Personal Touch Archives

AppWizard

May 21, 2025

JDM: Japanese Drift Master review

Japanese Drift Master (JDM) is an open-world racing game set to be released on May 21, 2025, priced at in the U.S. and £29 in the U.K. Developed and published by Gaming Factory, it combines drifting mechanics with life simulation elements and explores Japanese drift culture through a narrative involving an outsider, a failing sushi delivery business, and an unsolved murder, presented in anime comic panels. The game features a variety of licensed vehicles, visual and performance upgrades, and event types such as drag races and delivery missions. While the drift physics are strong, the handling model may feel awkward for conventional driving. Players may face translation issues, optimization challenges, and performance hiccups, but the game offers inventive mission types and a rewarding progression system, encouraging exploration and vehicle customization.

AppWizard

May 21, 2025

The best use for AI: You can now turn yourself into an Android Bot by uploading a photo

Google has launched the Androidify app, allowing users to create personalized Android Bots by uploading a photo and selecting a color scheme. The app utilizes the Gemini API and is designed with Google’s Material 3 aesthetic, ensuring compatibility with various devices. Unlike its previous version, which was limited to a website, the new app offers a more refined experience with plans for a specialized image generator version. Users must compile the app themselves to access its features, which may limit its reach. There are hopes for the app's availability on the Play Store in the future.

AppWizard

May 9, 2025

Doom: The Dark Ages

DOOM: The Dark Ages has received a range of critical reviews, with ratings as follows: EuroGamer - 80, tsa - 80, HardcoreGamer - 100, Tom's Guide - 90, PCGamesN - 80, DigitalTrends - 70, VG247 - 80, TechRadar - 80, IGN - 90, and Vice - 90. Critics noted the game's nostalgic charm, engaging combat, and stunning graphics, while some pointed out weaknesses such as underdeveloped features, pacing issues, and disappointing new mechanics.

Winsage

May 8, 2025

6 reasons I want Microsoft Plus back, even though I never had it growing up

Microsoft's evolution of Windows has included various enhancements and features over the years, originally exemplified by the Microsoft Plus! add-on package. Key features that could be included in a modern add-on pack are: - Ad-Free Experience: An option to eliminate advertisements from the Windows experience, addressing user frustration with prompts for subscriptions like Microsoft 365 or Game Pass. - Engaging Games: The potential to reintroduce classic games or develop new titles that provide a more engaging gaming experience without microtransactions and ads. - Dynamic Desktop Themes: The ability to create dynamic themes with animated wallpapers and custom frames, allowing for more personalized desktop experiences. - DVD Playback and Codec Support: Inclusion of DVD playback functionality and enhanced codec support for modern formats like H.265 and AV1, along with a transcoding tool for media conversion. - Enhanced Video Editing: Development of a robust, native video editing application similar to Windows Live Movie Maker, with advanced features and support for 4K exports.

AppWizard

May 2, 2025

Oblivion’s one-room waterfront shack is the perfect player home

The ideal player home in video games is characterized by a single room to avoid loading screens, the ability to customize the space, and proximity to a fast travel point. The Dzonot Cave bandit dungeon offers a strategic fast travel point near the Imperial City’s waterfront shack, which costs 2,000 gold septims and is practical for thieves. The waterfront shack, despite its minimal furnishings, provides convenience and allows players to focus on leveling up and completing quests without external judgment. Alternatives like Benirus Manor come with complications such as interior loading screens and lack of fast travel. The waterfront shack has been upgraded with essential storage containers, reinforcing its status as the ultimate player home, especially for players seeking a reliable base for adventure.

Winsage

April 28, 2025

I use this app instead of File Explorer for managing my Windows folders

Windows 11's File Explorer is a familiar tool for file management, but alternatives like Directory Opus offer enhanced functionality. Directory Opus, originally developed for the Amiga platform, is a robust file organization tool for Windows. Key features include: - Dual Pane View: Allows simultaneous viewing of files and folders from different locations, facilitating efficient organization. - In-depth Organizational Features: Users can open multiple tabs within each pane, assign statuses to folders, and prioritize tasks. - Built-in Image Converter: Enables conversion of images to various formats and basic editing functions like cropping and rotating. - Synchronization Feature: Allows easy copying and synchronization between panes, with options for sub-folders and integration with cloud services. - Shortcuts to Favorite Apps: Users can create toolbars with shortcuts to frequently used applications for quick access. Directory Opus is designed to exceed file management needs, making it a compelling alternative to File Explorer.

Winsage

April 22, 2025

5 things the Surface Pro 12 needs to finally beat the Apple iPad Pro in 2025

The Surface Pro 11 has been praised as an excellent 2-in-1 device, but there are areas for improvement. Microsoft is set to release the Surface Pro 12 later this year, expected to feature Qualcomm's Snapdragon X2 SoC, which promises enhanced performance similar to Apple's M4 chip. Key improvements anticipated include more uniform bezels, a reduction in thickness, and a lighter design to enhance usability as a 2-in-1 device. There is also a desire for 5G models to be available at launch, as previous releases have seen delays. Consumers are calling for both Snapdragon and Intel options to have the same features, addressing the current disparity. Additionally, there is a request for the return of vibrant colors, particularly red, to the Surface Pro lineup.

AppWizard

April 20, 2025

Boy, 9, with brain cancer fulfills dying wish of seeing ‘Minecraft’ movie

A film crew in Georgia organized a private screening of “A Minecraft Movie” for 9-year-old Kevin Lobello, who was battling terminal brain cancer. Kevin, who had been introduced to Minecraft at age five, received the diagnosis of diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma (DIPG) in February. His mother, Justyne Lobello, sought help on Facebook, leading to the screening arranged by industry friends. The event featured a themed carpet and a FaceTime call from actors Jason Momoa and Jack Black. Kevin passed away 11 days after the screening, and his mother is now raising awareness about DIPG, which affects 150 to 300 children in the U.S. each year, with a median survival rate of eight to eleven months.

AppWizard

April 17, 2025

Jared Hess Is Still a Sundance Guy: Why the Smash Hit ‘Minecraft Movie’ Feels a Little Like an Indie Film

Jared Hess, director of “A Minecraft Movie,” admires Robert Eggers’ reinterpretation of “Nosferatu” for its distinct personality and unexpected storytelling elements. Hess gained recognition with “Napoleon Dynamite” at the 2004 Sundance Film Festival, which became successful through word-of-mouth. “A Minecraft Movie” has earned over million at the box office after three weekends, significantly surpassing “Napoleon Dynamite's” total earnings. Hess's children served as unofficial consultants during the film's development, contributing to its personal touch. Adapting “Minecraft” posed challenges due to its lack of a traditional narrative, but it also allowed for creative freedom, particularly with the character of Steve. The film was primarily shot in Auckland, New Zealand, and Hess emphasized collaboration with game developers to balance fidelity to the source material with innovative storytelling. Despite mixed critical reception, Hess maintains his comedic style focused on character and story, and he hopes for broader opportunities in Hollywood.

AppWizard

April 12, 2025

The 20 best games on PC

XCOM 2: War of the Chosen is a strategy game that revitalized the original XCOM 2, which faced criticism for technical issues and gameplay frustrations. The game involves defending against extraterrestrial invaders in a turn-based tactical format, where players command a squad of soldiers and face the possibility of permadeath. The War of the Chosen expansion introduces new enemy types, allied factions, unique soldier classes, formidable bosses, and a variety of mission types, enhancing the gameplay experience. The game emphasizes player-driven storytelling, where decisions impact the narrative, and offers high replayability due to its tactical depth and evolving challenges.