tutorials Archives

AppWizard

April 5, 2025

Nintendo should have cribbed from Valve on how to make a good handheld tech demo

The Nintendo Switch 2 Direct introduced a feature called Welcome Tour, which is priced at 990 yen (approximately £5), though there are speculations it may cost more. The feature has been described as a "glorified tech demo" or a "digital manual." In contrast, Valve's Aperture Desk Job is a free tech demo for the Steam Deck that effectively showcases its functionalities while incorporating humor and narrative elements from the Portal universe. It takes about half an hour to complete and has received positive reviews for its engaging gameplay and clever references. Many players find it both entertaining and educational. In comparison, the Welcome Tour has been criticized for its generic presentation and lack of creativity, highlighting a disparity between Nintendo's past successes and its current offerings.

Winsage

April 2, 2025

Download freeCAD (free) for Windows, macOS and Linux

FreeCAD is a free computer-aided design (CAD) software that offers a comprehensive suite of features comparable to expensive alternatives. It has a parametric modeling engine that allows users to make seamless adjustments to design parameters, ensuring changes are automatically reflected throughout the design. The software includes multiple workbenches for different design phases, such as the Sketcher for 2D geometry and the Part and Design workbenches for solid modeling. FreeCAD also features Computer Numerical Control (CNC) capabilities for converting 3D models into G-code and provides Finite Element Analysis (FEA) tools for stress testing designs. Advanced users can utilize Python scripting for automation and customize their experience with industry-specific plugins. FreeCAD supports various file formats, including STEP, IGES, STL, SVG, DXF, OBJ, IFC, and DAE.

AppWizard

March 31, 2025

At one point, Avowed would have taught us to use magic with an explosive Elder Scrolls reference: ‘How about we just have a guy on the road that blows himself up’

Berto Ritger, the regional director of Obsidian, discussed the early development of Avowed, noting that the initial starting point on the docks of Dawnshore was too linear and did not effectively immerse players in the world or its combat mechanics. The tutorialization of gameplay elements was not engaging enough. A humorous reference to the Elder Scrolls character Tarhiel, who fails at using the spell "Icarian Flight," was considered for the game, serving as an introduction to the nature of magic. However, playtesting revealed that both the original opening sequence and the chaotic nature of the pyromancer's spell could lead to players missing essential tutorials. This highlighted the need for a more structured beginning in open-world game design.

BetaBeacon

March 27, 2025

Download Minecraft – Pocket Edition for Android, APK and iOS

The mobile version of Minecraft, known as Minecraft Pocket, allows players to enjoy the game on the go through their mobile devices. Players can gather resources, build objects, and explore unlimited worlds. The game offers both adventure mode and creative mode, where players can build their own worlds without worrying about survival. The game has a large community with resources, tutorials, and mods available for players to enhance their gaming experience. Minecraft Pocket also supports multiplayer gameplay through local WiFi networks or connecting to servers around the world.

Winsage

March 18, 2025

Gaming on Windows on Arm is getting pretty cool

Linux offers a variety of distributions, each with unique features, such as NixOS, Pop_OS! for Nvidia compatibility, Debian for stability, and lightweight options like Q4OS. Many individuals rely on a few fingers for typing despite formal training, questioning the efficiency of using all ten fingers. Windows 11 integrates OneDrive for backing up essential folders, which some users find cumbersome. QD-OLED monitors can experience burn-in, affecting visuals after a year of use. The Dell Inspiron 8500 is often remembered as a first laptop that sparked interest in technology. The rollout of Windows 11 version 24H2 has users debating whether to upgrade, with some preferring to wait for broader availability. Alternatives to Windows File Explorer, such as OneCommander and Total Commander, are being explored by users. The purchase of a first graphics card, like the GTX 760, marks a significant moment in PC building for many. Music streaming preferences vary among users, with platforms like Spotify and YouTube Music being popular choices. Content creators often prefer tools like Greenshot for capturing screenshots due to reliability. Linux desktop environments, such as KDE, allow for aesthetic customization. Transforming an old PC into a smart home hub can enhance living spaces by integrating devices. The first app installed on a new system often reflects personal habits, with browsers like Firefox or gaming platforms like Steam being common choices.

Winsage

March 18, 2025

Windows 11 Makes Gaming More Accessible: Xbox Controller Typing is Here

Microsoft is introducing Copilot for Gaming, an AI-powered assistant aimed at enhancing the Xbox experience by providing support such as tutorials, in-game guidance, and automating tasks like game installations and updates. The assistant utilizes natural language processing for user interaction through spoken and written commands and will initially be available on smartphones for Xbox Insiders. Fatima Kardar, Corporate Vice President of Gaming AI at Xbox, emphasized that Copilot will personalize the gaming experience by adapting to individual player preferences, assisting with game setup, recommending titles, and fostering social connections among gamers.

BetaBeacon

March 11, 2025

10 best Sudoku apps and games for Android

- AI Factory Sudoku offers 1,500 Sudoku puzzles across five difficulties, stat tracking, fastest times counter, and completion percentage. - Andoku 3 features unlimited undo and redo functions, assist function, cloud syncing, nine difficulties, tutorials, and game stats. - Brainium Studios Sudoku promotes itself as a learning tool, has dark mode, unlimited undo and redo, landscape and portrait view modes, and five difficulties. - Conceptis MultiSudoku specializes in multi-Sudoku puzzles with up to five grids per puzzle and multiple difficulty levels. - Sudoku by Volcano Entertainment offers over 15,000 puzzles, various sudoku types, online competitions, custom puzzles, and detailed career statistics. - Genina.com Sudoku includes four basic difficulty levels, a massive selection of puzzles, unlimited undo and redo, a hint system, and a progress tracker. - Sudoku & Variants by Logic Wiz offers various Sudoku variations such as Arrow Sudoku, Chess Sudoku, Kropki Sudoku, Sandwich Sudoku, and Thermo Sudoku. - Sudoku – The Clean One features a slick, simple UI with light and dark modes, five difficulty levels, digit highlighting, auto-saving, and an optional hint system. - Sudoku.com is the most popular Sudoku game with many puzzles, daily challenges, seasonal events, number highlight function, hint system, unlimited undo, and six difficulty levels. - Sudoku: Brain Puzzles offers a wide range of puzzles with various difficulty levels for both beginners and experienced players.

AppWizard

March 8, 2025

Weekend PC Game Deals: Strategies to try, fighters to claim, Choices to make

The Humble Store has launched its March Choice bundle featuring eight games, including Pacific Drive, Homeworld 3, Wild Hearts, Tales of Kenzera: ZAU, Gravity Circuit, Sir Whoopass: Immortal Death, Racine, and Cavern of Dreams. Wild Hearts and Tales of Kenzera are available as EA Play keys, while the others can be claimed on Steam. Subscribers have until April 1 to choose. The Epic Games Store is offering Them's Fightin' Herds for free until March 13, after which Mortal Shell will be available. This weekend, Steam is hosting a free event for Company of Heroes 3, and Ubisoft Connect is offering a free event for Rainbow Six Siege until March 10. Current promotions include sales from Plaion, Paradox, and a visual novel festival, along with significant deals on titles like Sekiro and RoboCop. The GOG store is also running a Plaion publisher promotion with various DRM-free games. Availability and pricing may vary by region.

Winsage

March 8, 2025

Free Alternatives to Paid Windows Software

Windows operating systems often require third-party software for specialized tasks, with free alternatives available to replace paid options. 1. BleachBit is used for system cleaning as a free substitute for CCleaner Pro, effectively enhancing PC performance by removing unnecessary data without tampering with the Windows Registry. 2. Bulk Crap Uninstaller (BCUninstaller) is a free tool for uninstalling programs and bloatware, scanning for leftover files and simplifying the cleanup process with filtering options and color-coded listings. 3. Google Docs is preferred over Microsoft 365 for its user-friendly nature and free 15 GB storage per Gmail account, while LibreOffice is recommended as an alternative for standalone applications. 4. GIMP serves as a free substitute for Adobe Photoshop, offering essential graphic design tools without being resource-intensive. 5. Kdenlive is a free video editor that meets basic video editing needs and is compatible with lower-end PCs, providing a comprehensive suite of features and regular updates. 6. Audacity is used for audio editing, capable of handling both basic and professional tasks, with tools for noise elimination and vocal enhancement. 7. 7-Zip is a lightweight file compression and archiving tool that offers superior compression capabilities and password protection, operating unobtrusively in the background.

Winsage

March 6, 2025

How to Download the Old Classic Outlook App on Windows 11

Microsoft has started the automatic migration of classic Outlook users to its new web-based Outlook Progressive Web App (PWA), removing the option to revert to the classic version for many users. The classic Outlook app is still available for download via the Microsoft Store, and users can install it by accessing the Microsoft Store link, clicking "View in Store," and then "Install." To block automatic transitions to the new Outlook app, users need to modify a Registry entry by opening "Registry Editor," navigating to the specified path, changing the value of "UseNewOutlook" to 0, and restarting their PC. Additionally, Microsoft has removed WordPad from Windows 11, leading to discontent among some users.