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AppWizard
August 5, 2025
Nate Wells, an artist known for his work on System Shock 2, discussed the artistic choices that contributed to the game's unsettling atmosphere, particularly the design of the alien entity The Many. The Many is characterized by a grotesque, biological aesthetic, contrasting with the sterile corridors of the game. An unexpected source of inspiration for the textures of The Many came from colonoscopy imagery, which influenced the design of the sphincter doors. Wells noted the glistening, veiny appearance of these elements and acknowledged the remastered version's distinct puckered quality. His creative process aimed to balance fear with a sense of playfulness, contributing to the game's lasting appeal.
AppWizard
August 3, 2025
A selection of 15 Android applications for August focuses on enhancing user experience through privacy, productivity, customization, media management, utility, and specialized needs. Ad-Blocking and Privacy: - Athena: Open-source app that blocks ads, trackers, and malware, allowing detailed control over internet access for individual apps. - App Lock: Secures sensitive applications with passcodes, fingerprints, or facial recognition. Customization and Widgets: - My Launcher: Feature-rich launcher with live tiles, widgets, and extensive customization options. - 1 UI Widgets: Offers over 240 customizable Samsung-style widgets for clocks, calendars, and more. Productivity Tools: - Tomato: Pomodoro timer for breaking tasks into manageable intervals. - My Mind: Minimalist app for organizing bookmarks, notes, and media. Media and Content Management: - Material Player: Ad-free video player supporting multiple formats and streaming. - Raven: Lightweight, open-source RSS newsreader for updates from favorite news sources. Utility and Accessibility: - Screenshot Editor, Blur Text: Edits screenshots and blurs sensitive information. - Speak That: Reads notifications aloud with customizable settings. - Screen Stream: Shares screen locally or globally for presentations and tutorials. Specialized Apps: - Torrent Search: Open-source tool for searching and downloading torrents. - Airplanes.live: Tracks real-time flight data for nearby aircraft. - One URL: URL shortener that generates QR codes and allows custom aliases. Rooted Device Tools: - Reddit: Removes ads from the official Reddit app for a cleaner browsing experience.
AppWizard
August 3, 2025
The Everdark Augur, also known as Maris, Fathom of Night, is a rotating superboss in Elden Ring Nightreign. Criticism of the boss includes its guaranteed weapon drop undermining the roguelike buildcrafting and the fight's slow pace, making it tedious. The Storm Ruler weapon can deal significant damage to large bosses and regenerates the player's FP bar, allowing for infinite healing. The fight encourages experimentation with various weapon and relic setups, as players do not need to tailor their builds specifically for this encounter. The author appreciates the surprise elements of the fight and FromSoftware's willingness to break conventional game design rules.
AppWizard
August 2, 2025
MrBeast is facing accusations of using artificial intelligence in his gaming videos, specifically regarding a clip from his Minecraft gameplay that sparked debate about potential "AI face-swapping technology." The clip garnered 1.6 million views and elicited mixed reactions from the online community, with some users expressing skepticism and others defending him. This is not the first time MrBeast has encountered controversy related to AI; he previously promoted an AI-powered thumbnail generator for his YouTube videos but retracted it after backlash from fellow creators and artists.
Winsage
August 2, 2025
Windows 11 allows users to customize their interface to evoke elements of Windows 7 through various methods: 1. Taskbar Alignment: Users can move the Start menu to the left by navigating to Settings > Personalization > Taskbar > Taskbar behaviors and setting Taskbar alignment to Left. 2. Classic Wallpapers: Users can download Windows 7 wallpapers online and set them as their desktop background by right-clicking the image and selecting "Set as desktop background." A slideshow can be created in Settings > Personalization > Background. 3. Aero Lite Theme: The Aero Lite theme can be enabled using Winaero Tweaker, which allows users to recreate the glass effect of Windows 7 by selecting Enable Aero Lite. 4. Windows 7 Start Menu: The Open-Shell tool can be downloaded from GitHub to restore the Windows 7 Start menu style, with customization options available in the Open-Shell settings. 5. Taskbar Flyouts: ExplorerPatcher can be used to restore Windows 7 flyouts for battery, volume, and calendar/clock by adjusting settings to the Windows 10 style and modifying the File Explorer interface to resemble Windows 7.
AppWizard
August 2, 2025
Titan Quest II has entered Early Access on PC via Steam and the Epic Games Store, with a full release planned for 2026 on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series. The Early Access version is priced at .99/€23.99 until August 8, after which it will increase to .99/€29.99. The full release will cost .99/€49.99. The game will evolve based on player feedback and aims to exit Early Access by the end of 2026. Features include a character creator, crafting and transmogrification systems, new masteries, and challenging foes.
Winsage
July 31, 2025
Bluestar is an Arch-based Linux distribution that combines elements from macOS, Windows, and traditional Linux environments, featuring a customized KDE Plasma desktop. It includes a top bar similar to many Linux setups, a dock like macOS, and desktop icons reminiscent of Windows. Bluestar is available in both 32- and 64-bit versions, has a dedicated repository, and offers up-to-date packages. It simplifies the installation process while maintaining Arch Linux's speed and rolling releases, with streamlined updates through a notifier icon. The distribution provides a clean design with intuitive customization options, allowing users to easily switch themes and layouts. Bluestar is stable and reliable, performing well across various hardware configurations, and comes preloaded with applications like VLC, Firefox, and Thunderbird. It supports seamless hardware integration and offers a graphical user interface for application management through Octopi.
AppWizard
July 30, 2025
Swarovski has launched a collaboration with Minecraft, creating crystal figurines of iconic characters Steve and Alex, as well as the Creeper and Pig. The collection is called “Your Adventures Crystallised.” Additionally, a “Crystal Suit” Character Creator item for Minecraft: Bedrock Edition is available, which can be redeemed by scanning a QR code on the packaging. The figurines are priced between EUR 280 and EUR 300 and are available in select Swarovski stores and online.
AppWizard
July 29, 2025
Edens Zero is a video game developed and published by Konami, set to be released on July 15, 2025, for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC, priced at .99. Players assume the role of Shiki, a boy living on the robot-run planet Granbell, who embarks on an adventure with Rebecca, a B-Cuber, after robots turn against humanity. The game features two modes: Story Mode, where players follow Shiki's journey and uncover his father's mysteries, and Exploration Mode, where players complete quests from the Adventurer’s Guild in Blue Garden. The game includes an innovative equipment system that allows for character appearance customization. Performance issues were noted on the Steam Deck, while a high-end PC setup provided a smoother experience. The art direction and character designs are praised, and the combat blends action RPG elements with beat 'em up styles. The game has both pros, such as engaging combat and extensive customization, and cons, including performance inconsistencies and repetitive quest design.
Winsage
July 29, 2025
Microsoft is extending Windows 11 upgrades to computers that do not meet its official minimum requirements, prompting confusion among users. Reports indicate that users are receiving upgrade prompts despite lacking essential components like TPM 2.0, Secure Boot, or a modern processor. This change raises questions about whether Microsoft is relaxing its compatibility standards or if it is a technical oversight. Users are advised to exercise caution before upgrading unsupported machines, as this may lead to issues such as failed installations, unreliable performance, and lack of future security updates or customer support.
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