As we are now on the run up to Christmas, and with the recent launch of Apple’s new iPhone 16 Pro Max, we take a look at the new Catalyst Influence Case Range.
iPhone 16 Pro Max – Influence Case
10 ft. Military Drop Protection tested. Experience quintessential protection with this rugged case, which is 2.5x more drop-proof than the military standard! With its anti-slip grip, anti-drop lanyard and four corner attachments for adding optional accessories, you can go hands-free and never worry about a drop. Plus, its patented forward-facing audio technology provides 30% louder sound while reducing background noise, and its patented rotating mute switch gives you even more control.
FEATURES
2.5x Higher Drop Protection* MIL-STD-810G – 3m/10ft
+30% louder sound with Unique Forward Audio**
Impact Truss System absorbs shocks
Easy-to-Press Aluminum Buttons
Easy Access to Camera Control
Anti-slip textured grip
Ultra Slim
Anti-drop lanyard included (tested to 10kg)
Raised edges protect screen & camera
4 Corner Anti-Drop Attachment System
Crystal clear case back that shows off your iPhone
Compatible with Screen protectors
Wireless Charging Compatible
*Only for corner drops. Compared to military standards. **Designed for up to +3.8dBA sound toward the user at 1cm over the device alone. Your results may differ.
iPhone 16 Pro Max – Influence Case, MagSafe Compatible
FEATURES
2.5x Higher Drop Protection* MIL-STD-810G – 3m/10ft
+30% louder sound with Unique Forward Audio**
Impact Truss System absorbs shocks
Easy-to-Press Aluminum Buttons
Easy Access to Camera Control
Anti-slip textured grip
Ultra Slim
Anti-drop lanyard included (tested to 10kg)
Raised edges protect screen/camera
4 Corner Anti-Drop Attachment System
100% fingerprint-free clear case back
Compatible with Screen protectors
Wireless Charging Compatible
*Only for corner drops. Compared to military standards.**Designed for up to +3.8dBA sound toward the user at 1cm over the device alone. Your results may differ.
Final Thoughts
If you own an iPhone 16 Pro Max then you will want to keep it protected, after all it’s a very expensive piece of kit.
That’s where the iPhone 16 Pro Max Influence Case range from Catalyst comes in. Not only does it protect your iPhone, it looks good too!
Add to the fact there’s a MagSafe compatible case in the range too and you’ve got yourself a great case!
The Catalyst iPhone 16 Pro Max Influence Case is available now priced around $39.99 and is available in various colours.
The Catalyst iPhone 16 Pro Max Influence MagSafe Compatible Case is available now priced around $59.99 and is available in various colours.
The CLICKid SNAP10 Digital Photo Frame from CLICKid is an impressive device. I’ve used digital photo frames before and I haven’t been happy. They are clunky, cumbersome, and just a niche product. Accordingly, when I was offered this to review, I didn’t know what to think. Luckily though, it is the perfect companion to both the CLICKid CAM20and the CLICKid CAM10. Alternatively, if you love to snap photos on your smartphone, this is a great device to show off your favourite shots.
This deceptively simple photo frame is packed full of wonderful tech. It has auto-rotation, motion sensors, a remote control for a straightforward approach, and hidden storage ports. Moreover, it has a touch display to give it that modern edge. This feature was great, but I always had to clean it as kids and touchscreens to not mix. Yet, this is a minor complaint and maybe I should demand my kids clean their fingers before they touch the screen.
What’s in the box of the CLICKid SNAP10 Digital Photo Frame?
The packaging wasn’t as compact as I first thought. However, it looks nice and it can be recycled.
The CLICKid SNAP10 Digital Photo Frame is slim and pleasant to the eye. The sleek black surround is modern and the hidden ports help to maintain a streamlined approach.
A kickstand is great if you want to have this on a flat surface.
The remote control prevents dirty fingers from making the screen filthy.
A power cable and adapter are provided.
Learn the basics with the user manual.
Technical aspects.
The CLICKid SNAP10 Digital Photo Frame follows a traditional photo frame style and an incredibly modern approach. The latter allows friends and family to share images directly to your photo frame. If you wish to do this, you need to install the free-to-download app and share an access code with any friends. Here, they can send you images that can be stored on the whooping 32 GB of internal storage. The internal storage allows you to store thousands of images or hours of video footage. This was fantastic as my kids could capture photos with their friends and then send them directly to the device with minimal effort.
Once photos are installed onto the device, you may alter them to your liking. Whether you wish them to fit the full display, or to have a pleasant border, it is up to you. I didn’t play too much with these settings as I was happy to let the photos scroll as they were in the slideshow. However, if you wish to adjust anything at any time, you can access each photo from the menu and change it to your liking.
This photo frame supports 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi for a straightforward connection. Furthermore, the touchscreen has 10-point actuation and is responsive and easy to set up. Finally, the high-definition IPS Panel has an 800/1280 resolution that can be viewed from a wide angle.
Display quality.
My past experiences with digital photo frames haven’t been good! The picture quality has been poor and I was always in a losing battle. Fortunately, the CLICKid SNAP10 Digital Photo Frame is different. The picture quality is vivid and pleasant to look at. Additionally, the high-definition IPS panel can be viewed from different points. Accordingly, if you sit this on your bedside table, you will be able to see it from multiple locations without undermining the picture quality.
Usability.
I was impressed by the straightforward set-up and the responsive touch display. Moreover, the app was great and I loved to see whatever photos were sent to the device. Word of warning, if you have friends with a naughty sense of humour, you may wish to censor or check the images before you allow them into your slideshow.
Though the touchscreen was great, I liked the simplicity of the remote control. Flicking through your images and video footage was amazing. Moreover, starting and stopping each video or adjusting the content was a cinch. The remote is well-labelled and mastering the basics was an easy task.
Build quality.
The CLICKid SNAP10 Digital Photo Frame will look great on your wall or a table. The sleek frame is pleasant to the eye and I loved the vibrant display. Furthermore, the hidden ports keep things streamlined. My only complaint is the lack of a built-in battery. This would have tidied things up further and I’d have preferred this option. However, the power cable is slim and it is easy to hide if this is stood on a desk. If you wall mount it, you will have to create a cable management system to keep things tidy.
The rear ports are robust and using a USB storage or memory card is straightforward. I had no issues or concerns that either would become damaged as you removed them from the photo frame. The frame is made of a hardened plastic and can take a few knocks. Yet, I’d be careful not to hit the screen as it could cause permanent damage to the touchpoints.
Is the CLICKid SNAP10 Digital Photo Frame worth it?
I thought digital photo frames were a 00s fad. As such, I’ve never considered how much things have changed. Thankfully, this digital photo frame changed my perspective. It delivers an incredible experience that brings friends together. Furthermore, it is easy to use and has a nice modern aesthetic. Yes, I wish there was a built-in battery, but this is a minor complaint. Accordingly, I like it, and I recommend buying it here!
Demon Slayer -Kimetsu no Yaiba- Sweep the Board! is a bizarre blend of Mario Party action and Anime madness. This strange combination shouldn’t have worked, but occasionally it did. I’m not the biggest anime fan, so many of the crazy nuances were lost on me. However, I am familiar with Demon Slayer, so I was able to identify the key locations and the protagonists. If you have no interest in this Anime series, you can still enjoy the mini-games and the odd action.
This Anime board game experience was developed by Cyberconnect2 and published by SEGA. Moreover, it can be enjoyed alone or with 3 other gamers. If, like me, you tend to play alone, the spare spaces are filled with NPC demon slayers. Though this sounds great, there is an imbalance in the gameplay model that drives you insane. Unfortunately, I’m not sure if the developers can balance things, but it is a shortcoming that disappointed me.
Demon Slayer -Kimetsu no Yaiba- Sweep the Board! is a game of 2 halves.
Due to the short board game nature, Demon Slayer -Kimetsu no Yaiba- Sweep the Board! has no plot. Instead, the unfolding action and protagonist’s character traits take centre stage. This was perfect for Demon Slayer fans as you can hear the sound bites of your favourite characters. Additionally, their personalities shine through and this will make you smile. However, if you have no idea what I’m talking about, you won’t understand the little snippets of lore.
This could be problematic as the game offers little depth. Additionally, unlike other board games, the mini-game aspect is as deep as a puddle. This was a shame as I love the 3 maps and the demonic layer. Unfortunately, each mini-game lacks finesse and they are mostly a combination of button bashing.
Where Demon Slayer -Kimetsu no Yaiba- Sweep the Board! shines is its 2 part action. As each hero romps around the board, they must aim for a goal square. Once you hit this mark, you earn special ranking points that can level each character. Furthermore, the action turns from day to night and here is where the demons come to play.
Demonic beings.
The nighttime aspect was great. The demonic square offers a chance to tackle the evil overlord in a crazy mini-game. This should have been amazing, but most of the opportunities focus on mashing buttons or a weird combination of inputs. Yet, once you thwart the beast, they go into hiding and the gameplay loop begins again.
This almost tedious approach quickly became tiresome. However, when I played it with friends, I loved it a little bit more. The competitive edge shines through and the mini-games were enjoyable. Annoyingly, the aforementioned lack of balance between NPC and humans is overbearing and you never feel like you have a chance.
Demon Slayer -Kimetsu no Yaiba- Sweep the Board! misses a trick.
Anime and Manga are renowned for an exceptional visual experience. Disappointingly, Demon Slayer -Kimetsu no Yaiba- Sweep the Board! misses a trick. The environment is fantastic and the locations are easily identifiable. However, the characters lack detail and the animation is slow and cumbersome. Understandably, this was way below my expectations and I hoped for better. Luckily, the demonic encounters were good, but this left me wondering why the core gameplay was so ugly.
The audio utilises key sound bites from each protagonist. Additionally, there is larger-than-life music and sound effects to complete the package. If you are not a fan of the franchise, you’ll find this pretty annoying. Yet, if you follow Demon Slayer, you’ll feel right at home. Consequently, it’s a bit of a mixed bag.
Weird controls.
The overworld is an easy place to navigate. The simple UI and dice mechanics will not take you by surprise. However, the mini-games are a weird mixture of button bashing and strange inputs. This approach was bizarre and it makes the action unnecessarily complex. Moreover, it can be frustrating to play. Subsequently, I found myself getting extremely annoyed as things didn’t go to plan.
If you have like-minded friends, you’ll enjoy the banter and the competitive edge. Furthermore, if you love the franchise, there is plenty to keep you interested. However, if you are a solo gamer or you have never heard of Demon Slayer, you are in for a rough ride. Accordingly, replay value and longevity will depend on which camp you sit in.
Demon Slayer -Kimetsu no Yaiba- Sweep the Board! doesn’t quite get it right.
I’m on the fence with this board game experience. On one hand, it is colourful and it captures the theme perfectly. However, the games lack an edge and the control system isn’t good. What’s more, the attention to detail is lacking. Sadly, there are too many shortcomings and I cannot recommend it as a consequence. Yet, more information can be found here! Can you defeat the demons? Pick your slayer, romp around the board, and become infamous.
The CIDOO QK61 keyboard from Epomaker is a compact and easy-to-use device. Furthermore, it has tri-mode connectivity and simple-to-understand features. This is the ideal option for anyone who wants a portable and plug-and-play peripheral. This was great if you need to work on your commute but you don’t like those tiny foldable devices. Instead, you can slide this keyboard into your bag and it won’t take up much room.
On top of this, customisation is a key concern for Epomaker. This device has hot-swappable switches for both 3 and 5-pin options. This was impressive as you can customise your device without the use of solder. Furthermore, though this is a 60% form factor peripheral, it has all the power of a full-size alternative. Thanks to VIA programming, you may alter the macros and inputs to whatever your heart desires.
What’s in the box of the CIDOO QK61 keyboard?
The tiny box has a simple but pleasant design. Furthermore, it is reasonably robust and this keeps the contents safe
The CIDOO QK61 keyboard comes in two colourways. I picked the white option, but there is a black livery if this appeals to you. The design is sleek and streamlined. Moreover, the transparent enter and ESC key have a retro feel. These can be swapped out if you don’t like this look.
A keycap puller is provided.
Charge the device with the USB cable.
Spare keys can be used if you don’t like the transparent ones.
Learn the basics with the user manual.
Technical aspects.
This tri-mode keyboard is perfect if you like to work or game at home and you need to work on your commute. The 3 options are easy to select thanks to the tactile rear switch. Additionally, the USB dongle is housed within the keyboard, so you shouldn’t lose it when you are out and about. The wired approach was simple to set up and it’s great if you are staying put for a while. Alternatively, either of the wireless options was a cinch to get going. All of the connectivity choices offer low-latency typing and gaming. Accordingly, you must pick which mode suits your needs.
Whenever you connect wirelessly, battery life is a concern. Thankfully, this comes with an impressive 3,000 mAh battery life. This large capacity is suitable for lengthy gaming sessions and can be charged easily using the provided USB cable. If you are concerned about battery status, you can use the FN key to highlight the remaining battery life. On top of this, if you run low on juice, the FN key flashes to highlight the issue.
Epomaker provides their CIDOO Pearl White Switches as standard. These comfortable switches have a pleasant actuation distance and there is a nice tactile and responsive nature whenever you type or game. If you have a preferred switch type, you can remove these with ease and replace them with whatever compatible alternative you like.
Usability.
The CIDOO QK61 keyboard is an extremely user-friendly device. Though it may not be as advanced as some other gaming keyboards, it is perfectly serviceable and it will appeal to a large audience. The triple connectivity is great and the simple but effective tactile switch was easy to handle. On top of this, if you want to change the macros or inputs, this was a straightforward task.
Build quality.
This keyboard costs less than £50! As such, you’d think that Epomaker would cut corners. However, this isn’t the case. It is a device that has a substantial weight and it feels robust. Moreover, the typing experience is comfortable thanks to the Cherry Profile Double Shot PBT Keycaps. These familiar keycaps have a nice profile that is ideal for typing and gaming. What’s more, the font will not fade and the white will resist dirt and wear and tear longer than its competitors.
If you have a tiny workstation or you simply want more room for sweeping mouse movements, then this is the device for you. This keyboard uses a 60% form factor for a truly compact experience. Though this may worry you, it shouldn’t. The exceptional FN and macroing functionality allow you to execute every command a full-sized keyboard offers. Consequently, you get the design you like without compromising your worktop space.
I adore the sound of mechanical keyboards. Thankfully, the CIDOO QK61 keyboard has a delightful clunky sound. This is enhanced thanks to the multi-layered acoustic materials. Furthermore, the polycarbonate PC plate creates a sense of flexibility whilst enhancing that clacky noise. Finally, the gasket mount isolates the switches from the case. This was important as it reduces vibration and enhances that glorious old-school sound.
Is the CIDOO QK61 keyboard worth it?
If you are in the market for a gaming keyboard, you are spoilt for choice. There are full-sized, mid-sized, and tiny compact keyboards available. Furthermore, you can have vibrant and unusual designs or something a little understated. Thankfully, this device sits nicely in the middle. The south-facing RGB creates a pleasant light show without being too garish.
Moreover, the keycaps and switches are comfortable to use and I love the tri-mode connectivity. Subsequently, I think this is great value and an ideal choice for anyone who wishes to have a plug-and-play experience. As such, I recommend buying it here!
October has been filled with the glow of the bright pumpkin-colored “Hunter’s Moon” and a series of tricks, treats, and terrors. What would be better than to enhance the mood with more hands-on horror and goriness?
For fans of blood and gore, but want something more interactive than Texas Chainsaw Massacre or Terrifier, you might be wanting a lineup of video games to play as the days toward Halloween dwindles away. Developed and published by Feardemic and Harvester games, Burnhouse Lane, a “spiritual sequel” to The Cat Lady, is sure to pique some interest. Burnhouse Lane is a survival action-adventure gamed filled with spooky puzzles, gory scenes, and a choose your own adventure-style narrative.
The game can be played on steam, PC, Nintendo Switch, PS4 and PS5, Xbox One, and the Xbox Series X/S.
Hospice in Hell
Play as Angie Weather, an agency nurse suffering from terminal cancer, on the verge of passing. Her partner had passed away from the same fate some time ago. They had always wanted to travel to Japan together, so Angie takes on her final job to care after George, an elder who lives on a tucked away farm, hoping to earn enough money to travel before her life ends. Players will oscillate between farm life with George and his community neighbors like sheep herder Ciaran, to a seemingly phantasmagoric town called “Burnhouse Lane.” The latter is essentially a purgatory for “sick” people.
The story is filled with antonymous themes of evil and good; of life and death; and of hope and suffering. There are seven chapters in the game, each featuring a somewhat digressive plotline, though all filled with somberness and Angie’s goal of “winning her life back.”
Having elements of choose your own adventure, players will be able to select different dialogue choices. You can play nice, force information out of others with “Mr. Gray’s charge” ability, or remain apathetic towards the universe’s dilemmas. Depending on what you choose, there will be branching additions or submissions from the narrative and an ultimate one of three endings.
The seven deadly chapters
Burnhouse Lane incorporates several styles of gameplay, including solving puzzles (there are five major ones to solve in order to complete the game), as well as instances of stealth-based combat, aiming and shooting a gun, mild platforming, but majorly the game is a point-and-click. It is a wide variety, but not to the point where the game is not sure of what it wants to be. The genres work together coherently and smoothly.
However, the mechanics feel quite sluggish. Playing as Angie feels . . . slow, as if there is a sort of horizontal gravity working against the player. Toggling through the inventory is also slow and clunky. Even when a certain scene emits a sense of urgency, pulling up the inventory destroys all semblance of that feeling.
To save the game, Angie will need to smoke a cigarette at a nearby ashtray. They appear frequently, but if you happen to miss it or just not save the game for a while, Burnhouse Lane can be rather boring to repeat. The game segments are not re-playable for enjoyment reasons. Once the puzzle is solved, there’s not more to it. Unless you want to restart and go through different dialogue options for alternate endings, Burnhouse Lane is a slog to get through all over again.
A tale of gore and grim
Burnhouse Lane‘s art style is bizarrely fascinating. The game features a visual mix of hand-drawn imagery and realistic cut-and-paste photos, giving off an eerie, strange, and satisfying surrealism. There are tons of blatant gore as well.
The game is fully voice-acted, and it sounds pretty natural. While the voiced dialogue can slow down the game, it adds more realism and immersion into the setting. The sound design was lead by micAmic and others. The music does not particularly stand out, but it will certainly give players the creeps. It is “atmospheric” to say the least.
Trapped in purgatory
There is a content warning for this title. Burnhouse Lane includes a myriad of sensitive topics ranging from violence, homicide, dementia, overindulgence, terminal illness, to suicide. It is very much not for the faint of heart.
A big issue I have with the game is that the fantastical elements do not seem to serve as a symbol for anything specifically. Each chapter has its own different story and set of characters for the most part, varying in quality. Some chapters are thought-provoking tear-jerkers, while others are kind of lazy and heavily tropey. Playing as a cancer victim hardly serves much purpose. Angie attends to George for money, and she is able to enter Burnhouse Lane due to her terminal illness. Her ultimate goal is to complete five huge tasks to mystically overcome her fated death . . . which feels almost tone deaf. There is no “magical cure” to cancer, and maybe this would not be so uncomfortable if these tasks had any allusion to Angie’s actual struggles.
Playing as a lonely, diseased, suicidal woman is intense for no clear reason, especially since all the other characters come with their own onslaught of issues. Burnhouse Lane feels like it is trying too hard to be dark and deep. It would make more sense if the storyline reflected Angie Weather’s life and problems, specifically her cancer . . . but it just doesn’t. The plotlines instead center around the typical “kill the bad guy” and emphasize the grotesqueness of fatness to an almost offensive degree.
Final thoughts
I will say that Burnhouse Lane kickstarted the spooky season for me, and I did enjoy the peculiar cast of characters, the creepy art direction, and the couple of interesting stories like the “Bloody Mary” chapter and all the interactions with Jenny. But, there were also chapters like “The Little Lamb Eats the Wolf,” which was insanely stereotypical and shallow. Pastor Rob is a psychopathic, sadistic serial predator that Angie (of all people) needs to exterminate. Oh, okay.
There are three endings, one of which is the “golden” ending. I am unsure as to why this is considered the best outcome. Without spoiling, the golden ending feels unfulfilling and hamfisted. There are bittersweet and realistic moments between characters but overall it just did not feel right. It almost undermines the deep struggles of terminal cancer and the face of death, in my opinion.
Personally, I am not too attached to Burnhouse Lane. The chapters do not flow together well, the gameplay is sluggish, and the motifs are overly off-putting. However, the visual design is something to behold and the voice-acting is a great touch. The characters are dynamic and ever-evolving and the atmosphere will certainly get players into a dark, Halloween-ready mood.
Bloodhound is an iconic game. The old-school imagery and aggressive music match the never-ending hordes of monsters and the fast-paced action. This title is reminiscent of the ’90s and ’00s FPS experiences, so if you are a fan of this category, you’ll adore the gruesome and relentless madness that unfolds.
This FPS title was developed and published by Kruger & Flint Productions. Furthermore, it is a single-player game that is loaded with guns, gore, and demonic beings. The arsenal of weapons is impressive and the array of harsh monsters is better still. Moreover, there are plenty of bosses to defeat and loads of grim layers of hell to explore. Accordingly, though it doesn’t tread any fresh ground, it is a gruelling and daunting experience, nonetheless.
The Cult of Astaroth are hell-bent on unleashing demonic creatures into the world. These mental cultists wish to upend the balance and create hell on earth. However, they didn’t expect the Order of Keepers of the Gate to stand in their way. This bullish group have no qualms about grabbing a gun and annihilating everything they see.
This simple plot is as deep as a puddle. However, when you are killing everything in sight, it matters not. I adore the brutal nature of each stage and the gloriously pixelated graphics. Furthermore, the ear-splitting sound effects will make you smile. If you then add in the ridiculous arsenal of weapons, you get a game that is unbelievably violent and brilliantly absurd in equal measures.
Too much, too soon.
Though the introduction of never-ending monsters was great, the developer has dumped weapon after weapon at your feet. In theory, this is great, but you never truly get to experiment. As new toys are added, I find myself dumping my existing arsenal. This was a shame as everything felt rushed.
The constant battles follow this path as well. Exploration should be at the fore, but you rarely get a chance to take in your surroundings. As soon as one battle is concluded, another begins. Now, this was great if you enjoy a skirmish, but it was a bit too much for my liking. The lack of downtime and the one-upmanship quickly outstayed its welcome. Consequently, it would have been better to keep some powder dry and allow a few quiet patches to dominate proceedings.
Bloodhound is brilliantly old-school.
I’m of an age that adores pixelated and gross FPS titles. Doom springs to mind whenever I discuss this genre. However, Bloodhound does an incredible job of capturing this essence. I adored the low-quality graphics and the spouts of blood. Additionally, if you love to massacre your fallen foes, you can do so at pleasure. The linear gameplay pushes you through each demonic location and you soon become immune to the shock factor. This was a shame as I enjoyed the dark touches and the interesting stage design.
If you love thrash metal and uncomfortable sound effects, Bloodhound will appeal to you. The soundtrack is beyond incredible and I could listen to it repeatedly. What’s more, the weird noises that come from your opponents will make you laugh, especially when you shoot them in the face with a shotgun.
Clunky controls.
The developer has focused on an old-school experience. Accordingly, the controls have a delightful clunky nature that may confuse modern gamers. However, retro-loving players will adore the lack of polish. Though things weren’t that smooth, it was easy to master and shooting every fast-moving foe becomes an enjoyable challenge.
Replay value and longevity aren’t at the fore. Once you smash your way through the action, I’m not sure there are many reasons to return. There are an array of difficulty settings and plenty of achievements to unlock. Yet, the action rarely changes and this creates an unfortunate sense of deja vu.
Bloodhound is a classic FPS.
Though the controls and lack of replay value may disappoint, Bloodhound is a classic FPS. The gore, guts, and violence are complemented by the exceptional soundtrack. The audio is the best aspect of this game and I’d happily listen to it on repeat. If you love retro shooters, this should be on your list. Consequently, I recommend buying it here! Can you extinguish the demonic cult? Grab your guns, kill your foes, and relish every violent moment.
Support multipoint connection, allowing instant switching between music, videos and calls on 2 different devices simultaneously.
Compatible with EDIFIER ConneX app for additional functions: personalize control settings, select preset EQs, and more.
What’s in the box?
The box contains the W830NB headphones, a charging cable and instructions.
A Closer Look
Final Thoughts
The W830NB headphones are fairly lightweight and feel very comfortable to wear even for extended periods of time.
When fully charged (a full charge takes about 90 minutes), the headphones can give you up to 94 hours of usage (without ANC) and around 54 hours with ANC. In a pinch you can charge for about 15 minutes and get around 15 hours of listening time. Don’t worry, if the battery runs out you can use the supplied audio cable to plug in and carry on.
The headphones support both Hi-Res Audio and Hi-Res Audio wireless with LDAC certification and the sound quality is fantastic, 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.
Upgraded hybrid digital noise-canceling technology achieves noise reduction of up to -45dB, which is an 18% increase compared to the previous generation of headphones.
Deep Neural Network (DNN) noise reduction technology intelligently recognises speech and precisely separates human voices from noise, enabling you to talk clearly even on noisy streets.
In game mode, the latency is as low as 0.08s (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 W830NB Headphones are available now in either Black, Grey or Sand White and are priced around £79.99.
With Christmas not that far away, we take a look at The Elder Scrolls: The Official Cookbook Vol. 2 – Tastes and Tales From Tamriel from Titan Books.
Hail, traveller! Here lies an artifact worth all the gold of the Septim Dynasty: a delectable guide to Tamriel’s most exciting and exotic foods. More than a mere cookbook, this tome carries stories of fantastic exploration and delicious adventure.
From the rumbling hearths of frozen Skyrim to the sun-kissed banquets of Elsweyr, and the stately feasts of the Imperial City to the drinks and saltrice suppers of ashy Morrowind, the land of Tamriel is full of mouth-watering treasures. These recipes and stories are yours to feast upon. Whether you’re a curious scholar or a mercenary with the appetite of a dragon, your cravings for culinary adventure will be sated by The Elder Scrolls: Tastes and Tales of Tamriel!
This book delves into the cuisine of Tamriel like never before, offering a truly comprehensive, one-of-a-kind Elder Scrolls experience.
The Elder Scrolls: The Official Cookbook Vol. 2 – Tastes and Tales From Tamriel has 192 pages and is published by Titan Books is available now priced around £25.99. It would make a great present for the gamer in your life.
Mission: Rift Seeker is a colony simulation developed by OneManGames. You have animals called seekers that you command to help build and explore the world. Its laid-back gameplay makes for a relaxing experience, but it’s a game with rough edges that could use smoothing out.
Brave New World
The game starts you on a procedurally generated map, where a rocket ship lands and seekers descend upon the world. The game gives you quests that help you set up the base for your workers to help them thrive. Seekers are random animals that have abilities to do different things. They can mine, build, fight, research, and gather, but they can’t do everything. These cute little animals have randomly generated stats that determine their abilities, as well as what they can eat. As you get deeper into the game, you unlock the ability to explore different dimensions. In different dimensions, you can find creatures, tame them, and bring them back to your base.
Mission: Rift Seeker functions similarly to an RTS. You can tell your workers to build facilities, dig out blocks, and cut down objects. There is a research tree you can have your workers complete, which can unlock and upgrade buildings. Researching technology gives you access to better water supplies, facilities, food, etc. Research can also unlock different dimensions to explore and tame creatures. You are also in charge of managing what tasks your seekers can do.
Gotta Tame Them All
Mission: Rift Seeker has a lot for the player to uncover as they play this game. The quests at the beginning are a good guideline, but not always correct. Blindly following these quests sometimes led me to disaster and restarting my world. It taught me to experiment with the technology trees and what I wanted to research. It showed me which buildings would set me up for success in the world. The world is procedurally generated, but it is a world that isn’t so big that I was overwhelmed. This allowed me to figure out how I wanted to progress through the game.
While there is depth to the game, there are some issues with the game. My biggest issue with the game is your lack of direct control over your seekers. The game gives you a list of things that seekers can and can’t do, and you can check what you want them to do. However, that still doesn’t completely solve the issue. The problem is that the seeker’s prioritization is lackluster. If I have multiple things being built, it just seems that they will randomly do whatever with no rhyme or reason. If an enemy comes and invades my base, they won’t drop everything to defend against enemies. It’s also not entirely clear what you’re researching, or how certain things you build work outside of basic descriptions, which can be vague.
Ground Control To Seeker Tom
Mission: Rift Seeker is a game that has launched in early access. The game has solid fundamentals and is a fun colony simulation game. The game teaches you how to start your base and gives you a solid foundation with room to experiment and learn how to let your seekers thrive. However, for a game that revolves around sending your minions to do things, I wish I had more control over my seekers. I also wish things in the game were more clear about how they worked. For those looking for a colony simulation game, this is one to keep track of, as it’s still in early access. In its current state, it is a game that I can’t recommend at the moment.
Man, losing weight sucks. I know that’s not exactly a world-shattering statement, but it’s true. Have you ever looked at the calorie amounts on food? If it tastes nice, chances are it’s going to propel you right past your calorie target for the day. I’m getting by fine on fruit and other healthy snacks, but every now and then, you can’t help craving a doughnut. Point being, the code for Fitness Boxing feat HATSUNE MIKU came at a most opportune time, even if my general feeling towards Vocaloids is one of supreme indifference. Still, there’s potential for added charm.
The first question I want to answer, before I delve into the particulars of the game itself, is does it actually qualify as exercise? Well, before the first day of exercise it told me to get water and a towel. I ignored it. I did not ignore it again. So, yes, it’s exercise. Which is odd, from a review standpoint. Never reviewed a game where the main limiting factor is my own body. Still, this experience taught me three things: there is potential in games like these, sometimes adding in famous characters doesn’t really do much, and I am horribly out of shape.
The Old One-Two
I can’t really approach Fitness Boxing feat HATSUNE MIKU the same way I approach other games. I could go down and complete all of the various exercise routines, but then they’d be reading this review out at my funeral. Fortunately, Fitness Boxing has a mode it calls ‘Daily Workout’, which puts together a series of exercises for you, based on what intensity you’re feeling for that day. I resolved to do a week of these daily workouts and then report back on my experiences. To my slight suprise, my overall feeling is actually quite positive. I reliably worked up a sweat each day and my suffering muscles are, hopefully, a sign that it’s doing some good.
The game itself is, in essence, a rhythm game combined with motion controls. Each workout session has three bits. Firstly, the warmup, where you stretch your muscles out. Then you usually move onto a basic workout. You’ll need to do the appropriate punch – jab, hook, uppercut, etc – with the right timing. It usually eases you into doing full combos. Then come the music sections, featuring licensed Vocaloid tracks. Hatsune Miku is joined by Kagarime Len and Rin, and Megurine Luka. If that means anything to you. These challenge you to throw punches and dodge to the beat. They usually destroyed me.
The result is quite a bit of variation for each day. I started off with basic one-two combos. By the end of the week I was combining them with hooks and uppercuts for a full combo. The next one should start to incorporate ducking. That helped me keep coming back to Fitness Boxing feat HATSUNE MIKU. There’s quite a lot of depth to things too. There’s a big library of songs to unlock, for instance, which you can acquire by playing. Also, costumes for your favourite Vocaloid. More importantly, it can keep track of calories burned as well as giving you a nice graph for your weight. It even tracks your BMI, which is as depressing as it is helpful.
Fitness Limitations
Still, there are some significant limitations to Fitness Boxing feat HATSUNE MIKU. The biggest one is also the most obvious: it doesn’t really know what you’re doing with those Switch controllers. I’m no expert on motion controls, but it feels like it’s only really recording the fact that you’ve quickly moved the Switch controller in front of you. So, if you screw up and throw a straight instead of an uppercut, it’ll still count. I was getting ‘Perfects’, even when I was desperately flailing. There’s also something strange about the timing. Your punch needs to land, not begin, when the icon is in the right place. So you have to get used to punching a second before you think you have to.
There are other issues too. For one, I hope your TV is mounted on a wall at head height. Otherwise you’re going to get some serious neck ache trying to figure out what punch to throw next. The instructor, who I’ll talk about in a moment, gives you a heads up on which punch is coming during the basic workouts. During the musical segments? You have to stare at the screen to know what you’re throwing next. Makes it hard to get into the rhythm at times. The songs being licensed, rather than custom built around the gameplay, means that it’s hard to just hear what to do next. An audio key per punch would be better.
I’ve not spoken much about the Hatsune Miku half of Fitness Boxing feat HATSUNE MIKU, in part because I’m not really the target audience for vocaloids. Having Hatsune Miku tell me I look cool, while in the reflection of the TV I can see my sweaty, flabby form, does not charge up my motivation. That said, I do like that the Vocaloids model the actions you need to take, especially in the stretches. Oddly, though, the Vocaloids aren’t your instructors. That privilege goes to a pair of strange sounding individuals. Their voices sound oddly speech-to-text, which didn’t fill me with confidence. They do the job well enough, but they’re no personal trainers.
Fitness Boxing feat HATSUNE MIKU – A Positive Experience
I said near the beginning that I felt my experience was positive. I stand by that. While there are issues with Fitness Boxing feat HATSUNE MIKU, it achieves what it sets out to do: get me up and moving. Shadow boxing is a decent fitness technique, after all, and this just takes it a step further. The calorie tracker is handy for losing weight and, ultimately, it’s quite fun exercising to music – whether it’s to my taste or not. That said, the way it recognises punches means it has no way of checking your form. If you’re going to do this long-term, it might be worth getting some lessons from a real human, so you don’t throw your neck out or something.
To close this off, I must admit something. I went into Fitness Boxing feat HATSUNE MIKU with an air of dismissiveness. Not only towards the Vocaloids but also towards the concept. I’ve not really been one for this sort of thing. To be honest, my thoughts are kind of turned around on the subject. Gamifying exercise seems to have some merit. I’m even considering slotting it into my exercise regime going forwards. Maybe if I throw enough punches, I can justify that doughnut.
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutants Unleashed follows on from the recent film release. Accordingly, if you have watched that cinematic treat, you’ll be at home with the storyline and each personality. However, prior knowledge isn’t required as the story does a great job of explaining itself. The action is fast-paced, but repetitive. As such, adults may find their attention waning. Thankfully, my kids loved it and I believe that younger gamers will be attracted to the amusing one-liners and the vibrant colours.
This 3D beat ’em up title was developed by AHEARTFULOFGAMES and published by Outright Games. Moreover, it can be enjoyed alone or cooperatively with another player. I stuck with option 1 for this review. However, my children enjoyed working together as they pounded every mutant that they encountered. Talking of pounding, that is the core mechanic of this puddle-deep experience. The turtles spend their whole time sliding, jumping, and smashing their way to victory. Consequently, things outstay their welcome pretty quickly. Yet, the simple gameplay is perfect for its intended audience.
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutants Unleashed tells a dramatic but silly story.
New York City is renowned for its unique characters. Subsequently, a bunch of mutants living freely under the city streets doesn’t raise an eyebrow. However, when these mutants run riot and start attacking people, things take a turn for the worse. Fearing for the safety of their nearest and dearest, the turtle heroes decide to take matters into their own hands. With the help of their friends, the 4 heroes uncover the mystery and save the day yet again.
Though the plot is paper thin, I enjoyed the story and the pace it unfolded. Alongside this, the characters were interesting and there are some genuinely amusing moments. Furthermore, if you love the franchise, you’ll adore the unique twist on each protagonist and the relationships that form. No matter how crazy the story gets, the familiar elements sit at the fore. This was great as the new art style won’t be everyone’s cup of tea and some old-school characters keep it grounded.
Repetitive action.
The gameplay is divided into 2 key areas. First, you have the core missions. These tasks ask you to tackle contaminated mutants or to deliver pizzas. Additionally, you may practice in the dojo or progress the story. Each mission has a timer associated with it and you must activate that stage before the timer runs out. Each day is made up of a day/night cycle and the turtles can execute one activity per session. Therefore, you may enjoy some meditation before getting to grips with the story goals.
If you have time, you can visit your friends in the city. Each of these encounters improves your relationship and opens up new skills. This was an interesting approach on a character skill tree and I appreciated the unique design. Though these encounters were low-key affairs, they helped to build lore and add depth to the story. Moreover, there were the occasional side quests to complete and these took me by surprise.
As you progress through Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutants Unleashed, you will wander through a handful of small arenas. Each of these areas has mutants to kill, collectables to find, and graffiti to photograph. Though the latter 2 elements can be ignored, you will have to wipe out each group of mutants if you wish to complete the level. These combat encounters were repetitive and there was little skill required to progress. This was disappointing for me, but my girls loved the button-bashing ways.
Beauty is in the eye of the Beholder. I know that the hand-drawn aesthetic will not appeal to everyone. Yet, I loved the grungy style and the vibrant colours. Moreover, the turtles looked great and each mutant had a varied style. What wasn’t great though, was the animation and camera angles. The animation was rudimentary and robotic. Additionally, it lacked energy and was far too uniform. Alongside this, the camera angle wasn’t good. Navigating some of the platforming elements was frustrating and you will fall in the sewer more often than not. This was disappointing as it undermined the polished finish.
The audio was obnoxious at best. The one-liners were funny, but they were relentless. As such, you pray for some silence. The music was upbeat and this matched the fast-paced encounters. Yet, there was rarely a rest from the cacophony and this made me grimace. Though it wasn’t for me, my kids laughed repeatedly at the silly words and they smiled when they smashed each mutant. Consequently, though I didn’t like it, they were hooked.
Smooth controls.
Smashing the buttons for untold combo attacks is a little uncouth for my liking. I prefer more defined commands and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutants Unleashed rarely penalises you for button bashing. Though it wasn’t for me, I cannot deny the smooth nature of the control system. Furthermore, a handy tutorial helps you with the basics and a guide highlights every combo attack you can execute. Therefore, the developer has done a great job with the control system.
There are plenty of collectables to find. Moreover, you can search for graffiti and computerised mutants throughout the world. I wasn’t too bothered about this as it seemed far too tedious for a limited return. Yet, if you are a completionist and you like to search for random objects, this has your back. As such, there is replay value and longevity if that is your sort of thing.
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutants Unleashed is a mixed bag.
I’m on the fence with this game. As an adult, it doesn’t offer enough variety or difficulty to keep me entertained. What’s more, much of the action outstays its welcome. However, this is intended for a younger audience. Therefore, I only have to look at the joy on my kid’s faces to understand that it has hit the mark. They loved the simple gameplay and the witty dialogue. Moreover, they adore the characters and can tackle this alone. Accordingly, it was a success for them and I recommend buying it here! Can you save New York and the mutants? Pick your hero, speak to your friends, and get to the bottom of the mystery.
Christmas is just around the corner, and you may be wondering what to buy. Having three kids, I know that blazing-fast technology and the ability to play with friends are guaranteed winners. This is where the Amazon Fire HD 8 Kids Pro tablet comes to the fore! This amazing device is straightforward to use and looks amazing as well. On top of this, it has a 2-year worry-free guarantee and loads of kid-friendly apps. Accordingly, if you are not tech-savvy, you needn’t worry.
I’ve tested plenty of great gadgets. Consequently, I realise that occasionally, compromise is necessary. Thankfully, this tablet has different ideas. It has a great battery, a sizeable screen, responsive inputs, crisp audio, and wired or wireless Bluetooth connectivity for headphones. Moreover, the Wi-Fi connection is stable and it has an impressive 32 GB storage. Subsequently, it ticks plenty of boxes for your kids.
Though very young children can use it, it is aimed at 6-12-year-olds. This is the perfect audience as it is tough enough to take some tumbles, but you can run it without a case if your child isn’t clumsy. Alongside this, there are plenty of apps and games that will keep them entertained.
What’s in the box of the Amazon Fire HD 8 Kids Pro tablet?
The packaging is lightweight and colourful. Thankfully it is robust and keeps the contents safe.
The Amazon Fire HD 8 Kids Pro tablet has a sleek and streamlined appearance. Furthermore, there is a camera on the rear and basic tactile buttons. The screen is pleasant to handle and the decision feels balanced.
A teal case helps to protect against accidental damage.
Charge the tablet with the USB-C cable.
Learn the basics with the guide.
Technical aspects.
The original tablet was released in 2022. This 2024 model is new and improved and has a powerful hexa-core 2.0 GHz processor and 3 GB of RAM. This is impressive as the current model has 50% more RAM than its predecessor. Though the apps aren’t too heavy to run, no one likes a horrible bottleneck. Thankfully, the combined processor and enhanced RAM prevent this from happening.
On top of this, it features a mighty 13-hour battery and a quick charging facility. This was perfect if your kids love to game or watch films all day. Furthermore, if you have a long car journey or flight, you needn’t worry about carrying a power bank.
Memory capacity is key. 32 GB of storage is impressive, but if you love to take photos or you want hundreds of apps, this will quickly fill up. Luckily, you can expand the memory via a memory card up to 1 TB. Accordingly, this should be enough for all your data needs.
Usability.
Online freedom and child protection go hand-in-hand. Thankfully, the Amazon Fire HD 8 Kids Pro tablet has robust parental controls and a safe Web browsing system. Though this won’t prevent your children from making mistakes, it creates enough barriers to prevent them from accessing unwanted sites.
The built-in features were simple to set up and pleasant to use. As a parent, I loved the ability to limit access. Moreover, you can prevent your child from downloading apps unless permission is granted. This was perfect as it stopped your munchkins from running up a huge bill on your credit card.
Users will experience a buttery smooth UI that is simple to navigate. The touchscreen is responsive, and installing, moving and uninstalling apps was remarkably easy. Though I don’t mind assisting my children in their tech endeavours, they rarely want my help. Thankfully, they didn’t need it as every technical aspect was a cinch for them to complete.
Build quality.
I’m always fearful of the combination of children and technology. Water, food, sticky hands, and a case of the dropsies are a recipe for disaster. Fortunately, the Amazon Fire HD 8 Kids Pro tablet has that hassle-free guarantee. Moreover, it includes a shock-resistant case that helps to absorb any fall damage. Though it isn’t waterproof, the screen can take the odd light spillage. Sadly, sticky fingers are always a hassle, so baby wipes at the ready.
The tactile buttons are nicely placed and easy to locate. Furthermore, they work particularly well when the colourful case is on the tablet. The well-positioned ports are exposed for your USB cable and 3.5mm audio jack. This was great as you don’t have to remove the case if you wish to listen to music or charge the device.
Is the Amazon Fire HD 8 Kids Pro tablet worth it?
The 2024 version of this tablet is fantastic. The processing power is impressive, and I liked the user-friendly approach. What’s more, the hassle-free guarantee is reassuring, and I appreciated the one-year free subscription for Amazon Kids+. Accordingly, if you want a phenomenal tablet that your kids will love, I recommend buying this one here!
The CLICKid CAM20 from CLICKid is the ideal gift for younger children and would-be photographers. Unlike the CLICKid CAM10, this has a more adult look and some nice accessories. Accordingly, it’ll be ideal for anyone who wishes to take landscape photos or start a Vlog. Either way, this compact device lets your creative juices flow.
The silvery body has a hardened plastic shell. Though this doesn’t feel like the most upmarket or expensive option, it is suitable for younger users. Furthermore, the lens has no external protection, and it could be prone to scratching. As such, users must be a little careful if they don’t wish to create any permanent issues.
What was great was the double battery pack, the mini tripod and the carry case. The latter was particularly useful as it prevented the lens from unnecessary exposure when it wasn’t being used.
What’s in the box of the CLICKid CAM20?
The packaging is small, hardy, and nice to look at. Furthermore, it can be recycled.
The CLICKid CAM20 looks nice. The compact body is complemented by a nice-sized display screen. Moreover, the buttons are well positioned and the battery and memory card areas are protected by a lockable door.
A 32 GB memory card is provided.
Keep the camera close to you with the handy lanyard.
Keep it protected with the carry bag.
2 batteries are provided.
A tripod is perfect for group pictures.
Learn the basics with the user guide.
Technical aspects.
The CLICKid CAM20 records in 1080p HD resolution and has a 48 MP lens. Alongside this, you’ll enjoy 16x digital zoom to capture far-away images without undermining picture quality. Moreover, there 2.4″ IPS screen to frame and view every video or picture you take. Each of these elements is great especially when you consider the below £50 price point.
You may argue that a standard smartphone would beat the quality on offer. However, I think that the freedom to leave your phone at home is an important gift. This camera has decent photo facilities without the burden of being contacted every 5 minutes. Yes, some smartphones deliver better quality across the board, but you’ll have to pay far more money than this camera will ever demand.
Usability.
Where the CLICKid CAM20 excels is its usability. The UI is remarkably easy to navigate and I found the buttons were tactile and simple to use. Word of warning, though, some of the symbols are confusing at first, so some trial and error is required. Yet, once you get over this hurdle, you won’t have an issue.
Flitting between user modes and accessing your footage takes a few straightforward steps. Moreover, removing your memory card to place it in your PC can be done by the greatest of technophobes. Accordingly, though there is a small learning curve, it is a great device for users of all ages and skill sets.
The picture quality of the CLICKid CAM20.
Picture quality is a key aspect of digital photography. Accordingly, if this lets you down, it can put you off the hobby for life. Thankfully, the pictures are as expected for the quality of the lens. Additionally, the recording resolution is perfect for young users who wish to capture their activities with their friends.
If you are looking for a top-notch experience with vivid colours, crisp lines, and mind-blowing camera footage, you best enhance your budget. The CLICKid CAM20 does a great job that will make youngsters smile. This camera doesn’t deliver high-end results, but its overall package is impressive and I had few complaints about the resulting imagery.
Build quality.
My biggest complaint is the build quality. Though it looks nice and I liked the lightweight design, it doesn’t feel as substantial as I expected. This wasn’t an issue for me or my oldest daughter, but if you like a heavier camera, this won’t immediately float your boat.
The button placement is fantastic and everything feels intuitive. What’s more, the display is light and easy to look at. On top of this, it is easy to access the battery whenever you need to swap it over. This is great as you don’t want your kids damaging the locking mechanism or the door.
Though the tripod is tiny, it works well with the timer feature. Connecting it to the camera is easy and I had no concerns about it falling over. Subsequently, it is the ideal tool if you wish to jump into a picture or simply get a more stable shot.
The plastic housing may not feel beefy, but it could withstand the heavy-handed nature of my 10-year-old. Though she didn’t drop it from any great height, the case remained unscathed throughout her adventures.
Is the CLICKid CAM20 worth it?
The £50 price range is very competitive. However, few cameras come with as many accessories. Furthermore, this is an easy-to-use device that will appeal to youngsters and newcomers. I liked the clear screen and the pleasant silver finish. What’s more, the buttons were easy to use and changing settings and other elements were relatively straightforward. Accordingly, it is a great camera for the price and I recommend buying it here!
With Christmas just around the corner, we take a look at the Spider-Man Backpack from the Disney Store.
When Spider-Man’s got their back, they’ll be set to carry-on a full day of super adventures. The compact backpack’s webbed design is ideal to snare all their school, work, and play essentials while Spidey’s big eyes keep watch over the contents.
Exterior zip pocket
High-density rubberized print on spider icon and eyes
Puff embroidery on black around eyes
Zip main compartment with double zip pull and flap cover
Mesh pocket on one side only
Web embroidery on back panel
Features tech computer sleeve
Adjustable padded shoulder straps
Top carry loop
Fully lined
Created for Disney Store
H40 x W30 x D12cm approx.
Shell: 100% polyester, excluding trims
Lining: 100% nylon
Wipe clean
The Spider-Man Backpack from the Disney Store is available now priced around £20.00.
This would make a great Christmas present for the superhero lover in your family – go webs, go!
