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.
Here is our review of the Gioteck FR5 Racing Wheel.
Elevate your racing game with the Gioteck FR5 Racing Wheel, expertly designed to bring your driving experience to the next level. Tailored specifically for games with Motion Sensor support like Gran Turismo 7 on PS5, this advanced wheel is your gateway to unparalleled immersion and control.
Whether you’re tearing up the tracks in Gran Turismo 7 or mastering the curves in Gran Turismo Sport, the FR5 Racing Wheel is your ultimate companion. And it’s not just limited to PlayStation—it’s also designed for PC and Steam Deck, allowing you to configure your favourite racing games via Steam software with seamless Gyro functionality.
Superior Control & Authentic Feel
220-Degree Steering with Auto-Centring Mechanic: Enjoy precise and responsive steering with a 220-degree rotation, ensuring your wheel snaps back to centre for optimal control.
Authentic Grip: Feel like you’re in the driver’s seat with an authentic grip that mimics the feel of a real racing wheel.
Dual Metal Bearings: Experience smooth, frictionless steering, thanks to high-quality dual metal bearings.
360-Degree Ergonomic Grip: Designed for comfort during extended gaming sessions, the 360-degree ergonomic grip keeps you in control lap after lap.
Versatile Mounting Options Customize your setup with three flexible ways to play:
Table Clamp: Secure your wheel to any table for a stable and immersive experience.
Lap Mount: Enjoy racing from the comfort of your couch with the convenient lap mount option.
Grip Only: Prefer a minimalist approach? Use the wheel grip only for a streamlined gaming experience.
What’s in the box?
The box contains the wheel, a desk clamp and user manual.
A Closer Look
Final Thoughts
The Gioteck FR5 Racing Wheel is actually a case for your PS5 controller. In order to use it you need to mount the PS5 controller within the steering wheel section then attach the section to the base.
There is a desk clamp included in the box so you can choose whether to play with the wheel clamped to a desk, sitting on your lap or even just using the steering wheel section on its own. Basically it will work with any motion sensor supported game.
Connecting it all together is really simple and only takes a few moments – and that’s really all there is to it. You can now play your racing games with a wheel!
The Gioteck FR5 Racing Wheel is available now priced around £39.99.
The box contains the Wired Collaboration Keyboard – KB525C, USB-C Cable with USB-A Adapter and Documentation.
A Closer Look
Final Thoughts
The keyboard is very comfortable and easy to use and is silent! No more clicking away. The keys on the keyboard feel very satisfying to type on too.
One of things I really liked was that wired keyboard has both USB-A and USB-C connectors so if you want to use it with a device that only has USB-C (like a Mac) you don’t need any additional kit.
The keyboard has a number of hotkeys, including a Microsoft CoPilot one if that’s your thing. The most important hotkey for the KB525C are the Zoom and Teams keys – you can easily turn your camera and microphone on or off with a press of a button, no more moving the mouse and finding the right thing to click! This saves time and also is so easy to use no one will be able to tell you are even doing it! Those keys even light up when you are in a call!
The Dell Wired Collaboration Keyboard – KB525C is available now priced around £40.94.
The box contains the KM555 Keyboard & Mouse, Dell Secure Link USB Receiver – WR3, Batteries (Keyboard AAA x2 / Mouse AA x1) and Documentation.
A Closer Look
Final Thoughts
Both the mouse and keyboard are very comfortable and easy to use and they really are silent! No more clicking away. The keys on the keyboard feel very satisfying to type on.
Connecting the mouse and keyboard up to use was easy – you can either connect them via Bluetooth if your chosen system supports that, or plug in the supplied dongle (which is hidden away inside the mouse for safe keeping) and connect up that way.
I liked that Dell included batteries in the box so that you can use the mouse and keyboard straight away.
The keyboard has a number of hotkeys, including a Microsoft CoPilot one if that’s your thing.
If you are looking for a silent mouse and keyboard that feels great to use, look no further!
Dell Pro Compact Silent Keyboard and Mouse is available now priced around £51.14.
The box contains the mouse (including the dongle) and a quick start guide and a battery.
A Closer Look
Final Thoughts
The MS355 Silent Mouse is small and very lightweight. It’s easy to slip into your bag or even a pocket if you need to carry it around.
It’s very comfortable and easy to use and it really is silent! No more clicking away.
Connecting the mouse up to use was easy – you can either connect it via Bluetooth if your chosen system supports that, or plug in the supplied dongle (which is hidden away inside the mouse for safe keeping) and connect up that way.
I liked that Dell included a battery in the box so that you can use the mouse straight away.
If you are looking for a silent mouse that feels great to use, look no further!
The Dell MS355 Silent Mouse is available now priced around £27.04.
The TX5 Wired Gaming Headset from Gioteck is versatile, comfortable, and great to look at. If you love to game across different platforms but don’t want 100s of peripherals, this headset could be for you. Its wired approach makes it compatible with PC, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, and PlayStation. Additionally, you can use it with your tablet or mobile phone. Accordingly, you don’t need to take multiple headsets when you are out and about.
Alongside this, it is well-built and the over-ear design feels great. Moreover, it uses passive notice cancellation for a comfortable audio experience. The flip-to-mute mic keeps your conversations private and the sleek design has an aggressive sci-fi edge. Consequently, this will appeal to a large audience.
What’s in the box of the TX5 Wired Gaming Headset?
The packaging is lightweight but robust. Additionally, the striking imagery is eye-catching.
The TX5 Wired Gaming Headset is lightweight. Additionally, the built-in wired cable is hard-wearing. There is RGB lighting, a volume wheel, and a comfortable headband for extended sessions.
Learn the basics with the user manual.
Technical aspects.
Unlike its wireless peers, the TX5 Wired Gaming Headset can be used without charge. However, if you love RGB it has a 6-hour battery life and RGB lighting zones. Though this wasn’t essential, it has that wow factor many gamers desire.
The passive noise cancellation increases your gaming experience. PNC reduces those unnecessary and uncomfortable mid to high tones. Accordingly, you can reduce the sound of unwanted talking or the clack of your mechanical keyboard. Though it wasn’t perfect, I found background noise was reduced slightly. Gamers who want no distractions will have to opt for ANC at a higher cost.
40 mm drivers are suitable without blowing your mind. I used these headphones at around 65-70% volume and there was no distortion or uncomfortable cracking. However, the bass wasn’t as powerful as some of its peers. Consequently, if you love bass-heavy gaming, you may be left slightly disappointed.
Audio quality.
The flip-to-mute microphone was a pleasant design choice. A mute button is a simple option, but I like the guarantee of the TX5 Wired Gaming Headset design. The smooth hinged movement and definitive stopping point ensure that you know when the mic is working and when it is muted. This is perfect if you want privacy or if you are using the headset when out walking.
The 40 mm drivers offer a pleasant but not overwhelming range of tones. I had no difficulty in identifying each tonal range and I like the slightly underpowered bass. Moreover, the microphone delivers excellent pick-up. Consequently, you don’t endure poor echoed or tinny noises.
Build quality.
I’m not usually a fan of lay-flat headphones. The additional hinged sections worry me for little gain. Luckily, the sturdy design is great for heavy-handed individuals. Moreover, the lay-flat approach is perfect if you like to use your headphones on the move.
Alongside this, the headband is sturdy with a suspended support strap. This prevents unnecessary pressure on your head. This comfort level can be found in the plush over-ear cups. The soft material is durable without overheating your ears. Additionally, they reduce pressure if you wear glasses. Subsequently, they are ideal for lengthy gaming sessions.
Is the TX5 Wired Gaming Headset worth it?
Versatile gaming headsets normally cost a fortune. Thankfully, this one bucks that trend. Additionally, the RGB lighting is vibrant and fun. As such, it will appeal to a large audience. Its robust design is ideal for clumsy people. However, the bass may disappoint audiophiles. Accordingly, though it isn’t perfect, I recommend buying this great value headset here!
Here is our review of the Edifier W800BT Pro Headset.
The 40mm dynamic driver provides an expansive soundstage and powerful bass, while the titanium-coated diaphragm ensures clear and transparent mid-high frequencies, making every listening session pure and enjoyable.
Advanced hybrid active noise cancellation technology combined with the upgraded full-fit over-ear design, ensures excellent passive noise reduction and achieves a noise reduction depth of up to -44dB, letting you immerse yourself in a world of music anytime, anywhere.
Introducing our newly designed multi-direction adaptive structure, engineered to perfectly fit various face shapes and ear contours. Combined with a lightweight body pressure-relief headband, and soft earpads, it offers an unparalleled and comfortable wearing experience.
Features
Hybrid ANC technology isolates unwanted noise.
Φ40mm dynamic driver with titanium coated diaphragm for high-fidelity audio.
Hi-Res audio certification via USB-C wired connection.
Multipoint connection for seamless switching between devices.
Built-in mic with AI noise cancellation for clear calls.
Lightweight, fully foldable design for daily use and travel.
Skin-friendly, super soft ear cushions for all-day comfort.
45 hours of playback, 10-minute charge provides 5 hours of use.
Compatible with EDIFIER ConneX app for personalized settings, select preset EQs, and more.
What’s in the box?
The box contains the headphones, charging cable and manual.
A Closer Look
Final Thoughts
The W800BT Pro headphones are fairly lightweight and feel very comfortable to wear even for extended periods of time. The earcups fold as well making it easier to carry.
When fully charged the headphones can give you up to 45 hours of usage (without ANC) and around 26 hours with ANC. In a pinch you can charge for about 10 minutes and get around 5 hours of listening time.
The headphones support Hi-Res Audio and the sound quality is great, with music coming through very clearly no matter what type of music you are listening to. The ANC works really well and enables you to focus on what you want to listen to rather than all the noises around you.
The headphones utilise the latest Bluetooth version 5.4 technology for faster transmission speeds, stronger anti-interference capabilities, and lower power consumption.
It is capable of connecting to two Bluetooth audio devices simultaneously, making it incredibly convenient for both work and enjoying music at the same time.
Integrated Al call noise reduction algorithms and a high-sensitivity microphone effectively recognize background noise, preserving human voices for clear hands-free calls.
In game mode, the latency is as low as 0.06s (according to Edifier), while the sound and pictures are highly synchronised.
You can also use the Edifier ConneX 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 W800BT Pro Headset is available now priced around £39.99 and come in Black, Gray or Ivory.
