G29 Driving Force Racing Wheel

All the controls at your fingertips

A few months back we got to see Logitech’s latest Xbox One focussed racing wheel and we were impressed. With exceptional build quality, great implementation of ideas and excellent performance, it really made us sit up and take notice. This month we look at the PS4 version and, if possible, we are even more impressed.

We thought that the G920 (Xbox One variant) offered everything that all but the most ardent driving simulation fan could want. But the G29 for PS4 (and no, we don’t get the naming conventions either) offers a whole bunch of something that makes the experience of using a wheel even better: convenience.

In terms of the all metal and leather build, it’s pretty much identical to the G920. That also goes for the secure desk clamp system and the exceptional three pedal set-up, complete with non-linear braking simulation. Naturally this also makes it compatible with Logitech’s gear shift, which is a great addition (sold separately, of course). The base plate for the pedals is also large, which helps the user keep it in place with their heels (in addition to its non-slip base).

And just like the G920, the G29 has all of the usual controller buttons built into its front face. All the face buttons and the D-pad are present, as well as the L2 and R2 buttons (with the paddles behind the wheel serving as R1 and R2). But this version also has the L3 and R3 “stick-click” controls built in, as well as a 24 point selection dial and force feedback strength controls. That’s the convenience… all the controls, plus some extra added things to make life even easier for the virtual driver.

The G29 even features an LED rev indicator at the top of the wheel, much like one would  see on a F1 car’s steering wheel, which further assists the player in trimming their performance to the best it can be.

The G29’s performance is excellent. The wheel offers a wide range of rotation, and the force feedback, provided by a dual-motor helical gearing system, is both quiet and extremely effective. The wheel’s response is excellent, and anyone using it can be confident that their driving experience will certainly improve (because, when it comes to racing games, wheels do make them better).

The secure mounting is also excellent, and makes use of a locking bolt system to ensure that it doesn’t work itself loose during vigorous gaming sessions. In fact, the whole build of this device is aimed towards strength, to make sure it survives even the most “passionate” drivers.

This is a really excellent rpdocut from Logitech and, like the G920, the G29 demonstrated that Logitech still have a firm grasp on the concepts required to create excellent peripherals.

Experience shines through

Plantronics isn’t a name that is immediately associated with gaming, despite the fact that they have been working with headset solutions for the pro-gaming circuit for many years. But that is likely to change, thanks to a number of new products that address the gaming market directly. And when you try these products out, the experience gained by military, aviation and even space program audio solutions is very apparent. The newly launched RIG series of headsets (one of which is also reviewed in this issue) Plantronics plans to take gaming head-on. But that doesn’t mean that their other products, like this Gamecom 788 PC Gaming Headset should not be looked at as well; it’s comfortable, robust and, most importantly, delivers excellent audio quality.

The 788 is based on headsets used by pilots, astronauts, the military and emergency workers. It is an uncomplicated headset that delivers exceptional audio quality and, thanks to a USB connection and downloadable software, does so in virtual 7.1 surround sound. The 40mm drivers are housed in large over-ear cups that are designed to evenly distribute pressure, leading to a more comfortable experience. This is further enhanced by fabric covered memory foam pads on the ear-cups and headband. Further comfort is ensured thanks to the wide swivelrange that the ear-cups offer, and the whole lot is brought together in a relatively lightweight package.

The right ear-cup also houses a swivel-boom, noise cancelling microphone that delivers excellent chat audio quality. There are also controls for volume, mic muting and 7.1 activation on the right ear-cup.

As far as the surround sound goes, the 788 does a great job, providing a great advantage to those who rely on positional audio. Overall the sound quality is excellent, with resounding bass notes mixing in beautifully with crisp highs and solid, clear midtones.

In terms of looks, the 788 is much like the all black, 3.5mm jack 388, although it has a striking orange trim on the inner fabric of the era-cups and the 2m long cable. It is almost Spartan in appearance, with extension arms comprised on metal rods, rather than a thicker plastic support. The 788 looks, in short, like something that would be as at home in a helicopter as on a gamer’s head.

While the RIG may be the superior headset in a number of ways, that certainly doesn’t mean that the 788 is bad. In fact, it’s a very good headset – the only real issue here is that you’ll be trading off surround sound for versatility, because it only works with a USB port. But if you want a headset exclusively for PC gaming, and want to take advantage of position audio, the Gamecom 788 is a very secure bet.

Ad-Free Media Management For All Your Devices

TVersity Pro (iOS, various licenses) now takes the most comprehensive media server file sharing system for iOS to a new level. With TVersity Pro and the TVersity server installed, your iOS devices will have unprecedented connectivity due to TVersity’s ability to recode and translate file formats across platforms with an app/server system that is iOS centric-- and because of this, it has an up-to-date iOS connectivity. Simply add the file to the server and you’re all set! After installing the TVersity server to your computer, moving files from device to device is a matter of following the menu prompts on the app and clicking. In addition to streaming media from the PC, TVersity Pro also allows saving media from the PC to the phone. This is for on-the-go access or when no Internet connection is available.

Works With All Major iOS Devices from iPhone 5 up, as well as most common iPods and iPads

Translates a wide variety of file formats across devices (such as MP4’s) and allows them to be rebroadcast on any connected device

Can be used with a variety of smart TV systems including Roku and others

Transmits file formats with little loss of quality across devices

Pro version is ad-free and allows direct camera sharing cross-device

Includes recoding ability for everything from MP3s, M4A and MP4 files as well as native files for file translation to other media

Easy-to-use interface means even a beginner can take advantage of the TVersity Server

Separate pricing models for individuals and discounts for households, allowing whole households of smart TVs to connect for less

A free version of Tversity app is available but it is ad supported and does not offer saving media from the PC to the phone.

This is the special discount code “APPSWORLD” and you can avail the discount of 20% off the TVersity Media Server Pro (for PCs not mobile), the code will expire on 1/1/2016.

VERDICT:
Personal media servers have been around for a very long time, but they’re not always as common or accessible on iOS devices. TVersity goes in exactly the opposite direction. Whether the new, app-centric direction of Apple TV 2 will make a difference because of a wider acceptance of AirPlay remains to be seen, but if you’re using anything else for your smart TV this is a good buy.