Quick Links Like any artform, video gaming has evolved in light of new technology and new audiences, but while most things in gaming have advanced, there are a few areas where it really seems we’ve taken a step backwards. There are just some things that, on average, retro games simply did better. 1Be a Complete Shipping Game These days, thanks to the internet and the ability to patch games after their release, it seems to be the norm for developers to release unfinished games....

It’s been quite some time since LEGO’s patents for its exact connector design lapsed. Which means there are now many perfectly-legal LEGO-compatible alternatives around. As long as it doesn’t actually say “LEGO” anywhere on these bricks, it’s all good, and if they’re made right they’ll fit just fine. So if you’ve been hesitant to try LEGO-compatible bricks, here are a few reasons you should take the plunge. 7They’re Usually Way Cheaper We all like to complain thatLEGO is expensive, but hesitate to go for the cheaper alternatives....

Quick Links If you’re thinking of replacing your TV, chances are the only options available to you are smart TVs. While not all smart TVs are bad, they can come with several caveats that will make you nostalgic for your old “dumb” TV. I’m keeping mine around, and maybe you should, too. What Is a Dumb TV? Dumb TVs are what TVs were before we got the bright idea of connecting them to the internet....

Quick Links A Windows PC that seems easy to use for you might be quite challenging for someone who is a beginner or isn’t tech-savvy. If you’re setting up a new device for a first-time user or passing along your laptop to them, it’s essential to make it user-friendly. Here are a few things you can do for them. 1Make the Login Process Easier When setting up a Windows device for a non-tech-savvy user, the first step is to simplify the login process....

Acer has revealed several new monitors at Computex 2025, with some models supporting up to 6K resolution or up to a 500Hz refresh rate. There are new Predator gaming monitors, Nitro series monitors that include smart TV features, and options in the ProCreator series for professional color-accurate work. The Predator line is at the forefront of gaming monitors for Acer. ThePredator X27U F5is designed for the competitive scene and esports. It has an extremely fast 500Hz refresh rate on a 27-inch WQHD QD-OLED screen....

Quick Links Welcome to the first day of February 2023! This week, we’re kicking things off with a huge heap of discounts, many of which include the absolute lowest prices we’ve ever seen on the newest iPad Air, ultra-fast WD_BLACK internal gaming SSDs, and plenty more. Another week, another iPad sale. This time around, the brand new 2022 edition of theiPad Airis back down to $499.99 ($91.01 off). It’s packing a 10....

Despite Amazon pioneering eReaders, the company’sKindle Colorsoftwas noticeably late to the color e-paper party. Then, when it did arrive, it had a host of issues. Thankfully, now in 2025, it’s in a better place, even if it’s not a must-buy. Amazon Kindle Colorsoft The Kindle Colorsoft is Amazon’s first color eReader. It has all the same features as the Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition except for an eight-week battery life. Price and Availability The Kindle Colorsoft is available to buy now and retails for $279....

Despite everyone’s best efforts, smartphone theft is still a problem worldwide. This is one problem Google wanted to tackle with Android 15, with a new set of features under the “Theft Protection” umbrella. Now, it’s getting a new party trick, and it’s called Identity Check. Android is now adding a new feature called Identity Check. You’ll be able to find it right within thetheft protection settings on your Android 15 phone....

Summary The things that make a portable battery great are its size, power, and convenience. The newAnker Power Bank 25Kexcels in all of these things. For its 25,000mAh battery size, it’s compact. It has a total power output of 165W, and it includes two built-in USB-C cables. For those reasons and more, it’s my new travel battery. Anker 25K Power Bank (165W, Built-In and Retractable Cables) Never run out of power, whether you’re charging smartphones, tablets, or other USB-enabled devices....

Quick Links Smartphones are a core part of our daily lives, and because of that, there have been many attempts to extend their functionality. Project Ara, LG modules, Moto Mods, and the recent CMF Phone 1, to name a few. However, only Apple’s MagSafe has actually spawned a successful ecosystem of adaptable accessories. Why is that? The Graveyard of Failed Attempts The concept of a “modular” smartphone has been around for a long time....

Summary AI art has generated more than images. It’s also provoked a major reaction among artists and art lovers alike, who are (to put it mildly) rather negative towards technology. Unfortunately, in their quest to root out AI art wherever it may be, some very human artists are being caught in the backlash. You Can’t Detect AI Art, Even if You Think You Can I’ve seen people confidently say they cantell whether something is AI-generated or not....

Summary Mechanical keyboards are undoubtedly better than membrane keyboards for just about anything, including games. However, not all mechanical keyboards are equal, as they’re designed for different purposes. For instance, blue switches are primarily for typing, so should you get them for gaming? Blue Switches Slow You Down As you probably already know, there are hundreds of differentmechanical keyboard switchesfrom various manufacturers on the market, and most of them use some sort of color coding to differentiate the models....

Quick Links Memorial Day might have come a close far too soon, as long weekends always do, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t still worthwhile deals out there. With discounts on the 6th generation Apple iPad Mini, the Fitbit Sense 2 Smartwatch, JBL’s fully waterproof speaker, and more, you should have no trouble finding sales on tech gadgets that will make the start of your summer more enjoyable. Tablets combine many of the functions of laptops and smartphones into one convenient, portable device, and theApple iPad Mini (6th Generation)is one of the best options out there–especially if you plan to use it as an eReader....