G15
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4K OLED comes to Dell's 15-inch XPS, Alienware and G laptops
Dell isn't going to let HP be the only company with new OLED-equipped laptops. Today during its CES press conference, Dell revealed that 4K OLED screens will be coming to the XPS 15, Alienware m15 and G 15 in March. Back in 2017, the company also used OLED in the Alienware 13 to great effect. Since then, we've eagerly awaited its return. The new 4K OLED panels will support HDR, cover 100 percent of the DCI-P3 gamut and feature a 100,000:1 contrast ratio.
Canon PowerShot G15 features f/1.8-2.8 lens and DSLR-like controls, we go hands-on (video)
Not completely sold on Canon's large sensor-packing PowerShot G1 X? The company's latest jumbo compact offers a comparable smooth focus effect, thanks to its super-wide f/1.8-2.8, 28-140mm optical zoom lens, with image stabilization that boosts your shooting capability by up to four stops. The camera, which is designed to replace the G12, features a 12.1-megapixel 1/1.7-inch CMOS sensor paired with a DIGIC 5 processor, enabling RAW shooting, 1080p video and a top sensitivity of ISO 12,800 all in a body that's significant smaller and lighter than its predecessor. There's also a super-sharp 922k-dot 3-inch LCD (no touchscreen here, not that we miss it) and a built-in optical viewfinder. The $500 G15 isn't set to hit stores until October, but we caught an early peek at Photokina today. A Canon representative also clued us in on the camera's naming scheme -- that jump from 12 right to 15. As we know, 13 is an unlucky number in North America and Europe, but the 14 was also avoided because the number four "sounds like an unlucky word" in Japanese. So, there you have it. Regardless of what it's called, though, the G15 is one powerful shooter, with a very solid design to boot. Though it is smaller than the G12, it's still far too large to fit in a pocket -- you'll likely walk around with this guy dangling from your neck. There's a mode dial up top, along with a dedicated exposure compensation dial, enabling more precise EV control. We weren't able to examine samples in order to evaluate the camera's bokeh capabilities, but Canon reps said that the effect is on par with the G1 X. You'll be able to get your own mitts on the G15 beginning next month, and you can catch our hands-on photos just below, along with a video walkthrough after the break.%Gallery-165583%
Canon adds the G15, S110 and SX50 HS to its PowerShot lineup
Canon already outed a pair of superzoom cameras prior to Photokina 2012, but it turns out the company wasn't done adding to its PowerShot family. First, we have the PowerShot G15, which has a 28 - 140mm wide angle f/1.8 - f/2.8 lens, 12.1 megapixel sensor and Canon's DIGIC 5 image processor. Its sensor has a max 12,800 ISO, shoots RAW stills and records 1080p video, and you can view your subjects using the optical viewfinder or the 3-inch, 922,000 dot LCD on the back. It replaces the G12 in Canon's lineup when it goes on sale for $500 this October. The PowerShot S110 replaces the S100, and like that camera, it's got a 12.1-megapixel sensor, max 12,800 ISO and an f/2.0 lens. Unlike its predecessor, however, its got a 3-inch, 461,000 dot capacitive touchscreen on the back and ditched GPS in favor of WiFi. That wireless capability lets the S110 pull GPS data for geotagging from Android or iOS devices using Canon's CameraWindow app and share photos and videos on the web. It does RAW shooting, has a 10fps burst mode and records 1080p 24fps video as well. It'll come in both black and white versions that run $450 when it goes on sale next month. Lastly, there's the PowerShot SX50 HS superzoom camera. It packs a 24-1200mm, f/3.4 - f/6.5 lens and optical image stabilization to ensure clear shots even when using the camera's full 50x zoom capability. Like the SX40 HS is replaces, it has a hotshoe and a 12.1-megapixel sensor. It has a max 6,400 ISO and like its new PowerShot mates, it has a 10fps burst mode, shoots RAW photos and 1080p video. The SX50 HS can be had in October for $480.
Addon Spotlight: Addons for clickers
Addon Spotlight focuses on the backbone of the WoW gameplay experience: the user interface. Everything from bags to bars, buttons to DPS meters and beyond -- your addons folder will never be the same. This week, please don't berate the clickers too badly in the comments. Addon Spotlight strives to educate and empower, bringing you tips and tools to enrich your World of Warcraft experience. Playstyles are as varied as the addons that support them, and as a comprehensive writer, I try to cover everyone's specific setups. One playstyle that is a bit of a foreign concept to me is mouse clicking. Clickers are often derided and ridiculed for their point-and-click interaction with the user interface. Sometimes, you will be watching that YouTube video of a heroic kill, and the cursor is flying around the screen a lot more than you are used to. You've found the elusive clicker.
Panasonic's response on shifting black levels in plasma HDTVs: 'There's nothing to fix'
Owners of Panasonic's recent plasma HDTVs have continued to push for more details on the "automatic control" the company cited as the cause of suddenly elevated black levels and it has revealed a few more details in an email exchange with CNET. Those hoping for some kind of patch or action in response to the changes will likely be disappointed however, as Senior VP Bob Perry put it, "there's nothing to fix." Citing trade secrets and a lack of a standard measure for black level performance, he also was unable to give any specifics about when the changes are designed to happen or by exactly how much. The company is promising technology in its 2010 models will offer a more gradual adjustment thanks to design adjustments, but that doesn't help current model owners left wondering if their set has, or will have in the future, degraded picture quality either by design or some software glitch. He did close by offering the olive branch of the VIERA Concierge Program for dissatisfied customers -- we'll see if a happy resolution for all is still within reach. [Thanks, Chris]
Panasonic's newest plasmas include DivX
Not willing to let its Blu-ray decks have all the fun, Panasonic's seen fit to announce that the European editions of its upcoming Z1, V10 and G15 line of VIERA plasma displays will all be DivX compatible. We assume this functionality will be present on this side of the Atlantic as well, so these flat panels are ready to access video via DLNA or SD/SDHC card. Frankly, these days we're happy just to hear plasmas are still in production, and expect the added functionality won't hurt a bit.
SteelSeries WoW mouse dangerous in no uncertain Terms (of Use)
We had an article here not too long ago about the SteelSeries WoW mouse, purportedly das ubermaus, replete with glowing fissures and lookin' all like a Templar helmet. We actually had kind of a hard time finding out just how the mouse performed -- it was advertised months before it came out, and it doesn't appear that many gamers actually got to use the mouse prior to pre-ordering it and did so based on Blizzard's official licensing of the WoW name on the product.The few that did use it, those that played around with it at BlizzCon, actually reported to us that it felt cheap, flimsy, and about to break. That was a bit disconcerting to read, of course, and it wasn't actually an isolated incident--all of the emails we've received about it thus far have been negative reviews. Folks complained of broken buttons or strange key reassignments with the accompanying software.Now, our sister site Engadget just released their own impressions on the device and they appear to like it, offering a large size, good weight, and robust software among their list of pros.The inconsistency in reviews of the product thus far isn't what really bothers me, though. It's the fact that the mouse is a WoW-licensed product that performs functions that are against Blizzard's policies.
New Logitech G13 gameboard offers in-box WoW support
Our friend Drayner over at twinkinfo.com sends word of a brand new Logitech "gameboard" (keyboard extension?), called the G13. It actually looks really cool -- it's got the G15's screen, but it's actually an extra set of 22 keys that you can control outside of your normal keyboard. And plus, the keys are all backlit (with hundreds of available colors), and it even has an analog thumbstick on there for extra-precise movement. World of Warcraft gets mentioned not once but twice in the press release, and they say that it comes with support for "Burning Crusade," which we would assume also means Wrath of the Lich King as well.Pretty groovy. It works with both Windows and OS X, and it'll set you back a tidy $80, which seems like a lot for a "gameboard," but then again, if this is the kind of thing you play WoW enough to actually make good use of, you've probably got a way to justify the purchase anyway (and if anyone's looking for a gift for me this year...). Anyone intersted in replacing their Nostromo with this one?
Preview EQII's Game Update 47, Storm Break
The EQ2Players community site has a short preview of EverQuest II's next major patch, Game Update 47, the "Storm Break". As we already knew, GU47 is the patch that will finally bring Vivox voice integration to EQII. Here's the list of features that will be available straight away: Create your own password-protected custom channels Automatic channels for Guilds, Raids and Groups Group and Raid windows have speaking indicators Leaders can invite any other players into Guild, Group and Raid channels Moderator controls (kick, ban, mute, etc.) Logitech G15 keyboard integration Ability to individually mute and set volume per user that you can hear Troubleshooting tools to get you chatting instantly Other new feature coming in this update: a revamp of items for levels 1-59, a change that is sure to make alts and newcomers awfully pleased. A large amount of old-world items will automatically be improved, to be more in line with newer rewards. This includes items that you already own -- there's no need to go around collecting your gear for a second time. It also looks like Guild Housing will soon be in the game, judging by construction near Freeport and Qeynos. Storm Break still holds more surprises, and we're promised a second part to this preview later in the week.
Breakfast Topic: Controllers R us
The Falcon controller just looks silly, doesn't it? Everything we've heard about it so far says it's pretty underwhelming -- the feedback doesn't work quite right, the controls seem a little less intuitive than a keyboard and mouse, and in general, it just looks strange. Fortunately, I'll be able to know for myself next week -- I've already got an appointment to check out the controller (and how it plays WoW) at E3 next week.But in the meantime, until I can get my firsthand impressions of the Falcon up here, what are some other strange controllers that actually do work with WoW? We've heard a lot about the Zboard, which seems like a pretty good combination of a keyboard and a custom controller for Blizzard's MMO -- anyone used it? A lot of people have posted before that they use the Logitech G15, and that's really just a keyboard, except for the extra display and macros. I've used Switchblade to play with an Xbox 360 controller (and found it not nearly as easy as playing with a mouse and keyboard). And I know some players, multiboxers usually, will even use foot pedals to supplement keyboard and certain macros.Ever played WoW with a weird controller? Is there something out there that you swear by that's not the standard mouse and keyboard? Me, I'm perfectly happy with an Apple Keyboard and my Logitech gaming mouse -- at least until I try the Falcon next week. You never know, maybe I'll fall in love with it and decide that $190 (!) is worth it.Update: I couldn't remember the name of this one, but a lot of people in the comments (and a lot of folks before this post) have mentioned the n52 Speedpad as a good controller option.
Direct your own L70ETC music video, win great prizes!
Yesterday, the official World of Warcraft website announced a new Blizzard-sponsored contest to accompany Level 70 Elite Tauren Chieftain's new song Rogues Do It From Behind.The machinima community will eat this one right up. What do you need to do? Create a music video for L70ETC's new song, which can be downloaded right on the contest page. The video can be no larger than 50 MB and must be recorded in .WMV, .MOV, or .AVI formats. The rewards are pretty swanky, too. Three Grand Prize winners will receive an 8GB iPod Touch, and the five First Place winners will get a G15 Logitech keyboard and a signed copy of the World of Warcraft Battlechest.Personally, I'm wondering how long they've been sitting on this song. It's a fun song, don't get me wrong, but it's a little outdated. Perdition's Blade? Really? I suppose Netherblade came with The Burning Crusade, but the rest is pretty old school!
G15 Tanking
Last week I covered playing with your mouse, and playing with your keyboard. In my keyboard post I mentioned that I would share with you all my Logitech G15 keyboard map. For those of you who don't have a G15, the keyboard is unique in that there are 18 programmable keys located on the left side of the keyboard. The keys looks like those pictured to the right.Each of these 18 keys can be assigned three independent functions – based on selecting "M1", "M2", or "M3" at the top of the keyboard. This gives a whooping 54 possible key combinations and functions. I don't use all these though, only the first 18 for most everything, and then the second for some random addon and programming things. So without further ado, here's what my G15 keyboard map looks like:
Playing with your keyboard
Yesterday I talked about how to increase your game play by using all those buttons on your mouse. Today, we'll take a quick look at some theories on how to use your keyboard more effectively. Next week I'll present my complete keyboard map for tanking, and give lots of examples of why I have things where I have them. But for now, let's look at some basics.I use a Logitech G15 gaming keyboard for main World of Warcraft computer. The keyboard is nice for a lot of reasons: The keys are hard plastic and clean easily. I can often be found eating hot pockets (Mom! Hot pockets!) or pizza roles during raids, and it's nice to be able to easily clean the keyboard if I make a mess. The keys light up. This is very useful late at night when I turn the lights off. The LCD screen is very adaptable. I use the LCD screen to display who is talking over Vent. No more asking "Who just said they need a mob taunted off them?" (of course, if they wouldn't pull agro in the first place or DPS the right target, we wouldn't have that problem now... but that's another article.) There are 18 additional programmable keys on the left side of the keyboard. So the G15 is a nice choice for a gaming keyboard. We all know this, of course. Most of us play with one, or something similar. There are a few good and basic strategies for making the most of your G15 or other keyboard.
Hands-on with Ideazon's Zboard gaming keyboard
If you didn't look closely, you could mistake Ideazon's Zboard for a standard keyboard. It's about the same size and shape as your average keyboard, with 108 keys and a row of hotkeys and multimedia buttons along the upper edge of the keyboard. A glance at the box shows us a left-handed key configuration designed for gaming and a pair of USB ports. So is this a gaming keyboard with a few extras? Hardly! This is only scratching the surface of the Zboard's abilities -- the real magic of a Zboard lies in its customized keysets.Curious? Keep reading!
Warhammer Online: G15 giveaway winners!
You may recall our recent giveaways here on Massively. They were indeed, befitting of the name of this blog -- massive! We're glad to announce that many of the contests are finally settling down, and we're able to start the next round of telling you just who won the fabulous prizes. (You know, for the people who don't believe we were giving away that much good stuff.) For our day featuring Warhammer Online: Age of Reckoning, we offered up two Logitech G15 keyboards. After much mailing, fiery-hoop jumping, and so forth, we're happy to announce that our two winners are drunkmime and Fauzty! Just in time for any new games you get as holiday presents, too!In the upcoming days, you'll see more of the announcements as we list off the many winners of our launch contests. If you haven't done so yet, make sure that you white-list emails coming from massively.com or weblogsinc.com as those are the two domains our prize notifications will come from. (It's always a bummer when someone times out on the response email for a cool prize and finds the mail in their spam folders too late to claim it. Don't let that be you!) Again, congrats drunkmime and Fauzty, and enjoy your fantastic new gaming hardware!
Massively's Massive Giveaways: Warhammer Online
If you were with us earlier, you know that today is Warhammer Online: Age of Reckoning day! Of course, as Mythic has been doing a good job of keeping information pretty tightly controlled, all we have for certain on it is what's on the official site. (We're working on talking to them, though.) The only things we can say with absolute certainty are that this is a hot, highly anticipated game with a great gaming property behind it, and that we're probably going to get our collective faces melted in PvP. After all, tabletop is where it came from, and there's nothing quite as much fun as quoting Summoner Geeks at your weekly gaming group while you enjoy getting your game on. (There again, maybe we're just showing our age...)But nostalgia aside; for this giveaway we're offering up another hot Logitech G15 Gaming Keyboard. While this may help you fling Magic Missile (or the Warhammer equivalent) it sadly will not get you a Mountain Dew. All you have to do to win it, however, is to leave a comment below before 5:00 PM Eastern tomorrow (11/12), be at least 18+, a U.S. resident, and otherwise eligible under the official rules.What are you waiting on? Get to commenting!
Logitech's G9 mouse and G15 keyboard get official
Logitech, makers of more input devices than you can shake a USB stick at, officially announced the somewhat radical G9 mouse and an update to its keyboard companion, the G15. The mouse, if you'll recall, is a bit innovative as it allows for interchangeable grips, adjustable weight, and can store setting profiles onboard which require no added drivers to utilize. The G15, in a similar fashion, allows for all sorts of customizable options, including 18 separate programmable "G" keys, which can be setup for a total of 54 macros. The keyboard also includes an LCD display, which Logitech feels will give "gamers critical information to help them win," because we all know there's nothing more helpful when gaming than to have to look away from the monitor. The G9 and G15 will be available in September for $99.99 each.[Thanks to everyone who sent this in]
Reader WoWspace: Wulf Knight
This edition of WoWspace comes with actual photos of an actual person!! This is a first for us, as the rest of you have been showing off your rigs, but not your mugs (the non-coffee kind). This is a really great setup, which I'd love to mimic myself, but I'm pretty sure I'd get complaints taking my TV out of the living room and putting it into the office.My name is Wulf Knight, I'm 31 and living in Madison WI. My main is Felixia, a level 70 main-tanking furball in the progressive raiding guild of Persistence on Uldum (of which I am also a founder and occifer). I suppose one of the more unique features of my WoW environment is that fact that what you see is it's natural state... I can't stand clutter. As you can see, my computer is my entire entertainment centre... We have the Logitech Z-5500s to which the XBOX 360, PS2, primary monitor and PC are running through, all via optical (Impact Acoustics A/V Selector FTW!).
Reader WoWspace: Skyghene
Maybe it's just me, but I read Skyghene as rhyming with Hygene, and so I get a little extra chuckle when checking out this week's Reader WoWspace. I mean, it's totally cool and all to take some snapshots of your space as it exists in its regular state, unlike the cleaned and polished spaces we sometimes see here, and I'm so digging the microwave, but.. well.. maybe it's the paper towel roll that just sends me over the top and makes me laugh. I love it, and now I really want a mini fridge and a microwave in my home office. Hi, my name is Skyghene im a 65 undead rogue on Magtheridon and this is my WoWspace:- Desk- Custom built computer- Fridge under the desk for those endurance sessions- Microwave beside computer for really intense endurance sessions- brown sugar cinnamon poptarts to keep me going- Logitech g15 keyboard- My desk as it slowly bends downward from all the weight on it- Razer copperhead mouse- alot of empty cups- old plates- my cell phone- an old video camera- old packs of guitar strings- some old usb cablesShort and sweet from Skyghene, but the photos really make up for the lack of long monologue, don't they? What's the coolest non-computer item in your WoWspace? Do you have something better than a microwave or a bar fridge? Let us know here, and send in YOUR space, including photos, a list of elements, and what about it makes it special to you, and we'll feature it here in the upcoming weeks. Submit yours to "readerwowspace at gmail dot com" today!
Reader WoWspace of the Week: March 7 - 20
This week, Ben sends in some interesting images, and writes: I've been tempted to send in a shot of my workspace for a few weeks now after seeing the WoWSpaces of the week, and now I guess I've gotten around to it. So here 'goes, from left-ish to right: - my Logitech X-230 speakers- a note from my mom congratulating me on the arrival of my new PC- a newspaper clipping about DST changes- under that, a greeting card and some weird round orange post-its- my television remote - cream soda x2 (awwww yeah)- a J!NX bumper sticker (yep, it's stuck on right on there)- a page from an old Nintendo Power magazine about Ken from Street Fighter II- partially under that, my DS charger
