Notebooks and laptops are getting more powerful and a lot slimmer.

One of the caveats of the slim down is the loss of ports.

On the light-weight pick up and go laptops generally there’s no HDMI, Ethernet or USB sockets and to make it even more tricky they tend to have a low digital storage – especially Mac laptops coming in at 128GBs.

Asides from one or two USB-C ports and maybe a 3.5mm headphone jack your USB equipped peripherals to the likes of an external hard drive are largely redundant.

That’s where the need for a USB hub comes in. And there’s alot of them around.

External powered or USB powered there’s a mix of reliable, the bad and the even worse. Most likely you’ll not know until you get the hub home, plug it in and find it doesn’t have enough juice to read a USB stick.

To make it even trickier a lot of USB hubs connect via… USB.

Not so with twelvesouth’s StayGo USB-C Hub. They realise the frustrations of us laptop wielders having to figure out how we can beef up our digital storage or add our wired keyboard and mouse.

Sure you can use Cloud – but if you move around a lot, travel or work and play anywhere you’re always in constant search for a reliable, fast and free Wi-Fi.

twelvesouth’s StayGo USB-C Hub is designed to move with you.

Featuring 2 USB ports plus one powered USB port (ideal for external drives), an HDMI (your laptop needs to be compatible with a USB-C display output for that to work) and SD aswell as microSD card reader. An additional USB-C port is there to replace the one that the StayGo is using on your laptop – if your device has a USB-C socket for it’s power (newer MacBooks) then plug your power cable in to there and the Hub will transfer the power through to the laptop.

The Hub is small enough to put in your pocket or laptop bag and comes with two cables; a 1 meter for desktop use and another shorter one that sits inside the StayGo for travel.

Testing the StayGo on both a Windows and Mac laptop, either device recognise it immediately and sure a wired keyboard, mouse and headset work fine.

A 128GB USB stick was also read and writeable.

But what about a 2.5 inch 4TB external drive?

The StayGo USB-C Hub is not externally powered so it requires the USB ports on your laptop to supply the energy it needs to work efficiently.

Plugging in my back up drive (4TB) on Mac (2019 model) was a little hit and miss. It would appear and then dismount, then appear again… only to dismount after around 20 minutes.

While it was accessible I was able to both read and write to it. I suspect that a smaller capacity drive (1TB or lower) would work fine.

Windows worked alot better. To be fair my laptop is a newer model (2020) so one would expect that it is able to provide enough power to a USB-C device. And it sure did.

Reading and writing @ 3 – 4 mbps to my back up external drive went without a hitch and at the time of writing this that drive is still attached and working as it should, for around 5 days now.

The twelvesouth StayGo USB-C Hub is one small device extension that modern laptop users really need.

It outperformed others I have used in the recent past and the fact that it is also designed for portability is another plus.

Desktop or travel. At home or on vacation it doesn’t matter with the StayGo if you, ah, stay or go.

Everyone that works on STG is a volunteer. If you like the site and it’s contents please think about donating. Even a small amount helps keep the servers running.

The post TwelveSouth StayGo USB-C Hub Review appeared first on Shane the Gamer.

PlayStation 4 gets a Back Button, literally.

The DualShock4 control-pad peripheral sees an additional two paddle buttons added to the rear of the controller, which can be programmed (up to 16 differing Profiles) for quick actions in gameplay.

With the centered circular screen which is also the config mechanism, you can either opt for the default setup or program your own mix of two quick keys (any two from X, Triangle, Square and Circle) which ideally would be the most used keys in a game that you play frequently.

The PlayStation Back Button connect to the accessory ports on the front of the control-pad and wraps around the back.

I was surprised at how natively comfortable the Back Button feels and using the additional tap paddles to quickly perform actions in any game you play ended up being a classic case of you don’t know what you need to enhance your gameplay until you have it.

For eSports gamers the PlayStation Back Button is a must have especially in fierce competitions.

The PlayStation Back Button does not replace any already existing builtin controller functionality, it merely enhances it and enables instant action for two programmed the keys, as you would assign on a PC keyboard.

The left and right under paddles are sensitive though – there were many occasion where I bumped either paddle by mistake – so you need to be aware that they are there when in gameplay – or even navigating the PS4’s Homescreen or PSN Store.

A worthy accessory if you need that quick in-game action or about to partake in a eSports or online battle.

The post PlayStation 4 Back Button Review appeared first on Shane the Gamer.

With the launch of the original Xbox Elite Wireless Controller in 2015, Xbox wanted to give gamers a new way to play at their full potential.

Through partnering with members of the gaming community, they developed a premium gaming controller that offered levels of customization which surpassed any previous Xbox controller. In the last four years, the response from fans around the innovative features in the Elite controller was incredibly positive, and the Xbox Team have learned a lot about how the most passionate Xbox gamers play. So, they have applied those learnings toward the newest member of the Xbox accessories family, available for pre-order today – the Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2.

Making Elite Series 2 the world’s most advanced controller ever was the Xbox Team’s guiding light throughout the process. Compatible with Xbox One consoles, Windows PCs, and other platforms that support the Xbox controller family, the new controller includes over 30 new and improved features focused on what our fans care about most. 

The Elite Series 2 builds upon the original Elite Controller and provides a cutting-edge gaming controller experience unlike anything else on the market today.

A brand-new feature that comes with the Elite Series 2 is adjustable-tension thumbsticks. You can choose between three different resistance settings, including options to match the same thumbstick resistance as Xbox 360 or standard Xbox One controllers. The new controller also comes with an additional, shorter hair trigger lock setting where the trigger pull distance is shorter than ever, helping you fire faster.  The controller now automatically recognizes adjustments to the hair trigger locks, so you won’t need to make changes in the Xbox Accessories app each time you change the trigger locks. Additionally, new wrap-around rubberized grips extend to the top of the controller for more control and comfort. 

Additionally the Elite Series 2 comes with new interchangeable thumbsticks and paddle shapes, so you can better tailor the controller to your gaming preferences. You can now save up to 3 custom profiles on the controller and instantly switch between them and a default profile with the dedicated Profile button. New LED lights on the top of the controller indicate which profile is selected. The updated Xbox Accessories app provides the Elite Series 2 with limitless customization for remapping buttons, triggers, bumpers, and paddles – this includes new features like remapping voice commands (‘record that’, ‘take a screenshot’ etc.) to buttons. You also get more choice in how you connect your Elite Series 2 to your devices, including Xbox Wireless, Bluetooth, and USB-C. 

For the first time ever, included is a built-in rechargeable battery with up to 40 hours of battery life per charge.

The long-life battery is designed to operate at its full capacity for years of use. The controller comes with a USB-C cable and charging dock, giving you multiple options for charging your controller.  The Elite Series 2 is built to last with re-engineered components including the bumpers, thumbsticks, and grip material for improved resilience.  Xbox also developed new firmware to automatically calibrate thumbsticks for improved dead zone control. There’s also a premium carrying case for added protection.

The Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2 comes with premium components including a carrying case, set of 6 thumbsticks (2 standard, 2 classic, 1 tall, 1 wide dome), set of 4 paddles (2 medium, 2 mini), set of 2 D-pads (standard and faceted), thumbstick-adjustment tool, charging dock for in-case or out-of-case charging, and braided USB-C cable.

The Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2 will be available in New Zealand from November the 4th, 2019. The Elite Series 2 will retail for $279.95 NZD.

The post 30 New Ways to Play like a Pro appeared first on Shane the Gamer.

All PC Gamers know that Alienware are serious when it comes to PC gaming.

This is what they do and they do it with unrivaled expertise.

From their laptops to desktops and monitors, Alienware, owned by Dell, also produce PC gaming peripherals.

Dell has sent STG one of their newly released Pro Gaming Keyboards to have a play with.

The single corded USB plug is simply plug and play.

The RGB illumination will instantly kick into effect. The lighting is not just the keys, Alienware have added stealth lighting to the Pro Gaming Keyboards casing aswell, making the keyboard’s base light up giving it an almost hovering experience.

Customizable via the downloadable Alienware Command Center software, the RGB lighting can be tailored to suit your personal preferences or to the game you are playing. It can also be instantly turned off aswell via the Alienware button to the top right of the unit.

Setting up hotkeys and short cuts is simplistic aswell – again you will need the Command Center software to do this via it’s GUI.

To the left of the Pro Gaming Keyboard there’s a series of separate illuminated keys; 1 – 5. These are your specialist keys and can be used for whatever your gaming heart desires. In all there’s up to 15 on-the-fly programmable macro keys and all are built with Anti-ghosting and N-key rollovers.

Whether gaming or using as a ‘normal’ PC keyboard, the mechanical tactile keys are fully responsive and the biggest feature that I noticed is the soft to touch keys. The Pro Gaming keyboard can be like typing on marshmallow for your fingers.

The side keys are a little close together though – this meant when typing I really had to watch the text on screen as the CAPS button was real easy to bump and turn on. All keys have a low impact, so this meant the slightest nudge would set everything in to CAPs.

Most PC gamers will have a headset – or a booming sound system hooked up to their laptop or RIG. Alienware know this and also added volume controls to the Pro Gaming keyboard which will work with any media that you maybe playing.

Weighted at 1,460g – the Alienware Pro Gaming keyboard is not likely to slide about your desk in the moments of heated fierce battle and the hard plastic casing is likely survive alot of punishment.

The Alienware Pro Gaming keyboard is yet another weapon in your gaming arsenal to wield, and has been built and designed for the more experienced gamers aswell as those that are just starting out or dabble in PC gaming bouts every now and then.

Embrace an Alien takeover as they equip you with the power to game like a Pro.

The post Alienware Pro Gaming Keyboard (AW768) Review appeared first on Shane the Gamer.

Logitech know a thing or two about producing peripherals for PC. They have been doing it since 1981.

Their G Series are top shelf gaming devices designed for the serious PC Gamers.

STG received a G512 keyboard recently to review, so we gave it work out.

Firstly after upacking you’ll come across two corded USB plugs. One is for the keyboard itself and the other to power the builtin USB hub at the lower top of the unit.

As soon as the G512 is plugged in you will be treated to a dazzling multi-coloured RGB lighting array.

To gain full function oif the lighting, which can be fully customed to your liking, or to create settings for differing games, you’ll need to download the Lightsync App from Logitech.

The interface of Lightsync is super easy as you setup differing custom lighting effects or if you can’t be bothered doing this – choose pre-existing ones.

Much like their superior G560 PC Speakers – the G512 wired keyboard create illumination to get your gaming prowess in to turbo mode.

Additional WSAD keys are supplied in the box and each mechanical inner sprung Romer-G Tactile key has a resounding and satisfying click when pressed. In actual fact you can opt between three differing key types; Choose from three distinct mechanical switches: Romer-G Tactile, Romer-G Linear and Romer-G Tactile.

For gaming the G512 wired keyboard is superior, however for usual tasks I found it is a little sensitive on it’s key strokes.

Nonetheless – the G512 keyboard is fully responsive with the ability to setup macros and shortcuts to your gamer hearts desire. Sturdily constructed, weighted so it’s not likely to slide about on your desk and a brushed aluminium finish.

If you are in to your PC gaming and / or eSports – the G512 is a serious weapon to have in your arsenal.

The post Logitech G512 Keyboard Review appeared first on Shane the Gamer.

Samsung New Zealand has announced availability of the Samsung DeX Pad from May 2018.

Introduced alongside the award-winning Galaxy S9 and Galaxy S9+, DeX Pad enables a desktop-like experience for the Galaxy smartphone. For those who are always on the go, the DeX Pad enables enhanced document editing, full-screen mobile gaming, PC-style multitasking and more for your Galaxy smartphone.

The Samsung DeX Pad bridges the gap between smartphone and desktop. With its desktop interface, and easy connection to a mouse, monitor, and keyboard, DeX Pad helps you get the most out of your favourite work and entertainment apps. Perfect for hot desking or changing business environments, DeX Pad also works seamlessly with Microsoft Office 365 applications.

“We’ve listened to what our customers need to keep their workforce agile and productive, and the DeX solution paired with a Galaxy S9 or S9 + offers flexibility, powerful performance and the compatibility to enable more productivity. DeX Pad is the accessory that empowers businesses to work securely from anywhere, using their smartphone as their primary device. This echoes our commitment around innovating our devices and services to help consumers and businesses to do more,” said Todd Selwyn, Head of Mobile Product for Samsung New Zealand.

DeX Pad empowers the mobile lifestyle by leveraging the power of your Galaxy smartphone. On a monitor, video and presentations instantly become more immersive, and productivity gets amped up when users make the most of DeX optimised apps. DeX now features multi-resolution support, providing a choice of clear and vivid visual experiences from HD+ to WQHD (2K) resolutions so you can now play your videos on various partner applications like MX Player and VLC and view more content at a glance. In addition, phone calls, messages and notifications are all readily accessible on the taskbar and the phone’s Infinity Display can be used as a virtual touch pad.

Samsung DeX is also a powerful business tool, supporting secure virtual desktops and apps from Citrix, VMware and Amazon. In addition, DeX gives enterprise IT admins enhanced customisation and management tools through Knox APIs, including the ability to disable apps, change the loading screen, add / remove shortcuts from the home screen, and set the screen timeout.

The DeX Pad will be available in New Zealand from mid May 2018.

Samsung DeX Pad Specs:

The post DeX Pad Delivers Desktop-Like Experience for Galaxy S9 & S9+ appeared first on Shane the Gamer.

Sony have just announced the latest addition to its family of RX0 solutions with the launch of a new Release Cable, model name VMC-MM2.

Helping to break down barriers to shooting style and image expression, the VMC-MM2 is a new solution for convenient dual-camera shooting, freeing the user to capture two different forms of content simultaneously.

The ultra-compact dimensions and superb image quality offered by the RX0 make it the ideal accompaniment to other cameras for dual-camera capture. Combining the RX0 with other Sony α or Cyber-shot cameras via Multi Interface Shoeor via bracket / rig, photographers can use the RX0 as a sub camera to concurrently shoot high quality images.  VMC-MM2 realises simultaneous photo/movie shooting with just a single press of main camera’s release button. 

It enables the user to capture one moment in two different ways, with a variation of angle of view, depth of view or frame rate amongst other things, delivering two different forms of expression and thus increasing the amount of content captured and extending the potential offering to clients. Its coiled cable design with right-angle connector keeps the cable tidy, and clear of the EVF whilst shooting.

This form of dual-camera shooting is especially useful for wedding, event and press conference photographers and journalists. It offers the opportunity to capture multiple perspectives using different angles of view that can be edited and packaged into an impactful series of work.

The new VMC-MM2 will be available in New Zealand in April 2018.

The post Sony Introduce Dual Camera shooting Solution for RX0 appeared first on Shane the Gamer.

Sony have announced a new flagship addition to its digital imaging range with the launch of the HVL-F60RM Flash.

Addressing the needs of the increasing numbers of professional photographers switching to the Sony α system, the HVL-F60RM offers high-power flash output, reliable continuous performance and advanced control features with integrated radio control options.

The HVL-F60RM has a guide number of 60 and covers illumination angles from 20mm to 200mm, providing uniform wide-range zoom coverage without shading with continuous shooting up to 220 flashes. The use of heat resistant materials and the deployment of new advanced algorithms means that heat resistance has been increased by as much as 4x compared to the previous model, HVL-F60M. 

Further improvements have been made to the recycle time which has been reduced to 1.7 seconds or just 0.6 seconds with the new External Battery Adaptor. One of the star features of previous Sony flashes, Quick Shift Bounce is again a feature and allows the photographer to quickly shift from horizontal to vertical orientation, 90 degrees left or right, upward by up to 150 degrees, and downward by 8 degrees for flexible positioning and optimum lighting for a wide range of scenes.

Independent light output level (LEVEL -/+) buttons allow direct control of output or compensation, supporting an efficient workflow. A comprehensive display facilitates adjustments and flash output level confirmation, and also provides intuitive access to flash output settings for paired wireless flashes.

Functions can be freely assigned to the unit’s four-way controller, centre button, and control wheel for easy access when required. Furthermore, TTL flash output can be memorised and recalled in manual mode when needed for immediate use or use after minor adjustment. This is another feature that can simplify manual workflow and save time.

The dust and moisture resistant design of the HVL-F60RM allows flash shooting, even in challenging environments and a new optional Rain Guard minimises ingress of water dripping into the flash and camera. Another example of the complete attention to detail that has gone into the design of the HVL-F60RM, is the metal foot of the Multi Interface Shoe connection which has been re-designed to minimise damage and increase reliability.

A pre-requisite for leading-edge studio set-ups, the wireless radio communication is non-directional so receiver flash units can be positioned anywhere up to approximately 30 metres away from the camera, even in situations where reflectors or other obstacles would interfere with optical communication. A HVL-F60RM mounted on a compatible camera functioning as transmitter can be paired with off-camera units functioning as receivers. Multiple flashes are supported with the user able to use up to 15 flash units, assigned in to up to 5 groups or wireless flash control and the use of a pairing system effectively prevents interference from other electronic devices.

In addition to an auto white balance function that automatically adjusts for light colour in the scene being photographed, amber and green colour filters are supplied as standard and can be used to match or complement existing lighting in order to achieve natural white balance or create a specific atmosphere.

The new HVL-F60RM, FA-EBA1 and FA-RG1 will be available in New Zealand from April 2018.

The post Sony Combines Overwhelming Continuous Flash Performance w. Advanced Operability appeared first on Shane the Gamer.

3DRudder, an innovative technology company in delivering solutions to virtual reality motion issues, announces today the 3DRudder Blackhawk, a new foot motion controller for PC Gaming and VR, which is set to be honored with a ‘CES Innovation Award’ in the “Computer Accessories” product category and presented for the first time at CES 2018 in Las Vegas.

The 3DRudder Blackhawk represents the next evolution in the product line and offers a newly redesigned device providing added functionalities. It fully really takes the space limitations out of the room-scale VR experience. Users control their motion intuitively with their feet while sitting, leaving the hands free to grab hand controllers and maximize the immersion while playing games.

New ‘Active Dead Zone’ feature adjusts automatically reactivity and stability depending on the movement direction and speed of the user. In a device like the 3dRudder, the dead zone in a 2-dimensional plan (horizontal movements) is like a circle of stability. In a 3-dimensional space, it’s like a sphere of stability. In VR, you need stability when you stay still. But when the action heats up, when you move and change directions quickly, you need reactivity: the more intense the action, the lower the dead zone. The ‘Active Dead Zone’ will be addressable as well by game developers directly from their games.

New design includes LEDs and foot straps bindings. The blue LEDs are visually indicating the state of the 3DRudder also providing an aerial and futuristic shape to the device. The foot straps bindings are designed to help users in gaining the most precise control in their movement. When the game gets tensed especially with fast-paced FPS’, some players tended to inadvertently let their feet slide away from the 3DRudder. With the new design, it’s no longer the case and the overall experience is greatly enhanced. Gamers can also now better take advantage of the revolutionary 4th vertical axis provided by the 3DRudder. Foot straps can be adjusted and snap in and out of the device at their convenience.

3DRudder is also introducing two foot kits to let users of the existing device upgrade it, should they choose to do so. The Foot Guides kit includes 2 bases to be fixed at the top of each existing pad and 2 guides to be plugged into the bases. The Foot Straps kit contains the 3DRudder Blackhawk wings to be plugged on the device. Both kits are interchangeable at the user’s convenience.

“It is truly an honor to have received the CES 2018 Innovation Award for the 3DRudder BlackHawk,” said Stanislas Chesnais, CEO 3dRudder. “The new design, including LEDs and foot straps, coupled with the Active Dead zone functionality represents a step forward in the VR foot motion controller technology that we started developing 4 years ago and a new standard for all VR accessories.”

Products entered in the program are judged by a preeminent panel of independent industrial designers, independent engineers and members of the trade media to honor outstanding design and engineering in cutting edge consumer electronics products across 28 product categories. The prestigious CES Innovation Awards are sponsored by the Consumer Technology Association (CTA), owner and producer of CES 2018, the global gathering place for all who thrive on the business of consumer technologies, and have been recognizing achievements in product design and engineering since 1976.

The 3DRudder Blackhawk will be available worldwide from March 2018.

The post Let Your Feet Do the Gaming w. 3DRudder Blackhawk appeared first on Shane the Gamer.

Gamevice, the makers of the current industry-leading mobile controller, announced to us at STG today that its GV 157 model is fully compatible with iPhone X and iPhone 8/8+.

In addition, Gamevice has revealed full support for Sphero’s app-enabled droids, well-timed for the launch of Star Wars: The Last Jedi. To accommodate Gamevice’s expanded functionality with partners which now include drones, droids and robots, they have lowered the price of the GV 157 to $79.95, a 20% savings just in time for the holidays.

“We chose to lower the price to $79.95 (USD) as demand for Gamevice has increased due to the fact that it can now be used for more than just gaming,” said Phillip Hyun, CEO, Gamevice. “Gamevice not only makes gaming on smartphones better, but it adds precision control to app controlled gadgets such as Sphero’s app-enabled droids and DJI’s Spark Drone, with more on the way.”

Sphero’s App-enabled droids and Gamevice make the perfect gift to put under the tree this holiday season. Kids of all ages can control Sphero’s R2-D2, BB-8 or BB-9E, explore holographic simulations and starships from the Star Wars galaxy, watch the Star Wars films and more through the Star Wars Droids App by Sphero that now works with Gamevice.

With iPhone X offering Apple’s best display yet, Gamevice gives users 100% of that screen by providing an unobstructed view, an essential element for full gaming immersion. iPhone X or iPhone 8/8+ and Gamevice make the perfect combination for gaming this season, providing console quality controls to some of the hottest holiday games, including: Lineage 2, NBA 2K18, The Talos Principle, Sky Gamblers and Modern Combat Versus.

Featuring more than 1,000 games, including those optimized for the iPhone X like Lineage 2, The Talos Principle, and Grid Autosport, Gamevice gives players latency-free control over their mobile experience, along with a comfortable, ergonomic design and console-quality buttons and joysticks for all of the latest iPhones starting with the iPhone 6 / 6 Plus.

More info on Gamevice controllers for Android and iPhone can be found at their Official Website Here.

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