IT News Head Lines (TweakTown) 3/11/2015

LG's 'super flagship' smartphone will be unveiled in 2H 2015
LG's G3 smartphone was one of the best Android-powered handsets from 2014, and while Mobile World Congress has come and gone without an announcement from LG, we know that the G4 is coming.

Well, according to The Korean Press, LG will launch its new "super flagship" smartphone in the second half of the year. LG's Mobile Business boss, Cho Jun-ho, has said that the South Korean giant wants to release a product that stands above the G series. Jun-ho said: "We are planning to release a product that stands above the G series. It will be launched during the second half of this year".


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Apple installs Watch ad, or permanent icon to the iPhone in iOS update
Apple's media event has now finished, where we were introduced to a new 12-inch MacBook Air that is thinner and faster than ever, as well as a much more detailed and price run-down of Apple's first wearable, Watch.

With the newly released iOS 8.2, Apple has forced an Apple Watch application to your homescreen. The app itself doesn't do anything, as Watch doesn't launch until April 24, but this isn't just a forced app. This is an advertisement, forced onto all iPhone users, for Apple's largest launch since the iPhone.

You can't delete it, you can't remote it, it's an app that will stay on your homescreen for the foreseeable future.


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AMD reportedly license Radeon graphics IP for MediaTek SoCs
According to the latest rumors, AMD is working with MediaTek to provide better mobile SoC graphics. AMD would see itself getting back into the ultra-low power graphics market in a very big way, while MediaTek will receive a huge injection of mobile graphics horsepower.

Right now, it's a big war between Qualcomm, Samsung, Apple and MediaTek. MediaTek, until now, hasn't been able to keep up in the graphics department, but with AMD providing its Radeon technology to MediaTek, this could change quite quickly. We won't see the fruits of this labor for quite a while yet, but the results could definitely be interesting for the entire market.


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Microsoft boss teases that 'Gears of War news coming shortly'
We're beginning to see the first rumbles of a new Gears of War game from Microsoft, after the company acquired the rights to the franchise from its creators, Epic Games.

The previous Creative Director on Kinect, Kudo Tsunoda, has teased a new Gears of War game, where he revealed his new role within the software giant. Microsoft has talked about Tsunoda's new position: "While the Halo, Gears of War, Forza and Minecraft franchises will continue to report to Phil Spencer, Kudo will lead the vision and experience development of our other Microsoft Studios portfolio investments in the United States, Europe, and across our Global Publishing team".

What's more exciting, is that we could see the new Gears of War released on the PC for Windows 10, or even better - for HoloLens. We should see more news on the new Gears of War as we slide closer to E3 in June.

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Heists update for GTA V on the Xbox One is a 4.8GB download
Rockstar Games has detailed its new Grand Theft Auto Online update, Heists, as a 4.8GB download for Xbox One users. The new download should be available today, with some users receiving it early.

Hmm, Heist update spiked from 4.2 GB to 4.8 GB. Seems they're finalizing a few things pic.twitter.com/PrToCVq1Qi
- V7X3 (@S7_V7X3) March 8, 2015

These gamers have posted up screenshots of the update, where we have found out that the update is 1.2GB for the Xbox 360, but 4.8GB for the Xbox One. The new Heists update includes five online heist missions that you can play through with friends, as well as an armoury of new weapons and armoured cars.

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Apple Watch Edition comes in 18-karat gold, pricing starts at $10,000
Apple has provided the most details yet on its Watch, something that will begin hitting wrists across the world on April 24. We now know that there will be the regular Watch, the Watch Sport, and the Apple Watch Edition.

The Apple Watch Sport starts at $349 in its smallest 38mm size, and $399 for the 42mm with both being available in silver or space gray. The "regular" Watch has a stainless steel casing, with its price ranging from $549 up to $1049 for the 38mm version, while the 42mm ranges from $599 to $1099. Then we have the Apple Watch Edition, with its casing made from 18-karat solid gold, starting at $10,000.

The Apple Watch will have Apple Pay baked into it, where you can double-tap on the side button to bring up Apple Pay. "Taptic" feedback is also here, which will come into play once a transaction is complete. No authentication is needed with your iPhone, as it is all done on Watch. Notifications will also pop up on Watch, with every notification from your iPhone hitting your wrist.

The new range of Apple Watches will reach Australia, Canada, China, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Japan, the UK and the US on April 24.


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Apple's new MacBook Air features 12-inch 2304x1440 display, and more
Apple has finished its 'Spring Forward' media event, where we've been introduced to a handful of exciting new products. One of which is the new 12-inch Retina MacBook Air, which has a resolution of 2304x1440.

The new 12-inch MBA features a thinner bezel around its display, with the keyboard reaching both edges of the base. Apple has used a new Taptic engine for the trackpad, something that provides touch feedback on the Apple Watch, is doing the same thing on the new MacBook Air - it simulates the sensation of clicking. You can push harder than a traditional tap, and it will act as a separate gesture, just like the new Watch.

Apple has removed most of the ports on the new MacBook Air, where we only have a 3.5mm headphone jack and a reversible USB-C connector. This port can charge the laptop, send video to an external display and of course, throw data around at USB 3.0 speeds. This port has allowed Apple to make its thinnest laptop yet, at just 13.1mm thick - 24% thinner than the already-thin 11-inch MacBook Air. It also weighs just 2 pounds.

Inside, the new MacBook Air is powered by Intel's Core M processor, and the promise of "all-day battery" with around 9 hours of web surfing, or up to 10 hours of HD video playback. The new MacBook will launch on April 10 starting at $1299, with 8GB of RAM and a 256GB SSD.


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Driverless Mercedes-Benz F 015 Luxury spotted on in San Francisco
Someone has snapped pictures of the totally gorgeous Mercedes-Benz F 015 Luxury in Motion research vehicle, which is a driverless luxury vehicle. The company explains that it has "interdisciplinary team of experts from Mercedes-Benz has devised a future scenario that incorporates many different aspects of day-to-day mobility".

It looks like something out of a futuristic movie, but it is right-here-right-now technology. For those who don't know, the cabin of the car is absolutely beautiful, where it looks like it has been ripped right out of a science fiction movie or TV show. Mercedes-Benz explains the F 105 Luxury in Motion research car as "Sensual, flowing transitions and warm, organic materials such as open-pore walnut wood, which has been shaped to a three-dimensional veneer, and extremely soft ice-white nappa leather contrast with clearly-defined metal and glass surfaces with a cool and technical feel".

The Mercedes-Benz F 105 Luxury in Motion can travel up to 1100 kilometers (683.5 miles) to a single 'tank', which consists of an "electric hybrid system" that uses 200km on its battery, while 900km comes courtesy of the electricity of its fuel cell.

The company continues: "The transitions between organic, metal and synthetic materials have been designed using matrix graphics; and the flowing transitions deliver a new, unparalleled feeling of bounteous space. The light-coloured fine wood used for the floor, for example, flows almost imperceptibly into the cool Plexiglass of the side panels thanks to their unusual surface matrix. The transition between the vehicle floor and the door panels also echoes the outer body shape in a characterful way. The pivotal feature of the innovative interior concept is the variable seating system, with four rotating lounge chairs that allow a face-to-face seat configuration".

During my research into the driverless luxury car, one of the things that grabbed me is that travelling in this car would be perfect for those who, like me, need to work on-the-go. Mercedes-Benz explains that the interior is a "digital living space", continuing "One core theme of the innovative interior concept is a continuous exchange of information between vehicle, passengers and the outside world. Six displays are installed to this end all around, tastefully mounted in the instrument panel and the rear and side walls, making the interior of the F 015 Luxury in Motion a digital living space - a perfect symbiosis of the virtual and the real-world. Passengers are able to interact intuitively with the connected vehicle by means of gestures or by touching the high-resolution screens".


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Samsung sees record-breaking pre-orders for the Galaxy S6, S6 Edge
Samsung announced and showed off its new Galaxy S6 and Galaxy S6 Edge handsets at its Samsung Unpacked 2015 event not too long ago now, but the South Korean giant has reportedly received a huge 20 million pre-orders for their new handsets.

The news is coming from a "top executive at a leading mobile carrier in Europe" according to The Korea Times. This executive remained anonymous, but they did say: "Samsung received some 20 million pre-orders for the S6 and S6 Edge _ 15 million of S6 and five million of the S6 Edge from mobile carriers, worldwide. This is the record".

The Samsung Galaxy S6 and Galaxy S6 Edge handsets will be available next month in select markets.


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From gamer to dealer, drug bust sees professional gamer arrested
Currently believed to be former Quake champion and current Shootmania player Maciej "av3k" Krzykowski, news has been published of a high-profile drug bust and arrest taking place recently.

Spread across three apartments in Ostróda, northern Poland, police seized 3.3lb of amphetamines, 23lb of marijuana and thousands of ecstasy tablets alongside PLN 70,000 ($18,300 US) total in cash. This operation also saw the collection of two revolvers, 100 rounds of ammunition and two suspects.

Aged 24 and 30, the accused are facing prison sentences of up to 12 years if found guilty.


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GGF LAN party shows off Avexir's amazing Raiden Series DDR3 RAM
Showing off their new sponsor, Avexir Memory, GGF LAN Party has shared this amazing white and blue color scheme RAM which looks especially beautiful when paired with the white-themed ASUS Sabertooth motherboard.

"Each stick comes with functioning lighting/tesla style tube," says GGF LAN admin Stuart Tonks, "this is just sheer beauty. Meet the Raiden Series DDR3."

With the full information available here, we've learned that this DDR3 RAM can be tailored for Dual or Quad channel builds alongside speeds ranging from 1866 MHz to 2400 MHz being available.

Unfortunately there's no DDR4 available to the public just yet, but we've been told it's coming.

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Facebook hiring 1200+ people ramping up to the Oculus Rift launch
It looks like Facebook is ramping up to the hopefully absolutely gigantic launch of the Oculus Rift CV1 (Consumer Version 1), with the social network reportedly going on a huge hiring spree. Facebook is hiring over 1200 new employees, which would see its global workforce increase by a large 14%.

Facebook acquired Oculus VR this time last year for $2 billion and has since collaborated with the company on its VR HMDs, but until now it hasn't made Oculus change anything at its core. Even to this day, Oculus still operates virtually separately to Facebook, but enjoying Facebook's deep pockets for acquiring talent, companies and I'm sure, getting contracts signed for displays, and other parts that will go into the first consumer version of the Rift.

This huge hiring spree is great news for the Oculus Rift, as Facebook is looking to secure logistics managers that will work their magic on the global supply chain. Facebook's Chief Operating Officer, Sheryl Sandberg, has said: "We are an ambitious company run by an ambitious CEO. Our users are growing and our business is growing and we want to support that".


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The damage system in Star Citizen is fully next-gen
We're three months into 2015 so it's about time that we get a deeper look at Star Citizen, with Cloud Imperium Games showing off the super impressive damage system, which you can check out in the YouTube clip below.

As you can see from the minigun shooting the spaceship, little parts of the ship become damaged. Once a heavier, or stronger weapon is shooting or blasting at the ship, the hull is breached and you can see parts of the ship underneath. It was something I didn't expect, and I actually raised an eyebrow when watching it. Impressive stuff to see happen in a game made for the PC only.

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GIGABYTE unveils its new X99 Champion series of motherboards
GIGABYTE has just unveiled four new motherboards in its growing line of motherboards, with the new X99 Champion series. The new X99-powered motherboards will arrive as the X99-Gaming 5P, X99-UD4P, X99-UD3P and the already famous X99-SOC Champion.

The new GIGABYTE X99 Champion series motherboards have support for RDIMM memory, which comes in up to 16GB per DIMM for some serious RAM setups. They also have GIGABYTE's Amp-Up audio technology, Killer E2200 or Intel's gigabit Ethernet controller. There's the usual all-digital CPU power design, IR Digital PWM, IR PowIRstage ICs, and server level chokes which ensure "server level reliability".

The new lineup of GIGABYTE X99 Champion series motherboards should be available at e-tailers and retailers near you soon.


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Did you know that Steam chat now blocks most email addresses?
It's been causing some major confusion recently, did you know that Steam now blocks most major email address' in their chat program?

After talking to a friend of mine and asking for his email, I received a message from him saying "http://gmail.com." At first I thought he was trying to troll me so I went along with it, later on after some more frustration we realized that Steam chat was actually blocking what we were sending to each other.

As you can see above, on the left I sent him a few different test emails to check exactly what is blocked. His result is on the right, showing that all of these email address' have been effectively turned into URL's. For those who don't keep up with Steam updates and patch notes, this little bit of news may cause you some headaches in the future.

This change is likely due to a massive rise in scammers, often linking emails and various URL's to users in order to gain access to their accounts and expensive skins located within.

Another interesting note is that '@xtra.co.nz' was not blocked - showing that it may be some sort of '@domain.com' automatic blocker with a few extra common ones thrown in.

If you're really in need of sending your email over steam, try typing it as "name at domain dot com," for example, "johnsmith at gmail dot com."


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Addonics Sapphire Blu-ray + eSATA + USB 3.0 Storage Enclosure Review

The Addonics Sapphire platform is one of the most versatile we have seen come through the lab here at TweakTown. With is modular design, we have a number of products including both the Snap-In Array and Write Protect, and today we add yet another solution, the Sapphire Combo Blu-ray.

The Sapphire SBDRHEU Blu-ray Combo is yet another unique solution from Addonics enabling users to install both a 3.5" hard disk in addition to Blu-ray capabilities with the installed slimline optical drive. Additional drive support can be added to this solution with an optional 2.5" adapter, users can also add 256-bit hardware encryption if needed with the Cipher USB adapter. Specs for the Blu-ray drive include a 24x CD read speed, while DVDs are supported up to 8x for both single and double layer media, Blu-ray disc support allows for a 4.8x read speed. If you plan on writing media with this drive, you will find the maximum write speed with CD media tops out at 16x, while DVD single layer media is listed at 8x and double layer stops at 4x.

Connectivity options for this solution include eSATA and USB 3.0, while operating system support goes back to Windows XP through Windows 8 along with OS X and Linux kernel 2.4+. MSRP of the Addonics Sapphire Blu-ray combo is listed at $269.99 with a one-year warranty.

Scope of delivery for the Sapphire Blu-ray includes the power adapter, data cables, and software for the Blu-ray drive.

The front of the enclosure houses the Blu-ray drive at the top, while the 3.5" drive tray slides out underneath. To the right, we have a large LED to denote power, and to the left, we have two small LEDs for activity on each disk.

Above, we have an image of our 4TB Western Digital Red Pro that we used for testing.

As with most optical solutions purchase these days, the LG CT40N used in the Addonics comes with value added software to enrich your experience with the drive.

Above, we have a list of what comes on the software disc. As you can see, we have a full suite from CyberLink including Media Espresso and PowerDVD 10.

To start testing, we put a standard CD in the Blu-ray drive. Using the AIDA64 disk benchmark suite, we came up with a peak speed of 3.56 MB/s during linear read testing. Average read access came in at 131 ms, while maximum was much higher at 269 ms.

Moving over to DVD performance, we found peak read speeds during linear testing to reach 9.49 MB/s, while average access hovered around 128 ms.

Blu-ray, as expected, was a little quicker. Peak read speed came in at 20.4 MB/s with 201 ms average read access.

Moving on from the optical disk testing, we ran our WD Red Pro HDD through testing and came up with 180 MB/s read with 176 MB/s write via USB 3.0.

Of course, we didn't stop with testing this solution with a hard drive, we had to toss in our Intel 730 SSD and give it a run as well. This allows us to see the absolute peak of the enclosure to make sure there are no bottlenecks that would be experienced. Peak read speed came in at 269 MB/s, while write performance topped at 274 MB/s.

Like many of the Addonics solutions that come through the lab, the Sapphire Blu-ray certainly has its market. The build quality is superb with its alloy shell adding both durability and aesthetic appeal to the unit, while the plastics that accompany the unit seem to be up to the task as well. The mechanics that are present in both the hinges of the front tray feel very tight and at the same time are linked to allow easy ejection of any drive installed.

Performance of the solution was good, but could have been better. We were able to reach a peak of 269 MB/s read and 274 MB/s write with our Intel SSD, which does give the unit plenty of performance for it intended use. The Blu-ray drive was certainly a great addition to the overall package, but like most slim drives, it does get a little noisy while in operation.

Overall, with the value added software and the great build quality of the Sapphire Blu-ray combo, Addonics has a well-rounded product with plug and play capabilities fit for the average consumer.

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GIGABYTE Launches X99 Champion Series Motherboards
GIGABYTE TECHNOLOGY Co. Ltd., a leading manufacturer of motherboards and video cards is proud to announce today the addition of 4 new high performance motherboards to their comprehensive Intel X99 chipsets offering with the X99 Champion series. The new motherboards consist of the X99-Gaming 5P, X99-UD4P, X99-UD3P and the already famous X99-SOC Champion.

DDR4 memory modules are available at a stock frequency of 2133 MHz, but memory vendors encode XMP profiles which can automatically modify the frequency and timings of the supported memory modules to work in par with your CPU. With the X99 Champion Series, GIGABYTE is offering a tested and proven platform that ensures proper compatibility with profiles up to 3200 MHz, and exclusively 3400 MHz for the X99-SOC Champion.

Paired with DDR4 memory such as the Corsair Limited Edition Orange Dominator Platinum kit, which was custom designed for the GIGABYTE X99-SOC Champion motherboard, users can take advantage of better responsiveness during gaming and faster operation execution in memory demanding works applications.

Corsair Dominator Platinum Series 16GB DDR4 - DRAM 3400MHz C16 Memory Kit

GIGABYTE X99 Champion series motherboards also provide support for RDIMM memory which allows users to use greater density memory sticks up to 16GB per stick. This paired with a range of exciting features such as the GIGABYTE's Amp-Up Audio, Killer E2200 or Intel gigabit Ethernet controller and unique GIGABYTE Ultra Durable features means that users can truly build a PC that brings them exceptional performance and durability.

Genuine All Digital Power Design

GIGABYTE X99 Champion series motherboards use an all-digital CPU power design from International Rectifier which includes both digital 4th Generation digital PWM Controller and industry-leading 3rd Generation PowIRstage controllers. These 100% digital controllers offer incredible precision in delivering power to the motherboard's most power-hungry and energy-sensitive components, allowing enthusiasts to get the absolute maximum performance from their next generation Intel Core processors.

IR Digital PWM and IR PowIRstage ICs

This new generation of IR digital power controllers and PowIRstage ICs feature Isense technology, which provides more precise current sensing accuracy. This helps evenly distribute the thermal loading between the PowerIRstage ICs, preventing the overheating of each individual PowIRstage, resulting in longer lifespan and better reliability.

Server Level Chokes

GIGABYTE X99 Champion series motherboards features Server Level Chokes.

• Server level reliability
• High current capacity
• New design reduces heat created by power loss and provides efficient power delivery to CPU VRM area.

Long Lifespan Durable Black Solid Caps

GIGABYTE X99 Champion series motherboards integrate the absolute best quality solid state capacitors that are rated to perform at the maximum efficiency for extended periods, even in extreme performance configurations. This provides peace of mind for end users who want to push their system hard, yet demand absolute stability.

6x Gold Plating

GIGABYTE X99 Champion series motherboards come equipped with a 30 micron thick gold plating, 4 PCIe slots and over the DIMM slots, which means that enthusiasts can enjoy better connectivity, absolute reliability and longevity for the diverse connectors overtime, without having any concerns about corroded pins and bad contacts.

Creative Sound Core3D Quad-Core Audio Processor Plus Creative SBX Pro Studio Audio Suite

Exclusive to the gaming motherboard of the X99 Champion series, the X99-Gaming 5P features the world's first Quad-Core Creative Sound Core3D Audio Processor plus Advanced Creative SBX PRO STUDIO Audio Suite. SBX Pro Studio suite of audio playback technologies delivers a new level of audio immersion. Realistic surround sound, the ability to clearly hear specific sounds in a gaming environment are just a few elements of SBX Pro Studio that enhances the overall experience, be it movies, games or music.

Realtek ALC 1150 115dB SNR HD Audio with Built-In Reat Audio Amplifier

Featured across the other Champion motherboards is the Realtek ALC1150, a high-performance multi-channel High Definition Audio Codec that delivers an exceptional audio listening experience with up to 115dB SNR, ensuring users get the best possible audio quality from their PC.

The ALC1150 provides ten DAC channels that simultaneously support 7.1-channel sound playback, plus 2 channels of independent stereo sound output (multiple streaming) through the front panel stereo outputs. Two stereo ADCs are integrated and can support a microphone array with Acoustic Echo Cancellation (AEC), Beam Forming (BF), and Noise Suppression (NS) technologies. The ALC1150 incorporates Realtek proprietary converter technology to achieve Front differential output 115dB Signal-to-Noise ratio (SNR) playback (DAC) quality and 104dB SNR recording (ADC) quality.

Killer Networking

The GIGABYTE X99-Gaming 5P motherboard features the Killer E2200, a high-performance, adaptive gigabit Ethernet controller that offers better online gaming and online media performance compared to standard solutions. The Killer E2200 features Advanced Stream Detect technology, which identifies and prioritizes all network traffic to ensure important applications that require high-speed connectivity are prioritized over less important traffic.

Intel GbE LAN with cFos Internet Accelerator Software

Additional GIGABYTE X99 Champion series motherboards feature cFos Speed, a network traffic management application which helps to improve network latency, maintaining low ping times to deliver better responsiveness in a crowded LAN environment. cFos Speed works in a similar way to an OS driver, monitoring network traffic packets at the application layer, allowing optimization and improved network performance for specific applications.

For more information, visit the product pages of GA-X99-UD3P, GA-X99-UD4P, GA-X99-Gaming 5P, and GA-X99-SOC Champion.


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Ozone Gaming Announces Strike Battle Compact Mechanical Gaming Keyboard
Spanish Ozone Gaming has started this year with Blast series headsets and today they are releasing new simple and ergonomic mechanic compact keyboard, which includes red LED Backlight keys.

Ozone Strike Battle offers the biggest Cherry MX key switches selection for users. Depending on your style you can choose from MX red, MX blue, MX black, MX brown, MX green, MX clear, and MX white. Small and ergonomic compact design ensures to leave more free space on the desk for gaming mouse and mousepad. This will be appreciated by any first person shooters gamers who play and aim at low sensitivity.

Having a smaller design transforms the keyboard in the perfect partner to compete in different Lan Party or tournament places. Additionally it is more comfortable to transport this way without losing any real output of a mechanical keyboard.

Ozone Gaming Strike Battle includes red LED backlight keys, offering the night gaming environment for which every gamer is looking in any product. The aluminum top case with 50.000.000 keystrokes, allows the player to enjoy a long lasting and resistant keyboard almost for full life.

Mechanical keyboard has built in 5 profiles and the configuration of shortcuts to save different skills goes up to 30 programmable macros. These profiles also ensure different configurations depending on which type of game the player is on: MOBA, FPS, or MMO. The 64 KB of on board memory allows to systematize all the different movements of each specific player, making it easier to adapt to any kind of style.

Technical details:

• Product name: Ozone Strike Battle - Mechanical Gaming Keyboard
• Top case: aluminium
• Feet: ABS, TPR
• Keycaps: ABS 94HB
• Maximum number of macros: 30
• Number of keys: 87
• Polling rate: 125 - 1000 Hz
• Keys effective time: adjustable - 1ms, 2ms, 4ms, 8ms, 12ms, 14ms, 16ms
• Maximum number of profiles: 5
• On-board memory: 64 KB
• LED Backlit: Red
• LED Backlit options: Off, 100% breathing, 30%, 70%, 100% still, Gaming Light (ESC, QWEASD, direction keys)
• Cable length: 1.5m Braided
• Connection: USB
• Dimensions: 34.59(H) x 351(L) x 123(W) mm
• Weight: 685 g
• Additional features:
• G-Mode (Windows buttons off)
• All keys with Nkey Rollover (antighosting)

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