Category Archives: Gaming

MediaTek Takes on Flagships with Dimensity 9000+

June 22, 2022 Darwin Sucipto Leave a comment

The absolute king of the hill right now when it comes to raw processing power on a smartphone platform is the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 system on a chip (SoC). It is also what everybody, at least in the Android world, wants in their flagship smartphones currently. It is the most powerful SoC your smartphone can get today with only the Samsung Exynos as a distant challenger. They are introducing a new one too, very soon.

The second-generation Qualcomm Snapdragon SoC is not coming until the end of the year, as far as we know. In the meantime, there is MediaTek making their steps in high-end smartphone chips.

MediaTek APU 590 copy 3 — Source: MediaTek

To be fair, the name MediaTek does not bring a lot of confidence in terms of high-end SoC for mobile applications. They are mostly known for their budget friendly SoCs in entry-level and mid-range smartphones. In that regards though, MediaTek’s SoCs have been solid performers in their class, in some cases probably better than what you can expect from price equivalent Qualcomm devices.

The new Dimensity 9000+ from MediaTek is their hope that the “budget king” perception ends. It is also MediaTek’s most powerful SoC to date with 5G in tow. The new Dimensity, in this case, goes head-to-head with Qualcomm’s current best.

At its core is the ARM Cortex-X2 architecture, the same one the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 boasts in their Kryo CPUs. The single ARM Cortex-X2 core works with three powerful Cortex-A710 cores and low-power high-efficiency Cortex-A510 cores. The 4nm octa-core CPU arrangement makes ARM’s v9 architecture.

Besides the obvious CPU and GPU improvements, and 5G capabilities the SoC comes with a slew of compelling upgrades. One of which is LPDDR5X support with 8MB L3 CPU cache and 6MB system cache support for new-generation smartphones with ultra-fast memory. Instead of a Neural Processing Unit (NPU) that is widely boasted by its competitors, MediaTek opted for something a little more practical in a dedicated Application Processor Unit (APU 5.0) for all its A.I. purposes.

MediaTek also packs a powerful imaging processor withing the Dimensity 9000+. They call it the MediaTek Imagiq 790. Rivaling the Qualcomm’s own image processor, the new processor supports up to 18-bit HDR-ISP at up to 320-Megapixel. Of course, you there is no camera sensor in the world currently that packs that many pixels into an area less than an inch. It is good to know that you can super sample your photos to up to 320-Megapixel though.

The Imagiq 790 also allows the MediaTek Dimensity 9000+ equipped devices to record three videos simultaneously at up to 18-bit HDR formats. It even does 4K HDR with AI noise reduction, especially useful in low-light conditions.

The new MediaTek Dimensity 9000+ can support up to 144Hz WQHD+ or even 180Hz Full HD+ displays thanks to the new MiraVision 790 engine. The new display engine also has something called Intelligent Display Sync 2.0 technology that optimizes the power efficiency of the display. Thanks to the engine, the Wi-Fi display now supports up to 4K resolution at 60fps with HDR10+ streaming.

Of course, the latest and greatest SoC cannot be the latest and greatest if it does not pack the latest connectivity and networking technology. For that the 3GPP Release-16 5G modem can hit downlink speeds of up to 7Gbps. The new SoC also supports the latest WiFi 6E standards, new Bluetooth 5.3 standards, and even a new more accurate GNSS.

MediaTek is expecting their new Dimensity 9000+ to make its way to flagship devices starting Q3 2022. As mentioned, the Dimensity 9000+ is meant to be a direct competitor to the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1. At the same time, the second-generation Snapdragon 8 is meant to be announced by Q4 2022. How the Dimensity 9000+ will fare against the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 remains to be seen. We think you might have to wait for the first Dimensity 9000+ devices to roll out. There are no confirmed devices sporting the new Mediatek flagship SoC currently too.

Computers, Gaming, News

Dare to Limit Break with ROG’s New Laptop Lineup in Malaysia

June 15, 2022 Nur Jeevan Leave a comment

ASUS’s Republic of Gamers (ROG) brand is one which every gamer will be familiar with. The laptops which make up some of the most wanted in their classes are coming with fresh new updates. The new lineup also brings totally new experiences in both mobile and form factors. Of course, it goes without saying that the lineup features liquid metal cooling thanks to ASUS’s collaboration with Thermal Grizzly.

ROG Flow X13

Spearheading the new lineup is ROG’s most innovative lineup in a while – the ROG Flow. The lineup takes convention and turns it on its head with a laptop that is compact, thin and light but is able to rise to the task when needed. The Flow X13 comes with support for ROG’s XG mobile eGPU which allows you to power up the graphics capabilities of the ROG Flow 13 with up to an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3080. It also extends connectivity with additional USBs and Thunderbolt ports.

This year, the ROG XG platform is also introducing an option with the AMD Radeon RX6850M XT. Paired with the Ryzen 7 6800HS in the Flow X13, you’ll be able to get the full AMD Advantage experience. That said, the Flow X13 itself comes with configurations with the RTX 3050Ti already onboard. The setup is complemented by up to 32GB of LPDDR5 RAM and up to 1TB of M.2 NVMe PCIe 4.0 SSD storage.

ROG Zephyrus Duo 16

The new ROG Zephyrus Duo 16 marks the return of ASUS’s signature dual-screen experience. The Zephyrus Duo gets slimmer and more portable than ever before. Powered by the AMD Ryzen 9 processor and the NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3080Ti graphics card, the laptop is built for creators, gamers and streamers.

The ROG ScreenPad Plus brings a whole new level of productivity and also changes the game when it comes to cooling. The new design allows for better airflow and with AAS Plus 2.0 there is 30% more airflow above the fans. Thermal Grizzly’s Metal Conductonaut Extreme cools the processor even better than normal cooling compounds.

The Zephyrus Duo also brings top-of-the-line display choices featuring ROG’s new Nebula HDR. The new technology enhances ROG’s Nebula display technology with 512 Mini LED dimming zones and 1100 nits at peak brightness. The 16:10 display also supports Dolby Vision with certifications for VESA DisplayHDR 1000 and 165Hz refresh rate. The Duo, naturally, comes with options supporting the regular ROG Nebula display as well. The second screen features brand new, ROG-exclusive technology called the Dual Spec panel which allows the screen to switch between 4K 120Hz and Full HD 240 Hz. This allows it to adapt dynamically to the players choice.

ROG Zephyrus G15 & Zephyrus G14

The ROG Zephyrus G14 and G15 round up this round of additions to the ROG lineup. The new laptops bring back a winning combination of performance and personalisation. ROG has doubled down on its proven design. The new laptops feature a lid with 14,696 precision CNC milled holes. In models that support the AniMe Matrix, there are 1,449 mini LEDs under these holes. Like previous models, the AniMe Matrix allows users to express themselves with their own customised designs and logos.

When it comes to specifications, the Zephryus G14 and G15 both come with the AMD Ryzen 7 6800HS. The former comes with the full AMD Advantage experience with configurations featuring the Radeon RX 6700S and the Radeon RX 6800S graphics cards. The G15, on the other hand, complements the Ryzen 7 with either the NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060 or the GeForce RTX 3070 Ti. Both models come with up to 32GB RAM and 1TB of storage.

On the display front, the ROG Zephyrus G14 comes with a 14-inch QHD display with a 120Hz refresh rate and a 16:10 aspect ratio. The G15 comes with a larger, 15.6-inch QHD display with options for either 165Hz or 240Hz refresh rate and a 16:9 aspect ratio.

Pricing & Availability

The whole ROG line up is already available in Malaysia. The ROG Flow 13 is priced from MYR6,599 without the XG mobile system and MYR13,999 with the system. The ROG Zephyrus Duo 16 is priced from MYR15,999. The Zephyrus G14 and G15 are priced from MYR8,499 and MYR7,999 respectively.

Official Specifications

Gaming, News

Blizzard Announces 2023 Release Date for Diablo IV

June 14, 2022 Nur Jeevan Leave a comment

In the midst of chaos and controversy, the Diablo franchise is teasing the next instalment. Blizzard used the XBOX and Bethesda Showcase to announce that Diablo IV will be making its official debut in 2023. Of course, in typical Blizzard style, no specific dates were given.

However, Blizzard didn’t just leave us hanging without a morsel to nibble on. With the release year (hopefully), Blizzard also unveiled the final class featured in Diablo IV – the necromancer. The Necromancer is returning to Sanctuary for the fourth time. The class has been a mainstay in the series since Diablo 2. This time the Necromancer will be joining the Druid, Crusader, Monk and Rogue in their battle against Lilith.

D4 Necromancer Campfire 001 — Source: Blizzard

The developers also gave a little more insight into what we can expect when we return to Sanctuary this round. A completely open world map is one of the most intriguing changes coming to Sanctuary. Unlike the past Diablo games, players will be able to roam the world of Sanctuary unhindered. You’ll be able to travel from the dunes of Kehjistan to the snowy peaks of Mount Arreat to the sombre remains of Tristram without needing to leave an act. While exploring the vast open world with close to 150 dungeons, you’ll come across Strongholds where the forces of Hell have taken root. You will need to clear these Strongholds to be rewarded with riches or set towns free.

You will also face even more terrifying hordes of demons and undead as you venture into Diablo IV. Demons Lords and hordes of all sizes are making a return to the franchise in Diablo IV. You will be encountering towering demons and gigantic ones that will definitely strike terror in your hearts. You don’t need to take them down alone anymore though; your friends will be able to join your adventure. Blizzard has revamped the partying system in the game allowing you to form spontaneous parties during your adventure. You’ll be able to collaborate and party with your friends regardless of the platform they are on – PS4, PS5, PC, XBOX One. Character progression also occurs across all platforms. On console, you’ll even be able to have couch co-op.

In addition, Mephisto’s influence has created areas in Sanctuary where players can attack other players. These areas will see the best players duke it out. Be wary, as you reap victories, you’ll also become a target for everyone. Diablo IV is also bringing back an open skill tree which will allow you even deeper customisation of your character. This comes in addition to the extensive aesthetic customisations that you’ll be able to undertake as you adventure in Diablo IV. This continues further as you progess after you complete the main game. As you max out your level, you’ll unlock the Paragon Board which will allow you to unlock hundreds of optional paths for your characters.

With everything that has been revealed to-date, Diablo IV is shaping out to be a return to form after Diablo III’s shortfalls. We’ll be patiently waiting to see what Sanctuary brings us in 2023.

Computers, Gaming, News

PlayStation State Of Play – Everything You Need to Know for PS5 Games

June 4, 2022 Nur Jeevan Leave a comment

PlayStation’s State of Play just happened. The company has announced so many things in its supercut of trailers, gameplay and announcements. The 29-minute supercut brought exciting new announcements as well as updates to games announced at the previous State of Play. Here’s a rundown of what you need to know for the PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5 and PC.

Final Fantasy XVI Coming to PS5 in Summer 2023

Final Fantasy XVI has entered the final leg of development as Square Enix announces a summer 2023 release window for the much-anticipated game.

The new entry into the Final Fantasy franchise thrusts players into the world of Valisthea where the delicate balance between six factions teethers as a malady called the Blight continues to spread.

Final Fantasy XVI - State of Play June 2022 Dominance Trailer | PS5 Games

In its latest update, Square Enix introduces us to Eikons, the summons of Valisthea and the Dominants of the Eikons Titan and Garuda. These characters join a growing cast that is set to capture the heart of Final Fantasy fans. Like all the other entries, XVI promises to throw players into a story driven adventure where they will learn about Ifrit, Ramuh, and Bahamut and uncover the intricacies of the conflict in Valisthea. Of course, you’ll be able to learn more about the world at the official Final Fantasy XVI site as we wait for Summer 2023 to arrive.

Street Fighter 6 Brings Classic Fighters to the Modern Era

Teased earlier this year, Street Fighter 6 expands the world of Street Fighter further with new faces and a whole new Drive System. The game also brings new modes for gameplay including new Battle Hub and World Tour modes. The former is an expansive online multiplayer mode while the latter allows players to carve their own story in Street Fighter 6. Capcom promises more information on these modes in the near future.

The game is built using Capcom’s RE Engine which the company used for Resident Evil 7 and Devil May Cry 5. The new engine brings the fighter classic into the new era with amazingly detailed character design and realistic details. The RE engine also allows a new, versatile Drive System which allows players to perform parries, dashes and super moves that will bring more spice to gameplay.

Street Fighter 6 - State of Play June 2022 Announce Trailer | PS5 & PS4 Games

Capcom also unveiled a few characters from the roster in Street Fighter 6. A new character, Jamie, joins the universe. Jamie is a character that uses the Drunken master style of battle and powers up with every drink he takes during battle. There are returning characters from Street Fighter 5 as well. Luke was the only one revealed at State of Play. Of course, no Street Fighter game would be complete with classics like Ryu and Chun-Li who sport updated designs and new moves.

Street Fighter 6 is set to debut in 2023. No specific date has been announced just yet but more information is coming soon.

Resident Evil 4 Remake Coming in 2023

It seems like the Resident Evil franchise is rife for the remakes. After the much praised release of Resident Evil 3 Remake back in 2020, the fourth installation is looking to get the same treatment. The game which was first released back in 2005 will debut again come 2023.

The game is being updated with state of the art graphics and mechanics that will bring the classic back to life for a second time. Like other remakes, Resident Evil 4 will see some liberties taken to update and reimagine some elements of the story and gameplay.

Resident Evil 4 - State of Play June 2022 Announcement Trailer | PS5 Games

The game takes place 6 years after the events in Racoon City and Leon finds himself as recruited as an agent reporting directly to the president. He is tasked to rescue the kidnapped daughter of the President of the United States.

Marvel’s Spider-Man is Heading to the PC

Both instalments of the critically acclaimed Spider-Man games: Spider-Man and Spider-Man Miles Morales are making their way to PC. The games have made a notable mark on both the PS4 and PS5. Spider-Man alone has sold over 33 million copies worldwide.

The PC versions of these games aren’t just your regular PC ports. The games are getting remastered and adapted to take full advantage of the perks that come with being on a PC. Insomniac Games is bringing a whole new level of detail when it comes to the graphics with features like ray-tracing and customisable render settings. The game will also have keyboard and mouse compatibility – HOORAY!

Marvel’s Spider-Man Remastered – State of Play June 2022 Announce Trailer I PC Games

You’ll be able to jump into Peter Parker’s shoes once again come August 12, 2022, with the launch of Spider-Man Remastered. Spider-Man Miles Morales Remastered will be launching sometime in Fall 2022.

Stray Comes to PS4 & PS5 on July 19 via PlayStation Plus Extra & Premium

You’ll be able to become a cat as you explore the world of Stray – a brand new game coming to PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5. It will also be part of the new PlayStation Plus Extra and Premium subscriptions come July 19, 2020.

Stray - State of Play June 2022 Trailer | PS5 & PS4 Games

Stray puts you in the paws of a cat as you try to find your way back home. The game throws you into a world populated by robots, machines and viruses as you control your protagonist cat. You will be exploring the vivid, colourful world as you try to find your way back to your family. As you explore, you will need to solve puzzles and even fend off enemies. You won’t be doing this alone as you have your trusty drone, B-12, that follows you everywhere and helps you interact with the world and its inhabitants.

Sci-Fi Horror makes a Comeback with Callisto Protocol

The Callisto Protocol sees Dead Space creator, Glen Schofield, return to the sci-fi survival horror genre with his new studio, Striking Distance Studios. The game takes place in the 2320 on Jupiter’s Moon, Callisto. You play as Jacob Lee, an inmate at Black Iron Prison, who is caught fighting for survival as the a mysterious outbreak throws the moon into chaos. You will need to fight Biophages – monstrous creatures that were once prison guards and inmates.

The Callisto Protocol - State of Play June 2022 Trailer | PS5 & PS4 Games

The game takes advantage of the PlayStation 5’s features such as 3D Audio and acoustic ray tracing to create a sense of horror and terror. Using the most advanced graphics and sound engineering to create tension and an atmosphere that will make you scream. The Callisto Protocol is set to debut on December 2, 2022, on both PS4 and PS5.

Horizon Forbidden West’s Big Update Goes Live

Together with the announcement of Horizon Call of the Moutain, Guerrilla Games also announced that Horizon Forbidden West is getting a massive, free update. The update is already available today.

The new update brings many quality of life updates as well as some that will change the way you experience the game. Two of the largest things that will be coming to the game are New Game+ and Ultra Hard Mode. These modes will allow you to replay Horizon Forbidden West in higher difficulties as well as 100% the game by unlocking achievements and hidden items you couldn’t get to initially.

Horizon Forbidden West - State of Play June 2022 Major Update 1.14 Trailer | PS5 & PS4 Games

In addition to this, players will also be able to customise their outfits further with the new transmog feature. The new feature allows players to cosmetically change their outfits to look like any other one that they already own. Respec will also allow players to freely reset their skill points to create a new paragon while playing. A new Herbalist vendor who sells animal parts is also part of the update.

The update also brings a revamp to Temporal Anti-aliasing that will improve the visual fidelity in Performance mode on the PS5 and rendering on the PS4 Pro.

Aside from the games we dove into here, there are also a number of other games that will be joining the PlayStation library. Of note, Tunic, an isometric action game released earlier this year, is making its debut on 27 September 2022. During the same period, you will also be able to get your hands on Season: A Letter to the Future. The game takes you on adventure of self discovery as the season comes to an end and the unknown future comes. Finally, there is also Rollerdrome, a game set in the not too distant future where a new blood sport has taken centerstage.

With all of these and more coming to PlayStation, what are you most excited for?

Gaming, News

PlayStation State of Play – Everything Coming for PS VR and PS VR2

June 3, 2022 Nur Jeevan Leave a comment

PlayStation’s State of Play just aired its latest edition earlier this morning. Like always, Sony presented their announcements back to back in spectacular fashion with a supercut of trailers, gameplay footage and announcements. Here’s the rundown of everything they announced for the PS VR2 in their 29-minute stream.

PlayStation’s PS VR2 is getting a whole load of new content. It starts with exclusive VR experiences from titles like Horizon and spans all the way to full games with titles like Resident Evil Village and No Man’s Sky.

Horizon: Call of the Mountain

Developed by Guerilla Games in collaboration with Firesprite, Horizon Call of the Moutain thrusts you into the shoes of Ryas, a former Shadow Carja Warrior looking for redemption. To do this, you will be investigating a new threat to the Sundom. As Ryas, you’re a master climber and archer, skills you’ll need as you take down machines like the massive Thunderjaw! You will come across old and new characters from the main Horizon game, including Aloy herself.

Together with the main game of Horizon Call of the Mountain, you’ll also be able to experience the world of Horizon in the immersive River Ride experience. Take in the sights of the world of Horizon while your friends join you on the PS VR2 and the connected display. But look out as you may encounter some uninvited guests along the way!

The Walking Dead: Saints & Sinners Chapter 2: Retribution

After the success of the first entry of the Walking Dead’s PS VR game, Saints & Sinners is getting a direct sequel with Chapter 2: Retribution. You return as “The Tourist” to New Orleans in the world of the Walking Dead. While there aren’t many details on the story just yet, Skydance is promising a gripping storyline with more weapons and ways to put them zombies down once and for all. The sequel will bring new firearms like the SMG and sawed-off shotgun and even a chainsaw for all your undead needs.

The Walking Dead: Saints and Sinners Ch2 - State of Play June 2022 Announce Trailer | PS VR2 Games

Together with new weapons, you will also be facing all new enemies like the Axeman who was teased at the end of the first chapter’s Aftershocks expansion. While the main baddy is here to ruin your day and keep you on edge, you’ll also be facing even larger hordes of undead as you work to end the Axeman’s schemes and survive.

Resident Evil Village is Coming to PS VR2

While Resident Evil 4 is coming to the PS5, its most recent entry will be getting the VR treatment. Resident Evil Village will be coming to the PS VR2 when it’s released – hopefully later this year.

Resident Evil Village - State of Play June 2022 Teaser Trailer | PS VR2 Games

You’ll be able to immerse yourself in the Village as Capcom will be using everything that PS VR2 has to bring the game to life. The new PS VR2 headset brings 4K HDR displays with eye tracking and can even pair up with PS5’s 3D audio to put you in the thick of it all as you step into Ethan Winter’s shoes. You’ll be able to control everything in a natural way with the PS VR2’s Sense controllers. Feel everything in real time with PS VR2 when it launches.

No Man’s Sky is Coming to PS VR2

When it comes to games that got better with time, No Man’s Sky definitely takes the medal for it. The game which kicked off horrendously is now thriving with everything that was promised and more. The game has also successfully captured the attention of players both old and new with new campaigns with exclusive rewards. Now, it’s getting even better with a whole new experience coming to PS VR2.

No Man's Sky - State of Play June 2022 Announce Trailer | PS VR2 Games

Hello Games is upping the ante when it comes to space exploration with a whole new experience with the PS VR2. They are revamping everything from game menus to starship cockpits to give a more immersive experience to gamers. While this isn’t the game’s first outing on VR, Hello Games is looking to make the new experience even more immersive with the technology in the PS VR2 and its sense controllers.

That’s about it when it comes to announcements made for the PS VR and PS VR2 systems. Of course, there haven’t been any dates given for when these titles will be available but we’re expecting that Sony and the game devs have more to show before they reveal the exact dates. Keep in mind, that while the PS VR2 has been announced and will tentatively launch in 2022, there hasn’t been an official date as of yet. So, we will wait with bated breath for its release.

Computers, Gaming, News

[next@acer] Acer Banks on Stereoscopic 3D Technology with SpatialLabs

May 31, 2022 Nur Jeevan Leave a comment

3D technology seems to have gone the way of the dinosaurs when it comes to TVs and monitors. However, Acer is looking to bring it back with a slew of new products and software built around SpatialLabs’ stereoscopic 3D technology. Of course, this isn’t their first foray into the space, they announced a SpatialLabs Edition of their ConceptD 7 creator laptop last year. This year, the company has already announced their new Predator Helios 300 SpatialLabs edition which is poised to revolutionise gaming with stereoscopic 3D.

Acer SpatialLabs View & View Pro Displays

Joining this lineup of devices are two new displays equipped with 4K resolution and SpatialLabs technology. The new Acer SpatialLabs View and View Pro displays bring stereoscopic 3D mainstream and make them more accessible than ever before. The small, 15.6-inch form factor of both displays combined with the lightweight build makes them ideal companions for creators and even gamers looking for an enhanced experience.

The SpatialLabs View and View Pro are also being geared for commercial use with organisations like the National Taiwan Museum to bring inanimate, ancient artefacts back to life. The small, portable form factor of the displays also allows it to be transported without much hassle to be used by designers to bring their renders beyond the display and for gamers to delve into the metaverse. The experience is enhanced with the 100% coverage of the Adobe RGB gamut.

One Click Stereoscopic 3D Gaming with TrueGame

Of course, with the rollout of two laptops and displays, Acer isn’t just leaving users in the lurches. In particular, when it comes to their recent announcement of the Predator Helios 300 SpatialLabs Edition, the company is bundling software that will allow users to experience stereoscopic 3D with a single click.

Acer SpatialLabs™ View ASV15 1B Lifestyle 01 — Source: Acer

SpatialLabs TrueGame will take advantage of depth data already present in games to create a more immersive experience for gamers. This is possible as designers already design objects, characters and worlds in games with depth data. TrueGame uses this data to generate realistic, immersive worlds that revolutionise the gaming experience. The application will be launching with over 50 game titles that will have optimised profiles for a better stereoscopic 3D experience. There will be more profiles added as time passes.

That said, SpatialLabs TrueGame will be able to generate stereoscopic 3D for just about any 3D game. It’s as simple as launching the game with the TrueGame application. Once launched, SpatialLab’s technology takes over and generates the world in realistic, stereoscopic 3D.

Create in Native 3D and Transform 2D assets with SpatialLabs Go and Model Viewer

Together with TrueGame, Acer is also including SpatialLabs Go and ModelViewer in its SpatialLabs editions. Creators will be able to immerse themselves in their creations with Model Viewer while Go will allow them to bring 2D assets into the 3D space.

SpatialLabs Go utilises AI technology to generate stereoscopic 3D content from almost anything with the press of a button. It will be able to transform simple pictures into 3D experiences and even bring you into the world of The Wheel of Time and follow more realistically the adventures that occur there. It also brings 3D creation to the fingertips of those who have no experience in creating in 3D by turning pictures and videos into immersive 3D experiences.

Acer SpatialLabs™ View Pro ASV15 1BP 03 — Source: Acer

With SpatialLabs Model Viewer, users will be able to all major file formats natively on the View Pro. This allows users to create with peace of mind as they show work on their creation or even show it off on the Acer SpatialLabs View Pro. The software is able to work with files created in programs such as Datasmith, Revit, Solidworks and Cinema4D. It even works with Maya and Blender allowing on the fly creation in both 2D and 3D.

Acer is banking hard on stereoscopic 3D technology with these announcements and they look poised to be ahead of the game. While many others have tried and given up, the company is looking to bring a more immersive and realistic experience as the world braces itself for the advent of the metaverse.

Computers, Editorial, Gaming, Lifestyle

[Editorial] Daily Driving the Chromebook Part 3: The Entertainment Powerhouse

May 27, 2022 Darwin Sucipto Leave a comment

The last round of this editorial series we explored the working capabilities of the Chromebook. We also compared it a little bit to Android tablets to find that the Chrome OS is plenty robust as a tablet as well. There are some workarounds that we must get to while working with the Chrome OS remotely and even at home. But all is good, we are happy with it so far and it looks like we can live with it at work.

There is an area where the Chrome OS lost out to both Apple’s MacOS and Microsoft’s Windows though. That area is gaming with the Chromebook. There is also a good reason we skipped entire weeks of the series. Steam has gone Alpha for Chrome OS. The bad news there is that not every Chromebook can support it. The good news is that the one we have, the Acer Chromebook Spin 713, can. So, we went on to try it out.

Android Games on Chrome OS

Before we get to Steam, we do want to explore the native gaming capabilities of Chrome OS. There is no better way to do it other than through the Google Play Store, obviously. To be fair, while we did want to try the likes of PUBG Mobile or Mobile Legends Bang Bang, we only managed to download and install Pokémon Unite.

At first it is a little odd, seeing a mobile game in a display that is many times the size of your smartphone. Playing it on a tablet is already a stretch, full screen on a laptop display is a whole other level. In this case we have a great 13.5-inch IPS display with a little over 2K resolutions on tap.

The game looks vibrant and beautiful on the display with so many colours on offer. You can see that the game is not really meant to be on such a large display though with some pixels popping up. Still, the game is rather pretty on the laptop.

The game is also made optimised for touch screens though, which also means you are also going to be using the touch screen control like you would on smartphones or tablets. Except, this thing weighs quite a lot more than a tablet, which also makes it a little unwieldy to play handheld. We put it on a table and turned it to a sort of tent, and off we go.

Playing Android games on the Chrome OS is not perfect though. Most of the time, games developed for smartphones are optimised for a smartphone or tablet’s SoC. In this case, because the main hardware is a little different, the experience can be different. While Pokémon Unite works smoothly, and can be enjoyable for short periods of time, other games may not launch or might not even run properly. We ran into a problem trying to launch Pokémon Unite the first few times we tried running it. The issue resolved itself somehow and we got solid sessions out of it.

Steam on Chrome OS? Really?

Steam on Chrome OS is something that has been dreamt of for a while now. Ever since Chrome OS gotten mainstream, many have asked the question on whether Chrome OS can even be a proper gaming machine. Most of them packs good enough hardware to at least run non-triple AAA titles, so why not?

The problem was, Steam was never available on Chrome OS before. Steam can run on most Linux interfaces though, with some tweaks. Even the upcoming Steam Deck is running on a version of Linux operating system. So why not on Chrome OS?

The problem is more complex than it looks. You technically can port Steam to Chrome OS. You can also try running Windows games on the Chrome OS. But you are going to have to compromise on the experience.

Before Steam was officially on Chrome OS (as we said, it is now on Alpha), the only workaround we saw to proper gaming with Steam on Chrome OS is to work with Steam Link. In that sense, you can technically play your PlayStation games on the Chrome OS with PlayStation’s Remote Play too. If not, the other alternative is cloud gaming, which we did not bother with. We did not try the PlayStation Remote Play too.

We tried Steam Link with the Chrome OS though. We figured out how to hook up our PlayStation DualShock 4 controller to the Chromebook via Bluetooth. We installed Steam Link from Google Play Store and we started gaming.

First, Steam Link

As mentioned, Steam Link is like PlayStation Remote Play. You need to have a Steam account, a gaming PC with Steam running, the Steam Link app from Google Play Store, a good and stable internet connection, a game controller, and you are good to go. In the case of the Chromebook, you can even use your keyboard as the game input, if you so want.

If you have used Steam Link on your Android smartphone, the experience on the Chrome OS is pretty much similar, albeit with a larger display available. Technically as well, with the Acer Chromebook 713, you get more resolutions to work with. Of course, the sort of resolution you get really depends on your host PC as well. In our case we successfully tested Need for Speed at 1440p resolution.

There is a noticeable black bar, just because of the aspect ratio difference between the host PC and the Chromebook. It does not take away too much from the immersion or the gaming experience from the Chrome OS though. If you have a stable LAN connection on both devices, gaming on the Chromebook feels as natural as gaming on a proper gaming PC. In this case, you can easily pull up titles like GTA V, or Horizon Zero Dawn, use your Chromebook’s keyboard, attach a mouse device and play your games like they should be played.

Then, We Tried Steam

Steam is technically still in its Alpha build for Chrome OS. To install Steam on Chrome OS takes a little bit of tinkering on Chrome OS’s settings itself. It required us to turn set the firmware settings to Developer Mode, which also means while you are getting the latest build of Chrome OS, there is a chance that it may be a little unstable.

With a guide, the process is not too difficult as well, should be easy and quick enough to follow even for beginners. Still, you still want to be cautious to ensure you do not brick your device. As with anything that is experimental and in their Alpha builds, you want to take some caution.

Once you get into the installation window though, the installation process feels and looks pretty much like you get on a regular PC. Even the Steam interface is exactly what you get on a PC, so you should be quite familiar with it. Of course, the difference is that you must start thinking about how much games you can install in the smaller storage space that the Chromebook has. In this case as well, we did not bother installing games like GTA V, because while the Chromebook might be able to run the game with little issues, you might not get a very good experience out of it. We stuck to Two Point Hospital, Undertale, and This War of Mine.

Two Point Hospital launched, but it took a rather long time to do so. It also froze in the loading screen before it even gets to the main menu. After a while, it just crashed together with Steam.

Then we tried Undertale which launched quickly. We could not get the window to resize or get it to post full screen to take advantage of the vast display of the Chromebook 713. The miniscule window means that we might not be able to enjoy the game very much, so we quit.

This Was of Mine took a little longer to launch than Undertale. It works in the most part, but it did not offer very high FPS count. Graphics look good though, but because we tried to put the game to full screen, it got confused a little and the windowing messed up and we could not accurately click anything to play the game. It was bad, but there is potential to make the device enjoyable.

The Other Stuff

Apart from gaming, the display is good for other stuff too. You can easily enjoy a good movie from Netflix or Amazon Prime Video if you so want to. You have the resolution, might as well put it to good use somewhere. At the same time, because they use clear glass on the display, colours pop and look rather vibrant.

To be fair, it does not really matter what Chromebook you get, Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and even Disney+ apps will easily work on them. If you prefer the web experience, just pop open Google Chrome and get to the said portals and you are good to go. The limitations are mostly on the hardware end, so it really depends on which Chromebook you got.

For the Acer Chromebook Spin 713, while the display is gorgeous, the speaker experience is not the best. The dual speakers sound very tiny and unimpressive at all. We had to connect our Bluetooth speakers to it just to get a decent sound performance. That, or we resorted to using headphones. Since it is so similar to Android, you can even connect your wireless headphones and work with the accompanying smartphone app with it. The Sony headphones app is a good example of that.

So, is Chrome OS a Valid Gaming Platform Now?

While Steam Link ran nicely on the Google Chromebook, Steam itself is still a little choppy. Certain games might not launch at your first try. Some games will refuse to launch at all until you restart your Chromebook. Some of them launches, but never got anywhere past the loading screen. Their FPS count was rather low too when they launch (except for Undertale). In short, there is still a lot to do for the Chrome OS to be a gaming contender.

More on Part 4

We have covered the working and gaming aspects of the Chrome OS. So far, while we question the gaming aspect of it, we are sold with using the Chrome OS as an entertainment platform, especially when it comes to streaming contents. 4K contents, while a little over the top, shines on the display of this Chromebook. Yes, the speakers are not great, but that is a simple fix.

We are quite sold with it being our primary remote working platform too. If you have read our part 2 of the editorial series, you would find that there are plenty of features on Chrome OS that could benefit a remote working environment. Phone Hub, while is not the most comprehensive phone companion app on a computing device, works well enough that it is currently, in our books anyway, the best Android companion app you can find today. The simplicity in its approach is also key to why we like it so much.

In the next part of the editorial, we are wrapping up our entire month of experience with the Chromebook and the Chrome OS. We will tell you if the Chrome OS is worth a daily drive or not, in our books anyway. We will also break down things we like about the Chrome OS and things we do not like so much with the platform.

In this case, stay tuned, maybe you might want to consider getting a Chromebook after this too. After all, it is the cheaper alternative compared to most Windows laptops packing the same hardware. In the meantime, let us know what you think about PC gaming on Chrome OS.

Business, Gaming, News

Double Eleven Builds Second Home in Kuala Lumpur

May 25, 2022 Nur Jeevan Leave a comment

Double Eleven may not be a name that everyone is familiar with when it comes to gaming but they’ve been working on some of the largest IPs in the industry. The studio is behind games like Minecraft Dungeons, Rust and Prison Architect. They’ve even recently announced that they will be working on Fallout 76 with Bethesda. However, the most exciting news coming from the game studio is that they’ve opened a new studio in Kuala Lumpur.

Double Eleven 006 — Laura Brodie (Head of People & Culture, Double Eleven), Iain Farrell (Programme Manager, Double Eleven), Amir Azlan Sapuan (Malaysian Digital Economy Corporation) and Mark South (COO, Double Eleven) at the Launch of Double Eleven Kuala Lumpur

The new studio is the next step in Double Eleven’s growth. The studio is headquartered in Teeside, UK and expanded to Malaysia in 2020. Since they’ve grown to a team of over 60 people in Malaysia alone. The studio which previously was located in Bangsar South has now acquired a new home in Mid Valley in Kuala Lumpur.

The new 12,000 square feet location embodies Double Eleven’s ethos of putting people at the forefront. The studio was thoughtfully designed and kitted with equipment, rooms and spaces that a modern game studio would need. The studio features a combination of meeting rooms, breakout spaces, play testing areas and even social areas. Their reception alone is a large social space kitted with a pool table and even free beverages to help relieve the stresses of everyday work.

Double Eleven 003 — Source: Double Eleven

“We’re excited to celebrate this milestone in expanding our studio’s people-first ethos into Malaysia, creating new opportunities for the highly capable pool of local talents. Combined, both studios position Double Eleven for the future to continue creating and publishing great games,” said

Mark South, COO of Double Eleven.

The new studio in Kuala Lumpur is also an emblem of the studio’s people focused development and management approach of Double Eleven. The company has adopted an anti-crunch stance in light of some of the developments happening in the gaming industry. Talent at Double Eleven enjoy benefits such as flexible start times, paid voluntary overtime and additional leave. These are some of the small changes that have made the studio one of the best employers in the industry.

Double Eleven’s new studio also allows them to adopt a continuous development schedule as teams in the UK and Malaysia work closely and successively according to their timezones. The 24-hour development cycle allows them to better optimise workflows and prevent the much-dreaded crunch. Double Eleven is still growing and is actively recruiting people in both the UK and Malaysia.

Android, Computers, Gaming, iOS, Mobile, News

Diablo Immortal Gears Up for June Release in Southeast Asia – Welcome back to the World Of Sanctuary

May 23, 2022 Nur Jeevan Leave a comment

“Hello my friend, stay a while and listen…”

Those are the immortal words that many who have ventured into the world of Sanctuary hear in their minds. The words string together an epic, gothic journey to save a small town which then turned into a quest to save the world.

Diablo Immortal is, perhaps, the most contentious entry into the long running series by Blizzard. The game was overshadowed by anticipation for a follow up to Diablo 3. However, hot on the heels of the announcement of the much anticipated Diablo 4, the doors of Sanctuary are now opening once again. Diablo Immortal will be debuting globally on 2 June 2022.

Diablo Immortal | Release Date & PC Announce Trailer

However, Southeast Asia will have to wait a few weeks until 23 June 2022. According to Blizzard, the is needed “to better optimise the player experience by setting up dedicated game servers for the region”. The game will be available in Malaysia, Macau, Philippines, Taiwan Singapore, Indonesia, Hong Kong and Thailand on iOS, Android and PC. However, it will only be available on PC in Vietnam at the time of launch. Pre-registered users will receive the Horadrim Cosmetic Set at launch. The game also supports cross play and cross progression between platforms.

The game takes place between the events of Diablo 2 and Diablo 3 after the shattering of the World Stone. With Tyrael presumed dead and the World Stone shattered, Sanctuary is thrown into chaos. The powerful fragments of the World Stone are now littered across the world, tainting Sanctuary. Diablo’s hordes of minions are seeking that power to bring the Lord of Terror back. It falls to the player, a nephalem, to stop them.

Diablo Immortal | Pre-Registration Cosmetic Trailer

Players will be able to play as one of six classes in Diablo Immortal – Barbarian, Crusader, Demon Hunter, Monk, Necromancer or Wizard – as they embark on a journey through eight different zones and the great city of Westmarch. You will come across many familiar faces in your journey including the wise sage, Deckard Cain as you venture to gather the shattered pieces of the World Stone before the forces of the Burning Hells.

Unlike other entries in the Diablo franchise, Diablo Immortal is a Massively Multiplayer Online Action Role-Playing Game (MMOARPG) with a social experience that is totally new to the franchise. Players will now be able to interact with others in a massive world. You will be able to form Warbands and take on intense Helliquary raid bosses and even join Clans with up to 150 other players to unlock Clan achievements. You’ll even be able to test your strength as you vie for the Eternal Crown in the Cycle of Strife with brutal 1v30 showdowns as you defend the crown.

Diablo Immortal is free to play but has a microtransaction component to it. According to Blizzard, in-game purchases are optional with the game’s core experience being completely free. The company is also teasing new content for the game in the coming years. NetEase and Blizzard will be adding new zones, dungeons and character classes regularly.

Game Requirements

Platform	System Requirements
iOS	Hardware: iPhone 6S and newer Operating system: iOS 11 and later
Android	Operating System: Android 5.0 and higher Processor: Snapdragon 660 / Exynos 9611 and higher Video: Adreno 512 / Mali-G72 MP3 and higher Memory: 2GB RAM and higher
Windows PC	Minimum Requirements Operating System: Windows® 7 / Windows® 8 / Windows® 10 / Windows® 11 (64-bit) Processor: Intel® Core™ i3 or AMD™ FX-8100 Video: NVIDIA® GeForce® GTX 460, ATI Radeon™ HD 6850 or Intel® HD Graphics 530 Memory: 4 GB RAM Internet: Broadband Internet connection Resolution: 1920 x 1080 minimum display resolution *Recommended Specifications* Operating System: Windows® 10 / Windows® 11 (64-bit) Processor: Intel® Core™ i5 or AMD Ryzen™ 5 Video: NVIDIA® GeForce® GTX 770 or AMD Radeon™ RX 470 Memory: 8 GB RAM Internet: Broadband Internet connection Resolution: 1920 x 1080 minimum display resolution

Gaming, News

[next@acer] Predator Helios 300 SpatialLabs Edition Brings Stereoscopic 3D to Gaming

May 19, 2022 Nur Jeevan 2 Comments

Acer’s SpatialLabs edition laptops were first announced for the designer focused ConceptD lineup. The technology allows for a more immersive experience when it comes to 3D design and content. This year, the company bringing SpatialLabs technology to their Predator with the new Predator Helios 300 SpatialLabs edition.

PREDATOR HELIOS 300 SpatialLabs™ Edition PH315 55s 05

The Predator Helios 300 SpatialLabs brings a whole new experience to gaming. It throws gamers into the thick of their games without the need for glasses. Using a combination of a stereoscopic 3D display, eye tracking solutions and real-time rendering technologies, games are turned into immersive 3D experiences. Backing the eye tracking technology is a a 15.6-inch UHD 2D panel. The panel has a liquid crystal lenticular lens bonded on top of it. The new, revolutionary module allows users to switch between 2D and 3D experiences seamlessly.

Acer takes it a step further with SpatialLabs’ TrueGame application which can use pre-existing data in game rendering to generate an immersive, stereoscopic 3D world. This is made possible as games are designed with depth in mind which allows the application to generate 3D landscapes and scenes in real-time.

Acer has already identified more than 50 modern and classic games that will have configuration files in TrueGame for better compatibility and rendering. This list of games will continue to grow with titles being added regularly. Acer may very well have the revolution we’ve been waiting for when it comes to 3D gaming with the Predator Helios 300 SpatialLabs Edition. It all depends on how the final product performs when it’s available.

The new Helios 300 SpatialLabs Edition is packed to the brim with top of the line specifications to power the immersive 3D experiences generated by SpatialLabs TrueGame. Under the hood, it has a 12th Generation Intel Core i9 processor paired with an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3080 Laptop GPU. Complimenting the processor and GPU is 32GB of DDR5-4800 RAM and PCIe Gen 4 NVMe SSD storage. Acer is also adopting liquid metal thermal grease to complement a dual fan cooling system powered by a 5th Generation AeroBlade 3D fan. This combination allows more heat to dissipated from the processor and GPU more efficiently. Acer’s CoolBoost technology is only the cherry on top.

Pricing & Availability

The Predator Helios 300 SpatialLabs Edition will be available in North America in early Q4, 2022 for USD3,399.99 (MYR14,944.18) and in EMEA (Europe, Middle East and Asia) in September 2022 with prices starting at EUR3,299 (MYR15,194.02).

ROG Flow X13

ROG Zephyrus Duo 16

ROG Zephyrus G15 & Zephyrus G14

Pricing & Availability

Official Specifications

Final Fantasy XVI Coming to PS5 in Summer 2023

Street Fighter 6 Brings Classic Fighters to the Modern Era

Resident Evil 4 Remake Coming in 2023

Marvel’s Spider-Man is Heading to the PC

Stray Comes to PS4 & PS5 on July 19 via PlayStation Plus Extra & Premium

Sci-Fi Horror makes a Comeback with Callisto Protocol

Horizon Forbidden West’s Big Update Goes Live

Horizon: Call of the Mountain

The Walking Dead: Saints & Sinners Chapter 2: Retribution

Resident Evil Village is Coming to PS VR2

No Man’s Sky is Coming to PS VR2

Acer SpatialLabs View & View Pro Displays

One Click Stereoscopic 3D Gaming with TrueGame

Create in Native 3D and Transform 2D assets with SpatialLabs Go and Model Viewer

Android Games on Chrome OS

Steam on Chrome OS? Really?

First, Steam Link

Then, We Tried Steam

The Other Stuff

So, is Chrome OS a Valid Gaming Platform Now?

More on Part 4

Game Requirements

Pricing & Availability

Tech Your Way