Assassin's Creed III to feature four-player online co-op mode

Assassins Creed III, Ubisofts upcoming back-stabbing adventure, will include an online co-operation mode for up to four people.

The multiplayer mode will allow between two and four people to get in on the Assassins versus Knights Templar action, with players able to find team-mates from across the world.The game will also feature the other multiplayer modes that came with Assassins Creed: Brotherhood, such as free-for-all and team, with various maps and mission objectives. This should add some longevity to the game once the single-player gameplay is fully experienced.Ubisoft is also promising that the use of its new AnvilNext game engine will make Assassins Creed III look like a next-generation game on existing consoles. While this is obviously a marketing ploy, the studio is promising some big improvements to the graphics, including more realistic facial animations, in addition to better artificial intelligence.The launch trailer for the game shows the American Revolution setting, revealed by Ubisoft last week, along with a new main character, Connor, who is half Native American, making for an interesting divergence from the settings and characters of the previous installments. It also demonstrates some of the cool new moves we can expect.Source: CVG

Asus' U30s second generation Core i notebook gets reviewed early

Notebooks with Intels second generation Core i processors are slowly starting to trickle out into the market, but so far weve only seen 14 and 15.6-inch models from Asus. However, an early review of one of its upcoming 13.3-inch models the US30s which is an interesting mix of portability and features. This is likely to be Asus budget 13.3-inch model judging by the features, so we can expect a higher-end version to be announced at some stage as well.

The U30s should be a direct replacement of the current U30Jc model, but with several key feature changes beyond the CPU and chipset. The chassis actually appears to be mostly identical to the older U30Jc which means that the U30s still packs an optical drive, something that results in it being a rather chubby 13-incher. The model on review came with a Core i5-2410M processor; although wed expect it to be available will several CPU options.

The U30Jc featured Nvidias now almost antiquated GeForce 310M graphics and this is where the U30s really improves on things with a GeForce 520M. In as much as this is an entry level solution from Nvidia, it should still be a huge step up from the old 310M. Asus has also built in support for Nvidias Optimus graphics switching technology which switches over to the Intel HD graphics when the additional power of the GPU isnt needed.

What Asus missed to add was USB 3.0 support which is a real shame, as the U30s doesnt feature an eSATA port so the fastest interface for peripherals is USB 2.0. Bluetooth 3.0 has been thrown in for good measure though, although this is becoming an increasingly common feature on notebooks, but doesnt add much in terms of actually being useful as there are still very few devices that utilizes Bluetooth 3.0.

Battery life is said to be good for up to 6h of light usage and about 4.5h watching HD videos on it. Not amazing by todays standards, but still decent enough battery life for whats expected to be Asus most affordable 13.3-inch model, at least for now. Pricing is estimated to end up sub €1000 (S$1770) including tax fully kitted out with 8GB of RAM and a 500GB 7,200rpm hard drive. In will be interesting to see what else Asus has coming over the next few months as the U30s is really just an upgrade of an old model, but were hearing that we can expect some interesting announcements at Computex in May.

Source: Netbooklive

AMD Radeon HD 7970 Pricing Revealed

Turkish website DonanimHaber has revealed the European pricing of AMDs upcoming Radeon HD 7970. As per reliable sources, the current pricing for the HD 7970 stands at just over 500 Euros.

Given European pricing trends, this could equate to a US retail price of upto $550. If so, the HD 7970 could be the most expensive single GPU Radeon ever, and certainly the most expensive since the ATI Radeon X1800 XT launched at $500. This also a heavy upswing from HD 5870 and HD 6970 - the previous fastest single GPU cards - which launched at $379 and $369 respectively.

The Radeon HD 7970 will release on 9th January 2012 with 3GB GDDR5 memory. The HD 7000 series will also bring a 3D version of Eyefinity to take on NVIDIAs 3D Vision Surround.

Source: DonanimHaber

AMD scores Guinness Book of World Record for fastest CPU

The Worlds fastest/smallest/largest capacity and so forth are getting a little bit boring now, but AMD has managed to score another Worlds fastest and an entry into the Guinness Book of World Records thanks to some crazy liquid Helium overclocking of one of its upcoming AMD FX CPUs to a crazy 8.429GHz. This seems to be the latest way of scoring consumer attention, although in this case AMD has performed quite a feat as were talking an 8-core CPU here, well, of sorts at least.

We dont want to spoil AMDs moment here, but the press release is talking 8-core CPU and several publications are already reporting this as a feat performed with an 8-core CPU, when in fact six of the eight cores were disabled during the test. This doesnt make the 8.429GHz record any less impressive, but it should be made clear that only two cores were active which most likely helped to improve the overclockability of the CPU. Weshould also mentioned the small fact that the CPU was running at an icy cold -235 degrees C to achieve the record, something thats way beyond what even semi-professional overclockers can cool their CPUs down to.

AMD didnt announce which CPU was used, but at the end of the video (embedded below) theres an AMD FX logo and underneath it theres an 8-core Black Edition AMD FX-8150 Processor logo which suggests that this was mostly likely the CPU used. The record was actually achieved on the 31st of August, but kept secret until today, possibly as a bit of a spoiler ahead of Intels IDF conference which kicks off today. For those interested in a few additional details from the event, Nordic Hardware has a short interview with Sami Mäkinen aka macci who scored the Guinness Book or Record on behalf of AMD.

Source: AMD

AOpen i915GMm-HFS Pentium M Desktop Board

AOpen has introduced the desktop version of the newly launchedSonoma platform with their latest i915GMm-HFS board that supports 533/400MhzDothan processors. It is based on the 915GM Express chipset (Alviso) that comeswith integrated GMA900 graphics. Interestingly, this board comes with both DDRand DDR2 memory slots in dual channel configuration. This board also offersadditional PCI Express x16 slot for more powerful graphics add-on. It comes withICH6M Southbridge with four SATA2 ports, one ATA100 IDE channel and alsoFirewire capability.

The back panel multi-IO is especially unique as it comes withDVI-I, (Y/Pb/Pr), the D Sub which indicated that this board is made for DigitalHome concept in mind.

ASUS WL-HDD Wireless Hard Drive Box

ASUS today introduced the ASUS WL-HDD wireless hard drive box, theone-of-a-kind solution that brings data storage, file sharing and wirelessconnection into one single device. This unique innovation enables up to 4 usersto save and share data wirelessly at high-speed, 54Mbps data transfer. At animble 0.2kg, it is a great complement to notebooks and handhelds on businesstrips.

The WL-HDD is the winner of Japan’s G-Mark, which is a prestigious validationgiven every year to the products that have achieved the highest standards inindustrial design. This is a testimony to ASUS’ efforts in creating solutionsthat are a pleasure to look at and a real joy to use.

“This latest ASUS offering embodies the ASUS spirit of taking things one stepfurther,” said Hektor Tung, Director of ASUS Wireless Business. “When others arestill developing traditional wireless devices such as APs, client adaptors androuters, ASUS took the initiative to introduce an exclusive product that packsfile sharing, data storage and wireless Internet in to a lightweight and compactdesign.”

The WL-HDD is the perfect device to complete your wireless network. It issimilar to a public folder in a conventional LAN but without the hassle ofconnecting cables and the messy tangling wires. The WL-HDD leveraged theadvanced 802.11g wireless standard to support large data bandwidth at 54Mbps,making this all-new ASUS solution ideal for sharing files. It is also backwardscompatible with 802.11b..

To ensure proper data sharing, the WL-HDD adopted a hard drive monitoringmechanism. It pre-scans the hard drive before operation to detect for and reportback any malfunctions. Furthermore, to enjoy the highest performance available,users can conduct utility upgrade both wired and wirelessly.

An Access Point (AP) is lacking? No worries, the WL-HDD can act as the AP forthe wireless LAN as well, connecting multiple devices to the Internet whilesharing files wirelessly at the simultaneously. With the WL-HDD, it’s the sameas having a portable hotspot, meaning users can share Internet connection withfriends and coworkers even when only one network line is available.

The WL-HDD comes with several convenient features:
-Incorporating a convenient feature for file storage, the WL-HDD automaticallycopies files from USB flash disks the moment they are connected.
-Implement this device in your wireless network by following a simplestep-by-step setup wizard.
-Real-time clock: No need to reset the clock when you unplug the WL-HDD.
-Two antennas for optimal reception: One internal Inverted-F PCB antenna andanother external moveable dipole antenna.
Specification summary

ATi License Fast14 Technology For XBox 2

Intrinsity and ATI announced a licensing deal Thursday which could give ATI a performance edge in the competitive graphics IC market. Intrinsity, based here, has developed a form of dynamic logic, called Fast14, that it is licensing to ATI "for use in future consumer products." ATI believes that Fast14 technology can deliver up to four times the performance per silicon dollar when compared with standard design approaches. Intrinsity could not detail which markets would be targeted with the Fast14 logic. Microsoft would work with ATI on graphics technology for the next XBox video game machine. The licensing deal includes design services, EDA tools, and other intellectual property needed to implement dynamic logic. Historically, small portions of microprocessors have been hand-crafted with dynamic logic, which if properly implemented can run faster than static logic, although at somewhat higher power consumption.

ASUS Introduces Eee PC Seashell 1201PN

The ASUS Eee PC 1201PN iscreated to satisfyusers who are looking for a compact and mobile machine that can provideimpressive multimedia performance that rivals notebook PCs in the market.

Equipped with Intel Atom N450 processor and NVIDIA ION graphics, the Eee PC claims to be capable of displayingFull High Definition (HD)1080p visuals seamlessly.It sports a12.1-inch, 16:9 widescreen high definition plus displayand supportsresolutions of up to 1366x768 pixels.

The Eee PC 1201PN also featuresHDMI outputand virtual 5.1 channel SRS Premium Sound, todeliver superior audio-visual experience. You can also hook up to your HDTV via HDMI to enjoy Full HD 1080p movies with true-fidelity 7.1 channel audio.

In terms of software, the ASUS comes with ArcSoft TotalMedia Theaterthat supports a wide variety media formats and codecs, and the ArcSoft SimHD plug-in that can upscale standard definition video to high definition quality.

Other features include chiclet-styled keyboard, multitouch touchpad, Bluetooth v2.1 and802.11n wireless.

AMD Ships 90nm X2 5400+ amp; 5600+

AMD would begin shipping the Athlon 64 X2 5400+ and the 5600+ to OEMs, which AMD said will include Dell. The two new dual-core processors would offer better graphics performance, while reducing power costs. The 5400+ and the 5600+ each offer speeds of 2.8GHz, an AM2 socket and an 89-watt thermal design. With the 5400+, AMD is offering 512MB per core of L2 cache memory, while the 5600+ offers 1MB per core of L2 cache memory. The two new dual-core AMD processors are built on a 90nm manufacturing technology. On Dec. 5, AMD announced that it would begin making several of its dual-core chips, including several Athlon 64 X2 processors, with new 65-nm technology. The 5400+ is priced at $ 485 per 1,000 units, and the 5600+ is priced at $ 505 per 1,000 units.

ASUS X79 OC Challenge!

First Prize:ASUS Rampage IV Extreme with Battlefield 3 Full Game

Second Prize:ASUS Sabertooth X79

Lucky Draw Prize:ASUS P9X79

ASUS and VR-Zone will be having another online competition before the year ends.ASUS X79 OC Challenge is already on-going and will end on 8 January 2012. Participants are required to make a submission each week.The ASUS X79 OC Challenge is divided into 4 weeks.

1st week: 12th December 2011 - 18th December 20112nd week: 19th December 2011 - 25th December 20113rd week: 26th December 2011 - 1st January 20124th week: 2nd January 2012 - 8th January 2012

Points are awarded at the end of each week! The deadline for the 1st weeks submission is 18th December 2011, 2359H. Be sure to make a submission before the deadline to be eligible for the Lucky Draw!

For more details, please refer to the forum thread:ASUS X79 OC Challenge

Apple WWDC 2011 News Roundup

Apples annual WWDC kicked off this morning in San Francisco with Apple CEO Steve Jobs taking the stage to announce what has his company is going to release in the upcoming days and months. Here are what is announced this morning in children-friendly bit-size:

Mac OS X Lion - The lastest inception of the companys flagship operating system boast a whopping 250 new features for end users including Multi-Touch gestures, system-wide support for full screen apps, the Mac App Store (which by now most Mac users has experienced), Mission Control, Launchpad, and Mail app, just to name a few. Available as a digital download for just US$29.90, it will be available for all Mac users running Intel Core 2 Duo and above Macs on the Mac App Store next month in July.

iOS 5 - New version of Apples mobile operating system, iOS 5, will feature 200 new features to iPhone, iPod touch and iPad users later this fall. New features includes Notification Center, iMessage, Newsstand, OTA updating and more.

iCloud - Apple will be offering an all-new cloud service which will give users former MobileMe services as well as iCloud Storage, iCloud Backup, iClouds Photo Stream services and enhancment to iTunes with iCloud. Most features will be available for free and it will be released later this year in fall.

Many expected the announcement of the successor to Apples iPhone 4 as traditionally, Apple has used WWDC as a platform to announce and showcase the latest iPhones since the iPhone 3G. But many were disappointed that not a single mention of the next iPhone was said. Speculation of the next iPhones announcement has pushed back to something in fall as a seperate special event.

If youre interested to watch the keynote delivered by Steve Jobs and his colleagues, head over to Apples stream and watch it there. QuickTime 7 is required on Windows.

ASRock 865PE amp; 915PL Boards Support Dual Core

ASRock has a new board called 775i65PE based on 865PE chipsetwith LGA775 socket that is able to support Dual core processors such as 800MHzFSB Pentium D and even 1066MHz FSB Pentium XE. Of course, the only drawback forthis board is AGP and PCI based but ASRock has another dual core supportingboard called 775i915PL-SATA2 based on 915PL chipset that is PCI Express based.

AMD Socket M2 CPUs In April

FamilyCoreModelClock SpeedL2 CacheAthlon 64 FXWindsorFX-622.8GHz2 x 1MBAthlon 64 X25000+2.6GHz2 x 1MB4800+??4600+??4200+??Athlon 64Orleans4000+2.6GHz512KB3800+2.4GHz512KB3500+2.2GHz512KBSempronManila3500+2.2Ghz256KB3400+2.0GHz256KB3200+1.8GHz256KB3000+1.6GHz256KB

AMD new series of processors based on Socket M2 will be launching in Apriltimeframe and all the motherboard makers are getting ready for the Socket M2motherboards. Although processors based on Socket M2 is 940 pin like the currentOpterons but the boards are not compatible with each other. Socket M2 processorswill support Dual Channel DDR2-667 memories with a low latency of CL3 and HTT israised from 200MHz to 333MHz.

The initial line-up of the Socket M2 includes Athlon 64 FX (Windsor), Athlon64 X2 (Windsor), Athlon 64 (Orleans) as well as Sempron (Manila). Even thebudget Sempron series will support Dual Channel therefore Socket M2 willcompletely replace Socket 939 and Socket 754. Since AMD is still on 90nm processfor the initial Socket M2 processors line-up, therefore it is unlikely that theclock speeds will exceed 3GHz and performance to be improved significantly.Intel will have a chance to overtake AMD in terms of performance when Conroecomes around in second half of this year.