Genius, a leading global brand in personal peripheral devices for the digital world, is proud to announce its latest high-end offering for gamers with a premier gaming headset providing immersive audio that is light-weight in an aggressive design. The HS-G680 surround sound gaming headset is a 7.1 multi-channel device that enables gamers to hear and feel audio on a totally new level, adding realism to the experience, making you feel the intensity of the games you play.

Be part of the action with the immersive 50mm drivers and incredible surround sound for a lifelike experience as it feels just like you are in a battle. Hear footsteps, gauge distance and direction and detect sneaking enemies with great positional and spatial rendering from HS-G680. Keep the sounds to yourself and game while people around you talk without bothering you.

ASUS today announced Xonar U7 MKII, a high-quality USB sound card and headphone amplifier. The compact Xonar U7 MKII is an upgraded version of the acclaimed Xonar U7 and features true 7.1-channel,192kHz/24-bit high-definition (HD) surround-sound output for incredible audio performance. Xonar U7 MKII comes with ASUS Sonic Studio, a software utility with an intuitive single-screen interface that provides complete control over a wide range of audio features, and Sonic Radar Pro, a feature for gamers that visually maps in-game sounds in first-person shooter (FPS) games to provide a competitive advantage.

ASUS Xonar U7 MKII retains the compact USB-powered design that was a highlight of the original Xonar U7 and delivers true 7.1-channel, 192kHz/24-bit HD audio, outperforming most available USB-powered audio devices. With a high-quality Cirrus Logic CS4398 digital-to-analog converter (DAC) and exclusive ASUS Hyper Grounding technology, Xonar U7 MKII has a 114dB signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), ensuring ultra-pure sound for the best listening experiences. The small size of Xonar U7 MKII takes up minimal room on a desk, and makes it easily portable, so laptop users can enjoy great-sounding audio anywhere.

Realtek have recently updated their High Definition Audio drivers. Version 2.80 of the drivers brings some overdue improvements to the table, at least when it comes to the time frame of their release: Windows 10 is now supported, and there are some mysterious "customizations" added. Codecs ALC255, ALC235 and ALC867 where also added, and support for Windows 8.1 was improved.

You can grab the drivers from Realtek's own site, right here.

HyperX, a division of Kingston Technology Company, Inc., the independent world leader in memory products, solidifies its commitment to creating quality gaming gear for everyone with the release of the HyperX Cloud Stinger gaming headset. Designed to make even the most casual gamer feel like a pro, the HyperX Cloud Stinger features HyperX signature memory foam and 50mm directional drivers to deliver a comfortable, high-quality sound experience at an affordable price.

HyperX Cloud Stinger weighs just 275 grams and is built with 90-degree rotating ear cups to provide hours of comfort for console and PC gaming. The lightweight headset includes 50 mm directional drivers that are tilted to position sound directly into the ear, resulting in a broader and more accurate in-game sound. HyperX Cloud Stinger also offers a convenient set of features for gameplay, including a swivel to mute the microphone, an adjustable steel slider for long lasting durability, and volume controls on the headset.

AMD is developing a new GPU-accelerated audio pipeline to rival NVIDIA VRWorks Audio, the TrueAudio Next. The company will take this technology to the developers through its GPUOpen initiative. TrueAudio Next will bolster AMD's VR technologies portfolio, with a hardware-accelerated real-time "audio ray-tracing" pipeline that adds realism to sound in a 3D scene by computing how sound waves interact with the various objects in it. This is essentially what NVIDIA's VRWorks Audio does.

At the silicon level, processing the interaction between sound and surfaces in a 3D scene takes significant amount of compute power. On AMD "Polaris" architecture GPUs, such as the Radeon RX 480, TrueAudio Next will take advantage of Compute Unit Reservation, a feature which allows apps to temporarily reserve a portion of the GPU's CUs. Real-time positional audio DSPs such as TrueAudio Next and VRWorks Audio are expected to gain prominence with VR games, as CPU-based procedural audio-pipelines can't keep up with the faster inputs of a VR HMD to changing the 3D scene, than conventional input devices. Accelerated audio pipelines are needed to ensure that the audio output is fluidly in-sync with the video output, to avoid affecting realism.

Samsung Electronics America, Inc. today unveiled three additions to its Wireless Audio Radiant360 speaker series - the R5, R3 and R1 models. The new speakers feature a breakthrough design that transforms the home entertainment experience with omnidirectional, balanced sound, regardless of speaker or listener position, and even more intuitive controls, new user interface and multiroom capability for greater convenience.

Developed in Samsung's new state-of-the-art U.S.-based Audio Lab, the R5, R3 and R1 join the R7 in the Wireless Radiant360 speaker series line launched earlier this year. Each utilizes Samsung's "Ring Radiator" technology to deliver a vibrant and rich audio experience with balanced room-filling sound, more so than any conventional speaker.

ASUS today announced Strix Raid DLX, Strix Raid Pro, and Strix Soar, gaming sound cards that deliver sensational, high-definition 192kHz/24-bit audio, 7.1-channel surround-sound, and Perfect Voice noise-cancellation technology for incredible gaming experiences.

Strix Raid DLX is a premium soundcard built with high-end components to satisfy gamers who demand the ultimate audio performance. Strix Raid DLX features an ESS SABRE9016 digital-to-analog converter (DAC) - the world's highest performance 32-bit and 24-bit audio DAC - to deliver rich, immersive, and clear sound with an incredible 124dB signal-to-noise ratio (SNR). Designed for enthusiast gamers, Strix Raid Pro and Strix Soar come with the high-performance ESS SABRE9006A DAC for pure, full-sounding audio with an impressive 116dB signal-to-noise ratio (SNR). Low-dropout (LDO) regulators and Hi-Fi-grade Nichicon FineGold, Nichicon Muse, and German WIMA capacitors ensure optimized power delivery.

ASUSTOR started integrating Rompr, a popular browser-based media center app with its new generation home NAS servers. The app lets you organize all your media files, audio and video, and lets you stream it to any device with a web-browser that can playback HTML5 video/audio. Rompr is tied to MPD (music-player daemon). ASUSTOR is focusing particularly on the ability to play back high-resolution audio formats, such as DSD Audio. Rompr-MPD will let you keep your media files away on your NAS, and govern access rights, so others in your home have access to media suitable to them.

Conexant Systems, Inc. introduced an ultra-low power, high-performance HD Audio CODEC: the CX8200. Targeted to mobile PC applications including notebooks, ultrabooks and tablets, the new CX8200 intelligently drives speakers to optimize sound pressure level (SPL) while providing best-in-class speaker protection and eliminating background noise. Part of the AudioSmart 2.0 product family, the CX8200 features a fully integrated Class-D smart amplifier and interfaces directly with Conexant's innovative software to deliver flawless speech recognition and audio output that is up to several times louder using existing PC/tablet speakers.

Voice and speech communications play a critical role in people's personal and professional lives; however, the background noises and echoes that occur during Skype or Lync calls can effectively shut down communication and ruin collaboration. Conexant's AudioSmart 2.0 solutions improve the audio experience in noisy, real-world conditions and allow for a more natural collaboration experience with crystal clear playback and no background noise. The CX8200 allows users to hear what others are saying, speak naturally, listen to multimedia content at higher volume levels, make use of Automatic Speech Recognition (ASR) for dictation and virtual assistant applications (such as Cortana), and much more.

Dolby Laboratories, Inc. and Microsoft Corporation announced today that Dolby Audio is selected to be a part of the Microsoft Windows 10 operating system and will be natively supported by the new Microsoft Edge browser for the playback of web-based content as well as accessible by third-party Windows Store apps. Users of Microsoft Windows 10 PCs and tablets will enjoy Dolby quality audio experiences through Windows entertainment apps and through Microsoft Edge.

Dolby Audio (supporting Dolby Digital Plus) will be available in x86 Windows 10 PCs and tablets for playback of movies, TV shows, and videos with crisp, clear dialogue and greater detail of sounds. Windows 7 and 8 users may upgrade to Windows 10 for free and continue to experience Dolby quality audio consistently across headphones, built-in PC and tablet speakers, or connected home theater systems. Microsoft Edge will be the first browser to leverage the Dolby Digital Plus decoder on the Windows 10 operating system, enabling online content providers to enrich the entertainment experiences of millions of Internet users globally with Dolby Audio.

"We are excited about the collaboration and partnership with Microsoft and share in the commitment to providing the best entertainment experiences possible to consumers across a wide range of devices in the Windows 10 ecosystem," said John Couling, Senior Vice President, E-Media Business Group, Dolby Laboratories. "With the launch of Windows 10 and Microsoft Edge in nearly 200 countries, Dolby and Microsoft will enable better user experiences with high-quality audio that is robust, consistent, and at a scale necessary for the large Windows ecosystem."

Creative Technology Ltd today unveiled a limited edition of its latest Sound Blaster X7 at CES 2015. Recently named a double 2015 CES Innovations Awards Honoree in both the 'Home Audio/Video Components and Accessories' and 'Computer Hardware and Components' categories, the feature-packed Sound Blaster X7 which is an ultra high-resolution external USB DAC and powerful audio amplifier now comes in an exclusive pearl white color, includes a 144W power adapter that is capable of delivering up to 100W output to passive speakers, and has a very low headphone amplifier output impedance of 1 ohm to effortlessly drive even the more sensitive in-ear monitors (IEMs) on the market.

The Sound Blaster X7, showcasing at the 2015 International CES, is designed to connect with a range of gaming and entertainment systems as an ultra high-end external Sound Blaster audio solution with an impressive 24-bit/192kHz high-resolution 127dB digital-to-analog converter (DAC) and a powerful 100W audio amplifier. It provides a superior, pure and lossless listening experience for games, music and movies -- meeting the most discerning demands of audiophile listeners and enthusiast gamers alike.

Lenovo today announced the new YOGA 3 Pro, an ultra slim convertible PC. The new 13-in YOGA 3 Pro uniquely address users' desires for an extremely stylish device, best-in-breed performance capabilities and the hardware and software adaptability they crave. The YOGA 3 Pro provides this and more: an unbelievably thin and light frame with new watchband hinge design, a QHD+ screen and Harmony, Lenovo's intuitive software that adapts to users' personal preferences as they use the device in its different modes.

While the YOGA 2 Pro became synonymous with thin and light, the new YOGA 3 Pro takes this concept even further by shaving 17 percent from its predecessor's frame at just 12.8 mm thin - thinner than a pencil when opened. The PC also comes in lighter at 1.19kg - 14 percent less than before - lighter than a bottle of water. The device achieves this incredibly thin and light design thanks to Lenovo's new watchband hinge constructed from more than 800 pieces of steel and aluminum. Lenovo engineers redesigned the original YOGA hinge so that it now provides the same degree of flexibility and flatness seen in metallic watch bands. Instead of two focus points, there are now six. Complementing the distinctive new hinge design, the YOGA 3 Pro is available in three eye-catching colors: Clementine Orange, Platinum Silver or Champagne Gold.

Plantronics, a global leader in audio communications, today announced it has entered into its first-ever partnership with Sony Computer Entertainment Europe (SCEE) to provide advanced audio perfectly optimized for performance with PlayStation4 (PS4), PlayStation3 (PS3), and PlayStation Vita (PS Vita). The new, officially-licensed product, the Plantronics RIG for PS4, PS3, PS Vita will be available across Europe, Middle East and Oceania for the 2014 holiday season.

"Whether in the living room or on the go, PlayStation offers immersive gaming experiences, and new, connected ways to enjoy media," said Judy Ward, peripherals business manager at SCEE. "With its recognized commitment to innovation, Plantronics was a natural partner as we look for solutions that offer the high-quality audio and clear communication essential to deliver the best PlayStation experience."

ASUS, a leading enterprise in the new digital era, together with Waves, a leading provider of audio DSP for the professional and consumer markets, and recipient of a Technical GRAMMY award, have recently announced an expanded relationship which will bring a new level of premium sound quality to ASUS consumer electronic products. This agreement will incorporate Waves MaxxAudio Master processing into all ASUS products that feature ASUS SonicMaster audio technology.

As the driving engine of ASUS SonicMaster, MaxxAudio Master processing, with its superior performance characteristics, will enhance the clarity and depth of the user's listening experience, whether enjoying a game, multimedia selection of music and movies, or for online communication purposes.

SOUL Electronics redefines 'bringing the noise' with the introduction of the new Party In A Box - the ultimate wireless portable entertainment system. Don't be fooled by the convenient size; Party In A Box is an all-inclusive, innovative system designed to produce the same dynamic and high quality sound of a full home theater system. The sleek, wireless, transportable box packs a sound-filled punch that's perfect for the home, tailgating and sporting events, dorm room chilling, shooting some hoops, a day on the boat, beach parties, movie nights or wherever the party takes you.

"SOUL's customers live active, energetic lifestyles and they demand their audio devices keep up with them, which is exactly what Party In A Box was designed for," said Lan Kennedy-Davis, CEO SOUL Electronics USA. "Now people can start a party anywhere without compromising quality or sound from their portable and wireless speaker system."

Today Simple Audio announced the addition of two new hi-fidelity speaker solutions to their existing line of networked HD streaming players. The new speakers, dubbed Simple Audio Listen and Simple Audio Go bring audiophile sound, designer styling, and versatile connectivity to today's digital music lovers.

Simple Audio Listen - Stereo Speakers with Bluetooth
Simple Audio Listen is beautifully designed to deliver breathtaking audio from compact stereo speakers that look great on the desktop, bookshelf, and in any room. The speakers incorporate technology generally reserved for high-end audiophile systems, including a fully digital signal path, DSP, and bi-amplified design to deliver amazing audio quality. And because today's music fans listen to music from a variety of digital devices, Listen has a variety of inputs including USB, Bluetooth and line-in connections, allowing it to play music from nearly any device in the home. Listen features a unique, elegant touch interface, with no buttons, dials or knobs, and includes an infrared remote.

Westone, the leader in high performance audio and in-ear monitoring technology, announces the availability of the UM Pro Series headphones. The UM Pro Series 10, 20 and 30 are the next generation of the acclaimed Westone UM Series and bring superior sound for the stage or studio. Each unit is individually hand-crafted in Colorado Springs, USA. The UM Pro 10 is ideal for on-stage monitoring for any level of musician, the UM Pro 20 is ideal for on-stage monitoring for drummers, vocalist and bass players, and the UM Pro 30 is the reference product for on-stage monitoring and home or studio recording.

With Westone True-Fit technology, Westone combines 50+ years experience with in-ear applications that has yielded a low-profile, lightweight, universal earpiece which delivers maximum comfort and in-ear coupling for dynamic music monitoring. UM Pros are meticulously built by a staff of dedicated artisans and lab technicians. Westone's USA products exhibit a level of craftsmanship that truly embodies America's rich history of handmade artistry. The UM Pro exemplifies the best in sound and fit available on the market today.

Razer, the world leader in high-performance gaming hardware, software and systems, announced the launch of the Razer Hammerhead series of in-ear headsets, two all-new audio solutions for mobile gaming and music. The Razer Hammerhead in-ear headsets offer incredible durability and fantastic audio quality from their 9 mm neodymium drivers, making them excellent choices for music listening on the go. The headsets come in two versions - the Razer Hammerhead and the Razer Hammerhead Pro, with the latter sporting an omni-directional microphone with an in-line remote for phone-call control, perfect for convenient voice communication.

Both in-ear headsets are machined out of aircraft-grade aluminum, promising extreme durability, while maintaining a lightweight and comfortable form factor. With a matte, brushed surface finish, these in-ear monitors look as good as they sound. With interchangeable ear-tips included in three sizes and optional bi-flange attachments, the Razer Hammerhead in-ear headsets offer ultimate sound isolation. "With numerous mobile PC gaming systems emerging, peripherals that offer both great performance and portability on-the-go are what make the experience complete," says Min-Liang Tan, Razer co-founder, CEO and creative director. "The Razer Hammerhead and Hammerhead Pro's unrivalled durability and deep bass tones are fantastic for any gamer or music listener with an active lifestyle."

Simple Audio, a networked audio company based in Scotland, today announced that it has been acquired by leading US-based PC enthusiast hardware company Corsair in a multi-million dollar deal. The deal marks another positive chapter in the Simple Audio story and puts the company in a strong position to extend its reach globally.

Simple Audio's world-class engineering and product development teams will continue to develop and market the company's range of music streaming products from its offices in Glasgow, Scotland. Simple Audio released its first range of networked audio products last year into UK and European markets where the young company quickly built a strong reputation for superior sound quality and exceptional product design.

Presenting NextPowerUp, our sister tech-publication in the works, designed with a bigger canvas. TechPowerUp established itself as one of the top PC hardware publications thanks to our pursuit for quality reviews and relentless news delivery. We decided it was time to put these core ideals to use, in addressing the much larger consumer electronics and gadgets markets, without disturbing TechPowerUp's focus on PC enthusiast content, one of its hallmarks.

NextPowerUp is designed to keep you up to speed on the latest in over 20 markets (and growing), each with its own content channel, and editors hand-picked for them. These include Audio (personal, home, professional, concert), Business, Cinema (filming, production, exhibition), Desktops (pre-built desktop PCs), Displays (signage, projectors), Gadgets, Gaming (games, game development, gaming industry, consoles), Internet (the business of WWW), Networking (social networking), Notebooks (notebooks, Ultrabooks, netbooks), Phones (of all shapes and sizes), Photo & Video (cameras of all shapes and sizes), Politics (industry soap-opera), Robots (outside assembly lines), Science (popular science, space exploration), Software, Storage, Tablets, Televisions (TVs and technologies built around them), Transportation (wheels that don't run on fossil fuels), and Wireless (Cellular carriers, commercial WiFi).

As the online karaoke and recording phenomenon continues to gain traction, demand has emerged for dedicated hardware that enables pro-level singing and recording via PC at home. The ASUS Xonar D-KARA karaoke audio card (PCI interface) presents professional effects and recording capabilities, designed by Xonar and music industry engineers. It supports simplified pre-set recording and extra-detailed input, with strong hardware that ensures optimized voice syncing and ultra-vivid 106dB SNR.

D-KARA helps customers enjoy social singing, recording, editing, and sharing of vocal performances, consolidating features under the user-friendly Xonar Audio Center.

Giada, a brand of Shenzhen Jiehe Technology Development, Co., Ltd, today announces the i53 Mini PC. With full HD 1080P video, high connectivity, support, and an attractive design, Giada's new book-sized i53 Mini PC is an ideal choice for home entertainment, web browsing, and document writing.

The i53 is based around Intel's Mobile HM76 Express chipset and Ivy Bridge technology platform. Even while offering great performance, this environmentally friendly PC only uses 35W.

Antec, Inc., the global leader in high-performance computer components and accessories for the gaming, PC upgrade and Do-It-Yourself markets, is taking the opportunity provided by Computex 2012 to unveil a new PSU as well as a series of elegantly-designed lifestyle products intended to keep up with our increasingly social and mobile lives.

First up, Antec is showcasing its new high-performance enthusiast PSU guaranteed to take power supplies to the max. Designed with high-power users in mind, the HCP-1300 Platinum is meant to complement its 'little' brother the HCP-1000 Platinum. The HCP-1300 Platinum is sleeved, Stealth Wire cables integrate seamlessly in your setup while a plethora of available connectors enable users to set up a 4-way SLI or CrossFire in no time. With Platinum-rated efficiency, ErP Lot 6:2013 and all the strict energy standards already implemented in Antec's other HCP Platinum units, the HCP-1300 Platinum offers the perfect foundation for those who want to build an environmentally-conscious setup that still goes easy on your wallet when it comes time to pay your electric bill.

Razer, the world leader in high-performance gaming hardware, today announced the addition of a custom headset to its Collector's Edition gaming peripheral suite. Inspired by tactical aviator headsets and armed with total audio immersion, the Razer BlackShark delivers the full force aural intensity of Battlefield 3, EA and DICE's military shooter masterwork, the fastest-selling game in EA history.

Battlefield 3 is the most physical, dynamic and progressive shooter experience on the market. Now with the Razer BlackShark, gamers will be able to take to the skies feeling like a genuine attack helicopter pilot with complete circumaural ear cups designed to facilitate an authentic auditory in-game experience. Razer's superior sound-isolating technology blocks out undesirable ambient noises and, for moments of truce, the Razer BlackShark comes with a detachable boom microphone for use on-the-go.

Jawbone, a leader and innovator in smart audio devices and wearable technology for the mobile lifestyle, today introduced BIG JAMBOX, a new addition to its portable wireless speaker line-‐up designed to deliver powerful, rich sound experiences in large indoor and outdoor spaces.

Similar to Jawbone's #1 best-selling JAMBOX speaker, BIG JAMBOX wirelessly connects to any Bluetooth enabled device - smartphones, tablets and computers - to stream high-‐quality music, movies, games and phone calls in any environment.