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Samsung SSD 840 Pro caters to speed seekers with faster random access
It’s difficult to thrive in the solid-state drive world. Unless you’ve got just the right controller and flash memory, most performance-minded PC users will rarely give you a second glance. Samsung muscled its way into that narrow view with the SSD 830 last year; it intends to lock our attention with the new SSD 840 and SSD 840 Pro. The Pro’s 520MB/s and 450MB/s sequential read and write speeds are only modest bumps over the 830, but they don’t tell the whole story of just how fast it gets. The upgraded MDX controller boosts the random read access to a nicely rounded 100,000IOPS, and random writes have more than doubled to 78,000IOPS or 90,000IOPS, depending on who you ask and what drive you use. The improved performance in either direction is a useful boost to on-the-ground performance, as both AnandTech and Storage Review will tell you. We’re waiting on details of the ordinary triple level cell-based 840 model beyond its 120GB, 250GB and 500GB capacities, although there won’t be an enormous premium for the multi-level cell 840 Pro over existing drives when it arrives in mid-October — the flagship line should start at $100 for a basic 64GB drive, and peak at $600 for the ultimate 512GB version.
Pioneer CDJ-2000nexus updates the flagship DJ player, brings WiFi and slip mode (video)
Pioneer’s CDJ-2000 took the spot at the top of the firm’s CD turntable range a couple of years back, and has enjoyed a decent spell as the club standard. To ensure that its reign continues unchallenged, a new iteration in the form of the CDJ-2000nexus (no relation) has just been announced. The vast majority of the DNA remains the same, but there are some key new features such as WiFi (as we saw in the XDJ-AERO) for use with the rekordbox app, Beat Sync, Wave Zoom and Slip (a much wanted feature first seen in the CDJ-900). In total, you can now load tracks from CD, DVD, USB, SD, networked machines, and WiFi, meaning the player has essentially outgrown its “CDJ” labeling, becoming a true multimedia player. If you fancy taking one for a spin, you can do so starting from some time this month, for the upbeat price of $2,399. Laidback Luke demo video on rotation after the break.
Pioneer announces DDJ-WeGO two-channel DJ controller, provides entry-level jams
Remember that fancy-looking DDJ-AERO we saw from Pioneer recently? Well if that was a bit too “buttony,” or perhaps just too expensive for your beginner DJ pockets, how about that which you see above? Announced today, this is the DDJ-WeGO an (or is that another) all-in-one DJ controller — squarely aimed at the cheaper end of the market. With a suggested retail price of $399, it’s Pioneer’s cheapest controller to date, and comes bundled with Virtual DJ LE software. For your money, you get two platters and a mini-mixer, FX buttons, a choice of five colors (white, black, red, green or the pictured violet), as well as some built-in LED effects that help you learn to mix (the lights get brighter as the pitch of the two songs gets closer, etc.). On a more practical level, the unit is compact, USB-powered, and has a built-in audio-interface (no extra sound card required for headphone monitoring). You can get your spin on from next month, at the aforementioned quad-benjamin price-point, or tease yourself with the PR past the break.
Sony reveals $40 PlayStation Move Racing Wheel for LittleBigPlanet Karting and more
We didn’t spot it on stage during the pre-E3 2012 press conference, but Sony’s PlayStation Blog is showing off a new PS Move Racing Wheel on the way. This framework apparently fits around the Move, featuring different grip styles with twist throttles and paddle shifters depending on what kind of racing you’d like to do. The “precise motion tracking” afforded by the Move appears to be targeted at titles like the upcoming LittleBigPlanet Karting, but it’s hard to see how this will be real wheel, or even controller, alternative for serious gamers. It certainly seems to be fair competition for Microsoft’s Wireless Speed Wheel that was introduced last year or the Nintendo Wii Wheel, but frankly we’re surprised that’s a battle anyone else wanted to be in. Either way, we expect to get our hands on it this week before it hits stores this fall for $39.99.
Sonos Unveils New PC And Mac Apps (video)
Sonos has this week announced that they will soon be rolling out new Sonos applications for both Mac and PC systems. The new Sonos Mac & PC applications will be rolling out next week and should definitely be worth getting if you already own any Sonos equipment, as they brings a number of new features.
Including and redesigned user interface, together with improvements to the included drag-and-drop facility within the apps. Providing users with a much improved way to organise and maintain songs and playlists.
Another useful addition to the newly designed applications is the new mini-player that allows you to access your systems without swamping your desktop. Watch the video below to see the new features added by Sonos, and how they improve the accessibility and usability.
Numark N4 Four Channel Controller Launches (video)
First unveiled in September of last year Numark’s new entry-level 4 channel all round DJ controller, the Numark N4. Has now arrived in stores and is available to purchase for around $500.
The new Numark N4 is configurable enabling you to use two of the four channels to control external decks, players and devices, and comes supplied with Serato’s new DJ Intro software. Check out the video demonstration after the jump to see the new Numark N4, put through its paces.
The new Numark N4 features four decks of software control, plus a built-in mixer that can be used with or without a computer. Together with large, touch-sensitive platters, a built-in USB audio interface and a comprehensive mixer section with EQ and gain controls. Numark explains:
“The N4 is designed for DJs who want powerful capability in a lightweight, portable package. The N4 is a complete DJ controller that has everything you need to perform at your highest level.”
Source: Slashgear
Pulse Surface Controller Turns Any Surface Into A Playable Midi Controller (video)
The Pulse Controller is a new device which has been created and developed by musician Stephan Vankov, that has been designed to transform any flat surface in to an instrument.
Once attached to a surface the Pulse software then reads impulses it hears when the surface is hit to tapped. Enabling you to transform your table in to a drum set or piano.Watch the video after the jump to see it in action.
Vankov’s idea behind Pulse Controller was born out of the belief that computer-based musicians and performers should not feel restricted to a grid of small 1×1″ pads or a keyboard to create music and sounds.
Numark outs new 4Trak DJ controller: no, it’s not half an 8-track
Thought you were all done for new products and first looks? Think again. Looks like Numark is trying to stay ahead of the NAMM (National Association of Music Merchants) curve, outing its new Traktor-specific 4Trak DJ controller a few days before the show. Its N6 and N7 Serato-flavored devices have been well received, so it’s no surprise the DJ stalwart made one for the other dominant mixing software. On board there’s a four channel mixer, four-deck control, touch-strip track search, high resolution platters and a veritable flight deck of 1:1 hardware / software controls. See that tilted section up top? It’s actually a separate clamp-on “FX Kommand Console” (for controlling effects, unsurprisingly) that comes bundled in the box; an unusual, yet welcome variation. If this sounds like your cup of awesome, you could be spinning with it as soon as the end of Q1. You’ll need to lay down the estimated $1099 street price, but that does include a custom version of Traktor. Still interested? Tap the PR over the break for the full run down.
Native Instruments Traktor Kontrol S2 review
In the world of DJ’ing there are few certainties, be it the music you play, where you play it, or what you play it on. One thing’s for sure, and that is that technology is changing the craft of mixing as we know it. Controllers in particular are responsible for bringing the craft closer to the masses: they’re bedroom-friendly, full of gadgetry and they bring the time honored two-decks-and-a-mixer set up into the 21st century.
Native Instruments already has offerings in this area in the form of the Kontrol X1 and Kontrol S4, both of which have been hugely popular. How, then, will its latest addition to the family – the Kontrol S2 – hold up against its established elder siblings, along with an increasingly crowded pool of competing models? Is this an evolutionary refinement of its bigger brother – the S4 – or a stripped-down, slightly more economical ($669) controller for those looking to dip a toe into the whole DJ thing? Let’s get under the hood and find out.
Turbo Fire EVO Xbox 360 Controller is Wireless and has LCD Screen
If you are an avid Xbox 360, gamer looking for a new video game controller you might want to check out the new Turbo Fire EVO Wireless Controller for Xbox 360. The new controller has all the buttons and sticks that you want and expect along with a D-pad as well.
The coolest feature of the new controller is that it has a small LCD screen on the front that allows you to do all sorts of things right on the controller. The LCD is a 1.7-inch unit and you can enable features like sniper mode, program the controller on the fly for macros, and button remapping. There are a lot more things you can do on the LCD as well.
The controller comes in black or red colors and both are wireless. It sells for $54.99 and any of the settings and features can be tweaked on the fly without leaving your game. The wireless range is 20-feet and it has an integrated port for headsets.
via CodeJunkies
N-Control’s Avenger for PS3 begins pre-sale, officially debuts November 8th
Mad Catz Major League Gaming controllers offer swappable thumbstick layouts, fancy arcade buttons
If we didn’t already know those cats were mad about customizable controllers, we just got a reminder: the Mad Catz Major League Gaming Pro-Circuit Controllers. These professional-grade PS3 and Xbox 360 controllers allow competitive gamers to adjust the gamepad’s weight and swap out key components — such as exchanging the controller’s analog stick for a D-pad. Want your PS3 controller to have a Xbox 360 layout? No problem. If the insane kitty’s ambitious Onza competitor isn’t your thing, check out the MLG Tournament Edition Fightstick, featuring the same Sanwa Denshi components used in Japanese arcade cabinets. It may not have its sibling’s stick-swapping action, but its 13-foot controller cable, classic layout, and left-right stick toggle mode (for emulating the missing analog thumbstick) still aims to please. The Arcade Fightstick can be had now at the GameShark store to the tune of $160, but the Pro-Circuit gamepads aren’t due out until closer to the end of the year.
Acorn Instruments announces Masterkey 49 keyboard
Don’t get us wrong: we love MIDI keyboards that have a multitude of controllers that automatically map themselves to your software’s parameters, but what if you just want a playable, reasonably-sized model that doesn’t cost the earth? Acorn Instruments thinks that it might have the answer with the Masterkey 49.
This is a 49-note, velocity-sensitive, synth-style USB controller that has octave shift, transpose and MIDI program change functions that can be used on the fly. Pitch bend and mod wheels are in place, and there’s a socket for a sustain pedal.
You’ll also find four knobs and a fader, all of which are assignable, with menus and parameters being viewable in the red LED display.
Masterkey 49 is bus-powered and class-compliant, and has a retail price of £99.99. What’s more, it ships with a copy of PreSonus’s Studio One Artist DAW, making this a one-stop bundle for anyone who wants to start making music on their computer.
Masterkey 49 will be available in July.
New Horipad 3 PS3 Controller With Rotating D-Pad
In a twist on traditional gaming console controllers Hori the Japanese peripheral manufacturer has started teasing images of their new Horipad 3 gaming controller designed for the PS3. The new Horipad 3 is fitted with a range of features to enhance your game playing prowess but one innovative and unique feature is the addition of a rotating D-Pad.
Rather than forcing you to use a straight D-Pas te new rotating one allow you to align the control to match your gaming style for comfort and best of all more precise control.
As you can see by the instructions below the D-Pad can be angled to suit your hands and thumb position while gaming and also features adjustable analog stick sensitivity, three different levels of turbo fire and a quick activation button situated on the back of the controller.
The Horipad Pro will be released in Japan on July 21st but unfortunately there are currently no International shipping dates or prices as yet, but Amazon does already stock Hori controllers so might well a batch of the new Horipad 3 controllers very soon.
Source : Joystiq
Denon DN-MC6000 £695
When it comes to DJ gear, Denon is a brand that’s been a staple in clubs and bars for years, plus they were one of the first companies to get CDs in the DJ scene as they became the default tray-loading CDJ stalwarts.
As the rise of digital DJing continues, never the slouch, Denon has embraced the market and delivers its new Traktor-ready controller, the DN-MC6000.
With Native Instruments now building its very own hardware front-end for Traktor with the Kontrol S4, it seems Denon, like other companies, will have to work a bit harder to find a niche for its own Traktor devices.
“The familiarity of the faders, buttons and rotaries will be a pleasure to anyone that has used Denon DJ kit.”
So what does Denon have to offer? Well. The first thing that you notice when comparing this to the rest of the market is just how well built it is, with a really weighty metal construction and top quality faders, knobs and buttons. It’s probably one of the most robust DJ controllers we’ve ever seen.
The other significant thing about the MC6000 is the sheer amount of features Denon has crammed into this unit, which has a 6U rack-mountable footprint.
There are a huge amount of audio I/O including impressive balanced XLR master outs and balanced TRS booth outs. There are inputs too – with four Phono RCA inputs meaning you can add a pair of CDJs and vinyl decks and route them through the mixer of the unit.
The balanced booth output also acts as an audio send with assignable sources. So, if you wanted to send and return an external effects unit using this, you could. Plus, this booth / send output also benefits from its own high and low EQ.
The Wii U controller, revealed! (Video)
Whoa! The rumors turned out to be true: a 6.2-inch screen will be built into the controller for Nintendo’s next-generation Wii U console. It’ll also feature a microphone, a gyroscope, an accelerometer, dual analog controls, two shoulder buttons and two triggers, a front-facing camera, a stylus, and yes, it’s a touchscreen, too! Satoru Iwata was careful to forewarn that the Wii U’s controller was “not designed to be a portable game machine,” even if it shares some characteristics with handhelds. You will, however, be able to game and video chat even without a TV. Screen resolution isn’t given yet, but the display ratio is stated as 16:9, matching every other widescreen in your living room. Check the video after the break while we go try to hunt down some hands-on time with this multifunctional new beast of a controller.
Xbox 360 Wireless Speed Wheel will arrive in early October for $60, give you something to hold on to
Microsoft’s Kinect motion controls may be infiltrating all sorts of games at this year’s E3, but the Xbox maker isn’t neglecting those in need of a more tangible control scheme. A new Wireless Speed Wheel has just been revealed, with a reasonable $60 price tag and an early October launch date. As you see above, it’s technically three-fourthsof a wheel, but that does allow for extra green bands of lights to be applied and, slightly more importantly, a set of directional and action buttons to be added to the handles of this steering implement. There’s a rumble pack inside for force feedback and a pair of trigger buttons on the underside for smashing the gas or dabbing the brakes. Another image after the break.
Batarang controllers to be thrown at E3, come back in October
If multiple batmobiles, a bat-usb stick, and a bat-puter aren’t enough to convince you Bruce Wayne is a vain egomaniac, maybe these Batman: Arkham City batarang controllers will give you pause. In traditional bat-gadget fashion, these Xbox 360 and Ps3 controllers boast a cheesy bat-aesthetic (such as bat-start and select / back buttons), dual rumble motors, comfort-soft grips, and seven switchable splashes of LED color. Although physically the two controllers are pretty similar, Ol’ Bats seems to favor the PlayStation 3, giving its controller not only the popular Xbox 360 button / analog layout, but an internal battery, detachable charging cable, and batman-themed USB RF receiver, to boot. The Xbox variant? A dated, wired affair — but hey, at least it’s got that Xbox guide button, right? The controllers will be on display next week at E3, courtesy of Power-A, and will hit store shelves when Batman: Arkham City ships in October, leaving you little excuse not to be geared up and ready when the bat-phone rings. Hit the break for the official press release… or, you know, have Robin do it for you.
OnLive outs universal wireless controller, seamless Facebook integration and more — we test the tablet experience on an HTC Flyer (video)
We told you that OnLive was coming to tablets, TVs, and other devices a while back, but perhaps you were vexed by the thought of controlling Duke Nukem via touchscreen or IR remote. Well, worry no more, as OnLive’s made a Universal Wireless Controller to give you console controls on any OnLive-compatible device. The company’s secret sauce lets it connect directly to your slate or smartphone, and there’s also a USB dongle for use with PCs and non-Vizio TVs. We asked company CEO Steve Perlman what was in his wireless witches’ brew, but all he would tell us is that the black magic isn’t Bluetooth. We got to see the new controller in person, and there’s no discernible difference between it and the one that comes with the MicroConsole — they look the same and they play the same, plus the new gamepad has an 802.15.4 radio for backwards-compatiblity with the MicroConsole, too. Unfortunately, that dongle’s not yet ready for prime time, but we’re that it’ll be a “little bit bigger” than Logitech’s tiny Unifying Receiver.
When we went hands-on with the new controller, it was paired with the HTC Flyer. We’d been waiting to see OnLive’s service on HTC’s new tablet, and the experience didn’t disappoint — in our brief time with the device, gaming was as good on the Flyer as it is on a PC, with little lag and the same quality graphics. In addition to the Flyer and Vizio’s VIA hardware, many more devices are set to join the OnLive family this year, though Steve wouldn’t tell us who’s manufacturing them. He did say that no matter what brand-name is on the front of the box, the company hopes to have 50 million Blu-ray players and 25 million internet TVs shipped with the service on board by the end of the year. To hit that goal, the company has partnered with Intel to bring streaming gameplay to devices with Atom CE4100 silicon starting this fall.
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Splitfish FragFX Shark to surface for Xbox 360, make friends with wired controller
Splitfish is finally bringing its flagship PC and PS3 mouse controller to the Xbox, albeit packing an odd wireless caveat. Although the FragFx Shark 360 is billed as an identical twin to its PS3 counterpart, this half-gamepad and rodent combo, much like a XIM adapter, needs a wired Xbox 360 gamepad to act as an intermediary between itself and the console. That wired controller plugs into the Shark’s wireless USB dongle; the macro-equipped “fragchuck” and mouse themselves are completely untethered. It sounds a little janky, but if your faith in mouse superiority is strong, you may be forgiving it for its faults come late August. Hit the break for a full list of features and glittery PR wonder.
