shipping and roughly a half-decade after we first got a peek at the D3, Nikon has finally announced the full-frame DSLR's long-awaited successor. As expected, the Nikon D4 boosts both megapixel rating (to 16.2) and extended ISO (204,800 at Hi-4), and includes a brand new full-frame FX-format sensor. Video capture also jumped from 720/24p to 1080/30p, but so did the camera's somewhat-out-of-reach price tag -- you'll be dropping $5,999.95 when the D4 hits stores in late February. You're clearly not spending all that hard-earned photo dough for nothing, though. There's also a 91k-pixel RGB 3D Color Matrix Meter III, compared to a 1,005-pixel meter in the D3S, enabling the camera to evaluate the color and brightness of a scene with much greater precision, yielding much more accurate results. And since the D4 reportedly offers phenomenal low-light performance, you'll probably be using it quite often in the dark -- letting you get good use out of the new back-lit controls. Photographers can preview images using the 921k-dot 3.2-inch LCD, which offers a 170-degree viewing angle and ambient light sensor. HD video can be previewed on the display as well, or directly through the HDMI port, which also supports uncompressed 8-bit preview video output with optional overlay. Naturally, the D4 is fast. It can power on and be ready to shoot in approximately 0.012 seconds, and can capture 10 fps stills at full resolution with full auto focus and exposure. Willing to lock both AF and AE? The D4 goes to 11. A new 51-point AF system offers full cross-type focusing that's compatible with all Nikon lenses, even when paired with a teleconverter. The D4 includes two card slots with support for both UDMA-7 CF and the recently-announced XQD format, which brings write speeds of up to 125 MB/s -- enough to capture 105 consecutive RAW images at 10 fps. You'll find full details and specs on the D4 just past the break, along with an overview of Nikon's new AF-S NIKKOR 85mm f/1.8G FX-format lens, which is set to ship in March for $499.95.
AMD FX processor brings eight cores to battle, we go eyes-on (video)
AMD fans have endured a long wait for this, while being reduced to spectators as Intel spews out an ever-increasing horde of Sandy Bridge variants and builds up the hype around its next-gen Ivy Bridge architecture. But the new FX series of processors is finally here and will be available to buy in the next few days, with the top-end FX-8150 priced at $245 in exchange for eight cores, a 3.6GHz base clock speed and easy over-clocking to 4.8GHz using the packaged Overdrive software. Your AM3+ motherboard is crying out for the upgrade, but don't succumb until you've clicked past the break -- we've got details of the full range and pricing, our initial impressions and an eyes-on video that includes a detailed chat with the guys from AMD.
AMD gets Guinness World Record for fastest CPU with overclocked octa-core FX processor
Speed. It's of paramount importance in evaluating any computer system, and the engine that gives your PC its get up and go is its CPU. The folks at AMD wanted to show off just how awesome (and fast) their new Bulldozer-based FX chips can be, and set a Guinness World Record for the "Highest Frequency of a Computer Processor" while they were at it. To get the record, a team of "elite overclocking specialists" cranked up the juice on an 8-core desktop CPU until hitting a speed of 8.429GHz -- handily surpassing the previous mark of 8.308GHz. So, AMD's got the fastest silicon in the west and it's chipping away at Intel's processor predominance. What say you, Chipzilla?
Sharp FX Plus for AT&T quietly goes on sale at Walmart
After playing peek-a-boo on a Walmart brochure last week, the Sharp FX Plus just became a bona fide reality. Featured as an exclusive to the retain chain, the Sidekick-emulating Android handset has its own piece of real estate on its online store. The AT&T phone's offered for free with a two-year contract ($350 without the commitment), though it's currently backordered. We're not seeing anything new on the spec sheet: it comes preloaded with Android 2.2, has a 3.2-inch display, and holds a grand total of 512MB internal memory (expandable to 32GB via microSD). Throwing a three megapixel camera into the mix doesn't earn any wows, either, but to be fair, it's meant to be a respectable yet inexpensive option for messaging fanatics. And it has a plus at the end of its name -- that's gotta count for something, right?
Time Warner Cable brings back Discovery, Fox channels to its iPad app
Just a couple of weeks after removing several channels from its live TV streaming iPad app Time Warner Cable has added most of them back again. The notable exception here are networks owned by Viacom, which it took to court last week. So far, other than announcing Discovery and Fox channels are back on the TWCable TV iPad app, we weren't able to get anything other than a no comment out of anyone at the companies involved. That means we don't know if the channel providers have spontaneously come around to Time Warner's way of thinking (this seems unlikely) or if it has simply decided to press the issue. We'll see who is suing who next week, until then you can enjoy watching whatever happens to be on Fox News Channel, FX or National Geographic (if you actually do enjoy that, we don't like to live by programmers broadcast schedules - DVR4LIFE) on your iPad as much as you like.
Pioneer DJM-2000 DJ mixer review
You know that feeling you get when you hop into a car you'll never be rich enough to own? It's full of fascinating technology, everything works great, it's solidly built, it definitely won't fit into the "compact" spots at 7-11 -- and it just doesn't care. If you're a DJ, entering the world of Pioneer's DJM-2000 is a little bit like that. Read on for our impressions of the multitouch-laced behemoth to see if it'll have you raving all the way to 2012. %Gallery-112385%
Fox, Dish Network deal means no network TV blackout, FX & sports networks back on
Just that fast, it's like it all never happened. Fox and Dish Network have cut a deal to restore programming from the giant's channels including 19 regional sports networks, FX and National Geographic Channel. No word yet on the terms of the deal, but the key is it arrived in time to avoid a possible November 1 Cablevision-style (still ongoing btw, and getting nastier than ever with allegations of cable recommended piracy and unfair dealing) blackout of Fox in many cities during the World Series. Check out the press release after the break, or just go through and queue up a few episodes of Always Sunny in Philadelphia on the ol' 922. [Thanks, Justin]
Fox, Dish play the blame game over disappearing FX, sports networks
The latest carriage dispute is already a few days old and shows no signs of breaking yet, as Fox and Dish Network square off. Naturally both have issued the usual press releases and promotional websites blaming the other but at the moment, the only thing to know is for Dish customers, Fox regional sports networks, National Geographic Channel and FX are off the air. For its part, Dish is throwing in CBS College Sports, NBA TV, NHL Network, NBig Ten Network and a few others for affected customers. Of course, that doesn't do much for missing the conclusion of pennant races in baseball or preseason NBA games hitting many of those RSNs, though Fox claims things could get worse -- November 1 Fox and MyNetworkTV could be next to go.
Sharp keeps going with the Sidekick look, intros FX for AT&T
Sharp, you see, hasn't had much luck with its North American phone efforts as of late -- they've made almost all of the now-dead Sidekick series, and the Kin... well, you know how that ended up working out. So on that note, we seriously wish these guys the very best of luck with their first non-Sidekick, non-Kin entry in the US market in as long as we can remember: the FX for AT&T (which looks curiously like a Sidekick, actually). This puppy pairs a touchscreen with a QWERTY slide and just a 2 megapixel camera -- not particularly high-end -- but interestingly also features support for AT&T's FLO TV-based Mobile TV service, making it a nice upgrade for Quickfire users. It'll be available next Sunday, July 25 for $99.99 on contract after $50 mail-in rebate; in the meantime, follow the break for the full press release.
Gateway's FX series desktops revamped, SX / DX series find solace in Core i3 and i5
In the market for new desktop machinery? Gateway's gone ahead and given its gaming-centric FX series a facelift for the new year -- nothing Alienware-esque crazy, but we do like the accessible ports up top, right next to the control dial for LED-infused lighting effects. Enough about the superficial, let's go inside: a 2.8GHz Intel Core i7 processor, ATI Radeon HD5850 with 1GB discrete memory, 1.5TB HDD with additional expansion bays, up to 16GB RAM, Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit, and a $1,299 starting price. There's a 16x DVD drive, and if you don't mind forking over a little extra, you can get a separate 4x BD-ROM drive. As for the rest of the lineup, while still donning old skin, the SX series has been boosted by a 2.93GHz Core i3 processor, and the DX series a 3.2GHz Core i5 and that 4x BD-ROM drive. You know the drill by now: FX glamor shots below, press release just after the break. %Gallery-84531%
All DISH customers with 5 new national HD channels step forward -- not so fast Turbo HD subs
No sooner did DISH Network light up HD feeds for Speed, FX, Fashion TV, Logo and MavTV (as promised) than we started receiving complaints from left-out feeling Turbo HD package subscribers. It appears that being all-high definition with your channel choices means no Speed or FX for you, while the others are on the $10 extra Platinum package. Still, for those on the Classic Silver 200 package and above there's plenty of NASCAR practices, widescreen F1 and Rescue Me enjoyment to be had. DISH is still holding itself out as the HD leader with a claimed 140+ national channels (MSNBC HD confirmed launching in June) but with a price hike failing to gain access to the latest channel lineup additions we're sure there's at least a few customers with differing opinions.[Thanks, J David]
Toshiba updates Qosmio and Dynabook SS RX2 laptops
It's sort of funny that Toshiba's packing the Cell-based SpursEngine HD video co-processor into most of the Qosmio line when it still refuses to offer Blu-ray drives, but we guess some wounds just don't heal. In any event, Japanese customers can now pick from a whole host of updated Qosmios with clock-bumped Core 2 Duos and GeForce 9600M GT graphics, including the ¥320,000 ($3,241) 18.4-inch Qosmio G50 and the ¥210,000 ($2,119) 15.4-inch Qosmio FX, as well as a new 1.4GHz 12.1-inch Dynabook SS RX2 with 128GB SSD for ¥280,000 ($2,840). Great, but hey Tosh -- what we really want to see is the SpursEngine chip stuffed inside one of your new netbooks, you know? Think about it. Check the SS RX2 after the break.Read - QosmiosRead - Dynabook SS RX2
