AMD video card owners who relied on the hardware manufacturer’s Gaming Evolved app to regulate in-game performance may see a range of compatibility issues cropping up in the months ahead, as AMD announced that it is dropping support for the once-useful app.
While installed versions of the Gaming Evolved app will still function, AMD notes that it will no longer issue updates adding compatibility and recommended settings for forthcoming games, rendering its feature set largely useless.
Developed in collaboration with online gaming activity tracker Raptr, AMD’s Gaming Evolved app automatically tweaked in-game graphics settings for supported games in order to achieve maximum performance based on a user’s hardware setup. AMD previously hired a team of developers to keep the app updated with support for new games as they were released, increasing compatibility and boosting performance for a majority of supported titles as a result.
In addition to serving as a valuable tool for AMD video card owners, the Gaming Evolved app was a rewards program that allowed gamers to earn points for their in-game playtime and community participation. Points could then later be redeemed for free games, hardware, and apparel during frequent giveaway promotions.
Noticing that the app was no longer included as part of AMD’s downloadable Crimson driver packages, tech news source WCCFtech questioned the company regarding Gaming Evolved’s future. AMD afterward issued a response that put a definitive end to the app’s lifespan.
“Starting September 12 2016, AMD is no longer bundling the ‘AMD Gaming Evolved App’ by Raptr with builds of Radeon Software,” AMD told WCCFtech. “The application will still work. AMD will cease to undertake any compatibility testing, install support, or general technical support for this application, nor will it be available through Radeon Software or its installer. Previous builds of Radeon Software that include the ‘AMD Gaming Evolved App’ dated before September 12 2016 will remain intact and will not be affected.”
As of this writing, AMD’s Gaming Evolved app is still available for download from Raptr’s site, though a lack of updates will limit its usefulness in the months ahead.
Acer’s Predator Atlas 8 finally has a US release date and price, several months after the company first showed off the handheld in May. The highlight is the Intel Arc G3 Extreme chip inside, which has been adopted by only a couple of other consoles besides the Atlas 8. This version will go on sale exclusively at Best Buy on November 1 for $1,299.99.
Acer originally said the Atlas 8 would arrive in North America in October, but left pricing open at the time. The launch came amid the ongoing DRAM crunch, which has made memory more expensive across the PC industry and complicated pricing for hardware makers.
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