Gaming
Google Announces Game Streaming Service Called Stadia
With Project Stream in October, Google’s rumoured work on a game streaming service was all but confirmed. At the Game Developers Conference a couple of days ago, Google Stadia was officially announced and will bring console-quality games to Chrome, Android, and TVs.
Streaming games is much more technically complex than audio or video, and requires latency in the milliseconds. What’s being shown on-screen is already incredibly detailed — with movement often taking into account real-world physics — and must accept user input.
Google wants to “build a game platform for everyone,” and make technology widely accessible. According to Sundar Pichai, Stadia is powered by the “Best of Google,” inspired by developers, and amplified by YouTube creators. For developers, Google focussed on three principles: Create + Scale + Connect. Over 100 units of development hardware have been shipped to studios around the world.
Stadia itself is comprised of a custom 2.7GHz hyperthreaded x86 CPUs, while Google also worked with AMD on a custom GPU, which features 56 compute units. There is 16 GB of combined VRAM and system RAM, with performance rated at 10.7 Teraflops of power. For comparison, the Xbox One X is 6.0 teraflops, while the PS4 Pro is 4.2.
Powered by Linux, it supports the Vulkan graphics API and Google partnered with Unreal to fully support the Stadia platform. With Stadia, YouTube watchers can press “Play now” at the end of a video, and be brought into the game within 5 seconds. The service provides “instant access” via button or link, just like any other piece of content on the web.
Stadia at launch will be available on desktops, laptops, TV, tablets, and phones. This includes Chrome OS, even though there is no hardware acceleration on devices like the Pixelbook. Seamless switching allows users to move between all devices and save their state. Additionally, Stadia will support cross-platform play for developers and gamers on other consoles.
For TVs, Stadia will work via a Chromecast Ultra. Players can use existing controllers, keyboards, and mice. Google designed its own controller to bring the full Stadia experience. Stadia supports 4K at 60FPS with HDR and surround sound at launch, Google hopes to get to 8K resolution in the future. This is a step up from 1080p during the Project Stream technical test last October. On the sharing front, Stadia users will be able to share a 4K 60FPS stream directly to YouTube
A “Crowd Play” feature allows watchers to “Join a game” being streamed, with creators able to manage the queue. As such, YouTube becomes an ever larger discovery platform for gaming. Elsewhere, Google Assistant integration allows users to ask “How do I beat this level” right in Stadia without having to use another device to open a YouTube walkthrough.
Google is opening a first-party studio called Stadia Games and Entertainment to create content. Storied game executive producer Jade Raymond is its new head. Sign-ups for players are available at Stadia.com, with a launch in 2019. It will initially be available in the US, Canada, UK, and Europe. More details are coming this summer, including launch titles.
Gaming
Gosu Academy Announces UAE Expansion
Gosu Academy, a leading provider of esports coaching and education, has announced its expansion into the UAE. The company’s entry into the region comes at an opportune time, as the gaming industry is poised to contribute over $1 billion to Dubai’s GDP by 2033, with an estimated 30,000 jobs to be created.
The announcement further aligns with Gosu Academy’s mission to empower individuals through exceptional education in gaming and esports, supporting the UAE’s ambition to become a global esports hub. Established by seasoned professionals with over twenty years of expertise, Gosu Academy started its journey in the United States and Europe before expanding to Asia.
Gosu Academy is expanding into the UAE to take advantage of the nation’s dynamic gaming community and its progressive esports initiatives, having already established a footprint in the Middle East, including Saudi Arabia. Having trained more than 14,000 students globally, the academy’s expansion to the UAE marks a pivotal step in its global growth strategy.
F. Javier Bernal, Co-Founder & Co-CEO of Gosu Academy said, “This market presents tremendous opportunities, and we are eager to enhance the region’s fast-developing esports landscape. In line with the Dubai government’s focus on this sector and the vision of the Dubai Program for Gaming (DPG) 2033, which aims to create jobs and bolster innovation, we strongly believe that Gosu Academy, through our expertise, can contribute significantly to this initiative. At the same time, Abu Dhabi’s ambitious project to build an Esports Island reflects its distinct approach, focusing on creating a dedicated hub for global esports events and immersive gaming experiences. We aspire to cultivate a new wave of gaming and esports experts in the UAE, establishing the nation as a frontier in this sector, with both Abu Dhabi and Dubai playing complementary roles in driving the future of esports.”
Braeden Plein, Co-Founder & Co-CEO of Gosu Academy, remarked, “Our mission is to redefine the future of gaming and esports by equipping individuals with essential skills and knowledge for success. DPG 2033, which aims to generate 30,000 jobs in this sector, resonates deeply with our objectives. We are dedicated to advancing this vision and providing our best support in achieving the economic target of USD 1 billion in the Gaming industry by nurturing outstanding talent and providing meaningful employment opportunities within the industry.”
Gadgets
Acer Shows Off Project DualPlay Gaming Laptop Concept with Detachable Controllers
Acer today unveiled the Project DualPlay gaming laptop concept at its next@acer global press conference in Berlin, Germany. This Predator concept embraces the latest gaming trends, unleashing a new dimension of versatile and shared PC gaming experiences that converge in one powerful device.
Project DualPlay pushes the boundaries of gaming on-the-go, offering players more ways to enjoy their favourite AAA titles. The cutting-edge design features a vast touchpad that doubles as a built-in detachable wireless controller. Players can easily wield the wireless controller from its electromagnetic lock by simply placing two fingers on the release button located on top of the keyboard. This action also triggers the two high-fidelity, 5-watt pop-out speakers to emerge from the sides of the laptop, immersing players in heart-pounding audio that brings every scene to life.
For multiplayer enthusiasts, Project DualPlay allows another player to jump in on the action. Whether it’s a first-person shooter, multiplayer online battle, sports, or fighting games such as Capcom Street Fighter 6, Project DualPlay elevates gaming control and experiences to new heights. The detachable controller can be further separated into two joysticks that are perfect for head-to-head combat on the next evolution of the Street Fighter series and can instantly transform the laptop into a battle station. This feature also provides gamers with the flexibility to switch seamlessly between keyboard and controller gaming, and to adapt to different playing styles and game genres.
The new gaming laptop concept creates an electrifying atmosphere that fuels gamers’ passion. The device is wrapped with customizable 360-degree dynamic RGB lighting on the keyboard, screen bezels, and wide trackpad area to add to its visual appeal. The mesmerizing light show extends even further to the infinity mirror lighting bar at the backside and the detachable controller’s joysticks, dazzling players during gameplay.
With Project DualPlay, the Predator brand is innovating the gaming laptop market. The concept represents a bold step forward in gaming innovation, promising to deliver unique experiences and engagements for gamers of all levels.
Displays
Acer Announces New Gaming Monitors
Acer today announced a comprehensive expansion of its Predator and Nitro gaming monitor lines, alongside new smart monitors, all designed to cater to a wide array of users, from competitive gamers to tech-savvy home users. With these launches, Acer continues to push the boundaries of display technology, offering unprecedented performance and visual excellence.
The Predator gaming monitor line includes two new 27-inch models that promise to deliver exceptional speed and stunning visuals for enjoying the latest titles in their full glory. The new Nitro gaming monitors deliver high-definition resolution with blazing refresh rates of up to 600 Hz, placing these models among the fastest in today’s market. Both the new Nitro and Acer smart monitors include features that enhance user convenience and usability when working or streaming content directly from the devices, including the built-in WebOS platform, screen-mirroring technology, and Wi-Fi and Bluetooth support.
Predator XB273U F5
Boasting a WQHD (2560×1440) resolution and an incredibly fast refresh rate of 360 Hz makes the Predator XB273U F5 a gaming goliath. It is equipped with NVIDIA’s new G-SYNC Pulsar technology that delivers a significant breakthrough with 4x more effective motion clarity together with smooth and tear-free variable refresh rate gaming. Supporting 90% of the DCI-P3 color gamut, HDR, and high 550-nit peak brightness, it delivers incredibly lifelike colors and accurate images that enhance the visual experience.
Predator XB273K V5
With a crisp 4K (3840 x 2160) resolution, a smooth 160 Hz refresh rate, and support from AMD FreeSync Premium technology, the Predator XB273K V5 is sure to deliver flawless gameplay. They can also freely choose a higher refresh rate option with an FHD resolution at 320 Hz based on the demands of the game and the task at hand thanks to DFR technology.
A contrast ratio of 100,000,000:1 helps to produce deep blacks and bright whites, so important details aren’t missed in-game. With up to 400 nit brightness and VESA DisplayHDR™ 400 certification, pictures are portrayed in vibrant luminosity. The DCI-P3 95% colour gamut supports up to 1.07 billion colours to deliver stunningly realistic images.
Their lightning-fast response times of up to 0.5 ms (GTG) reduce motion blur and ensure fast-moving objects are displayed clearly, providing a competitive edge in the fiercest battles and deepening gamers’ immersion in their favourite virtual worlds. These new models also sport premium IPS panels affording wide 178-degree viewing angles to guarantee consistent picture quality from any position. In addition, two HDMI 2.1 ports and one DisplayPort 1.4 deliver powerful connectivity. For maximized comfort, the Predator monitors offer comprehensive ergonomic adjustments with tilt, swivel, pivot, and height options.
The new Nitro gaming monitors target gamers seeking next-level gameplay, better features, and immersive experiences. The lineup includes two 27-inch and one 24-inch models, all with AMD FreeSync Premium compatibility, engineered to ensure smoother frames by minimizing screen stuttering and tearing. These “UltraSpeed” monitors combine high-resolution panels, fast refresh rates, and blazing response times.
The 24-inch Nitro XV240 F6 is an FHD-resolution monitor with a blazing 600 Hz refresh rate and up to a 0.1 ms G-to-G response time, making it among the fastest gaming displays currently available. It boasts a VESA DisplayHDR 400 certification and supports 95% coverage of the DCI-P3 colour gamut to ensure stunning brightness and colour reproduction.
The Nitro XV270 F5 is one of the 27-inch gaming monitors featuring an FHD (1920×1080) IPS panel with a 520 Hz refresh rate, and a response time of 0.5 ms G-to-G that puts players right in the centre of the action. The HDR10-certified display offers outstanding colours and frames, with 400 nits peak brightness and a 100,000,000:1 dynamic contrast ratio.
Rounding out the latest gaming displays is the Nitro XV270U F5, with a 27-inch WQHD (2560×1440) IPS display, a 500 Hz refresh rate, and up to 0.5 ms G-to-G response time. With HDR10 and 99% sRGB colour gamut support, combined with 250 nits brightness and a 100,000,000:1 contrast ratio, the display delivers blur-free images, phenomenal colour reproduction, and realistic scenes in any gaming realm. All Nitro monitors come with a pair of HDMI and a display port to support up to WQHD gaming on the latest consoles.
Acer and Nitro Smart Monitors
Acer’s new smart monitors come with WebOS built-in, allowing users to conveniently surf, work, and play, without having to open a laptop or connect to another device. WebOS also enables simultaneous task execution, smooth content playback, seamless user interface navigation, and content management. They also offer user-friendly features including Wi-Fi and Bluetooth support, Airplay and Miracast for wireless screen mirroring, and a RJ45 port for additional internet connection options.
The 31.5-inch Acer CS322QK smart monitor is great for those working from home or who enjoy streaming content. This 4K UHD IPS monitor with a 98% coverage of the DCI-P3 colour range, HDR10 video standard, and 350 nit brightness provides immersive and visual experiences for individual or family-sized viewing.
The 27-inch Nitro GS272U smart monitor stands out from other smart monitors in its class as it combines WQHD (2560×1440) resolution and up to a 180 Hz refresh rate, making it an excellent gaming companion. Essential HDMI and display ports are made available on both smart displays, plus the addition of a USB Type-C port for added convenience and functionality.