Raytracing halves framerates in Battlefield V — even a GeForce RTX 2080 Ti cannot handle the full brunt of DXR!

The main point of the GeForce RTX cards were to enable real-time raytracing in games. But it seems that gamers might not be even able to enjoy raytracing at its finest on NVIDIA’s latest and greatest card. TechPowerUp’s tests show that even the flagship GeForce RTX 2080 Ti was brought to its knees when DirectX Raytracing (DXR) was set to Ultra.
The GeForce RTX cards were only capable of a playable experience (above 60 fps) with DXR enabled at 1080p, as even 1440p brings the GeForce RTX 2080 Ti down to a low frame rate of just 73.2 fps with DXR set to Low. Anything higher and the average frame rate dips below the hallowed 60 fps mark. If you want to enjoy Battlefield V with raytracing enabled, you will definitely have to get the GeForce RTX 2080 Ti, as anything lower and you won’t actually get a great experience.

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What must be noted is that real-time raytracing is still a massive breakthrough, despite lackluster performance. The realism of the reflections even at DXR Low is a huge upgrade. Raytracing used to be a technology reserved only for professionals, but it is now available for gamers, in real time. Considering that this is NVIDIA’s first time making a GPU capable of real-time raytracing, they definitely deserve some slack. Probably more too, as there is actually nothing from the competition capable of delivering a similar experience.
The question now is, would you be willing to settle to lesser frame rates to enjoy more realistic shadows and reflections?
Pokdepinion: It seems like we are having the same situation as we had back when 4K monitors appeared on the scene. A few generations later, we will be laughing at today’s GeForce RTX 20-series performance. But for now, this is the only way you can even experience raytracing. It’s expensive, it’s taxing, but it’s surely very beautiful.
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Honor 6X review — double the cameras, double the quality?

Honor is Huawei’s sister company, targeting more budget-conscious consumers with their impressive value-for-money proposition. We have seen the Honor 5X, Honor 5C and their latest flagship, the Honor 8, which I use as my daily driver. The Honor 6X which was just recently launched in Malaysia is the latest addition to the Honor family. Based on its specifications, the Honor 6X looks like something that slots right between the Honor 5C and Honor 8, with a faster chipset than the Honor 5C and a watered down dual camera system. Well, that’s what it says on paper anyway, let’s take it to town to know for real.
Unboxing

The Honor 6X comes in the usual blue packaging which has been the trademark of Honor smartphones. The packaging is compact, with the Honor 6X label on the front.

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Lifting off the lid reveals the device wrapped in a plastic bag. I don’t understand why Honor couldn’t use the usual plastic wrappers used to wrap smartphones for the Honor 6X, but hey, money saved on packaging would mean more spent on the device itself, right?

The device features a sticker on its back that is sort of a quick start guide. I kinda like this arrangement as this way, you will be sure to have a look at the guide, as we all know no one is going to flip through the user guide if it was printed on another piece of paper.

Lifting up the device reveals a tray under it, which should contains the SIM tray ejector pin and also the documentation. We didn’t receive a complete package, so we lack the documentation which should have come with the Honor 6X. You get a standard 10W charger and a microUSB cable with the Honor 6X. In certain regions, there will be a hard case and also a pair of earphones, but we won’t get it here in Malaysia.
Appearance

It can be difficult to differentiate the Honor 6X when looking at it from the front. Aside from the Honor logo on the lower bezel, it looks just like any other smartphone out there. The corners on the Honor 6X are less rounded than most devices out there, so there won’t be a fruity company suing them for copying their design.

The back features an ergonomic curvature, with the dual camera module taking up the top half of the device. The round fingerprint sensor is just below the dual camera hump. The vertical alignment of the two camera sensors is akin to the Huawei Mate 9, as previous generations had the two cameras side by side. The top and lower edges are made of plastic, and features a slightly different tone and finish from the rest of the metal back. The plastic caps also sit just a bit higher than the metal back, which doesn’t convince me of Honor’s quality control.

The volume rocker and power button are on the right side, with the SIM tray over on the other. The volume rocker and power button feature the same smooth finishing, unlike the Honor 8 and higher end Huawei devices.

The 3.5mm (thankfully not forgotten) finds its home on the top along with the secondary microphone, while the bottom edge is where you find the primary microphone, mono loudspeaker and microUSB port. The loudspeaker and microphone are behind grilles on both sides of the microUSB, giving it a nice symmetry along the lower edge. I wish Honor had went with a USB Type-C port though.
Specifications

CPU:
HiSilicon Kirin 655 (4 x A53 @ 2.1 GHz, 4 x A53 @ 1.7 GHz), Mali-T830MP2 @ 600 MHz

RAM
3GB LPDDR3

Display:
5.5″, FHD (1080p) IPS display

Storage:
32GB internal (expandable with microSD up to 256GB)

Camera:
Dual Lens: 12MP f/2.2, PDAF, Sony Exmor RS IMX 386, single LED flash + 2MP secondary
8MP f/2.0

OS:
Android 6.0 Marshmallow with Emotion UI 4.1

Connectivity:
WiFi 802.11 a/b/g/n (2.4GHz)
Bluetooth 4.1

SIM:
nanoSIM (dual SIM support, one nanoSIM slot doubles as microSD slot)

Battery:
3340 mAh (non-removable)

Performance
The Kirin 655 is pretty much the same Kirin 650 with a slight bump to 2.1 GHz instead of 2.0 GHz on the big cores. You get eight A53 cores, 4 at 2.1 GHz and another 4 at 1.7 GHz with the Mali-T830MP2 clocked at 600 MHz handling the graphics. The Kirin 655 is built on the 16nm FinFET manufacturing process. 3GB of LPDDR3 is offered, with a 4GB variant of the Honor 6X available too.

The Kirin 655 is no beast in the GPU segment, as the Mali-T830MP2 GPU is clocked pretty low. Gamers may have to look elsewhere as the Honor 6X will not be capable of delivering great graphics at smooth framerates. Surprisingly HiSilicon didn’t bump the GPU clocks up from the Kirin 650.

The Honor 6X doesn’t impress in Antutu either, but scores higher than the Honor 5C that has the Kirin 650. It doesn’t keep up with the Exynos 7880 Octa or the Snapdragon 625, but is a lot better than the Snapdragon 430.

Geekbench tests the CPU portion of the chipset, and the Honor 6X doesn’t do particularly well here either. It does better than the Samsung Galaxy A7 (2017) with the Exynos 7880 Octa in single core, but falls behind in the multi core tests.

As in all the previous benchmarks, the Honor 6X doesn’t do as well as the Snapdragon 625 devices, but here it ranks higher than the Exynos 7880 Octa-packing Galaxy A7 (2017), which scored 3825, too low to even be in the chart.

Battery life of the Honor 6X is good, pushing more than 1 day of battery life with nearly 5 hours of screen on time. I was using a lot of Chrome, Facebook, Messenger and Whatsapp through out this duration. This points towards HiSilicon sacrificing raw performance in exchange for more battery life. While it scores less in benchmarks, the user experience was not compromised, which is more important than big numbers in a benchmark. The Honor 6X doesn’t support faster charging beyond 10W though, as I have tried using a 18W Huawei Quick Charger that came with my Honor 8, and it didn’t charge any faster than it would with the 10W charger.
User Experience
Hardware
The Honor 6X features dual SIM support, but unlike the Honor 5X, it goes for a hybrid second SIM slot. No complaints here as every other manufacturer does this in their recent devices with the exception of the Samsung Galaxy A7 (2017).

The Honor 6X feels good in hand, as the curved back is very comfortable to hold and offers a secure grip of the device. The 5.5″ screen is manageable, and coupled with the decent bezels, it is quite easy to touch every corner of the device without changing my grip too much.

The 5.5″ 1080p IPS display which takes up the front of the device is pretty good. As an IPS display, it features wide viewing angles without color shifting. Blacks look decent, but don’t expect the pure blacks AMOLED panels are capable of. Similarly, while the colors on the Honor 6X screen are pretty nice, don’t expect the vivid (some say too vivid) colors of AMOLED displays. The Honor 6X features a sunlight readability mode which adjusts the contrast and saturation under direct sunlight. While some may consider it annoying that the display looks different under the sun, I find it great that it helps me see the screen better when I am outdoors.

Unlocking the Honor 6X via the rear-mounted fingerprint sensor is really quick, a welcome upgrade from the Honor 5C, which itself had a faster fingerprint sensor than the Honor 5X. The location of the sensor is just right, allowing to put my finger on it without adjusting my grip of the device at all. Accuracy is good too, as it can even detect my fingerprint when my finger was slightly wet from washing my hands. However, the Honor 6X’s fingerprint sensor doesn’t feature the Smart Key functionality Honor so ingeniously embedded into the fingerprint sensor on the Honor 8.

The camera on the Honor 6X features a dual lens system like the Honor 8, but instead of the RGB+monochrome setup, the Honor 6X features a 12MP Sony IMX 386 sensor with PDAF + 2MP configuration. The main difference would be the Honor 6X won’t be able to take advantage of the additional dynamic range and sharpness the monochrome sensor can offer, but still deliver on the wide aperture and after-capture focus selection thanks to the ability to manipulate the depth of field. Also worth nothing is that the IMX 386 is an upgrade to the Honor 8 and Huawei P9’s Sony IMX 286, bringing PDAF which was not available with the IMX 286. We will have a look at some samples later on.

Audio from the Honor 6X is acceptable. There is a SWS mode when you plug in a pair of headphones into the 3.5mm jack, enabling Huawei’s proprietary Super Wide Sound effect for an enhanced virtual soundstage, but it can make music sound pretty bad. It didn’t have problems driving my Edifier H840, so it shouldn’t have any issues with most earphones either. The loudspeaker is not particularly loud, but serves its main purpose for notifications. The audio quality from the loudspeaker is also not all that good as it lacks a depth to the sound, and it can also suffer from some distortion at maximum volume.
Software

Moving on, the Honor 6X still runs Android 6.0 Marshmallow, with their own proprietary EMUI 4.1 skin. Honor has promised to update it to Android 7.0 Nougat with EMUI 5.0 sometime in H1 2017, so look forward to it arriving sometime before July. As we have previously seen, EMUI 4.1 looks dated with no app drawer and two-paged notification shade. EMUI 5.0 will be a great upgrade for the Honor 6X, and I am looking forward to it enhancing the overall experience of using the Honor 6X. Speaking of which, the Honor 6X offers a fluid experience, without the stutters and killed background apps marring my experience with the Honor 5C. I believe the increased RAM capacity contributed to this improvement, as the 100 MHz bump in clock speed does not really account for much at all.

In terms of built-in apps, EMUI 4.1 doesn’t have a really cohesive theme. Certain apps feature their own colors, while some others carry over the homescreen wallpaper’s colors into the app’s background. The user experience in these apps is acceptable, but Honor saw it fit to load the Honor 6X with a few bits of bloatware here and there. While I didn’t like that, I did like that the Honor 6X features a built-in Health app that can work as a pedometer. I can’t vouch for it’s accuracy — it consistently recorded around 300-400 steps more than what my Mi Band 2 counted — but it does great to give a rough idea of how much physical activity (or lack of) on a certain day.

The camera UI is the same as the rest of EMUI 4.1 devices. You get a large shutter button on one side of the viewfinder, some shortcuts on the other, and you can swipe left and right to change camera modes and tweak the settings. There are quite a few modes to play around with, i.e the Good Food mode gives your images a warmer tone to make your Instagram followers even hungrier when you post your dinner at midnight. Of course, thanks to secondary 2MP sensor, you also get to play around with the depth of field, simulating the aperture from f/0.95 to f/16. Just tap on the aperture icon (very appropriate) and play around with the focus. The best part of it is that you do not need to wait any longer than usual for the ability to refocus the images after you shoot, which is a very nifty feature to have.

The image quality of the Honor 6X is rather decent. Not great, but good enough. There can be some serious loss of details are lost to the noise reduction algorithms at higher ISOs, but the images look very usable for social media usage. HDR mode also doesn’t do a good job, as it results in images that can look duller than what auto mode can deliver. Food mode is great though, which is why you can see lots of food in these shots I took with the Honor 6X. The Wide Aperture Mode on the Honor 6X is a little less impressive than on the Honor 8, as it shoots only 8MP shots in the mode, and also the bokeh looks very fake. For example, it can blur out some parts of the image which are on the exact same plane of focus. This seems to point towards a heavier reliance on software as this shows that the Honor 6X can’t detect the distance with the secondary camera.
Conclusion
The Honor 6X may not have the best performance ever, nor does it have the latest software — yet — but it is quite affordable at RM1199. The dual camera feature may seem even more gimmicky than the implementation on the Honor 8 and Huawei P9, but the ability to shoot first and focus later is fun, albeit probably being less interesting than what the higher end models are offering. Otherwise, the camera is pretty okay. An update is promised to alleviate my concerns of the outdated software, so the only major negative point of the Honor 6X is its lackluster performance. If you aren’t into gaming on your smartphone, I believe the Honor 6X will make a great choice as the battery life is really good. But if you really enjoy playing games with intense graphics on your smartphone, you will be better served elsewhere. The Honor 6X also makes a nice upgrade over the Honor 5C, with the RM400 difference well accounted for with a better camera, faster fingerprint sensor and also a bigger display. But aside from the gimmicky dual lens system which allows you to focus after you take a picture, the Honor 6X doesn’t really standout from the crowd of really great mid-range devices already in the market, which is a shame.
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HUAWEI Matebook X Pro Features The World’s First Recessed Camera

Now if you’ve been following our page, HUAWEI is set to launch their MateBook X Pro, which is the world’s first recessed camera.
HUAWEI MateBook X Pro

You may be wondering on what is all the fuss of having one camera such as that on a laptop. Well in today’s world, privacy is becoming ever more important in protecting.

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Whenever you are connected to the internet, you have the chance of being exposed or being attacked by hackers. If they have control on your notebook, they can simply turn on the webcam and monitor you with ease.
One of the ways that a hacker do their bidding is by through email messages that request information or offer complimentary entertainments to the public. Some might click on the files attached or on the unsecure links embedded in the email copy. This in turn, allows hackers to transfer malware onto your device.
We all remember when Mark Zuckerberg, the founder of Facebook, was seen covering his laptop’s webcam with a tape to avoid his privacy from being leaked to hackers. It was a simple and smart method to say the least but by doing so, it makes your notebook to look silly.
Taking into account of those issues, that is why HUAWEI has designed and implement a pop-up camera that sits on the keyboard. With the camera positioned like that, it also offers more space, making users a perfect experience of FullView display.
The laptop will be arriving in Malaysia soon. Stay tuned for more information on the MateBook X Pro.
Pokdepinion: I can’t say that I’m that affected by the whole camera issue (because I mainly just use my PC), but I guess it is neat that they’ve tried to solve the problem with the placement.
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OPPO announces new Reno series

Is OPPO trying to directly target Xiaomi’s Redmi Note series? The Redmi Note devices has always been affectionately referred to as Reno, but OPPO is apparently going to announce a whole new series of smartphones under the Reno branding.
It’s worth mentioning that while Xiaomi has never trademarked the name Reno, OPPO did, earlier this year. So OPPO is officially the owner of the Reno trademark now. Details about the new smartphone series are still scarce, but we can expect OPPO to target a more youthful demographic with the emphasis on colors and trendy art as seen in the Reno logo.

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OPPO has revealed a 10th April launch date for the Reno series, so stay tuned for updates. The teaser image comes with the caption “Imagine, getting slightly closer” which seems to be hinting that the devices will feature the 10x zoom cameras they have been so proud of.
With that said, stay tuned for further updates about the OPPO Reno series as we get closer to the launch!
Pokdepinion: I guess Realme wasn’t enough to hit the message home about their antagonism against Redmi?
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Netflix Lowers Basic Plan Price in Malaysia by 20%

Good news for Malaysia Netflix users as their basic plan has seen about a 20% reduction in price, making it more affordable to subscribe.
Netflix Malaysia Price Slash

Kali ni, dropping down is good news ✅ Starting today, our Basic Plan in Malaysia is now RM28 per month for both new and existing members. pic.twitter.com/lcqMpHDJW1
— Netflix Malaysia (@NetflixMY) February 21, 2023

Netflix, the popular streaming service, has announced a reduction in the monthly fee of its Basic Plan in Malaysia. Effective immediately, the price for the plan has been updated to RM28 from RM35 per month, which is a 25% reduction from the previous fee. In fact, the new monthly fee is the lowest that the Basic Plan has ever been priced in Malaysia since its debut in 2016 when it was priced at RM33.

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Netflix made the announcement through a short and classy video posted on its Malaysian social media channels. The update is the second major change to the Basic Plan offered in Malaysia in recent months, following the November 2022 resolution update that increased the output quality to 720p HD from 480p SD.

Existing subscribers of the Basic Plan in Malaysia will be billed at the new price during their next billing cycle, and will be informed through email. There are no other changes to the plan beyond the reduction in price. Subscribers will still be able to watch and download content on one device at a time, with 720p HD output.
Netflix’s three other subscription tiers will remain unchanged for the time being, while the Basic Plan with Ads option remains unavailable in Malaysia. The new pricing is reflected on the company’s signup page and Help Centre for Malaysia.
The reduction in the Basic Plan’s price is good news for Malaysians who can now enjoy the streaming service’s content at a more affordable price. With Netflix’s focus on expanding its presence in the country and region, it will be interesting to see what other updates and changes the company has in store for its subscribers.
Source
Pokdepinion: It’s moments like this that make you feel grateful, but at the same time wonder if it might have something to do with a drop in subscribers.
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Samsung Galaxy A70 announced with long 20:9 6.7″ Super AMOLED display!

Samsung’s latest addition to the Samsung Galaxy A family is the Samsung Galaxy A70, which is going to be a more premium device than the recently launched Galaxy A30 and Galaxy A50. Samsung has announced the full specifications and feature set of the Samsung Galaxy A70, but has not revealed the pricing of the Samsung Galaxy A70.
The highlight of the Samsung Galaxy A70 is probably its large 6.7″ FHD+ Super AMOLED display. It touts a pretty long 20:9 aspect ratio, promising a more comfortable one-handed user experience while maximizing the viewing area with the Infinity-U design. Samsung also crammed their on-screen fingerprint scanning technology into the Samsung Galaxy A70.
Big battery, big screen!
To support the massive display, Samsung also packed the Galaxy A70 with a massive battery. Measuring in at 4500 mAh, it offers more juice and might also charge faster with it supporting 25W Super Fast Charging. This feature matches the Samsung Galaxy S10 5G’s charging rate and is way faster than the pitiable 15W Adaptive Fast Charging that the other Galaxy S10 devices support.

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The Samsung Galaxy A70 will sport 32MP shooters on both the front and back, with an additional ultra wide camera and depth sensor on the back. Here are the full specifications of the Samsung Galaxy A70:
Samsung Galaxy A70 Specifications

Snapdragon 675, octa-core up to 2.0 GHz, 11nm LPP
Up to 8GB RAM
Up to 128GB storage (microSD up to 512GB)
6.7″ FHD+ 20:9 Super AMOLED display, Infinity-U Display
32MP f/1.7 + 8MP f/2.2 ultra wide + 5MP f/2.2 depth sensor
32MP f/2.0 selfie camera
4500 mAh battery, 25W Super Fast Charging

It’s even available in the Pantone Color of the Year!
Samsung is using their 3D Glasstic (read: plastic) design here, and will be offering the Samsung Galaxy A70 in Black, Blue, White and Coral, which is this year’s Pantone Color of the Year. Stay tuned for more details about the Samsung Galaxy A70 on 10th April!
Pokdepinion: That fast charging is quite interesting. Didn’t expect them to bring faster charging to a mid-range device..
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Razer Kraken Tournament Edition Gaming Headset Review

At this day and age, everyone is spoiled with choices when it comes to gaming headsets. There is simply too many to choose from and it can be tough to nail down which one is worth your money. Well, if the Razer Kraken Tournament Edition gaming headset is something you’re considering, then today is a good day. Let’s find out how it performs, shall we?
Unboxing the Razer Kraken Tournament Edition

Appearance

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The Razer Kraken Tournament Edition looks pretty much the same as the other Kraken headsets they have released over the years. You have two rather large-sized earcups that would make you feel like a green Mega Man, a collapsible microphone, and a padded plastic headband with the stylized Razer name on it.

The earcups are now utilizing a cooling-gel infused cushion which is said to improve more on comfort. We will comment more on that at a later section of the review. On each earcup, you can the signature Razer triple-headed snake logo on a green surface, which I feel is a better fit for their brand presentation compared to the Razer Tiamat. On the left earcup is where the collapsible microphone is located as well as the wire. Going down that same wire and you will see the in-line volume control where you can adjust volume on-the-go.

While the headset itself uses a 3.5mm cable to connect to devices, you don’t necessarily have to use that. The Razer Kraken Tournament Edition comes with a USB audio controller where you can adjust bass, toggle THX Spatial Audio, balance between game and mic audio, adjust volume, and mute the microphone.

The USB audio controller is a rather small and light device with about 2 meters worth of cable length, so don’t worry if you need to game from the couch as it should be more than enough. However, there are some issues when using it outside of PC, which I will explain in a later section.
Overall, the Razer Kraken Tournament Edition still has its over-the-top design that is clearly catered towards gamers but given how it still looks the same for a number of releases, it feels rather dated by today’s standards. This is not necessarily a bad thing, just depends on how you want your gaming headset to look like.
Specifications

Drivers:
Custom-tuned 50mm with Neodymium magnets

Frequency response:
12 Hz – 28 KHz

Sensitivity:
109 dB

Impedance:
32 Ω @ 1 kHz

Microphone:
Unidirectional microphone

Features:
In-line volume control
Microphone quick mute toggle
USB Adapter / Audio Controller
Cooling gel-infused ear cushions
THX Spatial Audio

Cable:
1.3 m / 4.27 ft Kevlar reinforced cable. 2 m for USB Audio Controller

User Experience

The Razer Kraken Tournament Edition can work out of the box without installing anything extra but that is only if you were to use it via the 3.5mm connector. With the use of the USB audio controller, you need to have Razer Synapse / Razer Central in order for it to work. Via that software, you will be able to customize your audio experience further. This includes equalizer options, adjusting the THX Spatial Audio positioning, toggle sound enhancements, and adjusting your microphone.

When I first started using the Razer Kraken Tournament Edition, I was confused as volume was clearly lacking and there was an endless beeping sound coming from it. I can barely hear what’s happening my PC, and the beeping sound made it even worse. After fiddling around with some settings and installing the necessary software, I figured out why this was happening.
The beeping sound is actually to let people know that on the game / mic audio balance, you are more on the mic audio side. This is also why volume was soft on my end. After adjusting it towards the game audio, everything ran perfectly. If this is happening to you, it may not necessarily because there’s not enough power coming in to the USB, which is a popular suggestion when looking up the issue on Google, so be sure to check the game / mic audio balance first.

As far as audio experience is concerned, the Razer Kraken Tournament Edition is a rather interesting gadget. To be completely blunt, I personally did not like using this for music or watching videos online. Audio sounded rather stale with no impact on bass even when I adjusted it, though it did feel a little better after adjusting the equalizer option. With THX Spatial Audio activated, I didn’t hear any difference whatsoever for music and videos, though this may be due to limitations on the medium itself.
When playing games however, that changes a lot. It sounds so much better when I’m playing games like Overwatch, Tekken 7, and Dragon Quest XI. Especially in the case of Overwatch with THX Spatial Audio activated, I can get an idea as to where the direction of certain sounds are coming from, which certainly helps my elevates my gameplay experience. Because of this, it gave a more immersive gaming experience.
Connecting via USB will lead to no sound. Connecting via 3.5mm through controller will work without any problems.
If you plan on using it for console gaming, you will need to connect it using the 3.5mm jack. For the PlayStation 4 and Xbox One, that will be on the controller itself. Connecting to the console via the USB audio controller will led to it being detected, but there will be no sound coming through. I tried fiddling around with the settings, putting the volume at max, and nothing seems to work. The microphone does get detected, and it is able to detect sounds coming to the mic, but there’s no point in using it this way if you can’t hear anything anyway.

Keep in mind that in this case, you will lack the customizability that is present on PC and with the USB audio controller. To the least, the headset itself is versatile in the sense that you can use it on multiple platforms, smartphone included. The microphone works on console as well when connected to the 3.5mm jack on the controller so no worries there.

For comfort, the cooling-gel infused ear cushions didn’t really feel any different from the past Kraken headsets. It is very comfortable to use for long hours but as far as heat is concerned (in terms of the area around your ears feeling warm after prolonged use), it still feels about the same. Regardless, it is a comfortable gaming headset and I don’t get pains at the top of my head (where the headband is situated) nor any major discomforts around the area of my ears.

I could personally describe to you how the microphone sounds like but what better way to know than to listen to it for yourself. In the video above here, I did a microphone sound test so you can get a clear idea of the microphone quality. I personally wouldn’t use this to stream, but it’s definitely more than enough for something simple like online voice chat.
Razer Kraken Tournament Edition Verdict

The Razer Kraken Tournament Edition is a decent gaming headset. It is only okay at best in multimedia applications like listening to music or watching videos, but the sound quality is amped up when it comes to gaming. It is a versatile headset that can be used on multiple platforms, and it is comfortable to use even for long hours.
The USB audio controller, while great on its own, feels rather limited given its compatibility issue with anything other than PC. I personally feel like the Kraken needs a brand new design to get people more interested in it as it feels rather dated at this point in time. Retailing for RM549, it is not a bad gaming headset but it is a bit pricey. There are certainly better options out there within the same price range but I wouldn’t call it a regretful purchase. With that, I award the Razer Kraken Tournament Edition gaming headset with our Silver Pokdeward.

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Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 2 Officially Unveiled And It Looks Amazing

Samsung just held their Unpacked Part 2 event, which finally sees the official reveal of the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 2. If you’re wondering what’s new in the foldable smartphone, then look no further as we have all the details you need right here.
What’s New in the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 2
 For starters, you have a 6.2-inch Infinity-O cover screen (folded) and a 7.6-inch main screen (unfolded) with minimum bezels and notchless selfie camera. To match up with the recent trend of higher refresh rates, you get 120Hz adaptable refresh rate, which offers a good balance between battery efficiency and buttery smooth scrolling. To further boost its multimedia potential, it is said to come with the best dynamic sound available on a Galaxy device yet via the high-dynamic dual speakers with enhanced stereo effect.

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The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 2 has seen numerous improvements in build quality. You get Samsung Ultra Thin Glass on the main screen, the Hideaway Hinge that seamlessly fit into the chassis with the CAM mechanism which enables free standing capabilities for the new Flex mode experience. There’s also an improved sweeper technology, first seen in the Galaxy Z Flip, which repels dust and unwanted particles from the chassis and hinge housing.  With it being a foldable smartphone, you can make use of Flex mode for a more flexible experience. In Capture View mode, you can review up to 5 of your most recent photos / videos in the bottom half of the main screen while the preview of the next shot will be on the top half. You can also get some solid selfies as you can make use of the main camera with the cover display as the viewfinder. As it is meant to be the epitome of the Korean giant’s technological prowess, you do get high-end camera features as seen in the Galaxy Note 20 Ultra 5G.
When folded out to the tablet-like display, you get to make use of the advanced Multi-Active Window for better multitasking capabilities. You can even opt for a standard smartphone layout if you don’t like how certain apps fill up the entire display. They’ve also improved the main screen experience with apps like Gmail, YouTube, and Spotify. In fact, they’ve improved the experience with Microsoft Office apps to be similar to tablets so you can view more compared to a traditional smartphone UI. If you ever want to see what’s on the phone but on a bigger display, you can make use of the wireless DeX feature.
Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 2 Specs

CPU:
Snapdragon 865+ (1 x Kryo 585 @ 3.09 GHz + 3 x Kryo 585 @ 2.42 GHz + 4 x Kryo 585 @ 1.8 GHz), 7nm+

GPU:
Adreno 650

RAM:
12GB

Display:
Main Screen 7.6″ QXGA+ (2208 x 1768), Dynamic AMOLED 2X Infinity Flex Display, 373ppi, HDR10+Cover Screen 6.2″ HD+ (2260 x 816) Super AMOLED display, 386ppi

Storage:
512GB / 256GB UFS 3.1

Camera:
Main Camera(s) 12MP f/1.8 wide angle camera + 12MP f/2.2 ultra-wide angle camera + 12MP f/2.4 telephoto camera with 2x optical zoom Dual Pixel PDAF, OIS, LED Flash, Tracking AF, Panorama, HDR10+ (Video), 4K @ 60p, [email protected] 60/240p, 720p @ 960p Front Camera 10MP f/2.2 selfie camera HDR, 4K @ 30p

OS:
Android 10, One UI 2.5

Connectivity:
5G, LTE Band Enhanced 4×4 MIMO, 7CA, LAA, LTE Cat.20 Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/ax HE80 MIMO (2.4 GHz, 5 GHz), 1024QAM Bluetooth 5.0, A2DP, LE, aptX HD

SIM:
Hybrid Sim (NanoSIM and eSIM)

Battery:
Li-Po 4500 mAh (non-removable) 25W Fast charging, 11W wireless charging

Dimensions:
Unfolded 159.2 x 128.2 x 6.9 mm Folded 159.2 x 68 x 16.8 mm

Weight:
282g

Ingress protection:
No IP rating, Anti-Erosion Waterproof Coating

The Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 2 is available in four Hideaway Hinge colours; Metallic Silver, Metallic Gold, Metallic Red, and Metallic Blue. The retail price and availability in Malaysia is still unknown at this point in time but for reference, it’s available in the US for USD $1,999.
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 2 owners will have special access to Galaxy Z Premier Service, which is an on-demand concierge support from a dedicated team of experts. You get priority aftersales support along with a one-time device protection against accidental display damage for 1 year. Moreover, you’re guaranteed at least 3 generations worth of Android OS upgrades.
Pokdepinion: I’m very intrigued by the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 2. I’m just wondering whether I would enjoy this more than the Z Flip’s form factor or not. I hope I get to try it out myself soon.Spread the PokdeLoveClick to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)Click to share on WhatsApp (Opens in new window)Click to share on Telegram (Opens in new window)Click to share on Skype (Opens in new window)Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window)

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AMD Radeon RX 7900 XTX Thermal Issues Likely Due To Faulty Batch

After numerous reports of AMD’s flagship GPU having VRAM overheating issues – investigations has since began among the tech community and AMD themselves. Igor Wallossek (of Igor’sLAB) cited from a board partner which points to a possible faulty batch of the card. The initial findings was first published by Roman “Der8auer” Hartung which has determined it could likely be an issue with the vapor chamber itself:

Shortly after, Igor has shared some information from an undisclosed board partner – they suspect it may be a defective batch of 7900 XTX that came out of the production line with insufficient amounts of liquid contained in the vapor chamber in order to function correctly. In a typical phase-change cooling system such as heat pipes and vapor chambers, a “dry-out” effect can occur when exposed to too much heat in relation to the amounts of liquid contained inside the system, which degrades cooling performance.
Igor cited AIB partners on 7900 XTX’s issues. Image credit: Videocardz / Igor’sLAB
He also decided not to spoil der8auer’s new findings – which is expected to go live tomorrow that should provide more insight on the matter. This is still a developing story – AMD has yet to publish their investigation results and the number of potentially affected users at the time of this writing.

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Source: Videocardz | Igor’sLAB
Pokdepinion: Not a good look for Team Red…
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Black Shark 2 launching this 23rd October — to come in signature black-green scheme too?

Xiaomi’s Black Shark 2 design was leaked previously, but its launch date was still unknown. It seems that the launch date has also been leaked out recently. It’s going to be released on 23rd October.

The poster does nothing but tease about the number of days left till the launch. Interestingly, the majority of the text is in a Chinese except for the 5 Days left teaser. Somewhat curious mix, so we would take this teaser with a pinch of salt.

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The Black Shark 2 is expected to arrive with a Snapdragon 845, up to 8GB of RAM and some fast UFS 2.1 storage. When the first Black Shark came out, it was one of the first Snapdragon 845 smartphones. Now, the gaming smartphone scene is teeming with options right now, among which are the ROG Phone and Razer Phone 2.
Will the Black Shark 2 repeat its predecessor success of being the most affordable gaming smartphone once again? Or will it have a bigger price tag but trade it off with more features? Let’s find out in 5 days.
Pokdepinion: The Black Shark 2 has a shot if it’s priced more affordably than the Razer Phone 2 and ROG Phone. Features-wise, we believe it will have a hard time coming even close to the ROG Phone.
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Digi Home Fibre Now Available — Offers 50Mbps For RM99 Per Month

Digi Telecommunications Sdn Bhd has revealed that they are now offering Malaysians, specifically in the Klang Valley region, to connect with their Digi Home Fibre pilot.
The Digi Home Fibre pilot is available in selected areas within Bandar Sunway, Bangi, Kajang, Rawang, Shah Alam, and also Subang. It is open to all Malaysian residents, including existing Digi customers as well as non-Digi users at zero upfront payment.
You can choose from unlimited internet access at speeds of 50Mbps which is priced at RM99 and also 100Mbps which is set at RM129. The 24-month plan subscription comes with free installation and also a free router. The plans are only available for sign-up through the Digi Home Fibre website. If you are interested in signing up or curious on whether your area is covered by them, you can click on the link here.

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The new Home Fibre pilot follows the first pilot which was done in Jasin, where they trialed 1,100 in the area as part of the National Fiberisation and Connectivity Plan (NFCP).
Pokdepinion: Hmm, price is okay I guess for the 50Mbps package. As for the 100Mbps plan, the price is the same as to Maxis’ fibre plan.
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CES 2020: Dell G5 15 SE Will Be Running on AMD Ryzen 4000

With CES 2020 now in full force, we’ve been hearing and seeing all sorts of new technology and products come to light. Dell isn’t one to slack either as they’ve unveiled a redesigned Dell G5 15 SE and it will be running on AMD.
The Dell G5 15 SE will is running on the 3rd Gen AMD Ryzen 4000 H-Series Mobile Processors (up to 8-cores, 16-threads), and the AMD Radeon RX 5600M GPU. This will allow the laptop to utilize the AMD SmartShift technology, which optimizes performance by intelligently shifting power between the CPU and GPU when needed.

Apart from that, it has a 15.6-inch Full HD display with 144Hz refresh rate, a 4-zone RGB keyboard, and an optional 68Whr battery. As for storage, you have options for single or dual-drives, up to 1TB PCIe M.2 SSD (Class 40) with 2TB 5400 RPM HDD.

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Interestingly, you have access to the Alienware Command Center which is a hub to adjust the lighting, integrating Nahimic 3D audio with Audio Recon overlay, and provide a central game library for easy customization. One thing worth noting is that it has a new feature in the form of the Game Shift macro key. This allows you to quickly launch game-ready settings for enhanced performance with the press of a button.

The Dell G5 15 SE will be available sometime in mid-April 2020. Surprisingly, it will be rather affordable for a laptop of this caliber as the retail price is set at USD $799.99. Local pricing and availability isn’t available yet but we will be reporting on it as soon as information becomes available.
Pokdepinion: I’m honestly quite intrigued by all the upcoming AMD laptops. I hope I get to play around with this soon to see how far it can go.
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Acer unveils Back-to-School 2016 product line — includes a liquid-cooled covertible

At 11pm (GMT+0800) 21 April 2016, Acer unveiled a host of products in New York at its Acer Global Press Conference. Among the devices are the Predator 17 X VR Ready gaming laptop, Switch Alpha 12 2-in-1 and a series of commercial and consumer-oriented products.

Fanless and liquid cooling don’t usually go together in a single sentence, but that is exactly what the Acer Switch Alpha 12 2-in-1 convertible has, the Acer LiquidLoop™ cooling technology which allows the Switch Alpha 12 to be the first fanless 2-in-1 notebook in the world with 6th generation Intel Core processors. The Acer Switch Alpha 12 is the perfect candidate for a fanless liquid cooling system, as it further improves its versatility as a tablet. Unlike Android tablets, high performance Windows tablet (forget the Atom ones) always need active cooling and that detracts from the experience with the fan noise and what not.

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The 12″ display sports an impressive 2160 x 1440 resolution powered by the Intel HD Graphics 520 integrated graphics. The Acer Switch Alpha 12 can also be used with a detachable keyboard and can even be equipped with an optional Acer Active Pen. If that is not enough, customers can connect their Switch Alpha 12 with a single cable to the Acer USB Type-C Dock, easily transforming it into a powerful workstation. This convenient and compact dock enables highspeed video, audio and data transfer and keeps the work area clutter-free with immediate connectivity to multiple displays and other devices simultaneously. It also has all the connections business users need, including DisplayPort, HDMI, two USB 3.1 Type-C ports and three USB TypeA ports, as well as audio input for microphone and audio output for speakers. The optional Acer ProDock Wireless can support multiple customers with high speed 802.11ad wireless 4.6Gbps data transfer over the 60GHz band. It also supports both 802.11ac and 802.11ad access and includes multiple port support including DisplayPort, HDMI, VGA and USB.

A versatile kickstand can be adjusted to any angle up to 165 degrees, offering a comfortable viewing experience. The Acer Switch Alpha 12 comes in a premium anodized aluminium chassis with fine brushed hairline texture. The Acer Switch Alpha 12 will be available in China in May starting at ¥5,999 (RM3611). Availability in Malaysia is yet to be announced.

If the Acer Switch Alpha 12’s 6th generation Intel Core CPUs and integrated graphics aren’t enough to satiate your need for speed, then you may want to take a closer look at the newly announced Acer Predator 17 X. Building upon the currently available Acer Predator 17, the Acer Predator 17 X swaps the CPU and GPU for the more powerful i7 6820HK overclockable mobile CPU and the full desktop NVIDIA GeForce GTX 980 GPU. Besides the performance upgrades, Acer also threw in a proper RGB backlit keyboard, something which was sorely missed with the primitive implementation of keyboard backlighting in the Acer Predator 15 which we reviewed recently.
With all those performance, the display of the Acer Predator 17 X has also been upgraded to better take advantage of all the available horsepower. You can configure the Acer Predator 17 X with a 17.3″ 1080p or 4K display with NVIDIA G Sync technology. Or of course, take advantage of the VR Ready GTX 980 GPU, with some VR glasses for better immersion.
Availability in China will begin in May with prices starting at ¥39,999 (RM 24074). Malaysian mobile gaming enthusiasts may have to wait longer for it to be available.

The power and bling of the Acer Predator 17 X may be overwhelming for some. Even Windows OS may be a turn off for some users. The Acer Chromebook 14 is the first Chromebook with 6th generation Intel Core CPUs for better performance. It is also the first notebook to have a lid made of Vibrant Corning Gorilla Glass which opens up the opportunity to design a top cover with photorealistic images.
The 14″ display comes in either HD or Full HD resolutions, which will offer battery life of up to 12 hours or 10 hours, respectively. You will also have the option to get the Acer Chromebook 14 with a backlit keyboard if you frequently work in dark areas. The Acer Chromebook 14 is highly portable, weighing only 1.45kg and measuring only 2.24cm thick.
The Acer Chromebook 14 for Work endured rigorous testing to meet the demanding U.S. MIL-STD 810G military standard. This military specification testing validates the ruggedness, durability and quality of the Chromebook 14 for Work, as it tested 8 parameters: drop from the height of 48 inches (122 cm), high temperature, low temperature, humidity, vibration, rain, sand and dust. The keyboard is spill resistant so you can rest assured that it won’t die immediately if you accidentally spill some of your drink on it while working.
The Acer Chromebook 14 will be available in the US starting from May for a price starting from $349 (RM1365).

Pokdepinion: I am currently more interested in the more portable notebooks than the gaming notebook here, as I believe gaming notebooks have reached a certain limit of performance with current generation of hardware. Meanwhile OEMs are still trying to cram more performance into the portable chassis of the convertibles and today, a Chromebook.  Let’s see when they are made available in Malaysia, I will be sure to try them out!
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Logitech Introduces G PRO X 2 LIGHTSPEED Gaming Headset In Malaysia

Logitech’s esports headset sequel has arrived: the G PRO X 2 LIGHTSPEED wireless gaming headset is now available in Malaysia. “The core philosophy of the Logitech G PRO Series is about creating gear that meets the demanding needs of professional esports athletes and competitive gamers,” said Chris Pate, Principal Product Manager of Logitech G.

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The new “PRO-G” 50mm uses graphene as the material to provide increase stiffness and reduce weight – and thus inertia – to produce more accurate sound with minimal distortion. With the updated model, it now comes with tri-mode connectivity options with 3.5mm, Bluetooth and 2.4GHz wireless available to choose from. In terms of 2.4GHz wireless, it now delivers up to 50 hours of battery life and supports a maximum connection range of 30m. You still get the same 6mm cardioid microphone from the original G PRO X courtesy of Blue VO!CE, and it also supports DTS Headphone:X 2.0 for surround sound experiences.

Meanwhile, the chassis design features a combination of aluminum and steel frame, coupled with rotating hinge and swappable earpads in both leatherette and velour finish. The development of G PRO X 2 is attributed to the “Design by Collaboration” program which Logitech hired various top-level esports athletes to assist in product design and development.
The Logitech G PRO X 2 LIGHTSPEED comes in two colors – Black and White, and is now available on both official Shopee and Lazada stores with a suggested retail price of RM1,099.
Pokdepinion: It looks like the new design has increased the earpad thickness (going by the images at least), as I’ve heard stories of people pointing out the outgoing model was too shallow and may pressure the ears themselves.
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Xiaomi Reportedly Working On Clamshell Foldable Smartphone

We all know that smartphone brands these days have gone to the foldable smartphone segment such as the HUAWEI Mate X, Galaxy Fold and even the Motorola Razr. Now it seems that Xiaomi is joining the bandwagon, according to reports.

Xiaomi is said to have come with a foldable smartphone prototype. The patent is said to be approved just recently at WIPO.
Instead of folding in half like the Mate X and Galaxy Fold, Xiaomi’s version seems to follow the style of the Motorola Razr.

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Adding to that, there seems to be a popup camera for the design instead located near a small screen. Once folded, the screen will act as a notification display.
Bare in mind that this is only a patent, thus it should be taken with a pinch of salt. If there’s any updates on it, you can expect us to report here on Pokde.net. Till then, stay tuned.
Pokdepinion: Out of all the foldables out there, I still think that the Razr has the best implementation. There’s no crease at all (well at least, looking from images).
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HONOR Aims To Be Better Than HUAWEI Claims CEO

Previously we’ve reported that HONOR is in the midst of talking of a deal with Google in bringing their services to HONOR devices. Now it seems that the company has opened up where they aim to surpass their former parent company, HUAWEI.
HONOR aims to surpass HUAWEI

Ever since they separated from HUAWEI, many have wondered on what exactly would happen to HONOR. Well since that moment, the company has released their HONOR V40. It appears that in a recent interview, the company’s CEO, Zhao Ming has given his thoughts.

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He says that they aim to launch flagship smartphones that can compete with both Apple as well as HUAWEI. Adding to that, he is confident that they can even surpass their former parent company.
It is reported that the brand will be launching an upcoming HONOR 40 as well as a new HONOR Magic smartphone. Despite the focus on flagship devices, it wouldn’t be surprising to see them launching mid-range and entry-level offerings as well.
The CEO has also said that they are planning in expanding to new markets as well, where he claims launching “competitive products is also very important”.
Source
Pokdepinion: Can’t say much on it right now, but let’s hope they give a good fight. At the end of the day, it’s a win for consumers.

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Accel World Vs Sword Art Online Review: Not Worth the Money

Videogame adaptations of anime series are usually a hit or miss thing. Some are really great while others are a waste of time. You’d think combining 2 different anime series would easily make it a success but unfortunately, this is definitely the latter. Today, we’re going to look at Accel World VS Sword Art Online: Millenium Twilight, a PlayStation 4 crossover-anime adaptation with an emphasis on virtual realms by Bandai Namco.
What is Accel World VS Sword Art Online About?

The game seems to take place after the events of Sword Art Online 2, with Asuna rescued and her spending time with Kirito and Yui in the virtual world of Alfheim Online. All of a sudden, a server-wide announcement was made; “We will be carrying out urgent maintenance today starting now.”
After hearing the announcement, Yui, who appears differenPS4  than usual, departs to an unknown location under the guise of going to sleep. While Kirito and Asuna were chasing her, they were attacked by a mysterious black machine life-form that is familiar to Accel World fans.  A robotic being known as Black Lotus.

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After the brief confrontation, it turns out that Black Lotus has been tricked by a person named ‘Persona Vabel’, whose mission is unknown. All that is known now is that the virtual realm is changing, and the accelerated world and virtual world are merging into a singular realm, which can spell doom for both worlds and the players. The heroes then set on a journey to save Yui, and the world from destruction.
Gameplay

At its core, Accel World VS Sword Art Online is a Japanese role-playing game. You’ll have a wide variety of choices in terms of playable characters but you can only take up to 3 at once. You’ll have the main quests to follow in order to proceed with the game’s storyline, and be able to take part in side quests that aren’t mandatory, but can make progressing through the game much easier thanks to its rewards and additional experience from battles during quests.

And yes, you will have to battle enemies in order to grow stronger. Your characters can level up as usual, which will increase their parameters but your skills and techniques can level up on their own as well. You just have to keep using it, and this will lead to that skill either being stronger or easier to cast. You’ll also be able to equip a variety of weapons for your characters, with each weapon having their own specific set of skills.

To explore the game’s world, you can either walk on the ground or do character-specific skills that will make travelling easier. For instance, Sword Art Online’s Kirito can freely fly whereas Accel World’s Black Lotus can only do high jumps. While travelling through the world, enemies will pop up in the map, and players are free to either engage them or avoid them completely. In essence, this game has the basic role-playing game elements integrated but there’s nothing special about the game. In fact, it gets worse from here.
The Combat System is Horrible

Accel World VS Sword Art Online’s combat system seems to be inspired by the Dynasty Warriors-style hack and slash system.  However, it does so quite poorly. As the map is generally huge, you’ll have enemies not only on the ground but also in the air…high up in the air even. For starters, the lock-on mechanic isn’t exactly user-friendly. You need to be really close to the enemy to be able to properly lock-on.
Secondly, you don’t have a move that can really home-in on an enemy when you’ve locked on to them. Take Kingdom Hearts for example. The moment you lock-on to an enemy, your movements and attacks will be focused on that enemy automatically. That’s not the case for this game as you still need to manually adjust your movements and skills to accurately hit your enemies. Most of the time, my attacks ended up not hitting because I’m either facing the wrong direction or the camera angle gets wonky.

Third, the A.I.-controlled enemies and allies seem to behave quite strangely. The enemies don’t seem to actively attack you, and even they are having trouble landing their attacks while your allies are easily taken down in boss fights. This was a 1-star boss fight mind you, which is considered the easiest in the game and I personally didn’t have trouble with. My A.I.-controlled party members however are constantly taken out, which forced me to revive them and use up my items.
I’ll give credit to the game when it comes to the executable skills for each character. It’s easy to use, there is a huge number of skills that each character can utilize, and you have quick access to said skills via customizable shortcuts. To an extent, this gives flexibility to fit most players’ play style while making it easy to use them. However, the fact that it can be hard to land a hit with these skills at times makes it quite a disappointment.
Accel World Vs Sword Art Online Verdict

I had hopes that Accel World VS Sword Art Online would make for at least a decent game. Perhaps, my expectations were set too high but one thing’s for sure; this game is a major disappointment. I am personally a fan of both Sword Art Online and Accel World, so I thought it would be something enjoyable for me but turns out I was wrong.
The game would have been so much better if the combat system was more enjoyable but even then, the storyline seems to be a modified rehash of existing storylines from their respective anime series. This game is only worth getting at a discount, and that’s if you are a hardcore fan of either of the anime series. I would personally rate Accel World VS Sword Art Online with our Bronze Pokdeward!

If you’re looking for a game to play, check out our review of Crash Bandicoot N. Sane Trilogy. It’s cheaper than usual PS4 games and is jam-packed with content ;)

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Game Developer Says That 4K Gaming Is “Useless”

Technology has been moving ever so over the past few years, with now 4K gaming getting more and more attention. Is it a necessity? Well according to Dino Patti, it is “useless“.
Who is he exactly? Well he is the co-founder and former CEO of Playdead, the people who brought you Limbo and Inside.
He has said that it (4K gaming) is only being advertised to help with hardware sales. Here’s what he has to say on it:

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I think (4K gaming) is useless. It’s something that’s being pushed by tech vendors to push the next console. (Manufacturers) don’t respect the natural evolution of games and you force technology. Microsoft with Kinect, they paid studios to make a lot of s***ty games”Dino Patty
Pokdepinion: It is true that good graphics doesn’t always equate to good games. Though they do look nice to the eyes… What do you think about his opinion? Let us know in the comments.
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Borderlands 3 Officially Confirmed by Gearbox Software

If you’re a fan of the series, then chances are that you’ve been dying to know about the third mainline entry of the series. Well, look no further as the folks over at Gearbox Software has officially confirmed and revealed Borderlands 3.
Following an hour-long panel that saw Gearbox’s CEO, Randy Pitchford, doing magic tricks, teasing the audience, and doing all sorts of acts, the panel finally ended with the formal reveal of Borderlands 3. The reveal took the form of a trailer which featured many iconic Borderlands characters from previous games in addition to new ones. We even see some characters like Rhys from Telltale’s Tales from the Borderlands.
Pitchford says that Gearbox has been working on Borderlands 3 for five years at this point and they are dedicated to making it the worthy successor that many have been begging for since Borderlands 2. The game’s trailer shows off some of how Gearbox hopes to up the ante this time around by including over one billion guns and even weapons that can walk on their own two feet.

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While it’s surely nice to finally see Borderlands 3 officially unveiled, there are still many lingering questions about the project. We still have no idea which platform the game will be released on, which digital marketplace it will be going to for PC gamers, and a release date / window.
However, we may not need to wait too long as Gearbox Software mentioned that they’ll have more to share on the game next month, on 3rd April 2019. In the meantime, check out the trailer at the top of this post.
Pokdepinion: Oh my god, I have been waiting for this for so long. I am so excited for this. I am definitely pre-ordering this and I’d probably shell out more if there’s some extra goodies with it.
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Why the Alienware m15 R3 is a Solid Choice for Gamers

We’ve previously reviewed the Alienware m15 R3 and it’s one of our favourite gaming laptops around. We also played around with it and essentially transformed it into a complete desktop replacement, as you can see here. This is why we feel this powerhouse gaming laptop is a solid choice for gamers.
Performance Without Sacrificing Portability

As we have mentioned in our review, it’s quite a powerful machine. It’s powered by the 10th Gen Intel Core i7-10750H CPU and the 8GB NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2070 SUPER GPU. As for memory, you have a whopping 32GB DDR4 2666MHz RAM and a 1TB NVMe PCIe SSD in RAID0 configuration for optimum speeds.

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It’s also equipped with a display that is fitting for competitive gamers as it is a 15.6-inch Full HD IPS display with 144Hz refresh rate. NVIDIA G-SYNC is available as an optional upgrade on the official Dell website. On the networking side, you have Killer Wi-Fi 6 and Killer Ethernet E3000, so you are futureproofed in terms of network connectivity as Wi-Fi 5 starts to phase out and Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) takes its place.
The power the Alienware m15 R3 gaming laptop is packing is already impressive enough on its own and typically, it would be available at the cost of size and weight. In this case, it measures in at just 20.5mm in thickness, which is rather thin within gaming laptop standards, and weighs in at just 2.1kg. You may be thinking that the battery would be sacrificed to make it light but it’s still at a very sizeable 86Whr capacity.

For an easier time, take a look at the specifications below:

CPU
Intel Core i7-10750H (6C / 12T @ up to 5 GHz), 12M Cache, 45W TDP, 14nm

RAM
32GB 2666 MHz DDR4

GPU
NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2070 SUPER 8GB GDDR6

Storage
1TB (2 x 512GB PCIe M.2 SSD) RAID0

Display
15.6″ FHD (1920 X 1080) 144Hz 7ms display with 300 nits brightness, 72% NTSC, NVIDIA G-SYNC optional

Keyboard
Per-key AlienFX RGB keyboard

Connectivity
Wireless:
802.11a/b/g/n/ac/ax Wi-Fi (Dual Band 2.4 GHz & 5 GHz)
KILLER Wi-Fi6 1650i 2×2
Bluetooth 5.0
I/O:
1 x Thunderbolt 3 (Supports USB 3.2 Gen2 10Gbps, 40Gbps Thunderbolt, and DisplayPort 1.2)
2 x USB 3.2 Gen1 Type-A
1 x USB 3.2 Gen1 Type-A with Powershare
1 x Alienware Graphics Amplifier
1 x RJ45 LAN (KILLER Ethernet E3000)
1 x HDMI 2.0b with HDCP 2.2
1 x miniDisplayPort 1.4
1 x Wedge lock slot
1 x UHS-II card reader
1 x Proprietary Charging Port

Audio
2-way Stereo Speaker Design with Discrete Smart Amp Woofer
1 x Combo Audio Jack
Dual Array Digital Microphones

Power
86 Wh, 6-cell Battery with Alienware Battery Defender
240W Power Adapter

Dimensions
360.3 x 276 x 20.5 mm (W x D x H)

Weight
2.11 kg

Imagine having the a gaming laptop that’s easy to bring around but still packs a powerful, yet reliable performance. The battery should be enough to last for a while if you need to use it on battery power, but just keep in mind that it will not perform as well as it would when plugged in as it would want to try conserve on energy consumption.
If you need more power, you can always opt for the newer versions. Click right here if you want to learn more about what’s new with the Alienware m15 R4 and m17 R4.
Ports on the Alienware m15 R3 Are Thought Out Well
Alienware m15 R3- Ports
For those of you who aren’t aware, the Alienware m15 R3 has a solid array of ports. Furthermore, they didn’t stuff all the ports on the sides and make use of the rear as well, so it doesn’t feel cramped and it’s easier for cable management. The ports that are included in the gaming laptop are:

1 x Thunderbolt 3 (Supports USB 3.2 Gen2 10Gbps, 40Gbps Thunderbolt, and DisplayPort 1.2)
2 x USB 3.2 Gen1 Type-A
1 x USB 3.2 Gen1 Type-A with Powershare
1 x Alienware Graphics Amplifier
1 x RJ45 LAN (KILLER Ethernet E3000)
1 x HDMI 2.0b with HDCP 2.2
1 x miniDisplayPort 1.4
1 x Wedge lock slot
1 x UHS-II card reader

To simplify the above ports for you, allow me to explain. You have three USB Type-A ports, one of them with Powershare technology which means the laptop can effectively function as an emergency powerbank. You also have a Thunderbolt 3 port, which gives you the ability to connect not just for data transfer but also to a wide range of devices, such as a monitor, a dock, and an external graphics card.

Apart from that, you have both an HDMI 2.0b and a miniDisplayPort 1.4, which lets you easily hook up to two external monitors, effectively giving you an easy tri-monitor setup. You also have a wedge lock slot for added security but most notable of all, they’ve included a built-in UHS-II card reader. While more and more laptops are removing memory card readers, Alienware chose to not sacrifice that convenience.

If you have read our guide on turning the Alienware m15 R3 into a complete desktop replacement, you would know that we used the Thunderbolt 3 port to expand its storage using the Seagate Firecuda Gaming Dock. The dock also acts as a hub as it adds a good number of ports as well as an M.2 SSD slot for further storage expansion. For most laptops, this would mean sacrificing the use of an external graphics card as it would typically use the Thunderbolt 3 port.
That’s not the case with the Alienware m15 R3 gaming laptop it comes with the Alienware Graphics Amplifier port. It is a dedicated port for an external graphics card solution so you can have more power at home with ease. The same can also be applied with other Alienware gaming laptops as well provided they have the same ports.
If you are interested in the Alienware Graphics Amplifier, click right here or use the button below.
Alienware Graphics Amplifier
Convenient for Streamers and Content Creators

There has been an influx of livestreamers and digital content creators for a while, especially now with the COVID-19 pandemic forcing many people across the globe to stay at home. For those who are making a living out of their digital careers and for the ones looking to take a step in this direction, the Alienware m15 R3 is the perfect gaming laptop.
As we mentioned earlier, it’s a powerful machine with an abundance of ports. In other words, you have the firepower you need to livestream and use your digital creative software while also having enough ports additional accessories. This includes a USB capture card, microphone, audio mixer, and more. If that’s not enough, you can further expand the ports by getting a Thunderbolt 3 dock that’s suitable for your use.
In fact, I have been personally streaming on Twitch using the Alienware m15 R3 gaming laptop and it works perfectly fine. I can stream Valorant, Apex Legends, Tekken 7, Fall Guys, and more on Wi-Fi at 720p HD without issues. If I upgraded my internet plan, I can easily do Full HD 60FPS with it. I even have the Avermedia Live Gamer Extreme GC553 capture card and Shure MV7 USB-XLR microphone without sacrificing keyboard and mouse functionality.
Given how portable it is, I can easily take this with me anywhere in the world, and I wouldn’t have to sacrifice my ability to livestream or make digital content for Pokde.net. Unlike desktop setups where this limitation would hold you back, you can easily overcome that with this machine for as long as you have a decent internet connection.
Why Not Go For the R4?

As you may know by now, there is a successor to the Alienware m15 R3 and it’s the m15 R4. The key improvements it comes with are the new NVIDIA GeForce RTX 30-series GPU, the slightly stronger Intel Core i7-10870H, up to 300Hz refresh rate, and the optional Cherry MX ultra low-profile mechanical keyboard upgrade with AlienFX per-key RGB lighting. It’s also worth noting that there is a Ryzen Edition of the same gaming laptop, which is powered by the AMD Ryzen 5000-H series.
So why should you go for the older model?
For starters, there is a supply issue for the NVIDIA GeForce RTX 30-series, both the desktop standalone graphics card and laptops using the mobile variant. As such, it’s far easier to get your hands on the older model running the RTX 20-series GPU such as the Alienware m15 R3. Furthermore, it’s also more affordable so it’s easier on your wallet.
You may be worried that you stand to lose out on performance but the Intel Core i7-10750H CPU and NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2070 SUPER is a formidable combo. In fact, I can play Apex Legends on 1440p resolution and still get 144FPS with ease. Sure, stronger hardware is always better but this isn’t a weak machine by any means, and it beats having to wait around for the supply shortage to end. After all, it’s essentially the same, reliable beast of a gaming laptop.
If you want to see how well the Alienware m15 R3 can perform, check out the benchmark scores by clicking right here.
Wrapping Up

There’s more than meets the eye with the Alienware m15 R3 gaming laptop, and most people don’t realize its true potential. As you move past the specifications and dive deeper into what it’s offering, you start to realize that you can do more than just gaming. If thermals is a concern for you as it’s typically an issue that plagues high performance laptops, the Alienware Cryo-Tech cooling design is a significant improvement over its predecessor, and there’s no harm in putting a cooling pad under it to maximize the potential.
If you’re curious whether the Alienware m15 R3 is worth the money, check out our review by clicking right here or the button below.
Alienware m15 R3 review
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Maxis Facing Mobile Data Connectivity Outage Nationwide – Fixes Are Underway

Maxis Facing Mobile Data Connectivity Outage Nationwide

Dear customers,we’re currently experiencing service outage in several areas nationwide. Our engineers are working to resolve this now.We’ve observed gradual restoration of service in some areas, will provide further updates as soon as possible.We apologise for the inconvenience.
— Maxis (@Maxis) December 10, 2018

It appears that many Maxis mobile customers, including those under the Hotlink plans, are currently having having trouble with mobile data connectivity. What’s strange is that while signal strength is at maximum, at least on our end, we could not get any mobile internet access whatsoever.
Maxis has given an official statement via Twitter, acknowledging the issue that is happening in several areas nationwide. They are also currently working to fix the problem, and that they’re already seeing gradual restoration of service in certain areas. They will be giving out more updates whenever available.

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On Twitter itself, you can see plenty of users tweeting their frustrations via #maxis hashtag, some with rather funny statements and others just downright threatening. If you need some midnight entertainment, do check it out by clicking right here.
We are uncertain if the issue only affects mobile data connectivity or if calls and messages are also affected. At least on our end, everything is working just fine.
For now, if you’re one of the unlucky ones facing the issue, just be patient and hopefully, it won’t take long to rectify the situation.
Pokdepinion: I certainly hope no one has an exam or anything important happening tomorrow that they need internet access in order to prepare.
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SwiftKey Ends iOS Support, Says Microsoft

Starting October 5, Microsoft SwiftKey will be no more on iOS – the company has announced the keyboard app will be permanently delisted on App Store and will no longer be providing software support. However, Android versions will remain active and is not affected with this change.

This seemed to be a long-time coming, however – Reddit users has spotted the app lacking updates for a year, to which ZDNet has inquired Microsoft regarding this matter. The spokesperson emailed ZDNet with the following:

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“As of October 5, support for SwiftKey iOS will end and it will be delisted from the Apple App Store. Microsoft will continue support for SwiftKey Android as well as the underlying technology that powers the Windows touch keyboard. For those customers who have SwiftKey installed on iOS, it will continue to work until it is manually uninstalled or a user gets a new device. Please visit Support.SwiftKey.com for more information.”
– Chris Wolfe, Director Product Management
When asked the reasoning behind this decision, Microsoft did not provide any answers. It is speculated, though, that the Apple’s strict policies regarding third-party app integration (i.e. Phone Link) has hindered their ability to introduce new features that requires such integration features to work.
Source
Pokdepinion: If you’re a longtime user of this app that just so happens to buy iPhone 14 recently, you have not much time left if you plan to use the app… or you might just want to look elsewhere.
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Genki Launches Nintendo Switch Covert Dock for the Ultimate Convenience

Previously, peripheral maker Genki announced that they had a new Kickstarter campaign for the Nintendo Switch Covert Dock. It’s designed as the most coveted Nintendo Switch accessory and now, it has finally been launched.
Genki Launches Nintendo Switch Covert Dock

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For those of you who aren’t aware, the Genki Covert Dock for the Nintendo Switch is meant to be a dock that’s easier to bring around. Instead of having the dock and the AC adapter separated, this one combines both components in a single, portable package. The size is roughly the same as your modern day smartphone AC adapter, and it’s expected to provide everything that the official dock can give.
The Covert Dock has a USB Type-C port, an HDMI port, and a USB 3.1 Type-A port. Its use isn’t strictly limited to the Nintendo Switch however as you can use it to hook up your MacBook, laptops, and other devices as well. This is especially useful for laptops that do not have HDMI ports by default and would require some type of hub.

One thing that’s a bit of a worry is that 3rd party docks have the tendency to brick the Nintendo Switch. This is due to the fact that the system uses a non-compliant USB-C which has the tendency to overdraw power. While Genki claims that this will not brick the system, consumers will have to try this at their own risk as there is no guarantee.
If you’re interesting, the Genki Covert Dock is currently priced for USD $74.99 / RM317.96 not inclusive of shipping and other fees.
If you’d like a safer and more cost-effective alternative, check out how to build your own Nintendo Switch mini dock by clicking right here.
Source
Pokdepinion: I’m not too sure if this will really indeed not brick the system. We’ve had one crowdfunded dock that claims to not brick it but still bricked it anyway. Just be careful if you plan on getting one.
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Truly revolutionary and a real innovation — Microsoft Surface Book

Microsoft has absolutely nailed it this year! The new Microsoft Surface Book was unveiled with impressive specifications, and also an innovative design. The Microsoft Surface Book is the first laptop by Microsoft and is the ultimate Windows-based laptop, to me, at least.

The Surface Book is aimed to be in direct competition with the MacBook Pro lineup, it seems. The hybrid laptop is comes with 13.5-inch 267 ppi display, accelerated by an unspecified NVIDIA GTX graphic card with GDDR5 memory, so at least we know it won’t be a GT 940M or lower. It also features two USB 3.0 port and a full-size SD card slot.

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Along with a precision glass trackpad which supports 5-point multi-touch, the Surface Book comes with a real keyboard! Yes, a real keyboard, not like the touch cover you can get for the Surface Pro 3.

The Surface Book will come in two variants, a choice of either an Intel Core i5 or Intel Core i7, both part of the 6th generation Intel Core “Skylake” line up. Microsoft claims battery life of up to 12 hours and in a direct shot, Microsoft boldly said that the Surface Book is twice as fast as the current MacBook Pro.

Great processing power is nothing without sufficient RAM and storage, and the Surface Book provides up to 16GB of RAM and 1TB storage options, which should satisfy most if not all mobile users.

I don’t know how to put what I feel in words after watching the official promotional video, so I leave you the link so you can understand what I felt when I watched the video.

The Surface Book will be available for pre-order starting from the 7th of October with a starting price of USD 1499 (RM6475.68).

Pokdepinion : I love what I have seen about the Microsoft Surface Book. This year Microsoft has shown us what is the true definition of innovation, and gave us something that is actually worthy of being called the “most powerful laptop in its class”. Your move, Apple.
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Genshin Impact Leak Reveals Shenhe In-Game Picture

The newest Genshin Impact has gotten many gamers excited as we got a supposed glimpse of the upcoming character, Shenhe. Here’s what we know thus far.
Genshin Impact Leak: Shenhe In-Game Picture
According to the Genshin Impact Leaks subreddit, a new post surfaced which allegedly shows the in-game model of Shenhe from the back. While there’s no way to verify its authenticity at the moment especially given that it’s the first time we’re seeing her, it does seem to match up with descriptions from previous datamined leaks.

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As you can see from the picture, Shenhe has long white hair and the same outfit from the previous model. Needless to say, the leak made many gamers excited as it’s a sign that the character is getting ready for launch, which is currently expected to be in update 2.4.
With that being said however, do take the information with a grain of salt. There is still a chance that Shenhe could end up looking very different compared to the picture and previous leaks. It’s still worth pointing out that we had a similar occurrence with Hu Tao previously, which ended up being accurate, so anything is possible. We will report more on this when information becomes available so stay tuned.
Genshin Impact is currently available for free on the PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Android, iOS, and PC. A Nintendo Switch port of the game coming in the near future.
Source
Pokdepinion: While it’s hard to say whether it’s legit or not, I wouldn’t be surprised if the actual character design is like that. It’s pretty much what everyone expected given what we know of her at the moment.
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Genshin Impact 2.0 Featuring Inazuma Official Launch Date Confirmed

After their recent livestream, miHoYo has officially confirmed the Genshin Impact 2.0 launch date. Just in case you didn’t realize it by the number, they are indeed moving straight to version 2.0 for the popular MMORPG.
Genshin Impact 2.0 Official Launch Date

After the recent livestream, miHoYo has officially confirmed that Genshin Impact 2.0 will be launching on 21st July 2021. It seems the rumours and leaks were true after all as they skipped the expected version 1.7 and went straight to 2.0.

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From what we know thus far, players will finally be able to experience the highly-anticipated Inazuma region, an area ruled by the Electro Archon, Baal, and will finally include cross save support. Unlike the existing areas Mondstadt and Liyue, Inazuma consists of 6 main islands and are surrounded by the sea on all sides.
If you tuned in to the livestream, you would have learned of a good number of playable characters coming to the game. This includes the 5-star Cryo user Kamisato Ayaka, 5-star Pyro user Yoimiya, and 4-star Anemo character Sayu. Fun fact, Sayu is voiced by YouTube sensation and member of OfflineTV, Lily Ki, better known as Lilypichu.
As for enemies, we will see the Pyro Hypostasis and Perpetual Mechanical Array will be added, with the latter having some form of connection to the Ruin Guards in both Mondstadt and Liyue. Furthermore, Maguu Kenki can be found as a World Boss, which is important for those who need to grind for character leveling materials.
Once again, Genshin Impact 2.0 will be launching on 21st July 2021. It will be available on the PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Android, iOS, and PC. A Nintendo Switch port of the game is still in the works and is expected to launch sometime soon.
Source
Pokdepinion: I can’t help but feel like miHoYo is basically taking control away from the leakers with the next update and how they went about it. Not that it’s a bad thing, it’s great actually. Can’t wait to see what’s next.
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Acer Planning Custom AMD Radeon GPUs, Expected To Launch in 2023

The PC maker currently has Intel Arc A-Series GPUs under its Predator gaming line – AMD Radeon cards may soon follow.
Predator BiFrost Arc A770. Image: Acer
According to inside sources in the Chinese BoardChannels forums, Acer may be looking into making custom AMD Radeon GPUs and thus officially entering the AIB (add-in board) GPU market. Prior to this, the company has released Predator BiFrost Intel Arc A770 and Predator Intel Arc A380. The custom A770 model in particular contains a unique cooling layout with increased TDP under OC mode. The post did not specify on which AMD GPU may be the first model to wear the Predator name.
Source: BoardChannels, Image: ITHome
The source also mentions that custom NVIDIA cards are currently not in Acer’s plans, as Intel and AMD cards will be the main focus at least in the early phase of Predator’s AIB GPU business. Set to launch this year, it is said that this has been long in the company’s plans to produce custom GPUs.

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Source: BoardChannels via ITHome, Videocardz
Pokdepinion: Given the miniscule profits from NVIDIA AIB cards it’s probably unlikely for any new competitors to show up over at Team Green. It could get pretty crowded over at Team Red though…
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Intel’s upcoming laptop processor just appeared on Geekbench running at 5.3 GHz

Given the circumstances, the processor was most probably not running in a laptop form factor. But for those who want the ultimate (potential) performance in a laptop, well you can look no further than Intel’s refreshed 14nm parts from the Comet Lake series. Specifically, the Intel Core i9 10980HK, as it was just leaked on Geekbench running at a ridiculous 5.27 GHz.

The rest of the specifications hint to Intel just cramming an Intel Core i9 9900K into a 45W TDP envelop. That was the same case for the Intel Core i9 9980HK too, which featured the same 8C/16T configuration. It must be noted that the way Intel measures TDP allows for this, as the Core i9 9980HK sports a lowly 2.4 GHz base clock, while the Core i9 10980HK looks like it will come with a much more impressive 3.1 GHz base clock.

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We might actually see Intel try and force a 5.3 GHz boost clock, although most probably only on a single core. Even then, I would assume that thermals will be a real issue but that’s probably less of Intel’s concern. Their OEM partners will have to design the cooling solutions to cool them, and as far as we can tell, issues have started cropping up since Intel started cramming more than four cores into laptops. Good luck!
What do you think OEMs will have to do to keep the monstrous Intel Core i9 10980HK cool? Drop your comments down below!

Pokdepinion: Maximum performance… But at what costs?
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ASUS TUF Gaming GT501 Case First Impressions

We are taking a look at the ASUS TUF Gaming GT501, the first case to be 100% designed in house by the ASUS Design Centre. And truth be told, the case is really great for a first attempt with plenty of room for higher-end hardware that you can’t even get from the TUF Gaming Alliance.

Here are specifications of the TUF Gaming GT501 Case:
TUF Gaming GT501 Case Specifications

Support for up to 360mm radiators at the top and front
Support for up to EATX motherboards (12″ x 10.9″)
360mm radiator support at top and front: fits 120mm/140mm fans
Up to 7 2.5″ SSDs: 4 x 3.5″ combo bays + 3 x 2.5″ dedicated bays
7 expansion slots + 2 vertical slots
Front panel I/O: 2 x USB 3.0 ports + 1 x headphone + 1 x microphone
10.5kg weight

Do subscribe to us on YouTube and stay tuned for more videos like this!

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If you’re an iPhone user, this is something you really need to take note of. Apple has released a new update that fixes some major security flaws, and to avoid potential headaches, it’s best you get that installed as soon as possible.
Apple Pushes Update for iPhone That Fixes Major Security Flaws

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For the most part, updates for iOS are usually minimal as it involves stability fixes. The most recent one Apple pushed out, version 14.4, fixes some major security flaws on the iPhone that are known to be actively used by hackers. Moreover, the changes are also present on the iPad OS.
Given the nature of the exploit, it’s no surprise that Apple is keeping most details a secret. From what we know thus far, two of those security flaws involve the Safari browser, more specifically the browser engine WebKit. The other one is found in the kernel, which plays a major role in the operating system itself.
If you have yet to be prompted for software update 14.4, just head on over to Settings and you should be able to find it. It may ask to temporarily remove apps in order to make more space for the update, but it will reinstall those same apps for you after it has been successfully installed so no worries there.
Source
Pokdepinion: Best to get that update installed as soon as possible. You never know what sort of trouble you might avoid.
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ASUS Gundam series coming to Malaysia in February?

The ASUS Gundam series definitely proved pretty popular among tech enthusiasts who are also fans of what might be the most recognizable sci-fi series of all time, but unfortunately there’s one tiny issue. It was only available in China during its initial launch. After close half a year of silence, we have finally heard from a very trusted source that the ASUS Gundam series will also be making its way to Malaysia as early as next month.

With that said, we don’t know what’s actually coming to Malaysia, considering that the ASUS Gundam series started off with routers, but has expanded to include monitors, graphics cards, PC cases and even motherboards clad in the iconic white, blue, yellow and red shades of the RX-78-2 Gundam suit, and a whole other set that that comes in the predominantly red hues of the MS-06S Zaku II mobile suit.

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ASUS being able to bring the ASUS Gundam series to Malaysia means that ASUS has managed to obtain the license from Bandai to offer the ASUS Gundam lineup in more regions. Well, in any case, pay close attention to the ROG Official Lazada store to see when ASUS Malaysia will update it with the ASUS Gundam series!

Do note that this might only be offered in limited quantities, as the availability of the ASUS Gundam series of products in China is also reportedly rather limited. Well, we will have to wait and see.
Pokdepinion: An ASUS Gundam-themed setup sounds like an interesting way to go for my next build…
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