buttons Archives

AppWizard

January 16, 2026

Heartopia (PC) Review

Heartopia is a life-simulation game that blends cozy simulation elements with MMO features, allowing players to cultivate a town and interact with locals. However, the MMO aspects dilute the individuality typically found in cozy games, as multiple players receive the same accolades for completing quests. Gameplay involves repetitive fetch quests to unlock activities like home decoration and fishing, which can feel tedious. The game features a community aspect, but players may find their neighbors' homes replaced or their own home relocated between sessions, undermining familiarity. Character design is uninspired, and the user interface resembles a mobile game, lacking polish. As a free-to-play title, it includes multiple currencies that create confusion, with microtransactions for premium items. Despite these issues, the game offers engaging home-building mechanics and unique hobbies like Birdwatching and Pet Care. Overall, Heartopia struggles to effectively merge MMO elements with cozy simulation, making it a less appealing option compared to established titles like Animal Crossing.

Winsage

January 14, 2026

Microsoft Adds Copilot AI to Windows 11 File Explorer Amid Privacy Debates

Microsoft is enhancing its artificial intelligence capabilities in Windows 11 by potentially integrating its Copilot AI into File Explorer, as indicated by recent code discoveries in insider preview builds. This integration may introduce a new Copilot button or sidebar, allowing users to engage with AI for contextual queries about files, such as summarizing documents or organizing folders. Concerns have been raised regarding privacy and system performance, as the AI could access local files. The integration may also include chat capabilities, prompting fears of data exposure. Microsoft has assured users that Copilot prioritizes local processing and operates with consent. However, critics worry about the potential for intrusive AI suggestions and the possibility of forced updates. The integration is expected to leverage Microsoft's agentic AI framework and may require advanced hardware for optimal performance. Financial incentives, such as Copilot Pro subscriptions, are also a factor in this strategic push. User feedback will be crucial in determining the success of this integration, with mixed reactions from the tech community regarding privacy and control.

AppWizard

January 10, 2026

7 Of The Best Free Android Apps For Automating Your Routine

A selection of free Android apps designed to automate daily life includes: - Action Blocks: Developed by Google, it allows users to create buttons for actions and integrates with Google Assistant. - Samsung Modes and Routines: A built-in feature for Samsung devices that enables users to automate tasks through "If" and "Then" scenarios. - Automate: An app that allows users to create complex automation sequences in a flowchart format, suitable for tech-savvy individuals. - Microsoft Power Automate: Automates tasks across devices with a drag-and-drop interface, facilitating synchronization between smartphone and desktop. - aProfiles: A user-friendly app for scheduling actions like alarms and switching data connections, ideal for those without coding experience. - MacroDroid: Combines advanced automation features with an intuitive interface, allowing users to customize tasks using triggers and actions. - IFTTT: Automates online activities and integrates with smart devices, providing a platform for syncing various tasks and interactions.

AppWizard

January 9, 2026

Steam Machine release date speculation, specs and latest news

Valve is set to launch the Steam Machine in early 2026, potentially up to April 2026, though delays may occur due to a RAM crisis affecting component prices. Pre-orders are currently unavailable, but customers can add it to their Steam wishlist for notifications. The Steam Machine is a PC-hybrid console, running SteamOS, and offers a desktop environment for flexibility. It has performance specifications between the Xbox Series S and PlayStation 5, with 16GB of system memory and 8GB of video memory. Key specifications include a semi-custom AMD Zen 4 CPU, semi-custom AMD RDNA3 GPU, and storage options of 512GB or 2TB NVMe SSD. The Steam Machine will come with a Steam Controller, featuring standard controls and enhanced precision through dual trackpads and a gyroscope.

BetaBeacon

January 7, 2026

8BitDo’s newest controller turns your phone into a Game Boy

The 8BitDo FlipPad is a portrait-mode controller for your phone that plugs into the USB-C port on the bottom of the device and covers the bottom half of the phone screen.

BetaBeacon

January 7, 2026

8BitDo FlipPad controller for enjoying portrait games on Android and iOS

8BitDo has introduced the FlipPad, a portrait mode clip-on controller for mobile gamers who prefer minimal accessories. The controller has 12 face buttons and a D-Pad, making it suitable for portrait games that do not require shoulder trigger buttons. It is designed to overlay over on-screen keyboards for ergonomic comfort and is compatible with third-party applications and emulators. The controller plugs directly into smartphones via USB-C and does not have Bluetooth connectivity.

AppWizard

January 6, 2026

Hideo Kojima’s new Asus gaming gear is another quirky creation from the Death Stranding and Metal Gear legend

Asus has collaborated with Hideo Kojima to create a new collection of gaming peripherals, which includes the ROG Keris II Origin gaming mouse, ROG Delta II gaming headset, ROG Scabbard II XXL mouse mat, and ROG Flow Z13 tablet. Each item features a design inspired by Kojima Productions' astronaut mascot, Ludens. The ROG Flow Z13 tablet has a larger form factor, a new color scheme of white, gold, and gray, and playful details on the keyboard cover. It retains the AMD Ryzen AI Max 390 processor for high-performance gaming. The ROG Keris II Origin mouse has a unique color palette and features a 42K DPI sensor and RGB lighting. The ROG Delta II headset includes the Kojima Productions logo and a humorous warning about comfort. The ROG Scabbard II XXL mouse mat features a large Ludens-inspired design and motivational phrase. Pricing and release dates for these limited-edition items have not yet been announced.

AppWizard

January 3, 2026

Longmont events for Friday, Jan. 2: Minecraft Scavenger Hunt at Longmont Public Library

Families can participate in a Minecraft scavenger hunt at the Longmont Public Library at 9 a.m., with prizes available until January 4 or while supplies last. Sugar Britches will perform at Bricks on Main at 6 p.m., and admission is free. Bootstrap Brewing Company will host the Midnight Hour concert at 6 p.m. featuring Motown music. On Saturday at 8:30 a.m., residents can drop off holiday trees for free chipping at the Town of Lyons Utility Building. A concert celebrating Lynyrd Skynyrd and 38 Special will take place at Bootstrap Brewing Company at 11 a.m. The Wolf Moon Night Hike will occur at 4:30 p.m. at Ron Stewart Preserve. "Nunsense" will be performed at Jesters Dinner Theatre on Sunday at 2 p.m., with ticket prices varying. Adult Drag Bingo will be held at Left Hand Brewing at 6 p.m. on Sunday. Bilingual storytime for children ages 5 and under will take place at Longmont Public Library on Monday at 10 a.m. An open play session for children ages 4 and under will be hosted at the library at 10:30 a.m. on Monday. A drop-in writers group will meet at the library at 6 p.m. on Monday. A watercolor class for participants aged 18 and older will be held at the Firehouse Art Center at noon on Tuesday. The Longmont Public Library will offer a Silent Hour for teens at 4 p.m. on Tuesday. Dungeons & Dragons sessions will take place at the library at 6 p.m. on Tuesday. Sketch Club for teen artists will be held at Carbon Valley Regional Library at 4 p.m. on Wednesday. A Make and Take activity will be hosted in the Children’s Area of the Longmont Public Library at 5 p.m. on Wednesday.

AppWizard

January 2, 2026

Utawarerumono: ZAN Game Review

The Utawarerumono series shifted towards action gameplay with the release of Utawarerumono Zan in 2018, which has now been reintroduced to the American PC market after a six-year hiatus. The game adapts the narrative from the sequel, Utawarerumono: Mask of Deception, featuring a different cast and focusing on Haku, who becomes involved in a nationwide conspiracy. The storytelling is criticized for being heavily truncated, leading to a disjointed structure. Combat mechanics are engaging, allowing players to assemble teams with unique abilities, though the absence of a comprehensive movelist complicates learning. Missions are relatively simple, and the upgrade system uses a gacha-style mechanic for character enhancements. The visual presentation captures AQUAPLUS's art style effectively, and the soundtrack offers a rich array of music.

BetaBeacon

December 29, 2025

This luxurious Game Boy with hidden touch pads is now available for pre-order

AYANEO has unveiled the Pocket VERT, a luxurious gaming handheld powered by a Snapdragon 8 Plus Gen 1 processor. It features a high-density 3.5-inch LCD panel, CNC metal finish, "MagicTouch" touchpad, and a large 6,000mAh battery. The device comes in two configurations starting at 9 and offers a premium gaming experience in a compact package.