Manufacturer NewsBy News Reporter

X2 SATURN Real 5.1 Gaming Headset Announced

Introducing the latest addition to the X2 series of gaming headsets, the SATURN real 5.1 surround sound gaming headset. This new high-quality and professional gaming headset is built with a high quality microphone, 3 speakers and a bass vibrator in each ear-cup. The Saturn series gaming headsets are designed with comfort, functionality and genuine gaming pleasure in mind. The Saturn 5.1 is connected by a single USB connector. Software to manage the headsets settings can be downloaded from our website. The line cable contains an extensive audio controller with which you can adjust the volume of the separate channels; Sub, Front, Center, Rear, Microphone and overall volume. Hear your opponent before you see him and dominate the game with this […]

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FuncHS260 Items Func HS-260 Gaming Headset Review
AudioBy Tom Jaskulka

Func HS-260 Gaming Headset Review

On January 27th 2014 Func will start shipping their HS-260 gaming headset, completing a first run of peripherals that started with the MS-3 gaming mouse in February of last year (and the KB-460 mechanical keyboard this past November). Sporting tuned 50mm drivers, detachable audio cables and removable microphone which can switch sides at will, Func brings their focus on functionality to the gaming headset category with their new headset, model FUNC-HS-260-1ST. Benchmark Reviews has a sample on hand, and in this review I’ll do my best to explain my experience with the Func HS-260 gaming headset.

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SteelSeries Stratus Wireless Gaming Controller Launched

Now Available For $79.99 / €79.99 SteelSeries, a global leader in the gaming peripherals and accessories market, today revealed that the SteelSeries Stratus Wireless Gaming Controller, the only iOS controller that is wireless and that works with iPad®, iPhone®, and iPod touch® is now available at Apple stores and at Apple.com for $79.99/ €79.99. The device, introduced at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) earlier this month, is specifically designed for console-style gameplay on iPad®, iPhone®, and iPod touch® running iOS 7 with supported, controller-enabled games. “The media and consumer reaction to the announcement of the Stratus Controller at CES really demonstrated the power behind this product, and the new category of gaming we can enable by working together with Apple,” […]

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SP Power P40 Power Bank Released

SP/ Silicon Power, the world’s leading provider of memory storage solutions, today announces the launch of its brand new power bank – Power P40. With the high battery capacity of 4400 mAh, Power P40 promises users an incredibly abundant power supply and realizes the true 24-hour mobile life. Accompanied with the new era of 4G smart phones, how to keep long-lasting power supply is now of the essence. Embracing the features of high capacity, quick-charging and chic designs, Power P40 is going to release you from worries about power shortage and completely satisfy your desires for unlimited joy. Infinite Power, Endless Fun SP Power P40 introduces the use of high quality MIT battery with the capacity of 4400 mAh and […]

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MSI A88X-G45 GAMING and A88XM GAMING FM2+ Motherboards Debut

Purchase A88X-G45 GAMING and get Assassin’s Creed Liberation HD FREE! MSI, one of the world leaders in motherboards, debuts its first AMD FM2+ socket based GAMING motherboards A88X-G45 GAMING and A88XM GAMING. Inherited with the outstanding DNA of MSI’s award winning GAMING family, the new MSI FM2+ GAMING series motherboards features Killer LAN, Audio Boost sound enhancement technology, and a whole new software and hardware design for enhanced gaming performance. In addition, purchase a MSI A88X-G45 GAMING motherboard and get Assassin’s Creed® Liberation HD FREE! Sensational sound with MSI Audio Boost Reward your ears with true quality. Get ready for ear-drum shattering sound, with MSI Audio Boost! With Audio Boost we’re delivering the highest audio quality with the use of […]

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Zoom TAC-2 Thunderbolt Audio Interface Unveiled

Blazing speed and ultra-low latency for the ultimate in high-resolution audio By Zoom via Max Borges Agency Zoom North America today announced the release of the TAC-2 Thunderbolt™ Audio Interface. The 2-in/2-out TAC-2 uses the latest Thunderbolt technology and supports up to 24-bit / 192kHz audio. It permits vocals and instruments to be recorded into DAWs such as the included Cubase LE, as well as enabling audio playback during live performance and easy connection to editing software. The TAC-2 can also be used to enhance the listening experience of users, allowing high-resolution streaming audio to be enjoyed in full fidelity. The lightweight and portable TAC-2 has a simple user interface, with a single large rotary knob controlling all parameters. Two […]

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ASUS PW100 and ASUS Dock for Nexus 7 (2013) Charging Stands Introduced

ASUS PW100 Wireless Charging Stand and ASUS Dock for Nexus 7 ensure a perfect viewing position for devices while charging. ASUS today announced the release of the ASUS PW100 Wireless Charging Stand and the ASUS Dock for Nexus 7 (2013). The PW100 features the Qi inductive power standard to wirelessly charge Qi-compatible tablet devices and features a built-in LED charge status indicator. The ASUS Dock has a slide-in design that accepts the Nexus 7 (2013) in either portrait or landscape orientation, and features HDMI output to allow users to view HD 1080p content stored in the tablet on an external display. Both charging stands are able to prop up tablets at an ergonomic viewing angle of 60 degrees. ASUS PW100 […]

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IK Multimedia iRig Mic HD Digital Microphone Introduced

The first high-quality digital handheld microphone for iPhone, iPad, iPod touch and Mac IK Multimedia, a global technology company and leader in mobile music-creation apps and accessories, today announced iRig® Mic HD, the first high-quality digital handheld microphone for iPhone, iPad, iPod touch and Mac. iRig Mic HD improves on IK’s groundbreaking and highly popular iRig Mic, by offering pristine digital audio quality and multi-platform compatibility for all generations of iOS devices and Macs, in addition to its practical handheld form factor and other convenient features. Top-quality sound Thanks to a high-quality electret condenser capsule and a precise gain control, iRig Mic HD is equipped to handle a wide range of recording applications. It’s perfect for professionally capturing speech, singing, […]

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ADATA Elite Series CE700 Wireless Charging Stand Launched

Company launches CE700 wireless charging stand for smartphones ADATA™ Technology, a leading manufacturer of high-performance DRAM modules and NAND Flash application products, today announced the launch of the ADATA Elite Series CE700 wireless charging stand. The Elite CE700 is a revolutionary new way to charge compatible mobile phones through inductive charging, eliminating the need for cables and bulky transformers. By simply placing the phone on the charging pad, power is automatically and wirelessly transferred to the device. Housed in an elegant folding stand with a stylish aluminum back cover, the CE700 features a textured rubber base that prevents the phone from slipping. The flexible design allows for use with a variety of mobile phones that support inductive charging, with wireless […]

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LUXA2 GroovyW Bluetooth Speaker with Wireless Charging Station Debuts

World’s First Multi-Functional Bluetooth Wireless Music Speaker with NFC and Wireless Charging Station Unleashed! LUXA2 are excited to announce a new addition to their Groovy audio series : The GroovyW Bluetooth Speaker with Wireless Charging Station. Initially unveiled at Computex 2013, the GroovyW received praises for its excellent build quality, unique aesthetic appearance, brilliant sound quality and innovative wireless charging combination. From there, LUXA2 took in public feedback and responses and tweaked accordingly to the positive suggestions made by you- our beloved fans and supporters – whilst taking the time to ensure no areas or details were omitted and to only release when ready – that day is today. The GroovyW is the world’s first wireless Bluetooth speaker with NFC […]

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ASUSTOR Announces NAS Supports Foscam IP Cameras

ASUSTOR expands compatibility to include Foscam cameras. All ASUSTOR NAS devices now support IP cameras from Foscam’s HD and SD series. ASUSTOR Inc., a leading innovator and provider of network storage solutions, announced today that it has completed an integration with renowned IP camera brand Foscam, adding compatibility for Foscam’s HD and SD series cameras, proving users with an optimal and highly cost-effective home surveillance solution. Surveillance Center is a powerful and comprehensive surveillance application for ASUSTOR NAS devices that was developed exclusively by ASUSTOR. Surveillance Center can be downloaded and installed free of charge from ASUSTOR’s App Central and also includes four free camera channels. Intuitive and easy to use, Surveillance Center features a quick installation wizard that helps […]

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TRENDnet TPE-T160H and TPE-T80H PoE+ Switch Launched

TRENDnet, a best-in-class wired and wireless networking hardware brand, adds to an extensive PoE product portfolio with the launch of the 16-Port 10/100 Mbps PoE+ Switch, model TPE-T160H, and 8-Port 10/100 Mbps PoE+ Switch, model TPE-T80H. The addition of the two new unmanaged PoE+ switches, brings TRENDnet’s PoE product offering to 39 unique solutions and PoE+ switch sub-category to 10 products. The TPE-T160H and TPE-T80H, provide consumers with greater port density and PoE power selection to meet their exacting project needs. TPE-T160H 16-Port 10/100 Mbps PoE+ Switch Key Features: •Unmanaged PoE+ switch •16 x 10/100 Mbps PoE+ ports •Up to 30 Watts per port with a 250 Watt total power budget •3.2 Gbps switching capacity •Rack mount hardware included •Use […]

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OCZ Vertex 460 SSD Announced

OCZ Storage Solutions – a Toshiba Group Company and leading provider of high-performance solid state drives (SSDs) for computing devices and systems, today announced its new Vertex 460 SATA III SSD Series. As part of the renowned Vertex series, Vertex 460 continues the legacy by delivering an exceptional mainstream solution with advanced storage performance, reliability, and quality that meet the demands of today’s client applications.

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BIOSTAR H81MLC Micro ATX Motherboard Released

BIOSTAR has released their newest micro-ATX motherboard based on the Intel H81 chipset, the H81MLC. The board supports Intel 4th generation Core i7 and Core i5 processors. It features Intel single chip architecture with HD 4600Graphics, along with a new integrated memory controller that will run at speeds up to 1600MHz. The H81 chipset has two SATA 6Gb/s ports (plus four SATA 3Gb/s ports), and two USB 3.0 headers. The H81MLC supports two DIMMs for a maximum of 16Gigs of RAM. The H81MLC is a great option for small form factor systems where you rarely have more than one discrete card and two SATA drives. Being Intel based boards, they also feature Intel Rapid Start Technology and Intel Smart Connect […]

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shogun_bros_ballista_mk-1
PeripheralsBy Jeremy Miller

Shogun Bros. Ballista MK-1 Gaming Mouse Review

A brand that needs more recognition in the PC gaming peripheral market is Shogun Bros. They make high quality products worthy of the highest praise, and the Ballista MK-1 Gaming Mouse is proof of that. The market in the ~$50 price bracket is very high, so it is hard to wade through all the different brands and mice. In this article Benchmark Reviews hopes to shed some light on why the Shogun Bros. Ballista MK-1 is quite possibly the best-in-class must have gaming mouse.

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LG MP76 IPS Monitor Announced

With Clear Stand and Thin Bezel, Stylish MP76 Boasts Full HD IPS Display and Flicker-Safe Technology for More Comfortable Viewing Experience LG Electronics (LG) today announced its newest 24-inch Full HD MP76 IPS monitor which combines a Crystal Float Standand LG’s super thin CINEMA SCREEN Design that makes a bold, eye-catching statement. The IPS display enables the MP76 to deliver exceptional picture quality while special features such as LG’s Flicker-Safe technology and Reader Mode contribute to an incredibly comfortable viewing experience. “The MP76 strikes the perfect balance between modern design, superb picture quality and comfort-enhancing functionality,” said Hyoung-sei Park, head of the IT Business Division at LG Electronics. “LG will continue to create premium monitors to meet the changing needs […]

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Patriot FUEL Active Portable Batteries Unveiled

To Power Up Outdoor Enthusiasts Patriot, a global pioneer in high-performance memory, NAND flash, storage, and mobile accessories today unveils its new FUEL Active battery brand to power up outdoor enthusiasts. Building on the award winning FUEL+ mobile battery ecosystem, Patriot specifically developed the FUEL Active series to be the best and most reliable portable power solutions for gadget loving outdoor adventurists everywhere. Mobile device use has never been more popular and now with the use of mobile applications that help with trail mapping, real time weather reports, and workout tracking; the smartphone, smart watch, and tablet are the perfect companion for every outdoor adventurer. While conquering the planet, these new technologies can be extremely handy but can drain devices […]

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Synology RS814(RP)+ RackStation NAS Launched

Synology America Corp. is pleased to announce the release of its latest RackStation NAS with the RS814+, and RS814RP+ (Redundant Power). The RS814(RP)+ is a high-performance 4-bay 1U server, designed to scale up to 8-bays when using an RX410 expansion module. The RS814(RP)+ is optimized for business environments. It provides the scalability growing companies need, with equivalent performance to Synology’s award winning DS1813+. The same quad-NIC configuration, fuels read operations at over 300MB/s and write speeds over 190MB/s. Both units are optimized with 2GB of RAM – upgradable to 4GB – to make multi-tasking under heavy workloads effortless. For added redundancy, the RS814(RP)+ supports Synology High Availability to reduce network downtime, as well as LAG, and MPIO failover support. Shipping […]

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VIZIO Reference Series Ultra-HD LED Smart TV Announced

Introducing VIZIO’s most advanced, highest performing TV collection to date, their Reference Series. With a 120-inch model being the flagship of their offering, the collection delivers Ultra-HD, enhanced motion and picture Processing, integrated 5.1 sound, a sleek design and powerful performance. We had a chance to experience VIZIO’s modern wonder first-hand at CES and it left us in disbelief. The Reference Series was built from the ground up, using everything at their disposal to create a real in-home cinematic experience. High Dynamic Range is combined with a powerful 800 nit bright backlight and 384 Active LED Zones for unprecedented contrast, Ultra-Color Spectrum with full support for true 10-bit color, and incredible Ultra HD picture performance with Spatial Scaling Engine for […]

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Netgear EX6200 2 NETGEAR CES 2014 New Products Showcase
Product PreviewsBy Hank Tolman

NETGEAR CES 2014 New Products Showcase

NETGEAR rushed out the gate full force as CES 2014 started with a flurry of new products designed to improve network bandwidth and signal strength for the home or small office. Their two newest WiFi range extenders even won prestigious innovations awards. Benchmark Reviews met up with NETGEAR at their invitation-only suite during CES 2014 to get a look at the newest products and technologies being released.

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Func Keyboard Mouse FUNC Shows Off Complete Gaming Line at CES 2014
Product PreviewsBy Hank Tolman

FUNC Shows Off Complete Gaming Line at CES 2014

Benchmark Reviews met up with FUNC at their suite at the Hard Rock Hotel during CES 2014 to talk about what they’ve been up to. FUNC is a newcomer to the gaming peripherals market and have been working on a complete line of gaming peripherals including a mouse and pad, a keyboard, and a headset. FUNC’s design ideology is centered on functionality perfected; including everything you need in a gaming peripheral and nothing you don’t.

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Manufacturer NewsBy News Reporter

Sony Xperia E1 Smartphone Unveiled

Sony Mobile Communications (“Sony Mobile”) today introduces Xperia E1, a new Android smartphone that brings Sony’s leading audio technologies together with expertise in display, design, performance and content to create a smartphone independently recognised as the “best smartphone in its class”. “Xperia E1 combines the best of Sony’s audio technologies with a premium design and great hardware to create a smartphone for people who want to express themselves out loud.” said Calum MacDougall, Director of Xperia Marketing at Sony Mobile Communications. “It’s a new, music focused player in our Xperia line-up that is underpinned by the best of Sony’s design, display and content offers.” The best in its class Xperia E1 is mid-tier smartphone with seriously premium credentials. A solid […]

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MSI GX70 Destroyer Gaming Notebook Debuts

MSI once again made breakthroughs in cutting-edge gaming notebooks. MSI has always been developing high performance notebooks. Its latest gaming laptop—GX70 and GX60 Destroyer, offer game enthusiasts the best experiences of both performance and affordability. The MSI GX70 and GX60 Destroyer pack with the latest generation of AMD’s extreme mobile graphics card R9-M290X, high performance AMD A10-5750M quad core APU architecture, built-in HD8650G performance-grade DirectX11 for superior video resolution, and the top 3-screen output experience Eyefinity. With a special packing and a game bundled, the MSI GX70 and GX60 Destroyer come with a limited Battlefield 4 edition. Users can redeem a free Battlefield 4 game! With the A10-5750M processor and R9-M290X display card, the GX70 and GX60 Destroyer runs at […]

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MSI R7 260 1GD5 OC Graphics Card Released

As of today MSI’s new R7 260 1GD5 OC is available for everyone desiring an entry into the world of 4K resolution gaming and next-level of integrated audio. Equipped with a large 10cm fan this little powerhouse will remain cool while allowing anywhere from 1 to 6 displays to be connected to the card. This offers excellent flexibility for anyone looking for more versatility whether it’s extra horsepower for graphics or to allow higher resolutions to be connected to their PC. Furthermore, like the high end R9 290 and R9 290X, the R7 260 1GD5 OC is also equipped with AMD TrueAudio which reduces CPU loads up to 14% compared to rendering sound with the on-board audio chip. Extra Large […]

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In Win Tuo InWin 901: A Story of Tempered Glass
Product PreviewsBy Hank Tolman

InWin 901: A Story of Tempered Glass

The Taiwanese hardware manufacturer InWin hit CES 2014 with a slew of new items to announce, and the official availability of one announced a couple of months prior to the show. The story of InWin’s CES 2014 announcement really centered on a single theme: Tempered Glass. Benchmark Reviews stopped by InWin’s booth at CES 2014 to talk about their new cases and to take a look at some other products you might not normally expect from InWin.

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