Here we take a closer look at the Super Mario Bros Route ‘n Go! from EPOCH Games.
The Super Mario Bros. Movie Route ‘n GO! is an exciting action-packed puzzle game!
Slide the tiles and connect the route to reach the goal!
Turn on the switch and start, there are 2 speed levels available.
Press the roof button of the van to switch direction and slide the tiles in order to avoid the van from falling over.
There are 3 fun modes to play including – Single Player mode, 2 Player mode and 2 Player Head-to Head Competition!
Setting up the game is fairly simple – click some pieces together, place the squares and start the van. Then let the fun commence. There are speed settings on the van too to make things more interesting.
You will need two AAA batteries for the van as there are none in the box.
Super Mario Bros Route ‘n Go! from EPOCH Games is available now priced around £27.99 and is aimed at ages 5 and up and can be played with 1 or 2 players.
Cloud and mobile gaming is an ever-expanding marketplace. Consequently, it never surprises me when a new controller is released. However, today, I’m looking at one of the market-leading manufacturers in this field. Backbone has long been renowned for its phenomenal products. As such, when I was offered one of their latest iterations to review, I couldn’t resist. The Backbone One PlayStation Edition is something special! Created in partnership with Sony, this is a quality bit of kit. Moreover, the familiar button layout will be reassuring for every PlayStation fan going.
Alongside this, the build quality is something to shout about. With comfortable buttons, smooth analogue sticks, and a strong and robust clamp mechanism, this won’t let you down. On top of this, there is a specially designed Backbone app that enables you to play your remote gaming from one convenient location. Subsequently, this device is easy to use and perfect for gamers that want a trouble-free experience.
What’s in the box of the Backbone One PlayStation Edition?
The compact packaging is stylish and adorned with the famous PlayStation colours. What’s more, the contents are well packaged and everything can be recycled.
The Backbone One PlayStation Edition is a fantastic Cloud Gaming device. The controller has Passthrough charging, a 3.5mm audio jack, and comfortable convex thumbsticks. Moreover, the sturdy USB-C jack is strong and built to last. Additionally, the spring-loaded case will hold your phone in place without risk of damage.
A safety guide explains how to use the device correctly. On top of this, there is a QR code to direct you to the Backbone website.
Technical aspects.
Height
3.70 inches (93.9 mm)
Width (Contracted)
6.94 inches (176.2 mm)
Width (Extended)
10.14 inches (257.6 mm)
Depth
1.28 inches (32.6 mm)
Weight
4.87 ounces (138.0 g)
Cloud Gaming focuses on connectivity and battery life. Furthermore, you want a seamless experience that is user-friendly at all times. Thankfully, the Backbone One PlayStation Edition delivers this and much more. The low latency connection ensures that you have no lag or input delay. Accordingly, unlike its peers, this controller is extremely responsive. Therefore, you know that you’ll have a competitive edge against your opponents.
The concern about battery life is a thing of the past. The Backbone One PlayStation Edition has no built-in battery as it relies on your handset to charge it. Now, you may think this is ridiculous, but it isn’t. Why? Well, the power draw is so low that you can play for hours with no concern whatsoever. However, if your phone runs low on juice, you needn’t worry. Thanks to the Passthrough charging facility, you can plug in any USB-C cable and keep yourself going.
Finally, if you own a wired headset with a 3.5mm audio jack, you can use it while gaming with this device. Simply plug your headphones in and the controller recognises the new connection. This was excellent as there was no requirement to play with settings and the plug-and-play arrangement can be mastered by the greatest technophobes.
An incredible app.
I was blown away by the tech spec and the user-friendly approach. However, the Backbone App impressed me more. Once you download this FOC piece of software from the Play Store, you are good to go. You’ll be asked to register an account and create a username. Yet, this is pretty rudimentary and nothing to worry about.
Once you are set up, the app and the device work in perfect harmony. With simple to-identify categories, and the ability to log into Xbox Cloud Gaming, Amazon Luna, Nvidia GeForce, or PlayStation Remote Play, you are spoilt for choice. Remember, these programs require a subscription to proceed. But luckily, there are plenty of free games if you don’t wish to part with any more cash.
I enjoyed a smooth and trouble-free time no matter the service I choose. However, as the Backbone One PlayStation Edition is designed with PS4 and PS5 in mind, it worked particularly well with the PlayStation Remote Play service. As long as you own either console and you have your settings adjusted to be compatible with remote gaming, you can get your gaming fill without being tied to your TV. This is incredible as you can game whilst commuting or when you stay away from home. Word of warning, though, make sure your internet connection is strong enough to enable the best experience.
Build quality.
Backbone doesn’t do things by halves. Therefore, I wasn’t surprised by the incredible build quality! The PlayStation Glyph buttons and the white finish are designed to match the PS5 DualSense controller. Moreover, this device is officially supported by the PlayStation and Remote Play apps. Additionally, there are shortcut buttons to screenshot and video capture your gameplay. Furthermore, the Backbone button activates the excellent app whilst creating a seamless experience.
Where the Backbone One PlayStation Edition falls short is its tight design dimensions. Unfortunately, if you have a large phone, you may struggle to use this device. Alongside this, if the USB-C port is oddly placed, this can make the controller poorly balanced and this can be uncomfortable to get used to. However, this will only impact limited gamers and it shouldn’t be too much of a problem.
This to one side, the low-latency connection ensures that you enjoy a smooth and responsive gaming session. The thumbsticks have an excellent travel distance and the convex design feels great on the pads of your thumb. What’s more, the buttons are well-formed and reminded me of gaming with the official PS5 controller. As such, I could comfortably pick up any game and play it for hours on end.
Is the Backbone One PlayStation Edition worth it?
Picking the right controller is no easy feat. Do you go for a low-budget item and hope for the best, or do you spend big and pray for heavenly results? I have looked at the Turtle Beach Atom, the Gamesir X3, the Nacon MG-X Pro, and the original Backbone. Accordingly, each of these devices impressed me for many reasons. However, the Backbone One PlayStation Edition stands out from its competitors.
If you are a PlayStation gamer, you want something that works with your setup. Thankfully, this is designed to work seamlessly with the PlayStation App and the Remote Play service. On top of this, the familiar glyphs and white livery will appease the most hardcore Sony fans. Consequently, I think this will be a hit and I recommend that you buy it here!
Gambling is one of the few hobbies that has been enjoyed by humans for millennia. From primitive games of chance to dice and cards in 100AD and now to online gambling, the gambling world is constantly evolving. Since the advent of online gambling and modern online casinos such as ICE Kazino, the gambling industry has grown exponentially. There is no shortage of innovation, with technology allowing people to find new, exciting ways to place bets and make some money.
In just the last ten years, so much has already changed. The growth of gambling is exciting to watch because it shows how far we’ve come in such a short time and provides hope for what the future might hold.
Online Gambling
Online gambling is a relatively new concept that only began to be recognized a little over two decades ago. However, in the last decade, there have been significant changes in how online casinos like Ice Kazino operate. There are now many new casino software providers, most of them creating highly modern, intricately designed interactive games that capture your attention and keep you glued.
Gone are the days of basic pixelated 3-reel slots (although they are still around if you prefer those games). Casino games being created now can have up to 6 reels and 100 paylines, with ultra interactive gameplay and many innovative game features. Online casinos are also becoming more secure by providing the option to pay via cryptocurrency.
Another big change that has occurred over the past ten years is the shift toward mobile gambling. The majority of online gamblers now use mobile devices, whereas a few years ago, most people preferred to use their PC.
Technological Advancements
Of course, the vehicle propelling most of the massive changes we’ve been seeing in gambling, specifically online gambling, is the current advancements in technology. When new technology gets developed, casino operators devise a way to incorporate it into the gambling experience and use it to improve online gambling. For the past few years now, there have been a few technological advancements that have profoundly shaped, and continue to shape, the gambling world.
Use of Artificial Intelligence
Casinos are at the forefront of the current massive shift in the availability and popularity of AI. Many casinos are now incorporating AI into their recommendations system, using it to determine which games and sports individual players are more likely to be interested in.
AI has also allowed casino game providers to analyze large amounts of data and determine which game features and mechanics users gravitate towards more. This information then goes on to inform the development of new games. Other ways artificial intelligence has been changing online gambling as we know it for the past ten years include:
Fraud detection and prevention.
24/7 customer service through advanced AI chatbots.
Marketing and advertising.
● Promotion of responsible gambling.
Virtual Sports
Although virtual sports have been around since the early 2000s, they did not become mainstream until fairly recently. A lot more people are trying virtual sports for sports betting today because it’s not as complex and tension-ridden as real sports betting. Another reason why people choose it is because of how short these games are.
Mobile Applications
With the increase in mobile gamblers, the industry has tried to adapt by coming up with ways to make online gambling even more accessible for people on their mobile phones. As a result, there are many more casino mobile applications today than there were 10 years ago.
Facial Recognition Technology
Online casinos aren’t the only ones benefiting from technological advancements. Land-based casinos are getting even safer with the use of facial recognition software. This software is being used to seamlessly identify known criminals through the CCTV cameras and alert security before they do any damage. It is also used to fish out people who have been banned from the casino.
Social Attitudes Towards Gambling
When discussing what has changed in the gambling world in the past 10 years, we would be remiss if we did not mention the change in people’s attitudes towards gambling. The general public has become more accepting of gambling as just another form of entertainment. Governments have also begun to loosen their previously stringent restrictions again gambling.
More members of the public are also beginning to understand that gambling can be safe if responsible gambling practices are adhered to. As such, advertisements encouraging these practices are showing up everywhere, and online casinos have taken up more social responsibility. Gambling addiction is a lot less stigmatized, and the accessibility of resources and tools has significantly improved.
Summing Up
The main things that have changed in the gambling world in the past decade are largely due to technological advancements. Changes in social attitudes towards gambling play a big role as well. The fact that technology is still advancing rapidly and the casino world is on its heels, adapting fast and incorporating new
The slot machine market is as dynamic as any part of the gaming industry, especially one which heavily embraces technology. The games have come a long way since the late 19th century when the Liberty Bell kickstarted a series of inventions. These ideas would lead to the development of fruit machine games that players spin from their mobile devices today.
If you are into slot machine games, you should do yourself a favour and join leading iGaming sites that host the latest vegas slots online. You will find hundreds of spinners with cutting-edge visuals, gameplay mechanics, and reward-packed in-game boosters to help you get more bang for your buck. Reel spinners are always spoilt for choice in the best platforms, and the volume of titles keeps increasing to offer members even more variety.
Interestingly, while it may look like enough has been accomplished in the fruit machines realm, that isn’t actually the case. Gaming providers are still working around the clock to keep up with user needs which are constantly changing based on the trending technologies of the time. As a result, there are more developments to be expected in the coming months, all geared towards keeping these popular casino games relevant to the target users.
New Trends and Trends with a New Twist
Reinventing the wheel is an impossible task, and that’s why most of the latest developments in the slots world ride on existing technologies. Slot providers aim to keep the ball rolling as the industry expands exponentially. Some of the drivers of change in the reel-spinning world include:
1. AI-Powered Slot Games
Online slot games are all about fairness and the ultimate fun for players. That`s the main reason they are equipped with random number generators to guarantee 100% fair outcomes. With AI, gaming providers are likelier to achieve true randomness faster and more accurately. Furthermore, there is enough evidence to show that AI, combined with machine learning, can create different types of number generators. The developers of fruit machines are currently exploring this concept, and we will likely see it come to life by the end of this year.
2. 3D Gaming
Currently, online games are increasingly focussing on offering immersive user experiences. Even though 3D slots are not exactly new to the industry, there is still much to be expected in the coming year. From the visuals to the actual gameplay, 3D slots are becoming a fan favourite in gaming circles. The most renowned gaming providers responsible for the existing portfolio of 3D slots out there include:
Microgaming
NetEnt
Betsoft
Red Tiger Gaming
iSoftBet
Playtech
Yggdrasil
Releases like Jungle Jim El Dorado (Microgaming), Vikings Go To Hell (Ygddrasil), Cazino Cosmos (Ygddrasil), and Reactor (Red Tiger Gaming) are among the finest 3D spinners you can relish today. But that is just the beginning of the potential of 3D. Watch out for the studios mentioned above and a few others for more exciting developments in the 3D slots industry.
3. Social Gaming
Social gaming is catching on in the market of fruit machines for players looking to have fun and share their wins with a community of similar-minded individuals. One of the most popular platforms slot lovers have been flocking to is Slotomania by Playtika, accessible on Facebook Play or downloaded on the Play Store. The app has a rich portfolio of free slots, and players can share their progress and even send gift items on the platform.
However, players cannot collect real money for their wins, as social casino gaming is only meant for amusement. Nevertheless, more operators are considering social gambling to increase user engagement on their respective platforms, and apart from poker and card games, slots are also prominently being featured.
There Is No Limit to Success
iGaming revenues have continued hitting record-breaking highs thanks to several factors, including the use of emerging tech trends and the Covid-19 pandemic, which forced players to retreat to online gambling. As such, the slot market is also now at its peak regarding revenue generation and competition among providers. The industry has been busy for the past years, with some providers moving to acquire smaller gaming studios to increase their production capabilities. Some have even opted for rebrands to reinvent themselves and provide their services via different approaches.
Slots now provide experiences beyond players’ imagination, especially given the diverse themes they draw inspiration from and how punters connect to these storylines. When you add technological trends to the slot market, this genre of casino games is bound to continue on its successful streak in the foreseeable future. The changes in the slot market are all strategic ways for industry players to stay relevant amidst tough competition on all fronts, a fact that plays well for the consumer.
Here we take a closer look at Super Mario Rally Tennis from EPOCH Games.
The tabletop tennis rally game is inspired by the world of Super Mario. This mini-table tennis game is the perfect way for kids to enjoy the fun and excitement of ping-pong – on a much smaller scale!
Slide left and right to receive the ball, and hit the button at the right time to rally back!
This mini-table tennis product comes with collectable Mario and Luigi figures.
Setting up Rally Tennis for the first time is very quick – and each time you take it out of the box you just need to fit the scoreboard, the side pieces of cardboard and place Mario and Luigi on their respective sides ready to play!
The game is a lot of fun, as you move Mario or Luigi from left to right they turn so that they look like they are performing backhand or forehand smashes! The yellow puck has a ball bearing under it to make sure it moves smoothly over the surface. To hit it you just need to position Mario or Luigi and press the yellow button to activate the white flippers and hopefully hit the puck to the opposite side and to score a point. When you do you can turn the score wheel on the scoreboard so you can see who’s winning.
This game is a lot of fun – the only arguments you might have is who wants to play as Mario and who wants to play as Luigi! Game on!
Super Mario Rally Tennis from EPOCH Games is available now priced around £23.99. Its a game for two players and is aimed at ages 5 and above.
Food is a central part of living in all cultures. It serves as a source of nourishment and provides bonding opportunities for friends and family on different occasions. For this reason, food vlogs with edifying content are quite popular across social media platforms.
Nevertheless, it can get challenging to continuously create engaging food vlogs for your audience. Especially given the mounting competition in the niche.
Tech solutions like CapCut, a free online video editor, can open up your food vlogging journey to a whole new world of possibilities. In this blog, we share examples of such food vlog possibilities as well as how you can use video editing to execute them. Read on to discover how you can emerge from a creative slump with a bang.
Behind the Scenes Videos
Most food vlogs begin in the kitchen with ingredients laid out before the cooking session begins. This approach is great because most people are keen to learn how to make various meals. Nevertheless, you can flip the script by showcasing behind-the-scenes footage of:
Grocery shopping sessions highlighting how to select the right ingredients.
Ingredient preparation sessions demonstrating how to clean, slice, peel, dice, or measure various ingredients.
Bloopers or errors and how you worked through them. They could add a comical effect or help your audience learn from your mistakes.
Notably, you may not be able to film your grocery shopping errands or ingredient preparation as a continuous video. Even in the rare event that you can, the video would be too long.
On CapCut, you can:
Merge Clips
You can merge clips of different behind-the-scenes events by importing them all to the CapCut editor in the order you would like them to flow. You can also use CapCut options like animated transitions to harmonize your merged videos.
Trim and crop your footage
You can use the trimming tool to cut off unnecessary footage and the crop tool to ensure the video shot focuses on important details like the ingredients.
Create a timelapse effect
The CapCut speed tool allows you to speed up certain parts of your videos and create a timelapse effect. You can apply this to video sections where you are performing long self-explanatory tasks like cleaning or chopping. It can help you achieve brevity without necessarily cutting the video.
Add voice narration
It is near impossible to narrate, film, and shop or chop at the same time. Fortunately, you can record and add voice narrations after you have edited your video footage on CapCut or upload a script and use the text-to-speech tool to create the narration.
Plating Videos
Food presentation is an essential culinary aspect but it is often overshadowed by cooking. You could switch things up a bit for your audience by demonstrating plating techniques and how to select suitable cutlery or crockery for various dishes.
Consider enhancing this type of video by adding music given as plating is less technical and may not require narration.
Import your plating video to the editor
Click ‘Audio’ on the menu
Select a suitable track from the extensive copyright-free CapCut audio library or import a track from your device
Once the track is uploaded to the editor, drag the cursors on the audio timeline to sync the track to the video
It is not unusual for food colors and textures to seem less appealing on camera than they actually are. Applying suitable CapCut filters can help you elevate a plate’s appearance from edible to mouth-watering. You can also use the video background remover to ensure the backdrop of your plate is just right.
Recipe Roundups
Recipe roundups are a creative way to:
Recap recipe videos that you previously shot.
Make it easy for viewers to find meal ideas in a particular niche. For example, a barbecue recipe round-up could benefit a viewer planning a barbecue.
The CapCut video editor will come in handy here too. It has tools to enable you to:
Merge the different recipe videos into one round-up video (as we have outlined above).
Add text highlights or subtitles to each video to make it easy for viewers to pick out ingredients or prep instructions. You can find text editing options by clicking the ‘T’ icon on the menu.
There are only so many ways you can cook a steak or make colorful vegetarian dishes before you begin to run out of ideas. Instead of trying to reinvent the culinary wheel, consider exploring other cultures and their culinary delights. It will be years before you can exhaust the variety that runs from gnocchi and balaclava to jollof and tiramisu.
Better still, you do not have to be an expert in all of these dishes. You can invite food vloggers from different countries to work on these videos with you.
Worried about the filming logistics? Don’t be.
You and your guest blogger can, for example, film separately and merge the videos using CapCut.
Alternatively, you could create a side-by-side comparison video where you both attempt to cook the same exotic dish using the same recipe.
Import both videos to the CapCut editor
Tap on the first video to highlight it
Select ‘Edit’ on the menu
Click ‘Adjust’
Resize and position the video to fit half the screen
Repeat this for the second video
Tap the checkmark to apply the changes
Another silver lining is that you both can have creative control during the editing process thanks to the CapCut collaborative editing provision. It allows you to both edit the shared project, share feedback, and export it to your preferred platforms.
In Conclusion
It is a marvel just how many ideas you can explore when you have tools like CapCut to help you overcome creative barriers. Now that you have gotten a glimpse into what it can do, let your ideas roam free.
As the eSports industry continues to flourish, the coming months of 2023 promise to be filled with thrilling tournaments and intense battles in the world of competitive gaming.
With a growing fan base and increasing prize pools, eSports tournaments have evolved into global spectacles that captivate millions of viewers worldwide. A lot of teams are still fighting to get a final placement for the tournament. Teams like the UArizona Esports, the flag-bearer of the best sports betting app Arizona, and other similar apps have been going through some roster changes since
Nevertheless, below, we’ll provide you with a sneak peek into the upcoming eSports tournaments in the coming months of 2023, starting from June onward.
1. EVO Championship Series (June 15–17, 2023)
Kicking off our list is the EVO Championship Series, one of the most prestigious fighting game tournaments in the world. This event brings together top players from various fighting game communities to compete in titles such as Street Fighter V, Tekken 7, Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, and more. With its energetic atmosphere and intense matches, the EVO Championship Series is a must-watch for fighting game enthusiasts.
2. ESL One Cologne: Counter-Strike: Global Offensive (June 30–July 2, 2023)
Counter-Strike: Global Offensive (CS:GO) fans have a treat in store with the ESL One Cologne tournament. This premier CS:GO event features top-tier teams battling it out for the championship title. Known for its passionate crowd and high-level gameplay, ESL One Cologne is renowned for its electrifying atmosphere and nail-biting matches. As one of the most prestigious tournaments on the CS:GO circuit, it’s guaranteed to deliver thrilling moments.
3. Fortnite World Cup (July 8–10, 2023)
Fortnite, the immensely popular battle royale game, continues to make waves in the eSports scene. The Fortnite World Cup returns with its second edition, featuring skilled players from around the world competing for fame and fortune. Witness the action-packed battles, intense building strategies, and breathtaking moments as players showcase their skills in the pursuit of victory.
4. League of Legends Mid-Season Invitational (MSI) (July 20–August 6, 2023)
League of Legends fans eagerly anticipate the Mid-Season Invitational (MSI), which serves as a mid-year showdown between the top teams from different regions. The MSI showcases the highest level of gameplay, with teams strategizing and executing complex tactics to secure victory. As a precursor to the highly anticipated World Championship, the MSI offers a glimpse into the evolving meta and fierce competition within the League of Legends community.
Arguably the most anticipated eSports tournament of the year, The International is the pinnacle event for Dota 2. Known for its jaw-dropping prize pools and fierce competition, this tournament brings together the best Dota 2 teams from around the world. With its strategic depth, complex team dynamics, and incredible individual plays, The International is a must-watch for both avid fans and newcomers to the game.
6. Call of Duty World League Championship (August 18–20, 2023)
For fans of first-person shooters, the Call of Duty World League Championship is a highlight on the eSports calendar. This tournament gathers the top Call of Duty teams, showcasing their skills and teamwork in fast-paced, action-packed matches. With the latest instalment of the franchise taking center stage, expect intense gunfights, strategic map control, and thrilling moments as teams battle for the championship crown.
7. Rainbow Six Siege Pro League Finals (September 2-4, 2023)
Rainbow Six Siege has gained significant popularity in the eSports scene, and its Pro League Finals is a must-watch event for fans. The tournament showcases the tactical prowess and teamwork of the top Rainbow Six Siege teams. Witness the meticulously planned strategies, precise coordination, and intense firefights as teams battle it out for supremacy. With its ever-evolving meta and constant updates, Rainbow Six Siege delivers a dynamic and thrilling spectator experience.
8. Overwatch League Grand Finals (September 9–11, 2023)
Overwatch, Blizzard Entertainment’s team-based shooter, continues to captivate fans with its high-octane action and diverse hero roster. The Overwatch League Grand Finals mark the culmination of an exciting season, where the top Overwatch teams vie for the championship. Prepare for exhilarating team fights, impressive ultimate combos, and strategic plays that showcase the game’s depth and skill ceiling. The Overwatch League Grand Finals are an esports spectacle that brings together fans from around the world.
To Sum Up
As we enter the second half of 2023, the eSports landscape is brimming with excitement, as players and fans prepare for a series of epic tournaments.
From the fierce clashes in fighting games at the EVO Championship Series to the strategic battles of League of Legends MSI, the intense gunfights in CS:GO at ESL One Cologne to the thrilling action of the Overwatch League Grand Finals, eSports enthusiasts have a wealth of thrilling competitions to look forward to.
So mark your calendars, gather your friends, and get ready to witness the world’s best gamers compete on the grandest stages of competitive gaming.
Smartphone technology has advanced to the point where we now have small computers in our pockets. They can do most things our computers can do, most of which are enabled by apps. If you need to do something, there is certainly an app for it in the rich ecosystems of the Google Play Store and Apple App store. A segment that has been growing in recent years is the betting app segment. Online sportsbooks and betting companies have created apps that allow players to place bets conveniently, making betting on their apps very popular. Betting apps have revolutionised online betting, but they are also evolving. In this article, we look at how both are happening.
Convenience
Betting apps have made it convenient for players to place their bets as long as they have an internet connection. Anyone with a smartphone can download an app from their favourite betting company, deposit funds and place a bet in five to ten minutes. When choosing an online betting app, it is vital to ensure it is secure, fast and reliable. Players can pick from a list of apps developed by the biggest, most trusted, and most reliable betting companies such as Novibet with stellar reputations for fairness, customer support, and numerous features.
The convenience also extends to the number of features players have access to. Access to real-time odds allows players to track changes to betting odds to know when to place bets. The ability to place live bets is another example of a feature players love and use all the time. Players can place wagers on events and outcomes after an event or game has started, ensuring they do not miss out on placing a bet regardless of a sport’s progression.
Deals and Bonuses
The online betting industry is very competitive, and there are only so many customers that betting companies can onboard. A common solution for beating competition and onboarding as many players as possible is deals and bonuses. Betting companies apply them in numerous ways throughout their apps. A common bonus for new players is a deposit bonus, where players get extra funds in their accounts after completing a deposit.
Another is free bets, where betting companies give players a free bet up to a specific amount. For example, a betting company might give a player £10 to place bets with odds of over 2.0. With enough research, players can leverage these bets to increase their winnings. These bonuses usually come with wagering requirements you need to know about before using them.
Boosted odds have become popular in recent years. A betting company might increase the odds of certain events and outcomes to entice players to place bets on them.
Security
Security is crucial when dealing with personal and banking details like betting companies do all the time. Betting apps now encrypt customer data to transmit it securely and ensure it is safe. Some use tokens instead of payment details like credit card numbers to ensure no one apart from their customers has this data.
These are great steps in the right direction as there have been some issues with customer payments, scams and lost funds in the past.
Better User Experience
We have learned a lot about user experience in the last decade and a half as apps have become more important to users. Betting companies have taken note, and the future of betting apps is one where they have a better user experience and streamlined user flows.
A complex app that makes it difficult for users to find the games, events and bets they are looking for provides an experience that makes players leave and never return. This experience also extends to deposits and withdrawals.
Players want to be able to deposit and withdraw their funds conveniently, using their preferred currencies, and with short turnaround times. After all, no one wants to wait days or weeks for their withdrawals to be approved.
Seamless Online and App Experiences
As with other areas of their online experiences, players now expect seamless omnichannel experiences. They want to be able to place their bets on any compatible device and then follow those bets on portable devices like their smartphones. The future of betting apps involves providing a seamless experience regardless of the devices they use.
Players want to be able to place bets, deposit and withdraw funds, and follow their favourite games on their computers and smartphones for the best experience. The good news is that decoupled and headless app and software development practices have made this much easier. As long as there is data and an API, the player can access a betting platform on any device they wish as betting companies have already built these experiences.
Live Game Streams and Betting
Live bets have become incredibly popular in recent years. They allow players to place bets after seeing some of the game and having an idea of the likely outcome of the game or certain events. For example, players might see that one football team is dominating the other and thus has a higher probability of winning. They can place that bet while the game continues on any device they use to log into their betting accounts.
For some time now, betting companies have been giving an overview of how an event or game is going on their mobile apps. However, some have started incorporating audio and video broadcasts to make the experience more immersive. We expect to see more live game feeds on betting apps as they continue working with teams and broadcasters.
Additional Payment Options
People want choice, especially when depositing funds into their betting accounts. They want to be sure that the app they have downloaded supports their preferred payment method, whatever that may be.
Therefore, betting companies should provide the more popular payment options alongside the ones their customers expect. We are already seeing this with betting apps that integrate region- or country-specific payment options.
Betting apps have become popular due to their convenience, security and user experience. They have changed how players view sports betting, but they are still undergoing numerous changes to provide an even better user and customer experience.
The Turtle Beach Stealth Pro headset is a jaw-dropping accessory. Moreover, it firmly puts the company back where they belong. Recently, Turtle Beach has dominated the lower to mid-price point. This is except for the incredible600 and 700 Stealth 2 MAX headphones. However, this latest creation proves that they are back to their best.
These multi-platform headphones are designed with either Xbox or PlayStation in mind. For the purpose of this review, I was presented with the latter option. Yet, if you game on PC, Nintendo Switch, or you simply enjoy listening to music, this device has your back. These stunningly comfortable over-ear headphones create a game-changing experience. You are taken to the next level thanks to the powerful drivers, ANC, and customisable settings. Alongside this, it has 2 battery packs and several connection options. Consequently, it is versatile and designed for long gaming sessions.
What’s in the box of the Turtle Beach Stealth Pro headset?
This obnoxiously large box begs to be opened. Additionally, the heavy and strong packaging keeps its contents safe. Furthermore, it can be recycled, and it’s irresistibly upmarket in appearance.
The Turtle Beach Stealth Pro headset is instantly desirable. With lay-flat yokes, plush leatherette earcups, and a range of tactile buttons, it begs to be used.
The detachable TruSpeak microphone can be attached with ease.
Keep on gaming thanks to the pair of rechargeable battery packs.
The futuristic wireless terminal doubles up as a battery charging dock. If you charge a battery for 15 minutes, you can enjoy up to 3 hours of juice. What’s more, you can charge other devices from the additional port.
2 USB-C charging cables are provided, but any standard C-cable can be used instead.
Understand the fundamentals with the basic user guide. For further details, a PDF version can be downloaded.
Keep your headphones safe with the velvet bag.
Technical aspects.
If you are purchasing a mid or lower-range headset, your expectations are set accordingly. However, premium products must strive to deliver exceptional performance. Thankfully, the Turtle Beach Stealth Pro headset is unbelievably brilliant. Therefore, every element is impressive and the audio technology is the best I’ve experienced.
The beastly 50mm Nanoclear drivers create a rich and powerful soundscape. Subsequently, every game, movie, or song comes to life. Alongside this, the ANC delivers an immersive experience unlike any other! The four internal microphones reduce noise levels by up to 25 dB. Accordingly, you can game without unnecessary distractions. Alternatively, you can accentuate ambient sounds to allow the outside sounds in. As such, from the moment you are set up, you won’t want to wear another set of headphones.
Alongside this, the TruSpeak boom microphone is incredible. Thanks to the noise-cancelling technology, you’ll enjoy crystal-clear communication. This amazing microphone cuts out up to 97% of background noise. Furthermore, there was no crackling or interference, no matter the platform or my connection of choice.
Connectivity.
Whenever you game, you want a lag-free experience. Thankfully, the Turtle Beach Stealth Pro headset offers low-fidelity audio via dual connections. Consequently, you can use the lightning-fast 5.1 Bluetooth option or the 2.4 GHz wireless base. Whichever option you choose, they both deliver pinpoint accurate audio.
Alongside this, the dual connection allows you to listen to music, Discord, or take calls whilst you are gaming. As such, you never miss a beat. Furthermore, this upmarket device allows you to enjoy your gaming session while seamlessly letting you carry on with your day-to-day activities.
Build quality.
As expected, this premium device has phenomenal build quality. With plush leatherette earcups, a durable steel-reinforced headband, and soft touch but tactile buttons, this looks and feels great. Alongside this, the microphone port can be covered when not in use. As such, it retains its sleek finish. Furthermore, the hidden battery compartment is easy to access, and the battery is slender and lightweight.
Talking of weight, the Turtle Beach Stealth Pro headset is noticeably heavy. Though this may disappoint some gamers, they are reassuringly robust. Moreover, weight isn’t a problem during lengthy gaming sessions. Additionally, the earcups are cool and the memory foam padding is spectacle-user friendly. Accordingly, these premium headphones are perfect for casual or hardcore users.
The app.
All the bells and whistles impressed me. However, the app was a thing of beauty! This free-to-download software makes it simple to alter your settings on the fly. Moreover, you can remap the audio wheel, switch on superhuman hearing, and change the EQ settings with ease. Alongside this, it is a cinch to get started and any mistakes can be undone at the touch of a button.
This incredible piece of software is so straightforward that any technophobe can master it. Thanks to the easy-to-navigate UI, and the well-labelled tabs, you cannot go wrong. Furthermore, you can create up to 10 custom builds that can be easily selected. Therefore, you can switch your settings as quickly as you change your genre of game.
Is the Turtle Beach Stealth Pro headset worth it?
Investing your hard-earned cash into a premium device can be daunting. No one likes to feel that they are wasting their cash, and getting quality and great value for money is a must. Luckily, though the Turtle Beach Stealth Pro headset has a hefty price point of £279.99, it is money well spent. This incredible headset is a game-changer. Consequently, if gaming, music, or movies are your passion, you won’t want to miss out.
With an amazing range of tones and a deep and rich bass, it delivers precise sound. Moreover, the excellent ANC and transparency options create both an immersive and an open soundscape. Alongside this, the exquisite build quality will impress you. The comfortable earcups are cool and spectacle friendly. Additionally, the lay-flat yokes and detachable microphone retain a sleek and non-gaming appearance. As such, these headphones are some, if not the best headphones I’ve tested, and they are worth every penny you invest. Therefore, I can easily recommend that you buy them here!
(More information on Turtle Beach can be found here!)
Remember Halo? Yea, me too. After a string of bad news, delays, missing features, and radio silence, Halo fans deserve better.
Remember Halo?
Halo was the first gaming franchise I fell in love with. It began while watching my brothers play Halo: Combat Evolved together as they fought the flood. I thought it was some kind of horror game, but instead of hiding my eyes, I couldn’t look away. I was only a kid then, but everything about it spoke to me. The world, the lore, the characters, I was enthralled with every aspect of its design.
I was a shy kid. Didn’t speak much, and I had very little friends. Reflecting on it now, that’s probably why I related so much to the green space man fighting all of these aliens. He, like me, didn’t say much, but his bravery and courage shook me to my core. He inspired me, and most of all, he was my friend.
Just like Superman, Master Chief was my hero. I felt like I was there with him as I played the original trilogy of Halo games. We fought side-by-side as we both explored this alien ring-world together in Halo 1. I had his back as we found ourselves on the covenant holy city called high charity in Halo 2. And we both stood brave together, as we saved the entire galaxy from the halo rings being lit in Halo 3.
Even as I aged, my love for Halo and Master Chief never left me. When Xbox announced Halo 4 during E3 2011, I was left speechless. At that time, Bungie had moved on from the franchise and the trilogy had ended 4 years prior. As far as I knew up to that point, Master Chief was gone.
Yet here came a newcomer to the series, 343 Industries, the studio tasked with handling one of the most beloved IP’s in the gaming world. Everyone was skeptical, including me. Nobody could have predicted the downward spiral that was to come.
Halo’s Rocky Road.
343 Industries have done some good things. I enjoyed the Halo 4 narrative, Halo 5 multiplayer gave me 100s of hours of fun, and Halo Infinite was serviceable. But there in lies the issue, it’s all a big jumble of “just okay.”
I can talk for weeks about how much I love Bungie’s Halo trilogy, how each games nuances are so fantastic and still amazing to this day. This isn’t just nostalgia talk either, as Bungie pushed the boundaries of the first-person-shooter genre. Halo 3 launching with a fully functional campaign, multiplayer, and innovative additions such as forge and theater is something unheard of in comparison to todays gaming landscape.
Halo used to be genre defining, it used to set the standard for what a first-person-shooter should be. Now, Halo can’t even launch with all the features day one.
Theres a significant stain on each of 343’s games, that tarnish each of their legacies. Halo 4 changed the entire art-style and look of everything you grew up loving about Bungie’s trilogy, which confused and angered all the hardcore Halo fans. Not to mention, the horrendous call of duty rip-off multiplayer killed the competitive halo scene.
Halo: the master chief collection. Enough said.
Halo 5 without a doubt has the worst story in the entire series, dare I say one of the worst narratives in video games. For a franchise so known by amazing stories, Halo 5 was a tough pill to swallow. Not to mention the game launched with content missing like forge and big team battle. It was also loaded with micro-transactions.
Halo Infinite… man. We waited 6 years for Halo Infinite. This was the game that was supposed to bring Halo back. The old art-style returned, and there seemed to be a real focus from 343. Everyone in the Halo community felt that 343 really wanted to knock this one out of the park.
It wasn’t all bad, but everything just seemed half-baked. The campaign was good, but it’s clear that so much was cut. With only one biome in the open world, it seemed that infinite still needed two years at the minimum to cook. The multiplayer launched with the least amount of content I’ve ever seen for a shooter. Forge wasn’t at launch, campaign co-op wasn’t at launch, and couch co-op split screen wasn’t in the game even though previous 343 studios head Bonnie Ross said specifically that it would be. (https://www.pcgamer.com/halo-games-will-always-have-split-screen-going-forward-says-343-industries-founder/)
As a massive fan of Halo, I’ve consistently scratched my head during the 343 era, often asking myself “what are they doing over there?”
Halo was once a juggernaut, but now most would laugh at you if you even dared putting Halo and juggernaut in the same sentence. Faith in 343 is at an all time low. If there’s anyone in the Halo community that still believes in 343, you can probably count them on two hands. This is a billion dollar IP owned by one of the largest companies in the world. Why are we even having this conversation?
Microsoft’s Mismanagement of Gaming Royalty.
Game development is incredibly difficult and a string of bad launches and bad press should never just fall on a studio. Publishers should always receive a healthy amount of the blame as well.
If you are the publisher of a billion dollar game, it’s your job to assure the game is in the hands of the best creators possible and that they have any resources that they need. If there’s something they need, you give it to them. Something isn’t working? You fix it.
Nintendo’s management of their core franchises is the gold standard. Mario has been relevant for 40+ years and still we are receiving genre-defining experiences. Mario hasn’t lost an ounce of mindshare, and in moments where it sunk a little, Nintendo did what was necessary to bring it back up.
At Nintendo’s lowest moment after the Wii U, they picked themselves up and prepped for what was next. They needed a strong launch lineup of exclusives to push Nintendo Switch sales, so what did they do? They didn’t go out and purchase big name second party games or publishers, they gave the Zelda and Mario team the resources necessary to create masterpieces. Two of their oldest IP were carrying the switch hardware 30 years after their creation with Breath of the wild and Super Mario Odyssey.
It seemed Microsoft was primed to do the same with Halo Infinite being the big launch title for the Xbox Series X|S. The first Halo game to launch with a new system since Halo: Combat Evolved. It was crucial for 343 to nail this one. Instead, we got a disastrous gameplay reveal and a year delay. Even after the year delay, the game launched with over half its features missing.
The Covid pandemic was still raging on and had an industry wide impact, but Halo infinite was in development long before the pandemic started. As seen below, thanks to reporting from Bloombergs Jason Schreier, Halo Infinite was having development trouble long before Covid.
There’s now three studio heads at 343, and while I hope they can turn the franchise around, I’m left with no faith in the studio.
The path forward is that hopefully with all the studio changes, Halo can finally get back on track, but I think I speak for all Halo fans when I say we’re out of patience.
I hope things work out, but in my opinion, other studios should get a chance to work on Halo. It’s no easy task for a studio who has been working on Halo since its conception to try something else, but the mismanagement of Halo cannot continue further. If anything, letting 343 stay on as a support studio while another team takes over main development responsibility could work out.
343 have proved they don’t understand Halo, nor that they can launch a complete experience that lives up to players expectations. Some may think this is being harsh, but they have had plenty of chances. Halo is Xbox’s most important IP, and it has to be great.
Closing
Although I have been rather cynical here, I just want to express that I want what is best for Halo. I speak only as a concerned fan of the series. I want Halo to be great, and to be the juggernaut it used to be but recently it’s been anything but.
If these leadership changes at 343 lead to Halo getting back on track, then I’m all for it. I sincerely wish 343 nothing but the best.
That being said, if Xbox sees 343 can’t handle this, that they can’t produce a title to the quality level gamers expect, then a new team needs to take over. Because after all, the franchises health is all that matters.
Halo means everything to me, Master Chief means everything to me. I want them to shine, and be the industry leader like I know they are. After all, Master Chief is my hero. I hope we can get there soon.
