How to Conduct Market Research for Your Startup?

Andrew Edney
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How to Conduct Market Research for Your Startup?

Conducting market research is not an easy task, as it requires thorough and thoughtful planning. You may do this task on your own or hire a third party to do this for you, but the bottom line is that conducting market research has become the need of today’s market. Startups that want to better position their products and services in the market should definitely conduct market research to better understand market conditions and competition. There are several methods that you can implement to conduct market research, but in the end, all of them give you insights into the market that can be of use to you. 

If you are wondering how to conduct market research for your startup, then these steps below will be of help to you.

Define Target Market

Before you begin to conduct market research for your startup, you should start by defining your target market. It is important to understand who your target audience is and how you can target them. You can start by identifying your target market and learning more about their needs and preferences by conducting surveys, polls, and research on the web browser as well as in person. As you gather more information about your target audience, you can create buyer personas, which can help you in formulating the right sales and marketing strategies according to your target audience.

When defining and identifying your target market, and creating buyer personas, it is important that you should gather information like age, sex, gender, location, profession, and preferences. This is vital information that can help you with your strategies later on.

Choose the Right Type and Method of Research

Once you have identified the target audience, the next step is to choose the right type and method of research according to the needs of your startup. The best type of market research for your business depends on what you intend to achieve. For instance, if your goal is simply to gain a broader view of the industry, you can examine the existing data to gain all the information that you need about the industry, but if you want to clarify specific details, let’s say on customer base, you will have to perform primary research to collect new data.

Similarly, the method of conducting research also depends on your end goal. If you want personal and subjective responses from the audience, you can conduct qualitative research, such as focus groups or in-depth interviews, but if you simply want to make market predictions, quantitative research methods such as surveys can be helpful.

Gather Appropriate Research Subjects

After deciding what type of research you need to perform, the next step is to gather the appropriate research subjects that are representative of your target audience and provide you with data that can be of use to you. Selecting a representative group of your target audience is important, as it can provide you with insights that are directly related to your market and are of value to your research objectives. You can recruit subjects in various ways, such as through social media platforms, or visit Chatroulette, by hiring third-party market research firms, and by voluntary participation. 

Recruiting and gathering the appropriate research subjects is important to perform thorough market research, which can be of value to your startup.

Analyze Competitors

Analyzing your competitors is an important part of conducting market research. You can observe the businesses and startups already in the industry to understand what products and services are performing well for them. You can also learn how they are targeting their customers in the market and what you can do better to attract customers. Competitor analysis can provide you with so much vital information that you can use to develop and refine your business strategy.

Plus, you can also gain insights into the strengths and weaknesses of your competitors and discuss with your team the best ways to strengthen your business compared to the competitors. For instance, during competitor analysis, you can find out about the pricing strategies of your competitors and work with your team to come up with better pricing strategies and unique propositions. 

Evaluate Your Results

After performing market research and competitor analysis, evaluate your results and findings. Try to look for common or repeating patterns that can provide you with insights into customer behaviors and challenges in the market. Evaluating and analyzing results is an important part of conducting market research, as it can provide you with information about the target customers, how you can connect with them, what motivates them to buy, what they look for before making a purchase decision, and where they prefer to make purchases.

Review: 2.8L 5-Stage Water Filtration Jug

Daniel Waite
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Review: 2.8L 5-Stage Water Filtration Jug

The 2.8L 5-Stage Water Filtration Jug from ZeroWater aims to clean up our drinking habits 1 cup at a time. Additionally, this simple product is compact, attractive, and unbelievably smart! I live in a part of the UK renowned for its natural beauty. Accordingly, I never considered my water to be anything but pure. Yet, when I compared it to the filtered glass of H20 from this machine, I was amazed.

This simple system from ZeroWater ensures that you can enjoy zero pollutants no matter how “hard” your tap water is. Furthermore, it tries to educate you as the included TDS meter highlights the levels of pollutants in your water supply. This piece of knowledge is valuable as you know how long your filter will last and the potential cost of filtrating your drinking water.

What’s in the box of the 2.8L 5-Stage Water Filtration Jug? 

  • The packaging is somewhat flimsy. However, the contents are well-protected and that’s all that matters.
  • The 2.8L 5-Stage Water Filtration Jug is compact and attractive to the eye. Furthermore, it is easy to construct and simple to understand.
  • A TDS meter highlights the level of pollutants in your water.
  • Understand the fundamentals with the user guide.

Technical aspects.

Though the 2.8L 5-Stage Water Filtration Jug is straightforward to use, it is a complex machine. The magic happens in the 5-stage central filtration unit. This slow-drip area allows water to pass through 5 unique layers. En route, it removes different pollutants and prevents them from remaining in the liquid. This rudimentary idea is so well constructed that ZeroWater dares you to test the results every time. 

I wanted to believe that the system would fail. However, the TDS meter proved me wrong. Being a cynic, I thought the meter must be broken. Yet, a simple test of my tap water cleared up any doubts. If this wasn’t enough, the technical data surrounding this product is insane! Compared with its peers, this device retains its high percentage filtration rate even after 40 gallons of water are processed. Consequently, you remove harsh and harmful elements such as Asbestos, Cyanide, Fluoride, Lead, Mercury, and much more.

Build quality.

Water filtration systems never seem big enough. I hate the idea of wanting a drink and having to wait for the water to slowly fill the system. Thankfully, the 2.8L 5-Stage Water Filtration Jug allays these fears. A large water reservoir complements the fast-filling container. Additionally, the easy-to-remove lid ensures that you can keep it topped up once you’ve consumed your drink.

With 2 pouring methods and a comfortable handle, this device is easy to use. Alongside this, the TDS meter is stowed within the handle. Here, you can test the water as it flows through the small tap or remove it to test directly from your glass. However, I wouldn’t suggest the latter option as it could taint your filtered water.

Finally, the removable 5-stage filter is easy to handle. The simple screw-in method works well and replacing it is a 1-minute task. Moreover, the robust construction of this filter removes any fears of leaks or cross-contamination.

Is the 2.8L 5-Stage Water Filtration Jug worth it?

If you live in a “soft” water area, you probably wouldn’t consider this product. Yet, I was amazed by the level of pollutants I discovered during this review. Furthermore, I’d say that there was a noticeable improvement in the taste when I compared the filtrated water to a glass of tap water. As such, I can imagine the difference in a “hard” water area is like night and day. Therefore, if you want to improve your health and your drinking water without breaking the bank, then I recommend buying this product here!

(More information on ZeroWater can be found here!)

The 2.8L 5-Stage Water Filtration Jug is awarded the Movies Games and Tech Gold Award.

(Full disclosure! A sample was provided for this review.)

5 Advantages Of Embedded Software for Businesses

Andrew Edney
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5 Advantages Of Embedded Software for Businesses

Embedded software is specialized computer software designed to execute a range of functions within the electronic devices. This software is used to control and manage the functions and performance of particular devices. In the modern business world, embedded software is playing an important role. It helps businesses with better performance, increased productivity, and scalability. Here, we will discuss the five advantages of embedded software for businesses. So, let’s get in!

Improved Efficiency and Productivity

The first advantage of embedded software is the improved efficiency and productivity. This software helps the business perform better by automating many manual tasks. Thus, it reduces the need to perform tasks manually, eventually decreasing the chances of human error. In this way, businesses achieve better efficiency and productivity. This also saves them time and helps them manage their energy resources better. Also, embedded systems can efficiently manage network communication, including handling IP addresses seamlessly. This also saves them time and helps them manage their energy resources better. Whether you’re setting up a home network or trying to secure your online activities, knowing the answer to What is my IP? is a key piece of information.

Flexibility and Scalability

The two important factors for any business are flexibility and scalability. Embedded software really helps businesses with these two essential factors. This software allows businesses to tailor their services. Moreover, it lets them customize various parameters and change or add new features. Embedded software can change the changing business environment. Also, it can expand and grow as your business grows. It can easily add more devices and functions accordingly. 

Cost Savings

Another important advantage of embedded software is that they are really cost-effective. It gives businesses long-term cost benefits. Compared to traditional software, embedded software proves cost-effective for businesses in many ways. As it can integrate various functions, it removes the need for separate components. Embedded software is also energy efficient, and it consumes minimum power. So, also saves money in terms of money. 

Better Product Quality and Reliability

Product quality and reliability are really important in business to ensure customer satisfaction. Embedded systems are specially designed to deliver high quality. This high quality results in reliability and customer trust. This benefits businesses in many ways. Embedded software is optimized for reliability, and rigorous testing also ensures that it can exceed the customer’s expectations. 

Enhanced Product Functionality

Embedded software can add additional and pro features to devices and products. This makes the products more appealing and satisfying to the customers. The embedded software can work wonders even in simple devices like refrigerators and thermometers. It can improve the functionality of these devices by adding features like remote control and data analysis. This really makes the product more functional.

How To Secure Your Home WiFi Network In 2024?

Andrew Edney
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How To Secure Your Home WiFi Network In 2024?

It is the year 2024 and most home networks have a variety of devices connected to them including smartphones, laptops, smart TVs, and complete home automation systems. Prioritizing the security and privacy of your network has never been more important and implementing a few basic yet effective steps can secure your home WiFi network and prevent anyone from infiltrating the network.

Given the increasing sophistication of cyber threats, securing your home network and all the devices connected to the network is more important than ever. Here are a few tips that can help you maximize the security of your home network in 2024 and secure your home network.

Encrypt Your Network

The first thing that you can do to secure your home network in 2024 is encrypt your network. Encrypting the network can scramble the data that is being transferred over the network, making it unreadable and inaccessible to unauthorized people. Nowadays, the WPA3 encryption protocol is the industry standard and you should ensure that your router has support for the WPA3 encryption protocol.

Older encryption protocols like WPA2 or WPA are less secure as compared to WPA3 and you should stick with WPA3. You can encrypt your WiFI network by logging into the router’s admin panel through 192.168.1.1 and setting the encryption to WPA3.

Keep Router Software Updated

Keeping your WiFi router software or firmware updated is very important in keeping your home network secure. Most people are not aware of this but the latest updates released by the router manufacturer come with security patches and protection updates that keep your network safe. Updating the router’s software can also bring the latest encryption protocol option i.e. WPA3, which is more secure than the outdated ones. 

In case updating the software does not bring the newer security protocols, you should consider purchasing a new one with the latest security standards and protocols to protect your network.

Change Router’s Default Settings

Changing your router’s default settings is another wise thing to do when trying to secure your home network. Your router’s default settings include admin password, WiFi password, and WiFi SSID. These are typically weak and can be guessed easily by anyone to gain access to the network. Create complex passwords using uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and special characters, and avoid sharing passwords with someone you don’t trust.

If possible, disable the transmission of WiFi SSID to make your network invisible. All of these settings can be changed through the 192.168.0.1 admin panel.

Use a Firewall

A firewall can be your best friend in the year 2024 when trying to keep your network secure. Firewalls act as a barrier between your devices and the internet by monitoring the incoming and outgoing traffic. Most wireless routers nowadays have built-in firewalls that monitor the incoming and outgoing network traffic and decide whether to allow the traffic or block it according to the firewall settings.

The benefit of a firewall is that it can detect, filter, and block incoming malicious traffic on the network to keep the network secure. In 2024, enabling and configuring your router’s firewall is essential to add an extra layer of security.

Use Content Filtering

Enabling content filtering can also help you in making your wireless router and home network secure. Most routers come pre-equipped with the content-filtering feature that enables you to restrict access to specific websites or content types on your home network. With this feature, you can not only block inappropriate content on your network but also block malicious websites and applications that spread malware, spyware, and ransomware.

Use a VPN

While we are at it, don’t forget about a VPN. A VPN or virtual private network can encrypt your connection, hide your IP address, reroute your connection, and encrypt any data you transfer or receive online, making your online activities private and secure. The best thing about using a VPN is that even if your network gets compromised, the data flow between your device and the network will remain secure. A VPN also blocks tracking from websites and ISPs so that no one can track your online activities.

Review: Ant and Dec’s Limitless Win board game

Daniel Waite
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Review: Ant and Dec’s Limitless Win board game

Ant and Dec’s Limitless Win board game is a family-friendly experience. Furthermore, the trivia questions will test your knowledge and the ever-impending sense of failure and doom will test your resolve. As such, this is a fun-to-play game that is filled with trepidation. 

This excellent board game replicates the much-loved TV show. Moreover, it utilises classic physical elements and combines these with modern technology. The result is a 40-minute to an-hour jaunt of laughter, anger, and tested grey matter. On top of this, you will fall out with your family and friends as you fail to maximise the potential of every playthrough. Accordingly, it has all the great mechanics of a classic board game experience.

What’s in the box of Ant and Dec’s Limitless Win board game?

  • The compact packaging is attractive and informative. Furthermore, it is robust and built to last.
  • The board game looks like a scroll. This flexible material unravels to reveal a large laddered map. 
  • An array of question and lifeline cards are provided.
  • Organise the action with the team counters and the answer wheels. Moreover, there is a golden buzzer to stop play.
  • Learn the fundamentals with the user guide.

How to play?

If you have not watched the TV series, Ant and Dec’s Limitless Win board game is a little confusing to master. Yet, once you understand the basics, the action flows nicely and there is a distinct competitive edge to every moment. The gameplay is broken down into two stages and the solution to each question is always a number. First, you must answer questions to secure your lives. Each correct answer will earn you 5 lives, whereas an incorrect answer gets you nothing. You have 60 seconds to maximise your points, and then you move on to stage two.

The second portion of the game is where it becomes ridiculously competitive. As questions are asked, each team must note down their answer. If you guess correctly, you gain 5 lives, bank the last milestone marker, and move up the money ladder with that score. However, if you give an answer below the correct number, you lose that many lives. Yet, if you give an answer above the correct number, you lose all the unbanked money and your turn is over. 

Is it fun to play?

The simplicity of the gameplay was fascinating. Additionally, I adored the arguments and the challenging questions. If you then consider the combination of old-school mechanics and modern mobile technology, the manufacturer, Ginger Fox, has got things just right. The excellent and free-to-use software works exceptionally well on any Android or Apple device. Consequently, you can focus on playing the game and little else.

If you don’t have a mobile device at hand, then don’t worry. You can stick to a complete retro method if you so wish. This was my preference as we had more fun playing the part of the question master. Moreover, it feels more family-orientated if you remove mobile phones and tablets from the equation.

Build quality.

Board games have to be substantial and built to last. Luckily, Ant and Dec’s Limitless Win board game ticks both of these boxes. With 600+ questions on offer and an array of lifelines and starter questions, there are plenty of bits to keep you going. On top of this, the answer counters are robust, and the team indicators should last the test of time. However, I’m not so sure about the golden buzzer or the design of the board.

The golden buzzer is disappointing! The cardboard disc is uninspiring and should have been more tactile and useful. Yes, it works in theory, but I’d have preferred a physical button rather than a piece of cardboard. Furthermore, I wasn’t so impressed by the scroll-like board design. It is undeniably cool to look at, and it takes up little space, but it is tricky to set up. As such, you either have to weigh it down or hang it from a wall. Either way, it was a little fiddly and unnecessarily complicated.

Is Ant and Dec’s Limitless Win board game worth it?

Ant and Dec’s Limitless Win board game is designed for 8-years +. Sadly, the questions are too complicated for your average youngster and I believe most under 10s would find this a tough game to play. However, if you have an older family or a good group of friends, this will push you all the way. On top of this, I loved the competitive edge and the ability to mix in modern elements if you so wish. Accordingly, I loved it and I recommend buying it here!

(More information on Ginger Fox can be found here!)

Ant and Dec's Limitless Win board game has been awarded the Movies Games and Tech Gold Award.

(Full Disclosure! I was given a sample for this review!)

Review: Puro PuroQuiet-PLUS Wireless Headset

Andrew Edney
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Review: Puro PuroQuiet-PLUS Wireless Headset

Here is our review of the Puro PuroQuiet-PLUS Wireless Headset.

The new headphones employ many outstanding features including high-quality aluminium construction and plush noise-isolating ear-pads. The outstanding clarity of the Puro Balanced Response curve and digital signal processing (DSP) enable volume-limiting to prevent ear damage. It   matches the natural sound reproduced in a perfectly tuned listening room. Thanks to the superior sound quality, music vocals and movie or game dialogue is heard clearly against the full spectrum of audio, from deep bass to high frequencies, reducing the need to increase the volume. Due to the advanced digital signal processing, the volume limiting at 85dB is completely imperceptible and natural.

In addition to the sleek design, the PuroQuiet Plus headphones have an active noise cancellation feature that suppress ambient noise levels and provides a superior listening experience in even the loudest of environments. It blocks out daily noise and background sounds up to 22 dB, complemented by 82% noise isolation and puts the wider world on mute so youngsters can listen clearly in a loud environment. It can also help calm children down in a loud and unfamiliar environment, reduce noise related stress and increase their overall focus on one thing without the distraction of ambient noise.  Puro Sound Labs is the first ever company to be Certified Sensory Inclusive. Additional features include the latest Bluetooth profiles for CD-like quality wireless audio, a highly sensitive microphone for taking calls or gaming with friends and up to 23-hours of active battery life with ANC.

The PuroQuiet Plus is designed to keep music at suitable volume levels for children whilst maintaining a balanced sound signature. The default 85dB volume limiting prevents kids and teens from suffering the gradual but permanent hearing damage by cranking the sound up too high unintentionally. The maximum 85dB is recommended by Hearing Health Foundation, OSHA and World Health Organisation as the safe listening level. 

The PuroQuiet Plus headphones also utilise the latest Bluetooth v4.0 technology for wirelessly connecting to other devices. The battery life of the new PuroQuiet Plus matches the previous model at 23 Hours of Battery with ANC and 35 Hours without. The headphones stay wirelessly connected up to 30 feet, as well, so that parents can control the child’s device from the seat in front in the car or even the next room at home.

The super soft protein leather wrapped headband and ear cushions weigh only 169g ensuring all-day wearing comfort, combined with a smooth sliding arm so children can adjust to suit their head sizes. PuroQuiet Plus uses AL6063 aluminium for enhanced durability and comes in a choice of 6 colours for a stylish appearance that kids will love. The fold flat design also allows easy portability when kids are playing and travelling.

Specifications

Type of headphone: Active Noise Cancelling On-ear 

Volume limiting: 85 dBA sound Limit

Ambient noise reduction: 78% of noise

Daisy Chain Sharing: Cable featuring built-in audio splitting for 2 Puro headphones

Wireless: Bluetooth® 5.0 wireless headphones

Wireless range: Up to 32 feet from Bluetooth® source

Battery life: 23 hours w/ ANC & 35 hours without

Battery type: Lithium ion rechargeable

Drivers: 40 mm custom dynamic drivers

Dynamic range: 20Hz – 20kHz with <1% total harmonic distortion

What’s in the box?

The box contains the headset, a hard carry case, quick start guide and various cables.

A Closer Look

Final Thoughts

The headphones are very light weight and comfortable to wear for extended periods of time and are easily adjusted for maximum comfort – my trusty 7 year old helper loved them, and not just because they were red! 

The headphones come in a neat carry case that also provides protection when being carried. The case easily fits the headphones and cables.

Pairing the headphones with a device is really easy and only takes a few moments. You can also use the supplied headphone cables should you not want to use Bluetooth – just plug them in!

Battery life is excellent too – when fully charged the headphones can provide around 35 hours of play time without the active noise cancelling enabled, or 23 hours with the active noise cancelling enabled, so pretty much any situation you can think of will work for these!

The sound quality is excellent, and one of the main selling points of these headphones is that they are volume limited to 85 dBA so your child’s ears should be protected from overly loud noise! They also provide great ambient noise isolation too! There is a built-in microphone as well if needed and that works well.

All the controls are on the side of the headset, including a physical on/off switch and volume up and down. If you are using a cable to connect the headset then the volume buttons will be disabled and you will need to adjust the volume on the device you are listening to.

There is also a built-in mic that can be used too and it works really well.

If you have a child that wants, or needs a really decent set of volume-limited wireless headphones then take a look, and listen at the Puro PuroQuiet-PLUS Wireless Headset!

The Puro PuroQuiet-PLUS Wireless Headset is available now priced around £112 and are available in Red (reviewed here), Teal, Dark Blue, Light Pink, Black and Purple.

You can learn more from the Puro website.

Review: Addressable RGB LED Strip Kit

Daniel Waite
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Review: Addressable RGB LED Strip Kit

The Addressable RGB LED Strip Kit from Airgoo is impressive. Not only is this device easy to use, but it makes your PC stand out from the crowd. Additionally, it is compatible with any 5V 3-Pin ARGB header or controller. Therefore, you can make your gaming rig shine without having to upgrade individual components or waste unnecessary money.

I recently looked at the Addressable RGB 24Pin Power Cable from Airgoo, and I was impressed. Needless to say, I had high expectations when I started playing with this device. Thankfully, I wasn’t let down as it uses premium materials, and it can be synced to the rest of your RGB goods with an array of popular software choices. As such, this is as plug-and-play as you are likely to get, and it is perfect for newbies or veterans alike.

What’s in the box of the Addressable RGB LED Strip Kit?

  • The compact packaging is attractive and informative. Furthermore, it can be recycled.
  • The Addressable RGB LED Strip Kit has 2 individual light strips. These can be run separately, or you can daisy-chain them to optimise your lighting preferences.
  • 12 magnetic mounting brackets are provided.
  • Double-sided sticky pads offer an alternative mounting approach.
  • Spare cables are provided to help with larger cases.
  • Learn the fundamentals with the user guide.

Technical aspects.

I’d love to unravel a host of technical statements to wow you. However, the Addressable RGB LED Strip Kit is a relatively simple piece of kit. As such, I’m going to focus on the compatible software. Airgoo has created this with the Corsair Commander Core XT in mind. Yet, any 5V 3-Pin ARGB header or controller will suffice. I was impressed with the simplicity when connected to the CCC XT. The intuitive software allows you to play with the colours and the lighting patterns. Moreover, you can select from an array of effects to personalise your build.

If you opt for a different header/controller, you needn’t worry. This device is compatible with ASUS Aura Sync, MSI Mystic Light Sync, and ASRock Polychrome Sync. On top of this, it is compatible with RGB Fusion 2.0. Consequently, there are plenty of ways to make these cables talk to your PC and your complementary RGB accessories.

My favourite element of the Addressable RGB LED Strip Kit was its usability. Once I plugged the cables in, the device was instantly acknowledged. Therefore, I didn’t have to mess around with settings or deep-search my mobo Bios. Instead, I could focus on selecting my lighting effects and the colour I liked the most. 

Build quality.

We all know that PC cases can be a bit of a tight squeeze. As such, adding in “unnecessary” but “sexy” RGB lighting may seem a step too far luckily, though the Addressable RGB LED Strip Kit is flexible and easy to fit. Thanks to the strong metal clips, you can run this cable without concern. Moreover, the ability to daisy-chain it with the other lighting strip was useful and time-saving.

Though the magnetic clips are impressive, I’d have liked the body of the lights to have been fully magnetic. Had this been possible, I believe the finish would have been nicer and the product would be easier to hide in a smaller case. Yet, this is a minor complaint as I had few issues installing the device.

The 3-pin connectors are robust and simple to use. Additionally, I had no problems with loose connections no matter how much I played with them. The slim extendable cables are easy to hide in your case and this ensures a streamlined finish.

Vibrant lighting.

As expected with RGB lighting, the finish is a vibrant and eye-catching experience. However, unlike some of its peers, the Addressable RGB LED Strip Kit has no harsh spots. Moreover, the 21 independent LEDs are well-diffused. Accordingly, you enjoy a pleasant glow that bathes your PC in a warm and attractive light. 

Is the Addressable RGB LED Strip Kit worth it?

Everyone knows that custom PCs are expensive. However, you needn’t break the bank if you invest in the Addressable RGB LED Strip Kit. This affordable and simple-to-use kit will make your rig look amazing. Furthermore, it is easy to set up and simple to program. Yet, I cannot stress it enough, you need to make sure you have a compatible header or controller. If you do not, this device will not work for you. However, I had no issues and I loved everything about this product. Subsequently, I recommend buying it here!

(More information on Airgoo can be found here!)

The Addressable RGB LED Strip Kit has been awarded the Movies Games and Tech Gold Award.

(Full Disclosure! Airgoo provided a sample for this review.)

Review: Achilles: Legends Untold

James Refelian
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Review: Achilles: Legends Untold

When it comes to fantasy-based isometric games, I am comparing them against what I consider to be the best one ever made; Diablo II, Achilles: Legends Untold is a great addition to the roster and gives a fresh angle to consider, even if it lacks some polish.

Gameplay

In the world of isometric games, especially those with a fantasy feel, it’s easy to call it a Diablo clone and move on. Achilles: Legends Untold is far from that, however. It takes the classic Greek legend of Achilles and gives it an interesting twist. You play Achilles rather than a typical unnamed character class, and the game, interestingly, starts with your death at the Siege of Troy. Those who remember their ancient Greek mythology will remember that Achilles died with a well-placed arrow (not to the knee) but to the heel. What Achilles: Legends Untold does is wake you up years later to see a world impacted by the events that claimed your life. Working with an interesting cast of characters and some gods, you fight through soldiers and mythical beasts on a quest for vengeance and world-saving. It’s a pretty solid narrative, blending elements of classic mythology with newly thought-up fantasy.

The developers claim that the game has ‘souls-like’ combat. This is always a phrase that makes me wary because, let’s be honest, Souls sets the bar pretty high when it comes to deep combat with extreme difficulty. Achilles: Legends Untold gives you difficulty but feels light and basic. You parry, block and dodge but mostly can get by with a few moves and a decent weapon.

Achilles: Legends Untold does pretty well regarding the RPG side of things. You can level up your abilities in the skill tree, designed to look like the stars and constellations, and there are plenty of weapon and gear options as you’d expect.

Overall, if you do everything the game offers, it will take approximately 20-30 hours to complete, which is decent.

Underused gameplay mechanics let it down

It’s always unfortunate when developers add something unique to their gameplay mechanics and then do very little with it, for example, choosing whether a boss lives or dies. This has the potential to offer more than it does currently – if you let them live, you get more dialogue, and if you kill them, you get loot. I can’t help but feel this could have been so much more.

Visuals and Audio in Achilles: Legends Untold

Visually, Achilles: Legends Untold is great. It’s a wonderful recreation of ancient Greece in that traditional isometric style. The textures are fantastic, and the world feels decently detailed. The gore level is also pretty high, with lots of blood spatter and dismemberment, which fits well with the brutality of combat and this visual style.

Regarding foes, some more variety would have been welcome, but what variety there was has been well done. Especially when it comes to mythical creatures.

While the sound effects and music worked well, I couldn’t help but feel the voice acting was a little off, a little hammy.

Final thoughts on Achilles: Legends Untold

Achilles is one of my favourite Greek legends, so I was excited to get my hands on this game, especially since it promised soul-like combat. Sadly, it doesn’t quite live up to that promise, and it’s one you have to be careful to make. It isn’t all bad, though; visually, it looks fantastic, and combat is still fun nonetheless. The story is engaging, and the progression works well. It’s worth playing if you can put up with less-than-desirable voice acting.

Most Popular Game Genres 2024 (Guide)

Andrew Edney
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Most Popular Game Genres 2024 (Guide)

One of the best parts about modern gaming is the choice of genres. From new genres like sandbox simulations to tried-and-trusted classics like first-person shooters, there’s an abundance of choice. However, some video game genres are more popular than others (and this is usually because they’re better). So, if you’re looking for a fresh gaming experience this year, here are the most popular game genres 2024 that we think will dominate. 

What Are the Most Popular Game Genres 2024? 

1.   Free-to-Play Casino Games 

Recently, millions more people around the world have started to gamble online. However, not everyone wants to bet real money, which is why the free-to-play casino games genre has also become popular. To play these games, you’ll need to fire up your PC or mobile device, join a sweepstakes casino like tao fortune, and get started.

 Some of the most popular free-to-play casino games right now include: 

🎰 Slots 

🎡 Roulette 

🃏 Blackjack 

The player-favourite sub-genre is online slots, with Mystery Dragons, Phoenix Queen, and Cactus Riches being some of the latest (and hottest) releases. 

2.   Battle Royale 

The battle royale game genre is unstoppable. Ever since 2017, countless battle royale games have been released, including classics like Warzone and PUBG. The concept behind all of these games is that a large number of players (usually between 10-100) enter an open-world, collect weapons, and then battle it out to be the last person standing. Many critics originally believed that the battle royale concept would quickly fade out — but it’s stronger than ever in 2024, with plenty of new battle royale games coming soon.

3.   Puzzle 

Surprisingly, puzzle games have experienced a major resurgence. 

Now, if you fire up your iPhone or Android app store and look at the download charts, you’ll see that games like Tetrisand Wordscapes are close to the top. Why? Because people spend more hours than ever on their smartphones and like to kill time by challenging their brains, which is where mobile puzzle games have stepped in. 

In 2022 alone, puzzle game apps achieved $9.1 billion in revenue. Will this continue into the future? All of the signs point to yes!

4.   Role-Playing Games (RPGs)

Next, we have the RPG genre, which is considered an all-time classic in the gaming world. 

Currently, some of the most popular RPG games consist of Diablo IV, Elden Ring, and The Witcher 3. Unless you’ve been living under a rock, you’ll know that The Witcher 3 is especially popular, having sold over 50 million units since 2015. In the game, you role-play as a bounty hunter in a huge open-world where you get to complete main quests, side quests, and collect different weapons and armour. It’s a little bit like Runescape, which (if you’ve played before) you’ll know is also a classic game. 

5.   Horror 

Last but not least, the horror genre. 

Much like puzzle games, horror games have also experienced a major resurgence recently. Top-quality titles like the Resident Evil 4 Remake and Dead Space (which have all sold millions of units) have contributed to this, as well as a strong consumer appetite to be scared while playing video games. Yep, it’s a bizarre concept — but it’s one that millennials and Gen Z’ers tend to enjoy. 

For the best possible experience, it’s recommended you play horror games on either PC or console so that you get to see everything on the big screen. Horror games on mobile aren’t quite the same, so make sure to bear this in mind (and don’t get too scared). 

Review: Road 96 Mile 0

James Refelian
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Review: Road 96 Mile 0

Sometimes, a prequel can be a bad idea, but Road 96: Mile 0 provides an enjoyable insight into life in the totalitarian nation of Petria, even if it lacks the clear direction of the original Road 96.

Gameplay

Unlike the original, you don’t leave Petria in Mile 0, and instead of playing as multiple people, you only play as two teenagers, Zoe (whom players of the original game will be familiar with) and Kaito. While both have experienced turbulent childhoods because of the state, they couldn’t be more different. A large part of this narrative-driven adventure game is centred around their friendship and finding an understanding of one another. This aspect feels very similar to games like Life is Strange.

The tone, however, couldn’t be more different and is a little all over the place. You go from deep, meaningful conversations to rebelling against the state to listening in on a bodyguard trying to woo a local celebrity. This is woven with minigames, too, such as creating some graffiti art. Being pulled through such a confusing array of themes and ideas can sometimes leave you feeling a little disjointed. By the same notion, being pulled through a seemingly random assortment of activities feels like real life. It also gives a nice break from the ‘heavy’ stuff, like dealing with a totalitarian regime and its impact on the player characters and supporting cast of NPCs.

With each interaction, there will be choices, and these choices matter – each character has a bar which can influence how things end up – will these teenagers understand one another or not? The choice is yours.

Get your skates on in Road 96: Mile 0

Road 96: Mile 0 is not just a narrative-adventure game, however. It also has aspects of rhythm games, presented in the form of skating. Every so often, a point, idea or dream will be explained in a vibrant array of fast-paced skating, upbeat music and bright colours. These stages are pretty fun, even if sometimes confusing, as you will need to dodge, change lanes, jump, and duck through the course collecting tokens.

Perhaps my favourite, which I think is the most well done, is where Kaito tries to explain to Zoe how bad the state is. You see her view – a town outside the capitol, which is picture perfect and then his, the reality that it’s all propaganda and the town is in ruins. As well as visually interesting, it’s a stark reminder of the power of propaganda and how scary this regime is – even though it’s presented as a cartoon version of a dictatorship.

Audio and visuals

Road 96: Mile 0 keeps the same cartoony, blocky art style of the original. It’s friendly, looks inviting and even feels ‘fun’, which gives you a sense of unease when dealing with the heavier topics the game addresses.

Weirdly, when the music kicks in and the skating begins, the bright colours or variations don’t feel out of place quite so much. I think the art style works perfectly for this, and had they tried realism; these moments would have felt very out of place.

The whole cast does a fantastic job of voice acting, and the sound effects are decent, too.

Final thoughts on Road 96: Mile 0

Road 96: Mile 0 is a confusing romp of how two teenagers relate to each other and the dark world that has shaped them. It is nothing like the original story or gameplay, but the narrative style works perfectly for the prequel story they are trying to tell.

Review: Canyon Gaming Doublebee GTWS-2 Gaming Headset

Andrew Edney
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Review: Canyon Gaming Doublebee GTWS-2 Gaming Headset

Here we review the Canyon Gaming Doublebee GTWS-2 Gaming Headset.

Look no further than this gaming headset from Canyon – DoubleBee GTWS-2. These true wireless earphones are designed specifically for gaming, providing an immersive audio experience. 

With a low latency of just 45ms in gaming mode, you’ll never miss a beat or experience any lag. There’s also a dedicated Music mode, which ensures the best possible audio quality. The earphones use Bluetooth 5.3 for a stable and energy-efficient connection to your gaming device, allowing you to move around without worrying about losing your connection. With an impressive battery life of up to 4 hours on a single charge and up to 37.5 hours with the charging case, you’ll never have to worry about running out of juice mid-game. Besides, the earbuds have a quick charge mode: from zero to full battery in just 60 minutes. 

It’s worth noting that the charging case has a unique design that resembles the iconic Bumblebee. Available in black, orange, and yellow, this case definitely looks fresh in the world of gray and white earbuds. Get a next-level experience with DoubleBee – the new true wireless headset from Canyon Gaming!

Key Features: 13mm Speakers, 20 Hz – 20 kHz Stereo sound, Energy-effective Bluetooth 5.3, Music & Gaming modes, Low latency in gaming mode, Up to 4 hours of playback, Up to 37.5h of work with the case, 60 min earbuds quick charge, Power display, Touch control, Multiple colours.

What’s in the box?

The box contains the Doublebee GTWS-2 Gaming Headset, a charging cable and instructions.

A Closer Look

Final Thoughts

The carry case for the Doublebee is small and lightweight and when you open it up to reveal the earbuds there is a digital display showing the current charge. It also looks really cool and will remind you of Bumblebee from the Transformers movies

The earbuds can be fully charged in about 60 mins and they last for about 4 hours of playback, which unfortunately in this day and age isn’t actually very long. It’s great for short uses but if you were planning on a long gaming session or a long journey then you will need to factor in recharging breaks.

Connecting them with your chosen device is really simple and you will be listening in no time at all.

The earbuds themselves are plastic and so can feel a little uncomfortable at times and not everyone will be able to have them perfectly in their ears.

Sound quality is fairly good – just not brilliant, so it’s probably worth thinking about what you want to use them for and then deciding if they work well enough for you. There is also a built in microphone for voice and thats fairly good too – again, not brilliant but certainly usable.

If you are looking for a reasonably priced headset that has a cool case and you can live with the 4 hour battery life then take a listen and see how you get on.

The Canyon Gaming Doublebee GTWS-2 Gaming Headset is available now priced around £29.99.

Review: AirCard

Andrew Edney
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Review: AirCard

Here we review the AirCard tracker.

AirCard is the first card-sized tracker in the world with an integrated digital business card, working exclusively with Apple Find My network.

A Closer Look

Final Thoughts

The AirCard is small, light and looks a lot like a credit card so it’s easy to slip it in your wallet.

Setting up the AirCard was simple – just press and hold the function button on the AirCard to activate it, then use the Apple Find My app to add the card – that’s it! It’s now part of your Find My account and so you can use the Find My app to see its location whenever you want. You can also have the Find My app play a sound from the AirCard for its exact location if you know it’s somewhere nearby.

Rolling Square say that the battery life is around 2 and half years so you will get a fair amount of use from it before you need to replace it.

There is also an Advanced Lost Mode setting whereby you can create a message and set up contact details for anyone who might find the AirCard and scans the QR code on it. This is a really useful feature.

So if you want to know where your wallet is at all times but you don’t want to put an AirTag on it, then the AirCard is just what you are looking for!

The AirCard tracker is available now priced around $39.90 and there are different bundles available too.

You can learn more from the Rolling Square website.

Review: STM Goods ChargeTree Go Charger

Andrew Edney
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Review: STM Goods ChargeTree Go Charger

Here we review the STM Goods ChargeTree Go Portable Wireless Charger.

Charge 3 devices at once, when staying put or…when you go. ChargeTree Go charges your wireless enabled iPhone, AirPods, and even your Apple Watch all in a slim, vertical charger that folds up compactly when it’s time for you to get going.

The on-the-Go ready version of the popular ChargeTree is a game changer. The slim, vertical format takes up minimal space on a desk or nightstand while charging three devices at once with a single cord, and the pop-out watch platform even enables nightstand mode. Folds compactly to travel from home to office to hotel and beyond, and still works as a charging platform even when collapsed.

What’s in the box?

The box contains the portable charger, along with a charging cable and a carry pouch.

A Closer Look

Final Thoughts

The ChargeTree Go Portable Wireless Charger is just that, it’s small and portable and lightweight. You can easily carry it around in your bag as it folds completely flat when not in use.

To use it you just unfold it and plug in the cable to a power source. You then place your devices on it and sit back.

The Apple Watch charging part slides in out of the way when not in use, so if you dont have an Apple Watch then its never going to be in your way.

All in all this is a great way to charge your devices when you are on the go without taking much room in your bag!

The STM Goods ChargeTree Go Portable Wireless Charger is available now priced around £49.99.

Advanced Investment Strategies: Navigating the Digital Currency Boom

Andrew Edney
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Advanced Investment Strategies: Navigating the Digital Currency Boom

In the dynamic world of finance, digital currencies have emerged as a transformative influence, fundamentally altering our investment approach. The ascent of cryptocurrencies, underpinned by the revolutionary blockchain technology, has garnered the attention of global investors. Nevertheless, the inherent volatility and rapid shifts within this market underscore the importance of adopting sophisticated investment tactics to effectively navigate its intricacies. To further enhance your proficiency and decision-making capabilities when it comes to cryptocurrency investments, it is advisable to explore https://immediateunlock.com, an Investment Education Firm. This resource can offer valuable support and guidance to individuals seeking to broaden their understanding of the cryptocurrency market, equipping them with the knowledge needed to make informed investment choices.

The Digital Currency Landscape

Digital currencies comprise a diverse range of assets, including but not limited to cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin and Ethereum. These decentralized digital assets leverage blockchain technology to ensure secure and transparent transactions. The digital currency market also encompasses stablecoins, which are pegged to stable assets; utility tokens, which grant access to specific services or platforms; and non-fungible tokens (NFTs), unique digital collectibles. Recognizing this breadth of digital assets is essential for informed investors looking to navigate this evolving financial landscape effectively.

Risks and Rewards

Investing in digital currencies offers the potential for substantial rewards and comes with inherent risks. On the upside, it can provide investors with the opportunity for impressive returns, diversification of their investment portfolio, and exposure to cutting-edge technology and innovation. However, it’s essential to be aware of the considerable market volatility, which can lead to significant losses. Additionally, regulatory uncertainties, cybersecurity threats, and shifts in market sentiment can all have a substantial impact on the performance of digital currency investments, making it crucial for investors to approach this asset class with caution and thorough research.

Advanced Investment Techniques

Successful investors in the digital currency space employ advanced strategies to manage risks and capitalize on opportunities. Some notable techniques include:

Dollar-Cost Averaging (DCA): This strategy involves regularly investing a fixed amount, regardless of the asset’s price. DCA reduces the impact of market volatility and minimizes the risk of mistimed entries.

Swing Trading: Swing traders aim to profit from short to medium-term price movements. They use technical analysis to identify entry and exit points based on chart patterns, indicators, and trading volumes.

Long-Term Holding: Many investors adopt a “HODL” (Hold On for Dear Life) approach, where they buy and hold assets for the long term, believing in their long-term potential.

Incorporating technical and fundamental analysis is essential for informed decision-making. Understanding market trends, news, and sentiment can provide valuable insights.

Navigating Market Volatility

Digital currencies are notorious for their price volatility. To navigate this turbulence, consider these risk mitigation strategies:

Stop-Loss Orders: Set predefined price levels at which you’re willing to sell to limit potential losses in a declining market.

Hedging: Use derivatives or options to protect your portfolio against adverse price movements.

Regulatory Landscape

Digital currency regulations differ significantly around the world, with some nations welcoming cryptocurrencies and others implementing stringent controls. Staying informed about these regulatory shifts is paramount for investors, as they can have a substantial influence on market dynamics and investment decision-making. Being attuned to the evolving landscape of digital currency regulations enables investors to make well-informed choices and adapt their strategies accordingly to navigate the ever-changing cryptocurrency market effectively.

Case Studies

Studying real-world success stories, such as those of early Bitcoin investors or individuals who thrived during the DeFi boom, can offer valuable insights for investors looking to enhance their strategies. Although it’s important to remember that past performance does not guarantee future results, analyzing these instances of success can provide valuable lessons and guidance for making informed investment decisions.

The digital currency market is continually evolving, with emerging trends that savvy investors should monitor:

Decentralized Finance (DeFi): DeFi projects offer financial services without traditional intermediaries. Yield farming, lending, and liquidity provision are among the opportunities in this sector.

Non-Fungible Tokens (NFTs): NFTs have gained attention for their ability to represent ownership of unique digital assets like art, music, and collectibles. Understanding the NFT market can open new investment avenues.

Conclusion

Entering the realm of digital currency investments offers a wide range of possibilities, yet it is essential to acknowledge the significant associated risks. To effectively navigate this dynamic market, adopting advanced investment approaches such as dollar-cost averaging, swing trading, and long-term holding can be invaluable. Furthermore, safeguarding investments is crucial, and this can be achieved through risk-mitigation techniques like implementing stop-loss orders and employing hedging strategies. These strategies collectively empower investors to make informed decisions in the ever-evolving digital currency landscape, maximizing their potential for success while minimizing potential setbacks.

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