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Asus Launches ROG Phone 5s Series

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Republic of Gamers (ROG), a premium sub-brand of Asus, has announced the launch of its ROG 5s series in India. The company has introduced ROG Phone 5s and 5s Pro as the latest upgrade to its ROG Phone series.

The ROG Phone 5s series is powered by the flagship Snapdragon 888 Plus 5G Mobile Platform, featuring advanced 5G capabilities and premium Snapdragon Elite Gaming features. The processing power is complemented by up to 18 GB of fast LPDDR5 RAM. The optimised and upgraded GameCool 5 cooling system with AeroActive Cooler 5 (fan accessory bundled with ROG Phone 5s Pro only and optional for ROG Phone 5s), and the performance manager in Armory Crate ensures maximum performance is available for any gaming scenario.

Commenting at the launch, Dinesh Sharma, Business Head, Commercial PC and Smartphone, System Business Group, ASUS in India said, “We are constantly innovating and aiming to provide only the best and premium features in our Ultimate Weapons for Smartphone Gaming i.e. ROG Phone, to our ROG community. We are thrilled to launch two new additions to the ROG family – ROG Phone 5s and ROG Phone 5 Pro to upgrade the cutting-edge capabilities we offer for the mobile gaming ecosystem.”

The 144 Hz / 1 ms AMOLED display used in the ROG Phone 5s series now boasts an upgraded 360 Hz native touch-sampling rate and upgraded ultra-low 24ms touch latency for a super-smooth, seamless, and ultrafast gaming experience. Additionally, the ROG Phone 5s Pro features a colour version of the innovative ROG Vision rear matrix display, which shows customisable animations in response to a variety of system events. The AirTrigger 5 control system now supports the two rear capacitive touch sensors on ROG Phone 5s Pro, giving mobile gamers more control capabilities in their games. The ultrasonic shoulder side sensors on both models also support dual gestures, such as tap-and-slide or tap-and-swipe, for total control.

With the clock speed now up to a blistering 3 GHz, the CPU performance is designed to deliver matchless mobile processing power. ROG Phone 5s Pro also feature up to 18 GB of fast LPDDR5 RAM and 512GB of fastest UFS3.1 storage to dramatically increase the overall gaming performance. The upgraded GameCool 5 cooling system in the ROG Phone 5s series has an optimum thermal structure featuring a centred CPU with the battery split into two parts, one located on each side of the CPU. The re-shaped 3D vapour chamber and extensive graphite sheets also help to spread the heat evenly across the device to reduce heat build-up in the middle.

Now boasting an uprated 360 Hz native touch-sampling rate and uprated ultra-low 24ms touch latency, the 144 Hz / 1 ms Samsung E4 AMOLED display delivers a super-smooth gaming experience, with an ultra-low touch latency. Tuned in collaboration with leading visual-processing company Pixelworks, the supreme visuals are enhanced even further with world-beating colour accuracy, always-on HDR technology to improve non-HDR visuals, and a screen that’s protected by the toughest ever Corning Gorilla Glass Victus.

The ROG Phone 5s Pro additionally features a colour version of ROG Vision, the unique rear display that highlights the ROG creative spirit. ROG Vision can display a variety of cool animations that show you whether ROG Phone 5s Pro is charging, if there’s an incoming call, whether X Mode is enabled and more. Gamers can even create custom animations to make their phone even more personal.

The GameFX audio system on ROG Phone 5s series features symmetrical 7-magnet dual speakers for truly balanced stereo sound effects and a 3.5 mm headphone jack in conjunction with a Hi-Fi grade ESS DAC. Both have been optimised via a collaboration with audio specialist Dirac, giving the ROG Phone 5s series truly impressive audio quality and a wider soundscape. In addition to the premium sounds, GameFX also delivers crystal-clear in-game sound effects and powerful aural soundscapes.

The ROG phone 5s series features multiple antennas to ensure you are always connected to the internet with maximum speed and fidelity no matter how you hold the device to game, vertically or horizontally. To also ensure you’re connected to the fastest mode of internet, the ROG Phone 5s series features the amazing HyperFusion. HyperFusion allows the ROG Phone 5s to automatically choose the fastest internet connection and for apps that allow multiple connections, Hyperfusion can also connect to both 2.4Ghz and 5Ghz Wi-Fi channels at the same time, or it can combine both the Mobile data and Wi-Fi together increasing your internet connectivity speed.

The ROG Phone 5s series comes with a 64MP Flagship Sony IMX686 sensor main camera, offering you up to 8K Pro video recording, Pro mode for Photos and videos, and Superb Night mode performance. It also has a secondary 13MP camera to capture ultra-wide angles and offers a HyperSteady video-recording feature. And lastly, there’s the 5MP Macro camera for when you want incredibly close-up detail. For superior selfies, the front camera is a 24MP camera that can shoot 4K as well.

ASUS ROG Phone 5s and 5s Pro will be available from 18th February 2022 in India on Flipkart. The ROG Phone 5s 8GB / 128GB will be available at ₹49,999, ROG Phone 5s 12GB/256 GB will retail at ₹57,999 and the ROG Phone 5s Pro 18GB / 512GB will carry a price tag of ₹79,999.

Colorful launches Intel B660 Micro-ATX Series Motherboards

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Colorful Technology Company Limited, a professional manufacturer of graphics cards, motherboards, all-in-one gaming and multimedia solutions, and high-performance storage, has launched its Intel B660 micro-ATX motherboard line-up which consists of the CVN Series and Battle-AX Series models. These are the CVN B660M GAMING FROZEN V20, CVN B660M GAMING PRO V20, and the BATTLE-AX B660M-HD DELUXE V20 motherboards.

Based on the Intel B660 chipset for the 12th generation Intel Core processors, the COLORFUL B660M motherboards offer PCIe 5.0 support and the use of older-generation but cheaper DDR4 memory in a compact micro-ATX motherboard form-factor. These motherboards are the budget-friendly options compared to the premium Z690 motherboards, offering PC builders the opportunity to incorporate the latest Intel Core processors at a lower cost.

COLORFUL CVN B660M Series

The CVN B660M Gaming Frozen and the CVN B660 Gaming Pro motherboards feature PCIe 5.0×16 slots. They also offer support for the latest high-end NVIDIA or AMD GPUs. Furthermore, both motherboards come with four DDR4 memory slots that support up to DDR4-3200 and up to 64GB (4x16GB) memory capacity. For storage, the motherboards have two M.2 PCIe 4.0 slots that support high-speed PCIe Gen4-enabled NVMe SSDs along with four SATA 3.0 ports for SSDs and HDDs.

The COLORFUL CVN B660M Series motherboards sport a 15+1 digital power phase design with 8-pin + 4-pin 12V ATX power connectors offering decent overclocking capabilities for unlocked 12th generation Intel Core processors. The motherboards also feature a high-speed USB 3.2 Gen2 Type-C port with 10 Gbps transfer speed. For networking, both motherboards come with Intel 2.5GbE LAN. The CVN B660M GAMING FROZEN motherboard features a built-in Wi-Fi 6 with Bluetooth module for wireless networking.

Designed for gaming PCs, the CVN B660M Series motherboards come with 3 fully customizable RGB lighting zones. For enthusiasts looking to build an all-white gaming PC, the CVN B660M GAMING FROZEN is integrated with white heatsinks and a white PCB. Below are specifications of both the CVN B660M GAMING motherboards.

Gaming Pro
Gaming Frozen

COLORFUL Battle-AX B660M Series

The COLORFUL BATTLE-AX B660M-HD DELUXE V20 is an entry-level motherboard, ideal for system builders on a tight budget adopting the latest 12th generation Intel Core processors. The motherboard has a PCIe 4.0 X16 slot for graphics cards and two DDR4 DIMM slots supporting up to 64GB (2x32GB) of memory. Nevertheless, the BATTLE-AX B660M-HD DELUXE supports plenty of storage components which includes two PCIe 4.0 M.2 slots for NVMe M.2 SSDs and four SATA 3.0 ports for SATA SSDs and HDDs.

The BATTLE-AX B660M-HD DELUXE’s rear I/O consists of a VGA, HDMI, and DisplayPort output ports, four USB 3.2 Gen1 Type-A ports, two USB 2.0 ports, PS/2 port, and 1 GbE LAN port.

MSI unveils an exciting lineup of gaming and creator laptops at CES 2022

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Equipped with the latest 12th Gen Intel H series processors., MSI demonstrated their determination and vision for the coming era of the metaverse through launching new laptops boasting the Meta-ready logo and NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3070 or above.

Following the global launch, the new range of laptops will be available in the Indian market soon. 

NVIDIA GeForce RTX laptops are based on the new Ampere architecture, with 2nd generation RT Cores for ray tracing and 3rd generation Tensor Cores for DLSS and AI. The new GeForce RTX 3080 Ti Laptop GPU brings the flagship 80 Ti class of GPUs to laptops for the first time. Featuring 16GB of the GDDR6 memory, the RTX 3080 Ti delivers higher performance than the desktop TITAN RTX. The new GeForce RTX 3070 Ti is up to 70% faster than RTX 2070 SUPER and can deliver 100 frames per second at a resolution 1440p.

MSI unveiled the following laptops:

Sleek & Sophisticated – GS77/66 Stealth

The award-winning Stealth GS series are the lightweight, powerful laptops for gaming and professional use. The GS77 comes with a new “core black” color and a more durable zinc alloy hinge. At less than 21mm for Z height, MSI managed to enlarge the touchpad and keycap size for a precise and comfortable typing experience. It is also equipped with six speakers to enhance the treble and bass. Gamers will benefit from the webcam lock switch and support for up to100W PD charging for better security and mobility.

Raider GE76/66

MSI Raider GE series retains the panoramic aurora lighting which creates an alluring sci-fi ambience. With the innovative thermal design by MSI, the Raider GE series performance can reach up to a total of 220W with GeForce RTX 3080 Ti via MSI OverBoost. The Phase Change Liquid Metal Pad boosts performance by extra 10%, and with displays up to 4K with the support of Discrete Graphic Mode, it is designed to enable gamers to have a fast and smooth experience.

Vector GP76/66

The Vector GP Series was born with a new concept; the name “Vector” represents MSI’s expectation for the GP series to have all the power needed to move forward with a satisfying experience in gaming, engineering, or scientific computing. With Cooler Boost 5 Technology, the Vector’s performance can reach up to 210W via MSI OverBoost.

Rainbow Six Extraction Edition – Crosshair 15

The Crosshair GL series is a collaboration between MSI and Ubisoft.  The series features a futuristic design with exclusive sci-fi elements inspired by the feeling and mood of gameplay, and comes equipped with Intel Core i9 processors and Cooler Boost 5 Technology.  The graphic performance is at a maximized level – setting the Crosshair series apart. The Crosshair GL Series comes in three variants: Crosshair 15, Crosshair 17, and also the limited edition Crosshair 15 Rainbow Six Extraction Edition that comes with an exclusive bundle pack.

Pulse GL76/66

The MSI Pulse GL76/66 keeps the design features by Maarten Verhoeven along with the titanium power-armor inspired by Pulse energy for the Dragon Army to enhance agility and flexibility. Cooler Boost 5 increases airflow by 15%, even with a 33% reduction of wall thickness.

MSI Sword 17/15, Katana GF76/66

The MSI Sword series boasts a new knight image with magical immortal force – “Dragon Power” – wielding an enchanted sword of victory. This knight character was created by Justin Goby Fields, a famous concept artist from the United States. Both Sword and Katana series are set to help gamers have a smooth experience with a comfortable key travel at 1.7mm and Cooler Boost 5.

Creator Z17, Creator Z16P and Creator Z16

The Creator Z17 is the world’s first 17-inch laptop to support pen touch, and features the 16:10 screen ratio with a thin bezel design and True Color Technology to be the perfect companion for creators to achieve more. The Creator Z16P has an extra 20% performance boost with Vapor Chamber Cooler, which generates 76% extra more cooling area, 65% more airflow, and decreases surface temperature by 2°C. With a CNC-milled aluminum chassis, the Creator Z Series laptops are NVIDIA Studio laptops – purpose-built for creators, professionals, or consumers who enjoy high-quality, premium products.

The Creator M16 is a more portable and stylish choice for students or creators with the need for a powerful performance.  It features a QHD+ True Pixel display that lays flat at 180° and an ultra-light, slim aluminum chassis.

Commenting on the announcement,Mr. Green Lin, Regional Marketing Manager, MSI, said, “We are delighted to announce our new line-up of products for 2022 which is an amalgamation of both creator and gaming laptops. We are entering a new era wherein  human beings will interact with us through a  combination of VR, AR, cloud system, AI and internet technology. We believe that MSI Gameverse laptops are the key to this evolution. We are not only providing the best performance products for gamers to exceed their capabilities, but also providing the best efficiency for digital content creators to explore the infinite possibilities that lie ahead.”

Western Digital hosts second edition of the WD_BLACK Cup Esports Tournament for gamers across South Asia

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Earlier this year, Western Digital (WD) hosted the first edition of the WD_Black Cup in India, and now, WD is ack with Season 2 of the esports tournament, in association with AMD Ryzen. This 19-day long gaming marathon – WD_Black Cup Season 2.

This season, the tournament will have a prize pool of $20,000, a longer duration, and there is one more game added to the tournament. The WD_Black Cup S2 will feature some of the most seasoned gaming influencers and esports players as they battle for top honours across 3 tracks:

  • WD_Black Cup Open Qualifiers featuring Valorant and League of Legends, and
  • The Invitational track featuring Battlegrounds Mobile India

This tournament will be held across India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Nepal and Maldives, with an expected viewership of over 8 million. The tournament began on November 20th with the first track, WD_Black Cup S2 Valorant Qualifiers, open to 200 teams. This track was spread across 9 days and will be broadcasted live with single elimination open qualifiers filtered down to top 8 teams, with the total prize pool being $10,000.

The second track, WD_Black Cup S2 League of Legends open commenced from 6th December with qualifiers, and the play-offs started from 10th December with the final being held tomorrow, December 15th, which will also be streamed live on the Skyesports WD Black Cup S2 streaming channel. This track featured 32 teams.

The third track, BGMI Invitational track, was a 4-day long marathon that ran from 6-9th December, and it hosted 18 teams, featuring a few top influencers from India, including Soul Esports and Godlike, with the prize pool being of $7,000.

“The inclusion of esports in the medals category at the Asian games is attracting a lot of young talent to gaming in India. Western Digital is enabling gamers to be battle-ready with or by using our innovative WD_BLACK range of gaming SSDs. The WD_BLACK Cup is our flagship gaming tournament designed to motivate, recognize and reward these budding gamers in India and South Asia, and we are thrilled to have AMD as our partner in this exciting initiative”, said Mr. Jaganathan Chelliah, Senior Director, India, ME &Africa, Western Digital.

For more information, please visit this page.

How AI Has Transformed the Gaming Industry

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Ever since the emergence of AI in the gaming industry, game developers have been programming software in a manner so that it acts as if it’s human and helps in making the digital world from the scratch through non-playable characters. However, at present, even the most out-of-the-box game design doesn’t spin around modern AI. Rather, it revolves around making a bunch of mind-boggling frameworks that result in emergent gameplay, which refers to complex situations in video games that emerge from the interaction of relatively simple game mechanics. The majority of the developers are making efforts in the direction of creating a sense of realism instead of game-breaking outcomes. The objective, in the end, is not to attain human-like intelligence, rather, it is to generate an experience that draws in and stimulates in a manner that imitates reality. Several giant game developing studios are gradually trying to push the envelope with regards to building frameworks that achieve the complexity of reality.

Although it may seem like Artificial Intelligence is a recent innovation in video games, it has been a developing resource for decades. It was incepted in the 1950s, and ever since those early years, AI has been an integral part of the gaming industry that has inclined to an incredible level of growth and development. Let’s explore further how AI transformed the gaming sector.

Smarter non-player characters (NPCs)

AI game developers make the best use of the technology by controlling the conduct of NPCs today. Earlier when the games didn’t have the opportunity to leverage AI, they used to become exhausting after playing for some time as it kept getting easier to defeat because of their anticipated behaviour. The real excitement and thrill of playing video games come from rivalling NPCs that respond erratically and surprise the players. Envision an FPS game in which enemies are equipped for breaking down their surroundings so that they can track down what’s significant for their endurance or make moves that seize your intelligent moves to increase their odds of winning. Moreover, imagine a scenario where they can learn from their behaviour and can seek shelter, perceive sounds and patterns, speak with one another and move in a manner you never saw or expected. Having new encounters despite playing such games numerous times keeps gamers energized and captivated to continue to return. A pioneer in game development can assist you with building such games that gamers enjoy playing for extended periods. The advent of AI has provided opponents with the capacity to securely explore in a dynamic environment without colliding with different entities.  

Real-time customisation

AI has redesigned the general gaming experience by continuous customisation of situations. Besides, AI makes a game more interactive by enhancing the experience of playing. For example, in case your team is losing, it will urge the fans to support your team to lift the morale and cause your players to perform better. Such a tendency of AI has now taken the general gaming experience to an all-new level.  

The shift in difficulty levels

Another excellence of AI-planned video games is player-experience modelling, which implies giving tailor-made insight to players in real-time according to their level of mastery. For instance, if the gamer is inexperienced, the AI possesses the potential to change its level and turn on the easy mode so that s/he doesn’t get baffled or exasperated for not being sufficiently equipped to make further progress in the game. Conversely, if s/he is an expert-level player, the AI will make the game difficult so that the player doesn’t get exhausted or bored. It can also determine the intent of a player through gesture recognition which empowers players to convey and cooperate with video games normally with no mechanical gadgets. 

Generation of procedural content

The technology has allowed the developers to consequently produce creative content, similar to scenes, things, levels, rules and quests. The gamers can now create weapons and armour based on the character level if they utilise procedural content generation in quest-driven games.

Summing Up 

The inception of Artificial Intelligence has made video gaming a lot more exciting as it has the power to provide unprecedented situations by altering the flow and force of the games. It would be more than appropriate to say that there’s nothing preferable for a player over getting fantastic as well as challenging experience simultaneously. As the future unfurls, we are going to witness an ever-increasing number of games with AI regulators which will improve the experience of the end-users like never before. Furthermore, AI will prove to be a testing ground for the developers to work on their code and configuration for creating an avant-garde game. Certainly, AI solutions have transformed the Indian gaming industry for the better. 

About the Author

Stewart Neal is the Studio Director of Sumo India Studios, an award-winning network of game development studios. With over 22 years of experience in the gaming industry, Stewart leads Sumo India’s Pune and Bangalore studios.