Full NVIDIA AD102 GPU Allegedly Runs Control At Over 160 FPS In 4K

A recent leak about a full-fat NVIDIA AD102 Ada Lovelace GPU suggests that the top-tier GPU can and will run rings around the current king-of-the-hill, the GeForce RTX 3090. How fast is the card, you ask? Apparently, it can run Remedy’s Control at 4K resolution and above the 100 fps mark.

Now, to be clear, this rumour about the AD102 isn’t to be confused with the non-Ti variant of the supposed RTX 4090 that has been making its rounds online. By comparison, the full-fat AD102 GPU ships out with as many as 18432 CUDA cores, which is approximately 12% more CUDA cores than what the RTX 4090 is expected to ship out with.

Getting back on point, and according to a Twitter user that goes by the handle AGF (@XpeaGPU), the AD102 GPU was able to run the game Control at 4K resolution, with the framerates sustaining themselves beyond the 160 fps mark. Further, those framerates were also achieved with ray-tracing and DLSS enabled, but not without its own set of drawbacks. In order to achieves those numbers, the GPU was also reported to have pulled more than 800W off the wall.

By comparison, the RTX 3090 at the same resolution and ray-tracing parametres turned on would yield approximately half the number of frames. With our RTX 3090 Founders Edition, our framerate in-game hovered between 60 and 74 fps.

The arrival of this AD102 rumour is interesting, given that just yesterday, we posted a report about another rumour regarding the RTX 4090 and how it is expected to be nearly 70% faster than the RTX 3090. However, those performance numbers were supposedly pulled off an as-of-yet unconfirmed 3DMark Time Spy Extreme benchmark and as such, should be treated with the usual consumption of salt.

For another matter, there are other missing variable that can render claims about the AD102’s prowess unreliable at this point. For starters, the source doesn’t specify the exact game settings the GPU was running Control with, nor did they say if the Lovelace GPU is actually using a new generation of Tensor Cores. Much like Ampere and its 2nd generation Tensor Cores.

Second, there aren’t any additional details about the AD102’s specs, not even its TDP or clockspeeds.

Nintendo Switch OLED Dock Can Theoretically Support 4K

The Nintendo Switch OLED was not the 4K capable device that many thought it would be. The Japanese company also made the rare effort to shoot down notion that there will be one this year a couple of times. But it looks like while the device itself may not be able to, its dock sure looks like it has the capability.

Twitter user @KawlunDram opened up one such dock of the Nintendo Switch OLED, and shared that it contained a new Realtek chip. And it’s one that is advertised as “4K UHD multimedia SoC”. This chip was also reportedly referenced in a firmware update from January this year.

Further supporting this is the HDMI cable that came with the Nintendo Switch OLED. @KawlunDram plugged it into an Xbox One X to check that it supports 4K 60fps, and the results turn out positive, suggesting that it was a HDMI 2.0 cable.

But in the end, the chip may be used simply for the improved audio. The Switch itself should also be able to support 4K output, given that it uses the Nvidia Tegra X1 chip. But considering its graphical performance for most games, that’s probably not the best of ideas.

But if anyone still needs straws to grasp onto, then there’s the existence of an “update dock firmware” function for the dock of the Nintendo Switch OLED. There’s no description of what it does, so one can hope that it can, against all odds, add 4K support the way Bluetooth audio support got added.

4K Nintendo Switch Dev Kits Do Exist; Consumer Units Could Arrive On Store Shelves By 2022

Come 8 October, the Nintendo Switch OLED model will be available for purchase, first in the US. As its name implies, the new Switch will feature a new OLED display, but not one with the 4K resolution that many fans had initially expected. It’s a move by Nintendo that, frankly, surprised game developers and for a pretty damn good reason to boot: many of them say that they had developed their respective titles with Switch development kits that were capable of supporting 4K graphics.

According to Bloomberg, developers working at no less than 11 game companies confirmed that their teams were definitely in possession of 4K-capable Switch dev kits. The developers aren’t just small-time companies either; while they had asked not to be named, there is little doubt that several of them would be prominent studios and companies.

In light of the report, Nintendo responded to Bloomberg soon after, saying that its reports about the 4K Switch dev kits was merely “inaccurate” and did not elaborate on any of its statement any further. It also reiterated that it had no plans for any other Switch models beyond the OLED variant at the current moment.

Despite the refute, developers that claim that they are developing 4K titles for Switch, say that their games should be out sometime “during or after” the second half of 2022. If that is to be believed, then it is likely that a Nintendo Switch capable of 4K output would also be made available around the same time.

Next-Gen PS VR To Feature 4K Resolution, Gaze Tracking

Back in February, Sony Interactive Entertainment confirmed that it is working on a next-generation PS VR for the PS5. At the time, one major improvement that the company announced is ease to use, using only a single-cord connection. Now, insiders have shared what may be more improvements to the new generation VR headset.

Sources to UploadVR claim that the new PS VR will come with what is quite close to 4K resolution. Though more specifically, it is 4000 x 2040, or 2000 x 2040 per eye.

It will also come with the kind of gaze detection tech that Apple’s mixed reality headset will reportedly come with. Called foveated rendering, this allows the headset to fully render parts that a wearer is looking at, while rendering things in the peripheral vision to lower graphical processing load.

One other feature that the sources claim the new PS VR will have is haptic feedback. This is done via a motor in the headset. Combine this with the new VR controllers and users will basically get the complete haptic feedback package for VR.

It all sounds like taking the best parts of the DualSense and putting them into the new PS VR system. But it will be awhile before we hear any confirmation by Sony on these. As we reported before, the company is not aiming to launch the new generation VR headset this year.

GIGABYTE Introduces 43-Inch AORUS 4K 144Hz Gaming Monitor In Malaysia For RM 4,899

GIGABYTE has recently launched two new gaming monitors in Malaysia which not only aimed at the brand’s traditional PC enthusiast market but also towards console gamers. Leading the list is the AORUS FV43U which is a 43-inch monitor with a quantum-dot VA panel.

Capable of supporting 120Hz refresh rate at 4K resolution for consoles such as Sony PlayStation 5 and Microsoft Xbox Series X/S thanks to the inclusion of HDMI 2.1 ports, the monitor refresh rate peaks out at 144Hz alongside 1ms response time. It also has DCI-P3 colour gamut coverage of 97% as well as 150% for sRGB and 99% Adobe RGB.

With a maximum brightness level of 1000nits, the AORUS FV43U is also a DisplayHDR 1000-certified model. It also carries a pair of 12W speakers alongside two HDMI 2.1 ports and one DisplayPort 1.4.

Meanwhile, the other model that GIGABYTE has also introduced in Malaysia is the AORUS FI32Q which is a 31.5-inch Quad HD (2560 x 1440) monitor. This particular release comes with a Super Speed IPS panel which the company claimed has a faster response than traditional IPS panel and is much closer to TN panel without sacrificing the image quality that IPS panel is known for.

Specifically, the FI32Q offers a response time of 1ms for both MPRT and GTG while it also has a refresh rate of 165Hz which can be overclocked to 170Hz. GIGABYTE also has equipped an ESS Sabre audio chip into the DisplayHDR 400-certified monitor in order to allow it to have quality audio output through the headphone jack.

Both of these AORUS monitors have also been equipped with several gaming-specific enhancements that GIGABYTE refers to as “tactical features” including the Aim Stabilizer, Black Equalizer, customizable crosshairs, on-screen timers and more. They also come with a built-in KVM solution that allows users to switch between their PC and devices that supports DisplayPort Alternate Mode through USB-C.

Price-wise, the AOURS FV43U is readily available in Malaysia for RM 4,899 while the AORUS FI32Q goes for RM 3,599. You can check them out over at GIGABYTE’s official store on Lazada and Shopee or get in touch with your favourite retailers for more information about their in-store availability.

Apple TV 4K 2021 Uses An iPhone To Adjust Colour Balance; Starts From RM849

 Alongside the new iPad Pro and AirTag, Apple also announced the new Apple TV 4K at its recent event. This new entry features the A12 Bionic chip that we previously saw powering the iPhone XS and XR back in 2018.

The new Apple TV 4K has an interesting feature, simply called Colour Balance. This makes use of an accompanying iPhone to automatically adjust its own colour output, allowing it to compensate for colour inaccuracies of your TV. In other words, it works sort of like a monitor calibrator, except you do the calibration with an iPhone.

Accompanying the new Apple TV 4K is a new Apple TV Remote. It’s a small remote, with very few buttons. Most of the operation is done via the round clickpad at the centre. You can press down on each direction the old fashioned way. But in certain contexts you can also swipe across it like you would a smart device. And since it supports touch controls, you can also use circular gestures to use it as a jog control.

The Apple TV 4K comes with two storage options, 32GB and 64GB. These are priced at RM849 and RM949, respectively. You can also just get the new remote for RM229. Or, you can get the existing Apple TV HD with the new remote for RM719. That being said, Apple Malaysia has not said when you can actually buy it yet.

Twitter Now Allows Android, iOS Users To Tweet 4K Resolution Pictures

Starting today, Twitter users on both Android and iOS will now be allowed to tweet and view images at 4K resolution on the app. The social network’s allowance for higher resolution images comes a little more than a month, after it began testing the upload option on mobile devices.

Prior to this, only the web version of Twitter was able to support 4K images, with the mobile versions of the app only capable of supporting half the resolution. That said, not every mobile device is capable of capturing images at 4K resolutions or greater; as a rule of thumb most cameras with a sensor greater than 10MP are capable of the feat. Even more so for the latest iPhone 12 series, since all the sensors in their main camera modules are rated at 12MP.

In any case, if you want to upload images at 4K resolution on your Android or iOS device, you’re going to need to enter the Twitter preferences Tab and tick off a few criteria within the Data Usage section. Basically, you’ll need to select if you want to allow 4K resolution photos to be uploaded via your mobile data or only when connected via Wi-Fi.

Final Fantasy VII: Advent Children To Get A 4K Remaster On 8 June

Final Fantasy VII Remake is one of the biggest phenomenons in gaming right now. So it’s probably not too surprising to see the 2005 film Advent Children returning to the limelight as well. Last week we saw the announcement of a watch based on the film. Now, the news is that the movie itself is getting remastered.

Coming a whole 16 years later, the Final Fantasy VII: Advent Children Complete remaster will come in 4K. And since it’s the complete edition, it will come with extra material that the original did not. Think of it like a director’s cut version.

Sony Pictures uploaded a 10-minute preview of the film, but it’s not the new 4K version. Probably to tug at the nostalgia of those who watched the original way back when, to get them to buy the new 4K version. Which is a weird slice of the movie to show, since it’s the slowest part of the Advent Children movie.

For those who are fans of the original game and the movie, this may be something you’d want to watch. Even if it’s only to see what the film would look like when given the remaster treatment. But if your first Final Fantasy VII experience is the remake, then it’s probably not a good idea to watch this.

2021 Edition of Samsung’s The Frame 4K Smart TVs Now Available For Pre-Order In Malaysia

You may remember in our previous report regarding the new Neo QLED Smart TVs that Samsung is launching in Malaysia this month. As the story goes, they will not be the only new Samsung Smart TVs that are coming to our shores though as the company is releasing the 2021 iteration of The Frame QLED 4K Smart Lifestyle TV over here as well.

Revealed alongside the Neo QLED lineup back in January, the 2021 version of The Frame is said to be 46% thinner than its predecessor. Samsung has also upgraded the internal storage for The Frame from just 500MB to 6GB which allows them to store up to 1,200 UHD images.

Additionally, 2021’s The Frame Series also comes standard with the equally new Eco Remote Control which doesn’t require AA or AAA batteries to functions but relies on its built-in solar panel or users can also choose to charge the remoted directly using its USB-C port.

While Samsung Malaysia’s website has listed five different screen sizes for 2021’s The Frame, the site is only taking pre-orders for the variant with 50, 55, and 65-inch screen at the moment. Price-wise, the 65-inch variant of 2021’s The Frame can be obtained for RM 9,499 while the 55 and 50-inch options are available for RM 6,999 and RM 5,799 respectively.

If you aiming for the 65 and 55-inch model, do note that Samsung Malaysia is currently giving away free soundbars for pre-orders until this Sunday, 28 March. To learn more, just head on to its official website.

Samsung Is Gearing Up To Launch Neo QLED 8K and 4K Smart TVs In Malaysia

Back at CES earlier this year, Samsung has unveiled Neo QLED which the company has deemed as the next evolution of its QLED display technology. Available as 8K and 4K models, these new Neo QLED Smart TVs will be making their way to Malaysia soon.

The company recently has added Neo QLED Smart TVs into the catalogue on its Malaysian website. According to the listing, all four Neo QLED models will be released into our market including the top-of-line model, the QN900A.

Aside from their exterior design, among the main differences between the QN900A and the other Neo QLED 8K model which is the QN800A is their HDR performance. Samsung’s website said that the QN900A offers Quantum HDR 64x as opposed to the Quantum HDR 32x on QN800 except for the 65-inch variant of QN900A that maxes out at Quantum HDR 48x.

Other than that, the QN900A also has a higher sound output at 80W as compared to 70W for QN800A. Additionally, the Object Tracking Sound (OTS) technology implementation on the QN900A which is called OTS Pro supposedly much better than the OTS+ on QN800A although the sound is something that you need to hear for yourself before passing any judgement.

Meanwhile, it seems that those differences also apply to the QN90A and QN85A which are the two Neo QLED 4K models that have been listed on Samsung Malaysia’s website. For example, the HDR rating of QN90A is listed as Quantum HDR 32x while the QN85A carries Quantum HDR 24x label with it.

Equipped with a 4.2.2 surround sound system, Samsung has also implemented OTS+ on the QN90A as opposed to the standard OTA setup for QN85A which comes with a 2.2.2 sound system. Despite that, both models have the same audio output rating of 60W.

In terms of screen size, the QN900A and QN800A can be obtained with a 65, 75, and 85-inch display. On another hand, the QN90A and QN85A will be made available over here with a 55, 65, and 75-inch display. Samsung Malaysia has also listed the 85-inch option for the QN85A on its website.

The company has yet to reveal the pricing of its new Neo QLED Smart TVs in Malaysia. If you need a comparison though, the Neo QLED 8K models start at USD 3,499.99 (~RM 14,413) in the U.S while the 4K family has a starting price tag of USD 1,599.99 (~RM 6,589).

We will keep you updated once we have more information in our hands but for now, you can check out Samsung Malaysia’s official website if you want to learn more about its new Neo QLED Smart TVs lineup.

Upgraded Nintendo Switch Details Found In Firmware; Sports OLED Display, 4K Support

It’s been awhile since we heard any new rumours about the upgraded Nintendo Switch. Colloquially called the Switch Pro, the last report pegs it to be released some time this year. And it looks like dataminers found more details about this mysterious device.

VGC reports that the details came via a dataminer known as SciresM. They claim that the firmware for the current Nintendo Switch makes reference to new hardware, codenamed Aula.

Among the details found regarding the supposed Nintendo Switch upgrade includes an Nvidia Tegra X1 chipset. While it’s the same chipset as the current revised version as well as that of the Lite model, it will be pushed to higher clock speeds.

The firmware also references a “4K UHD multimedia SoC” by Realtek. While it remains to be seen if the device itself can support 4K resolutions, this new piece of hardware indicates that it is likely be capable of it via the dock and a TV. The supposed upgrade of the Nintendo Switch will also reportedly be sporting an OLED display. Other improvements found datamined from the firmware include better battery life and cooling.

All in all, the same datamine revealed some interesting new info about the device. Though it’s worth noting that some parts of it contradicts previous reports on the upgraded Nintendo Switch. As for which is ultimately the accurate ones, we’ll just have to wait for the company to make an official announcement.

Dell Unveils A Gigantic 40-Inch Curved 4K Monitor; To Be Available In Malaysia For RM 6809

Even though CES may not be taking place physically in Las Vegas this year but the show is still on. Just that the show is now taking place online and plenty of brands have begun to unveil its CES 2021’s products including Dell.

Just like previous years, Dell has a long list of products that it has prepped up for the event. One of them is this gigantic UltraSharp 40 Curved WUHD Monitor which, as you might be able to guess from its name, has a 40-inch screen.

With a native resolution of 5120 x 2160, the new monitor that is also known via its model name U4021QW has a curvature rating of 2500R. Its IPS panel also has colour gamut coverage of 100% for sRGB and 98% for DCI-P3 as well as a response time of between 5ms to 8ms.

Aside from being gigantic, the U4021QW also has plenty of built-in I/O ports including Thunderbolt 3, Ethernet RJ45, DisplayPort 1.4 and HDMI 2.0. Furthermore, the monitor’s USB-A and USB-C ports are able to support data transfer rate of up to 10Gbps under the USB 3.2 Gen2 standard.

Meanwhile, the exact release date for the new Dell Ultrasharp 40 Curved WUHD Monitor U4021QW in Malaysia is not yet known at the moment. However, Dell has stated that it will be priced at RM 6809 once it is made available in our market later this month.