Sunday, 29 April 2012

Unboxing the Roccat Savu [Photos + First Impressions]


If you haven't heard about the Roccat Savu before, it's a medium-sized gaming mouse which aims to achieve both performance and fancy features in one robust design. Along with it is also the debut of a one-of-a-kind, world-first gaming mouse 'stats-system', particularly named as the Roccat Achievement Display. The Roccat Savu was unveiled back in February and is set for an official release on May 1st; however, Roccat was really kind to allow us a review unit before its launch but before that, let's start unboxing it! :D


I particularly like the 'spark' on the cover design, but the quality of the packaging could honestly have been much better and firmer as it can be squashed if you exert a big force on it. However, it will definitely not affect the mouse though so no worries. (:


The side of it showing its specs and packaging contents.


And the top of the box....


The bottom of the box...
"Combine your strengths into a seamless unit operating in perfect harmony - and watch the sparks fly"
- Dr. Erik J. Dale, Roccat Scientist.
Now you've seen it's overall packaging, let's dig in deeper and find out what's inside!

Wednesday, 25 April 2012

PlayStation (PS) Vita to Finally Launch in Malaysia on May 9th.


After about 4 months since its initial launch in Japan and about 2 months after the launch in Singapore, Malaysia finally gets the PlayStation Vita, officially.

In a press release, Sony Computer Entertainment Hong Kong announced that the PlayStation Vita (PS Vita) will be officially released in Malaysia on the 9th of May. However, it seems that only the Wi-Fi model will be available, and would be retailing at RM1,099.

Sony will also be allowing pre-orders for the PS Vita Value Pack, which consists of Unchartered: Golden Abyss and ModNation Racers: Road Trip, from the 30th of April; as well as offering a PSN exclusive Escape Plan at its designated Sony outlets.

In conjunction with the official release, Sony have also announced that they will be holding a launch event on the 9th of May and a roadshow till the 13th at Pavillion Shopping Mall for everyone to have a shot at the rather highly-anticipated portable game console.

[Source: PlayStation Asia (Malaysia)]
PlayStation®Vita Official Launch Event and Roadshow
Date: 9th May 2012 (Launch event), 10th -13th May 2012 ( Public Roadshow)
Time: 4pm – 7pm (9th May)/ 10am – 10pm (10th – 13th May)
Venue: Pavilion Shopping Mall
Special Offer : Purchase PS Vita WiFi model can get special premium PSN Exclusive Game – Escape Plan (Chinese + English Version) and PS Vita Limited Tee
*(First come, first served)


If you like what you read, give us a like! (:

Tuesday, 24 April 2012

The Roccat Savu, all the way from Taiwan to Malaysia


Roccat has been very kind to ship it's latest Roccat Savu, a medium-sized hybrid gaming mouse, all the way from Taiwan to Malaysia. So yes, watch this space for more unboxings and reviews on the all-new Roccat Savu. Subscribe, follow, like!


[UPDATE]
Roccat Savu, Unboxed

Monday, 23 April 2012

Introducing Roccat Savu + Roccat Achievements Display


If you've never heard of Roccat gaming gears before, it's big time you should. Roccat is a Euro-based company which entered the scene in 2007 with its Roccat Kone, it's first gaming mouse, and has since launched a few products ranging from headgears to gaming keyboards. Though not as big as Razer or Steelseries yet, it is gaining popularity as it expands around the globe and reaching towards the Asian market.

In February, the company unveiled it's latest innovation - the Roccat Savu, a medium-sized gaming mouse which aims to blend performance and fancy features in a robust, ergonomic design.It is equipped with its advanced Pro Optic sensor, delivering up to 4000 dpi optical sensor power which empowers pin-point accuracy and ultra-precise feedback.

The Roccat Savu also comes with its Easy-Shift [+] technology which acts as two sets of functions for each mouse buttons including the scroll wheel, thus essentially transforming a 7-button mouse into a 12-button one without any unnecessary cluster. As it allows you to switch between functions, it also enables the instant change between dpi settings. This is particularly useful in FPS games when you are in sniper mode and you can automatically reduce the settings to suit the situation.

At the same time, the Roccat Savu features a lighting system which is adjustable through 16.8 million colours. Sounds kinds Tron-ish, maybe?


But ultimately, it is its all-new, one-of-a-kind, world-first Roccat Achievement Display R.A.D that makes the cut for the Roccat Savu. You know the many "stats and achievements" systems out there, mainly for online games and even like Game Center of iOS devices? Well, the R.A.D is basically that except that is is specifically tailored to track the 'stats' of the Roccat Savu.

Yeap, you heard me right. It's to track your all-time gaming feats like mouse movement, button clicks and scroll steps which can essentially provide a range of statistics and analysis of your gaming. Though it may or may not exactly help you, it will surely provide you a hell lot of new, entertainment besides gaming itself as it rewards you with trophies and achievements, and also allows you to show them off on Facebook. I mean, just imagine you showing off your level 10000 "scrolling abilities" to your friends. LOL.

Anyway, pretty fancy stuff there especially the Roccat Achievement Display. Stay tuned here for a review and unboxing of the Roccat Savu. "Like" our Facebook page below to see our review as soon as it is up, and would appreciate it too. Happy gaming! (:

*Roccat Savu is available start May 1.
*If you are from Malaysia/Singapore, the official distributor is Answer Sdn.Bhd.

New Call of Duty (Black Ops 2) To Be Revealed May 1st [UPDATED]


Like it or not, the Call of Duty franchise is here to stay and Activision has made a point to ensure so. The company has recently updated their official Call of Duty website, confirming that it will be unveiling yet another new title on May 1 to the already rather saturated franchise.

Though not exactly confirmed, all evidence, including rumours, are pointing towards a Black Ops sequel. On it's official website, it is encoded with a meta description "...Black Ops is a trademark of Activision Publishing, Inc...", but said nothing about Modern Warfare or possibly a new title, so it is highly expected that the new Call of Duty title will be Black Ops 2.

But question is, are you as hype about it as before? 


[UPDATE]
Check out the first trailer and read my thoughts about it here. (:

Sunday, 22 April 2012

Samsung Galaxy Note to get 4.0 ICS update soon with Premium Suite [UPDATE]


Since Samsung unveiled the Galaxy Note, it has created a brand new trend of what they call the "phablets" - a bigger than usual smartphone size and smaller than usual tablet size gadget with a stylus for added features.

Now, everyone's wanting, and expecting an update from Samsung for their Galaxy Notes to go from Gingerbread 2.3 to the not-so-new-anymore Ice Cream Sandwhich (ICS) 4.0 Android Operating System.

And very recently, Samsung put up a short video on such an update, along with some insight to their new "Premium Suite" which very possibly, suggesting that the ICS update every Galaxy Note owners have been waiting for is imminent.

From the video, we can see that the update, along with the Premium Suite, will offer exclusive S Pen optimized applications, enhanced multimedia features and of course, Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich. Also, the S Note, an unique tool that combines your notes and sketches with other digital content, will give you a new, more innovative way of added functionality. Some including formula-match functions, instant digitization of tables and grids, and knowledge search engines.


[UPDATE]
Samsung Galaxy Note now officially gets ICS 4.0 update. Check your system status and update now! (:

Saturday, 21 April 2012

Diablo 3 Open Beta Weekend Announced, Download Now


That's right, for those who haven't gained access to the beta of Diablo 3 but desperately wants to, here's your chance. Blizzard recently announced that today (April 20) would be the start of the Diablo 3 open beta weekend, and they will open the doors to anyone with a Battle.net account, especially the many diehard fans out there.

The open beta weekend, as its name suggests, will be opened for this weekend only (duhh) and will end on April 23, 10am PDT in which you will be able to play the five heroic classes up to level 13. However, do be prepared for (if any) lag or glitches because after all, it's primarily still in beta.

To join the open beta (I know you desperately want to) now, simply:
1) Login or create a Battle.net account here.
2) Create your BattleTag if you haven't had one.
3) Download the beta client and you're set to go!

Related stories:
-Asiasoft to hold official Diablo 3 launch event in Singapore, Funan IT Mall.
-How you can pre-order Diablo 3 if you're from South Eash Asia.
PS. Diablo 3 beta ends on May 1 while Diablo 3 releases May 15.

Thursday, 19 April 2012

iPhone 5 Spotted In China, Now Edible With Internet Explorer


Rumours have it that the iPhone 5 will have a larger screen; wait, or is it smaller? Anyway, none of that matters anymore as the "real" iPhone 5 has recently been spotted in its manufacturing country itself - China! Oh, and if you're still wondering where the heck the iPhone 5 (picture) is, it's just the one above. New packaging, new language, new shape - perfect, awesome.

It's an ice cream btw. But one would, under normal circumstances, usually expect such a remodeled "iPhone 5" to bring an "Apple" taste or sort. But well, looks like the owner decided to add a touch of "Mango" in it.  *Hints Windows Phone 7.5 OS* 

To reinforce his preference, note how the Internet Explorer is the main browser?

[Source: Weibo via Rocketnews24]

Wednesday, 18 April 2012

Introducing Dishonored. Think, Deus Ex + Assassins Creed


The developers of Skyrim brings you their latest, all-new debut of Dishonored - set in Dunwall, an industrial whaling city where strange technology and otherworldly mysticism coexist in the shadows. I don't think there's an exact genre but judging from the trailer, it would be a stealthy, steampunk, assassin-like action game so we would like to think along the lines of Deus Ex and Assassins Creed; which would definitely be something to hype for.

"Dishonored casts you as a supernatural assassin driven by revenge. You are the once-trusted bodyguard of the beloved Empress. Framed for her murder, you become an infamous assassin, known only by the disturbing mask that has become your calling card. In a time of uncertainty, when the city is being besieged by plague and ruled by an oppressive government armed with strange technologies, dark forces conspire to bestow upon you abilities beyond those of any common man.

In Dishonored, creatively eliminate your targets with the flexible combat system as you combine the numerous supernatural abilities, weapons and unusual gadgets at your disposal. Pursue your enemies under the cover of darkness or ruthlessly attack them head on with weapons drawn. The outcome of each mission plays out based on the choices you make."

Developer: Arkane Studios
Release: 2012
Platform: PS3/X360/PC
Publisher: Bethesda Softworks

Visit the official website here.

Hands-on the Razer Blade. Portability + Performance?


The Razer Blade is Razer's latest and first flagship gaming laptop featuring the latest Intel Core i7 and a Nvidia GeForce graphics processor, on an impressive 17.3 inch display, only 0.88 inches thin and weights at a mere 6.4lbs. Evidently, it aims to achieve the optimum portability while correctly balancing it with top-notch gaming performance.

Also, arguably it's most significant and distinct feature is its Switchblade User Interface, which functions in two modes: one mode that displays in-game information when a mouse is in use; and another mode that functions as an ultra-sensitive, multi-touch track-panel designed solely to accommodate portable  gaming experience.

Taken from their official website, it strives to be "the best gaming experience on-the-go with true portability, incredible performance, and all-new revolutionary user interface". Looking at its specs, it definitely sounds extremely portable though we would like to try its performance for ourselves. Unfortunately, we are unable to get hold of one yet, due do location (it's not available in Malaysia yet) and price factor. BTW, it sells at a whopping $2800 (or RM8400 in Malaysia).

Anyway, here's a short clip from Razer's CEO Min-Liang Tan himself playing Skyrim at its highest settings as he travels through the clouds 35,000 feet high.


"The Razer Blade's 0.88" thinness and 6.6 pounds means true gaming anytime, anywhere." 
-Min-Liang Tan, CEO, Creative Director of Razer
Do you agree? And if you could, are you willing to fork out that sum of money for the Razer Blade? For me, I'll just wait until it comes to Malaysia. (:

Monday, 16 April 2012

Playable Nintendo Controller Coffee Table Up for Sale


Just look at that, a full-sized coffee table made out of maple, mahagony, walnut and all the other wood, and it completely works as a controller! It's up for sale for a whopping $3500 (RM11000 in Malaysia!) at Etsy and though it's only a NES controller now, they are saying that there might eventually be one for the Wii. Would that be even possible? Well, swinging a coffee table is definitely out of question though. Anyway, if you could, would you actually want to get this?



Got my beta key, downloading Dota 2...


So yes, this is what I'm currently (and finally) playing now. If you haven't received any invites to its beta yet, I may be giving some out pretty soon so stay tuned! Meanwhile, like our Facebook page just beloww. Cheers!

Sunday, 15 April 2012

Halo 4: Composing the Sounds [Videos + Sample Soundtracks]

Master Chief is set to be back and together with it must definitely be accompanied with big sounds and huge themes. So here's the first preview on the haunting and compelling music of Halo 4, composed by Neil Davidge and his team at the world famous Abbey Road Studios in London while they discuss on their approach to creating the soundtrack.



Now that you've heard what Davidge and his team have said, here's a special sample mixed together from two different Halo 4 music tracks. Enjoy and be immersed!



Saturday, 14 April 2012

How to be a real Skyrim dragonborn? With Kinect integration on Xbox [Video + Features]


Following the huge success of the 5th Elder Scrolls, or more mainstream-ly known as Skyrim, game developers Bethesda Softworks has decided to add a Kinect integration to the massively open-world adventure game.

Though this integration doesn't include you physically moving your body to explore the game (which you definitely will tire considering the fact that the world of Skyrim is crazily-unending), or swing your arms to kill (like a complete retard) so thank god for this, it still allows you to employ what we call the voice-recognition system.

Yeap, that's right. The developers know you love their dragon shouts so much that they now want you to scream them out literally. So the next time you're killing some dragon, just shout till your lungs out and FUS RO DAH that huge-ass monster far far away; of course, just make sure your parents, siblings or roommates aren't watching you or in this case, able to hear your crazy chants. Also, make sure you shut your windows and doors or your neighbours may think there's some psychopath in your house. Just do take note of that yea. (:


Here's what you may think you're doing while FUS RO DAh-ing.

Well anyway, besides the dragon shouts (not only FUS RO DAH), it also features more that 200 voice commands. Some including:

  • Hotkey Equipping
  • Follower Commands
  • Menus
  • Change of weapons
  • Quick load/quick save
  • Maps
  • Sorting of inventory items by name, weight and value.

To get an early look at how Skyrim will work with Kinect, watch the video below featuring the preliminary concept for the Kinect for Xbox 360 support.



Ok. Quick question. Seriously, what's your thought on this whole "interactive" concept of Kinect with Skyrim. Is it just plain ridiculous? Or it may actually turn out kinda fun?

Thursday, 12 April 2012

Razer to Sponsor and Help Develop E-Sports in Malaysia

Razer, known most profoundly for its gaming peripherals, is also a large supporter in the e-sports scene - having sponsored and nurtured various teams from all around the world under their Team Razer program. Closer to home, Orange eSports is already part of the team and it sure looks like they won't be the only Malaysian team anymore.

Razer's CEO, Co-Founder and Creative Director Min-Liang Tan
Co-founder of Razer Min-Liang Tan recently shared in a statement that the company is interested, and will be further developing the e-sports scene in Malaysia. In his own words:
“There is still so much room for the Malaysian e-Sports community and industry as a whole to grow. Razer is looking forward to equip more aspiring Malaysian gamers with our gaming-grade hardware and provide the financial support so that they can focus on their gaming and dominate the global gaming arena.”
- Min-Liang Tan, Co-founder, CEO and Creative Director of Razer.
To further reinforce his plans, CEO Min-Liang Tan himself will be personally visiting Malaysia this weekend (14th of April) to meet the local growing gaming scene, as well as for the PIKOM PC Fair at KL Convention Centre

Also, on a similar note, he will have an exclusive Meet and Greet session and the first 10 in line to meet him (more specifically starting at 1pm) will walk home with 5 exclusive Signature Edition Razer DeathAdders and 5 Signature Edition Ironclads. Sure sounds like incentive, isn't it? Nevermind if you can't make it to the first 10 but if you visit Razer's booth, you will still pick up some special Razer swag like drinking flasks, beanies and even bandannas, which will all be autographed by Tan himself!

Anyway, Razer's interest in the development of the Malaysian e-sports scene will surely open up more opportunities to aspiring competitive gamers, which we definitely already have world-class standards. So if you're interested and would really like to join Team Razer, visiting Razer's booth this weekend will be one of your stepping stone. So all the best fellas! :D

*More information on the Official Razer Malaysia Fan Club and Min-Liang Tan page.
*Aspiring competitive/e-sports gamers can also visit team.razerzone.com for more details.

Wednesday, 11 April 2012

Updated Instagram for Android Now Works With HTC One X


If you've noticed, it's pretty amazing how Instagram first advertised its Android version using a HTC One X Model (as above) without having support for the device yet. Ironic much?

Well, anyway, if you're a proud owner of the all-new HTC One X (which I'm very jealous of as it looks amazingly beautiful) and am desperately wanting to use Instagram, here's the good new for you. Instagram for Android recently updated to version 1.0.4 - adding supports for all Tegra 3 devices, which of course includes the HTC One X. (:

BTW, look me up at @theshadowgamer on Instagram!
Source: Google Play Store: Instagram for Android

Monday, 9 April 2012

Asiasoft to Officially Launch Diablo 3 in Singapore, Funan IT Mall. [Details]


After years of speculation and deliberation, the highly-anticipated Diablo 3 will finally make its way here - set to arrive on the 15th of May. And to celebrate that moment, Asiasoft has decided to hold an official launch event of the Diablo 3 as representative of the South East Asia Region.

The launch event will be held in Singapore, Funan IT Mall, and as announced on their fb page:

  • All pre-ordered sets from authourised retailers can be collected at the event.
  • There's goodies to be won at the event for all who pre-order, such as a really sweet Steel Series Diablo III mousepad, along with other merchandise!
  • There'll also be other partner stalls like Jinx and Steel Series offering items like Diablo clothes and D3 mouse/headsets.

[UPDATE]
More details at their official page here.

Also, mind if we get a "like" on our Facebook Page? #shamelesspromotion (:

Saturday, 7 April 2012

Instagram for Android: 'Photo is too small' Error, Fixed


If you haven't heard about it yet, the extremely popular photo sharing app Instagram, which was previously only exclusive for iOS users, has very recently came onto Android. Generally, it received a similarly tremendous support from the Android users, except some or two who experienced slight problems.

One of the main problems surrounding the Instagram for Android version is that whenever an image is uploaded onto the app, the result given is that "the photo is too small". Basically, it means that the resolution of the picture taken is too small; but even when you increase the resolution of the photo, to the max, it'll still give you an error message.


Fortunately, it's only a bug from the newly-released app; so if you have been experiencing such problems, simply go to the Google Play Store and update it to the latest version of 1.0.3. It should be fine after that. (:

[LATEST]
If you are an owner of the HTC One X or any Tegra 3 devices, the latest update 1.0.4 now adds support for your device. More Android Instagrammers :D

Kia Rio and Spotify Launches "Best Songs with your Windows Down" Playlist

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of Kia Rio. All opinions are 100% mine.

Drivers, motor-enthusiasts, music-lovers, this will be one you wouldn't want to miss. Kia Motors have recently teamed up with Spotify, aiming to complete it's"Best Songs with your Windows Down" playlist which will be featured and promoted on the Spotify application.

I found this idea pretty cool, a different spin from the uninspiring campaigns launched by some other motor companies rather lately. Anyway, back to the playlist, it aims to compile some of the best music to play when you are on the road. The playlist can be compiled by anyone, anywhere in the world after a review process. Therefore, its quite like a voting system where anyone can submit in their favourite songs, which will then be enjoyed by Spotify-ers around the world.

To be part of this campaign and contribute your share to the playlist, simply visit Kia Rio's Facebook Page, search for your song, enter your email and click on the "submit" button! Easy just like that. (:


So yes, it's entirely up to you on what songs you would like to submit but for me, I've been kinda addicted to "We Are Young", especially it's Glee version so here's my contribution. PS. if you haven't heard of the song before, you really should.

Now after you submitted your song/songs, head up to Spotify (you will have to download it if you haven't) to enjoy the playlist for FREE. Oh also, try checking out the playlist everyday, and you may just discover more amazing songs out there.

By the way, the Kia Rio features the latest Voice-Activated UVO Infotaintment System powered by Microsoft, which allows you to use the sound of your voice to adjust your phone controls and audio experience; and of course, enjoy the "Best Songs with your Windows Down" playlist while you are driving. Wonderful.
Visit Sponsor's Site

Friday, 6 April 2012

White Nokia Lumia 800 Available in Malaysia Now


The Nokia Lumia 800, together with its lower-ranged counterpart 710, was released in Malaysia about two months back. However, Nokia only offered three colours then: black, cyan (blue), and magenta (pinkish-red), but promised that its white version would still come to Malaysia. Well, the day has finally come.

Not really sure about the other papers but if you subscribe to The Star, Nokia advertised the announcement on today's (6 April 2012) Star 2/R.AGE section, Page 5.

The White version of the Nokia Lumia 800 will be available at all authorized Nokia Store in Malaysia. And now that the White Lumia 800 is released, I might just change my mind on getting it, rather than the Cyan one. Any suggestions?

Source: The Star via Instagram

Thursday, 5 April 2012

Special Edition Xbox 360 Chrome Series Controllers Coming Soon


Microsoft, via Major Nelson's blog, recently announced the latest addition to the Xbox 360 special edition line-ups. And if you're one who love shiny stuff, this would be the controller you are looking for. These limited edition chrome series comes in three chrome-tastic colours: blue, red and silver, though colour availability may vary by region when it starts retailing.

The controller will be priced around US$54.99 (RM165) and should start shipping mid-May. Though none of our local retailers in Malaysia have mentioned anything about them yet, I'm pretty sure the special editions will come so don't just get worried yet.

Xbox 360 Special Edition Chrome Series
Visit xbox.com/accessories for more details.

Tuesday, 3 April 2012

Instagram Finally Comes to Android, Downloadable Now!


Yes, that's right. Instagram is now on android, finally.

Features:
☆ 100% free custom designed filters and borders
☆ Lux works its magic by making your photos more vibrant and brings out details in your photos you couldn't see before
☆ Instant sharing to Facebook, Twitter, Tumblr, and Foursquare (Flickr coming very soon)
☆ Interact with friends through giving & receiving likes and comments
☆ Works with Android versions 2.2 and above that support OpenGL ES 2
☆ Full front & back camera support



Download it from the Google Play Store here.

[UPDATE]
Instagram for Android hits 1Million users in under 24 hours, are you one of them?
BTW, find me at: theshadowgamer (:

Most Detailed Halo Infographics Revealed, Compiled Since 2004

Halo 4's newly-designed Master Chief
Since the first Halo release in 2001, the extremely-popular series have became almost synonymous with the Xbox and Xbox 360 - being an exclusive game on the console and also one of the most highly-anticipated games of all time. However, little did we know that its popularity, and its playability, is THAT extremely-insane.

As community manager DeeJ aptly puts it,
"We have followed your careers with great interest here on Bungie.net, and you have gifted us a mountain of heroic moments to memorialize."