Yep, it’s me again with another geeky post! I thought I’d right about gaming keyboards since I spilled orange juice on mine a couple of weeks ago. I go by the rule “don’t spill the drink” rather than “don’t place the drink there in the first place”. I’m not sure whether to feel bad or not because since the spill incident, I’ve learned quite a lot about keyboards and now I have something to write about… But I also lost a pretty good keyboard! So, here are a few things you may want consider before buying a gaming keyboard (based on hours of online research and a little bit of personal taste):

 

1. Mechanical or Rubber Dome? - Today’s conventional keyboards have rubber dome-based keys that don’t make much noise and are very “normal” in a sense. But remember the good old “clickity clack” keyboards from 10-years ago? They’re called Mechanical Keyboards and they’re making a return to the market as gaming-peripherals. Mechanical Keyboards have different types of keys called “switches”, and these switches are color-coded according to how they function e.g. Cherry MX Blue switches make loud clicky noises and have a tactile bump-feel to them, unlike the Cherry MX Black keys which are quieter and not as bumpy. I’ll try to explain more about Mechanical Keyboards in another blog post because they are a science of their own. Anyways, Mechanical Keyboards are said to be more satisfying for gaming.

 

 

 

 

 

 

2. Macro Keys/Programmable Keys – If you like to play games that require a sequence of keystrokes to perform certain tasks, like in World of Warcraft, then you might want to get a keyboard with programmable/macro keys to do that job for you. With one press of a key, your keyboard will automatically play the game for you!… Kidding. Well, look on the bright side; less pressing for your delicate fingers.

3. Backlighting – If you like to game in the dark, then a keyboard that lights up would be your best friend. It is really easy to forget which keys your fingers are currently on during a suspense-filled gaming session. Some keyboards let you change their lighting colors or brightness levels.

4. Built-in LCD screen - There are a few gaming keyboards out there that have built-in LCD screens that display information about, say, how much health you have left or even whether someone sent you a facebook message. Having an extra display on the side may make your life much easier, although it can be replaced with your smartphone.

5. USB/Audio Ports – Only if you really need them, some keyboards offer a couple of built-in USB slots or audio ports in case you want to quickly plug in a memory stick… or just your gaming headset.

6. Palm rests - Do they still matter? They make me uncomfortable, to be honest. But having a detachable palm rest for your keyboard can help ease the strain while gaming/typing.

 

That’s all I could think of for now. I hope you found this post useful. If you wish to add to the list or have something to say about the post, please let me know in the comment section below. For gaming keyboards, visit xcite.com. It was Rani juice by the way and the pulp made things worse!

 

 

 

It’s safe to say we’ve all heard of the Facebook Graph Search by now. Unless you haven’t logged on to Facebook in a very long time, you’ve probably heard of it. It’s been the buzz for quite some time now.

If you haven’t heard of it, Graph Search is Facebook’s latest creation. Joining the Facebook News Feed and Timeline, Zuckerberg refers to it as Facebook’s third pillar. Launched only a few weeks ago, it’s the social networks new tool for conducting searches. Whether you want to find people, photos, or friends with similar likes, you can find it with the Graph Search. It is a query designed for you to find almost anything on Facebook. So easy to use, the Graph Search can work from any phone, tablet, or laptop. Want to find out who likes to cook? How about which one of your friends has an iPhone? Great! All you have to do is type it in the search box, and let Graph Search do its magic.

When Graph Search was first launched, I came here to break the news. So consider this a Graph Search update. As previously mentioned, Graph Search has only been launched for a few weeks. So premature, its still a beta, and only hundreds of thousands of users have begun using it. So far, the reviews are raving. The most used searches till now are friends and photos. It’s as if people are eager to find old friends, and memorable photos. Many are searching similar likes or hobbies amongst their friends. As for photos, many are attempting at finding old photos from certain events or dates. Lately, the query for places (restaurants, cities, shops, etc.) has increased also. However, some users are critiquing the tool. Many are saying that the search tool is not always picking up what the user is typing into the search box. For example, when you type in the word buddies or pals, the tool is not understanding them. Therefore, it is not always able to produces results. Because  of this critique, Facebook is now working on expanding the search. In other words, they are trying to add different variations for words to avoid this problem.

Zuckerberg describes the Graph Search as a Facebook pillar. Users are comparing it to Google Search. The Graph Search could be a breakthrough for the social networking site. A few weeks in, and the reviews are already pouring in. I’m sure Facebook will perfect it by the time its ready for all users. Get ready because we will all have Graph Search soon!

Imagine displaying information like a smartphone but hands-free. Google has introduced its new “Google Glass” which can be worn and used in the “smartphone”  way without being placed in the palm of your hands. It is just beyond amazing what our world has evolved into. Who knew our glasses would ever be able to take pictures, videos, share, tell you directions, send a message,  answer questions immediately, and translate. Now, people who wear prescription glasses will not have to worry as eventually, this technology will be adjusted to their frames and lenses.

It might be that this device is like Siri, but without responding, it’s more like a portable robot. Ask and it gets done. Want to take a picture, Just say “take a picture” and viola!

 

Whatever you see can be recorded. No need to hold that phone in your hand to record anymore and don’t forget to share what you see!

 

Just like your smartphone, get directions to wherever you want to go with Google Maps. The name of the place and how long it takes will appear on your glasses in no time.

 

You can also speak to send a message to another Google Glass owner.

 

Ask for whatever you need answers to, whether its History, Geography, Science, your “Google Glass” will have your answer. These glasses were made by Google anyway :p

 

Want to speak in a different language? Google Glass will make it easier for you, and even help you translate your voice.

Now, thats how everything works with Google Glass. So what does it look like?

 

Its both light and strong with an evolutive design. Also comes in many colours like Charcoal, Tangerine..etc.

Rumors said that Google Glasses will be the same price as any smartphone, however; it is around three times more expensive, costing around 3 times more – 500KD. It is worth its price though!

 

 

 

X-cite by Alghanim Electronics is proud to introduce Denon amongst its never-ending list of world-class brands. Denon is a Japanese company that specializes in professional audio equipment and has been leading the industry since 1939. The word “Den-on” was derived by combining the first few letters of the words “Denki” and “Onkyo”. Onkyo is also a brand that is currently available at X-cite, as well as Marantz, which merged with Denon in 2002 to form D&M Holdings. Denon is known throughout its history for making breakthroughs and setting standards in the audio industry, such as the world’s first viable 8-channel digital recorder.

Denon will initially be introducing its latest DJ packages, including digital mixers, media players/controllers and headphones for both enthusiast and professional DJs. High-fidelity and superb sound quality both very well known attributes of Denon’s products and are highly respected in the audio industry. So “mix-away”, or for turn-tablists, “scratch” to your favorite tunes and host the most epic parties ever with Denon’s new DJ Packages here at xcite.com

 

Welcome Denon!