Fossils are usually considered to be reminiscent of the past and a gateway into the yesteryears. However, with technology evolving rapidly every day and with novelties being put up on the table almost incessantly, it is acceptable to redefine many erstwhile notions. One of them is the perception of fossils, or rather the word fossil. Deviating from the dust-filled bones and rocks of the past, American company Fossil has offered unique yet relatable items in the fashion industry. Recently I got a chance to explore the Fossil Gen 5E smartwatch, which I will be talking about in this article.
First impressions:
Fossil is a brand synonymous with style, and Gen 5E is fiercely loyal to its heritage. Featuring a sleek, jet-black design on a stainless steel body, the smartwatch reeks of suavity and elegance. The 44mm dial does a fantastic job of displaying all the content clearly, though it can be slightly cumbersome to operate beyond its set purpose. That being said, the watch has a plethora of features to offer, making it a solid competitor in its segment.
Usage:
Gen 5E connects to your smartphone via the Wear OS via the Google app. It syncs almost all phone data to the watch, diminishing the need to operate simultaneously. Right from controlling music playback to sending messaging and making calls, Gen 5E has everything available at the touch of a button. However, these features can make the watch feel cluttered and getting to a specific app can mean incessant swiping on the screen, which can get irritating after a while.
The watch offers almost unlimited customisation and personalisation, meaning that you can make your watch stand out in whatever way you like. Be it watch faces or battery duration; the watch can adapt fluidly to meet user demands. Speaking of battery life, Fossil is nifty enough to specify the three modes of Gen 5E’s battery usage. Users can alter the watch between four primary modes, of which three are preset, and the fourth is a custom mode.
Verdict:
A price tag of Rs 18,495 immediately puts the Fossil Gen 5E smartwatch in the luxury fashion category, meaning potential buyers cannot compare it with the FitBits and Amazfits of the world. Nevertheless, it is a solid offering for its price tag and will fulfill all its user requirements, no matter how complex the demand.
OPPO has been generous in its offering for the mid-range segment, with many options covering various features. While the OPPO F19 Pro+ is 5G ready and also ready to set benchmarks, I got a chance to test its vanilla cousin, the F19 Pro. Is it a worthy competitor or a professional failure with a price tag crossing the Rs 20k mark? Here’s what I think. First impressions: The F19 Pro is built for style, and it shows. The highly vibrant back looks fantastic, and being a sucker for gradients, it caught my attention immediately. The grey (or Crystal Silver as OPPO calls it) smoothly transitions from light to dark from top to bottom, and the clear PTFE cover that is provided in the box flawlessly serves its job of keeping the phone spot-free. The 160mm height and 172g weight make this a decently sized phone. While it won’t be a burden on your pocket (literally and figuratively), it will still make its presence felt in hand. That said, the OPPO F19 Pro has its set of shortcomings. Being aesthetically too similar to its lineage, it does not stand out as a new offering and can be confusing to identify for some. It also has a similar screen size and feature as the F17 Pro, further adding to the confusion. The F19 Pro gets a 6.4-inch FHD+ (2,400 x 1,080) AMOLED display. Eagle-eyed enthusiasts will notice that the pill-shaped dual punch-hole camera has been replaced by a single corner cut out on the left side. Usage: OPPO has only given the F19 Pro an AMOLED panel but not a 90Hz or 120Hz refresh rate in a somewhat surprising turn of events. That said, only a screen is not sufficient to provide an immersive audiovisual experience. This is where the F19 Pro lacks, as there are options in its price range that offer better speakers and, consequently, a better media experience. OPPO has also carried forward the MediaTek Helio P95 chipset found in the F17 Pro. It is stuck with a somewhat outdated chipset, which acts as a big disadvantage for the new phone. Its benchmark score is not only way behind its competition, but it also fails to offer a fresh experience as its predecessor. That said, the phone gets 8GB of RAM and 128GB of storage, though a beefier 256GB storage variant is also available. Operating on the Android 11-based ColorOS 11.1, the F19 Pro offers a unique experience from other standard Android devices. However, that also implies that the phone is burdened with pre-installed apps such as Snapchat, Soloop, Flipkart, Facebook, OPPO browser, and more. Adding to the disappointment is the inability to uninstall some of these apps, thus occupying some storage space. The primary contributor to the F19 Pro’s weight gain is its bigger 4310 mAh battery pack. Well, relatively bigger, as it is an increase of only 310mAh. That said, the phone comes with a 30W fast charger that can fully juice up the phone from a dead battery in a little over an hour. With a full battery, the phone lasted almost half a day with moderate use. I expect its battery life to decrease as its use gets more intense. The phone also heats up under use, and playing graphically heavy games for extended periods can get uncomfortable. The camera quality is pretty decent and offers a range of options to customise the image further. What’s more, the F19 Pro also comes with dual-shooting mode, allowing you to shoot from both cameras while recording videos. This gives the resemblance of a video-call recording, albeit with HD quality. However, this proves to be more of a gimmick than a regularly usable feature. Verdict: The F19 Pro cannot be considered an upgrade for existing OPPO users since there are hardly any updates from the F17 Pro. It would be wiser to opt for the F19 Pro+ as it gets 5G support, something the Pro misses. OPPO has given the F19 Pro a base price of Rs 21,490, increasing with the increase in storage. What you get for that kind of money is a solid and good-looking phone, but something that considerably falls back from its competition.
HyperX, the gaming division of Kingston Technology, Inc., today announced the release of the HyperX Pulsefire Haste gaming mouse. Weighing in at 59 grams,1 Pulsefire Haste utilizes an ultra-light honeycomb hex shell design that offers quicker movements and increased ventilation. Designed to meet the needs of gamers looking for an ultra-lightweight mouse to complement their gaming skills, Pulsefire Haste delivers ultimate comfort and command at your fingertips. Pulsefire Haste features TTC Golden Micro Dustproof switches with 60M click durability, six programmable buttons and onboard memory to save a custom profile through HyperX NGENUITY software. The mouse also provides four preset DPI settings – 400, 800, 1600, and 3200 DPI – and uses a Pixart 3335 sensor for accurate tracking and native DPI settings up to 16,000 DPI. Pulsefire Haste is built with low-friction, pure virgin-grade PTFE skates for effortless glide movement. This ultra-lightweight mouse also utilizes a HyperFlex cable designed to reduce tension and resistance for easier mouse movements with the use of light and flexible paracord material. “HyperX continues to meet the ever-changing needs of gamers at all levels, including those looking for a lightweight, multi-platform compatible mouse designed for top gaming performance,” said HyperX. “Pulsefire Haste combines HyperX’s high-quality design and comfort in an ultra-lightweight solution for quicker in-game movements and improved accuracy when using the included grip tape, helping players effortlessly mirror their movements in-world.” Pulsefire Haste includes grip tape on both sides of the mouse as well as on the left and right mouse buttons for additional control and comfort. A replacement set of PTFE skates are also included for people who find that they wear through their mouse skates fairly quickly. Pulsefire Haste is customizable with HyperX NGENUITY software and allows users to personalize DPI settings, RGB lighting, button assignments, and record macros. Availability The HyperX Pulsefire Haste gaming mouse is available for INR 3,890/- on Amazon.
HyperX Pulsefire Haste is a mouse that will put most gamers in the same doubt, is lighter indeed better? Well, the answers might differ; but everybody who has experienced the mouse will agree on one thing: lighter is faster!
First impressions:
The mouse fits in the hand like it has been customised for the player. With a black matte colour on a hexagonal comb shell, the HyperX Pulsefire Haste is a sleek and minimalistic mouse. The cover exposes the internals too, which is an interesting touch. However, that’s not the only purpose it serves. The shell primarily helps to shed off a considerable amount of weight while retaining its strength and durability. The box it comes with also has extra rubber grips for the buttons and the sides. It also has an extra set of PTFE skates that can keep the mouse running smoothly for longer. Since the honeycomb shell design extends to the mouse buttons, the rubber grips provide much-needed functionality.
Usage:
Being customisable up to 16000 dpi, the HyperX Pulsefire Haste is lightning fast. It also has six programmable buttons, including the left and right clickers, to increase the accessibility on-screen. However, since the mouse has a compact design, the buttons can feel too clumped-up and a little cumbersome to use. The mouse also features RGB colours only under its scroll wheel, which makes it look slightly underwhelming. Nevertheless, it is a nifty indicator of the mouse’s position if you are playing in darkness and lift your hand off the mouse. The HyperFlex cable also ensures zero entanglements no matter how you jerk or pull the mouse. Being lightweight and petite, it does not tire the hand, and I could use it effortlessly for hours on end. The open design also massively supports airflow and ventilation, preventing the mouse from overheating at any point.
Verdict:
The mouse will ensure long hours of use without exhaustion and add slight flair to your setup. However, its compactness proves to be a hurdle for people with rigid palms or oversized hands. Not that it is a drawback, but that is where its bigger competitors will hold ground better. With a price tag of Rs 3,890, the HyperX Pulsefire Haste might not be the cheapest option on the market, but it is indeed the sleekest. It will be available on Amazon from March 22nd.
The ASUS Republic of Gamers (ROG) today announced a new range of PC lineups featuring the latest AMD Ryzen 5000 Series Mobile Processors in India. The new range of laptops includes ROG Strix SCAR 15/17, Strix G17/G15, TUF A15 and ROG Strix Desktop GA35, which feature the art technology state and are designed to give the best gaming experience to consumers. These machines are engineered from the ground up to provide esports players and enthusiasts with an uncompromising gaming experience in competitive tournaments.
The flagship Strix SCAR 15 and Scar 17 integrate the latest innovations to keep the most demanding gamers at the top of their game. It introduces a fast laptop display with a 300Hz refresh rate and 3ms response time. They come further equipped with powerful new GeForce RTX 30 Series GPUs and Ryzen 5000 H-Series Mobile Processors that help the hardware reach its full potential with radically redesigned fans and other cooling upgrades.
Both Strix SCAR 15 and 17 are the first in the Strix series to come with an optical-mechanical keyboard, delivering rapid response and high durability at the same time. While a higher screen-to-body ratio puts the user closer to the action, a smaller footprint and a bigger battery with Type-C charging support maximise portability. Laptops are built with quad speakers backed by Dolby Atmos technology to offer a more immersive audio experience, while the Two-Way AI Noise Cancellation processes both input and output audio to make your chats crystal-clear and disturbance-free.
ROG today also launched the ROG Strix G15 and ROG Strix G17, which incorporate the new ROG gaming laptop DNA, making stylish designs accessible to all gamers. These systems complete a 2021 ROG Strix family engineered to enhance the everyday gamer experience and give serious esports players the edge they need to succeed.
Today, ASUS ROG also introduced the ROG Strix GA35 gaming desktop for those looking for extra power and the freedom to upgrade and customise. The device’s top variants come with the NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3080 graphics card and AMD’s 12 core Ryzen R9-5900X CPU. The cabinet has been designed to maintain optimal airflow to keep the device cool.
In addition to the Strix range, ASUS ROG also introduced its brand new TUF A15, featuring AMD’s latest Ryzen 5000 H-series Chipset, and it is equipped with a Ryzen 7 mobile CPU built with cutting-edge 7nm technology. The device is built to handle any workload, from gaming and game streaming to content creation. The laptop is also equipped with up to NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060 GPU with real-time ray tracing that provides realistic in-game lighting and other effects and accelerates content creation tasks video and photo editing.
Commenting on the launch of a new range of gaming computers, Arnold Su, Business Head, Consumer and Gaming PC, System Business Group, ASUS India, stated, “At ASUS we have always been proud of being able to give our customers the best possible experience when it comes to Gaming. Our new range of devices comes packed to the brim with the latest technological innovations that give competitive gamers an edge and casual players a whole new level of immersion. We have introduced the industry’s fastest display and innovative cooling solutions to boost gamers’ in-game experience. With the new set of devices, we are further positive to alleviate India’s consumers’ gaming journey.”
“2021 is about technology innovation and creating immersive experiences, where hardware capabilities like AMD Ryzen Processors further elevate PC and mobile gaming,” said Vinay Sinha, Managing Director, India Sales, AMD. “ASUS and AMD’s long-term commitment to gaming has enabled us to enthral consumers with our premium gaming designs. With the launch of the new ROG Strix range, AMD’s “Zen 3” core architecture lets the Ryzen HX series processor deliver elite-level performance to gamers and creators who demand the best.”
ASUS India today announced the expansion of its TUF laptop portfolio in India with the new TUF Dash F15. This super-slim 15-inch device represents portability and a thin and light design. Engineered to empower users with the ability to game, work, and stay productive anywhere, the new Asus laptop comes with the latest 11th Gen Intel Core i7-11370H processor and GeForce RTX 3070/ 3060 GPU for unbeatable performance. The laptop was unveiled globally during a virtual conference at CES 2021 and is finally set to mark India. The powerful core experience is equipped with high-end features not typically seen at accessible price points, such as a tournament-level gaming panel with up to a 240Hz refresh rate, a versatile Thunderbolt 4 port and a Two-Way AI Noise Cancellation technology. With an extended battery that nets up to 16.6 hours of video playback and Type-C charging that extends battery life from various adapters and power packs, gamers can be productive longer on the go. The TUF Dash F15 fits all these features in a stylish chassis that is easy to carry and boosts productivity without sacrificing the TUF Gaming series’ signature military-grade durability. Commenting on the launch, Arnold Su, Business Head, Consumer and Gaming PC, System Business Group, ASUS India, stated, “We at ASUS aim at empowering our consumers with products that boost their productivity while uplifting their performance with industry-leading technologies. Our TUF Gaming series resonates with this synergy and is designed to augment your gaming experience by making it accessible to all. Powered by 11th Gen Intel Core processors, TUF Dash F15 is set to create new experiences and replicate its success by creating new milestones in the Indian market. We are attuned to evolving consumer requirements and have them at the core of our product development strategy. With our latest offering, we further aim at elevating their gaming experience.” Rahul Malhotra, Director – Consumer Sales, Intel India, said, “Intel’s new line of 11th Gen Intel Core H-series mobile processors pushes the limits of what is possible for enthusiast-level gaming in ultraportable form factors. This combination of performance and sleek design is built for anyone who needs a laptop that can go anywhere and do everything.” Slim and stylish design to suit every lifestyle: The all-new Dash F15 is lighter and thinner than standard TUF Gaming laptops, with only 19.9 mm thin and 2kg weight, while still meeting MIL-STD-810H military standards. It has been rigorously tested to survive everything from extreme environments and ambient vibrations to accidental knocks and bumps, making it a device that’s reliable to take on the road. Because it represents such a new direction for TUF Gaming, Dash F15 was designed with a streamlined new look and feel. Moonlight White and Eclipse Gray colour options are both professional and understated, accentuated by bolt blue backlighting on the keyboard. The refreshed TUF logo boasts a modern look that evokes the series’s strength, while the thin lettering across the lid underscores the slim new design direction. Latest 11th Gen Intel Core laptop that goes everywhere and does everything: Users can play more than a game with the latest 11th Gen Intel Core i7-11370H processor. The CPU clocks up to an astounding 4.8GHz, nearly matching the fastest desktop processors’ frequency – enabling fantastic performance in a thin chassis. It also features four lanes of CPU-attached PCI Gen 4 for high bandwidth to connect the latest discrete graphics, accelerating everything from gaming and streaming to intensive tasks like compiling code. Intel shares ROG’s vision of rugged ultra-slim gaming laptops that let users work and play in more places. TUF Dash results from close collaboration with a fine-tuned performance that allows the processor to reach its full potential and sustain high speed while gaming. Room for up to 32 GB of DDR4-3200MHz memory means there’s enough RAM for productive multitasking and content creation. Everything loads at warp speed thanks to a PCI Express SSD that makes systems feel more responsive. Up to 1 TB of space holds a massive collection of games, while an additional SSD slot makes it easy to add terabytes of extra capacity for massive multimedia files and more. Dash F15 features an easy-upgrade design that puts the SO-DIMM slot and both M.2 slots just behind the bottom panel, held in place with standard Philips screws. A special pop-open screw pushes the bottom corner away from the chassis, so it’s easy to get under the hood fast. The surrounding hooks holding the edges together are smaller and more robust than conventional counterparts, making it easier to lift off the panel without scuffing the body or special tools. Powered by Ampere Graphics power is assured with up to a GeForce RTX 3070/3060 GPU clocked up to 1390 MHz at 80W with ROG Boost, allowing it to pump out massive frame rates in the latest blockbuster games and popular esports titles alike. Built on NVIDIA’s latest Ampere architecture, this all-new GPU blends traditional CUDA processing cores with 2nd generation RT and 3rd generation Tensor cores to accelerate ray tracing and artificial intelligence. This combination of cores enables realistic in-game lighting and effects, and it also speeds up other computationally intensive work like AI deep learning. A powerful GPU puts triple-digit FPS within reach in popular games, but a fast display is essential to get the full effect. A gaming panel with up to a 240 Hz refresh rate offers gamers the same edge as esports athletes, with a 3ms response time that reduces motion blur to make fast-paced target tracking more precise. This top IPS-level panel option covers 100% of the sRGB spectrum, the most widely used digital colour space, letting users game, create, and do more in true colour. Other configurations of the Dash F15 feature a 144 Hz display that still offers competitive gaming speed, more than doubling conventional laptop displays’ refresh rate. The panel maintains colours and contrasts across wide viewing angles, so you can set off to the side while playing games or streaming videos with friends. Adaptive-Sync support across all display options enables ultra-smooth gameplay by synchronising the refresh rate with the GPU’s frame rate, reducing lag, minimising stuttering, and eliminating visual tearing. The display is framed by 6.2 mm super-narrow bezels that minimise distractions from the action. The slim border shrinks the footprint of the chassis, too, making the laptop more compact. Portable power Working anywhere is more flexible with excellent battery life. Up to 16.6 hours of continuous video playback time means gamers can stream or take care of other tasks without tethering themselves to an outlet. When a full recharge is needed, the new fast-charging technology takes the battery from 0% to 50% in under 30 minutes. Battery life can be extended even further with Type-C charging support that can top off a charge from compatible adapters and power packs. Type-C adapters up to 100W are supported, meaning users can travel lighter and save the standard AC adapter for gaming or other intensive tasks that require full performance. The Type-C port works with Thunderbolt4 and USB4, connecting to the latest generation of premium devices. Thunderbolt4 lets users plug in a docking station to drive a desktop setup or hook up an external GPU to boost gaming performance and overall graphics power on demand. Dash F15 is also equipped with a wide variety of additional ports that keep users flexible for any situation. Three USB 3.2 Type-A ports make room for vital peripherals like a gamepad, mouse, and external storage. HDMI 2.0b can be connected to a wide range of displays at resolutions up to 4K. The Type-A port also doubles as a DisplayPort 1.4 output, making it simple to connect to a secondary display. Getting online is comfortable with ultrafast Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax). It’s hard to beat wireless networking convenience, but wired connections have lower latency for severe multiplayer gaming, so Gigabit Ethernet is also included. Comprehensive cooling Advanced cooling enables the Dash F15 to fit top tier processors in a super slim form factor. A substantial heat spreader and five copper heat pipes distribute thermal energy from the CPU, GPU, VRAM, and VRM into four heatsinks, each lined with thin fins that maximise surface area for heat dissipation and minimise resistance to airflow. Dual fans channel air through four outlets that expel heat faster and less noise than typical ultra-slim designs. The N-Blade fans are specially sculpted to move more air. They’re made from a special liquid crystal polymer that creates enough space to fit 83 blades per fan and ensure that each edge is strong enough to hold high RPMs. Such high blade density means each fan can draw and push more air per rotation, cooling components faster. With 0dB Technology, the fans switch off completely when CPU and GPU temperatures drop below 50°C in the Silent operating mode. This makes cooling truly silent under light workloads. The self-cleaning cooling module maintains long-term stability and performance by preventing the build-up of critical components like fan blades and heatsink fins. Updated anti-dust tunnels are shorter to create more airflow space around the fan while still redirecting particles away from necessary hardware. Users can take fine-tuned control of Dash F15 with Scenario Profiles, in which users can switch seamlessly between three operating modes that mix different cooling and performance profiles. Turbo mode delivers maximum performance and fan speeds for intensive tasks, while Performance mode optimises speed and acoustics for the best gaming experience. Silent mode reduces power and noise for lighter loads like web surfing and video streaming. Users can set scenario Profiles to trigger when they launch specific apps and games automatically. They can also change additional system settings, like the display profile and behaviour of the Windows key.
Premium sound Dash F15 is topped off with a range of premium features that enhance its everyday user experience for gaming, entertainment, and more. Voice chat is crystal clear thanks to the new Two-Way AI Noise Cancellation technology. This advanced technology removes a broad range of unwanted background noise from both input and output audio, meaning that both the user’s voice and incoming communications are fuzz-free. It supports any input device, and noise cancellation settings can be applied and adjusted for specific apps, so unwanted sounds can be filtered out of voice chat software without adversely affecting game audio or music apps. Best of all, this technology runs on the CPU, allowing the GPU to focus all its resources on maximising gaming performance. A new, quiet keyboard design keeps inputs under 30dB. Commands can be input freely and discreetly, no matter where users want to play. Its desktop-style design is optimised for gaming, with four dedicated hotkeys that allow quick access to essential features like volume, mic mute, and Armoury Crate. Function keys are separated into the usual groups to make shortcuts more intuitive, while arrow keys are offset for effortless navigation. The stealthy keyboard switches have a 1.7mm travel distance that makes typing more comfortable. Entertainment experiences are more immersive with DTS:X Ultra technology that brings 7.1-channel virtual surround sound to stereo headsets and speakers. Users can choose between built-in presets for games, movies, and sports or customise their tuning with an embedded equaliser. AVAILABILITY AND PRICING:
Product
Colour and Price
Availability
ASUS TUF Dash F15
Eclipse Grey – Rs 1,39,990/
Moonlight White – Rs 1,40,990/
End of March’21 – Across all channels – Online (Flipkart * Amazon) and Offline, ASUS Exclusive Stores and ROG Stores
Gaming expert and tech giant ASUS has officially launched the latest entry in its ROG Phone series, the ROG Phone 5. Built with dedicated gaming hardware and supported by an extensive list of gaming paraphernalia, the ROG Phone 5 poses as a serious competitor in its segment. That said, here is everything you need to know about the ROG Phone 5.
Display:
ASUS has equipped the ROG Phone 5 with a 6.78” HDR10+, 144Hz, AMOLED display custom made for ROG Phone 5 by Samsung. It is one of the fastest displays available. The display is 23% brighter than the previous ROG Phone while allowing a minimum brightness of only 5 nits.
Processor:
The ROG Phone 5 gets a Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 5G Mobile Platform paired with up to 18GB of RAM. It incorporates an overclocked Adreno 660 GPU that delivers 35% better performance than the last generation of the ROG Phone.
Battery:
The battery utilizes an MMT design consisting of two 3000mAh cells that allow for up to 65W fast charging and produce less heat during demanding tasks such as gaming. The dual-cell design also makes it possible to position the SoC in the middle of the frame, creating a perfect weight balance and superior cooling solution via an external cooler (sold separately).
Hardware:
The ROG Phone 5 has two symmetrical 7-magnet 12×16 Super Linear Speakers powered by Cirrus Logic CS35L45 mono amplifiers. ASUS has reintroduced the 3.5mm jack that was missing from the ROG Phone 3. The phone has a side-mounted port that gamers can use to charge the phone while gaming in landscape mode. It also works with USB-C to HDMI, USB-C headphones or the AeroActive Cooler 5.
However, the phone’s highlight is the AirTrigger 5 – touch-based ultrasonic buttons & motion sensor trigger. It offers better sensitivity, better positioning (closer to edge for smaller hands) and plenty of new motion control gestures. Up to 18 specific touchpoints on the screen can be mapped (with the AeroActive Cooler 5 and ROG Phone 5 Pro or Ultimate). Users can even use the AirTrigger 5 system outside of games to activate useful actions or apps with a simple squeeze motion while in portrait mode.
The company’s signature AeroActive Cooler also gets upgraded with a new layout. The GameCool 5 cooling system sits right above the CPU and can, without much noise, deliver up to a 10°C drop in CPU temperature without any external power needed. It also adds two physical AirTrigger buttons, a kickstand and a 3.5mm headphone jack so you can charge the phone while using the standard 3.5mm headphones without any cables getting in the way.
X-Mode & Armoury Crate:
X-Mode and Armoury Crate are the cornerstones of performance tuning and customization in the ROG Phone series. X-Mode allows the user to set a wider variety of performance parameters, from CPU/GPU performance to touch sensitivity settings and display refresh rate.
Through Armoury Crate, users can customize performance, touch, display and network-related settings on a game-by-game basis.
Multiple Optional Gaming Accessories:
ROG Kunai 3 Gamepad for ROG Phone 5 (updated version) – A modular gamepad with two sizes that Users can also attach to the phone via a special bumper. You can control any game with the ASUS Game Genie Key Mapping feature.
Professional Dock – An expansion dock that allows ROG Phone 5 to connect to an HDMI display and two more USB devices to utilize the ASUS Game Genie Key Mapping feature.
ROG Clip – Attach your phone to a PS4, Xbox or Stadia controller with an adjustable arm.
Lighting Armor Case – Protective case designed for the ROG Phone 5. It has a big light-up ROG logo powered via pogo-pins. It does work with the Pro and Ultimate editions, but the ROG Vision display will, of course, be covered.
The ROG Phone 5 will be on sale in India from April 21, 2021, and will be exclusively available on Flipkart. It will have a base price of Rs 49,999 for the 8GB+128GB variant and will go up to Rs 79,999 for the top-spec 18GB+256GB Ultimate edition.
AMD today introduced the AMD Radeon RX 6700 XT graphics card, providing exceptional performance, stunningly vivid visuals and advanced software features to redefine 1440p resolution gaming. Representing the cutting edge of engineering and design, the AMD Radeon RX 6700 XT graphics cards harness breakthrough AMD RDNA 2 gaming architecture, 96MB of high-performance AMD Infinity Cache, 12GB of high-speed GDDR6 memory, AMD Smart Access Memory and other advanced technologies to meet the ever-increasing demands of modern games. Delivering up to 2X higher gaming performance in select titles1 with unique new features compared to the current installed base of older-generation graphics cards and providing more than 165 FPS in select esports titles, the AMD Radeon RX 6700 XT graphics card pushes the limits of gaming by enabling incredible, high-refresh 1440p performance and breathtaking visual fidelity. “Modern games are more demanding than ever, requiring increasing levels of computing horsepower to deliver the breathtaking, immersive experiences gamers expect,” said Scott Herkelman, corporate vice president and general manager, Graphics Business Unit at AMD. “The AMD Radeon RX 6700 XT graphics card hits the sweet spot for 1440p gaming. For most gamers still playing on three-to-four-year-old graphics cards, it is the perfect upgrade solution designed to deliver incredible visuals and no-compromises, high-refresh 1440p gaming performance at maximum settings.” More than 40 system builders and OEMs are expected to launch high-performance desktop PCs powered by the new graphics card, taking advantage of this incredible performance. HP is expected to refresh two desktop gaming systems this Spring – the HP OMEN 25L and 30L – featuring AMD Radeon RX 6700 XT graphics cards and AMD Ryzen 5000 Series Desktop Processors. “Gamers are routinely on the lookout for the latest cutting-edge technologies to excel and immerse themselves in their favourite games,” said Judy Johnson, gaming platform head, HP Inc. “We’re thrilled to add the new AMD Radeon RX 6700 XT graphics cards to our OMEN 25 and 30L Desktops to help power epic adventures across the globe.” Exceptional 1440p Performance, Stunning Visuals and Unmatched Gaming Experiences The AMD Radeon RX 6700 XT graphics card is built on 7nm process technology and AMD RDNA 2 gaming architecture, designed to deliver the optimal combination of performance and power efficiency. Additional features and capabilities include:
AMD Infinity Cache – 96MB of last-level data cache on the GPU die provides up to 2.5X higher bandwidth at the same power level as traditional architectures to provide higher gaming performance.
AMD Smart Access Memory – Unlocks higher performance when pairing AMD Radeon RX 6000 Series graphics cards with AMD Ryzen 5000 or select Ryzen 3000 Series Desktop Processors and AMD 500-series motherboards. Providing AMD Ryzen processors with access to high-speed GDDR6 graphics memory can deliver a performance uplift of up to 16 per cent.
12GB High-Speed GDDR6 VRAM – Designed to handle the increasing texture loads and greater visual demands of today’s modern games at higher resolutions and max settings. The new graphics card with 12GB of GDDR6 memory allows gamers to efficiently power through today and tomorrow’s demanding AAA titles.
AMD FidelityFX – Integrated into more than 40 games and counting, AMD FidelityFX is an open-source toolkit of visual enhancement effects for game developers available at AMD GPUOpen. Optimised for AMD Radeon graphics, it includes a robust collection of rasterised lighting, shadow and reflection effects that the user can integrate into the latest games with minimal performance overhead.
Direct X Raytracing (DXR) – AMD RDNA 2 architecture-based graphics cards are optimised to deliver real-time lighting, shadow and reflection realism with DXR, providing a captivating gaming experience. When paired with AMD FidelityFX, developers can combine rasterised and ray-traced effects to offer an ideal balance of image quality and gaming performance.
AMD Radeon Anti-Lag – Now with support for the DirectX 12 API, AMD Radeon Anti-Lag decreases input-to-display response times, making games more responsive and offering competitive edge gameplay.
AMD Radeon Boost– Now with support for Variable Rate Shading, AMD Radeon Boost delivers up to a 27 per cent performance increase during fast-motion gaming scenarios by dynamically reducing image resolution or by varying shading rates for different regions of a frame, increasing framerates and fluidity, and bolstering responsiveness with virtually no perceptual impact on image quality.
“We’re excited to partner with AMD to bring the latest, much-anticipated entry in the Resident Evil franchise to PC gamers,” said Peter Fabiano, a producer at Capcom. “With the powerful Radeon RX 6000 Series graphics coupled with next-generation features and technologies, including AMD FidelityFX, raytracing and Variable Rate Shading, gamers can experience the ultimate fight for survival with visually stunning, insanely detailed characters and environments and high-performance gameplay.” Driving High-Octane Performance with Mercedes-AMG Petronas Esports Team AMD also announced a new collaboration with the Mercedes-AMG Petronas Esports Team, the Mercedes-AMG Petronas Formula 1 Team’s esports arm. Mercedes has selected the powerful combination of AMD Radeon RX 6000 Series graphics cards, AMD Ryzen 5000 Series Desktop Processors and advanced AMD Radeon Software technologies to power their Esports gaming rigs, delivering the highest framerates, low-latency gameplay and the smoothest driving experience, unlocking the drivers’ full potential. AMD provides an unmatched competitive edge in virtual racing. Specifications, Pricing and Availability
Model
Compute Units
GDDR6
Game Clock (MHz)
Boost Clock (MHz)
Memory Interface
Infinity Cache
TBP
Price (USD SEP)
AMD Radeon RX 6700 XT
40
12GB
2424
Up to 2581
192 bit
96MB
230W
$479
AMD Radeon RX 6700 XT graphics cards are expected to be available from AMD.com, from AMD board partners including ASRock, ASUS, Gigabyte, MSI, PowerColor, SAPPHIRE and XFX, and from etailers/retailers on March 18, 2021, starting at $479 SEP. The refreshed HP OMEN 25L and 30L desktop gaming systems are expected to be available this Spring. Other pre-built systems from OEM and SI partners are expected to become available in the coming months.
HP Inc. recently announced a definitive agreement to acquire HyperX, the gaming division of Kingston Technology Company. The acquisition supports HP’s strategy to drive growth in its Personal Systems business, where gaming and peripherals are attractive segments. HyperX’s award-winning product portfolio spans a range of gaming peripherals, including headsets, keyboards, mice, mousepads, USB microphones, and console accessories.
“HyperX is a leader in peripherals whose technology is trusted by gamers around the world, and we’re thrilled to welcome their outstanding team to the HP family,” said Enrique Lores, President and CEO, HP Inc. “We continue to advance our leadership in personal systems by modernising computer experiences and expanding into valuable adjacencies. We see significant opportunities in the large and growing peripherals market, and the addition of HyperX to our portfolio will drive new sources of innovation and growth for our business.”
PC gaming continues to be one of the most popular forms of video gaming, with the PC hardware industry anticipated being worth $70 billion by 2023. The global peripherals market is expected to grow to $12.2 billion by 2024, with gaming peripherals representing a disproportionate share of this growth.
“HyperX products are designed to meet the most rigorous demands of all gamers – from casual to the most hardcore – giving them a winning edge and helping them stay on top of their game,” said John Tu, co-founder and CEO, Kingston. “Both of our companies thrive because we focus on our employees and share the same core values and culture. David Sun (Co-founder and COO) and I saw the possibilities for the HyperX business and its employees, and we both realised that this change brings a brighter future for HyperX.”
HP has built an extensive and growing global gaming portfolio in recent years, led by its OMEN brand and a world-class ecosystem of hardware, software, content, and services. The company continues to push gaming progression with powerful devices like the OMEN 15 gaming laptop and the HP Pavilion Gaming 16 laptop. Beyond devices, HP is driving software innovation with OMEN Gaming Hub, a destination for players to connect, customise, and explore their gear and games. Adding HyperX to HP’s broader gaming ecosystem will deliver innovative new experiences across everything gamers see, hear, and touch.
Under the terms of the agreement, HP will pay $425 million, subject to customary working capital and other adjustments, to acquire HyperX’s gaming peripherals portfolio. Kingston will retain DRAM, flash, and SSD products for gamers and enthusiasts. The acquisition is expected to be accretive on a non-GAAP basis to HP in the first full year following closing. The transaction is expected to close on calendar Q2 2021, pending regulatory review and other customary closing conditions.
If you want your business to thrive in the present digital world, you need to find unique ways to stand out. Whether you are an emerging entrepreneur or have an established business, building a robust digital identity that differentiates your brand from competition has become necessary in this new typical environment. With millions of companies suffering due to the COVID-19 pandemic, there has never been a better or more critical time to invest in a website for your business. With all the technological advancements to buy and sell goods and services, coupled with fast and secure payments via the internet, a website presents a wide variety of benefits for businesses financially. It helps create a deeper connection with the consumers. Your business website can help attract new customers and add credibility and trust with your existing partners.
As digital skilling becomes one of India’s biggest priorities, beginners can now participate in online training programs to successfully develop online skills to navigate the evolving digital world. For instance, GoDaddy has launched an online platform GoDaddy Academy in India. People with varying technical expertise can come and take certification courses to learn online business and technology skills. In fact, on the occasion of Digital Learning Day, GoDaddy Academy has launched a special offer to help India’s youth become part of the digital revolution and enroll in any one of the certifications or modular programs free of cost. Aspiring entrepreneurs can also participate in competitive digital training programs, like GoDaddy Web Build-A-Thon, a unique tech building program for students and faculty members to gain hands-on experience building websites.
While it might look daunting, creating a website is not complicated anymore. GoDaddy presents a short beginner guide on creating a website from scratch to set up your business online successfully.
Make a user-friendly website.
Make sure the website interface is user-friendly and leaves a positive impression that drives results. Your website should use attractive graphics and easy-to-read fonts. Ensure that the pictures are compressed and don’t slow your website while loading. Search engines like Google will then degrade your website ranking. You should research your target audience and understand what they are looking for from your website. Make it easy for them to achieve. Always publish easily accessible contact information/ customer care details and incorporate call-to-actions like ‘buy now,’ ‘add to cart’ buttons for users’ easy access. You should also stay informed about how your competition(s) has designed and optimized their website(s).
Obtain a good domain name
A domain name is the entry point of anyone’s website. It must make a good impression for users and is equally essential for search engine optimization (SEO). Choosing a domain name is similar to selecting a company name; it requires a lot of thought and consideration. The first and foremost step is to choose a good hosting provider depending upon your business needs. A good hosting provider will guide you in selecting a perfect domain name. Choose a domain name that conveys your business’s meaning and purpose and try to keep it short and crisp. Using an appropriate domain name extension is also crucial. A good option is .in, as it helps describe where your business is located in India.
Digital security comes first.
A growing number of internet users have penetrated a market of sophisticated cyber-attacks across the world, making businesses vulnerable. Some common steps to control cyber-attacks include investing in vital cybersecurity training programs and security solutions for the employees and ensuring that any sensitive data collected from your business is being encrypted. Business owners can set up web application firewalls or consider using a third-party authentication to out-source their database protection. Companies performing online transactions should also consider an SSL Certificate for their websites to protect data transmitted to and from the website. In today’s digital world, it is essential to have a proactive approach to website security and not defensive.
Consistent content is key.
Be consistent with the content throughout your website to build a unique identity for your brand. Setting the suitable theme and tone of your content influences your customers’ and target audiences’ perceptions. Use an informal tone if you wish to position your brand as friendly and use formal language in corporate branding. Pro Tip – do not miss adding a column of customer testimonials and reviews, which can help create loyalty and trust.
Online Website Builder
Many companies have introduced a website builder for small businesses or entrepreneurs facing trouble launching and promoting their websites. With website builders, anyone can create a professional website easily and in no time and engage with new and existing customers through various other complimentary online tools. Website builders usually provide a tailor-made design, concept, and theme customized for individual sites.
By following the above basic steps, your business will have an excellent chance of succeeding in the online marketplace. However, once your business website is live, the journey has just started, and to be on top of your customers’ minds, you will always need to modify and change elements as your business grows.
