sound Archives

AppWizard

July 23, 2026

Halo: Campaign Evolved review

Microsoft will release a remake of Halo: Combat Evolved on July 28, 2026, priced at £40. The game is being developed by Halo Studios and will feature cooperative multiplayer for up to four players, but will not include player-versus-player options or a theater mode. It will offer the original campaign along with three bonus missions. The visual style has changed from the original, leading to mixed reactions regarding its aesthetics and audio updates. The remake has a file size of 70GB and may have performance issues on less powerful hardware. Comparatively, The Master Chief Collection offers more content for a lower price.

AppWizard

July 21, 2026

Chaos Cubed Composer Interview

Paula, a composer, initially assigned temporary names to her tracks, which have become permanent fixtures in listeners' minds. She finds it amusing that these names, which were simple descriptors of the emotions she aimed to evoke, are now final. Paula describes her soundtrack as emotional, nostalgic, playful, introspective, and dreamy. Players can collect in-game music discs containing tracks from her soundtrack, which can be played on a craftable jukebox. One notable track, Bounce, is found in a sulfurous location in the game. Paula enjoyed the creative freedom she had while making Bounce, aiming to create a fun and unique listening experience.

Winsage

July 18, 2026

Sound Recorder, Camera, and Windows Studio Effects

Windows 11 includes a suite of audio and video recording applications: Sound Recorder, Camera, and Windows Studio Effects. The Sound Recorder app allows audio capture using PC microphones, featuring a navigation pane, recording area, and playback controls. Users can customize audio input in the Settings app under System > Sound, selecting microphones and adjusting quality formats like “CD quality” or “Studio quality.” Within the Sound Recorder app, users can change the recording format (default is AAC) to MP3, WMA, FLAC, or WAV and set audio quality to Best, High, or Medium. To record audio, users click the red “Start recording” button, with options to stop, pause, or mark significant moments using keyboard shortcuts. Recordings can be played back, managed, shared, renamed, or deleted through the app's interface. Users can also import compatible audio files into Sound Recorder. The Camera app allows users to take photos, record videos, and scan items using the PC's webcam, with an interface similar to smartphone camera apps. Users can customize camera settings in the Settings app under Bluetooth > Cameras, adjusting brightness, contrast, and resolution. Photos are taken in Photo mode, while videos are recorded in Video mode, with options for pausing without creating new files. Windows Studio Effects offers AI-driven enhancements for audio and video calls, requiring a Neural Processing Unit (NPU) for some features. Enhancements include automatic framing, background effects, creative filters, eye contact simulation, portrait lighting adjustments, and voice focus. Compatibility can be checked in Quick settings or the Settings app under Bluetooth & devices > Cameras. Each effect can be configured individually through the Settings app or supported applications.

AppWizard

July 18, 2026

5 Motorola software features I wish were on every Android phone

Motorola's software, particularly the Hello UI, has been criticized for inadequate update practices but is recognized for its rich feature set that enhances user experience. Key features include: - Quick Gestures: Intuitive gesture controls allow users to launch the camera with a wrist twist and activate the flashlight with a double karate chop. - Desk Display: A feature for foldable devices that displays a clock or calendar alongside notifications without waking the phone. - Manual Material You: Customization options that allow users to personalize their device's appearance based on wallpaper colors, including a color wheel and pipette tool. - Media Controls: Users can control media playback without unlocking the phone by holding down the volume buttons. - Smart Connect: An app that enhances connectivity, allowing the phone to be used as a wireless webcam or secondary monitor, with voice command integration for screen sharing and app launching.

Tech Optimizer

July 17, 2026

Psychology says people who use only free version of antivirus aren’t careless: What this choice may reveal

Individuals who choose free antivirus software often do so based on a careful evaluation of their needs, budget constraints, and personal experiences with security. Factors influencing this decision include monthly budget, type of internet usage, trust in software brands, previous experiences with malware, confidence in personal online habits, and awareness of cybersecurity risks. Psychological theories, such as Prospect Theory and Satisficing Theory, suggest that users assess the perceived benefits of free software against the costs of paid options, leading many to conclude that free solutions are sufficient for their needs. Research indicates that technology choices are based on perceived usefulness and value, with positive past experiences reinforcing the decision to continue using free antivirus software. Overall, individuals often make decisions by balancing their requirements with available resources, highlighting the importance of evaluating personal needs before making purchases.

AppWizard

July 16, 2026

Original Witcher dev says remaking it as an open world won’t be easy: ‘As a player, I might be happy about that, but as a designer, I’m starting to get gray’

The Witcher remake, currently in development at Fool's Theory, aims to transform the original 2007 game into an open-world RPG, a significant shift from its linear gameplay. Designer Artur Ganszyniec noted that this transition requires expanding the game environment and integrating new content with existing elements. The open-world format allows players to approach quests and challenges non-linearly, which complicates design considerations. Ganszyniec expressed both excitement and concern about balancing player freedom with narrative coherence. The development process is complex, reflecting the challenges of reworking the game's fundamental nature.

AppWizard

July 16, 2026

Denshattack! (PC) Review

Denshattack! is a cel-shaded trick-based 3D platformer developed by the indie studio Undercoders in Barcelona, Spain. The game features a protagonist named Emi Araki, a 19-year-old ramen delivery driver in Beppu, Japan, who dreams of riding the VACTRAIN, an underground train. The narrative involves Emi leaving her hometown to confront the mega-corporation Miraidō, which governs the state and operates the VACTRAIN. Players engage in gameplay inspired by classic titles, performing stunts and achieving high scores across 60 levels in eight regions. The game includes boss battles, a scoring system, and a vibrant visual style complemented by a notable soundtrack featuring guest composers. Despite some navigation challenges and minor imperfections, Denshattack! has been well-received for its engaging gameplay and artistic presentation.

Winsage

July 15, 2026

Indomitus Group Brings indiAccounting to Windows: Buy-Once Accounting and Payroll Now Available for Windows 11

Indomitus Group has launched indiAccounting, a desktop accounting and payroll application for Windows 10 and 11, available for a one-time purchase of 9. This application, initially launched for Linux, offers a robust double-entry accounting system with optional payroll functionality for all 50 states. Unlike subscription-based services that can cost small businesses between ,000 to ,000 annually, indiAccounting allows users to own their software and data without recurring fees. The application operates offline, requires no account setup, and includes features such as double-entry bookkeeping, invoicing, accounts management, inventory tracking, and financial reporting. The optional indiPayroll add-on manages payroll calculations and tax forms for all states. Users can manage an unlimited number of businesses under a single license, with each company maintaining isolated financial records.

AppWizard

July 14, 2026

This is my 3rd time playing EVE Online’s upcoming extraction shooter little brother, and it finally feels like it’s coming together⁠—all without the ambitious crossover features it was made for

In 2013, CCP Games launched Dust 514, a first-person shooter for PlayStation 3 that aimed to complement EVE Online but struggled due to its exclusivity. The developer, now known as Fenris Creations, is revisiting this concept with EVE Vanguard, which combines extraction gameplay with cross-game integration. The game features engaging gameplay and allows players to deploy immediately from the "war barge" menu. Initial objectives focus on eliminating foes and looting, promoting exploration. The playtest revealed solid mechanics, satisfying weapon feedback, and a core gameplay loop of exploration, combat, and survival. Fenris aims to create an experience that players will miss if canceled, reminiscent of the nostalgia for Dust 514. Players can follow updates on Fenris' official website or Steam.

AppWizard

July 13, 2026

Pixel phones are getting a handy upgrade for ringtone, alarm, and notification controls

Google is enhancing the user experience on Pixel phones by integrating volume sliders into the ringtone, alarm, and notification selection screens within the Sounds app. This feature allows users to adjust volume directly while selecting sounds. The functionality was discovered in an unreleased Pixel 11 firmware build. Additionally, there are indications of a potential new "Vibrations" tab that may include various vibration patterns, although it is currently non-functional. Previous discoveries suggested Google aims to let users customize sound and vibration patterns independently.