Dhani Harrison wants advanced peripherals, ability to teach how to play real music

Ever since the emergance of Guitar Hero III: Legends of Rock, the music gaming genre has grown more and more popular, especially within the casual/family market. Not trying to delve too much into the history of modern rhythm games, it started out with the ability of just playing guitar, followed then by the inclusion of drums and vocals in Harmonix's Rock Band, which was then applied to the Guitar Hero series with the launch of Guitar Hero: World Tour.

At this point, there is little the game developers can do to try and trump eachother in the gaming market, producing various spin-offs such as Van Halen, Metallica and The Beatles and downright gimmicks like the recent LEGO Rock Band. However, Dhani Harrison, who was consulted on the development of The Beatles Rock Band, is said to have stayed on to help the team with Rock Band 3, saying:

"I'm working on Rock Band 3 and making the controllers more real so people can actually learn how to play music while playing the game.

"Give me a couple years, it's going to happen."

If Harmonix truly are making an experience which is the closest to playing real-life instruments, it will be very intruiging to see how Rock Band 3 shapes up, and how well it sells. The classic rhythm based formula has yet to let the developers down, but taking one step towards realism is maybe just what the genre needs, even it does mean a horde of angry Rock Band fans moaning about buying yet another peripheral.

Facebook users REALLY love Guitar Hero

How does one measure success?  By the number of Facebook fans you accumulate, of course!  And Activision isn't at all ashamed of their following, now over a million strong.

Since the first Guitar Hero, more than 38 million GH games have been sold globablly, including 7 million in 2009 alone.  Guitar Hero 5 has been doing rather well, of course, further padding the franchise's longevity and Bobby Kotick's pockets.

However, those figures can't compare to the series' popularity on social networking site Facebook, where it has attracted more than one million "fans."  If you have an account, you can basically become a "fan" of certain groups focused around products, ideas or people.  Guitar Hero has more of these virtual groupies now than any other video game featured on Facebook.

Hey, whatever makes Activision happy.  If they're proud of their Facebook achievements then good on them!  Yeah...

What a deal

Probably most people would consider any mouse over $50 as 'expensive.' But what about paying $1200 USD for a mouse?

While it might not be for everyone (or hardly anyone at all), the titanium mouse does look really slick. Made by the folks at Intelligent Design, the "ID Mouse" was shown off at a conference called Dutch Design Week 2009.

Featuring the only scroll wheel made out of neodymium, the ID Mouse is a wireless, Bluetooth-compatible mouse that uses a laser tracker, and is suitable for both right-handers and left-handers. You can even get the mouse in two different shades to match your unbelievably expensive computer: it comes in either white or black. 

The ID Mouse requires two AAA batteries. Hopefully your first set of batteries comes 'free' with this $1200 mouse. 

(By the way: if you like mice -- and who doesn't these days -- then watch out for our upcoming review of the more reasonably priced Razer DeathAdder gaming mouse, coming soon.)

Attractive gaming mouse gets a 3500dpi sensor

Razer's DeathAdder has been a solid-selling gaming mouse for about three years now. So, the gamer-friendly company has decided it is time for a little upgrade.

Previously, DeathAdder had a capable 1800dpi sensor on it -- which is good, but not as high-end as it once was. So Razer is upping the ante by nearly doubling the sensitivy of the sensor, with a 3500dpi infrared unit.

Besides this sensor upgrading, the update of the DeathAdder will also bring a better, tangle-free braided cord.

“The DeathAdder is undoubtedly one of Razer’s best selling gaming mice,” says Robert “Razerguy” Krakoff, President of Razer. “To date, the Razer DeathAdder has served the gaming community for a good 3 years and with all the advances in sensor technology, we put our sensor scientists and engineers to task to imbue it with the most precise infrared sensor in the world – but at the same time maintain the specially designed form factor that gamers have come to know and love.”

The DeathAdder 2.0* is available today directly from Razer's website, and will make into hardware stores near the end of this month. It retails for about $60 USD.

Here are some technical specs:

Technical Specifications

• 3500dpi Razer Precision™ 3.5G infrared sensor
• Ergonomic right-handed design
• 1000Hz Ultrapolling™ / 1ms response
• Five independently programmable Hyperesponse™ buttons
• On-The-Fly Sensitivity™ adjustment
• Always-On™ mode
• Ultra-Large non-slip buttons
• 16-bit ultra-wide data path
• 60–120 inches per second and 15g of acceleration
• Zero-Acoustic Ultraslick™ Teflon® feet
• Gold-Plated USB connector
• Seven-Foot, lightweight, braided fiber cable
• Approx. size in mm: 128(L) x 70(W) x 42.5(H)

* just made that '2.0' thing up myself. They aren't calling it that.

Wii Remote assists yet again

Until now, hologram technology has been "for the eyes only", as Tokyo university professor Hiroyuki Shinoda puts it, but he and his team have advanced it to incorporate a sense of touch, making what we'd previously only known in science fiction much closer to a mass reality.

Ultrasonic waves are used in order to create pressure on the user hand when it touches a hologram; Nintendo Wii Remotes, which have long been used for various technological advances, are mounted above the display area and are used to track the hand.

At this point only simple objects have been tried in testing, but the researchers are already planning for virtual switches at hospitals and in other areas where contamination is a worry.

Shinoda went so far as to say the technology could replace other physical objects, which would bring great benefits to the economy and environment.

Grab some Windows 7 features early

Newly available from Microsoft is a Platform Update for the Windows Vista users out there; the public beta package incorporates a multitude of features from Windows 7 into Vista, a testament to just how similar the architecture between the two operating systems is. A final version of this update will be available to Vista users later this year.

Below is a description of the items included; those most notable to our readers will probably be DirectX 11 support (just in time for the new update) and the Portable Devices Platform.

To acquire the update, grab the Vista script through the Microsoft Download Center linked below, then load up Windows Update to fetch the new content.

• Windows Graphics, Imaging, and XPS Library

The Windows Graphics, Imaging, and XPS library contains the latest advancements in modern graphics technologies for gaming, multimedia, imaging and printing applications. It includes updates to DirectX to support hardware acceleration for 2D, 3D and text based scenarios; DirectCompute for hardware accelerated parallel computing scenarios; and XPS Library for document printing scenarios.

• Windows Automation API

The Windows Automation API allows accessibility tools and test automations to access Windows user interface in a consistent way across operating system versions.

• Windows Portable Devices Platform

The Windows Portable Devices (WPD) Platform supplies the infrastructure to standardize data transfers between an application and a portable device, such as a mobile phone, digital camera, or portable media player.

• Windows Ribbon and Animation Manager Library

The Windows Ribbon and Animation Manager Library includes contains the Windows Ribbon API, a command framework that enables developers to quickly and easily create rich ribbon experiences in their applications, and the Windows Animation Manager API, an animation framework for managing the scheduling and execution of user interface element animations.

It's real squishy

First Sony with its laugh detector, Nintendo with its Vitality Sensor, and now another weird one: a Wii football controller.

This one is confirmed via a newly filed patent application by Nintendo of America's VP of R&D Howard Cheng, which reveals plans for a "soft" football controller used like a regular football. The angle and force of the throw are detected, as are side-to-side motions, determing the yaw angle; the running functionality sees it take a step into Natal territory, as it can sense body motion -- shift left or right to dodge the opposition, jump by raising the ball, and run by jogging (speed is detected).

Both the nunchuk and WiiMotionPlus are possible additions, the former which would improve sensitivity, the latter, orientation and detection ability.

Nintendo already has a line-up of sports controllers -- do you think the football controller would be a good addition? Either way, they're at least halfway to Natal if this comes to fruition.

$111 worth of discounts, plus a few MIRs

Many manufacturers teamed up to offer customers a mega bundle deal on an AMD Dragon Platform computer, available on Newegg.com. It comprises eight, yes eight components. In other words, what you get is a complete PC. The only thing left to do is build it.

This computer sets you at a not too shabby $679.88 after MIRs, or $719.88 without. Moreover, you get free shipping on this large package. Buying each part separately would cost you $831.81 and most probably a somewhat steep shipping cost.

With the already awesome price/performance ratio of the dragon platform, this deal just make it even more attracting. Don't miss out on it!

Ergonomic design with 5600 DPI twin-laser sensors

First seen at Computex 2009 in Taipei, Cooler Master has announced the official release of the Sentinel Advance gaming mouse as part of its CM Storm line of products. The Sentinel Advance sports an ergonomic shape for a solid grip and detailed control. Cooler Master says the Sentinel was two years in the making and comes with lots of features that classifies it as a "professional grade gaming mouse" - pretty hefty marketing-speak so let's see what's under the hood.

First up is the twin-laser optical sensor which gives the Sentinel Advance 5600 DPI sensitivity. Cooler Master also reports it uses Doppler Effect processing (I'm not sure what that really means but it sounds cool) along with real-time tracking in place of software prediction to ensure the utmost in accuracy for those in-game head shots.

To make full use of the functionality the Sentinel Advance comes with a GUI that allows you to build profiles that include sensitivity ranges, rapid fire modes, macros, and scripts which can then be stored in the mouse's 64K onboard memory. With room for up to five different profiles, the mouse can be used on any computer without having to install additional software.

The Sentinel Advance can be further customized to fit the individual user's preferences starting with the weight system, which allow you to fine-tune the total weight of your mouse in increments of 4.5 grams, with an effective range of 0-22.5 grams. The mouse also features Octoshade LED Technology which allows you to adjust the LED colors to identify different profiles or just for a little added style. The mouse also comes with a miniature OLED screen so you can upload a clan image or possibly the logo of your favorite web site like Neoseeker. In case your new mouse creates a little too much temptation in the have-nots, it also comes with the StormGuard security solution which protects it from being stolen at LAN parties or other public venues.

With all this excitement around the release, Cooler Master neglected to tell us anything about availability or pricing. In the meantime you can check out some additional images below.

There has been a leak

There has been a bit of a mix-up, and a retailer has released details of an upcoming Microsoft PC product prematurely. We have not signed any NDA's on the product, so hopefully they will not be upset if we tell you about it.

It's called the Microsoft LifeCam Cinema USB Webcam. Basically, it is high-definition webcam. No more squiggles and 320x320 images for you -- with this thing, you could actually film a decent-looking home movie if you wanted.

The specifications for the unannounced product went up on website Play.com, and website the Inquirer take a screenshot before the page was taken down.

The 720p HD webcam is selling to Euro-folk for 90.99. That is about $130. If you are a big fan of chatting online, than $130 sounds like a fair price to pay for the high-quality streaming of videos of your friends, family, and random Internet'ers you meet in shady chat groups. 

Designed for high-end, multi-GPU systems

Topower has introduced a new power supply targeted toward high-end systems running multiple graphics cards. The Tiger 1200W modular power supply is Nvidia SLI certified and is designed to power Nvidia’s 295 GTX in quad configuration as well as AMD’s most powerful graphics cards.

One of the unique features of the Tiger 1200W is that it offers six +12V power rails rated at 20A each but also has a feature where you can switch over to single rail mode if desired. The modular cables feature Topower's Plug-N-Twist connectors to make managing cable connections easier and come with REMI coating to reduce EMI interference from other hardware components.

Other features include 12 SATA power leads with the ability to easily convert any unused connectors to 4-pin Molex connectors. The unit also comes with a 120mm thermally controlled fan for maximum cooling while keeping noise levels to a minimum. Making use of all that power is made a little more environmentally friendly by the fact that the power supply comes with an 80 PLUS certification meaning it is over 80% efficient at a full range of load ratings.

The Tiger 1200W is available now online and can be found for around $259.99US.

High-efficiency units carry 80 PLUS Gold certifications

OCZ technology has announced its new Z-series power supplies that offer a combination of high performance and high efficiency. The series consists of the Z1000 (1000W) and Z850 (850W) units that are offered in both standard and modular formats. Both the z850 and z100 meet the 80 PLUS Gold standard, meaning they operate at over 90% efficiency at typical load ratings.

The Z-series units offer single +12V rails with enough power to meet the most demanding power budgets; the Z1000 is rated at 83A and the Z850 offers 71A. The units are certified at 50°C for those needing long-lasting, top-end performance for mission critical or high-end gaming systems. Each unit also offers active PFC (.99PFC) for rock-solid power in a wide range of operating environments. A single 135mm double ball bearing thermal controlled fan keeps temperatures and noise under control.

OCZ backs each unit with a 5-year warranty and is currently available for $299.99 (Z1000M), $289.99 (Z1000), $239.99 (Z850M), and $219.99 (Z850).

Dual mode Bluetooth/wired laser mouse and Kabuto mouse mat

Razer has released two new products targeted at mobile gaming enthusiasts - the Razer Orochi Bluetooth laser mouse and a microfiber gaming mouse mat dubbed the Kabuto.

The Razer Orochi is equipped with a 4000dpi 3G laser sensor and dual mode wire/wireless functionality allowing gamers to gain precision , control and increased accuracy. Additional features like support for Bluetooth 2.0 connectivity, its seven programmable buttons, on board memory and ambidextrous design make it an ideal companion for gamers. Mobile users will also appreciate its 1-3 month battery life

The Kabuto gaming surface is the companion product released in conjunction with the Orochi. Made of ultra-thin microfiber, the Kabuto is a soft gaming mouse mat designed to offer a consistent glide and has a high grip rubber base to prevent it from sliding around.

The Orochi mouse will first be available mid-August via the Razer web site with world wide availability in September for $79.99 in the US and in Europe for €79.99. The Kabuto gaming surface is expected to be available worldwide in August for $19.99/€19.99.

Written from scratch, lots of improvements for all your sweeping needs

If you don't like driver issues, Driver Sweeper is a free program we can wholly recommend using.

The long and short of it is before installing a new driver (like say, those new NVIDIA drivers released today), you uninstall the old ones, reboot, run Driver Sweeper to get rid of all the old bits lying around, then install the new set, thereby minimizing the possibility of any future conflicts or issues. We've been using it for some months now with only good results, so there's that.

Version 2.0 is released today, complete with an overhaul, Windows 7 support, lots of improvements and more. Grab it at Phyxion; link and changelog is below.

Driver Sweeper is completely rewritten from scratch at 2.0.0

• This version requires at least .NET 3.5 installed.
• UAC message requiring administrator access on Windows Vista and Windows 7 on startup if UAC is enabled.
• Resizable window.
• Lowered requirements to .NET 3.0.
• Windows 7 support.
  Only the final version is supported.
• Updated:
     - Improved ATi - Display cleaning.
     - Improved NVIDIA - Display cleaning.
     - Improved NVIDIA - PhysX cleaning.
     - Renamed AGEIA - PhysX to NVIDIA - PhysX
• Added many translations

New modular power supply certified 80 PLUS Silver

Overclockers and enthusiasts know that pushing a system to the absolute highest overclock possible requires more than just extreme cooling, it also requires a lot of skill and the absolute best components to handle the added strain. Two accomplished overclockers, Kingpin and Shamino, part of the EVGA overclocking team, set a new 3DMark world record June 27, 2009 using an Intel Xeon W3540 and a pair of NVIDIA GeForce GTX 295 videocards. Using liquid helium to cool the CPU down to around -240°C, the pair managed to push the CPU to 5.0969GHz. Kingpin and Shamino relied on SilverStone OP1200 and ST1500 power supplies to handle the extra power draw.

The newly released SilverStone Strider ST1500 is rated at 1500W continuous power at 40°C and is meant to handle the most demanding loads. With eight +12V rails rated at 25A (30A peak) with 100% modular cables it can provide all the power enthusiasts need and then some. The ST1500 has also achieved an 80 PLUS Silver certification with 85-88% efficiency across loads ranging from 20-100% and at 19dBA minimum, the 135mm fan keeps temperatures under control without creating a lot of noise.

1500W may seem like overkill to some, but for those reaching beyond the ordinary, it's nice to have the best without having to sacrifice efficiency and quiet operation.

Will feel like launching an entirely new system

Microsoft general manager Phil Spencer is hyped about Project Natal and wants gamers to feel the same.

According to Spencer, the Project Natal controller will effectively relaunch the Xbox 360 next year.  In fact, he's sure it will be as exciting as any new system launch.

“When Natal comes out it will feel like a new generation has arrived,” he said in an interview.  “I see it as like the launch of the Xbox 360 back in 2005 – there will be a launch portfolio of games to support it.”

Apparently, Spencer has been paying attention to the Internet, because he references a few well-circulated fears gamers have been expressing since Natal was announced at this year's E3.  As such, there will be no new hardware, contrary to what some unfounded rumors have suggested.

“Consumers don’t want another $400 box right now," Spencer stated. 

"We want consumers and developers to know that we are all going to make a huge return on that original investment in the 360 hardware – the one Microsoft made in building it, the one developers made in making games for it, and the investment consumers made in buying it.  In the current climate that's something people are going to appreciate."

As such, Spencer believes Natal will be successful as a perfect mix of content, software and hardware that should broaden the Xbox 360's already wide appeal.

“And it’s only year four for the 360. Look at the history of the industry, when does that happen? When before has there been a console that hasn’t peaked and is still growing in its fourth year?"

“Not just for games, but for media consumption as a whole”

Microsoft's planned hands-free controller Project Natal, planned for Xbox 360, is going to go beyond the realm of consoles as well as video games, according to a new interview with corporation founder Bill Gates.

By the sounds of it, we can expect the new technology to be Windows-capable, and to come with all sorts of functions. It's not too far off, either -- Gates notes it will happen in just over a year.

"[It's] not just for games, but for media consumption as a whole," he reveals. "If they connect it up to Windows PCs for interacting in terms of meetings, and collaboration, and communication, you put the camera in now it's a cool thing, and it's just an example where Microsoft research did the original stuff to show, with the depth information, something great could be done. Then both the Xbox guys and the Windows guys latched onto that and now even since they latched onto it the idea of how it can be used in the office is getting much more concrete, and is pretty exciting."

Gates later comments they're already using it in the Microsoft office on a Windows PC -- the way they see it, the question is "why not?"

It's not clear whether or not Natal will be used for PC gaming, but we're assuming so. Anyone else dreaming of a top of the line projector screen, 7.1 sound, Natal-based setup, and playing Mirror's Edge 3?

And you thought the Wii Remote was bad...

Do you remember when the Wii first came out and all the lawsuits that followed?  All because owners would not properly follow instructions!  Well, gaming accessories manufacturer CTA Digital has produced a new controller for the Wii, and it may prove even more hazardous than the original Wii Remote.  Yes, they have created a Wii Bowling Ball.

Sounds like trouble.  Their official website quotes the following, regarding proper product handling:

"This Wii peripheral is the first of its kind to be fashioned after an authentic bowling ball, turning your wii-mote into the optimum performance-enhancing accessory! To operate simply ...plug the three holes with your fingers, as you would a bowling ball. Lastly, make sure to wear the wrist strap securely around your wrist, this will prevent the ball from accidentally flying out of your hand...Even though holding and bowling the ball is so like-like[sic] to the actual sport, never, ever release the ball!!"

CTA Digital also stated they are not responsible for any damages caused by the bowling ball.  If this item actually takes off, you can bet we'll hear about more broken TVs and bruised bodies / egos in the coming months.

Nine dynamic OLED user-programmable hotkeys

OCZ Technology today announced the release of its Sabre multimedia keyboard featuring nine user-programmable OLED hotkeys and includes management software for programming their functionality. Each of the nine keys can convert a digital image or text into icons to uniquely identify individual functions. The main keyboard is backlit with amber LEDs and also features subtle blue sidelights for gaming in darkened environments.

The accompanying management software enables the user to map a set of commands to the hotkeys whether it be simple shortcuts or complex macros. The nine OLED keys' icons and functionality change based on the application being loaded. Launching your favorite first person shooter could trigger a previously programmed series of weapons and tools to be assigned to the hotkeys for example. No drivers are needed as the keyboard comes with its own onboard 128MB flash memory.

Although the obvious application is for gamers, OCZ is also touting the increased productivity possibilities to other users such as CAD professionals and other computer enthusiasts. The ergonomic keyboard is designed to last with keys having a 5-million cycle life and the tilted design and rubber-coated keys are made to give superior tactile feedback without the annoying 'click' sound some keyboards have. OCZ did not disclose availability or pricing.

Sort of like the PowerGlove -- well not really

A company called Iron Will Technologies has introduced a new method of controlling your gaming sessions. It is in the form of a glove. And it's called the Peregrine. Which is a bird. 

The idea is that you slip on the machine hand-washable glove, and with different movements, you can give up to 38 different commands, which you presumably map for keyboard keys.

The glove was the idea of a guy named Brent Baier, a Canadian hailing from Alberta. "I remember working in my run-down little apartment, toiling in obscurity, making prototypes out of Nike golf gloves, trying to perfect this crazy idea. There were many days spent wondering if it would become what I envisioned, but as I look at what the Peregrine has become today I hope that gamers everywhere will experience the same magic I felt years ago when I made my first prototype, holding my breath as I tapped my fingers and watched things happen at the slightest touch," says Brent, on the product's webpage.

Call me a pessimist, but I'm not too sure about this Peregrine thing. I would think that remembering many different small movements to do with your hand would be more difficult, more tiring and more annoying than just using what this product is trying to replace: the keyboard. I also imagine holding your hand up in the air for extended gaming sessions would make users once again reach for their old-school gaming keyboards. But perhaps Neoseeker we'll test this product out to see if these fears are realities that are merely misguided, misapprehensions.

From Peregrine's factsheet:

Features:

› Over 30 actions available at the touch of a finger
› Maximum comfort during long gaming sessions thanks to durable, flexible fabric construction and military-grade conductive traces
› Three sizes to fit the needs of gamers big and small
› Magnetic break-away USB pod so gamers aren’t leashed to their desks
› Customizable faceplate for a unique look
› Premium quality electronics and connectors to ensure a long lifespan
› Full compatibility with any PC game that uses the keyboard

Projected Availability and Pricing:
Pre-Order: Summer 2009, $99.95 USD / £60 GBP

Ships: Fall 2009, $129.95 USD / £79 GBP

Typical efficiency of 90.05% at 50% load

For those of you not familiar with it, the 80 PLUS is a incentive program funded by electric utilities to promote energy efficient power supplies with the goal of achieving a minimum of 80% efficiency at 50% of the power supply's rated output. More efficient units are awarded bronze, silver and gold ratings. In order to achieve a gold rating, a power supply must maintain a minimum 90% efficiency under a typical (50%) load.

Cooler Master is releasing an updated version of it UCP 900W PSU (Part Number RS-900-AAAA-A4) that has achieved 80 PLUS Gold certification with an typical efficiency of 90.05%. Overall, the UCP 900W has an average efficiency of 88.24%. This is Cooler Master's first unit to achieve the Gold level, a goal only 3% of the power supplies tested by the Electric Power Research Institute manage to achieve and Cooler Master plans to have the UCP 900W 80 Plus Gold PSU on display this week at Computex.

New products include Sentinel gaming mouse and CM Storm Battle Pads

Cooler Master is set to demo a full range of its products at Computex 2009 next week in Taipei. Cooler Master is certainly no stranger to Neoseeker readers as we've reviewed several of the company's cases including the recently released HAF 922 and its bigger brother, the HAF 932. Both will be on display with a live demo of the HAF 932 housing a quad graphic card system.

The CM Storm line of gaming products are slated to be on display including the CM Storm Sniper and CM Storm Scout cases. Cooler Master will also be showing several new additions to its product lineup including the the first gaming mouse from CM Storm, The Sentinel Advance featuring what Cooler Master calls "an ergonomic and muscle-forming shape". The Sentinel Advance has adjustable sensitivity levels and users will be able to create different profiles to be stored in the unit's internal memory. With a new mouse nothing beats a new mouse pad (excuse me, I mean 'tactical surface') to showcase its capabilities and the company will be introducing a full line of CM Storm Battle Pads as well.

The Hyper TX3 and Hyper 212 Plus LGA1156 and LGA1156/1366 compatible coolers are also scheduled to be on display and feature direct contact heat-pipes, dual fan cooling and new PWM fans. For a little fun there's there's the “Freezing a Soda” experiment to demonstrate the cooling power of the CM V10 Hybrid TEC.. Cooler Master is also revealing a few notebook related accessories including the Choiix notebook cooler and the SNA 95 power adapter, which received the COMPUTEX Taipei Design and Innovation Award 2009.

Professional Series units offer up to 90% efficiency

Corsair has announced two new power supplies, the HX750W and the HX850W, as part of its Professional Series of products. The new units have attained 80 Plus Silver certification, meaning they must be at least 85% efficient at minimum and maximum loads and 88% efficient at half of the unit's rated output; both units achieved greater than 90% efficiency at 50% load and 230V AC input.

Of course, greater efficiency means less heat being generated and lower noise levels from cooling fans and Corsair uses a temperature-controlled 140mm fan to help reduce noise levels even further. For those who like to maintain a tidy case, both units offer modular power connectors designed to keep case clutter to a minimum. In addition to the 24-pin main power connector, Corsair has packed 10 additional modular cables offering 4xPCIe 6+2 pin, 12xSATA and 8x4-pin connections. Because these units feature a single +12V rail you don't have to worry about load balancing across all those connections either as the HX850W is rated to deliver  99% of its total wattage (840W) on the +12V rail.

Other features include 105°C solid state capacitors , active PFC with PF value of 0.99 and a 7 year warranty. Corsair has stated the units are now available and a quick search of online retailers showed the HX850 going for around $200US.

Get scratchin'

The "Scratch Deck" was revealed today. This will be the controller used for the upcoming Scratch: The Ultimate DJ videogame for Xbox 360 and PS3.

The controller was developed in part by Numark Industries, which is a large manufacturer of real life, professional DJ equipment. With a touch sensitive turntable, MPC-style drum pads, and a crossfader the Scratch Deck hopes to bring as much of a DJ'ing experience to the Scratch game as the plastic guitar does to Guitar Hero. With the drum pad buttons, players can play pre-loaded samples in the game, or use their own recorded with a compatible USB microphone.  The Scratch Deck works for both right and left handed gamers. 

“Being involved with Hip-Hop for so long, Numark has consistently been the standard for innovation and leadership in computer DJ controllers, their quality is second to none,” said Quincy Jones III of QD3 Entertainment, the makers of Scratch. “We are very excited to partner with them to deliver the most authentic DJ experience for gamers and look forward to letting gamers and Hip Hop enthusiasts get their hands on the controller for the first time at E3.”

Scratch: The Ultimate DJ is coming this Fall.

If you get a $10 Creative Labs rebate, better use it before it gets "maintained"

Creative Labs doesn't seem to be winning any more fans with their latest offer of $10 "Creative Labs Rewards" rebate cards.

Here is what happens, according to the Consumerist. For certain Creative Labs products offered in the United States, consumers receive a $10 rebate in-store credit at Best Buy locations. The rebate comes in the form of a debit card, that can be used towards new purchases. When issued, it is good for $10 USD. 

But there is really big funky catch, apparently. If you don't use the rebate debit card right away, Creative Labs charges a whopping $3 a month fee. The $3 fee is laughingly called a "maintenance fee", though how it cost $3.00 to "maintain" numbers in computer database is beyond any reasonable explanation that anyone might be able to come up with. The rebate debit cards have an expiry date in July '09, yet if you purchase them not knowing of the "maintenance fee", it obviously will not last more than 4 months.

Just something to be aware of if you are buying a Creative Labs product offering these rebate debit cards.