Hasta La Gadget!

Creative is back with the new Sound Blaster Tactic3D Rage wireless gaming headset for PC and Mac. The headset features a pair of 50mm full-spectrum drivers, offering a frequency response between 20Hz to 20KHz. The Creative Sound Blaster Tactic3D Rage also supports customizable SBX Pro Studio sound and TacticProfile audio interface, allowing gamers to customize EQ and audio preferences. Additional features include the SB Prism RGB LED illumination system for its ear cups. The Sound Blaster Tactic3D Rage Wireless gaming headset will be available in September 2012 for $99.99. There is also a wired version that retails for just $79.99. [Press Release]

One of the last times we saw the concept of a self-recharging battery, it was part of a high-minded Nokia patent whose ideas still haven’t seen the light of day. Researchers at Georgia Tech are more inclined to put theory into practice. Starting from a regular lithium-ion coin battery, the team has replaced the usual divider between electrodes with a polyvinylidene difluoride film whose piezoelectric nature produces a charging action inside that gap through just a little pressure, with no outside voltage required to make the magic happen. The developers have even thumbed their noses at skeptics by very literally walking the walk — slipping the test battery under a shoe sole gives it a proper dose of energy with every footstep. At this stage, the challenge mostly involves ramping up the maximum power through upgrades such as more squeezable piezoelectrics. Georgia Tech hasn’t progressed so far as to have production plans in mind; it’s nonetheless close enough that we could see future forms of wearable computing that rarely need an electrical pick-me-up.

Filed under: Wearables, Science

Georgia Tech develops self-charging battery that marches to the owner’s beat originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 19 Aug 2012 04:28:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Thought Tritton was satisfied with only pumping out Xbox-licensed gaming headsets in the last year? Fret not ye’ PS3 and PC gamers, instead, say hello to its latest cross-platform unit, the AX Pro+. Although its color scheme is similar to the Dolby Headphone-enabled AX 720 virtual surround sound headset, the moniker pits it as a follow up to the AX Pro. Like its predecessor, the Pro+ sports a trio of drivers and one subwoofer in each of its earcups, aiming to offer “true 5.1 surround sound.” Among other design tweaks, its cups can rotate flat for added comfort (a sorely missed feature on the original), and the drivers have been repositioned for “superior surround sound separation and improved bass response.” An included Dolby decoder box handles its connections, while the headset’s inline remote allows you to adjust each driver’s individual volume level, the balance of game / voice audio, and enable voice monitoring through its detachable mic. Better yet, the whole setup is powered by one wall plug, rather than two as was the annoyance with the older model. Discrete 5.1 headsets haven’t impressed us in the past, but you can pre-order the Pro+ for $200 from Tritton if you’re willing to give its cramped surround sound setup a try during Call of Duty fragging sessions come this September.

Continue reading Tritton’s Pro+ 5.1 headset goes up for pre-order, promises gamers ‘true 5.1’ for $200

Filed under: Gaming, Wearables

Tritton’s Pro+ 5.1 headset goes up for pre-order, promises gamers ‘true 5.1’ for $200 originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 16 Aug 2012 22:39:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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The Razer Kraken Pro gaming headset is claimed to be the most comfortable gaming headset in the world. The design of the Razer Kraken Pro will allow you to comfortably wear this headset over an extended period. It is equipped with a pair of 40mm neodymium magnet drivers to deliver clear high and mid range sounds as well as deep bass. Other specs include a fully retractable microphone, a 3.5mm combined audio jack and a separate mic connector. The Razer Kraken Pro is priced at $79.99. [Razer]

The Tokyoflash Kisai Upload Watch features an LCD display that looks like a cryptic arrangement of lines and blocks. You can simply tilt the watch away from you at an angle and the time display becomes easily readable. The Kisai Upload provides a microSD card slot that enables you to store data on your wrist. The Tokyoflash Kisai Upload Watch is priced at $149. [Tokyoflash]