Recommended Posts

Updated your drivers recently? Would be the only thing I would guess. That rig sounds plenty fine to run it, at least at med-low settings.

I just went and updated, because I was using next to latest release. Is there a way to see your FPS in game? I was relying on Fraps to tell me, maybe that is the issue. Though it does feel a bit slugging on medium settings.

It's a beta. They have only just started optimisation. The game is currently CPU bound and only uses 1 core - hence on an AMD of any subscription it's going to run fairly poorly.

That will improve throughout the BWEs (not stress tests) as we get closer to release.

I understand it is a beta. I don't expect the best optimization, hehe. And I did not however know it was bound to one core. Thanks for the heads up. :)

I've got a far less than perfect rig, have 0 fps issues on medium settings. It may be placebo but I do feel this stress test is smoother than the bwe.

Hrmm...I am unsure what is going on. It is not running horribly by any means, just not what I would expect - even for a beta. But Wakers response is probably the best explanation of why it is a tad slow.

Placebo.

Despite the updates, ANet have said that they haven't changed anything client-wise since the BWE. Everything that was updated was for server interaction and possibly some audio stuff.

Okay, maybe the server side changes helped. As I say it just feels smoother.

Well, that was fun!

First beta I have participated in since Age of Conan, :p.

For my first Guild Wars experience (ever) I had a great time playing. And people were pretty nice too.

Sad it had to end :(.

I think I got a lot of bugs reported as well, so I did my part there. As far as performance, the game ran pretty great on High and Ultra settings, even with a lot of people around.

I went with a Norn Thief and made it to level 9. Could have gone further had a bug not prevented me from continuing my story.

Anyway, I definitely can't wait to play this game.

Couple of screens:

post-46379-0-58477500-1337043933_thumb.j

post-46379-0-23275900-1337043995_thumb.j

Man. Even though i didn't have time to get to 30(only got to 27) i tried to go into the ascalonian catacombs just to check it out, but i wouldn't load up to let me. bah.

Also, the game ran slightly better than i expected on my laptop. Given the lack of optimization so far. Hopefully that'll improve later down the line.

  • 2 weeks later...

BWE2, June 8-10. BWE1 characters will remain as you left them. As for if there's any new content involved with this bwe, they haven't said yet.

http://www.arena.net...-2-beta-weekend

Well, they kinda did. They said we could get to level 35 and do the Ascalonian Catacombs. While I think it's always been accessible this will be the first time people will actually be able to get into the level range to do it.

Well, they kinda did. They said we could get to level 35 and do the Ascalonian Catacombs. While I think it's always been accessible this will be the first time people will actually be able to get into the level range to do it.

Yea, i think it's always been open too. But i think they need to add another zone to level in and what not. Not only to make getting there(to 30-35) more enjoyable, but if they're wanting us to do a level 30-35 dungeon it'd probably go alot smoother/be more enjoyable if you weren't stuck to the lower level 20 items from the karma vendors(which i think are currently the best things you can get as of our last play).

4 or 5 sites that I frequent all had beta keys to give away yesterday, and I'm not kidding, they literally ran out of keys within 2 minutes of posting. IGN will keep handing out keys until Monday I believe, so maybe I'll snag one by then, but I doubt it :(

They put a rather large(~5GB) update onto the patch servers today. So if you haven't launched the client since the stress test(or the last BWE) you may want to do so before friday.

I don't think we know what's been changed/added yet, but i did notice a couple things on the login screen. One is that it has a new graphic option named "animation", and the other is that it seems that the game now has Logitech G15 support.

I probably missed it but will there be a neowin guild set up?

The trouble is that so many people are in different countries. I don't think we've really discussed that yet though.

They put a rather large(~5GB) update onto the patch servers today. So if you haven't launched the client since the stress test(or the last BWE) you may want to do so before friday.

I don't think we know what's been changed/added yet, but i did notice a couple things on the login screen. One is that it has a new graphic option named "animation", and the other is that it seems that the game now has Logitech G15 support.

Thanks for the heads up.

Some sites are giving out keys, best place is to check the Guild Wars 2 facebook page.

Pretty sure there's won't be an open beta of this. They didn't do it with GW1 and they really don't like the idea.

Best thing to do would be to watch the 'professional' videos that have been uploaded to youtube until release and then wait for the limited time trial - if they do one. I think with GW1 they waited for almost two years before letting people trial it.

They put a rather large(~5GB) update onto the patch servers today. So if you haven't launched the client since the stress test(or the last BWE) you may want to do so before friday.

I don't think we know what's been changed/added yet, but i did notice a couple things on the login screen. One is that it has a new graphic option named "animation", and the other is that it seems that the game now has Logitech G15 support.

Better create a shortcut to the launcher and add an "-image" command (so it looks like "Guild Wars 2\Gw2.exe" -image"). Downloads EVERYTHING (all the maps and textures for places you didn't visit yet) and not just the update.

And we pretty much do know why the large update: http://www.arena.net/blog/the-big-beta-weekend-preview

I definitely want to play the beta of this before I buy it. Are there any good sites giving out keys? Will we see an open beta before release?

Why not just buy it? There's no monthly fees, so you can drop-in to play whenever you want without feeling like you're paying for nothing monthly, when you don't haver the time to play it.

Better create a shortcut to the launcher and add an "-image" command (so it looks like "Guild Wars 2\Gw2.exe" -image"). Downloads EVERYTHING (all the maps and textures for places you didn't visit yet) and not just the update.

And we pretty much do know why the large update: http://www.arena.net...weekend-preview

Yes, we do know some of the changes it has now. But when i posted last night that blog post was not yet up.

On another note, i wonder if guesting(aka visiting other servers) is still going to be disabled or not.

This topic is now closed to further replies.
  • Posts

    • SKG Hand Massager with Heat OS500 hands on by Steven Parker I was offered the chance to test out the SKG Hand Massager with Heat OS500, and full disclosure, they let me keep it regardless of my findings. Anyway, I jumped at the chance due to my long hours sitting at my desk, mousing around. Apologies for the knife cut across the top of the box; that was my doing, being a bit too heavy-handed with opening up the outer packaging. First up, what's in the box: SKG Hand Massager with Heat OS500 1x Type-C charging cable User Manual 1-Year Warranty (card) In short, everything you need to get started. According to the official Amazon listing, here are the key features: Full-Hand Air Compression: OS500 wraps your fingers, palm, and wrist with multi-chamber air compression for a complete hand relaxation experience. The extended massage chamber helps cover more of the hand and wrist area than standard palm-only hand massagers Palm Kneading with 6 Modes & 6 Intensities: Built-in palm kneading rollers add a hands-on massage feel, while 6 preset modes and 6 pressure levels let you choose the comfort level that fits your day—from gentle relaxation to a firmer full-hand massage 3 Heat Levels with Cooling Fan: Choose from 104°F, 113°F or 122°F warmth to suit different seasons and comfort preferences. The built-in cooling fan helps reduce stuffiness during heated sessions, keeping your hand feeling fresh and comfortable Easy Visual Display & Smart Timer: The digital image display clearly shows massage area, mode, intensity, heat level, and remaining time at a glance. Select 10, 15, or 20-minute sessions for quick office breaks, evening relaxation, or everyday hand care Rechargeable, Cordless & Comfortable: A 3000mAh battery supports over 90 minutes of full-function use on a full charge, with convenient USB-C charging. The soft inner lining, smooth ABS/PU finish, and premium black-gold design make OS500 ideal for home, office, or gifting With all that out of the way, here are my own findings. I gave it a try on both left and right hands, and as you can maybe see from the above YouTube Short, (sorry for the shaky video), my whole hand fits in, but my wrist barely enters the Hand Massager. I was able to push through a bit more with my fingertips extending out the other end to get a bit of massaging on the start of my wrist. Usage For some reason, there is a strap that is very difficult to fasten to my wrist with one hand. I am not sure what function it has, and it isn't mentioned in the user manual. The only thing I could find was in the product images that claimed "wrist precision". Unlike the Bob and Brad Hand Massager, this device does not massage the wrist anyway, even though a "wrist mode" is mentioned, which must be for smaller hands than I have, as it is mainly intended for the hand and fingers. In addition, for its steeper price, there are no disposable gloves provided in the box, which is a bit of an issue considering the internal cover (which appears to be elasticated nylon) cannot be removed for washing; so you are left with only one choice: always thoroughly wash your hands before using it. I can imagine this thing getting a bit grimy after a period of use, and that is a bit of a shame. With that said, the buttons on the device, from left to right, do the following: Heat button: 3-level heat control at 104°F, 113°F, or 122°F Mode button: Auto mode Circular mode Soothing mode Relax mode Palm and fingers mode Palm and wrist mode Intensity button: from (First-time users) 15Ka, 25Ka, 35Ka, 45Ka, 55Ka, 60Ka (Intensive relief) Knead button: on or off (6 pressure levels) Power button: Long-press to turn on or off Cooling button: turn on or off the cooling fan Also, in the product imagery, it states there are 36 "custom modes," but nowhere is it listed what these modes are. I can only imagine that they mean a combination of all of the above settings in different intensity levels. The device itself seems to rely on a single "kneading" mechanism located at the palm area of the hand, which spins when in use, and the other massage features are mainly utilized through the air sacs, increasing and decreasing at various levels on the hand and fingers. I am not sure it offered too much relief for someone who is typing and operating a mouse for hours at a time; further testing may be required. It does feel nice, though. Finally, you may be wondering how this fits into the scope of a tech website? Well, let me tell you something: sometimes I sit for up to 15 hours working on Neowin, and although I take breaks in between, it takes a toll on my body. I think in the immediate absence of a partner to apply relief, a good massager like this Hand Massager can shed the strains of the day in just a couple of 15-minute bursts. On the official website, this has an MSRP of $99.99, but luckily for our readers, it is selling at $10 off for just $89.99 right now on Amazon. SKG Hand Massager with Heat OS500 for $89.99 (with $10 off coupon), $99.99 MSRP For me, this gets a thumbs hands(?) down. However, it could be improved by making it so that the protective covering could be removed and thrown into the washing machine, or get yourself some disposable gloves to use with it. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
    • Thanks for the info, but I'm still not sure if I need this....
    • We check out the SKG PS700 Neck Massager by Steven Parker I was offered the chance to test out the SKG PS700 Neck Massager, and full disclosure, they let me keep it regardless of my findings. Anyway, I jumped at the chance due to my long hours sitting at my desk; I figured it could offer some neck pain relief. What's in the box: SKG PS700-2 Neck Massager Rechargeable Battery (inside massager) Type-C USB cable User Manual Quick Start guide 1-Year Warranty In short, everything you need to get started. According to the official listing, here are the key features: Biomimetic Kneading & High Torque Motor: Designed with innovative biomimetic kneading heads that perfectly simulate the touch of human hands. Powered by a high-torque motor, this massager delivers powerful and precise deep tissue relief to effectively target stiff neck muscles and release built-up tension Soothing Heat & Integrated Sound Relaxation: Experience the ultimate Relaxationation with our dual-action approach. The soothing heat function gently warms your neck, while the built-in sound Relaxation provides calming audio tracks, helping you achieve a state of mindfulness and mental tranquility during your physical massage Cordless Convenience & Travel-Ready & Father's Day Gifts: Crafted for maximum portability and ease of use. Its lightweight, cordless design allows you to enjoy a premium massage anywhere without the hassle of tangled wires-whether you're taking a quick break at your desk or winding down at home Versatile Relief for Home & Office: An essential wellness companion for office workers, gamers, frequent travelers, or anyone looking to integrate mindfulness into their daily routine. It seamlessly fits into your lifestyle, providing instant neck relief whenever and wherever you need it Safe & Premium Materials: Manufactured with high-quality, skin-friendly materials to ensure a safe and comfortable experience without irritation. SKG backs this device with dedicated customer service, making it a thoughtful tech-health gift for family and friends App & Bluetooth Music Control: Connect via Bluetooth to control your massage settings through the dedicated app and enjoy your favorite music during your massage session for a fully customizable and immersive relaxation experience Red Light Warmth Technology: Features advanced red light warmth technology that penetrates deep into neck muscles to enhance blood circulation and provide soothing comfort while relieving muscle tension and stiffness Design With all that out of the way, here are my own findings. SKG does not say what materials are used to make the neck massager. However, on the product website, it mentions "soft-touch silicone" with what looks like PU leather cushioning, with the rest being mostly made up of plastics. On the inside of the massager, there are two "biomimetic kneading heads" that are motorized for the different styles of massage, which are not actually listed at all in the paper user manual, but the standard included modes are: De-stress mode, Mediation mode, Relax mode, Shiatsu mode. The massager looks quite premium and is actually very comfortable to wear. This massager is small and light enough to go anywhere, as it doesn't get in the way of anything, so I was able to use it in the chair while writing this review. Unlike the back massager, SKG does not warn in the user guide not to use it for more than 30 minutes a day (or two 15-minute sessions). However, there is a long laundry list of important safeguards to consider before and during the use of the device, and it is warned that the neck massager is not waterproof. It also includes a 1,400mAh battery with a rated power of 14W and input of 5V, which is the standard for up to USB 3.0 power (although the Amperage is not mentioned at all). SKG does not say how long it takes to charge, but a quick calculation at 2A (if that is what it is) would mean it would take roughly 1.5 hrs to charge from empty. In any case, the light around the button changes from orange to green on a full charge. In addition, it is not possible to use the device while it is charging. On the right of the neck massager is the On/Off and modes button, which also acts as a joystick. You can operate all the modes directly from the power button, as well as the app, which I'll get into a bit later: Push up: Short press to adjust Heat levels On/Off button: long press Mode Switching: Short press (while in operation) ➕ Push left: increase Music volume ➖ push right: decrease Music volume Push down: Short-press to turn Music on or off The massager defaults to De-stress mode, and it is not stated anywhere if the neck massager has overheat protection. This time around, regarding heat, the only detail I could find is that it has "triple action soothing heat." The temperature stages are not listed anywhere in the paper manual, Amazon listing, or official website. The heat levels can be adjusted through the app or directly on the device using the joystick button. Usage There's also the SKG Health app, which makes using the massager far easier than feeling around for the button on the side of your neck. If the app is stopped, you are required to log in with a verification code over email, which I am not too pleased with, as this means it will only work that way for however long SKG decides to support it through said app. However, I was not able to get the app to connect to the OS500, which I have reported back to my contact. Bluetooth appeared to be working on the neck massager as it became available to pair with my phone, but the SKG app failed to discover it. Before I forget, there's also a switch next to the USB charging port to deactivate and activate the Voice Prompt, which, when enabled, audibly tells the user when switching intensities, modes, or connecting to the app and informs when the massages start and are completed. That said, on to my likes and dislikes, which are listed below. What I didn't like Unable to connect the Neck Massager to the app Use through the mobile app relies on continued support from SKG What I liked Can be used without the app Cordless use Light and comfortable to wear Heat is also quite comfortable Where to buy: According to the official website, this has an MSRP of $249.99, but is currently $50 (on Amazon). To sweeten the deal a bit more, there's also an in-page coupon that knocks a further $20 off the price. SKG PS700-2 Neck Massager for $179.99 on Amazon (was $199.99) Apply the in-page $20 off coupon for the final price of $179.99 Just like the back massager, this gets a confused thumbs up (due to the cost). However, I cannot rate it through app usage as it failed to connect. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
    • This Samsung T7 external SSD deal lasts less than a day by Sayan Sen Recently we had covered some nice deals of internal NVMe SSDs which include the 4TB TeamGroup G50 for only $400, the WD_BLACK SN7100 2TB for just $243, as well as the Samsung 990 PRO 1TB for $370. If however you require an external SSD for portability and quick data transfers and have a budget of less than $200 the Samsung T7 1TB model is currently on a limited time deal at just $190, it's lowest price in nearly three months. The deal ends today so you better hurry if you need one (purchase link below). The T7 weighs in at just 72 grams meaning it should be fairly easy to carry around helping in the portability department. Via its USB 3.2 Gen 2 interface the T7 promises sequential read speeds of up to 1050 MB/s and writes of 1000 MB/s. It is also fairly robust with a drop protection of up to 2 meters, though bear in mind that this is not waterproof. For that you will have to choose the rugged T7 Shield. The technical specifications of the Samsung T7 1TB are given in the table below: Specification Value Model Code (1TB) MU-PC1T0T / MU-PC1T0H Interface USB 3.2 Gen 2 (10 Gbps) Dimensions (W × H × D) 85 × 57 × 8 mm Weight 72 g Sequential Read Speed Up to 1,050 MB/s Sequential Write Speed Up to 1,000 MB/s Drop Resistance Up to 2 m (6.6 ft) Encryption AES 256-bit hardware encryption Operating Temperature 0°C to 60°C Non-Operating Temperature -40°C to 85°C Humidity 5% to 95% (non-condensing) Shock Resistance 1,500 G, duration 0.5 ms, 3-axis (non-operating) Vibration Resistance 20–2,000 Hz, 20 G (non-operating) Get it at the link below: Samsung T7 Portable SSD, 1TB External Solid State Drive, MU-PC1T0T/AM, Gray: $189.98 (Sold and Shipped by Amazon US) Good to know This Amazon deal is U.S. specific, and not available in other regions unless specified. We only use first-party seller links (at the time of article publishing); ensure that you purchase from a first-party seller link only. Check out Today's Deals on Amazon | or our recent tech deals. Become a Prime member (for Students or SNAP) via Neowin Get Prime Access - Prime for half price (for qualifying Medicaid, EBT, SNAP) Subscribe to Prime Video, Audible Plus, Music Unlimited or Kindle Unlimited via Neowin As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
    • I just wish they would put more love into Virtual Desktops. There is just so much more they could do.
  • Recent Achievements

    • Dedicated
      Almohandis earned a badge
      Dedicated
    • Dedicated
      JuvenileDelinquent earned a badge
      Dedicated
    • First Post
      DrWankel earned a badge
      First Post
    • Reacting Well
      DrWankel earned a badge
      Reacting Well
    • Week One Done
      Supreme Spray LV earned a badge
      Week One Done
  • Popular Contributors

    1. 1
      +primortal
      505
    2. 2
      +Edouard
      184
    3. 3
      PsYcHoKiLLa
      84
    4. 4
      Michael Scrip
      78
    5. 5
      Steven P.
      76
  • Tell a friend

    Love Neowin? Tell a friend!