Tag Archives: headset

Creative SoundBlaster X Pro-Gaming H5 Headset Review

Posted on by Peter Donnell
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Introduction

Creative are on of the most iconic and instantly recognisable brands on the market when it comes to audio. Having created some of the most popular and best-performing consumer audio products for the PC market over the last few decades, I’m sure many of you, if not all of you, have owned or used a Creative product at one point or another. So when I heard that Creative felt they had one of the best gaming headsets on the market and that it would cost less than £100, I simply had to try it out.

CLEARER, LOUDER, HARDER, BETTER!

“The Sound BlasterX H5 radiates with comfort in every element of the design. It’s made up of reinforced steel headband and aluminium architecture. Sound BlasterX H5 features an ergonomically-tested design that guarantees comfort over long stretches of gaming sessions, and withstand the rigours of gameplay. Specifically designed for our pro-gaming teams, the H5 Special Edition is distinctly branded with a BlasterX label on both side-plates. Fans could use this chance to take their loyalty to a whole new level. Every time they put them on, it’s a way of showing their appreciation for great sound and comfort, and what they consider as the ultimate weapon for their gameplay!” – Creative

There are a few key design aspects that are going to be important with this headset, such as the fact it was designed for eSports. This means you can expect leather ear pads and a semi-closed back design, helping block out all that unwanted, game distracting, ambient crowd noise. We’ll also be expecting the detachable noise-reduction microphone to be pretty robust and focused on your voice, not the voices of the crowd.

 

“Experience your game the way it’s meant to be heard. The Sound BlasterX H5 is equipped with large, responsive 50mm FullSpectrum drivers that deliver astounding sound. Rated at 118dB/mW, the Sound BlasterX H5 is among the loudest gaming headsets of its class. Feel the tremor of every bone-shattering explosion and hear the rattle of gunfire in your gameplay, like no other.” – Creative

The packaging for the H5 is pretty stylish, with a clear bowl-shaped lid on the top showing us a fairly uncompromised view of the actual headset.

Around the back, there’s a little run down of some of the features, as well as the included accessories.

In the box, you’ll find the headset, obviously, as well as a detachable microphone, 3.5mm 4-pole to dual 3.5mm 3-pole extension cable and a 3.5mm 4-pole in-line controller cable.

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Razer Reveals Updated Hammerhead In-Ear Headsets

Posted on by Cernescu Andrei
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Razer has decided to update its Hammerhead Pro V2 headset and Razer Hammerhead V2 in-ear headphones, which are some of the brand’s most appreciated accessories. Both of these products now feature an improved chassis, which was CNC milled from aircraft-grade aluminum, as well as new flat-style cables that are perfect for music listening sessions and mobile gaming. Razer Hammerhead products are known for their exceptional bass output, and these new headsets are no exception as they boast extra-large 10 mm dynamic drivers that are 20 percent larger when compared to their predecessors.

The Hammerhead Pro V2 includes three quick-action control buttons on its in-line microphone, which is 100% compatible with iOS or Android gadgets. Sound isolation is ensured by an optional bi-flange attachment and three ear tip sizes while a splitter cable facilitates connections with devices that have dedicated audio and microphone jacks. As for the Hammerhead V2, it incorporates all of the Pro V2’s features apart from the in-line mic and controls. When it comes to pricing, the Pro V2 will set you back EUR 79.99 or USD 69.99, while the simpler V2 costs EUR 59.99 or USD 49.99. Below you will find a complete list of specifications for these new Razer products. Would you consider purchasing them, or do you think that they’re too expensive considering their feature set?

Ikea Now Has a VR Showroom

Posted on by Gareth Andrews
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Sometimes you don’t want to pop out, but you know you need to go grab that something. A sandwich, some food for the week or even that new game. There’s only so much you can get delivered by drone, so what about the stuff you want to see before you buy? Well if you are one of the lucky ones planning a trip to Ikea, why not see what it looks like before you’ve even left the house with Ikea’s new VR showroom.

The new program is available through Steam, with the app supporting the HTC Vive headset. In the app, you can choose from one of three rooms with the ability to change the colours of cabinets and drawers with just a swish of the Vives controller.

The app gives you the ability to explore from both a tall person’s perspective and a child’s, giving you the option of trying out a kitchen before your little one find all the bits that you regret buying two days later. The page notes that this experience is expected to last 5 minutes, with the pilot only being supported until august 2016.

In their press release Ikea state they see the “IKEA VR Experience as an opportunity to co-create with people all around the world”, asking for suggestions and ideas on how to use virtual reality and improve their VR kitchen. Is this the first step to a VR shop? Could we avoid the second guesses of buying something from a picture by viewing it in 3D before we’ve even left the house?

Would you ever trust an app before you buy or do you have to see and touch something in person before you buy? Tell us your thoughts in the comments below.

Turtle Beach Star Wars Battlefront SandTroopers Gaming Headset Review

Posted on by Peter Donnell
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Introduction

Turtle Beach are back with their second Star Wars branded headset today, with the release of their Star Wars Battlefront Sandtrooper Gaming Headset, a multi-platform stereo headset that comes well equipped for the multi-platform gamer. Of course, some of you may also remember we recently reviewed another Star Wars headset, the Turtle Beach X-Wing headset. The X-Wing was the more budget friendly model of the Star Wars/Turtle Beach deal at £29.99. While the Sandtroopers isn’t overly expensive, it’s certainly the more premium of the two at £69.99.

“The Star Wars Battlefront Sandtrooper is a feature-rich universal gaming headset for Star Wars fans and collectors. The Battlefront Sandtrooper offers crystal clear multiplayer chat when connected to the PlayStation®4 controller and other console controllers, and the 3.5mm connection makes it perfect for mobile/tablet devices. Fans will experience amazing sound through booming 50mm speakers, and the headset also includes in-line controls for Mic Mute and Volume, plus an adjustable, high-sensitivity boom mic that can be removed when watching movies and listening to music.” – Turtle Beach

Equipped with powerful closed-back drivers, a detachable microphone, lightweight design, multiformat support, in-line controls and, of course, that sleek new Star Wars inspired detailing, the Sandtrooper is certainly sounding like a competitive headset, so let’s move on and take a closer look at what it has to offer.

Full-Range Audio
Booming 50mm Neodymium speakers deliver sound the way Star Wars was meant to be heard.

Convenient Controls
In-line controls conveniently place Mic Mute and Master Volume right at your fingertips.

Crystal Clear Chat & Audio
Use the high-sensitivity adjustable boom mic for in-game and online chat, and then remove it when listening to music and watching movies.

The packaging is typical Turtle Beach design and has plenty of cool graphics on the front showing off the design, as well as the Battlefront/EA branding which the headset was designed for.

Around the back, a little technical information, but nothing we won’t be able to see for ourselves when we get it out of the box.

In the box, you’ll find all the usual documentation, a detachable boom microphone and some backplates for the drivers; It all comes very nicely packaged too, which is always a welcome bonus.

Under the top tray of components, you’ll find the headset and it’s cables all neatly tucked away and well protected.

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Inateck Headphones Roundup Review

Posted on by Peter Donnell
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Introduction

Picking the right headphones can be quite tricky, but with a great range of versatile and reasonably priced headphones in their range, it seems the Inateck has got you covered. Today we’ll be taking a look at three of their latest sets, all of which come targeted at a slightly different part of the market. Hopefully, we’ll be able to help guide you in which ones offer the best performance, features and value for money to suit your own needs.

Inateck produces a huge range of products, such as mobile accessories, USB hubs, hard drive docks, laptop bags and so much more. They’ve had great reviews in the past and their brand continues to grow in popularity, so I’m looking forward to testing out these headphones today. In the eTeknix office, we have their new Aries Dynamic Driver In-Ear Headphones (BH1101), the Taurus Wireless Sport Headset (BH1001) and the more affordable Wood In-ear Hi-Fi Headphone BH1105’s. They all have some a little unique about them too, so it’ll be interesting to see which  ones offer up the best options and performance overall given their respective price ranges and target audiences.

Aries Dynamic Driver Headphones

“Built in modern aluminum-housings and classic premium genuine wood, Inateck Aries BH1101 likes more like a work of art. 22 cored anti-oxidized cooper wire can better extend its service life. Furthermore, the PU Aluminum Foil cable makes it sturdy and tangle free.”

Wood In-ear Hi-Fi Headphone

“What is the most important thing to headphones? A well-rounded and clear sound! BH1105 is not only superbly balanced but also offers awesome bass, trebles and ear protection. The Zebra Wood pumps up your sound to an orchestral-like level. Bring a concert with you wherever you go.”

Taurus Wireless Sport Headphones

“Inateck Sport Bluetooth headset-BH1001 provides a comfortable, curved fit. Its magnetic design allows the two ear buds attract with each other, forming a circle that could hang on your neck to avoid falling down or losing when you finished exercising.”

The packaging on the headsets/headphones is pretty simple, with a minimal waste box and some stylish representations on the front.

Around the back, quite simple again and a few major specifications on the Aries and Taurus boxes.

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Are You Suffering From Oculus Face or Rift Rash?

Posted on by Peter Donnell
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Gaming has been the spawn of many unique illnesses, such as trigger finger pain, bent thumbs from excessive controller use, and so much more. Now we’re moving forward and onto more modern gaming related illnesses with Oculus Face. Wearing a VR headset for extended periods of time isn’t as uncomfortable as it used to be, the headsets are lighter, more ergonomic and more comfortable in general. However, that doesn’t mean to say they’re not going to make a lasting impression; literally.

https://twitter.com/stevekovach/status/714470354517757952?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw

The Oculus headset started shipping into the hands of customers earlier this week and that means there are many people out there getting lost in the world of VR right now. The only downside, at least so far, is that the headset leaves temporary red marks on the face, being comically named “Oculus Face” or the even more silly “Rift Rash”, neither sound like something you would want, but they’re obviously pretty harmless anyway.

https://twitter.com/stevekovach/status/714567978680000512?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw

VR is cool, but it’s quite clear it doesn’t make you look too cool afterward. Hair screwed up, face all marked with red lines and sweat marks. Perhaps Google were onto something with their ergonomic and lightweight Glass designs after all. The foam padding is pretty comfortable from my own experiences, so it’s likely extended exposure that leads to these minor issues and I doubt it’ll be enough to put many of you off of a purchase any time soon.

HyperX Cloud Revolver Pro Gaming Headset Review

Posted on by Peter Donnell
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Introduction

HyperX is one of the most instantly recognisable brands in the PC market today, and that’s no surprise given that they have produced many fantastic quality memory products that are in countless systems around the world. They took a dive into the world of peripherals a few years ago, releasing their much-praised Cloud headset, and later their Cloud II. Now HyperX is back again with what is set to be their greatest headset to date, the HyperX Cloud Revolver.

Studio-grade sound stage for a competitive edge.

“HyperX Cloud RevolverTM has a wider audio range that creates depth and width for improved audio precision. Get the competitive edge by hearing your opponents’ location more accurately, even when they’re further away. Re-engineered audio pro les create a larger sound stage that’s ideal for FPS and open-environment gameplay and for a concert hall-like experience when listening to music.” – HyperX

Equipped with high-performance 50mm drivers, HyperX memory foam padding, a detachable noise-cancellation microphone, multi-platform support and TeamSpeak, Discord, Skype, Ventrilo, Mumble and RaidCall certification, the HyperX Cloud Revolver is one of the best equipped headsets you’ll find, so let’s jump right in and take a closer look at what it has to offer.

Specifications

Headphone

  • Driver dynamic, 50mm with neodymium magnets
  • Type circumaural, closed back
  • Frequency response 12Hz–28,000 Hz
  • impedance 30 Ω
  • Sound pressure level 104.5dBSPL/mW at 1kHz
  • THD < 2%
  • Input power rated 30mW, maximum 500mW
  • Weight 360g
  • Weight w/ mic 376g
  • Cable length and type headset (1m) + audio control box (2m)
  • Connection headset – 3.5mm plug (4 pole) + audio control box – 3.5mm stereo and mic plugs

Microphone

  • Element electret condenser microphone
  • Polar pattern uni-directional, noise-cancelling
  • Frequency response 50Hz–18,000 Hz
  • Sensitivity -40dBV (0dB=1V/Pa,1kHz)

The packaging is nicely designed, with a great image of the headset on the front, as well as a quick rundown of the main features and supported devices.

Around the back, a quick rundown of the steel frame design, control box, detachable microphone and more.

The box has a slip cover, behind which you’ll find a durable presentation box.

In the box, you’ll find extensive foam padding with the headset stored nice and snug in the middle, as well as the control box.

Finally, you’ll find the control box comes with dual 3.5mm gold-plated headers, and a small in-line controller. There’s also a fully detachable noise-cancelling microphone with a durable boom and a good-sized head.

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Google Glass Enterprise Edition Headset Found on eBay

Posted on by Alexander Neil
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Ever since being removed from sale last year, Google has slowly but surely been removing all reference to the device. Now, an unusual version of the headset has been found on eBay, which appears to be the long-rumoured enterprise-focused edition of the AR headset. The headset in question is in the ownership of a pawn shop in San Francisco, who are selling on the device through their eBay store when it was spotted by Cavin Kabe and posted on Google+.

The eBay listing for the headset includes a number of pictures, which show how it differs from the regular “Explorer” edition of the device that had been on public sale. It features hinges that allow it to be folded like a regular pair of glasses as well as changes to the charging port, which appears to be a proprietary connector with more in common with Apple’s MagSafe chargers than micro-USB. Additionally, this headset appears to match one found in an FCC filing last year for the Enterprise Edition of Google Glass, which would also mean that it may sport that device’s larger display, camera LED, and more efficient hardware, although images cannot support this.

Where this version of the Glass came from and how it came to be in the ownership of a pawnbroker remains unknown, with A to Z Pawnbrokers having multiple outlets in the San Francisco area and supplying no details about which store had received it. Whether this could be a blunder that reveals a new version of the Google Glass that is planned for a future release is unknown, and we can only hope that someone willing to examine the device ends up making the purchase which currently stands at $2,550.00, closing in on double the price of the original Explorer edition Glass.

Patriot Viper V360 PC Gaming Headset Review

Posted on by Peter Donnell
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Introduction

Patriot, a company better known for their high-end memory products are branching out into the gaming world. Today, we have the all new Viper V360 7.1 Virtual Surround Headset in the eTeknix office and given that it’s the first headset from Patriot, we’re certainly eager to see what it can do. Patriot hasn’t gone too crazy with this one, keeping to a budget-friendly end of the market that it’s sure to be easier for them to compete in, giving how fierce some of the more established brands dominate the premium end of the market; it makes sense to walk before you can run.

The Patriot V360 7.1 virtual surround sound gaming headset is designed to provide an enhanced PC gaming experience. Engineered with a closed back and ergonomic ear cups, the V360 blocks out environmental noise and fits comfortably over the ears to keep you relaxed and focused on your game longer. Experience Patriot’s revolutionary Ultra Bass Response (UBR) system; simply flip a switch to enable two powerful subwoofers and achieve even the lowest sound frequencies. Backed by Patriot’s award winning customer service and a two-year warranty the V360 is compatible with nearly every Windows operating system, including Windows 10 and Mac OS X, or higher.” – Patriot

Equipped with powerful 40mm Neodymium magnet drivers, as well as 30mm sub-drivers, a good quality omnidirectional microphone, and a 2.2 meter long braided USB cable, it’s certainly ticking all the right boxes for a good gaming headset. Let’s take a quick look at the Patriot product preview video and then we’ll move on and take a closer look.

A nicely designed box, with a clear image, the specifications and a side window for a sneaker look at the overall design.

While around the back, you’ll find a quick rundown of the main features, such as the UBR switch and LED lighting.

In the box, you’ll find a nice protective pouch for the headset, as well as a small envelope.

In the envelope, there’s a product guide, quick start guide, and a few cool stickers; nothing too crazy, but it’s always nice to have a few small extras.

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Turtle Beach Star Wars X-Wing Pilot Gaming Headset Review

Posted on by Peter Donnell
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Introduction

Turtle Beach are one of the biggest names in the gaming industry, having had many years experience catering to both the budget friendly and enthusiast ends of the gaming audio market, as well as everything else in-between. With that in mind, I’m very happy to see their new special edition Turtle Beach Star Wars X-Wing Pilot Gaming Headset on my desk. Given the seemingly endless success of the Star Wars franchise, a colossal pile of official merchandise following the new movie was to be expected, but a gaming headset certainly stands out as the obvious addition to that. With Battlefront keeping many people sat at their gaming system of choice and the fact that you can wear a headset that has a heavily inspired design from the movies, it just seems like something a Star Wars fan would want in their collection.

“The Turtle Beach® Star Wars X-Wing Pilot headset features a unique design inspired by the Starfighter Pilots of the Rebel Alliance. Engage in battle with full-range audio delivered through 40mm Neodymium speakers, and call for reinforcements using the high-sensitivity boom mic which provides crystal-clear chat. The lightweight design provides hours of comfort, and the 3.5mm jack connection is compatible with PlayStation®4, Xbox One, PC, Mac mobile/tablet and portable gaming devices. May the Force be with you!”

Of course, the performance is what we really care about the most, although since this is a special edition, the design is a big factor for this review. The headset appears to be based around the budget end of the Turtle Beach range, and with a £34.99 price tag, that seems to be a safe guess. It looks like a tweaked Recon 50 type design, so I’m eager to hear how it performs overall.

Star Wars Design
The X-Wing Pilot headset design is inspired by the signature orange jumpsuits worn by the Starfighter Pilots of the Rebel Alliance.

Full-Range Audio
Hear Star Wars the way it’s meant to be heard through the X-Wing Pilot’s high-performance 40mm Neodymium speakers that deliver sizzling highs and thundering lows.

Convenient Controls
The X-Wing Pilot’s in-line controls place Mic Mute and Volume conveniently at your fingertips.

Be Heard Loud & Clear
Team-up with friends and chat in online multiplayer games with the X-Wing Pilot’s adjustable, high-sensitivity boom mic, which can quickly and easily be removed when listening to music and watching movies.

Lightweight & Comfortable
The X-Wing Pilot features Turtle Beach’s latest lightweight and comfortable design, ready to provide hours of comfort during those long, marathon gaming sessions.

Versatile
Fans can use the Star Wars X-Wing Pilot headset for playing games like Star Wars Battlefront, and also use it to enjoy their favorite movies, music and more.

The packaging is very nicely designed, although with it being Star Wars branded, it’s obvious that Turtle Beach would need to capitalise on this as much as possible. Detailed on the box, we can see that it sports a comfortable fit, removable high-quality microphone and in-line volume controls.

Around the back, more details about the multiformat support, design and the in-line controller; but we’ll take a closer look at all this shortly.

The first thing we find in the box, a detachable boom microphone. It comes with a large foam head as well as a flexible arm that should allow for easy positioning.

Next, we have the headset, which comes hard-wired with a fairly standard cable that joins to both ear cups and ends with a 4-pole 3.5mm jack.

On the cable, a small in-line controller. It’s pretty basic, offering a microphone mute switch and a master volume wheel, but that’s all you’ll really need anyway.

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Corsair Void Surround Hybrid Gaming Headset Review

Posted on by Peter Donnell
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Introduction

Corsair blew us away with their new Void gaming headsets, offering exceptional performance, comfort, style and very competitive prices that have made them an instant success with gamers around the world. Now Corsair is back again with their latest model, the Corsair Void Surround Hybrid Gaming Headset and if it’s anything like their Void USB Dolby 7.1 RGB, Void RGB Wireless 7.1 or their Void 3.5mm Stereo , we’re going to be in for a real treat with their latest.

“Enter the VOID—the innovative and exciting new family of advanced gaming headsets from Corsair. Whether you choose wireless, USB, or stereo powered audio gear, you will always be one step ahead of your enemies with fast forward design, spectacular fidelity, universal compatibility, and innovative on-headset controls – enabling you to command your gaming soundscape without hitting pause.” – Corsair

The Void Hybrid comes very well equipped, with a unique USB adapter system that allows it to work effortlessly on PC, Mobile, PlayStation 4 and Xbox One, meaning it’s going to be a one-stop shop for all your gaming needs, at home, or on the go. Of course, you’ll also find the usual thrills from the Void headset, such as that comfortable microfiber padding, a noise-cancelling microphone, on-headset controls and more!

  • Genuine Dolby 7.1: Treat yourself to 7.1 channels of accurate and immersive surround
  • Universal Compatibility: The mobile-compatible connector works with PlayStation 4, Xbox One and mobile devices. The included USB Dolby 7.1 sound card unlocks genuine Dolby surround for PC
  • Embark on Marathon Gaming Sessions: Microfiber-wrapped memory foam ear pads enable extended play
  • Unlock legendary audio: Oversized 50mm neodymium drivers bring the action to life with brilliant range and precision
  • Crystal Clear Voice Communication: The noise-canceling microphone on the VOID headset puts your voice in the spotlight—and nothing else

The packaging is nicely designed, keeping in theme with other Corsair Gaming hardware and the previous Void series headsets. On the front, we can see that it supports Dolby, Corsair Utility Engine, multiple devices and features 50mm drivers.

Around the back, a more detailed run down on how the headset can connect to multiple devices, as well as some information on the noise-cancelling microphone, format support, and on-headset controls.

In the box, you’ll find all the usual documentation as well as a simple quick start guide.

There’s a small USB dongle soundcard included, this isn’t needed for connecting to all devices, but as you can see, it takes a USB port and outputs it to a 3.5mm jack for the headset, and there’s a small LED indicator on there for the Dolby feature.

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HTC Vive – Eye Watering Price Revealed

Posted on by John Williamson
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There’s a great deal of anticipation surrounding the possibilities of virtual reality equipment in the gaming industry and other entertainment forms. Not only that, VR could be deployed to train new recruits in essential practical skills and help surgeons perform complex operations. Clearly, virtual reality has a huge potential but it’s going to take a considerable amount of time before the technology becomes mainstream. Recently, the $599 price point of the Oculus Rift shocked users expecting a significantly lower price point. This is well beyond the reach of most consumers especially when you take into account the cost of hardware to drive virtual reality headsets. Currently, VR manufacturers are focusing on producing the best possible experiences to encourage hardware sales. In theory, the pricing should reduce over time and become more accessible but the time frame for this is still unknown.

The HTC Vive’s retail price was confirmed at the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona and leaked by a number of publications prior to the official embargo. UploadVR reports that the Vive will cost a whopping $799 and ship with a controller for each hand and a pair of “Lighthouse” laser base stations designed to track movement. The device will also come with an internal microphone, and have Bluetooth functionality to communicate with various smartphones. Pre-orders for the unit will begin on February 29th, and the first shipments should commence in April.

It will be interesting to see if the higher price point affects sales compared to the Oculus Rift. Competition in the marketplace is great for consumers though and helps progress technology forward. 2016 is often described as the year of virtual reality, and this prediction looks set to be coming to fruition. Sadly at $799, the HTC Vive will remain a very niche device for those with big wallets, and this is a shame.

Steelseries Siberia 200 Gaming Headset Review

Posted on by Peter Donnell
1

Introduction

The legendary Steelseries Siberia gaming headset returns, with almost a decade of being one of the most popular headset ranges on the market, SteelSeries are back with their latest edition, the Siberia 200. Following in the footsteps of its predecessors, the iconic design remains mostly unchanged, but that doesn’t mean the headset isn’t still improving with each iteration. If you’ve ever used any of the Siberia headset range over the years, you’ll no doubt know why it has proven so popular, not only with at home gamers, but also a huge portion of the eSports and pro gaming community. The build quality, the comfortable fit, the competitive price and most importantly, the great performance are all just right, but will the latest edition improve or, at least, live up to the standards set by previous models?

Check out the new Show Your Colours promotional video from SteelSeries. If the video leaves you a little confused, it’s more about their new customisation options, even if that’s not really clear from the video. The Siberia 200 is available in a range of funky colours, although we’ll just be taking a look at the iconic while model today.

Equipped with powerful 50mm Neodymium drivers, a good quality microphone and multi-format 3.5mm connectors, the Siberia 200 is ticking all the right boxes in terms of features. What’s nice is that you can use the headset on PC, Mac, Mobile and PlayStation devices although anything that supports 3.5mm 4-pole or dual 3.mm cables will work just fine too.

The packaging is nicely designed, with a great image of the headset on the front. Please ignore the crushed corner of the box, that’s got a lot more to do with the courier than it does with Steelseries. At least if the headset is in one piece, we know it’s well protected.

Around the back, you’ll find a quick rundown of the main features, such as the lightweight and comfortable fit, auto adjusting headband, balanced drivers, in-line controller and improved cable design.

In the box, you’ll find the hard-wired headset as well as a dual 3.5mm to single 3.5mm 4-pole adapter cable.

All cables come with a really nice quality rubber coating which should help prevent tangles and also looks pretty great too. All of the jacks are gold-plated too, so they shouldn’t corrode or fade over the next few hundred years.

The in-line controller is pretty slim, but has a nice and large slide switch for the master microphone mute, with a clear red indicator so you can quickly see when it’s muted. there’s also a master volume wheel on the side.

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Roccat Renga PC and PS4 Gaming Headset Review

Posted on by Peter Donnell
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Introduction

Roccat is one of the most popular gaming brands on the market, so we’re very happy to see their latest headset, the Renga, in the eTeknix office today. Having already produced some of our favourite headsets, such as the Kave XTD True 5.1 and my own personal in-ear headphones/headset, the Syva, I have high expectations for their new multi-format lightweight stereo gaming headset. Roccat has always worked hard to push innovative features to their products, and you only have to take a quick look at their Ryos and ISKU FX keyboards, Tyon gaming mouse, or any other products they’ve produced, to see how they’ve innovated in terms of design, features, performance and their feature-packed desktop software.

“Renga is ROCCAT’s vision for a studio grade over-ear stereo gaming headset that creates the utmost audio experience for gamers. With multi-platform support, its over-ear design with optimally aligned 50mm driver units ensures comfort and deep, powerful bass for completely undivided in-game focus. Its reinforced structural housing provides the framework for a super comfortable build, with ergonomic headband and ear cushions. Perfect for gaming, music playback, movies and more, Renga is developed for gamers who demand more from their headset.” – Roccat

The Renga has been designed for serious gamers, both at home and within the eSports community. It’s open-backed design will help you stay focused on your environment and your game, with a high-quality fold up microphone that will give you the performance you need for team chat or even a few Skype calls at home. It promises a durable and highly flexible design that should ensure the headset takes more than a few knocks and bumps too, handy for those heading out to a lot of gaming events. To add further value to the Renga, you’ll also find it support PC, PlayStation 4 and mobile devices, giving you more bang for your buck by only needing one headset for multiple gaming devices. So let’s go take a closer look at what Roccat’s latest headset has to offer.

The packaging is typical Roccat, with the strong black and blue theme, a great photo of the headset and all the major specifications listed right on the front. As you can see, we’ve got multiformat support, powerful stereo drivers, and an open-back ventilated driver design.

In the box, you’ll find the headset, which comes hard-wired with a dual 3.5mm cable for desktop use, a Y-split to single 3.5mm cable for console/mobile use, as well as the usual documentation.

The cables are fantastic quality, with a thick rubber anti-tangle coating in stunning electric blue. There’s also a hard-wired in-line controller that gives you quick and easy access to the microphone mute switch, as well as a master volume dial.

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Arctic Reveal P533 Gaming Headset

Posted on by Peter Donnell
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Arctic may be better known for their high-performance air cooling products, but this last year has seen them pushing more into other markets. With the release of their fantastic AIO water cooling products, to their new P533 gaming headset range. There are two new headsets launching from them, the P533 Military and the P533 Racing. Fundamentally these are still the same headset, but rather two different visual designs of the same model.

“The conquest of new worlds, all-powerful enemies, great battles and wild chases – ambitious gamers are daily confronted with the toughest challenges. With the P533 stereo gaming headset they get the right equipment.” Arctic

The designs certainly look great, although I personally prefer the racing model, it just looks nice and sleek. There’s leather padding on the drivers, a closed back design and a thick layer of padding on the metal frame headband, so it certainly look robust and pretty capable overall. Of course, we’re eager to hear how it performs ourselves, as I’m sure you are, so we’ll be reaching out to Arctic to see if we can test it.

“Like the player itself the gaming headset must show performance at the highest level. The perfect fit is determining because you easily forget the time while gaming. However burning ears and uncomfortable pressure can bring you back to reality faster than favored. In contrast the P533 headset with its soft foam ear cushions and the equally padded and light headband keeps you comfortable for even the longest sessions. Nothing stands in the way for non-stop gaming. To really bring the action on the screen to life best audio quality is just as well under obligation. The lifelike stereo sound of the P533 catapults the gamer with a slam into the middle of the virtual world and makes it even more perceptible and spectacular. But even at the most hectic multiplayer combats, you can rely on the absolute precision of the integrated boom microphone. The sound volume can be directly adjusted through the headphone.” – Arctic

The headsets come with a protective clam-shell style case, great for storage. The P533 work with both console and PC, the 2m extension cable with 2 x 3.5 mm Jack leaves full freedom of movement.

  • P533 Stereo Gaming Headset
    Strong Bass and Crisp Treble
    Powerful Neodymium Driver
    Unparalleled Comfort Through Extra Smooth Earpads
    Compatible with Xbox, Playstation, Tablet, Smartphone, Laptop and PC
    Images for download
    The P533 is now available at ARCTIC for a price of 79.99 £ and also at Ebay and Amazon.

For more information, please check out the official product page here.

Oculus Confirms Rift Compatible PC Bundles

Posted on by Christopher Files
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The range of potential possibilities concerning the forthcoming Oculus Rift headset promises to be both exciting and also worth the wait, in theory, the problem lies with headset compatibility for the extensive array of PCs that are currently on the market. It seems Oculus have already thought of this and have recently released details of specially crafted PC bundles that have been tested to ensure the headset will work with the machine.

Oculus have announced the first set of machines from well-known computer manufacturers ASUS, Alienware and Dell; these PCs have been tested and also certified by Oculus. The headset manufacturer has also confirmed that the first bundles will be available to pre-order for consumers starting from the 16th February 2016 at 8 am pacific time.

Other confirmed details include the stockists that will be able to accept pre-orders for the bundle, these are, Best Buy, Amazon and the Microsoft Store. There is no word as yet if the UK will receive these bundles as the company has stated that it will “ship in limited quantities to select countries and regions”  One would have thought these bundles would eventually be available within the UK when you consider the size and also profitability of the market.

Below is a selection of Oculus-ready’ PCs that the company has announced, it has also been stated that consumers who were excited enough to purchase an Oculus Rift without yet owning a compatible PC, the company said pre-order customers will be able to purchase a discounted PC at a later date.

 

The price of these bundles will start at $1,499, for that you will receive an “Oculus-certified PC and everything that comes with Rift – the headset, sensor, remote, an Xbox One controller, EVE: Valkyrie Founder’s Pack, and Lucky’s Tale”.

 

ASUS Cerberus Gaming Peripherals Review – A Full Gaming Setup for Under £100!

Posted on by Peter Donnell
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Introduction

Picking the right gaming peripherals can be a tricky endeavour as there is a huge range of products from an equally large selection of gaming brands out there to choose from. Asus are one of the most established and recognisable gaming brands on the market today, and while they may be better known for their high-end graphics cards and motherboards, they’ve proven time and time again that they can make some great gaming peripherals too.

Today we’ll be taking a look at their Cerberus range, a budget friendly but feature packed range of peripherals that are sure to appeal to a wide range of PC gamers. We’ve got a mouse, a headset and a keyboard here today and what’s great about these devices is that all of them can be picked up for a total under £100, making them an attractive option for those on a tighter budget, with the added peace of mind of them being from a well-established brand name.

As you can see below, we’ve got a well-equipped membrane keyboard, with macro keys, LED lighting and more. As well as an optical mouse, which features an ambidextrous design, adjustable DPI and LED lighting. Finally, a powerful gaming headset equipped with 60mm drivers, support for PC, Man and PS4 and a detachable microphone. All of which can be snapped up for a total of just £96.89 (prices from Overclockers UK).

Cerberus Keyboard – LED backlit USB gaming keyboard with splash-proof design

  • Full SECC metal plate – Rugged durability
  • Splash-proof design with drain hole – Protects against spilled liquids
  • 12 macro keys – Tactical flexibility
  • Fully rubberized feet – Enhanced friction for strong movements
  • Price – £39.95

For more information, check out the official product page here.

Cerberus Mouse – Ambidextrous optical gaming mouse with four-stage DPI switch and convenient LED indicator

  • Agile DPI control – Four customizable DPI levels with an LED color indicator
  • Stylish ambidextrous design – Designed for both right and left-handed gamers
  • Improved rubber side grips – Reduces sweating and slipping
  • Price – £21.95

For more information, check out the official product page here.

Cerberus Headset – Gaming headset with large 60mm neodymium drivers, designed for both PC gaming and mobile use.

  • Large 60mm neodymium-magnet drivers deliver unrivaled punch and ultimate immersion
  • Compatible with PC, Mac, PlayStation® 4 and smart devices for gaming and mobile fun
  • Dual-microphone design: detachable boom mic for clear in-game communication and an in-line mic for on-the-go chat
  • Comfortable 100mm full-size cushions offer great noise isolation for undisturbed gaming and music enjoyment
  • Price – £34.99

For more information, check out the official product page here.

The packaging on each product is really nice, with a large window on the headset and the mouse, allowing a good look at the design of each, while the box for the keyboard has a big image of the keyboard and its LED lighting. There’s a few technical details around each box, but nothing we haven’t already covered above.

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Roccat Announces Renga Stereo Gaming Headset

Posted on by John Williamson
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Roccat has rapidly gained an impressive range of products including keyboards, mice, headsets, and gaming surfaces. The company is renowned for manufacturing reliable peripherals while adopting a unique aesthetic design. This is achieved without impacting on affordability and there’s something to suit various price brackets. Furthermore, Roccat has an official League of Legends team and continues to help the eSports industry. Their latest creation is the Renga stereo gaming headset for the PC, PlayStation 4, mobiles, tablets and other devices. The headset opts for an over-ear design, and produces a premium audio experience.

More specifically, the Renga utilizes a high-end 50mm neodymium driver in each ear cup to provide crisp trebles and a deep powerful bass. Furthermore, the headset features a reinforced skeletal frame which adds a robust feel while remaining surprisingly light. On another note, there’s ventilated ear cups, an ergonomic headband, and plush ear cushions. This ensures the headset is comfortable for long durations and should be a great option for streamers. The in-line remote control provides quick access to commonly used sound settings and allows for on-the-fly no-look control. The bundled microphone apparently offers crystal clear recording and can easily switch between gaming and music playback. It’s also rotatable which means it should be fairly easy to find the optimal positioning.

René Korte, CEO and founder at ROCCAT described the new announcement and indicated this is just the first product in a new range:

“The Renga is the first of our newly-designed headsets built for just one use – the perfect stereo sound experience”,

“Lightweight, robustly built and compatible with almost any device, the Renga is the everyday gaming headset that comes with an affordable price tag, without making compromises in quality.” 

 

 

The ROCCAT Renga will be available in late February with a suggested retail price of 49,99 Euro/USD. This is an excellent price when you consider the features and Roccat warranty.

Microsoft Evangelist Reveals New Hololens Details

Posted on by Alexander Neil
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With many developers racing to release virtual reality headsets for gaming and other applications, Microsoft has taken a rather different route. Their Hololens headset touts itself as “mixed reality” experience, expanding on typical augmented reality systems by overlaying virtual holograms. Until now, Microsoft has kept quite silent on many of the basic details of the device that may matter to developers and consumers. Microsoft Technical Evangelist, Bruce Harris, broke this silence at a presentation in Tel Aviv, showing new details of the augmented reality device.

For starters, the Hololens will be able to connect with any Bluetooth of WiFi-capable devices, with no wired options available. Adding to this, it will also be able to run every universal Windows 10 app out of the box. It was also confirmed that multiple Hololens devices can be connected to one another to provide a shared user experience, even over the internet.

The killer question, as with all wireless devices is the battery life, and while it can vary based on usage it can be expected that the Hololens can be used for up to 5.5 hours on a full charge. However, pushing the device to its limits could reduce that time by over half. Hopefully, this won’t harm the Hololens’ usage in business applications, but it is unlikely that the average user would be wearing it for so long uninterrupted anyway. Another limitation to the device that was shown was that its field of view would be akin to a “15-inch screen 2 feet away”, with the reasons for this limitation being put down to cost and battery life. Microsoft aims to improve this in future versions of the Hololens as their manufacturing capabilities improve.

With the Hololens not due to ship to developers until later this year, it is still unclear how these features and limitations will affect the device in practice. These specifications are unlikely to be reflected in the eventual consumer versions of the Hololens, but home users should expect at least what has been revealed so far.

New Kingston Cloud Revolver Headset @ CES 2016

Posted on by Peter Donnell
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CES 2016: Kingston are already a popular choice for PC gamers, after the massive success of their Cloud and Cloud II gaming headsets. Now they’ve back with a completely new design, the HyperX Cloud Revolver headset, and this time, it’s a fully Kingston designed headset, no help from other parties such as QPAD.

The design certainly looks great, and the headset feels like a premium product and well ballanced. Equipped with new 50mm drivers, Kington promise they’ve finally made a Cloud beater, but we’ll have to wait and see.

The headband design is self adjusting for the perfect fit every time.

And there’s a soft leather padding for excellent noise suppression on the interior of the ear cups. Other than that, you can find a new microphone, which is said to be even better than the old one, so it’s certainly something we’re looking forward to testing later this year.

The new headset is expected to launch in Q2, with an RRP of $120 and $150 for the 3,5mm and USB versions resectively.

Oculus Rift Pre-Orders Now Available

Posted on by John Williamson
2

Virtual reality is often described as a revolution in entertainment and the Oculus Rift demonstrated how visually stunning VR experiences can be. This inspired other companies to enter the VR market and look beyond traditional gaming purposes. VR has potential in the medical professional and can also put sports fans into the action in a way never thought possible. After a lengthy development period, the Oculus Rift retail model is now available for purchase and comes with an Xbox One controller, Oculus remote and VR sensor. Additionally, the unit is packaged with EVE Valkyrie and A Lucky’s Tale!

The Rift also utilizes integrated headphones designed for VR which creates a enthralling experience and expands the sense of depth during games. Of course, they can be removed and you can use the headphones of your choice.  The entire package will cost $599 plus sales tax and shipping which depends on your region. In the UK, expect a price of around £400. While this is a considered purchase, there is additional value with the includes extras and the Oculus Rift is a truly mind-blowing experience. This will be more than enough to encourage hardware enthusiasts to purchase. However, I doubt the mainstream customer will consider the Rift until there is a significant price cut or budget alternative. Please note, the Rift requires a high-end PC with the minimum specification listed below:

  • NVIDIA GTX 970 / AMD R9 290 equivalent or greater
  • Intel i5-4590 equivalent or greater
  • 8GB+ RAM
  • Compatible HDMI 1.3 video output
  • 3x USB 3.0 ports plus 1x USB 2.0 port
  • Windows 7 SP1 64 bit or newer

What do you think of the Oculus Rift’s launch price?

Orfeo Demos Bluetooth Noise Cancelling Headsets @ CES 2016

Posted on by John Williamson
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CES 2016: Noise cancelling headphones are an essential purchase for commuters to reduce environmental noise and make their journey more enjoyable. However, it can be quite troublesome to deaden extremely loud noise or a build-up of background audio in large crowds. Orfeo might not be most recognizable company in the portable audio sector, but they’ve received a great deal of acclaim for the custom designed InnerMic technology.  This intriguing invention works by inserting a microphone into the earphones to distinguish between voices and outdoor interference. To showcase this, Orfeo demoed the Infinite headset during a traditional phone call and clapped in close proximity to the handset to demonstrate the noise isolation capacities. Despite injecting such a sudden, sharp noise, there was no deterioration in call quality whatsoever!

Orfeo have also created two smaller SKUs, the Voice is a Bluetooth mono headset designed primarily for communication purposes, and the perfect tool for Uber/Taxi drivers to communicate with customers. On another note, the Oreo Sign adopts a very thin form factor without compromising on audio deadening and create for fitness fanatics. This is fantastic as jogging outside usually has a large background noise.

In terms of pricing, the top-end model is estimated to cost around $130-140, but the product hasn’t been completely finalized yet. However, it’s pretty near to completion and entering the retail market.

What do you think of Orfeos new line-up?

Oculus Founder Discusses Adoption Challenges For VR Headsets

Posted on by Christopher Files
1

The potential of Virtual Reality is rather exciting and is tipped to be one of the biggest attractions of this week’s CES (Consumer Electronic Show 2016), this is also where the gang of eTeknix are currently stationed in Las Vegas and are ready to bring you the very latest news. VR and the accompanying headsets do bring its own challenges, from adoption to market interest; there are many things to consider, so much so that Palmer Luckey, who is the founder of Oculus VR has discussed such issues and it’s very interesting.

On the subject of Virtual reality headsets replacing smartphones, Palmer Luckey stated that “the technology required many years of further development before it could replace smartphone’s for mainstream users” Mr Luckey also stated that VR headsets would need to be more powerful, cheaper and also slim enough for it to be considered to be both a viable alternative and also an appealing product for a wider adoption.

Asked how long it would take before we would see a ubiquitous use of VR, Mr Luckey stated that it could be anything from “five years – ten years”. The price point is also crucial and analysis by “Touchstone Research” have found that US Internet consumers would be willing to spend the following amounts on a VR device. As you can see, 31% would be willing to spend between $200 – $399 dollars, but if you go to the other end of the spectrum then it conveys that 6% would not be happy to spend a single dollar.

Palmer Luckey also recognises that “the current headset design is “obviously not the ideal form factor” as it is too bulky and needs to be slimmer. Further details include the recent announcement by Oculus concerning the finalization that it will be taking pre – orders for the Rift on January 6,th 2016 and shipping would be in the first quarter of 2016.

It will be interesting to note how this product performs and also how quickly this new tech is adopted by the market.

Image courtesy of fastcompany

Logitech G933 Artemis Spectrum Wireless Headset Review

Posted on by Peter Donnell
2

Introduction

Gaming headsets come and go with rapid succession in this industry, some great, many good and a lot that are fairly forgettable, but every now and then, something big happens. Today is one of those days at eTeknix HQ, as one of the most important headsets in recent years has landed on our desk and its expected to be something truly special. I am, of course, talking about the Logitech G933, following in the footsteps of the legendary G930, highly regarded as one of the best wireless headsets on the market, the G933 looks to make everything bigger and better than ever before.

“Patent pending advanced Pro-G audio drivers are made with hybrid mesh materials that provide the audiophile-like performance gaming fans have been demanding. From your favorite music to expansive game soundtracks, the Pro-G drivers deliver both clean and accurate highs as well as a deep rich bass that you would expect from premium headphones. Experience incredible 7.1 surround sound with Dolbyreg; or DTS Headphone:X Surround Sound,* creating lifelike in-game special awareness, allowing you to clearly hear enemies sneaking around or special ability cues.”

The Artemis is very well equipped, offering support for virtually any audio device, including games consoles and PC. Despite being wireless, it comes with a simple USB-powered transmitter that can be used to turn any wired audio jack into a wireless compatible device, and that’s something that simply cannot be ignored, as it opens up a huge range of devices for use with the Artemis. Add to that high-end 40mm drivers, a high-quality microphone, LED lighting, rechargeable wireless functionality, a fold away microphone, and more.

“G933 Artemis Spectrum works with PC, mobile, home theater devices, and game consoles, including PS4 and Xbox One. One headset for all your devices lets you take G933 Artemis Spectrum from your gaming rig to your gaming console and your mobile devices. You can even connect your home theater to the USB-powered wireless mix adapter and listen to TV shows, music, or movies wirelessly without disturbing the people in your home.”

For a quick look at some of the cool features on offer, check out the official product trailer from Logitech.

The packaging doesn’t give away much information on the front, but it does give you a great image of the headset and first impressions are that it looks pretty awesome!

Lots of technical details dotted around the back and the side of the box, most notable are the 16.8M RGB lighting, Dolby and DTS X support.

The headset is very nicely packaged with lots of protection to keep it safe in transit.

The headset out and you’ll find a simple visual guide to setting up the basic functions of the headset.

Finally, a collection of cables which include a 4-pole 3.5mm cable for use with mobile devices, which features a built-in in-line controller, an RCA passthrough cable and a USB to Micro-USB cable. Finally, we’ve got a 3.5mm to 2.5mm adaptor.

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Oculus Rift Pre-Order Availability Confirmed

Posted on by Bohs Hansen
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Yesterday we speculated that all signs are pointing towards an imminent release date for the Oculus Rift VR headset and we based on several individual sources and information. Shortly after we published this news, we got the official confirmation. Palmer Luckey, the founder of Oculus VR, posted the good news on Twitter where his fans could read the positive message: The virtual reality headset is on-target for a Q1 2016 launch and pre-orders are expected to come soon after the new year.

January is a tough month for a lot of people money wise, as that’s usually where all the large bills have to be paid such as insurances, and it also comes on top of Christmas where people tend to spend more than they should. Should you fall within this category and fear that you can’t be among the first row of pre-order candidates, then don’t worry. Palmer continued with a message assuring prospective buyers that they don’t need to stress over the holiday as Oculus VR will give a fair warning before launching pre-orders.

To sweeten the deal, Oculus Rift pre-orders will get a free copy of EVE Valkyrie along with the headset itself. Whether the Oculus Touch controllers will be available for pre-orders too or if they’ll launch at a later time is something we don’t know yet. I’m sure we will learn a lot more once CES 2016 in Las Vegas starts.

Everything Points to an Imminent Launch of the Oculus Rift

Posted on by Bohs Hansen
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As a release date gets closer, more and more things start to line up and paint the picture even tho nothing official has been said. It looks very much like 2016 will be the year where the average consumer will get their hands on the new VR technology and be allowed into the brand new gaming experience that so far has been reserved for the few.

There are multiple things that point to an imminent release of everything and that is no surprise with CES 2016 in Las Vegas being just a few weeks away. The first hint is found on the official Oculus developers blog where it reads that the Rift SDK 1.0, the final first version, is now shipping to developers along with the final Rift hardware. So the hardware is nailed down, the SDK is ready, and it further reads that companies planning to release Rift titles in Q1 can get early access to the hardware, which confirms that we’ll see the Rift VR headset very soon.

I’ve already mentioned CES 2016 in Las Vegas and that will be a big show for the people from Oculus who have a massive booth on the floor. You don’t rent a space that large at CES without having something really big to show.

The third hint we get about this today is in the form of the Nvidia GeForce graphics driver update that comes with special remarks in regards to the Rift headset and VR in general as well as being WQHL certified.

Everything is lining up and there can’t be much doubt anymore that we’ll see 2016 as the year where VR took off. Will you be buying the Rift? Our best guess is you might want to have pre-order money ready by Jan-Feb 2016!

Turtle Beach Ear Force Recon 60P Headset Review

Posted on by Peter Donnell
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Introduction

Turtle Beach are one of the most established gaming brands around, having created a wide range of headsets for every budget and every major format, including PC and mobile devices, consoles, and more. While I must say that their high-end equipment is amazing, it comes with a high price tag to match, something that’s not really suitable for a lot of day-to-day gamers and consumers. Their latest headset, the 60P comes in a nicely affordable £39.99, not for off the RRP of most games and it is a far cry from the £250 for the flagship Turtle Beach hardware such as the 800X. With that price in mind, this obviously isn’t going to be the greatest headset that Turtle Beach has ever made, but I am eager to see how much quality and performance you get in return for your modest investment.

“An amplified digital stereo headset for PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 3 gamers, the Ear Force Recon 60P delivers long-lasting comfort and game-changing features with booming 40mm speakers and in-line controls that place Mic Mute and Master Volume at your fingertips. The Recon 60P includes Mic Monitoring when connected to PS4 and PS3, and a high-sensitivity adjustable boom mic for in-game and online chat that can be removed when listening to music and watching movies.”

Designed for use on PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 3, the 60P is going to be ideal for Sony console gamers, as it’ll use the USB amp to deliver amplified sound. However, since it also comes with a 3.5mm jack, you’ll find it will be backwards compatible with a huge range of audio devices, such as the PC, mobiles, tablets, mp3 players, even the Xbox One, albeit without the bonus of extra amplification.

The packaging is nicely designed, giving us a quick run down of the main spec, such as the powerful stereo drivers, microphone monitoring and the in-line remote.

Around the back of the box, a quick run down of the features, such as the in-line controller and USB connector, but we’ll take a closer look at this in a moment.

In the box, you’ll find a USB to 3.5mm adapter, this also has the built-in amplification hardware, so it’s nice and easy to set up. There’s also a detachable boom mic, an RCA pass through cable and the usual documentation.

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