Effortlessly pause/resume music with wearing detection.
Bluetooth® V5.4 for seamless audio streaming and a stable connection.
Compatible with the EDIFIER ConneX App for additional functions: drainage function, personalize control settings, find your earbuds, and more.
Specifications
What’s in the box?
The box contains the earbuds, charging cable and instructions.
A Closer Look
Final Thoughts
The earbuds are really lightweight – weighing approximately 5.8g each and are very comfortable to wear, even for extended periods.
They are highly resistant to dust and capable of withstanding powerful water jets, offering dependable performance in various environments. And don’t worry if you get some water droplets in them, just use the drainage function via the app and the earbuds will expel any water droplets. That’s pretty cool!
Unlike normal earbuds, you can wear them in either ear and they will automatically adjust accordingly. When you pop them on they will start playing and when you remove them they will stop – simple.
The sound quality is really good and is very clear, and even works really well when making and receiving phone calls.
The battery life is great, lasting around 28 hours when used with the charging case, whilst a 15-minutes fast charge will give you 3 hours of playback time if you are in a rush. When fully charged the case can be used 3 times to recharge the earbuds – you get 7 hours of playback per full charge.
You can also use the Edifier Connect App to customise control settings, explore rich and practical functions and discover more music possibilities – definitely take a look at it as it can really personalise the experience for you.
The Edifier Comfo C R1 Open-ear True Wireless Earbuds are available now priced around £59.99 and are available in a variety of different colours.
Creative writing is a thing of beauty. However, many people are distracted by modern living and the noise that comes with it. Thankfully, ReMarkable has found a solution to this problem. Their incredible writing tablet removes the hustle and bustle of the world while letting you focus on the task at hand. The ReMarkable Paper Pro builds on the foundations of the ReMarkable 2 tablet. I reviewed the latter and here is a link to that piece.
This new and improved writing tool surpassed my expectations. I love the ReMarkble 2 tablet, and I couldn’t find a fault. Accordingly, it would take a lot to blow that out of the water. Spoiler alert, the ReMarkable Paper Pro does it with ease. However, if you own the original version, you may not be willing to part with your hard-earned cash. Therefore, give me a moment of your time to highlight the amazing benefits of this jaw-dropping device.
What’s in the box of the ReMarkable Paper Pro?
The packaging delivers a professional and irresistible edge. When my tablet arrived, I couldn’t wait to rip it open.
The ReMarkable Paper Pro is sleek and pleasant to hold. Furthermore, the large 11.8″ colour display is responsive and great to look at.
The Marker Plus Pen is a joy to use. Moreover, it has a built-in eraser and the magnetic body keeps it attached to the device. Alternatively, a Marker Pen can be selected at the checkout.
2 unique cases can be selected. I was sent the Type Folio and the Folio options. The Type Folio is the best of both solution and this was my go-to choice.
A slim USB-C cable is used to charge the device.
Learn the basics with the user manual.
Technical aspects.
The major selling point for the ReMarkable Paper Pro is its impressive colour screen. Unlike its peers, ReMarkable hasn’t simply placed a colour filter on top of the black and white backdrop. Instead, they use Canvas Colour Technology. This feature uses kinetic physical colour particles to react to every touch of the screen. The result is a responsive and accurate design that pushed this beyond its predecessor. The pleasant colours don’t jump off the screen like a vibrant cyberpunk display. Instead, the muted red, blue, cyan, magenta, and yellow are unique without being obnoxious. There are 9 distinct options and plenty of blends for you to choose from.
Another nice feature is the adjustable reading light. This isn’t a harsh backlight that hurts your eyes in the dark. No, it is a front light that gently highlights the words on the screen. Though it isn’t obvious during the day, I was impressed when using the device at night. The glow wasn’t overpowering, but I could continue working and reading without distracting others. The lack of harsh blue light is a godsend! Furthermore, as your eyes are not strained, you can work or read in comfort for longer periods.
The battery life is another feature to shout about. I could use this device for around 2 weeks between charges. This was amazing especially when you consider the display charges the Marker Plus Pen as well. If you were to run out of juice, the provided USB-C cable gets you back in the game in a few hours. Consequently, you can keep on top of your work or your latest novel without worrying about your battery life.
A phenomenal writing experience.
I, like most of the modern writing community am stuck to my phone and laptop for hours on end. Yet, I much prefer the feel and natural movement of pen on paper. Luckily, the ReMarkable Paper Pro replicates this with ease. The latency-free pen slides over the screen while delivering pinpoint accuracy. The sharp nib scrapes and grips like a biro on paper. This classic approach made my heart sing. Not only do you get the benefit of modern tech, but you enjoy the freedom of pen on paper.
The Marker Plus Pen has a stunning balance that is pleasant in your hand. The movement is intuitive and writing and doodling is child’s play. Moreover, if you were to make an error, the built-in eraser makes correcting your work a cinch. Alternatively, the wonderful UI allows you to erase swathes of work in seconds.
ReMarkable Paper Pro and its distraction-free design.
Modern tech is handy, fast, and hard to resist. However, it is a time sink and once it has its claws in you, you struggle to break free. Luckily, the ReMarkable Paper Pro offers the best of both worlds. There are no emails and notifications to distract you. Additionally, if you leave your phone in your bag, you will not get FaceBook, YouTube, X, and other social media apps hassling you.
This may feel alien and isolating, but it is amazing to be free. When you combine this mindset with the classic pen-on-paper atmosphere, your creative juices will flow. Though you cannot be truly free from the modern world, the ReMarkable Paper Pro is the closest thing to it that you’ll ever get.
Build quality.
ReMarkable and exceptional build quality go hand-in-hand. The accessories are sublime and no matter which setup you plump for, you will not be disappointed. I recommend the Type Folio case even though it adds a considerable sum to the final bill. This hard-wearing option keeps your tablet protected while offering the freedom of a small form factor keyboard. The low actuation distance and soft touch inputs create a responsive and quiet working experience. Furthermore, it adds little weight for a massive working gain.
The Marker Plus Pen has extra nibs provided as standard. The nibs are robust and I’ve yet to run through my original set from the ReMarkable 2. The weight of the pen is pleasant and I like how it feels when using it. Though it is noticeably different from a biro or fountain pen, it flows perfectly and takes moments to familiarise yourself with its quirks.
Finally, the ReMarkable Paper Pro is beautiful to look at. The silver body is sturdy and has 4 feet to enhance grip. There is a position for the pen to attach and a simple activation button on one edge. To the bottom is the USB-C charging port. Each is well positioned and they will not get in the way as you work. The colour screen delivers a pleasant Ereader experience and the impressive front light offers a warm glow that doesn’t hurt your eyes.
Usability.
The ReMarkable Paper Pro is so intuitive and user-friendly that technophobes will have a glorious time. No matter your technical ability, you will thrive with one of these by your side. On top of this, it integrates with many modern programs and apps for seamless data transfer. Furthermore, you can display your screen on a larger device for those important meetings.
If this isn’t enough, you can adjust and scribble on any PDF you fancy. This worked perfectly for route maps and other key driving notes. What’s more, the handy highlighters ensure that you never forget any essential information. This element of the tablet was the hardest for me to master. However, once I got to grips with using the free-to-download app, I never looked back.
Is the ReMarkable Paper Pro worth it?
I’m 100% sold on everything that ReMarkable has released. The products are exceptional and the ReMarkable Paper Pro is no different. If you own the ReMarkable 2, this could be a hard sale. Yet, if you want a fresh start with a better colour screen and all the features you’ve come to know and love, it is a no-brainer. The build quality is out of this world and I adore the nostalgia of pen on paper. Furthermore, the distraction-free approach is always going to be a winner. Accordingly, I adore this device and I recommend buying it here!
(More information on ReMarkable can be found here!)
(Full disclosure! A sample was provided for an unbiased and free review!)
Today, we’re reviewing Phoodle, a game where you have to solve food-themed puzzles in order to win prizes, similar to Wordle. Previously, putting together a game like this would involve a lot of work on the part of developers, which is mainly why it hasn’t been done before. However, AI is making the process more straightforward, by connecting words with AI-driven images that can show anything the AI wants without having to be edited by humans or photographed in the real world.
Many people love looking at food, so making Phoodle food-based was a stroke of genius by the people behind it. The idea that you could embed puzzles into what look like images of food is a clever idea and means that players will never look at their real-life meals in the same way again.
Difficulty
Is Phoodle difficult? As with most games, it has a beginner-friendly mode. However, there are difficulty levels for more established players that offer additional opportunities to work out clues and suggest the correct word.
What’s nice about the game is that you can sometimes reach out to the community for a Phoodle hint, as you might if you got stuck in a crossword game. These keep things fun and allow you to progress if you find yourself stuck and can’t move forward with the next problem.
Educational Value
Built into all of this is the game’s educational value. Phoodle teaches you all sorts of things, including new culinary terms and trivia. But at the end of playing it, you feel more confident with food in general and the rules for coming up with new words.
Of course, the main thrust of the game relates to the puzzles it gets you to solve. But as you run through it, you can feel it expanding your vocabulary and ability to think critically about language.
Replayability
Is Phoodle replayable? Like other simple brain games, the answer is a strong “yes.” Phoodle is constantly changing all the time, meaning that you can go back into it whenever you want, sit down, and run through it again. Usually, it is just as enjoyable and intellectually stimulating as the first time.
Of course, Phoodle gets you to solve the same type of puzzles, essentially. However, the inclusion of AI food images means that the pictures change all the time, so there’s essentially no limit to the number of combinations you can explore.
Design
Phoodle has a nice design, simply because of how the food appears on the page. It just looks good, which contrasts with a lot of word-based games, which can be cartoon-like.
The challenge, of course, is in the accuracy of the images. For the game to work, Phoodle’s AI has to be quite realistic and generate pictures that are true to life and describe the scene.
Social Sharing
Of course, like most modern games, Phoodle has social sharing features. These allow players to share their insights and assist people who might be new to the game, helping them get to grips with what it offers and how it works.
Social sharing is becoming an increasingly valuable part of today’s gaming landscape. Of course, it’s by no means perfect. But this sort of integration with platforms like Twitch and YouTube makes these games more visual and helps players share their Phoodle experience, including their genius insights.
Learning Curve
Phoodle has a fairly shallow learning curve in the sense that players can get to grips with the basic concept in a few weeks. However, being creative and developing new ideas to link pictures to words is challenging, just like it is in Wordle.
New players start playing Phoodle all the time, so the difficulty behind the concept is minimal. However the game requires people to think outside the box, and sometimes developing a creative solution can take a long time.
Customization
Customizing games is actually much harder in Phoodle than in most others because it isn’t a traditional sandbox environment. Adjusting the underlying rules isn’t usually possible. Furthermore, while difficulty levels are available, they depend more on the individual player’s verbal and creative abilities than they do anything objective.
Ads
Of course, some Phoodle games have ads built in, but it depends on which developer you use. Not everyone in the industry is trying to aggressively monetize the in-game experience.
Conclusion
Ultimately, Phoodle is a game that offers a reasonable learning curve and high replayability. It’s popular among those who love solving crosswords or Sudoku puzzles in their free time.
Momodara: Moonlit Farewell‘s love of bells got me thinking. I’ve lived my whole life in a moderately-sized English town. As a result, I’ve never been far away from a church. My childhood was full of the sound of bells, ringing out the hour or announcing celebrations. They were something joyous, or comforting at the least. These days, though, I don’t hear them much at all. They’ve slipped from comforting to something almost eerie, spurred along by numerous films and games, no doubt.
Momodara: Moonlit Farewell doesn’t help matters either. It’s the ringing of a large black bell that summons hordes of demons into an otherwise peaceful world. Actually, come to think of it, the bell is a nice summary of my feelings for Momodara: Moonlit Farewell. Like the tolling of a bell, it’s very alluring. It looks and sounds wonderful. Once it dies down though, things do ring somewhat hollow. It’s a pretty package of a metroidvania, but falls into pretty much all the traps of the genre.
It Tolls For Thee
Momodara: Moonlit Farewell is actually the fifth game in the Momodara series. I’d not heard of the series before, so take my retelling of the plot with a big grain of complete ignorance. Moonlit Farewell begins with the tolling of the Black Bell, a mysteriously magical object, which opens the door to a host of demons. These begin to threaten the village of Koho, so recurring protagonist Momo Reinol sets out to send them packing. Along the way, it quickly becomes clear that the bell is not the key factor. Turns out a couple of gods are having a family squabble.
The story is a bit of a light touch throughout, but it does a good job of fleshing out its characters. I imagine that’s helped by four prior games of character building, but Momodara: Moonlit Farewell works hard to bring across personalities. There’s even a neat mechanic where you can sit down for a snack with one of your support NPCs. It also helps that the characters all have pretty decent designs, including most of the bosses you encounter. It’s clear a lot of thought has gone into the world and that really shines through. An important point in a metroidvania, where you’ll spend a lot of time slogging through it.
Speaking of which, let’s take a moment to appreciate the art. Once you beat the game, you can stumble across a dev room, and chat to the new animation artist, Paul. He worries that his animations won’t be up to snuff. Worry no more, Paul. Momodara: Moonlit Farewell is gorgeous. The pixel art is bright and colourful, and the animations are silky smooth. Design is great too, with a wealth of unique enemy designs. Music’s also rather excellent. In terms of immediate appeal, Moonlit Farewell is downright charming.
Invasion Of The Bugbears
We need to dig a little deeper though. There was a slight feeling of apathy towards Momodara: Moonlit Farewell, that I need to reverse-engineer. Let’s start with the combat. Momo is armed with two main weapons: a leaf and a bow. Funnily enough, the leaf is the stronger one. You can also find equippable sigils, which change the stats around a bit. The combat is largely dodge focused, avoiding telegraphed attacks and dealing some hits on the backside. It’s serviceable, but feels a little floaty, particularly in the boss fights, and never really evolves. You start and end with the same three-hit combo. Enemies, especially bosses, all have very predictable patterns too.
Exploration puts in a better showing. In true metroidvania fare, there are hidden rooms everywhere. It has a reasonable map too, which kindly highlights rooms with collectibles in. It’s nice to be rewarded for grinding my face against every wall. It also does a reasonable job of letting you explore without guiding you too much, even if there is a clear linear thread running through. The actual movement is more of a mixed bag. Dodging feels great, but jumping feels a touch floaty. Momo appears to have springs in her shoes at times, often jumping higher than I expected.
So Momodara: Moonlit Farewell fares reasonably well on the two main pillars of metroidvanias, but it seems to fall prey to some of the traps of the genre. For one, the balance is massively skewed towards the player. Health, attack and magic upgrades are absolutely everywhere. Even the last level showers you with them, turning the final boss into an absolute joke, even excluding the bizarrely simple attack patterns. The map is also quite small, making it a rather short game overall. I achieved 108% completion (somehow) in about ten hours of play. For a metroidvania, that’s a little on the skinny side.
Momodara: Moonlit Farewell – Pleasantly Shallow
Other nit-picks include enemies respawning when you leave the room instead of at checkpoints (which is admittedly a very subjective gripe) and individual levels not feeling like they have much backstory to them. We go from one forest zone to another, then to a seaside zone. I don’t really feel like I learned much about any of them, or how this world all pieces together. They were all visually interesting zones, but I wasn’t about to go digging through the lore on the wiki.
The end result is that Momodara: Moonlit Farewell was a perfectly pleasant game to play, but I don’t think it has great amounts of staying power. It’s extraordinarily pretty, but a lot of it feels rather skin deep. That’s not to say it’s bad, absolutely not. You’ll have fun, but it’s the type of game that’s hard to pick back up once you’ve put it down. If it had stretched itself out a bit, and given its bosses some teeth, then it would’ve been great. As it is, it’s a bit like visiting an art gallery and seeing a beautiful painting. Gorgeous, but threatens to slide right out of your brain as soon you’ve looked away.
The rhythm genre in video games has undoubtedly been and is one of the most entertaining genres and has its fans, but the popularity of this genre has decreased over time and has reached a point where there is currently very little attention paid to games of this genre in social medias, and as a result, bigger studios pay less attention to this genre, and currently most games of this genre are made by indie studios.
Spin Rhythm XD is the first Super Spin Digital game that was released for mobile in 2021, for PC in March 2023, for Nintendo Switch in October 2023, and for PlayStation in July 2024.
The mobile version of this game is currently unavailable due to the studio’s termination of cooperation with its publisher.
GAMEPLAY
The gameplay is very smooth and has no annoying problems.
The game slowly introduces you to how to play the game and synchronize with the song and has a great tutorial section. There is a tutorial for each difficulty in the game that introduces you to that difficulty.
On easier difficulties, you may think that you are dealing with a simple game that quickly becomes repetitive, but by raising the difficulty, the game takes on new life and challenges you. By raising the difficulty, each level changes completely and only its soundtrack remains the same.
This game encourages you to challenge yourself well, when you play on higher difficulties, the gameplay changes completely and new moves open up for you.
In easy mode, you have to match colors, match colors and press X when needed and sometimes spin left or right. in normal mode, new moves are added and you have to hold X if needed until you reach the end, in addition to spinning left and right, scratching is also added to your moves, which means you have to quickly move the joystick left and right. in hard mode, you have to use R1 and L1 as well and the number of your moves becomes much greater than before and it becomes a real challenge and gives you a challenging gameplay, In addition, now when you hold X, you have to be careful to release it in time.
in XD mode, pressing R1 and L1 is not enough and now you have to hold it if needed and release it in the right place, In addition, now the combination of pressing, holding and moving the buttons and L3 becomes much harder and faster and shows you the real challenge.
All of this makes the gameplay of this game very interesting and exciting and encourages you to challenge yourself and add your name to the game’s leaderboard.
As you level up, you can unlock skins for different parts of the game that give you a lot of customization power and these skins have a good variety.
You can customize the wheel skin, track texture, track edge, note skin, menu pallet and menu assistant and this is a very nice feature.
SOUND DESIGN
Sound design in a rhythm game is definitely more important than in other games and should be given more attention, and fortunately in Spin Rhythm XD it is well done and the soundtracks are well synced with the gameplay, giving the player a great experience.
The number of soundtracks in the Deluxe Edition that I was given was good and acceptable.
VISUALS
Visually, this game has managed to create a beautiful atmosphere that harmonizes with the music, with beautiful backgrounds and effects, and flawless performance and resolution, giving the player an excellent visual experience.
VR MODE
The VR mode of the game is a great addition.
The gameplay is similar to the flat screen mode, but in VR, instead of turning the wheel with a joystick, you turn it by moving your hands.
This mode is not much different from flat screen mode and is the same game in VR, but PS VR2 owners will definitely be happy to have it and it is worth experiencing in VR.
LOCAL MULTIPLAYER
In addition to the flat screen and VR modes, there is also a local multiplayer mode that you can play with your friends and compete for higher scores.
This mode could have been much better with an online multiplayer support, but unfortunately it can only be played locally.
CONCLUSION
Very diverse and fun gameplay with smooth controls and attractive challenges, excellent and harmonious sound design that helps the gameplay, very beautiful and artistic visuals, a great VR mode and local multiplayer, this game is definitely a must for rhythm genre fans.
In an age where mass-produced décor is easily accessible, there is something undeniably captivating about incorporating handcrafted art into your living space. Whether it’s a painting, sculpture, or a piece of furniture, handcrafted items bring a unique, personal touch that makes any room feel warm, inviting, and full of character. Below, we explore the many reasons why handcrafted art holds a special place in home décor.
The Uniqueness of Handcrafted Pieces
One of the most compelling aspects of handcrafted art is its individuality. Unlike mass-produced items, no two handcrafted pieces are ever exactly the same. The artist’s hands leave their mark, infusing the work with personality and charm. This uniqueness makes each piece of handcrafted art an exclusive addition to your home, ensuring that your space feels one-of-a-kind. Whether it’s a hand-painted canvas or a meticulously carved wooden sculpture, these pieces often become conversation starters that reflect your personal taste and style. If you’re looking to add an elegant and timeless touch to your living space, handmade Persian rugs are an excellent choice, offering both beauty and craftsmanship that elevate any room.
Connection to the Artist’s Craft
When you incorporate handcrafted art into your living space, you are not just adding an item to your collection; you’re also supporting the artist behind it. Every handcrafted piece carries the story of the artisan’s craftsmanship, skill, and creative process. Many artists pour years of experience and passion into their work, and owning such pieces allows you to connect with the artist’s journey. This connection adds emotional depth to the artwork, making it more meaningful than mass-produced items, which are often devoid of a personal touch.
Sustainability and Quality
Handcrafted art tends to be created with a focus on quality and sustainability. Many artisans use eco-friendly materials or repurpose existing materials to create their work, making it an excellent choice for those looking to build a more sustainable living space. Handcrafted pieces are often made to last, using traditional techniques that have been refined over generations. In contrast, mass-produced items may be made from cheaper materials and lack the attention to detail that ensures longevity.
Timelessness and Character
Handcrafted art often exudes a timeless quality. Unlike trends that may come and go, the beauty of a well-made, handcrafted item only increases with age. Over time, these pieces acquire character, becoming even more cherished as they develop a patina that reflects the passage of time. Whether it’s the aging of wood, the fading of a painting, or the softening of metalwork, these subtle changes contribute to the piece’s charm. In this way, handcrafted art not only enhances your space but also evolves alongside your home and life.
Adding a Personal Touch to Your Home Décor
One of the most powerful reasons to incorporate handcrafted art into your living space is the ability to add a personal touch to your décor. A handcrafted piece reflects your values, interests, and aesthetic preferences. Whether it’s a vibrant painting that speaks to your love for color or a rustic piece of furniture that complements your vintage décor, handmade art can help express your personality in a way that mass-produced items simply cannot. By filling your home with items that resonate with you, you create an environment that feels truly yours.
Conclusion
Handcrafted art holds a special allure in home décor because it brings with it qualities that mass-produced items often lack. From its uniqueness and connection to the artist’s craft to its sustainability and timeless character, handcrafted art adds depth and beauty to any living space. If you’re looking to elevate the atmosphere in your home, consider the enduring appeal of incorporating handcrafted art into your interior design. It’s more than just decoration—it’s a way to express yourself and celebrate the artistry that enriches our lives.
It is GIVEAWAY time at Movies Games and Tech! Ultimate Games SA has kindly provided us with 2 codes for Police Shootout on Xbox Series X and Tap Wizard 2 on Xbox. Both games scored a healthy 6.5/10 and here is what I had to say for each title.
Police Shootout. Giveaway
“I enjoyed playing Police Shootout. It could have been better, but it is inexpensive and I liked the different approaches to each mission. Additionally, it takes time to unlock the stun gun, opening a host of new avenues to explore. Though it isn’t perfect, I enjoyed it and I recommend buying it.”
Tap Wizard 2.
“Tap Wizard 2 won’t be for everyone. The weird automatic approach can be too voyeuristic, which will be a turn-off. But this will be the game for you if you like a strange blend of auto-battling, arena fighting, and lore-filled RPG backstory. I like it and recommend buying it.”
If either of these games takes your fancy, click here for Police Shootout. Alternatively, click here for Tap Wizard 2. Either way, head to the end of each article and click on the giveaway image for your chance to win. Moreover, be sure to subscribe to the XOR YouTube channel to help me grow.
(Full disclosure! Ultimate Games SA provided the codes for this giveaway!)
Life’s noisy. Cluttered. Chaotic. The last thing you need is a mess of tangled cords, overstuffed drawers, and beeping notifications demanding your attention. That’s where minimalism comes in—not as some cold, sterile aesthetic, but as a way to clear space for what actually matters. And when it comes to tech? Less is more.
Here’s how to strip down to just the essentials without losing an ounce of functionality.
Multi-Tasking Magic: Portable Chargers and Wireless Hubs
Nothing kills the vibe like a low battery warning. You’re out, living your life, and suddenly—boom. Panic. But carrying around a bulky charger? Even worse. That’s why a slim, high-capacity power bank is a minimalist’s best friend. It slips into your pocket, charges fast, and doesn’t demand a whole side pouch in your bag.
And for the home setup? A single wireless hub replaces the spider web of charging cables. One sleek, unassuming device that does the job of five. Just plug it in and forget about it.
Clean Lines for a Clean Mind: Minimalist Phone Cases and Laptop Sleeves
Your phone and laptop are always with you. They don’t need to be wrapped in neon plastic or covered in bulky rubber just to survive a minor drop. A slim leather case, maybe. A fabric laptop sleeve that’s soft but sturdy. Protection without the bulk, because let’s be real—if you’re tossing your laptop around like a frisbee, a case isn’t going to save you.
Minimalist accessories don’t just look better. They feel better. Lighter, sleeker, less of a hassle. And at the end of the day, isn’t that the whole point?
Audio That’s All About Clarity
There are two types of people: those who hoard tangled earbuds in every jacket pocket and those who invest in one solid pair of wireless headphones and never look back.
A good pair of noise-cancelling earbuds? Game changer. No messy wires, no constant untangling, just crisp audio whenever you need it. And if you’re someone who likes a little background music while you work, a minimalist Bluetooth speaker does the job without looking like a spaceship landed on your desk.
Staying Secure Without the Noise
In a world where everything is online, privacy isn’t a luxury—it’s a necessity. And the good news? You don’t need a bunch of complicated software to keep your digital life secure.
A simple step? Download VPN pro for free from a reputable source. One quick install, and your browsing stays private. Noextra effort, no unnecessary apps cluttering your phone. Just security that works in the background while you live your life.
Embracing a Thoughtful Digital Lifestyle
Minimalism isn’t about owning nothing. It’s about owning right. The right tools. The right devices. The right mindset.
It’s easy to buy into the idea that more stuff = better life. But it’s a lie. The more tech you pile on, the more maintenance it needs, the more cords you have to manage, the more stress it adds to your day. The trick is curating your digital world with intention—choosing things that add value without adding clutter.
Conclusion: Less is More in a Digital World
The best tech accessories aren’t the ones with the most features. They’re the ones that disappear into your life, doing their job quietly and efficiently so you can focus on everything else.
A clean desk. A single charger. A device that works without five others to back it up. That’s what tech should be—simple, smart, and totally stress-free.
Developed by Warp Digital & Dan Ferguson and Produced by Super Rare Originals, Completely Stretchy is a first-person exploration and 3D platformer set in the strange and wonderful Grombi Isles.
Who needs Spider-Man when you have this squishy and disfigured alternative? I am talking ledge to ledge, building to building and weird and horrific civilians to weird and horrific civilians. I’ll be honest, I was sceptical at first but 7 hours later, all I could think about was the best optimal way to Tarzan myself onto a pointless giant triangle and talk with McGumble the 4th
The Completely StretchyExperiment
You wake on a random work day and, as you do, chuck the alarm clock at the wall, its shattered remains littered on the floor. From there, you make your way to work via the Monorail(the best way to travel)
You are a big science guy at the giant science centre. After being berated for being late, you start the big experiment, but things go wrong.
An explosion later, our arms turn blue, and stretch out like long sticky and elastic-y rods. In this state, we become Completely stretched. With the ability to grab and swing off any far-away object.
The Setting is done, now for the Completely Stretchy plot:
The explosion caused the power supply of the city to go down. Your job is to find and collect the escaped little kinetic energy displaying balls of Ash and bring them back to the lab.
But how exactly do you find them?
That is where the fun begins, my non-stretchy friend.
Keep stretching—you’re elastic-cool!
After testing out the capabilities of your newfound powers, you will now be expecting a task to use these Completely Stretchy powers for. Here is where the dozens of quest-bearing NPCs are for.
On the map, there will be marked locations. Each location will have an NPC in need. Go to said NPC and interact. They will give you a task which in some way involves jumping around the map.
Like please find my children, help me find my books or Help me rob this state-of-the-art, Bank vault. Sometimes the task could be a race or a puzzle. It’s always quite fun. Except for the Vehicle races, those are actual garbage.
You will be jumping and gliding for hours on end doing these tasks. I genuinely enjoyed playing Completely Stretchy and that has been rare these days.
Each time you finish a mission, you will receive either some Kinetic Ashes which you must take to the lab to unlock more locations or you will receive a floaty blue orb which upgrades your powers.
The orb is where the Completely Stretchy goes into the next gear for me. Each orb increases the length of your arm and the stickiness of your arms. Allowing you to reach for further objects and stay attached for longer instances.
Completely Stretchy was a simple Spiderman meets Tarzan game up until I got the third upgrade. After that I was somewhere else, playing a new superhero that I did know I needed in my life.
Spiderman at Home
If you’re into swinging from rooftops and completing absurd quests, Completely Stretchy is the way to go. Sure, the vehicle races suck and some tasks are laughably pointless, but who cares when you’re flinging yourself through the air with arms that defy the laws of physics?
In the end, Completely Stretchy is the chaotic ride you didn’t know you needed.
The more you stretch, the more you realise this isn’t just a game, it’s an absurd fever dream where you’re a stretchy hero who never asked for this. But, hey, at least you’re having fun, right?
Be sure to hit the Giveaway image at the end of the article for your chance to win 1 of 2 Xbox codes!
I love a good emergency services-themed experience. Consequently, when Police Shootout landed on my desk, I thought, “What the heck”. Unfortunately, I have played some terrible cop-themed games, so this was a bit of a gamble. However, I’m pleased to say that I was pleasantly surprised! Though the action is a little repetitive and some of the missions are ridiculous, I lost many hours pretending to be a badass crime fighter.
This hybrid FPS and tactical cop game was developed by Games Incubator and published by Ultimate Games S.A. Moreover, it is a single-player title that has a central quest progression system. Subsequently, it is fairly linear and there is no open world to explore. This may annoy some gamers, but I liked the direct design and the to-the-point action.
Police Shootout: a game with a secret edge.
Unlike other police games, Police Shootout has a minor story that punctuates the gameplay. Though the plot doesn’t dominate the proceedings, it adds a nice edge that keeps you coming back for more. Additionally, the blend of absurd and serious characters breaks up the serious crime-fighting moments.
You play the role of Scott Price. He is a tough cop with a secret agenda. Yet, it is the rush of being a hero that sits at the fore. San Adrino is a dangerous place and much bigger than his last stomping ground. He could have stayed safe but he chose to rough it with the big boys. Why would a man do this? Is it for the pride of the badge or is something else the driving force behind this one-man wrecking machine?
Simple mechanics.
Police Shootout’s blend of negotiations, shooting, and questioning should have been messy but it wasn’t. As you explore each level, you are given clear objectives to complete. You must work through each job while looking for clues and criminals. If you are successful, you can arrest everyone and no blood needs to be spilled. However, your handy pistol is necessary as the mafia and other perps hide in the shadows.
The game offers a small arsenal of weapons. You may use a stun gun, pistol, shotgun, or your handy baton. Furthermore, there are action points to consider during combat. Though this uses a turn-based concept, every action takes place in real-time. Accordingly, you must aim and shoot your weapon or find a hiding place before your time and action points run out. This was challenging as the shooting mechanic required accuracy and patience.
Alongside this, you must consider non-lethal takedowns and stealth. This isn’t easy as the baddies are always alert. Consequently, finding an alternative path and keeping out of sight can be the best solution. If that isn’t enough, you must discover clues to interrogate the key character. Missing information can lead to poor questioning and this can cause a fight to occur. Therefore, though it is tough to gather every ounce of evidence, it is vital if you wish to solve every crime.
Police Shootout could have been more polished.
Police Shootout isn’t the best-looking game I’ve played. Sadly, it reuses plenty of assets and the character models are repetitive and a bit strange to look at. Luckily, the animation is pretty smooth and exploring your surroundings is a simple task. Disappointingly, it isn’t as polished as I’d have liked and there were some game-breaking bugs.
The audio is a mixed bag as well. I liked most of the acting, but some of the characters sounded ridiculous. Additionally, the voices didn’t match the environment or job role. This wasn’t a deal breaker, it was just silly and unexpected. Fortunately, the sound effects were decent and the ambient sounds were effective. As such, though it wasn’t perfect, I think the audio was pretty good.
A good tutorial.
Police Shootout could have been a pig to play. There are plenty of different things to do and loads of minor elements to understand. Luckily, the excellent tutorial puts you on the straight and narrow. Subsequently, once you understand the fundamentals, you will not struggle with each mission.
This has a decent character progression system and plenty of missions to complete. Moreover, there are different ways to succeed and this keeps you coming back for more. Had there been a sandbox mode or different difficulty settings, replay value and longevity would have been extremely high. As it is, you get great value for money but there is only limited gameplay.
Police Shootout is fun but limited.
I enjoyed playing Police Shootout. It could have been better, but it is inexpensive and I liked the different approaches to each mission. Additionally, it takes time to unlock the stun gun, opening a host of new avenues to explore. Though it isn’t perfect, I enjoyed it and I recommend buying it here! Can you become a hero and fulfil your destiny? Keep your nose clean, solve every crime, and leave no stone unturned.
Click the image to enter our giveaway! *Competition dates can be found on the following page.
The professional Rainbow Six Siege ecosystem has undergone a remarkable transformation since its inception, evolving from a modest competitive scene into a complex global network of tournaments, leagues, and championships. This evolution has brought with it unprecedented challenges in coordination, time zone management, and player welfare that continue to shape the competitive landscape of professional Siege.
Understanding the r6 pro league schedule has become increasingly crucial for teams, organizations, and fans alike as the competitive calendar grows more complex each year. With multiple regional leagues running simultaneously, international events scattered throughout the season, and various qualifier tournaments, the professional scene demands careful navigation of an intricate scheduling web that spans continents and time zones.
The current structure of professional Rainbow Six competition represents a delicate balance between regional development and international competition. Teams must manage their participation in domestic leagues while preparing for potential international appearances, creating a juggling act that tests both organizational skills and player endurance. This multi-tiered system has created new challenges in preventing schedule conflicts and ensuring adequate preparation time between events.
The impact of global scheduling on player welfare has emerged as a critical concern within the professional community. Extended travel periods, rapid time zone adjustments, and compressed practice schedules can take a significant toll on player performance and mental health. Organizations are increasingly investing in support staff and wellness programs to help their players cope with the demands of the international calendar.
One of the most significant challenges facing professional Rainbow Six Siege is the coordination of events across different regions. The need to accommodate audiences in North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and Latin America has led to creative scheduling solutions, including rotating prime-time slots and carefully planned broadcast windows. This global approach has helped grow the international audience but presents ongoing challenges for maintaining competitive integrity across regions.
Technology has played a crucial role in managing the complexities of international competition. Advanced scheduling software, sophisticated broadcast coordination systems, and improved online infrastructure have made it possible to run multiple high-stakes matches simultaneously while maintaining professional production standards. These technological advancements have become essential tools in managing the growing competitive calendar.
The COVID-19 pandemic forced a revolutionary rethinking of professional Rainbow Six Siege scheduling, leading to innovations that continue to influence the competitive structure. The development of regional mini-leagues, online qualifiers, and hybrid event formats has added new layers of flexibility to the professional calendar while presenting fresh challenges for maintaining competitive balance.
The economic implications of schedule management extend beyond simple logistics. Tournament organizers must consider broadcast rights, sponsor requirements, and venue availability while ensuring their events remain profitable. This financial dimension adds another layer of complexity to the already challenging task of coordinating international competition.
As Rainbow Six Siege continues to grow as an esport, the professional calendar faces increasing pressure to accommodate new tournaments, regions, and competitive formats. The challenge lies in expanding opportunities for competition while maintaining the quality and prestige of existing events. This balancing act requires constant communication between stakeholders and a willingness to adapt to changing circumstances.
Looking toward the future, the professional Rainbow Six Siege scene must continue to evolve its approach to scheduling. Emerging markets, new tournament formats, and changing player needs will require innovative solutions to maintain a healthy competitive ecosystem. The success of professional Siege may well depend on finding sustainable ways to manage these growing scheduling demands while preserving the competitive integrity that has made it a respected esport.
Amanda the Adventurer is another horror title that’s been around for a while. Sadly I missed the original release, but I’m happy I’ve picked it up regardless of my tardiness to the party. The creepy gameplay and simple core loop keep you hooked throughout. However, its short playtime may leave you wanting. Accordingly, this deliciously nostalgic title is a bit of a mixed bag.
This rudimentary horror game was developed by MANGLEDmaw Games and published by DreadXP. Moreover, it is a single-player endeavour with many interesting and absurd puzzles. Consequently, you will test your grey matter and push yourself as you uncover every creepy and chilling truth.
Amanda the Adventurer should have been adorable.
No matter the decade, children’s entertainment follows a simple formula. Grabbing the attention of its audience is a must, and a cute sidekick always goes down well. Yet, when the protagonist is slightly unhinged, things take a dark turn. This is exactly what happens in Amanda the Adventurer.
You play the role of Riley Park. Riley has inherited their Aunt Kate’s house. As you explore the property, you discover a retro TV and VHS tape player. These simple dated tools shouldn’t be the catalyst for a dark adventure, but they are. Each tape contains an episode of the titular hero’s uncomfortable TV program. Moreover, as the episodes unfold, things become menacing and disturbing. However, this doesn’t put Riley off as each solved puzzle unlocks new tapes and a deeper dive into the uncomfortable TV program.
Simple gameplay.
Amanda the Adventurer explores well-trodden themes and ideas. This should have been underwhelming, but I liked the story and the harrowing relationship that unfolds. Amanda appears calm and cute, but things quickly change. Her adorable sidekick, Wooly the Sheep is shy but loving. As the game evolves he becomes increasingly fearful and agitated.
Things take a turn for the worse as injuries and fear stand at the fore. The sinister twist juxtaposes the sickly sweet children’s TV program. Additionally, things escalate as you begin to interact with Amanda. Her fuse is painfully short and any wrong answer pushes her over the edge. Subsequently, you must be careful if you wish to appease the sinister TV star.
Basic puzzles.
If you love complex puzzles, this won’t be for you. The basic problem-solving and nicely designed progressive elements work well. However, some confusing elements will leave you scratching your head. I’m not sure if this was a deliberate move from the developer, but it didn’t quite work.
The blend of linear problems and more outlandish ideas should have been better explained. Had this happened, the action and gameplay experience would have been improved.
Amanda the Adventurer has a dated aesthetic.
The dated aesthetic won’t appeal to everyone. However, I liked the classic look and the nod to late 90s entertainment. The garish colours, rudimentary set design, and basic character models leave a lot to the imagination, but this was a great choice. Furthermore, some rough but well-designed video cuts leave you filling in the blanks. This adds a sinister edge to an already creepy experience.
The audio is cringeworthy but skin-tingling. The blend of haunting acting and simple but effective dialogue works well. Moreover, the basic ambient sounds enhance the horror edge.
Great controls.
Exploring the small world was a cinch. Furthermore, completing each puzzle was child’s play. Though accuracy was occasionally an issue, it didn’t undermine the enjoyable puzzles or the dark atmosphere.
Longevity and replay value are sadly lacking, however. This is a short horror game that requires more depth. Though some of the puzzles can test you, you’ll fly through each problem with relative ease. Additionally, once you witness each uncomfortable video, you soon switch off to the madness.
Amanda the Adventurer is good but not great.
I liked my time with Amanda the Adventurer. The dated appeal works well and I “enjoyed” the evolution of each character and the plot. Yet, the lack of depth and replay value holds it back. Additionally, some of the puzzles were frustrating. Accordingly, despite the shortcomings, I recommend buying it here! Can you find every tape and uncover the mystery? Solve the puzzles, explore the loft, and pray for Wooly.
Two years since its initial release, Liberte finds its way on to the PS5. Is this a hidden gem or should the revolution have been squashed?
Vive la révolution… Or Not?
Now truly is the era of roguelite games, with mega hits like Hades and Dead Cells paving the way for more and more of this once-niche genre and now, Libertéarrives. Developed by Superstatic and billed as a roguelite deck builder, Liberté has a great and unique setting: the French revolution. You play as Rene, a seasoned and hardened resistance fighter who awakens with a bad case of amnesia. The opening of the game shows the player that Rene has in fact been mysteriously revived from the dead whilst the revolution rages on. From here, you are guided by a mysterious voice which beckons you to follow her commands. It’s a good opening that heightened my intrigue about the setting and Rene’s past experiences. Unfortunately, that turned out to be the highlight of my time with this story.
I say it was my highlight because after the strong opening, I had hoped the game would expand on the mystery and lead to exciting reveals and twists in the narrative. I was wrong. To my dismay, I found there isn’t sufficient focus on the narrative from here. You start a run, have some brief conversations with the main four characters and the voice and that’s virtually it! Some poorly created brief cutscenes occur and there is an overall narrative conclusion to the game which I found frustrating and disappointing. With this game also being billed as inspired by HP Lovecraft, I had hoped for more of his horror elements weaved into the main narrative but bar a twist near the beginning, there isn’t much to write home about.
Along with the main characters that you meet and recruit during your runs, you can also interact and converse with five factions: The Crown, The Rebels, The Church, The Tribe and The Bliss. Again, I had hoped for deep interactions with these factions to learn more about their motives and goals but sadly, I was mistaken. Each faction essentially boils down to a perk-based progression system in which you complete each run to monotonously gain more perks and cards from each faction. This narrative could have been so unique and different to other games on offer but it disappoints. However, there is one area of the story that I truly loved and that is the voice acting. Each character is superbly voiced and each actor should be commended for pouring emotion and heart into the characters as much as they possibly can, despite the constraints of the narrative.
Deck Building Direness
With the way in which the campaign was muddled and misguided, I had hoped for an enjoyable experience with the game’s hack and slash gameplay but sadly, once again, my hopes were in vain. The best way to describe the combat system of Liberté is simple and just far too basic. You have the standard melee attack, a ranged attack and some special abilities, dependent on cards for each character. The problem is each attack is so boring and basic there’s no real variety or fun involved in executing each one. Hades mastered the gameplay loop with its slick movement and innovative design which kept you coming back for more. Liberté left me just plain bored. The dodge mechanic is just terrible in this game, mainly due to the fact you have no stamina so you can infinitely dodge around all the enemies constantly. Bizarrely, the way developers have combated this is to have the enemies so powerful that if you can’t dodge around them, you’ll be dead in 2 to 3 hits. Also, Boss fights felt incredibly imbalanced as I felt I would be slogging away for a long time, only to have removed a microscopic amount of health from them. The bosses’ abilities are also bizarre and extremely hard to telegraph, resulting in many deaths to an AOE move which came from nowhere.
Fortunately, it’s not all bad in the gameplay department, in particular the game’s roguelite elements. The amount of cards is impressive, with many different options available to the player from early on. Unique modifiers can be activated which make runs harder but reward you with higher tier gear and more xp to use on your traits and talents. This progression system is well-designed and at least creates replay ability for the player as they mix and match with different cards and traits to cater to their playstyle. It is a shame therefore that the core gameplay loop lets the game down, as all the ingredients you would expect from a roguelite are here. There is one unique addition I feel is worth mentioning, and that is the burning card system. When you level up in a run, you earn multiple cards to use in that specific run but unlike other roguelite games, Liberté requires your magic or mana to consume them. This is thus a cool way of mixing up the forumla, as you have to debate internally which card to use or which card to discard, dependent on your mana levels. The addition of local couch co-op is also welcomed and provides some fun moments playing with a friend.
Empty Chairs At Empty Tables
In terms of graphical presentation, it’s a mixed bag – a common theme I keep returning to for the overall game. Liberté looks and feels last generation in many ways, with low res environments taking away atmosphere from the story and narrative, looking ugly at times. In contrast, in areas like the hub, certain locations look stunning and overflowing with colour and detail and it’s clear the developers have focused on key areas compared to others. With parts of the game taking place at night or underground, the lighting is serviceable and helps to create some tension in those areas. What truly strikes you in the game’s presentation is the art style. The images of the characters during dialogue look stunning and, for me, are the best part of presentation. They look so unique and ripped straight out of a book or comic. Finally, stiff animations for both player and enemies help round out a truly jumbled experience of the game’s presentation.
Conversely, sound presentation and score are highlights for Liberté. Each sword swing clangs beautifully off enemies’ armour or clothing. Enemies snarl monstrously, whilst you hack and slash your way through with the sound design heightening your desperation as your run goes deeper and deeper. As previously mentioned, the voice acting in this game is superb and I truly longed for more conversations with the characters so that I could hear these actors pour life into them – a brilliant job with limited tools for the cast to work with. Similarly, the score for the game is beautiful, conveying the essence of the French revolution era, with great results. The classical score ramps up during boss fights to make them more cinematic and frantic, with the atmospheric music roaring in the background. The developers nailed the sound design and presentation and they should be commended for their efforts in this area.
Verdict
Liberté could have been the latest great game in the golden era of roguelites with its unique setting and interesting premise. Sadly, a story that falls by the wayside almost instantly, basic, yet frustrating gameplay design and at times ugly environments stop this game from reaching its potential. Superb sound design, voice acting and score help soften the blow to a certain extent but I’m left wondering what truly could have been. I’m going back to Hades!
Here is our review of the MAONO PD300X USB/XLR Dynamic Microphone.
Specifications
Features
●Easily Enjoy Pro Sound Quality with 6 Major Upgrades : Experience crystal-clear sound with a 192kHz/24bit sampling rate and visual EQ panel. The durable metal mic design and advanced noise reduction deliver authentic audio. USB/XLR dual interfaces ensure compatibility, while 4 presets let you easily adapt to any scenario.
●Breakthrough Audio Performance: Delivers 192kHz/24bit sampling for rich, detailed audio beyond CD quality, perfect for streaming, production, or podcasts and it ensures your voice is clear, vibrant, and engaging.
●Professional Audio Settings, Tailored Just For You: MAONO Link streamlines your workflow with tools like limiters, compressors, and high-pass filters, plus an intuitive EQ interface for personalized sound tuning.
●5-Level Noise Reduction System: The shock absorbing diaphragm, one button noise reduction, and high porosity foam filter blockplosives and interference. Build-in circuits and filters eliminate electronic noise, ensuring clear, distraction-free audio.
●4 Preset Modes: Easily select the perfect sound setting for recording, streaming, or other activities with intuitive software,This feature helps you stay focused on your content, boosting creativity and enhancing the experience for both you and your audience.
●3-in-1 Smart Knob and Custom Mute Button: The control button integrates mic gain, headphone volume, and monitoring for easy operation. Zero-latency monitoring ensures real-time adjustments, while quick mute and noise reduction features enhance convenience.
What’s in the box?
The box contains the microphone and pop guard, a user manual, a USB cable and a thread adaptor.
A Closer Look
Final Thoughts
The PD300X microphone feels very solid and looks really great – it’s really well made!
Setting it up is very easy – you can attach it to a microphone stand or arm and connect whichever cable (USB or XLR) that you wish to use with it.
There is a 3.5mm headphone jack on the bottom as well which makes it easy to hear just what the microphone is picking up.
There is a mute button that you can use to quickly mute and unmute and there is a coloured indictor that shows the status. Muting only works with the USB connection though, not if you are using XLR.
There is a 3-in-1 control knob that can be used for a variety of functions, including mic gain, monitor ration adjustment and headphone volume.
Maono Link is a piece of software you can install and use on either Windows or a Mac that enables you to change and tweak various audio settings. It’s worth installing this and playing around with the various settings to get it all perfectly set up for whatever your needs are.
The quality of the mic is excellent – it was very clear speaking into it and it was very easy to use.
The box contains a USB cable – if you want to connect the microphone using XLR then you will need to provide an XLR cable as one isn’t supplied – although you can by the PD300X with an XLR cable as a pack from Moano.
If you are looking for a great microphone for podcasting, streaming or just recording audio, then take a look at this one – you won’t be disappointed.
The MAONO PD300X USB/XLR Dynamic Microphone is available now priced around $119.99. And why not pair it up with the BA37 Microphone Boom Arm.
