Tag Archives: gaming

BMW

With a brand new addition to the crew, BMW M Motorsport embarks on an formidable 2024 Automotive Gaming season.

Munich. BMW M Motorsport is coming into the 2024 Automotive Gaming season with three BMW M groups. This yr, the drivers will once more compete for titles in essentially the most prestigious and top-class racing sequence within the digital motorsport world on quite a few related platforms. While BS+COMPETITION and Team Redline are already heading into their fourth season alongside BMW, a brand new crew, MOUZ, is making its debut as a part of the BMW M Motorsport household. 

 

The Esports crew MOUSESPORTS (MOUZ), based in Berlin (GER) in 2002, is without doubt one of the most profitable gaming organisations on this planet and now enriches the versatile digital BMW M Motorsport line-up. The inside introduction of MOUZ came about at first of the yr. In early February, BMW M Motorsport invited its three BMW M groups to a Media Day on the coronary heart of BMW in Munich (GER).

In a convergence of various worlds throughout the BMW cosmos, along with the media manufacturing of photograph and video materials, the drivers and crew officers, within the presence of BMW M works driver Bruno Spengler (CAN), got a tour of the BMW M Motorsport headquarters and the BMW Group’s mum or dad plant in Munich, the capital of Bavaria. However, the main target of the occasion was on enjoyable, in addition to the assembly and mutual alternate throughout the BMW M Motorsport household.

BMW M Power Tour in collaboration with iRacing.

A brand new thrilling challenge has emerged from the profitable collaboration between BMW M Motorsport and the simulation platform iRacing, the BMW M Power Tour. The sequence is aimed on the massive and passionate iRacing neighborhood.

Starting in mid-March, over ten weeks, there will likely be common racing occasions from Tuesday to Thursday that includes varied BMW M racing automobiles from the iRacing portfolio. This contains not solely the present flagship fashions, the BMW M Hybrid V8 and the BMW M4 GT3, but in addition historic icons just like the BMW Z4 GT3.

Comments on the 2024 digital racing programme of BMW M Motorsport:

Andreas Roos (Head of BMW M Motorsport): “We are pleased to be able to start the new automotive gaming season this year with a strong programme. This underlines the high importance that virtual racing continues to enjoy as a solid pillar alongside our global motorsport commitments. I’m keeping my fingers crossed for all the teams and drivers!”

 

Timo Brückner (Project Lead BMW M Motorsport Automotive Gaming): “The fact that we were able to further strengthen our already strong line-up of teams with our long-standing partners Redline and BS+COMPETITION by adding the new BMW M Team MOUZ makes us proud and lets us look forward to the new season with great anticipation and confidence. Together, we want to fight for victories and championships in the biggest and most exciting racing series of the virtual motorsport world in 2024.”

 

Florian Haasper (Team Principal BMW M Team BS+COMPETITION): “Our partnership with BMW M Motorsport is already entering its fourth year in 2024. It is in the DNA of BS+COMPETITION to represent the legendary colours of BMW M in the most important virtual races in the world – and on many different platforms such as iRacing, Rennsport, Assetto Corsa Competizione, or Gran Turismo. Together we work not only to be successful on the track. Together with BMW M Motorsport, BS+COMPETITION wants to reach new target groups, excite them for racing, and captivate them with exciting storytelling. The Zebras are ready for another successful Esports year!”

 

Atze Kerkhof (Director BMW M Team Redline): “Over the years, we have built a fantastic relationship with BMW M Motorsport, and we feel honored and excited to start the 2024 season with this partnership. With many exciting races on the calendar and a refined team composition, we aim for nothing less than victories. 2024 will be another crucial year for virtual racing, and we are grateful to be able to dive into this phase together with BMW M Motorsport.”

 

René Lannte (COO BMW M Team MOUZ): “With BMW M Motorsport, we have found the ideal partner for our ambitions in virtual racing. For years, BMW M Motorsport has been engaging in various ways in the field of virtual motorsport and knows how to connect the real and digital worlds. This commitment has had a significant influence on the rapid development of the genre. Together, BMW M Motorsport and MOUZ want to present the topic of automotive gaming to a broader audience, stage exciting stories around the stars of virtual motorsport, and show development opportunities around the topic of automotive gaming. With almost 22 years of pioneering work, MOUZ has shaped the world of Esports, and therefore the progressive attitude and passion of BMW M Motorsport in virtual racing quickly convinced us. Thanks to our similar mindsets, we are confident that we can advance automotive gaming sustainably. Our partnership will enable us to transfer the excitement and enthusiasm of real motorsport into the digital world. We are M – We are MOUZ.”

 

Tony Gardner (President of iRacing.com): “We are thrilled to team up with BMW M Motorsport again for the BMW M Power Tour in 2024. As part of its commitment to virtual racing and Esports as a whole, BMW M Motorsport has long been one of the partners who have supported us most committedly. We are excited to see how the sim racers will embrace the new approach of the BMW M Power Tour, where a different BMW M Motorsport model is in the spotlight each week.”

 

Race calendar BMW M Power Tour.

 

12-14 March: BMW M Hybrid V8, Sebring International Raceway

19-21 March: BMW M4 GT4, Nürburgring Grand Prix

26-28 March: BMW Z4 GT3, Okayama International Circuit

2-4 April: BMW M8 GTE, Red Bull Ring

9/11 April: BMW M Hybrid V8, Suzuka GP

16-18 April: BMW M4 GT3, Autódromo Internacional do Algarve

23-25 April: BMW Z4 GT3, Motorsport Arena Oschersleben

30 April – 2 May: BMW M8 GTE, Brands Hatch GP

7-9 May: BMW M Hybrid V8, Laguna Seca Raceway

14-16 May: BMW M4 GT3, Misano World Circuit

21-23 May: BMW M4 GT4, Nürburgring Nordschleife

28-30 May: BMW M Hybrid V8, Circuit des 24 Heures

VR/AR

7 Features That Will Help You Get The Most Out Of Your Meta Quest 3 VR Headset

Thanks to the ever-increasing costs of sport consoles and services, and of games themselves, gaming is an costly interest. Any method it can save you cash whereas buying new video games is welcome, particularly when it is constructed into the gaming system.

Unlike different gaming consoles, the Meta Quest line of headsets features a referral program that anybody can arrange. Just ship a referral hyperlink to a pal, and as soon as they buy and activate a Quest product, you obtain $30 in retailer credit score. This system is not simply restricted to bodily peripherals but additionally applies to video games and different apps, as long as they price not less than $10. While you obtain much less cash from these referrals (round $5 of retailer credit score), the frugality goes each methods. Anyone who buys a Meta Quest sport by way of a referral receives a 25% low cost on their buy.

Like different good digital sport storefronts, Meta lets clients refund purchases if they do not like a sport, app, or peripheral. If you assume an merchandise wasn’t well worth the cash, you may return it inside 30 days and obtain a full refund (minus delivery charges). Of course, as with most refund insurance policies, Meta Quest objects and program returns are topic to sure caveats. For occasion, in the event you purchased a Meta Quest 3 from a retailer, you must undergo its refund coverage/program, not Meta’s. Furthermore, in the event you bought a peripheral or program by the referral system, must you request a refund, the referral hyperlink’s creator will not obtain any retailer credit score. Otherwise, what’s to cease clients from abusing the 2 methods to obtain free cash?

Smartphones

Temu, Minecraft, Max Among Most Popular iPhone And iPad Apps Of 2023

“Minecraft,” which got here out over 12 years in the past, remains to be dominating the cellular gaming market with gamers of all ages — it is primary in each the highest paid iPhone video games and high paid iPad video games lists for 2023. “Heads Up!,” “Geometry Dash,” “Bloons TD 6,” and “Monopoly” make up the remainder of the highest 5 iPhone paid video games listing, whereas the highest 5 paid iPad video games listing is barely completely different: “Geometry Dash,” “Bloons TD 6,” “Stardew Valley,” and “Monopoly” are in positions two by way of 5. This is smart, although — “Heads Up!” is hard to play when you have to shortly flip a 12.9-inch iPad to your brow.

While “Minecraft” topped the paid video games lists, “Roblox” is doing practically the identical without cost video games. It’s within the quantity two spot for the highest free iPhone video games of 2023 and essentially the most downloaded free iPad recreation of the 12 months. “Roblox” was overwhelmed by “Monopoly Go!” for the highest spot without cost iPhone video games, and “Royal Match,” “Subway Surfers,” and “Gardenscapes” took the quantity three, 4, and 5 positions, respectively. “Magic Tiles 3: Piano Game,” “Subway Surfers,” “Royal Match,” and “Among Us!” fill out the highest 5 listing of free iPad video games of 2023.

Apple additionally listed essentially the most downloaded titles from its Apple Arcade service, which lets you play any of its video games if you’re a paid subscriber. The high 5 Apple Arcade video games within the U.S. for 2023 had been: “NBA 2K23 Arcade Edition,” “Cooking Mama: Cuisine!,” “Bloons TD 6+,” “Angry Birds Reloaded,” and “Sneaky Sasquatch.”

Reviews

Panasonic SoundSlayer Wireless Review: A New Option for Gaming Headphones

The SoundSlayer GNW10 by Panasonic offers three preset gaming sound modes: RPG, FPS, and Voice. Each mode is designed to meet the audio needs of players in different game genres.

In RPG mode, the lower, bass frequencies and higher frequencies are boosted, while middle frequencies remain at a normal, stereo level. This creates a rich soundscape that enhances in-game explosions, crashes, and overall immersion.

FPS mode utilizes spatial audio to enhance subtle sounds such as footsteps, providing players with a competitive edge. This mode is similar to RPG mode but with boosted middle frequencies to pick up footsteps, making it also suitable for third-person shooter games.

Voice mode enhances human voices in adventure games, making character dialog more audible. Lower frequencies are reduced while higher frequencies retain their level, ensuring clear mid-frequency dialog. This mode is particularly useful for ensuring dialog is not overshadowed by combat sounds in adventure games.

For a well-balanced, full-sounding mode that suits most games without needing to switch between modes, RPG mode is recommended. It maintains clear voices and provides an atmospheric sound that works well for a wide range of games.

Reviews

Steam Deck OLED Review: Worth The Weight

Many handheld gaming devices use Windows 11 with additional software to improve the user experience, but Windows doesn’t work ideally with controllers and touchscreens. Valve’s solution to this issue was to create SteamOS, a Linux-based platform that offers a smooth and streamlined interface similar to that of Xbox, PlayStation, or Nintendo Switch.

When using Steam’s own storefront and software ecosystem, the Steam Deck provides the best handheld gaming experience. The device boots up quickly and allows you to launch games without any hassle, offering a seamless experience like that of a game console. Despite running on Linux, the Steam Deck can play most games designed for Windows through a compatibility layer.

The only downside is that installing games from sources other than Steam, or alternative game launcher/stores such as Epic Games, Humble App, or GOG Galaxy, requires a somewhat convoluted process. This is understandable as Valve aims to promote the use of the Steam store and has tailored the entire experience around playing games from Steam.

Desktops, PC Gaming

How To Choose The Best Raspberry Pi Model For Your Retro Gaming Project

Choosing the right Raspberry Pi model for your gaming project depends on your specific needs and preferences. One important consideration is the presence of an HDMI port, which allows you to connect your Raspberry Pi to a display. If you require an HDMI port, you should avoid getting a Raspberry Pi Pico as it does not have one. Additionally, you will need sufficient USB ports for connecting controllers. A minimum of two USB ports is recommended. Furthermore, the chosen model should support an SD or microSD card where you can store your emulator and games.

In general, both the Raspberry Pi 3B+ and Pi 4 are suitable for gaming purposes. There are some differences between the two models, and they cater to different needs. For example, the Pi 4 offers significant improvements and comes with more RAM options, making it capable of running more complex games such as those from the Nintendo 64. After selecting your Raspberry Pi model, you can refer to this guide on turning it into a gaming console of your own: how to build your own retro gaming console with a Raspberry Pi.

Gaming Accessories

5 Of The Best Ultrawide Monitors To Enhance Your Gaming Experience

If you’re looking for the ultimate ultrawide monitor for gaming, you’ve come to the right place. While there are more powerful options out there and certainly cheaper ones as well, this particular monitor is considered to be top of the line by many. It offers a winning combination of performance, stunning visuals, and a relatively high price tag that is not as extravagant as some other high-end screens on the market.

In terms of specifications, this monitor is an absolute behemoth, boasting a massive 49-inch display with a resolution of 5,120 x 1,440 pixels and a 32:9 aspect ratio. Being a large monitor, it is also curved, which only adds to the overall immersive experience. The monitor impresses with deep contrasts, beautiful colors, and seamless handling of high dynamic range (HDR) content. Additionally, it offers an impressive 240Hz refresh rate, ensuring buttery smooth gameplay.

However, it’s important to note that the Samsung Odyssey Neo G9 does come with a hefty price tag. Its standard retail price is a staggering $2,199, which is enough to build a great PC on its own. But don’t worry, you can often find it on sale for as low as $1,379, making it a much more reasonable investment considering its outstanding features and performance.

Accessories and Peripherals, News

LG Releases Exclusive ‘League Of Legends’ UltraGear Gaming Monitor

LG has unveiled a new gaming monitor that is specifically designed for gamers who enjoy playing the popular game, “League of Legends.” The monitor features a 27-inch OLED borderless display with HDR10 support and runs at a remarkable 240Hz refresh rate, offering an impressive response time of just .03 milliseconds Gray-to-Gray. A higher refresh rate enhances the smoothness of framerates, resulting in a more responsive gaming experience. While most gaming monitors currently offer a refresh rate of 144Hz or 165Hz, LG has significantly raised the bar with this new display, which may positively impact players who rely on precise frame-perfect actions. Additionally, the monitor boasts a QHD resolution of 2,560 x 1,440 and is equipped with anti-glare and low reflection technology.

Aside from its remarkable internal components, the monitor also features a Hextech-inspired design on its exterior, incorporating metal elements and LED lighting to enhance the display’s visual appeal. The device’s settings and options are presented through a unique “League of Legends” interface, specifically tailored for gamers.

Similar to other gaming monitors, this LG UltraGear OLED model, known as the 27GR95QL, allows users to adjust the display’s height and tilt, swivel, and pivot the screen to achieve their desired viewing angle. The monitor is currently available for purchase exclusively through LG’s website, but it is only accessible in select locations, including the U.K., France, Spain, Sweden, Italy, Saudia Arabia, and South Korea. As it is a limited edition release, the monitor’s pricing has not been officially announced yet, but it is expected to be relatively expensive compared to similar displays.

Gaming

What You Should Know Before Buying a Gaming PC on eBay

When searching for a “gaming PC” on eBay, the first sponsored result is from “Sj Computers LLC.” They offer a refurbished HP mini-tower with RGB lighting, which serves as a good example of what is available in this market. The price of this PC ranges from $274.99 to $482.99, depending on the configuration. The vendor also provides free shipping, free returns, and a one-year warranty from Allstate (formerly SquareTrade).

You have the option to customize the specs of the PC. You can choose between 16GB or 32GB of DDR4 RAM, mixed SSD/HDD storage options or a 1TB SSD, and either an NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1050Ti with 4GB RAM or an NVIDIA GeForce GT 1030 with 2GB RAM as your GPU. Additionally, you can add-on a monitor (22 or 24 inches) and/or an accessory bundle (RGB mouse/keyboard combo or the same bundle along with an unbranded headset). The CPU is a 3.4GHz (4.0GHz turbo boost) sixth-generation Intel Core i7-6700.

Now, let’s take a look at the most powerful configuration: the one with the highest RAM, the most storage (1TB SSD plus 2TB HDD), the more powerful graphics card, RGB accessories, and no monitor. This particular configuration is priced at $384.99 plus tax. Not a bad deal for a “gaming PC,” right?

However, if you read the description carefully, you’ll notice that these PCs are recommended for “Casual Computing, Engineering Coding, Gaming, Graphic Design, Industrial, Office.” This raises the question: why are these PCs versatile enough for such a wide range of tasks?

Gaming, News

8BitDo Micro Controller Solves a Major Issue with Android and Nintendo Switch Gaming

Even if you don’t necessarily need it for gaming, the 8BitDo Micro controller is worth considering. With its Keyboard Mode, you can assign different functions to all 16 inputs. While typing a novel may be challenging with only 16 letters, Keyboard Mode is perfect for using quick keyboard shortcuts for various applications. Additionally, you can use it as a remote camera trigger for capturing selfies and videos. The best part is that Keyboard Mode is compatible not only with Android but also with iOS and Windows. This means you can connect the Micro to a wide range of devices, including the iPad Pro.

Despite its compact size, the 8BitDo Micro has an impressive 10-hour battery life and can fully charge in just 1-2 hours. You can also keep it connected with a USB cable for uninterrupted usage. Weighing less than 25 grams and measuring 72 x 40.7 x 14.1 mm, the Micro is considerably smaller than the standard Joy-Con controller. When you purchase the 8BitDo Micro, it comes with a USB cable, instruction manual, and wrist strap. The wrist strap comes in handy because this tiny controller can easily get lost if dropped.