Gladget Magazine June 2014 by Gladget Magazine

I S S U E 4 4 / Vo l . 4 June 2014

www.gladgetmag.com

R evie w s inc luding R o m o s s , Sony , As us , L ogit ech, MS I and more. . .

Powered Up Keep going when the power is down

#WhoCares? Have hashtags replaced action?

What Matters?

Merging ... for the perfect union

Matternet takes on Africa

Free Online Mag

IT IS CHE

EMISTRY.

Inside 6 From the Editor

8 It’s Chemistry

There’s a change coming for Gladget Magazine...

14 Hashtag Society

Making a difference?

18 Don’t Flash That Thing Around

Unexpected infections...

20 Africa Matter to Matternet

Accessing the continent

24 Looking Back: 2001

A terrifying year...

26 Charged Up

Keep the power flowing with Romoss

34 Reviews

Tons of stuff you want...

This Month’s Cover There is a great chnage coming... See our feature on page 8.

60 Did You Know?

Tech titbits from all sectors...

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Reviews

Romoss eUSB Edge 52 External Battery

Logitech BCC950 Conference Cam

Asus Z97-Deluxe Motherboard

Razer Blackwidow Ultimate Mechanical Gaming Keyboard

GLADGET Volume 4 Issue 44 June 2014

Editor: Katia Taliadoros katia@1337-media.com

Asus Fonepad 7

MSI A88XM Gaming Motherboard

Razer E-Panda Hooligan Edition Analog Music & Gaming Headset

Razer Hammerhead Pro Expert Analog Gaming & Music In-ear Headphones

Romoss Sailing 3 External Battery

Sony Xperia 2 Tablet

Asus Sabertooth Z97 Mark 1 Motherboard

Sony Xperia Z1 Compact Smartphone

Sony SmartBand

Watch_Dogs (PS4)

Wolfenstein: The New Order (PS4)

The Amazing Spider-Man 2 (X360)

MXGP (X360)

Bound by Flame (PS4)

Writers: Alex Scanlon Charlie Fripp Iwan Pienaar Lein Baart Rob Edwards Suvesh Arumugam Walt Pretorius Letters: letters@gladgetmag.com Competition Entries: competitions@gladgetmag.com Newsletter Subscriptions: www.gladgetmag.com Design & Photography: 1337 Media Marketing Contact: Katia Taliadoros katia@1337-media.com

technology. simply. All rights reserved. No content may be reproduced, copied or transmitted without the express permission of the publishers. Opinions expressed are not necessarily those of the editors and publishers. All Trademarks and Registered Trademarks are the sole property of the respective owners.

GLADGET is published by 1337 MEDIA

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JoiningForces by Katia Taliadoros

From the Editor

es, as you can see from the cover, we are merging with our stable mate Gamecca Magazine…and if you ask me, it is about time! This is an exciting time for both me and Walt Pretorius (Editor of Gamecca Magazine) as the possibilities are endless in producing a “SuperMag” catered for our readers’ wants and needs. This may be the last issue of a magazine that holds the name ‘Gladget’, but in truth it will transform and ultimately merge into the New Gamecca Magazine. After much toying with the idea of changing the name of this new “SuperMag” we decided that Gamecca Magazine would be appropriate to continue the quest of creative expression. We have worked hard to make it a household name in the gaming and tech community and therefore the decision for it to stay was an easy one. Besides we were kind of attached

to it. Speaking of attachment, I will miss Gladget and mourn it, but with every change in business or life for that matter, there is much to embrace as growth enters the equation. This metamorphosis for both magazines is a change that will result in a publication that is so much more than the sum of its parts. And so, from the 1st of July, 2014, we have big plans to incorporate not only our usual informative and entertaining articles that we have published in Gladget magazine in the past, but an addition of inspired regulars, features and lifestyle works that we look forward to publishing within the digital pages of our New SuperMag -Gamecca Magazine. This incorporation has been planned for some time now, and the result will certainly be a more powerful and

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engaging publication that will bring all the information you want right to you. Additionally, be rest assured, while you enjoy the new Gamecca Magazine and all it has to offer, you will still be able to find all of our previously published issues of Gladget Magazine via the overhauled Gamecca website (www. gameccamag.com). As always, the merged magazine will be available online, for downloading and browsing, on the first working day of every month. But it will be bigger and better, and will provide you with a single source for all the information you want from the worlds of gaming, technology, consumer electronics and lifestyle (not to mention a few added extras that we know you’ll love). I look forward to this new era and even more so sharing this creative expression with you. See you all on the flip side! g

THEME Interview

Forging a pow

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MERGE

werful union

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rom July 2014, Gamecca & Gladget Magazines will merge into that “super” magazine, which will deal with gaming, technology & associated lifestyle concepts”

Feature

hange stimulates growth. Growth demands change. This is the way of things, the endless cycle in which our world exists. And it pervades everything, from the way we think through to the way we consume. When 1337 Media first began publishing Gamecca Magazine five years ago, this idea was one of the central concepts of our offerings. Although Apple was yet to release the first iPad and connectivity levels were far

lower than they are today, the idea that people would move away from traditional forms of media was already starting to surface, and the decision to move from a physical, printed arena to a digital distribution model made a lot of sense. Even though there were detractors, we forged ahead, publishing the first issue of Gamecca Magazine in July 2009. It didn’t take long for the need for a publication that addressed consumer technology, delivered gladget44

in the same way, to become apparent. And so, in October of the following year, Gladget Magazine arrived. And through the entire time, the needs, wants and capabilities of our readers kept developing, changing and growing. Where there was originally a necessity to keep the magazines as small as possible (in terms of data size) people now have improved connectivity, and services that display digitally

“Bringing together the elements that make up both magazines will result in a powerful, enjoyable and useful publication for all that read it.” distributed magazines have also evolved into more efficient and widespread platforms. Tablets and smartphones, as capable of displaying our magazines as any computer, have become commonplace, and download capabilities of people the world over have improved, allowing them easier access to larger files more regularly. 100MB today is not what it was five years ago. And so the necessity to separate the information we provide into two magazines has,

over time, disappeared. We are now able adapt and produce a much larger, much richer “super” magazine, because our readers are now more capable of enjoying it without previously existing constraints. And so, from July 2014, Gamecca and Gladget Magazines will merge into that “super” magazine, which will deal with gaming, technology and associated lifestyle concepts. The publication will still carry the Gamecca name, gladget44

but it will be a product that has adapted to the needs and wants of our readers. While ease of downloading certainly was a major consideration in this decision to consolidate the two publications, it wasn’t the only one. Another factor is that the lines between various aspects of consumer technology – including gaming – have blurred, with more people spreading their habits and activities wider afield these days. This means that a wider

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range of interests appeal to people, and we want to bring those interests together. This simplifies the process of getting the information we produce for our readers, and there is definite strength in simplicity. It is a move that will allow us to produce a publication that has grown as our readers have, and encompasses numerous fields that they have expressed interests in. So what can you, as a reader,

expect from the new Gamecca magazine? The answer is both simple and complicated. In the simplest terms, Gamecca will contain information related to video games, consumer technology and lifestyle elements. But the magazine will be much more than the sum of its parts. As a digital magazine, it will (as in the past) offer immediate connectivity by way of live links â&#x20AC;&#x201C; even after it has been downloaded. It will always be gladget44

available, too, with back issues available for downloading and browsing in perpetuity. And it will be accessible via numerous devices and online services. Whether on your PC, tablet or smartphone, you will be able to access Gamecca Magazine â&#x20AC;&#x201C; anywhere, at any time. To elaborate on the content offerings, Gamecca will contain articles including features and reviews about games, hardware, consumer technology and things that people with an interest

“The need for adaption is always vital! In our case it is a merge, and an exciting one at that!”

in those fields love. It will also contain interesting facts, looks back in time, educated opinions and much more. We don’t want to give away too much at this time… but there is only a month to go before you can see our new super-mag for yourself. In addition, the Gamecca website (www.gameccamag. com) is undergoing an extensive redesign, and will bring you more than just a way to find the magazine easily. “The decision to merge

Gamecca and Gladget magazines is one that has been on the cards for a while now,” said Gamecca editor, Walt Pretorius. “It’s an exciting move, and one that we feel will help create the kind of publication that our readers really want. Bringing together the elements that make up both magazines will result in a powerful, enjoyable and useful publication for all that read it.” “Due to the fact that technology is exponential in gladget44

its nature, it continuously will affect the market mentality and transforming industry,” said Katia Taliadoros, editor of Gladget Magazine. “The need for adaption is therefore always vital! In our case it is a merge, and an exciting one at that!” The consolidated magazine will be available on the 1st of July, 2014, when Gamecca celebrates its fifth birthday. Be sure to check it out at: www.gameccamag.com g

The Hashtag Society Security

Is sharing caring?

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by Suvesh Arumugam

’ve never been a fan of armchair politics, and I’ve said as much in several columns I’ve written (not to mention cutting Facebook statuses – the irony of which doesn’t escape me). Social media is probably the most powerful force in the media today, but like any elemental force, it’s unpredictable, inherently transient and at times brutal. Make no mistake; there have been some great advances in democracy and awareness that have been made possible by social media. Political transparency has never been a hotter topic, as politicians spin one story on the official channels, while ordinary people expose the truth on Twitter or Facebook. Incidents in Iran, Egypt and many other countries have been a beacon of an enlightened society, powered by social connections that highlight the growing gap in trust between mass media like TV news and print media and the people on the street. Playwright and social activist Bertolt Brecht once said, “Art is not a mirror held up to reality, but a hammer with which to shape it”. Sadly social media will never be the hammer, as several campaigners found out both locally and overseas. International news media has been focussed on a terrorist group in Nigeria called Boko Haram. Declared by the United Nations as a faction of Al Queda;

the group has been responsible for several violent attacks in the country. Between April and May this year the group kidnapped over 200 schoolgirls, and their leader has threatened to sell them into slavery (or worse) if their demands are not met. Concerned activists, including well-known celebrities, embarked on a major social media campaign to raise awareness, using the hashtag #BringBackOurGirls.

to grossly offensive. Other campaigners soon received similar treatment and the hashtag soon become a particularly bad joke. I doubt the success or failure of the campaign had much effect on the plight of the kidnapped, or the kidnappers, but the campaigners probably learned a valuable lesson regarding the unpredictable nature of hashtag campaigns. Closer to home, many South Africans were preparing to vote on the 7th of May in our national elections. While many parties used traditional street posters and radio ads to do their campaigning, many of the parties were particularly active on social media to try to win over voters. I guess your experience on social would depend on your circle of friends; for me there was a lot of sentiment against the incumbent president. Everything from campaigns to spoil your ballot, to voting for opposing parties (even extremists who planned to nationalise the oceans – possibly not realising that they don’t really belong to anyone anyway), in order to prevent our current president Jacob Zuma from serving another term amongst rumours of rampant corruption. Despite hard campaigning, clever satire and emotionally charged sentiment, social media had pretty much

...like any elemental force, it’s unpredictable, inherently transient and at times brutal While the campaign initially did create some chatter around the plight of the kidnap victims, campaigners did not foresee the fickle nature of social media and the indifference of the mob. When American first lady Michelle Obama tweeted a photo of herself from a lavish room in the White House holding a sign with the hashtag (designed to be shared virally) the internet turned on her. It may have been due to the irony of her tweeting from the very lap of luxury about the plight of under privileged girls halfway across the globe. Or it may just have been retaliation for her terrible dance moves on the Tonight show with Jimmy Fallon. Either way, Twitter came alive with photoshopped parodies of her post, ranging from mildly satirical

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no effect on the outcome and the party’s position of power. Even the main opposition party’s leader, Helen Zille, who has been an active Tweeter for many years drumming up support failed to really make an impact. In fact, post election also saw social media turn against her amidst rumours of a power struggle within her party and some unflattering remarks attributed to her over social media. Twitter soon delivered its judgement in negative posts and calls for her to step down. Activists have yet to learn what many marketers have learned in the most painful way – nothing is guaranteed. In fact, campaigns designed to reach millions seem to fail outright, and more advertisers are realising that niche markets and existing customers are a much better bet. After all, a much larger percentage of sales are proven to come from existing customers, rather than new converts. So going against an adage “don’t preach to the converted” is proving to be much wiser for selling products, and certainly for any other kind of outreach over the internet. What internet and marketing trend analysts are calling “the credibility gap” is making it harder for mass media to convince people of any kind of message, whether it’s a movement for change, or changing what you shop for at your local

supermarket. As soon as the internet collective feels like you’re crafting a message that is less than honest or transparent, the message is lost. Even individuals fall into the trap of thinking that their personal crusade against a brand or government policy they don’t like (think e-tolls here) will have an effect. While the social media or PR personnel may feel a slightly sinking feeling when they see a spate of hashtags (like the feeling you get when you drop your iPhone), they’ve learned enough to know that while negative sentiment gains momentum faster, it also dissipates faster, and after a while continued negative posting just starts to come off as trolling.

book to be reworked. However Beck stuck to her guns and insisted that her vision was only for people who resonated with the work to buy it, not to sell it as a “something in it for everyone” book. Eventually that’s exactly what happened, but people who resonated and believed in the book spread the message to others who read it. By focusing her message to those she knew would already identify with her words, she ensured that she took care of her primary, converted audience first, and let them spread her message further. While this was not really happening on social media, I’m seeing more and more successful social media campaigns run in this way. Social media, or at least the mass consciousness of it, is more like a reality TV, Wrestlemania crowd, baying for blood and spectacle. It certainly is powerful – but harnessing that raw power is probably as risky as using a volcano to warm your house during winter. My advice to people who want to launch the next social media awareness, political or sales campaign, is focus on the people who already understand your message, and direct your campaign squarely at them, and your message will spread much faster than even the cleverest hashtag.

...“the credibility gap” is making it harder for mass media to convince people of any kind of message

Security

I was very lucky to be at a talk recently by best selling author and O magazine columnist Martha Beck, who was in South Africa to deliver a keynote address to South African life coaches. Beck was describing how he she had published her ground breaking book Leaving the Saints: How I Lost the Mormons and Found My Faith. Beck recounted how her publisher felt that the work lacked mass appeal and wanted the

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SB drives, flash memory, or memory cards. These handy little storage devices have become notorious for carrying viruses and other malware. In days of yore (I remember them well), the internet did not exist. Instead, we got our computers infected by all sorts of nasty things thanks to the roaring trade of copying and sharing software and games on floppy and stiffy disks. Today, that little stick you carry in your pocket (okay that should be the last bit of innuendo) has the power to bring down not only your home computer but multinational organisations. Celebrated hacker Kevin Mitnick famously said that the best way to infect any computer is to leave a flash drive lying around containing only one file - salaries.xls. The temptation to open it would be too great for any employee and, once that happens, a nice little payload gets dumped on the corporate network. But what about memory cards, those tiny slices of removable, flash memory storage that show up as a drive on your computer but are not USB (unless you attach them via a USB flash card reader)? Often, these cards are overlooked when organisations talk about their anti-malware and data loss prevention programs. For example, a security policy might state “all USB ports must be monitored for malware”, but it may not mention memory card reader slots, even though these normally have drive letters assigned to them when media is inserted. Yet, these increasingly tiny pieces of storage — like SD cards that can pack tens of gigabytes of data into something that could fit under a postage stamp — are widely deployed, notably in that other emerging attack surface: mobile devices, like tablets and smartphones. While the recent Stuxnet worm may be to blame for a lot of the notoriety of USB flash drives, both USB and slot-based storage media has done damage in a wide range of countries and industries. A quick Google of the phrase data breach flash drive turns up plenty of hits. As for flash drive malware distribution, consider this photo-sharing scenario: a friend has taken a bunch of pictures of a group activity and you would like copies. No problem, says your friend as he opens his camera and pulls out an SD card. You insert it into your tablet and copy the photo files. If the antivirus program on your tablet — you do have anti-virus on your tablet, right? — is not properly configured, it will not scan the card when you insert it, and may not scan the files as you copy them. So you may not realise that your friend’s card was carrying a virus, possibly from his infected laptop. Now your tablet is an infectious malware delivery system: 1. If you connect your infected tablet to a network that is not scanning endpoints, you may infect that network.

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2. If you put another SD card into your tablet while the tablet is still infected, that card could be infected and you could share it with someone, infecting them. These things can and do happen, with both SD cards and USB flash drives. Fortunately, the spread of malicious code via flash memory cards can be blocked if you combine endpoint protection strategies like this:

On Windows devices disable Autorun and Autoplay. Turn on automatic scanning of removable media in your anti-virus software. Run good anti-virus software on mobile devices. Block access to media reader slots using device controls in your security software (do this for systems that operate outside trusted environments). Require encryption of all media cards used on your systems. Install antivirus software on removable flash storage that is used in environments that are not trusted. Regularly run scans for malware on your servers to make sure nothing has slipped past your endpoint protection and you are not serving up malicious code. Consider gateway protection for all HTTP and FTP connections in and out of your network. Hopefully, these tips will help you close any holes in your digital defences that flash memory cards have created. Remember, it’s not just USB flash drives you have to worry about. Those tiny flash cards also need watching, as do those media reader slots.g

by Iwan Pienaar

Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t Flash That Thing Around The dangers of promiscuous thumb drives gladget44

Africa

â&#x20AC;&#x153;...low-income countries, not just on the African continent but around the world, who are unable to afford or sustain road infrastructure, have been the target for Matternet...â&#x20AC;?

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Creating the next paradigm for transportation

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by Nthato Morakabi

Africa Matters to Matternet

Africa

he idea of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) has always been one of mankind’s most ambitious and sought after endeavours. Fantastical visions and stories have been derived from this very idea, and the concepts of flying vehicles that do not need a human pilot have long been in the making. Although the focus has been primarily directed towards military or similar use, we now see more and more projects coming to the fore that look beyond the negative scope that these “UAVs” were initially designed for. Organizations such as Internet.org have seen the potential use of these UAV’s to provide high quality, fast and reliable internet access to third world countries unable to build the infrastructures needed for the traditional methods of connectivity. Initiatives, such as these, open up the world to other potential developers and organisations, allowing them to address the various needs that the people of the world lack. It is these very same types of countries unable to build these internet connectivity frameworks that are also decades behind when it comes to road infrastructure and transportation systems. Communities found in low-income countries, not just on the African continent but around the world, who are unable to afford or sustain road infrastructure, have been the target for Matternet, an organisation founded on the belief that advanced technology should be implemented where it is needed most; doing good is their first priority. The core focus of Matternet’s endeavour to build UAVs, rose when it became clear that rather than conform to the traditional methods of transportation between communities through

the use of roads, which would take large amounts of both time and money, it was time to look beyond the normative. The transportation of goods can now occur without the need of roads, thereby having delivery points placed at strategic locations and the UAVs flying between them, it would be, in a sense, like having a courier service with a difference. The most obvious aim of this system is to negate the need forphysical infrastructure for the UAVs to travel by. One of the latest methods used for speaking about new technology is the TED Talk, which is a non-profit organisation devoted to spreading ideas, usually in the form of short, powerful talks, and it was during a TED talk that the CEO of Matternet, Andreas Raptopoulos, compared the UAVs system to the Internet; he explained that the very same principles that the Internet is based on will be applied to how the UAVs operate. The UAVs would effectively be the “lines” between the contact points, delivering requested packages to those designated points so that they can be delivered to the next point and so on, thereby building a network. The system will also be decentralized; that is its resources will be allocated to each individual location rather than to a single centralized area, while operating 24/7 in the background. Utilizing a GPS to navigate between points on a bi-directional basis, these points act as peer to peer “connections” and they will require very little infrastructure and leave a low ecological footprint. Matternet has also been able to cut down on costs considerably. The UAVs themselves look to cost between US$3000 and US$5000, with

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the landing stations looking to cost about the same. The cost to transport 2 Kilograms over a distance of 10 Kilometres will be at around 24 cents. Matternet estimates it could cover 138-sq-km with 150 of these UAVs at a cost of US$900 000. The UAVs will be limited to 10 Kilometre intervals at 10 Litre payloads and also be limited to use outside of industrial transportation due to the weight and distance limitations. Raptopoulos explained the cost and use of the UAVs as follows: “In the future, we think it’s going to make more sense to have a bottle of milk delivered to your house from Whole Foods rather than get in your car and drive two tons of metal on a congested road to go get it.” Matternet has already tested its UAVs in various locations and one of these is the landlocked country known as the Kingdom of Lesotho, situated within South Africa. The country’s size is 30,000km2 and has a population of just over two million people, of which about 40% live below the international poverty line of US$1.25 a day (the poverty line is the minimum level of income deemed adequate in a particular country). Lesotho suffers from an AIDS epidemic and they, unfortunately, are unable to transport diagnostics from isolated and distant clinics to hospital labs. 70% of the people in Lesotho with HIV/AIDS live in rural areas. Only 19 hospitals in Lesotho are able to perform the required analyses, on the blood tests that those living with HIV/AIDS must take twice a year. These 19 hospitals must acquire these tests from the 152 clinics in Lesotho’s rural areas. When transportation between these rural clinics

and the hospitals are hindered due to terrible road infrastructures, the people suffer most. However, through the use of Matternet’s UAVs, Lesotho would be able to circumvent their current transportation issues to provide better care and faster tests for patients. One of the great things about Matternet’s project, is that the people do not need to pay for these services but rather the institutions, governments and other authorities. In Lesotho’s case, Matternet will look to work with the non-profit healthcare organisation , Doctors Without Borders, in order to carry the diagnostic tests from these clinics in the rural areas to the hospital labs. Andreas Raptopoulos was quoted as saying “We live in an era of unprecedented technological possibility. We have to use our ingenuity and technological prowess to build the most advanced technologies we’ve ever created, and take them where they are needed most.”. With various other locations such as the Dominican Republic and Haiti as well as other places in the developing world being targeted for the implementation of these UAVs, many other issues can be addressed. In the cases of disaster response such as tsunamis, earthquakes and other disasters, supplies can be delivered to the people in need before help in the form of manpower can arrive. Food and water can also be supplied in times of disasters, war or any other crisis. Courier services to circumvent traffic. Transportation of goods such as groceries to remote locations. The uses for these UAVs are far and wide and can achieve Matternet and its founder Andreas Raptopoulos’ aspiration, while reaching out to help the world at the same time. g

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By Lein Baart

2001 Terror and Turmoil

Looking Back

bove all, 2001 was a year of turmoil. With the world having recently celebrated the transition of a millennium, in spite of the all the doomsday prophecies, the planet was plunged into chaos with the most infamous act of the decade: the terrorist attacks of 9/11. The destruction of the World Trade Centre sowed the seeds of fear and war that would irrevocably alter the world and its political landscape for years to come; and while the likes of Robbie Williams, Destinyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Child and Peter Jackson (with the first LotR film) worked hard to keep people entertained, by the end of the year a trail of bloodshed, terror and tears had been laid that would define the decade. With the explosion of the prevalence of home computers and the World Wide Web that had occurred in the previous decade, 2001 was a year that was marked mainly by innovations in computing. To start the year a project was launched that would prove to be the saviour of students the world over: Wikipedia. What

began as a side-project for the now defunct Nupedia (also a free encyclopaedia but characterised by a formal review process), Wikipedia quickly outgrew its parent site and by the end of the first year alone had 18000 posted articles. Despite some predicting a decline for the site, Wikipedia is still going strong, with over 30 million entries in 287 languages. The next major innovation of the year was the release of Windows XP, the first consumer-orientated Microsoft OS to be based on NT technology. Following the disastrous release of Windows ME, which had launched only the previous year to much criticism, XP revolutionised the OS market, featuring a completely overhauled interface, improved network support and a host of other tweaks. XP has proved to be the most successful OS in Microsoft history, at one time holding a market share of over 75%, and to this day can be found on a quarter of all PCs, according to Net Applications. 2001 was also the year that saw the release of C# (pronounced C sharp). An object-orientated (or class

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based) programming language designed to complement the .NET Framework (a framework designed to provide a library of classes and an environment which allows code from one language to be used by another), C# was initially criticised for its many similarities to Java, despite protestations from its creator Anders Hejlsberg. The importance of the language remains undeniable though, as over the years it has increasingly become the primary language for most Windows-based systems, being designed to run on almost anything that features a form of the OS. 2001 was a year that will be remembered for transforming the music industry, ringing the death knell for the so-called “album era”. First to impact the industry was the shutdown of Napster, the first mainstream P2P (peer-to-peer) network service. Unlike modern iterations such as BitTorrent, Napster exclusively focused on music, and from its inception in 1999 allowed users to transfer MP3’s (both copyrighted and not) between each other with relatively little hassle. As such the music industry

took up arms against the service, and after a protracted two year legal battle finally obtained a court order to shut down Napster’s servers. Ironically though the lawsuit had also served to increase Napster’s publicity, and at its height the service had 57 million users all cheerfully swapping music files between each other. The second major event for the music industry was the release of the Apple iPod. While the concept of a portable music player was nothing new, with cassette players having been available since the 80’s and digital players since 1998, Apple swept the opposition aside by offering a product that was sleek, user friendly and reliable. It would take some time for the iPod to gain market traction however, as in true Apple fashion its initial price and Mac-only compatibility turned away many potential buyers. It was not long before Apple introduced Windows compatibility however (first with Musicmatch and later through iTunes), and in 2004 the iPod exploded onto the scene, truly revolutionising the way record labels marketed and released music to the public. g

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CHARG Feature

Take the power b

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GED UP

back with Romoss.

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he world of technology is a dog-eat-dog place, particularly in the development and production spaces. Companies are constantly striving to make an impact on a very demanding and critical market; a market in which consumers are hard to please in many different ways. Constant innovation is important, but never at the expense of alienating the end-user with advances that are made too quickly. There is no-one more annoyed than a consumer that buys a product, only to have it become outdated within a few months. But there are factors outside of the tech manufacturers’ control, too, that can negatively impact on their products. One of those is power. Every product that makes use of a microchip needs it, in some way or another, and when it isn’t available, the end-user’s experience is not only negatively impacted, but it is non-existent until power is restored. And that is something that South Africans know all too well. As the country’s power grid continues to struggle under increasing strain, technology users often face a lot of device down-time. Sure, things have got better over the last while, but blackouts are still a reality of life for South Africans. And sometimes, when you need power (and it isn’t there) situations can range from frustrating to serious. But that’s not the only time that power might become an issue for South Africans. We are a very “outdoor” culture, and many people living in this country will find themselves (by choice or by accident) in places where power is extremely unreliable, or even nonexistent. It is a strange dichotomy within this country; the urge to be as firstworld as possible, complete with top notch technology, while still struggling with some third-world problems, like an underdeveloped power grid. The need for reliable alternatives to a steady flow of electricity is quite large in a market like this. Generator sales peaked a few years back as consumers tried to fend off “load-shedding” practices employed by the national power provider, but not everyone can afford a generator, or has the space to install one. One solution that can help those kinds

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of people retain some productivity (or entertainment) during power-outs are external batteries. Romoss products offer a solution to that need, while still needing to meet the requirements of a demanding marketplace, as mentioned in the opening paragraph. The need for external batteries does not exclude the desire for devices that are small, faster and more powerful, not to mention as durable as possible. These ideas are central to Romoss’ design approach, and the results are a range of products that appeal to consumer’s demands in these respects. With three main battery product series (eUSB, Sailing and Solo) Romoss attempt to address every need within the market, and manage to do so quite admirably. The Solo range offers smaller, more cost effective options specifically for recharging mobile phones, tablet computers and other devices that make use of 5V DC charging via USB cables. The Sailing range takes on the same devices, but offers larger capacities and slightly improved energy conversion rates. An example of the difference is as follows: the top-of-the-line Solo product has a 10 000mAh battery that will charge an iPhone four or five times, while the top end Sailing product will charge the same phone six times from its 13 000mAh battery. Both are comparable in size – it’s the balance between cost and performance that the consumer needs to consider. The third range is the eUSB range, with the eUSB Edge 52 being the flagship. This 14 000mAh device can charge the same devices as the Solo and Sailing products, as well as devices like laptop computers and more, thanks to the employment of eUSB technology. Romoss’ patented eUSB technology allows devices in this range to automatically detect the required voltage of the product that requires charging, and responds accordingly. This makes the Edge 52, for example, an extremely versatile and powerful charger. Other technology that Romoss employs in their external batteries includes a self-adaptive idea called IR Charge. This system detects the differences in devices input current needs, and adjusts accordingly. gladget44

Feature

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What all of this boils down to is another expectation of the market on products: reliability and safety. Romoss employs numerous systems and checks to ensure that their batteries do not damage the devices that they are plugged into, thereby ensuring that the end-user can make confident use of their external batteries. And then, of course, there is the question of styling and size. The Solo and Sailing products are all around “pocket-sized”, and feature an appealing aesthetic value. The eUSB devices are slightly larger, but still offer good looks and easy portability. Another demand that is increasing within the market is environmental awareness. With technology companies often ranking high on the lists of concerns that impact the environment, Romoss has taken a firm stance in producing products that are not only tough, reliable and versatile, but also environmentally friendly. This approach permeates the entire process, from manufacturing and packaging through to end-of-life disposal. Romoss products can, for example, be recycled up to 500 times, and their use as polymer lithium as a basis for their batteries creates less power wastage. Even their packaging is optimised for more efficient shipping and ais free of toxic materials. So what do Romoss products mean for South African consumers? Quite simply, one has to consider the impact of black-outs, not only on productivity, but on general daily life. And while they won’t run an entire household, reliable external batteries will certainly help with many tasks. While devices do have their own rechargeable batteries, getting stuck without a charged phone or notebook when power isn’t available can deliver results that range from frustrating to extremely serious, so a way to recharge them reliably and effectively under any circumstances is never a bad idea. And thanks to fast charging times, environmental friendliness and easy transportation, Romoss’ range of external batteries make more than a little sense for South Africans, and technology users and lovers the world over. g gladget44

Reviews Highlights 36 Romoss eUSB Edge 52 External Battery Power to the people 42 Asus Z97-Deluxe Motherboard Self-tweaker! 52 Razer Hammerhead Pro Expert Analog Gaming & Music In-ear Headphones Small, yet huge... 54 Sony Xperia 2 Tablet Better than ever

hereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re a lot of different things to take a gander at in this issue of Gladget Magazine... from otherboards that tweak themselves through to integrated conference call solutions, we have a lot on offer. So sit back, relax, and enjoy the journey of awesome tech that we are about to take you on! g

gladget44

www.twitter.com/ASUS_za

www.facebook.com/ASUSza www.facebook.com/ASUSza

Romoss eUSB Edge 52 External Battery

Power

More juice for almost everything…

A Review

t the heart of certain Romoss products is eUSB technology, a system that allows the device to intelligently determine the correct voltage for whatever needs to be recharged. And when you’re in urgent need of power, you may well thank the gods of technology for that idea, because it is part of what makes using the powerful Romoss eUSB Edge 52 so simple and effective. This large external battery is compatible with a wide array of devices, including things like notebook computers, music players, smartphones, GPS devices, tablets, music players and handheld gaming devices… and pretty much anything else that can be recharged via a USB cable, or using one of the 15 included charging tips (which are used with the two included USB cables). That means that, as long as you keep the battery charged, you need never be stuck without a powered device again.

The battery at the heart of the Edge 52 is a massive 14 000mAh lithium-polymer battery, which carries a massive amount of recharging potential. It will dutifully provide power to up to three products at a time (depending on connectors, of course) and manages to provide a lot of juice when needed. When it comes to notebook charging, the eUSB cable really shines, as it automatically detects what the device requires in terms of voltage. On a side note, the included cables handle 18V to 20V… there is a lower voltage cable available, but it needs to be bought separately. The Edge 52 is very portable, fitting easily into most laptop bags and similar carriers. It features a handy LCD display that lets you know just how much power the battery still holds, and is recharged using a simple wall-socket charging system. It also has a power switch and auto-off function, which will help preserve stored charge when not in use. And it has a low battery alarm,

gladget44

by Walt Pretorius

to let you know when it needs a recharge (which takes around three hours for a full dose). On top of all of that, Romoss have built in numerous protection systems, making the Edge 52 an extremely safe external battery option. These include over current protection, temperature protection, overload protection, overpower protection, overvoltage protection and short circuit protection. In a nutshell, the Romoss eUSB Edge 52 is a massively useful device that makes a lot of sense in our modern, technologically-driven society. Sure, if you really need to unplug and get away from it all, it won’t serve you, but who really has the time for that? Instead, this reliable and safe device delivers the right kind of power exactly when you need it… and who knows how many problems (if not disasters) that can help avert. Every mobile device owner should have something like this. g

Summary

Tech Specs:

A great, safe external battery solution – because you never know when you may need more power!

M a nufa c turer Distributer: O nline:

gladget44

Very versatile Lots of power Very safe

14 000mAh battery eUSB Multiple device charging 15 charging tips 3 hour charge time

Romoss Sy ntec h www.sy ntec h.c o.za

Pros • • • • •

• • • • • • •

Cons • • • • •

Fairly big for every day portability

Score

97 37

T T

Review

Logitech BCC950 Conference Cam

he internet and the connectivity that it provides us has opened a wide array of options for those that need to make use of more advanced communication systems. But some of these systems are – particularly for small enterprise and private users – cost-prohibitive. The massive conference table video call systems we see in movies and on TV are possible, but they are often extremely expensive. In recognising the need for more affordable video conference systems (whether it be for a small company or even families communicating with loved ones far away), Logitech have come up with a whole new range of communication systems. One of these is the rather impressive-looking Logitech BCC950 Conference Cam. And while its main focus is on a business market, this device will look (and perform) just as well in a private home. The secret here is in the unified communications approach that Logitech have taken with this device. In the past, setting up a decent system required microphones, speakers and cameras. The BCC950, however, brings all of those elements together in a single device that needs only one USB connection to a PC or Mac. And it works with a wide array of applications, including Skype, Microsoft Lync (and Office 365), Google Hangout and Adobe Connect. It features 30fps 1080p HD video, combined with a fullduplex speaker phone. One device for all your video conferencing needs. The BCC950 has a 78-degree field of view, and also features motorised panning, tilting and zooming. In that way, even the largest groups will get their face time, thanks to a handy remote control with a ten-foot range. The Carl Zeiss lens on the camera has a crisp and responsive autofocus function, while the omni-directional sound and echo-cancellation systems make audio feel quite natural. The microphone is also of the noise-cancelling variety, with a clear pick-up range of up to eight feet. In addition, the USB cable is long, allowing easy placement of the entire unit wherever it needs to go. The camera can also be elevated by way of a “stilt” for better angles, too. The best aspect of this well-conceived and constructed unit is that it works really well, and can be acquired at a fraction of the price of a more traditional, multi-component video conferencing setup. It’s easy to use, responsive, and delivers great images and audio. Logitech’s move into the field of unified communications seems like a very solid one, if this product is anything to go by. And while their focus is on a business sphere, these devices could well benefit everyone in need of a video communication solution that allows larger groups to use the internet for effortless and effective communications. g

gladget44

Look

kin’ An

d a nd

by Rob Edwards

u, yo you… and yo

Summary

u o ! ve r t here too

Unified communications products make a lot of sense, and Logitech is showing how it should be done with things like the BCC950 Tech Specs:

Compatible with multiple applications Great sound Clear video • • • •

Pros

Lo git e c h Lo git e c h ww w .lo git e c h .c om M a n u fa c t u r e r D is t r i bu t e r O n lin e

Looks a little eerie...

Full HD Tilt, pan and zoom Noise cancellation Echo cancellation Omni-directional sound 78-degree angle

• • • •

Cons

• • • • • •

Score

95 gladget44

www.gamec

Taking fun

Gaming, Technol

ccamag.com

n seriously!

logy & Lifestyle

Asus Z97-Deluxe Motherboard

A motherboard that looks after youâ&#x20AC;Ś

Review

Tweaker

gladget44

by Walt Pretorius

O O

ne of the most time-consuming (and sometimes frustrating) things to do with a PC is tweak every little setting for the best performance. This process is even more intense for those that want to squeeze every bit of performance out of their machine, because that adds all kinds of BIOS and overclocking tweaks into the mix. Asus have developed systems that take the hassle out of the process however, and they can all be found on the rather remarkable Z97-Deluxe motherboard. Using a 5-way Optimization system, this board takes all the hard work out of getting things running smoothly, and it does so on the fly. No matter what task you’re putting your PC system through, this technology will ensure that it performs exactly the way you need it to, whether for gaming, heavy processing, entertainment, or just surfing the web. Adjustments are made to areas like CPU performance, fan control, energy consumption, networking and audio, as well as the flow of digital power through the board. This equated to numerous advantages, as the board intuitively tweaks performance according to requirements. But while the 5-way Optimization may be the Z97-Deluxe’s biggest selling point, this isn’t the only thing that makes this particular system backbone a real winner. An extremely simple, graphical Bios is just the start. The inclusion of things like SATA Express ports, that can handle 10Gb/s data transfer speeds, significantly add to the speed of the computer – particularly when used with an OS drive. Other added extras include a Wi-Fi GO! System, which adds a lot of networking functionality – not least of which is turning your PC into a Wi-Fi hotspot. That makes media streaming, file sharing between Wi-Fi devices and a whole bunch of other things really easy. Turbo App is a tuning panel specifically designed with gamers in mind, and can do everything from overclock the CPU to prioritising network traffic and optimising audio settings. A dual LAN port system also allows for less lag and better connectivity, while on-board audio benefits from the Crystal Sound 2 system, all designed to deliver the best possible audio experience. It goes without saying that a board like the Z97-Deluxe comes at something of a premium price point; all those extras carry a cost, naturally, and if you’re wanting to benefit from the added convenience and performance that this remarkable motherboard offers, you’re going to have to pay for it. But for those that have the drive to build a machine that performs well in pretty much every situation, that expense will likely be well worth it. And, quite frankly, this board is aimed at enthusiasts and powerusers… those that want a middle-of-the-road PC performance (pretty much no-one in the world) won’t see the big benefits that this board brings to the table. g

Summary

Tech Specs:

This motherboard presents the perfect option for those who want a machine that can handle whatever is thrown at it effortlessly. M a nufa c turer Distributer: O nline:

gladget44

Great performer Automatic tweaking Very stable

Z97 chipset Dual intelligent processors Dual LAN ports Wi-Fi GO! Max 32GB RAM supported 10 USB 3.0 ports SATA 10Gb/s

A sus A sus www.a sus.c om

Pros • • • • •

• • • • • • •

Cons • • • • •

Expensive

Score

97 43

Razer Blackwidow Ultimate Mechanical Gaming Keyboard

Sleek

R Review

azer may be branching out into a few new directions with product offerings that are aimed at mainstream users, rather than their traditional gamer-oriented focus, but that doesn’t mean that they are leaving gamers behind. With such strong roots in the gaming community, and with a really solid reputation built, Razer are still going to be producing the kinds of peripherals and devices that gamers love to use. One of the areas in which Razer has performed admirably in the past is in the creation of keyboards, and the Blackwidow Ultimate Gaming Keyboard is no different. It’s not the fanciest keyboard we’ve seen from Razer – it doesn’t feature touch screens and the like – but it’s certainly effective and dependable. The Blackwidow Ultimate is something of a strippeddown gaming peripheral. It offers everything a gamer would need, but may be a little short on what they

would want. With ten on-the-fly-programmable profiles, it certainly does allow for some variety, particularly for those who play many genres and are pedantic about their key-configurations. But, on the downside, it only offers five macro keys. These are also on-the-fly-programmable and, quite honestly, for most gamers five would be enough. But some – particularly MMO players – may want more, and with other keyboards offering a dozen or more macro options, the Blackwidow ultimate may be a little short on appeal. The keys themselves, though, are rather nice. Aside from making quite the racket when pressed, they feature an optimised gaming matrix for optimal anti-ghosting, and offer a great feel and response due to their mechanical nature. Optimised for a force of 50g, and with a 2mm actuation distance, they really feel very quick. In addition, they spring back rapidly, too, which can give one the edge… if the appropriate finger speed is also present.

gladget44

The Blackwidow presents very little in terms of bells and whistles. It has easy-access multimedia keys, as well as audio jacks and a USB pass-through jack. The keys are also backlit and offer five levels of lighting. And, of course, there is the Razer aesthetic worked into the product. It’s a good looking keyboard, and the keys are all marked with the unusual font that Razer uses with their keyboards. These indications are clear, and the keys are well spaced, so pressing the wrong key is a little less likely. With all that said, one cannot help but wonder about whether the Blackwidow Ultimate is worth the added cost of having a Razer logo tastefully applied to its undersized wrist rest. Sure, it makes use of Razer software and is, when all is said and done, a rather decent input device. But it doesn’t do much to set itself apart from hundreds of other rather nice keyboards from numerous other manufacturers.g

by Alex Scanlon

Keeping things clean…

Summary

Tech Specs:

It’s not the fanciest Razer keyboard around, but the Blackwidow Ultimate gets the job done.

M a nufa c turer Distributer: O nline:

gladget44

Not cluttered Great keys Good looks

Full keyboard 10 profiles 5 macro keys Backlit Mechanical keys Audio ports USB port

Ra zer Corex www.c orex.c o.za

Pros • • • • •

• • • • • • •

Cons • • • • •

Too simple?

Score

76 45

Review

Asus Fonepad 7

A reliable “phablet” solution

Old School

gladget44

by Rob Edwards

H H

ere in South Africa, Asus are best known for their components, and a little less well known for their PC systems, like their extensive range of notebooks. But this company makes numerous other products that are great to consider, from their Cube media streamer (which we reviewed last month) through to phones and tablets. And these products offer a great alternative to brands that may be more prominent in the market, backed by Asus’ general level of great quality. The Asus Fonepad 7 is such an idea, and it enters the market as what would be called a “phablet” – a hybrid between a more traditional smartphone and a tablet. With a 7 inch screen, it is a pretty large phone, but on the other hand it is something of a small tablet. It bridges the divide between the two quite nicely, though, offering a highly portable tablet option combined with a phone that is, in some ways, easier to use. The Fonepad 7 suffers from a spec-list that seems a little anachronistic. It is powered by a 1.6GHz CPU, and sports 1GB of RAM. These numbers are a little on the low side these days, even if it does offer up to 32GB of internal storage. This storage is expandable by way of a microSD slot, but the Fonepad 7 can only handle cards with a capacity of up to 32GB, which once again makes it feel a little “old”. That said, the Fonepad 7 is securely aimed at a middle price bracket, so the lower specifications enable a better overall price. And even though it may not seem super-fast on paper, it performs remarkably well, all things considered. And considering that it originally hit shelves just over six months ago, it actually doesn’t fare too badly when compared to its contemporaries. The Fonepad 7 uses Google’s Android OS (it comes with v4.2, aka Jellybean, already installed) and can make use of the expected apps via Google’s Play store. These apps are supported by an accelerometer, compass and proximity system, as well as integrated GPS. Images can be captured using either the main 5 megapixel or front facing 1.2 megapixel cameras, although (once again) these specs are a little on the low side. It also captureS full HD video at 30 frames per second. The stylishly designed Fonepad 7 might not be the top dog when it comes to specifications, but those wanting a device that is functional will certainly find that it is responsive and reliable. Its decent battery life and clear display also add to a good user experience. While it might not beat out some of the other brands and models out there, it certainly does get the job done. g

Summary

Tech Specs:

It might not have the topof-the-line specs, but the Fonepad 7 will certainly get the job done.

M a nufa c turer Distributer: O nline:

gladget44

Good looking Reliable Decent price

7 inch screen 1.6GHz CPU 1GB RAM Up to 32GB storage MicroSD slot 5 megapixel camera

A sus A sus www.a sus.c om

Pros • • • • •

• • • • • • •

Cons • • • • •

Slightly low specs

Score

79 47

The

Review

MSI A88XM Gaming Motherboard

Side

ast month we featured MSIâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Z87M Gaming motherboard, aimed specifically at those that prefer their PCs powered by Intel processors. This time, we take a look at the AMD alternative, the A88XM Gaming motherboard. It does raise something of an interesting observation, because the only real difference between the two boards stems from the fact that they use different chipsets; the Intel Z87 and AMD A88X chipsets, respectively. One could wax lyrical about the benefits of a consolidated system, which would reduce costs across the board, from manufacturing to packaging. On the other hand, an argument could easily be made for the benefits that consumers get from having more than one choice when it comes to processors, and about how monopolisation of markets can, in the long run, be a really bad thing. However, this is a product review, so letâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s ignore all the high-minded stuff and get down to brass tacks. MSI, as a component manufacturer, has consistently proven that they bring great products to market, and this particular motherboard is no different. It features the bells and whistles expected from a component in their Gaming range and, as the name would imply, many of these are slanted towards actual improvement of gaming performance. Like the Killer E2200 Game Networking system that comes on-board. This system prioritises gaming traffic over other network activity, leading to less lag and potentially better performance. Potentially, because if you suck at games no hardware will save you. And, as would be expected from any MSI product, it makes use of MSIâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s OC Genie 4 software, which allows for relatively safe and definitely quick overclocking by way of an extremely intuitive and friendly application. It also benefits from Military Class 4 components, as well as on-board audio that is extremely good. This latter aspect is largely thanks to the combination of a Sound Blaster Cinema system (to take care of the surround sound) as well as Audio Boost circuitry and gold plated audio ports. The A88XM Gaming is well supplied with ports, including eight USB 2.0 and six USB 3.0 ports. And, of course, it is aesthetically pleasing, too, for those that have a windowed PC case. The board is finished with the characteristic dragon design that MSI uses to identify its gaming range; these are picked out in bright red, which stands in perfect contrast against the dark colours that dominate the board. It all comes down to performance, though, and in this area the A88XM is fantastic. It is reliable and responsive, and would serve as a great backbone for any AMD-based PC system. It offers other extras like multiple GPU support, which makes is a great option for gamers who want to build or upgrade an AMD rig. g gladget44

ffe

Summary

Tech Specs:

A dependable option for those who want to build or upgrade an AMDbased gaming rig.

M a nufa c turer Distributer: O nline:

gladget44

Great performer Stable Good extras

AMD A88X chipset 8 USB 2.0 ports 6 USB 3.0 ports 8 SATA 6Gb/s ports 4 RAM slots OC Genie 4 compatible

M SI Corex www.c orex.c o.za

Pros • • • • •

• • • • • • •

Cons • • • • •

Other boards offer more USB 3.0 support

Score

90 49

Mouthful…

Razer E-Panda Hooligan Edition Analog Music & Gaming Headset

L L

Review

ast month we took a good look at Razer’s Kraken Forged Edition headset and, quite frankly, we were a little under-whelmed. While we expected a great level of audio performance from them, they simply were too light in the bass department. So it was with a good degree of trepidation that we plugged in Razer’s mainstream attempt, the Kraken E-Panda Hooligan Edition (subtitled Analog Music & Gaming Headphones, because Razer like long names). And it was with great pleasure that we discovered that the performance of the Hooligan edition far outstrips that of the Forged. So much so that you really don’t mind the silly pandas on the side of the ear-cups. In a break from Razer’s traditional black and green finishes (sometimes punctuated by a bit of metal) the Hooligans take on a far more “blingy” look, with black finishes accented by brushed gold (and pandas). They certainly do look the part of serious personal audio, with generously padded round over-ear cups and a thick, well-padded headband emblazoned with a bold “HOOLIGAN” in gold (in case you forget). So they might look a little louder than some would like, but when it comes to headphones, performance is what really matters… and in that field the Hooligans are indeed loud. Loud, full-bodied audio is the order of the day with these headphones. Yes, they are

gladget44

…

…that’s an earful.

by Walt Pretorius

“only” stereo headphones, but that’s perfect for their intended uses – music and gaming. Say what you like, but stereo is still a decent way to experience in-game audio. The Hooligans are, naturally, compatible with anything that uses a 3.5mm jack for audio (and has a volume control, because like the Forged Edition, there is no in-line or on-ear control to be found here). The design is also foldable, for easier transportation, but the rotation on the ear-cups is still very limited, which is not a great selling point. That said, this headset proves to be fairly comfortable, even after long sessions, and the 40mm neodymium drivers really do an impressive job of delivering great sound across the full audio spectrum. With this product, Razer demonstrates that they have a solid grasp of what the mainstream market is after: good quality, good looks, and an identifiable license to tie it all to. How that will sit with gamers is another question entirely. Sure, there are those out there that will bridge the gap and use the Hooligans for everything, but the more serious gamers may want a more serious “gaming” headset. Still, aside from the pandas, it’s difficult to fault the Hooligans. They could have used a few added features, but in terms of audio performance, they really are excellent. g

Summary

Tech Specs:

They’re a bit ‘‘blingy’’, but not too overstated – and the audio quality is great.

M a nufa c turer Distributer: O nline:

gladget44

Good sound Very comfortable

40mm Neodymium drivers 3.5mm jack Extension cable Stereo Foldable Over-ear cups

Ra zer Corex www.c orex.xo.za

Pros • • • • •

• • • • • • •

Cons • • • • •

No controls Pandas

Score

87 51

Even though they’re actually tiny…

by Alex Scanlon

Razer Hammerhead Pro Expert Analog Gaming & Music In-ear Headphones

Huge!

O Review

ne of the areas Razer is moving into is the field of in-ear headphones. One of their initial entrants into the market is the Hammerhead Pro headset and, man oh man, do they have a great product here. In-ear headsets are generally notable for their lack of bass, but the Hammerhead Pros deliver superb sound across the whole sound spectrum; crisp and clear, there is nothing disappointing about the audio that this device delivers. And even at blisteringly loud volume levels, the audio is sublime. They’re quite large for in-ear headphones, but interchangeable ear-pieces take care of comfort. In addition, a microphone built into the cable means they work with mobile phones, and a special connector opens the microphone up for use with things like computers, too. The Hammerhead Pro headset features great looks, but the really remarkable thing here is just how good the audio quality from these diminutive headphones is. Well done, Razer!. g

gladget44

Summary

Tech Specs:

These in-ear headphones from Razer are among the best we have ever seen!

M a nufa c turer Distributer: O nline:

Incredible sound Versatile Comfortable

Passive noise cancellation Enhanced bass 9mm Neodymium drivers Omnidirectional microphone Interchangeable ear-pieces

Ra zer Corex www.c orex.c o.za

Pros • • • • •

• • • • • • •

Cons • • • • •

A lttle big...

Score

Pocket

A handy solution to dead batteries…

by Walt Pretorius

Romoss Sailing 3 External Battery

D D

gladget44

Summary

Tech Specs:

Very versatile and portable, the easy to use Sailing 3 is a great external battery option.

M a nufa c turer Distributer: O nline:

Pocket sized Very powerful battery Easy to use

7 800mAh battery 5V DC device compatible USB output Rapid charge function LCD flashlight LED indicator Intelligent Sleep Mode

Romoss Sy ntec h www.sy ntec h.c o.za

Pros • • • • •

• • • • • • •

Cons • • • • •

Requires USB charging cable

Score

92 53

Review

espite its name, Romoss’ Sailing 3 external battery is not strictly meant for use on boats (although it will work there, too). This 7 800mAh external battery is a pocket-sized powerhouse that will provide extra power for any device that needs 5V DC to charge; that means that smartphones, tablets, music players and numerous other devices can make use of this easy-to-use power source. Featuring an LCD power display, the Sailing 3 has options for normal and rapid charging (via two different USB ports) and has a built-in, intelligent sleep mode that helps preserve charge. With easy charging via USB (either from a computer or a DC USB charging adaptor) the Sailing 3 is supereasy to use. Oh, and it has a handy LED flashlight built in, in case you get stuck in the dark and need to find the right charging cable. All in all, a handy, very portable external power solution! g

Review

Sony knocks one out of the park…

Player

Sony Xperia 2 Tablet

I I

t doesn’t seem like tablets are going to ever become a fad that fades into the past. In fact, with companies like Samsung and Sony (not to mention Apple, of course) constantly pushing boundaries, it is likely that these devices will keep getting more and more impressive. And impressive is a good word to use when describing the Sony Xperia Z2 tablet. It is, as claimed by Sony, the world’s lightest and slimmest waterproof tablet. At under 440 grams and at 6.4mm thick, it really is light and thin, although the LTE version is a touch (we’re talking 13g) heavier than the Wi-Fi version. The waterproof design is further enhanced by a waterproof headphone jack. It’s a great idea, but maybe a waterproof tablet isn’t as necessary as a waterproof smartphone. What’s really most impressive is what is under the Z tablet’s hood. Powered by a 2.3GHz Qualcomm quad-core CPU, which is supported by a relatively

mammoth 3GB of RAM, this tablet is quick and extremely responsive. Internal storage goes up to the 16GB mark, but it has an expansion slot that can handle microSD cards of up to 128GB in capacity. A little extra expenditure will mean that you should have more capacity than you will likely know what to do with. The Z2 tablet runs the Android OS, shipping with version 4.4 (Kitkat), and sports a 10.1 inch multi-touch display. The main camera is a chunky 8 megapixel with a 16x digital zoom, while the front facing camera delivers a fairly decent 2.2 megapixel performance. It also has a long list of features and enhancements that make a lot of difference to the user experience. From virtual surround sound and improved music performance, through to enhanced colour and pixel performance for visuals, the Z2 tablet delivers an impressive display. The entire unit is also waterproof, as mentioned before, as well as dust resistant and scratch

gladget44

by Rob Edwards

resistant. And, of course, it uses Sony’s NFC (nearfield communications) systems to allow it effortless communication and use with compatible devices. It even has a STAMINA mode to enhance battery life, which every long-term tablet user knows can be a problem. With stylish looks, smart ideas, excellent enhancements and a build that makes it a bit more portable than the average tab (not to mention added toughness), the Z2 Tablet makes a lot of sense. But the real prize here is the effortless operation, powered by the most powerful CPU we have seen in a tablet to date. With some truly stiff competition in the tablet market, Sony have really stepped up to the plate and knocked one out of the park. The Z2 Tablet is an extremely impressive device, and those in the market for a 10 inch tablet would do well to give it some very serious consideration. g

Summary

Tech Specs:

The Z2 tablet is impressive in almost every way... looks, toughness and power all combine to make up a great device.

M a nufa c turer Distributer: O nline:

gladget44

Light and slim Very powerful Tough as nails

2.3GHz CPU 3GB RAM Up to 128GB microSD 10.1 inch screen Waterproof Dust resistant Scratch resistant

Sony Sony www.sony .c om

Pros • • • • •

• • • • • • •

Cons • • • • •

On-board storage could have been more generous

Score

92 55

as Nails!

Review

Asus Sabertooth Z97 Mark 1 Motherboard

otherboards are certainly not all created equal, and the PC systems they get employed in are even more varied. Asus proves that they understand this fact by releasing a wide variety of motherboard models, including ones that are armoured against the most extreme conditions… literally. The Sabertooth Z97 Mark 1 motherboard is not the first one we’ve seen from Asus that looks like it would do well in a war, but it certainly is more impressive than earlier models. But the question of why a motherboard would need this kind of external plating applied to it when it is meant to be safely encased in a PC box cannot help but be asked. The protection given to this board is only partially physical; that part is taken up by a reinforced backplate that prevents circuit and general board damage that could possibly be caused by heavy components, like some of the top-of-the-range graphics cards out there. This “TUF Fortifier” also includes a heat sink, for extra cooling at the back of the board – an area that traditionally can generate heat problems. That also leads to another area in which this board is protected; in terms of heat dissipation, it does a great job. That’s because the entire plate on the “top” of the board is designed to get rid of unwanted high temperatures. The Thermal Armor system also uses dual fans for increased cooling, which feature a reverse function to blow dust away from the heatsinks. Adjustable flow valves also help in water-cooling systems. Further thermal control comes from adjustable fan speeds, and fitting a compatible Asus graphics card will allow the board to monitor that, too, and allow the user to adjust all fans from a handy single location. The third level of protection that the Sabertooth Z97 Mark 1 features is against every PC enthusiast’s worst enemy: dust. The back I/O ports, as well as critical internal connectors, expansion slots and memory slots are all protected, either with removable shields or filter systems. This limits the harmful buildup of dust over time, making the board a longer lasting component, too. Quite simply, this board is there to protect the investment you make in your PC. This is aided, and performance is boosted, by top class components and built in systems like electro-static discharge protection. The board is also well-supplied with ports, including the full range of audio ports, eight USB 3.0 ports and eight USB 2.0 ports, to name but a few. If you’re after a motherboard that will perform well under all kinds of strain and be resistant to the common types of damage that can negatively affect PC performance, you really cannot go wrong with the rather remarkable Sabertooth Z97 Mark 1. g

gladget44

A boa

rd tha

t can

take

a bea

ting…

by Walt Pretorius

Summary

Tech Specs:

With high end components and numerous protective systems built in, this board is a truly tough competitor.

M a nufa c turer Distributer: O nline:

gladget44

Very durable Great protection systems Excellent performer

Max 32GB RAM supported Z97 Chipset 6 SATA 6Gb/s ports 8 USB 3.0 ports 8 USB 2.0 ports 8 channel audio TUF components

A sus A sus www.a sus.c om

Pros • • • • •

• • • • • • •

Cons • • • • •

Quality comes at a price

Score

98 57

Smaller

by Rob Edwards

Sony Xperia Z1 Compact Smartphone

…but still as capable

F Review

or those out there that thought the Xperia Z1 was just a touch too big, Sony have a solution: the Xperia Z1 Compact. This more compact version of the rather spiffy Z1 Compact. Now, before you start thinking that the Compact makes all kinds of compromises, the only notable differences are that it is smaller (although a tad thicker), lighter (by 33 grams) and that the screen size is 4.3 inches, instead of 5 inches. Other than that, it sports very similar specifications to its big brother; the same 2.2GHz CPU, the same 2GB of RAM, the same storage capacity of 16GB, the same 32GB microSD support and the same mammoth 20.7 megapixel main camera. The only compromise you would really be making by getting this slightly smaller phone is in screen size. Otherwise, it performs on par with the “normal” Z1 and is, as a result, an impressive phone indeed. g

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Summary

Tech Specs:

The Compact version of Sony’s Xperia Z1 is every bit as impressive as its big brother...

M a nufa c turer Distributer: O nline:

That camera! Lighter Smaller

2.2GHz CPU 2GB RAM 16GB storage 4.3 inch screen 20.7 megapixel camera

Sony Sony www.sony .c om

Pros • • • • •

• • • • • • •

Cons • • • • •

A touch thicker

Score

Track

Life monitoring from Sony…

Sony SmartBand

by Rob Edwards

W W

gladget44

Summary

Tech Specs:

The SmartBand has a few really good ideas attached to it, but it hasn’t risen above the level of gimmick just yet.

M a nufa c turer Distributer: O nline:

Double sided printing 4 ink cartridge system Smaller and sleeker

LED indicators Adjustable wrist band NFC pairing Bluetooth Rechargeable Waterproof

Sony Sony www.sony .c om

Pros • • • • •

• • • • • • •

Cons • • • • •

Long term savings No fax capabilities

Score

69 59

Review

earable technology adds all kinds of new ideas to the world, and the Sony SmartBand is no different. But where some devices allow you to take images and answer calls, the SmartBand is more of a life logger. Used with the Lifelog App, the SmartBand records your activities, whether it be listening to music or going to the shops. This can help you set activity goals and monitor progress, for example, but it does seem a little Orwellian at times. That said, certain technologies (like a SmartAlarm that will wake you at the best point in your sleep cycle) built in are great ideas. As it stands, even with call notification and a few clever applications, the SmartBand has a long way to rise above being a gimmick that works well with your Sony smartphone. It feels as though Sony was angling for an edge in the wearable tech market, rather than aiming for a truly significant device. g

Did You

Know? 1…that you can identify music tracks using Facebook?

Social network Facebook is generally associated with making friends, posting status updates and uploading images – and music doesn’t actually fit in with its plans. But the world’s largest platform for connecting with individuals has built a custom music application that will be able to tell users what song or television show is being played. Users can then post what they are watching or listening to, to Facebook. “We really wanted to make it even easier to share music that’s playing or what TV shows you’re watching and make that a very easy part of posting a new story to Facebook,” says Facebook product manager Aryeh Selekman.

…that Sony’s PlayStation 4 is already profitable?

Gaming consoles are notoriously difficult to make a profit from, but Sony’s PlayStation 4 has already turned that corner for the company. The news came late last month that sales of the PS4 has covered Sony’s investment in the console, and is on track to beat profits achieved by the hugely-successful PS2. By comparison, the PS3 took three years to show any signs of a profit. What also helped the profit margin is that over 50% of PS4 users have subscribed to PlayStation Plus.

3…that Takealot.com raised R1-billion in funding?

Regular

There is no doubt that e-commerce is one of the biggest industries of the internet age, and while the market is hugely dominated by American and European players, the world is starting to take note of South African online market places as well. So much so, that South African e-commerce site Takealot has managed to raise R1-billion from Tiger Global Management. The cash injection will be used to further expand in South Africa and sub-Saharan Africa, and the company hopes to become the biggest e-commerce site in Africa.

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Name that tune, profitable consoles and banning OSes in the Far East... by Charlie Fripp

4…that Samsung is working on

their own VR headset?

Samsung is one of the world’s largest mobile phone manufacturers, and Virtual Reality is making an incredible comeback thanks to systems like Oculus Rift. So why not combine the two? Well, that is exactly what Samsung is planning on doing. The mobile manufacturer is set to unveil their mobile headset later this year in the hopes of cornering the market before Oculus V.R and Sony’s Project Morpheus do. The project is in advanced stages, and some developers have already been given development headsets to work from. According to reports, it will work with a yet to be announced Galaxy mobile phone.

5…that China has banned

Windows 8?

Microsoft’s Windows 8 is the company’s latest foray into operating systems, and while it has been adopted by millions of people around the world, China is not budging. The Chinese government has issued a ban for the operating system from being installed on government computers, as part of a notice to make use of emerging-saving products. “We were surprised to learn about the reference to Windows 8 in this notice. Microsoft has been working proactively with the Central Government Procurement Center and other government agencies through the evaluation process to ensure that our products and services meet all government procurement requirements,” Microsoft said in a statement.

6…that Twitter was in talks to

buy SoundCloud?

It really seems like it is the buy-out time of the year. With Facebook buying Oculus V.R and Apple acquiring a significant chunk of Beats by Dre, it really only leaves micro-social network Twitter to make some waves. Well, the company tried to buy music sharing site SoundCloud, but reneged on the deal. The parties were in advanced talks, but Twitter said that “the numbers didn’t add up” and discontinued talks. Earlier this year SoundCloud raised $60 million in venture-capital funding and would have been Twitter’s largest acquisition to date. The company paid $350 million for mobile ad network MoPub in October. g gladget44

Watch_Dogs

Hack Job Mess with everything…

by Walt Pretorius

In short, it is a lot like the GTA games, but it is darker, more adult and more real… even if the main character is plucked right out of the pages of a techno-spy-thriller. And it brings the goods, that’s for sure. Just playing through the story quests will see the player log well over twenty hours of gaming. Add in the myriad side-quests and collectibles that the player can go after, not to mention exploring the virtual version of Chicago that the game is set in, and you get a title that will provide more than its money’s worth in entertainment. At the core of the game is Pearce, a once-criminal hacker who has been set on a vengeful path after his actions lead to a family tragedy. Somebody died, and Pearce wants the one responsible for it. At least, that’s where the story starts off… but as Pearce delves deeper into his own personal mystery, he uncovers a world full of

Review

here are many open world games out there, putting the player in a third person perspective and sending them down a spiralling trail of destruction and mayhem. But there are few that make the player feel quite as empowered as Watch_Dogs does. Yet, at the same time, Watch_Dogs leaves the player feeling more vulnerable, too, even if they are taking on the role of super-hacker-vigilante Aiden Pearce. It would be easy to compare Watch_Dogs to titles like Sleeping Dogs or the later versions of Grand Theft Auto. But to do so would be something of a disservice to this mammoth title from Ubisoft, because it really isn’t just another GTA clone. Rather, it takes many ideas from open-world games that have come before, and then elaborates on them, making them slicker and more real.

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malcontents, criminals and really evil people, all beautifully portrayed with great animations and design, as well as superb voice acting. In fact, when comparing the main character to ones like the gangster-hacker Iraq (that’s “eye-rack”, of course) or the quietly malevolent mob boss Lucky Quinn, Pearce comes across as a bit of a cardboard cut-out, far flatter and devoid of personality than the people around him. The high level of thought and detail that went into the characters also went into the recreation of Chicago. Ubisoft spared no attention to detail; from the countryesque Pawnee to the upmarket opulence of Mad Mile, the virtual Chicago comes to life in numerous ways. The attention to detail (from ornate street lamps to lurid graffiti) is exemplary, while the population of the city seems to have a life of its own. In fact, it does, in a small

way. See, Aiden can get information about anyone he comes across. This is because the Chicago of Watch_ Dogs is an entirely connected (and monitored) city. It is a place where no-one has any secrets from the powers that be, and by hacking into the city’s overarching ctOS system, Pearce has the same access. Each person he passively scans with his smartphone has a name, an age, an occupation and a small titbit of information attached to them. This one sells used underwear online, that one is a cosplay fan, and so on. Some of these people can even be hacked, to empty their bank accounts (Pearce’s main source of income) or steal music, or even reveal new collectables, gang hideouts and potential criminal activities. The hacking doesn’t end there, though… almost everything the player does needs some level of hacking.

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course of the game, ranging from hacking and driving skills through to crafting and combat abilities. There is even a skill that lets you get more money from hacked bank accounts, but cash is never really a problem if you’re prepared to take the time to get it. Although stealth is the preferred way to go about things, Watch_Dogs is not averse to gun play. It features a very robust cover system and, while its arsenal is nothing revolutionary, the player can fairly confidently engage enemies. The AI is well balanced in these situations… it will try to outsmart the player, showing a decent level of intelligence, but it can also be outwitted by the player, concentrating attacks on Pearce’s last known position while the player quietly flanks it. That adds to the more realistic tones of the game, and makes gun combat even more fun and strategic. The player can also slow

Review

Whether it is intruding into someone’s private life (often preceded by a rather stylish hacking puzzle minigame) or activating street lights and raising bridges to help out in a car chase, Pearce is connected to the entire city, and the player can use it to great advantage. It also ties in well to the fact that Watch_Dogs lends itself well to a stealthier approach more than most other open world games. Infiltrating a compound or enemy hideout can be done as effectively with hacking and sneaking as it can with guns blazing. In fact, using the former route turns the exercise into a bit of a puzzle mini-game, as the player strategically seeks out security cameras to observe the area. Hacking can also be done from these areas, and allows for anything from creating distractions to triggering explosives carried by enemies. A wide array of skills can also be bought during the

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down time for those strategic headshots, and a wounding system means that it isn’t necessary to leave a string of dead bodies after every battle. This could negatively affect the player’s standing in the eyes of the public, after all… but the reputation system doesn’t seem to have as much relevance to the title as it did in games like inFamous. Sadly, the driving AI is not as good. It is just too elastic for comfort, making every car chase a nerve-wracking, pitched run for freedom. The hacking works well here, allowing Pearce to activate all manner of traps to slow down and stop enemies, but the lack of combat (ie. Being able to shoot a gun while driving) is a bit of an oversight. Added to all of this (tons of mini-games, missions, collectibles, quests and free-approach action) is a competent, always on multiplayer component that will

thrill many users. Some may find it annoying to get interrupted while they are trying to get through the campaign, but there is a lot of fun to be had with Watch_ Dogs’ multiplayer offering. It adds even more to a game that already has a gargantuan setting and tons and tons of things to keep the player busy. You’ll likely be playing Watch_Dogs for a long time, and that’s never a bad thing. Ultimately, Ubisoft have managed to create a great game with Watch_Dogs. It’s challenging and often frustrating, and while some aspects seem a little underutilised, it offers an excellent experience, particularly on the new consoles. It does suffer a little from having been hyped up so much previous to its release, but that can be forgiven pretty quickly when you lose yourself in this massive and truly enjoyable title. g

AT A GLANCE: Genre:

Action Adventure

Developer: Publisher: Distributer:

Ubisoft Ubisoft Megarom

Parental Advisory

18+ gladget44

Violence Language Sex Drug Use Prejudice

PS4 Platforms

Watch_Dogs is a triumph, even if it does suffer a little from over-hype...

Reviewed on:

Accessibility Hard-Core Medium Casual

PC X360 X0 PS3 PS4 Wii U PSV 3DS AND iOS

Score

92 65

Wolfenstein: The New Order

Blast from the Past Well, Sort of…

by Walt Pretorius

Second World War ended) with a short prequel. Blazkowicz ends up in a coma, interred in a mental hospital for fourteen years. When he awakens to 1960, he finds a world very different from the one he left behind; the Nazis have won, and the entire globe is pressed under its oppressive boot-heel. It is this tale that shows the most quality in the game. Developers Machinegames managed to not only weave together a decent narrative, but they do so with sensitivity and a great deal of forethought. It is plain to see that Machinegames really considered the possibilities of their situation carefully. The characters, too, are well acted and beautifully created (in fact the whole game is beautiful). Even Blazkowicz has become a sensitive, deep character (rather than the gun-toting meathead he was before). So in terms of presentation, Wolfenstein: The New

Review

hen it comes to first-person shooters, all kinds of praise needs to be directed towards the Wolfenstein franchise, which is the grand-daddy of the genre. But with Wolfenstein: The New Order, it seems that the developers have subconsciously been mired in the past, resulting in a title that bounces between really fresh and slightly anachronistic. The premise behind this title isn’t one that we haven’t seen before; in this game’s alternate history, the Nazis won World War II and went on to global domination, spreading their messages of racial purity and other hatefuelled dogma over the whole world. There is nothing, now, but Nazi domination. But they never counted on series stalwart BJ Blazkowicz. The tale begins in 1946 (the year after the actual

gladget44

Order has tons on offer. Where it feels a little old, though, is in the overall dynamic. Granted, this is a very competent shooter, but some of the ideas that the developers used are not exactly on par with modern proponents of the genre. Having to hit a button for every pickup, for example, is just not done anymore. Neither is an AI that alternates between razor sharp and brick-witted. But these things are found in the new Wolfenstein game â&#x20AC;&#x201C; small issues, but issues none-the-less. Another example is the idea of dual-wielding in the game. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s great on paper, but the implementation of it here leaves a lot to be desired. Still, Machinegames have worked some very clever ideas into the title. Skill development, for example, is action based. Almost like achievements, skills are earned by performing certain tasks. And sometimes they have to

be earned sequentially, adding even more challenge to this chunky shooter. The weapons are pretty standard fare, but they are sometimes used inventively. Additionally, Wolfenstein: The New Order has a host of varied enemies to throw at the player, which keeps things fairly fresh and very intense. But with an AI that has sketchy moments, taking these enemies out can be difficult at times, and sometimes unpredictable. There is a greater emphasis placed on stealth in the game, which can have very satisfying results. Overall, the new Wolfenstein title offers a thrilling, extremely action packed experience, backed by good presentation and a solid narrative. As long as you donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t expect any mind-bending innovation, you should have a great time with it. g

AT A GLANCE: First-person shooter

Although it feels a bit old-school in places, Wolfenstein: The New Order has some great moments.

Developer: Publisher: Distributer:

Machinegames Bethesda Ster Kinekor

Parental Advisory

18+ gladget44

Violence Language Sex Drug Use Prejudice

Accessibility Hard-Core Medium Casual

Reviewed on:

PS4 Platforms

Genre:

PC X360 X0 PS3 PS4 Wii U PSV 3DS AND iOS

Score

80 67

The Amazing Spider-Man 2

Swing & a Flop This one is heading for a tree

by Charlie Fripp

while this isn’t the first Spider-Man sequel, it does seem like developer Beenox tried to fix the issues stemming from the first Amazing Spider-Man, but actually broke the game a little bit further. If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it… Before delving into the mechanics, the plot tells the story of Parker’s exploits as Spider-Man, and naturally he needs to save the city from an evil conspirator who aims to destroy all in his path. This would have worked well, but the game starts off by explaining how Parker got his power and how his uncle Ben dies. It’s a bit unnecessary, as that has been explored in countless games and even the numerous films. Swinging through New York City, the scenery is good enough to make an average game blush, but that is about where it stops. The landscapes and city details are fantastic, but dig a bit deeper into the cut scenes or

Review

pider-Man is one of those iconic super heroes that if you showed a little kid a picture of the masked champion, they would immediately know who it is – but not so much Peter Parker. He is almost on par with Batman, although the caped crusader does tend to have a bigger, darker following. The same example can be brought through to the video games as well. The Batman titles have a more sombre tone, with dark colours and often very dry humour. The Spider-Man games on the other hand, are brightly coloured, and Parker always seems to have something to comically quip about. But with that, the Batman games have been some of the best action titles, and Spider-Man horribly drops the ball with The Amazing Spider-Man 2. Developers have to be really careful with sequels, and

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fighting sequences and it becomes a pixelated mess. Ok, it’s not that bad, but there is definitely a stark contrast between the quality. It is as if Beenox spent all their time and energy on the city rather than actual gameplay mechanics. Speaking of fighting, the majority of the time players will engage in hand-to-hand combat, and here they will also be able to draw a similarity to Batman. The actions feel almost copied from Arkham City, even down to the little lighting indicators when it is time to dodge. Limited to only a certain number of moves, it does become a bit of a button-masher after a while. While in free mode, Spider-Man can cruise the city looking for citizens to help or crimes to stop. It acts as extra missions outside of the main story to earn XP so that players can increase their powers, attacks and abilities.

While there isn’t an awful lot of variety it does provide for a distraction – but there is one terrible downside. Every time gamers complete a side mission, the city’s local reporter will give live commentary on what transpired. Every time. And it can’t be skipped… The Amazing Spider-Man 2 is, at its heart, a true Spider-Man game, complete with Parker’s witty (although sometimes annoying) comments, familiar characters and a cameo by Stan Lee. But the web slinging is awful. Players will need to have laser-focused aim to latch onto a building, and it’s erratic at best. Parker’s sarcastic quips about how there needs to be a building in order to swing doesn’t help either… Overall, the title will appeal to die-hard Spider-Man fans who wouldn’t mind the bugs, spotty control scheme and occasionally lacklustre graphics. g

AT A GLANCE: Genre:

Action

Reviewed on:

Developer: Publisher: Distributer:

Beenox Activision Megarom

Parental Advisory

10+ gladget44

Violence Language Sex Drug Use Prejudice

X360 Platforms

It’s not bad, but it sure isn’t great either...

Accessibility Hard-Core Medium Casual

PC X360 X0 PS3 PS4 Wii U PSV 3DS AND iOS

Score

62 69

MXGP

Down and Dirty Mudslinging has never been this much fun

by Walt Pretorius

gives us the best physics for this environment to date. That doesn’t mean that they are perfect, but Milestone have been showing a steady progression of improvements through their motorcycle titles, and with this only being their second off-road attempt, there is real promise for the future here. The basic control premise behind MXGP is one that any biker understands well – counter-balancing. This means that the player can control the rider and the bike separately, shifting the rider atop the bike to change weight distribution and get through some tough corners with ease. It’s a tricky proposition in real life, and in MXGP too. Although the player can set difficulty on this (which means that, at the easiest level, there is very little chance of getting it wrong) playing on the hardest setting can get very challenging. The fact that the game’s five

Review

hile car racing games have pretty much started to get everything just about right, the motorcycle racing genre still has a way to go to capture the actual feel of being what is essentially a slab of meat on a rocket. But Milestone have numerous motorcycle games to their credit now, and while the bulk of their experience rests on the more predictable MotoGP tracks, MXGP manages to perform really well in the dirt. It is good to remember that the only real exposure Milestone had with off-road physics before came in the form of MUD, and that title was less about realistic riding and more about looking cool. This time out, though, they have created a more than competent offroad motorcycle racing simulation in the form of MXGP, and while there is still a way to go, this title undoubtedly

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instructional videos don’t give much more than the basics doesn’t help matters; players will need to learn through experimentation. The game offers 14 tracks around the globe, which are recreated with Milestone’s usual faithful attention to detail. And that faithfulness extends beyond the circuits that players will race on; team liveries and bikes are also painstakingly recreated. The player can take on the role of a number of well-known MX racers, or start their own racer in a career mode. Races can also be tweaked in terms of whether the player will do qualifying laps and so forth, or just jump straight into the action. Sadly, bike tweaking is minimal. Yes, the player can adjust the performance of their chosen machine in terms of things like suspension, brake balance and gear ratios, but it does feel a little light. And all the riders… well, they

perform pretty much the same. It is up to the player to make a difference here… the riders are merely there for the fans, and do not provide any form of edge in-game. But that’s OK, because the sense of accomplishment for finishing a race in first place in any of the game’s race classes is greater as a result. The presentation of MXGP is a mixed bag, with fairly detailed riders, bikes and tracks juxtaposed against crowds and finer details that just don’t seem to fit, thanks to their low level of visual detail. The sound is good, though, with engines that are convincing in their audio. The lack of music may seem a bit weird at first, but it does add a level of realism. So while the genre has certainly got a way to go, Milestone have yet again taken a good step in the right direction with MXGP. g

AT A GLANCE: Racing

Reviewed on:

Although the genre still has a way to go, MXGP makes solid strides in the right direction.

Developer: Publisher: Distributer:

Milestone Milestone Apex Interactive

Parental Advisory

0+ gladget44

Violence Language Sex Drug Use Prejudice

Accessibility Hard-Core Medium Casual

X360 Platforms

Genre:

PC X360 X0 PS3 PS4 Wii U PSV 3DS AND iOS

Score

80 71

Bound by Flame

Strange Bedfellows Good and bad combine in a surprising title…

by Walt Pretorius

of a game that grabs my attention and, for all its little quirks, Bound by Flame managed to do that. This was largely because the game dynamics work. Combat is fast, responsive and fluid. The skill progression of the player’s character is relatively deep, and choices that are made in this area of the game really do make a difference. The wide array of weapons and customisations also helped to enhance the experience, with a large number of collectible items helping the player craft an equally large number of modifications for weapons and armour. Even the fact that these modifications caused visual changes of the character pleased me. Running around taking on tons of enemies is often a repetitive thing, and while Bound by Flame does descend into repetition from time to time, the whole affair is varied enough that it doesn’t really become irksome.

Review

t what point does enjoyment get hampered by imperfections in game design? It is a question that comes up more often than you might think in a game reviewer’s daily life. Take Bound by Flame as an example… here we have a game that has some rather serious missteps and flaws, and yet the overall experience can be extremely enjoyable (if, of course, you can look past its mistakes). So where does the line get drawn? Quite frankly, it gets drawn by each person playing the game, and game reviewers merely express an opinion based on personal experience. These statements are never fact. And so, I can personally say that I enjoyed Bound by Flame far more than I should have on paper. And, without a doubt, I enjoyed it more than many other players will. I tend to be forgiving

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But the truth of the matter is that, on numerous technical levels, Bound by Flame doesn’t really deliver what it should. Frame rates, for example, can be a little jagged – on a PS4, that should really not be happening. The presentation is also a little flat; the world is oppressing in the way that Dark Souls’ setting is, but it never really commits to that feeling of desolation because the dialogue contains too many quips of a generally offcolour nature to really underpin the idea that the world is pretty much doomed. The voice acting is generally forgettable, and the dialogue is full of false bravado and inappropriate comments that just don’t seem to belong in a fantasy setting. And the graphics, while not bad, seem a little “last generation.” Perhaps the biggest misstep that Bound by Flame takes is that its potentially excellent story and ideas behind

the narrative are never fully explored. The character is possessed by a demon, sure, but it really seems to have little bearing on events. And the player’s choices never really seem to have an impact on a tale that is, for the most part, really linear. But (and it’s one of those big, hairy, pimpled buts once again) the game dynamic is almost intoxicating. If you can look past some of the titles weaker points, it will offer more reward than you might initially believe possible. It’s hardly ground-breaking, and it draws and derives many ideas (particularly in its plot) from numerous sources, but the fights are well balanced and require just the right level of inventiveness and wit from the player. In the end, it’s a mixed bag; it certainly won’t win any awards, but it does offer a better experience than it implies. g

AT A GLANCE: RPG Adventure

While Bound by Flame has many faults, forgiving gamers will discover some great dynamics hidden within it.

Developer: Publisher: Distributer:

Developer Publisher Distributer

Parental Advisory

16+ gladget44

Violence Language Sex Drug Use Prejudice

Accessibility Hard-Core Medium Casual

Reviewed on:

PS4 Platforms

Genre:

PC X360 X0 PS3 PS4 Wii U PSV 3DS AND iOS

Score

75 73

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