Photo credit: Engadget
Atari announced today at E3 that they’ve signed exclusive distribution agreements for the Atari VCS with Walmart and GameStop, with online pre-orders begining this week for U.S. customers – deliveries start in March 2020. The VCS systems pre-ordered on Indiegogo will be delivered in late 2019 as planned. Just to recap, it’s powered by an AMD Ryzen Embedded R1000 processor and support for 4K60 video output, while running a custom Linux-based operating system called Atari OS. It ships with more than 100 classic games pre-installed, but also support new titles when available. Pricing starts at $249.99 for the Atari VCS 400 Onyx (4GB) and tops off at $389.99 for one of three Atari VCS 800 (8GB). Read more for another video, additional pictures and information.
Slated for release in Q4 2020, Microsoft’s Project Scarlett will use a semi-custom AMD Zen 2 processor architecture with Radeon RDNA architecture, and GDDR6 memory, which is plenty of power for 8K graphics, real-time ray tracing and even 120 frames per second gaming performance. Say goodbye to loading times, this console will utilize SSD storage that doubles as virtual memory to for blazing fast performance. “We’ve created a new generation of SSDs. We’re using the SSD as virtual RAM,” says an Xbox representative. Read more for another video of Xbox’s Phil Spencer on the new console, another picture and additional information.
Honda’s all-new Mean Mower V2 builds upon its predecessor and sets even more records. At the Dekra Lausitzring, this lawnmower accelerated from 0-60 mph in under 3-seconds, 0-100 mph in 6.29 seconds, and managed to hit a top speed of 150.99 mph, driven by Jess Hawkins, an experienced kart as well stunt driver. “The original Mean Mower was an incredible machine; but this time we’ve taken it to a whole new level, with version two. After taking the top speed record in 2014, we wanted to do something a little different by setting an all-new record for acceleration, and the result is fantastic. Team Dynamics have gone above and beyond in developing and building this real feat of engineering, and hats off to Jess for being brave enough to get behind the wheel!,” said Honda UK Managing Director, Dave Hodgetts. Read more for a video, additional pictures and information.
Photo credit: Amazing Escapes
At first, these geodesic domes may appear to be a set location for an upcoming science fiction movie based on another planet, but in reality, it’s just the Kachi Lodge at the Uyuni Salt Flats in Bolivia. There appears to be four different structures, with two being the sleeping area, another a dining hall, and the last just a relaxation dome. with plenty of lounge chairs as well as breathtaking views of the barren landscape. Read more for a video, additional pictures and information.
An Estonian man either tried to set a new top speed record for a Lexus LS460, or he just really wanted to crash his vehicle, as he managed to hit 161 mph, all the while recording on his smartphone. He started by stepping on the gas of the Lexus to see how rapidly it accelerates off the line, hits 62 mph in six seconds and then tags 161 mph before losing control. The vehicle then slid for about eight seconds, hits the grass and then promptly rolls onto its roof. Read more for the video and additional information.
The Apple Watch Series 4 (GPS, 40mm) is being offered for the lowest price yet this year, and you can pick one up for $339 shipped, today only, originally $399. Featuring an over 30% larger display, 50% louder speaker, electrical / optical heart sensors, a digital crown with haptic feedback, an S4 SiP with faster 64-bit dual-core processor, and improved accelerometer / gyroscope for fall detection. Product page. Read more for a video review and additional information.
Facebook AI engineers Sean Vasquez and Mike Lewis have discovered a way to take robotic sounding text-to speech systems to the next level, producing lifelike audio clips generated entirely by machine. Called MelNet, this AI-powered system reproduces human intonation and can do so using the same voice as real people, like Bill Gates. Think of this as deepfakes, but for audio instead.
Brick artists used 467,854 individual LEGO pieces over the span of 2,725 hours of assembly to build this life-sized McLaren Senna. It’s also the first one to feature interior parts from the real car, like the lightweight carbon fiber driver’s seat, steering wheel and pedals. Plus, there’s real McLaren badges, wheels and Pirelli tires. Want to climb inside? There’s removable dihedral doors for easier access. Read more for a video, additional pictures and information.
Razer’s new RESPAWN is touted as mental performance drink mix designed for gamers, by gamers and comes in four unique, sugar-free flavors: pomegranate watermelon, blue raspberry, tropical pineapple, and green apple. It contains green tea extract, choline, B vitamins, and 95mg of caffeine to help support increased focus, reaction time, and mental stamina, according to the company. Each 20-pack box is priced at $24.99 and the optional metal shaker cup at $29.99. Read more for a taste test video and additional information.
Game studio Devolver Digital has revealed “Carrion” at E3 2019, and it’s an innovative “reverse-horror” platformer with a pixel-art aesthetic. It’s being developed by Warsaw’s Phobia Game Studio, and will arrive on PC as well as consoles during 2020. Players assume the role of an amorphous creature of unknown origin, in which they’ll be able to stalk and consume those that imprisoned you to spread fear and panic throughout the facility. The creature grows and evolves as you tear down this prison and acquire more and more devastating abilities on the path to retribution. Read more for some alpha gameplay footage and additional information.