Monday, February 13, 2017

Intel's 8th-gen Core processors won't be revolutionary



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It's clearer than ever that the days of tick-tock Intel chip upgrades (new process one generation, new architecture the next) are long gone. Intel has revealed that its 8th-generation Core processors, due in the second half of 2017 will once again be built on a 14-nanometer process -- yes, for the fourth time in a row. The company is shy on what these new chips will entail, but it's claiming that it'll manage another 15 percent performance improvement (in SysMark tests, anyway) like it did with the 7th-generation Core designs you see now.


AnandTech notes that the upcoming refresh might focus more on the low-voltage U- and Y-series chips you see in very thin and light laptops, just as you saw with the initial 7th-gen processors late last year. That has yet to be confirmed, however.
One thing's for sure: when Intel's long-delayed 10nm processors finally do arrive, you won't see a wholesale switch to the new technology. Intel says that future process uses will be "fluid" depending on the segment they're targeting, and that data centers will get first crack at these upgrades. Don't be surprised if the Xeon line gets first dibs on 10nm, then, or if only some mainstream chips make the leap at first.
The decision might be necessary given the challenges of shrinking large CPUs down to a 10nm process, but it's likely to leave Intel feeling nervous. After all, mobile giants like Qualcomm are releasing 10nm processors this year. While mobile tablets probably won't outperform most laptops any time soon, this could narrow the gap enough that you might be tempted to skip buying a conventional Intel-based PC in the right circumstances.
Intel (PDF),Intel Official News (Twitter)


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The best gaming headsets for PS4, Xbox One and PC

TV speakers are fine for watching TV but to take your gaming to the next level, you need a decent set of headphones or at least a set of surround sound speakers for gaming. There’s nothing like putting on a new pair of cans and realising you can hear the wind whistling or a scope zoom noise that you didn’t even know was there. It doesn’t matter if you’ve got a PS4, Xbox One or PC, a proper gaming headset will enrich your brain approximately 3000% more than standard speakers- definitely not a fake science number we just made up.
Regardless of how much nicer soundtracks are when they're piped directly into your lugs, spatial awareness in multiplayer is absolutely essential and that can only come with a gaming headset simulating full 3D space. Yep, a gaming headset can make you better at games. Now you're listening.
There's a terrifying number of headphone shaped offerings on the market so it's hard to know which is the best gaming headset for you.  With budgets stretching into the hundreds, it's difficult to know how much to spend that's going to offer up the best literal bang for your buck. So whether you're looking for a headset for PS4, Xbox One or PC, we've selected the very best of the bunch here. Bear in mind that if you've got an original Xbox One controller and not the newer model with a 3.5mm jack, you'll need an Xbox One stereo headset adaptor that you can pick up from Amazon
From wireless headsets for the most freedom, wired offerings with serious comfort and cans made specifically for VR, here's the very best gaming headsets for consoles and PC you can buy in 2017.
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1. Turtle Beach Elite Pro Tournament
Made for esports, this headset feels and sounds incredible
Compatible with PS4, Xbox One (with adaptor) and PC, these cans are in a league of their own when it comes to detailed sound quality and comfort.  Developed with esports players in mind, the headset itself has multiple tension options and even a nice feature where you can reduce the pressure of the ear cushions on your glasses. You might scoff now but add that to the tension settings on the headband and you've got a set of headphones that don't feel like they're crushing your skull after a few hours of play.
The included microphone is ultra clear already but you can buy an additional noise cancelling microphone to make sure just your voice is all your teammates get. Also available is the excellent Elite Pro Tactical Audio Controller to precision control your audio experience down to a decibel. Regardless of whether you go for the add-ons or not, the headset is a brilliant overall package that's clearly been crafted with long term gaming in mind. Prepare to hear sounds you didn't even know were there.
buy from amazon


2. Razer ManO'War - Wireless headset


 Ideal for both PC and PS4, these are wire-free wonders
If you wanted a reason to convert to the world of wirefree gaming sound, here it is. The ManO' War is the best gaming headset we've found that delivers on audio quality, looks and exceptional comfort. The tiny Bluetooth dongle handily lives inside the headset itself (making it far less possible to lose) and set up is painfully easy.  On PS4 you can just plug the dongle straight into one of your USB ports and it automatically connects. On PC it's equally simple and you'll get bonus exceptional simulated 7.1 surround sound via Razer's Synapse app.
Whether you're on PS4 or PC, the audio quality is brilliant - Destiny's weaponry thuds especially satisfyingly on console - and it's all in a surprisingly light package. The buttons and controls are located on each ear and reasonably easy to find once you know what you're looking for. Volumes for both the mic and audio are on there too and a press of the wheel will mute either. The mic too is easily retractable for jumping in and out of chat. Plus, despite the fact that you're never going to see them, both cans light up with Razer's  16.8 million Chroma colours. Nice.  Overall, we can't recommend these cans enough.
buy from amazon

3. Kingston HyperX Cloud


 An absolute beast of a gaming headset at a brilliant price
It was no April Fool’s when storage and PC memory manufacturer, Kingston, released a gaming headset back at the start of April 2014. Two years later and it still stands the test of time. Kingston brought in the expertise of Swedish gaming experts, QPAD, to help it with its first set of headphones. And, building on the excellent QH-90 cans, Kingston tweaked the original’s slightly flat bass response just enough to make the HyperX Cloud an astoundingly good gaming headset.
You genuinely won’t find a set of headphones that sound as good for the price of the original Clouds. Kingston created a second gen version with USB 7.1 surround support, but changed little else, which still makes the originals perfect if you just want a standard 3.5mm connection so ideal for plugging into a PS4 controller. Kingston has gone its own way with its new Revolver headset, but it’s twice the price of the stunning HyperX Cloud.
buy from amazon

4. SteelSeries Siberia 800


 The ultimate in wireless luxury
If you're looking to invest in a monster set of luxury gaming headphones for all your devices and not have the worry of pesky wires, the Siberia 800s should be top of your shopping list. These cans run through an included external transmitter and it's easy to switch between devices without any hassle. You've got multiple options when it comes to sound too. Wire up your optical cable and the 800s deliver exemplary surround sound that means you're not going to want to take your new favourite headphones off any time soon.
We've no complaints with the stereo offering either and the bass is booming enough to plug into your mobile device for music when you've not got your head in the game. Another nice thing is the supplying of an additional lithium ion battery so no running out of sound when you need it most. The extra battery charges inside the transmitter so it's ready when you need to swap them out.  If you want a multipurpose - not to mention comfortable -  wireless gaming headset option for PC or console, this is definitely worth the investment.
buy from amazon

5. Creative Sound BlasterX H5


An excellent balance of price and sound quality
Sound Blaster is a brand synonymous with gaming audio history stretching back decades and the closed-back H5 headset is another great option for getting the best aural experience in-game. These headphones don’t have the same level of frequency response as the Kingstons, but the Sound BlasterX H5 cans still have a great sound to them. They're comfortable with a snug fit around the ears and will work with both PC and consoles.
Worth noting too is that the noise reduction microphone works well for in game chat and mobile but is of course removable if you don't fancy walking down the street looking like you're in charge of a fleet of spaceships.
buy from amazon

6. Audio Technica ATH-AG1x


 Money no object luxury cans
Audio-Technica has been creating audiophile headphones for years, but its first gaming headset, the ATH-AG1, didn’t go down so well with gamers. Not resting on its laurels though it has recently released a revamped version of the closed-back cans, with more a more solid soundscape and incredible detail. The only downside of this great-sounding headset is the slightly odd ‘wing’ design of its headband.
Audio-Technica’s AG1x is the sort of headset which screams ‘what do you mean you don’t have a dedicated soundcard?!’ when you plug it into your motherboard. This is a premium headset which deserves serious audio hardware. It will work with PS4 and mobile via its 3.5mm jack but to give yourself the audio you deserve, you'll want a PC with a dedicated sound card to deliver all those perfect decibels straight into your brain.
buy from amazon

7. Plantronics RIG 4VR


 Perfect for VR gaming
Specifically designed to work with PlayStation VR, the officially licensed RIG 4VR headset is incredibly light and made so it sits away from the PS VR headband when you wear it. This basically means nothing is pressing uncomfortably against your head when you’re wearing both bits of kit so no squeezed skull for you. While you don't need one as there's one built into the VR headset, these cans also include a mic for shouting at your Destiny fireteam as they fail, yet again, to defend the zones. Helpfully this can easily be removed or ‘flipped up’ to mute it when your obscenities get too much.
Sound-wise these do a great job of picking up little sound details and enhancing the 3D audio from the VR headset but even with the volume up you can still be left wishing they were a little louder. The interchangeable cables also handily mean you won’t get too tangled up in a mess of wires while gaming in VR or have to hunch over your pad when you go back to the normal (boring) sofa and TV set-up.
buy from amazon

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The 7 Best Mirrorless Cameras to Buy in 2017

Take your photography skills to the next level

The mirrorless camera market has really matured in recent years, having reached a point where they’re no longer limited to the realm of camera geeks, professionals and aficionados. With compact, lightweight designs comparable to traditional point-and-shoots, as well as interchangeable lens functionality (like those founds on bulky DSLR cameras), you really have the best of both worlds. If you like this new approach to camera making, which is only expected to continue in coming years, check out this list of the best mirrorless cameras.

Best Overall: Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark II

Olympus is one of the top camera makers in the world, having come into its own alongside the soaring popularity of mirrorless shooters. With a few highly impressive cameras under its belt, the Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark II may be the reigning king of mirrorless cameras. There really isn’t much missing from this camera. It’s rugged and compact, yet elegant and simple to use. It’s got an articulating, camcorder-style LCD, high-end Full HD (1080p) video recording with image stabilization, a massive 2.35-million dot electronic viewfinder, and a super impressive 16-megapixel Live MOS sensor with a 40-megapixel High-Resolution Shot Mode. And you get access to Olympus’ lens market, which is certainly among the bets and most vibrant. The OM-D E-M5 Mark II is pricey considering that it doesn’t even include a lens. For an extra $700 you get an Olympus M Zuiko Digital ED 12-40mm f/2.8 Pro lens. All in all, though, if you’re in the market for the best, this is where you start.

Best Budget: Samsung NX3000


Finally, a mirrorless camera that won’t put you in debt (hopefully). The Samsung NX3000 is every bit just as good as a mirrorless shooter from Leica or Olympus, with a few technical shortcomings that will prove unnoticeable to your average intermediate photographer. It can also come with your choice of either a 16-50mm Power Zoom (an extra $100) or 20-50mm Compact Zoom lens. Samsung is somewhat new to the interchangeable lens market, but its presence cannot be denied, and the NX3000 proves it. It features a 20.3-megapixel CMOS sensor; WiFi and NFC connectivity for quick sharing and uploading, as well as smartphone-based remote control; Full HD (1080p) video recording; plus a number of smart shooting modes, filters and controls. It’s a well-designed camera that should continue to provide high-quality images for years to come. You may be disappointed by Samsung’s limited lens market, but it’s not necessarily a deal-breaker, especially at this price point.

Best for Novices: Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark II


“Novice” isn’t a term most people would use for a camera that starts at $650 and does not even include a lens. But that’s the thing with mirrorless cameras: While they are more compact than their DSLR counterparts, they’re not necessarily simple. You should probably have a solid grasp of photography before diving head first into the mirrorless category. If you feel you’re ready to make the jump, the Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark II may be for you. With all the mode and control dials located on the righthand side, it’s designed to accommodate beginners. The menu may be a bit confusing, as is the case with most Olympus cameras, but it’s easy to start up, always at the ready, and always able to deliver some high quality images. It’s got a 16.1-megapixel CMOS sensor, a three-inch tilting LCD, 5-axis image stabilization, an OLED electronic viewfinder (EVF), burst shooting up to 8.5 fps and a bunch of shooting modes and focus features that allow mirrorless newbies to quickly adapt to the new realm of interchangeable lens cameras.

Best for Casual Photographers: Fujifilm X-A2


The mirrorless category can be a bit daunting if you’re new to interchangeable lenses. While there are plenty of $400-$500 mirrorless devices that any novice or intermediate photographer could appreciate, the craft of photography is not necessarily made easier by them. You really need to be devoted to it to learn the ins and outs of proper shooting. The Fujifilm X-A2 is another entry-level mirrorless device with a few nods to traditional design, making it an obvious choice for photographers who are looking to step up their game while also holding on to some of the web-focused perks of a smartphone. The three-inch tilting LCD is a nod to selfie-takers, and the one-touch wireless image transfer allows for quick and easy transfers to your phone. The hardware specs are also on point, with the 16-megapixel CMOS sensor and the included 16-50mm F3.5-5.6 II kit lens. Plus, you get access to Fuji’s spectacular line of X-mount lenses. This is a solid camera for entry-level shooters who don’t want to have to upgrade any time soon, even as they reach the advanced level.

Best for Video: Sony Alpha A6300


If you’re going to spend more than $1,000 on a mirrorless camera that shoots video, shouldn’t you expect it to conform to the latest resolution standards? Surprisingly, not many of them do. The Sony alpha A6300 does, and it would probably be listed as one of the best mirrorless shooters around even if there were no video options. This thing is a top performer by all respects. The Internal UHD 4K & 1080p video makes it a veritable high-end camcorder as well as a mirrorless interchangeable lens camera. It’s got a 24.2-megapixel APS-C Exmor CMOS sensor, a super fast autofocus speed of just 0.05 seconds, up to 11fps continuous shooting, and a sturdy, weather-sealed magnesium alloy frame. It’s also got a tilting rear display, a built-in flash, WiFi and NFC connectivity, as well as an extremely high maximum ISO of 51200, meaning it will perform well in all lighting conditions. Oh, and did we mention it shoots 4K video?


Best Lens System: Fuji X-T10


The Fujifilm X-T10, on its own, is probably one of the best mirrorless cameras on the market, capable of competing head-on with the Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark II and Sony Alpha A6300. But one leg-up that the X-T10 has is its compatibility with Fujifilm’s X-mount lenses, which are among the best in their class. These are high-end lenses from a high-end camera maker, and the X-T10 is your entry point. So in addition to offering one of the most robust lens markets around, the X-T10 is pretty much a deluxe camera. It features a 16-megapixel X-Trans CMOS II sensor, a 2.36-million dot OLED electronic viewfinder (EVF), a compact magnesium frame, a built-in pop-up flash and ISO sensitivity up to 51,200. It’s also got a slew of professional controls and shooting modes, advanced filters and continuous shooting at up to 8 fps. To be clear, this is a professional camera with professional lenses.

Best High-End: Leica M (Typ 240)


If money is no issue and you prefer the design, familiarity and luxury of classic film cameras, the Leica M (Typ 240) is the best mirrorless camera money can buy. It looks like an old film camera, but it’s actually one of the most elegantly designed digital cameras you’ll find. It’s got a full-frame, 24-megapixel CMOS image sensor, a scratch resistant display cover made of sapphire glass, a huge 2 GB image buffer, and a manual optical viewfinder. And it performs as well as you’d expect from such an expensive camera. Images are impressively detailed at every ISO, aperture and shutter setting. It’s splash and dust resistant, has lens support for almost every lens on the market thanks to its adapters, and it just looks great.

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