Accessories Archives

AppWizard

July 21, 2025

I wore an AI voice recorder on my wrist for a week, here’s how it went

Artificial intelligence has become integral to daily life, especially with the introduction of ChatGPT. Plaud has launched the Note and NotePin devices aimed at recording conversations, meetings, and notes, which can be transcribed via the Plaud app. The NotePin is a compact device that offers various wearing options, though only the pin and clip are included; additional accessories cost extra. It has a standby time of up to 40 days and 20 hours of continuous recording, with a two-hour recharge time. The NotePin retails at 9, with a subscription model for additional AI features costing 0 per year for the AI Pro plan and 0 annually for the AI Unlimited tier. The recording and transcription features are functional but not exceptional, with delays due to cloud processing. The Plaud app provides detailed transcriptions, speaker identification, and a mind map of dialogues. However, devices like the Google Recorder app on Pixel phones offer more efficient on-device processing, making them a more appealing choice for recording and transcription.

AppWizard

July 16, 2025

Today’s Android app deals and freebies: Nerd Survivors, Roundguard, MAYATCH, more

There are discounts on Android applications and games, as well as significant price reductions on HP’s OmniBook X Flip touchscreen 2-in-1 Copilot+ PC. Additionally, there are official band discounts for the Google Pixel Watch, offering savings of up to 25%.

AppWizard

July 12, 2025

This last-minute Prime Day PC deal is perfect for turning your setup into a pink, cozy gaming paradise

The Ditoo Retro Pixel Art speaker is currently available for .39, down from its regular price of .99. It features a 16 x 16 LED display for showcasing pixel art and connects to Spotify. The speaker is not a gaming console and does not link to gaming accounts. It has a nostalgic design and offers built-in games, functioning as a Bluetooth speaker. The typical price listed on Amazon is .98, while the manufacturer's suggested retail price is .99.

BetaBeacon

July 10, 2025

The Game Boy of my dreams is finally back in stock for good

The ModRetro Chromatic is the ultimate Game Boy, with an enhanced but authentic screen and exquisite build quality. It only plays Game Boy and Game Boy Color cartridges, replicating the original hardware closely. It has a backlit LCD panel, premium build quality, and a battery indicator. The device has been restocked with new colorways and accessories. The price has been adjusted, making it a pricey option for diehard Game Boy fans. It is considered the ultimate way to play Game Boy cartridges for dedicated collectors.

Winsage

July 5, 2025

Upgrade to Windows 11 and DOUBLE performance? PCs powered by new software are 2x faster than Windows 10

Microsoft claims that laptops and desktop PCs running Windows 11 are "up to 2.3x faster than Windows 10 PCs." Windows 10, the most widely used desktop operating system, powers over 1 billion devices but will stop receiving free updates after October 14, 2025. Users can pay £22 for an additional year of support. The performance comparison is based on Geekbench 6 benchmarks, contrasting new Windows 11 devices with older Windows 10 systems. Between May and June 2025, Windows 11 usage increased by over 4%. Microsoft plans to release Windows 11 Version 25H2 later this year, which will feature a redesigned Start menu and a new CPU throttling feature. Users eligible for a free upgrade can benefit from a smoother installation process. Microsoft offers free security updates to Windows 10 users who subscribe to OneDrive; otherwise, the £22 fee applies. Some users may be hesitant to upgrade due to Windows 10's superior gaming performance in certain scenarios.

BetaBeacon

June 28, 2025

Lilbits: Microsoft is replacing the Blue Screen of Death with a Black one, extensions are coming to Chrome for Android (kind of), and an NES emulator that lets you play classic games in 3D

Most Windows computers have become less crash-prone over the years, but Microsoft still displays a "Blue Screen of Death" when crashes occur. Microsoft is planning to update the crash screen by changing the background from blue to black and providing more useful information to help users understand why their PC stopped working.

AppWizard

June 27, 2025

The Steam Summer Sale Is Officially Live With New PC Gaming Deals for 2025

The Steam Summer Sale is running until July 10, offering significant discounts on a variety of PC games. Notable deals include Final Fantasy VII Rebirth for .99, a Twin Pack of Final Fantasy VII Remake for .99, and Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered at a 20% discount. Other highlighted indie titles from 2025 are R.E.P.O., Schedule I, and Blue Prince. Major discounts include Crash Bandicoot N. Sane Trilogy, Marvel's Guardians of the Galaxy, and Star Wars Battlefront II, each reduced by 90%. Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is also available at its lowest price. Amazon Prime Day starts on July 8, offering deals on PC hardware and free PC games for Prime members.

Winsage

June 22, 2025

With 114 days left until Windows 10 support is ditched, Windows 11 enjoys a last-minute surge in upgrades

Microsoft plans to discontinue support for Windows 10 on October 14, 2025, despite a strong preference for it among users. As of June 2025, Windows 10's market share dropped from 66% to 49%, while Windows 11's share increased from 29% to over 47%. The gap between the two operating systems has narrowed to 1%. Microsoft has implemented full-screen reminders to encourage users to upgrade to Windows 11, branding 2025 as the "year of the Windows 11 PC refresh." Windows 11 adoption has increased, but many PCs are unable to upgrade due to stringent minimum system requirements, which include a 64-bit processor, at least 4GB of RAM, 64GB of storage, UEFI firmware with Secure Boot, and TPM version 2.0. Microsoft introduced a new category of Windows 11 PCs called Copilot+ PCs, which feature advanced capabilities and security measures. Starting October 14, 2025, users on Windows 10 will not receive free updates, leaving them vulnerable to security risks. Users whose PCs do not meet the requirements for Windows 11 can either buy new machines or subscribe to the Extended Security Updates (ESU) program for continued support. Enterprise users will pay £48 for the first year of ESU, increasing to £192 for the third year, while consumers can access it for £24 for an additional year. Some users are exploring alternatives like Linux or ChromeOS Flex for older hardware.

AppWizard

June 22, 2025

This Android App Boosts Your Phone — And Google Just Made It Official

Google has introduced the Linux Terminal app with the Android 15 update, allowing users to run a Debian virtual machine on their smartphones. This feature utilizes the Android Virtualization Framework (AVF) to execute complex commands, run scripts, and manage storage, enhancing smartphone functionality. Activation is simple through developer options, making it accessible to all users. The Linux Terminal serves as a valuable tool for professionals and developers, enabling them to work efficiently on the go. Casual users can also benefit by running Linux-based applications directly on their devices. The upcoming Android 16 is expected to further enhance this experience with better support for external displays, positioning Android phones as central components of users' tech ecosystems.

AppWizard

June 18, 2025

Xbox inks hardware agreement with AMD

Microsoft has entered into a hardware agreement with AMD to co-engineer silicon for future Xbox consoles and cloud-based technologies. This strategic multi-year partnership aims to enhance gaming technology, improve graphics innovation, and ensure compatibility with existing Xbox game libraries. The collaboration focuses on creating a versatile gaming platform that allows players to access games across multiple devices without being restricted to a single storefront. Microsoft is also working with the Windows team to position Windows as the leading platform for gaming.