Quick Answer: Dogecoin is an alternative cryptocurrency created in 2013. It’s based on the doge internet meme and features a Shiba Inu as its mascot.

We all know about cryptocurrency at this point, right?

Bitcoin started the trend in 2009 and has increased in value from just 30 cents a decade ago to more than $40,000 at the time of this writing.

This incredible growth has prompted other companies to follow suit, and now there are many altcoins to invest in.

Take a look at any crypto stock site. You’ll see plenty to fritter your money on. At the time of writing, Tether is $1.

Ethereum is a shade over $1,200. And Dogecoin is just $0.10. Somehow, we’ve reached the point where memes have real-world value.

Dogecoin’s history

To explain Dogecoin, you need to delve into the internet’s history. You need to go all the way back to 2013.

You’ve probably seen the dogecoin meme – the one with the Shiba Inu surrounded by badly spelled, lolcat-style dialog. Very wow. Much doge.

Late in 2013, Dogecoin was created by a pair of software engineers, Billy Markus and Jackson Palmer. Initially created as a joke, the aim was to design a more recognizable peer-to-peer currency than Bitcoin.

And what better way to make something instantly identifiable than taking inspiration from a flash-in-the-pan meme?

Since its inception, it’s taken hold as a tipping mechanism for content creators, specifically the Doge Gif:

via GIPHY

r/tipworthy is a subreddit based around the very concept of tipping in cryptocurrency. There have even been petitions begging OnlyFans to allow Dogecoin tipping.

It was developed using the protocols of two other currencies, Luckycoin and Litecoin because they used scrypt technology.

Because of this, miners can’t use SHA-256 bitcoin mining equipment to get hold of it. They need to use FGPA and ASIC devices instead, which are way more complex to produce.

Making Dogecoin meme-ories

Weirdly (or not so weirdly given its origins), Dogecoin seems to be at the center of trends in the last couple of years.

In June 2020, a TikTok trend was trying to help raise its price to $1.

Obviously, that’s nowhere near Bitcoin’s $40k, but it would raise the total value to $127 billion. Which is kind of a big deal.

Reddit users drove the value up by more than 800% when the Gamestop short squeeze drama was going on.

It’s also had a bit of promotion from everybody’s favorite rich genius, Elon Musk, along with Snoop Dogg and Gene Simmons.

Recently, Twitter desktop users reported a strange bug where the Twitter logo was replaced with a Shiba Inu dog, also known as ‘a Doge.’

Many theories are flying around, including speculation that it may be related to a $258 million lawsuit involving the $DOGE coin that Twitter’s owner, Elon Musk, is trying to get dismissed.

The case involves Musk’s promotion of the coin, which investors claim tanked after a 36,000% pump-and-dump. Musk’s lawyers have claimed that there is nothing unlawful about promoting a legitimate cryptocurrency like Dogecoin.

The crypto world has certainly taken notice, and as he loves to do, Elon Musk Tweeted about it. It turns out the Doge logo on Twitter was all thanks to an epic tweet exchange with the @WSBChairman account on March 26, 2022.

Dogecoin’s Coin-troversy

Because you can’t have a good story without a little scandal, it’s worth mentioning the Moolah scam. The short version is that Moolah was a cryptocurrency set up to make it easier for people to buy and sell Dogecoin.

It initially immersed itself in the community with charitable acts, including a $2500 donation to a cancer charity and $15,000 donation to a Dogecoin Nascar racer.

Eventually, the guy running Moolah, Alex Green, began to solicit investment. Want to know how much he received? More than $500,000.

Want to know what happened to Moolah? It filed for bankruptcy a few months after the third and final investment round. Every penny the Dogecoin community put into Moolah was lost.

Alex Green was also a fake name. The perpetrator was Ryan Kennedy, who had pulled this stunt multiple times.

He was also tried and convicted on three counts of rape. He sounds like an all-round class act, I think we can all agree.

How to buy and invest in Dogecoin

If you are interested in Dogecoin and want to get in on the action, here’s what to know.

Investing

There are a few online exchanges that offer Dogecoin. Personally, I’ve used Crypto.com, which is really easy to get to grips with.

Once you’ve registered and it’s set up, you can add funds and pick which currency you want to put your real-world money into.

You’ll need to pay a little attention to the app daily, but there’s plenty of potentials to make some money (not financial advice, mind you).

Download the Crypto.com app for Android and iOS.

Mining

Other than that, your other option is to mine for it yourself. Or, in this case, dig. Because dogs dig.

If you’ve got a halfway decent PC, you’ll be able to start getting your own share of the pie.

However, as the currency begins to reach its limit, it becomes more difficult to get hold of.

Which, in theory, should drive the value up.

If you want to soley mine, you’ll provide the hashing power yourself. The benefit of this is that you’ll be the only person to reap the rewards.

This is also a riskier option, as solo mining is better for large-scale operations. You’re more likely to suffer a loss in this way.

As the currency has become more scarce (there is a limit to each altcoin), the hash rate has become incredibly bloated.

This means the juice probably isn’t worth the squeeze. You’re more likely to end up with the closely-related Litecoin with this approach.

Pooled mining is where lots of people combine their powers.

It’s almost as if the Power Rangers grew up, ditched the Megazord, and became a team of investment bankers. With attitude.

You’re more likely to get a return on your investment in this way, but the rewards are shared between the members mining.

Doing things this way also means you have more chance of beating the larger operations to the punch.

What you’ll need for mining

A PC – Windows, macOS, or Linux will all do the trick. You won’t need much power under the hood if you’re tinkering.

Still, if you’re getting serious about it, you’ll need a meaty GPU and some ASICs (application-specific integrated circuits).

When it comes to software, it’ll depend on what you’re using to mine in the first place. CPUminer by Pooler is ideal for, well, CPU mining.

EasyMiner is awesome for getting going on GPU mining, and if you’re going all in with ASICs, give CGMiner or MultiMiner a go.

For those jumping into pooling, try Prohashing or Multipool.

Both of these support Scrypt mining pools, which is what you’ll need to get your digital paws on Dogecoin.

Should you invest in Dogecoin?

Dogecoin has never gone above 68 cents since its inception eight years ago. There are also concerns that it’s close to being mined out.

For comparison, Bitcoin won’t be fully mined out until 2041. This means a couple of things.

First, it’s getting harder to get hold of.

Second, it was initially created with 100 billion coins, so there’s a chance it’ll never become particularly successful.

On the other hand, just like any new currency, there’s the possibility that it could be the next big thing.

Have any thoughts on this? Carry the discussion over to our Twitter or Facebook.

Editors’ Recommendations:

• Bill Gates says you should only invest in Bitcoin if you have Elon Musk money
• Jack Dorsey’s Square purchased 3,318 Bitcoins worth $170 million
• Tesla bought $1.5 billion in Bitcoin and is thinking about letting people pay for their vehicles with it
• Dogecoin predicted to hit $1 on night of the deep red blood moon

The post What is Dogecoin? appeared first on KnowTechie.

Abode Wireless Video Doorbell Cam & Chime

2.5

$99.99

Quick Verdict: The Abode Wireless Video Doorbell is an entry-level model that technically should be ideal for most to set up. Unfortunately, a raft of connectivity issues and slow response times plagued my time with it. While the concept behind the doorbell is promising, it falls short of truly delivering on its promise.

Pros:

• The camera doesn’t have an especially high frame rate, but the image is clear, and it has a nice, big 160-degree field of vision.
• Night vision is awesome too. I can’t speak highly enough about this quality

Cons:

• Connectivity is awful – at the very minimum, a wireless doorbell should be suitable for wireless use.
• It took 20 seconds for the chime box to ring after ringing the bell, which is simply too long.

Check Price See at Abode

KnowTechie is supported by its audience, so if you buy something through our links, we may get a small share of the sale.

01/23/2024 08:36 pm GMT

As a concept, I love wireless doorbells. They’re a fantastic way to achieve extra security in your home, and they allow nosey people like me to watch the street without twitching the curtains.

Obviously, Ring is the leader in this area (and why wouldn’t they be, being owned by Amazon), but there’s plenty of room for other companies to get in on the act.

Abode is well aware of this, so they’ve moved away from their traditional security tech – think full DIY security systems and WiFi cameras – to build the Wireless Video Doorbell.

Unfortunately, while the concept is great, many teething issues left this specific model lacking. Read on to see why.

As I mentioned earlier, Abode is entering a crowded market. So let’s take a look at some of the competitors this new doorbell is stacked up against.

Google Nest Doorbell	Blink Video Doorbell	Arlo Video Doorbell	Ring Video Doorbell 4
4.5	4.4	4.6	4.6
$179.99$136.50	$59.99	$199.99$89.99	$159.99$115.05
Check Price	Check Price	Check Price	Check Price

Google Nest Doorbell

4.5

$179.99$136.50

Check Price

Blink Video Doorbell

4.4

$59.99

Check Price

Arlo Video Doorbell

4.6

$199.99$89.99

Check Price

Ring Video Doorbell 4

4.6

$159.99$115.05

Check Price

01/25/2024 05:31 am GMT

It’s got the looks

Initial impressions are fantastic. You open the box to reveal a sleek setup, including the chime box, a few cables, and the doorbell itself.

It even has a small set of screws so those lucky ducks who own their home rather than rent can choose to affix the chime box to the wall if they want to.

Abode boasts about the IP65-rated weatherproof bell. This is a must-have feature for something attached to your front door, come rain or shine.

Review: Lockly Vision Elite smart lock

The Lockly Vision Elite combines the benefits of a smart lock and smart doorbell system into one convenient, but expensive package.

Review: Lockly Vision Elite smart lock

And the striking monochrome black and white design means it’ll be hard to miss even in the dark.

I like the look a lot. It’s not gaudy, and it’s not overly gimmicky. It sets itself far apart from its main competitors while still being instantly recognizable for what it is.

The app is very cool at first glance, too. After the initial setup, everything is pretty easy to navigate, and there don’t seem to be too many hidden functions squirreled away.

The app is super simple for getting to your camera feed, and the whole system makes sense. Again, I like what Abode has done here. 

Heading downhill

So. That’s the positive. Every sandwich needs a filling, though, right? Well, the Wireless Video Doorbell has a lot of issues I’ve had to put up with while testing.

Review: 360 Video Doorbell X3

If you are looking for a doorbell that is packed with features and a stellar camera, the 360 Video Doorbell X3 is definitely worth your time.

Review: 360 Video Doorbell X3

In no short order, here are a few issues I ran into.

Using the chime box wirelessly is almost a complete bust. I’ve not been able to access the camera feed on multiple occasions.

At one point, I had 16 (yes, sixteen) error messages.

When the wireless chime box does work, the delay is long enough after the bell has been pressed that I’ve actually missed people knocking at the door.

I’ll break down each of these, but that just gives an idea of the frustration I’ve run into over the last couple of weeks.

Not really wireless

Abode claims this doorbell uses a wireless system. And in some respects, it is.

Charging via USB-C (lasting up to 6 months before needing a recharge, to boot), the doorbell itself needs to be attached to your door with Command Strips or anything similar.

You don’t need to screw into your door and ruin the front façade of your home. However, the chime box should also be wireless and work via Wi-Fi. But it just… doesn’t.

Abode Wireless Video Doorbell Cam & Chime

Check Price See at Abode

KnowTechie is supported by its audience, so if you buy something through our links, we may get a small share of the sale.

I’ve gone through setup multiple times, and each time the chime box decided it didn’t like my network within a day or two, it disconnected itself.

When it does work, I’ve timed an almost 20-second delay between pressing the doorbell and the chime going off.

Because of the delayed or non-existent chime, I’ve been unable to hear the doorbell from outside, so I’ve missed deliveries and visitors.

Also, I’m not sure if this is a coincidence, but whenever the chime box throws a hissy fit and stops working, I also can’t access the feed.

So even if I can hear the bell, I can’t see who’s at the door before deciding whether I want to answer it. This makes it less of a security upgrade and more of a plain old doorbell.

Mind you, a doorbell I can’t hear when my door is closed. 

Abode Wireless Video Doorbell Cam & Chime

Check Price See at Abode

KnowTechie is supported by its audience, so if you buy something through our links, we may get a small share of the sale.

Feedback from the app

It would be fine if I could get around those two major issues. Something like an error message would probably help with these problems.

Luckily, I had constant error messages telling me something had gone wrong. As mentioned, at one point, I had sixteen of them.

Want to see what they looked like? The image below shows what happens in the app when you have an error. The second image is of the error messages I was privy to.

To this day, I still have no idea what the issues were. I can only assume it was issued with the chime box’s connection.

One final complaint and I’m aware this is petty, but if I’m being honest, I have to include this.

When setting up the chime box for wireless use – something I need as my Wi-Fi modem is in a different room than where I spend most of my time – the app asks if you want to do this.

Review: Lockly Vision Doorbell Camera Smart Lock

The Lockly Vision Doorbell Camera Smart Lock is a $399 smart lock with a built-in HD video doorbell and a 3D Biometric fingerprint sensor.

Review: Lockly Vision Smart Lock

Now, most apps will scan for networks and allow you to select your network from a list. This doesn’t do that. I had to manually input the network name before typing the password.

It’s not a huge thing, but it’s something I’ve never experienced in my life.

First-world privilege/problems? Yes. Something that becomes highly irritating when you have to go through the set-up time and time again? Also yes.

Reinforcing the positives

Let’s round out all the negativity with a look on the bright side, shall we? The camera and mic quality – when they work – are great.

The camera doesn’t have an especially high frame rate, but the image is clear, and it has a nice, big 160-degree field of vision, so you can see people even when standing off to one side.

Abode Wireless Video Doorbell Cam & Chime

Check Price See at Abode

KnowTechie is supported by its audience, so if you buy something through our links, we may get a small share of the sale.

Night vision is awesome too. I can’t speak highly enough about this quality (again – when it actually works.)

Everything is nice and loud in the app when people are talking. I’ve had zero issues when it’s running right. What I’m trying to say is that when it works, it works damn well.

The dreaded paywall

Like other set-ups, Abode has a subscription service. You can increase the functionality for £4.99/$6 per month.

This includes settings like motion-triggered recordings and app notifications whenever someone rings the doorbell.

While it would be convenient if the latter feature were included as standard, the low price makes it a minor issue.

Alternative options worth considering

	Google Nest Doorbell 4.5 $179.99$136.50	Learn More at Amazon
	Blink Video Doorbell 4.4 $59.99	Learn More at Amazon
	Arlo Video Doorbell 4.6 $199.99$89.99	Learn More at Amazon
	Ring Video Doorbell 4 4.6 $159.99$115.05	Learn More at Amazon

Google Nest Doorbell

4.5

$179.99$136.50

Learn More at Amazon

Blink Video Doorbell

4.4

$59.99

Learn More at Amazon

Arlo Video Doorbell

4.6

$199.99$89.99

Learn More at Amazon

Ring Video Doorbell 4

4.6

$159.99$115.05

Learn More at Amazon

01/25/2024 05:31 am GMT

Final Verdict

I genuinely wish I had more positives I could talk about Abode’s Wireless Video Doorbell because I honestly love what the company has done here.

From its packaging and the app to the chunky charm of the doorbell – it gives such a fantastic first impression.

On the other hand, the number of issues I’ve had with it is incredibly frustrating. If these problems were ironed out, I would have bumped it up a few points.

Right now, though, I genuinely can’t recommend this doorbell. 

Final Verdict

Abode Wireless Video Doorbell Cam & Chime

$99.99

Abode's Wireless Video Doorbell has a lot going for it - from its impressive packaging to the chunky and charming design that leaves a great first impression. However, despite the initial appeal, the device falls short due to a number of frustrating issues that leave much to be desired. If these problems were addressed, the doorbell would receive a much higher rating.

Check Price See at Abode

KnowTechie is supported by its audience, so if you buy something through our links, we may get a small share of the sale.

01/23/2024 08:36 pm GMT

Have any thoughts on this? Drop us a line below in the comments, or carry the discussion over to our Twitter or Facebook.

Editors’ Recommendations:

• Review: Autoblow A.I. – This was the hardest review I’ve ever written
• Review: Qobuz – is this music streaming service better than Tidal?
• Review: OBSBOT Me auto-tracking phone mount
• Review: Anker Soundcore Sleep A10 earbuds

Just a heads up, if you buy something through our links, we may get a small share of the sale. It’s one of the ways we keep the lights on here. Click here for more.

The post Review: Abode Wireless Video Doorbell appeared first on KnowTechie.

Whether you’re buying a gift for someone or you’re having some alone time on Yellow YouTube, it’s a great way to cover your tracks and keep your shame hidden from prying eyes.

Depending on what you’re doing and what sites you use, it may not be as secure as you think, though. So here’s everything Incognito mode does and doesn’t do when you’re browsing.

What is incognito mode?

Basically, Incognito mode is like that friend who forgets a conversation ever happened as soon as it’s over.

You can look at all the sites you want, and as soon as you close the browser, everything you’ve done will disappear. Your history isn’t retained, and all cookies are wiped too.

Cookies are like tiny trackers that keep tabs on your actions. They tell a site you’ve visited before and what username or email address you’ve used there.

If you throw something into your basket on Amazon – or any other shopping site, really – when using your browser normally, the items will still be there days later.

Using incognito mode means none of these things will happen. You’ll need to log in to sites manually. Purchases must be completed in that session, or you’ll lose out completely.

What can you do with incognito mode?

Because incognito mode doesn’t keep your browser history, it can be a great tool to use if you’re looking for basic anonymity.

After all, you don’t want anyone else to use your browser and see that weird video that makes you feel dirty after watching it.

Logging into a site with multiple accounts can also be done using incognito mode. You won’t need to worry about signing in and out multiple times.

Some browsers even forget the sites you’ve looked at in that session. If you accidentally close an incognito tab, you won’t be able to reopen it.

Speaking of signing in and out of sites, it becomes a whole other ball game if you do sign in anywhere.

Incognito Mode is not as private as you might think

Doing this stops your actions from being hidden temporarily, at least on the sites themselves.

The hypothetical basket mentioned earlier? That’ll save time between browsers and sessions if you’re logged in, so you might get annoying email reminders telling you your purchase wasn’t completed.

In all its invasive glory, Facebook can also start tracking you if you log in while using incognito mode and give you all the targeted adverts you could ask for.

It’s the same with Twitter, Gmail, or any other site you log into. Cookies and your history will be deleted, but sites will know what you’ve been doing while logged in

Even on sites you don’t log into, your IP address, device type, and browser can all be seen. This is known as fingerprinting, and it kinda makes you feel as though incognito isn’t quite as secure as you think.

Your ISP can still see the sites you use, and so can any devices you might use that are provided by your employer, so you definitely can’t get away with anything dodgy when using a work laptop.

Hide Away

It just goes to show that it can be very tough actually to cover your tracks online. Plenty of sites have different ways of figuring out who you are.

If you’re looking to leave no traces of yourself online, it might be worth looking into a privacy-focused browser. DuckDuckGo is a great option for smartphones. It has apps available on both Android and iOS, along with extensions for Chrome and Firefox.

Tor is another fantastic one to use on desktop and Android. Anyone on iOS can use the Tor-approved open-source Onion Browser.

It runs a little slower than other browsers, but this is because it encrypts your traffic three times, then bounces it around three servers too.

Have any thoughts on this? Do you use Incognito Mode a lot? Let us know down below in the comments or carry the discussion over to our Twitter or Facebook.

Editors’ Recommendations:

• More people bought Chromebooks than Macs in 2020
• Apple TV+ is now on Chromecast with Google TV
• Face ID support for Chrome on iOS will soon protect your embarrassing incognito tabs
• Here are some Google Chrome tab-saving extensions now that The Great Suspender is gone

The post Is Google Chrome’s Incognito Mode really as private as you think? appeared first on KnowTechie.

My IKEA LINNMON hasn’t failed me yet. I’m trying to say that if it fits your monitor, mouse, and other essentials, there shouldn’t be any real reason to have a specific desk.

However, I’m open to changing my mind, so I was more than happy to take the FlexiSpot X-Frame Gaming Desk GD1B Desk for a test drive and review it here. Annoyingly, what I discovered is a mess of conflicting feelings. Let me explain why.

My first impressions with Flexispot’s gaming desk

So, the important things first. This desk comes in at a decently sized 120 x 60 cm. It has a clever monitor shelf and comes complete with a cup holder, headset bracket, and a controller rack.

If you have a mechanical keyboard, a steering wheel, and a mouse with 8000 functions built-in, it might feel a little cramped, but my modest collection of a mouse, keyboard, and Xbox 360 pad fit beautifully.

Build quality is outstanding. Rather than traditional designs, which have a leg in each corner, the GD1B uses a gamer-friendly X-frame, as well as a series of supports running from one side to the other.

READ MORE: Review: BDI Centro 6452-2 standing desk

These supports make the desk incredibly sturdy, so when shoving myself away after getting whipped in Warzone by a teen who wants to do unsavory things to my mother, the desk doesn’t even wobble.

If your floor isn’t quite flat, you’ll love the caps to the base of each leg, as they can all be adjusted by screwing them in or out. It’s not a major thing, but it shows the level of thought FlexiSpot has given to some aspects.

Curves in all the right places

The shape is very sleek, featuring lots of curved edges, including a section to the front that lets you scoot in really close and lean forward when you need to. This is incredibly clever, and I love the fact my ever-expanding waistline has been catered for.

The second, slightly higher shelf is something that’s been seen on a lot of desks, and it’s easy to see why it’s been used here. I’m 5’10” (178 cm), so it puts my monitor at an ideal height for me to use it for long periods without getting uncomfortable.

Above all, this is the feature that convinced me of the need for a dedicated computer desk. The monitor draws my attention, and my eyes don’t feel strained after looking down for long periods. I’ve written this review sitting at the GD1B, and it really feels like it’s the perfect height for me.

Anyone with dual-screen setups should also have no issues using this shelf. My monitor is big with a 56 x 13 cm footprint, and I can easily fit my laptop next to it with room to spare. A second monitor should easily fit.

Tower defense

On the flip side, though, there’s no space for my desktop’s tower that won’t ruin the look. My IKEA desk doesn’t have that issue – after all, that looks cheap whether I’ve got the tower next to the monitor or not.

What I’ve had to do is put the tower on the floor behind the rear support beam. It’s not a huge compromise, but it’s something I was very aware of, especially now that I need to climb under the desk to turn the PC on. On the plus side, that rear support beam now makes for a comfortable footrest.

FlexiSpot does seem to have covered for this with a little hole towards the rear corner for your mouse, keyboard, and cable management. It’s another small addition, but a very welcome, thoughtful one.

The all-black design has plenty of appeal at first glance, but it’s slightly ruined by the carbon fiber-inspired textured pattern that combines satin and matt finishes.

I like the idea in principle, and the fact it’s waterproof shows another level to the thought put into it. It just would have been nice to see something a little less contrasting.

Likewise, each side of the desk features red plastic brackets that have been thrown on for nothing other than to create a pop of color. If these had a use, I’d have no issue, but they just seem to be added on for absolutely no reason.

And they’re ridiculously flimsy, too. Make sure you build the desk exactly where you want to put it, otherwise you’ll be terrified of snapping them as you move it into another position.

Disapproving looks

I appreciate the look for what it is. I completely understand what FlexiSpot is trying to achieve here. But unless you’re a full-fledged streamer, trying to get into e-sports, or spend a serious amount of time gaming, it’s just a little bit overwhelming.

The patterns running throughout, and the red plastic edging, create a visual that won’t appeal to those who prefer a more professional-looking office. You definitely couldn’t put it in a minimalist, suburban apartment.

I don’t feel serious when taking Zoom meetings while working from home. I can barely take myself seriously while writing this review, although that might say more about me.

As a desk for online gaming sessions, though, it really comes into its own. Especially when bathed in the LED glow of a Vertagear PL4500, which I reviewed a few months ago.

One other small thing I feel the need to mention is the plastic cup holder and headset bracket. Both are outstanding ideas; however, both are absolute magnets for getting caught by your leg as you stand up, sit down, or just walk past it.

If these were retractable, or even made from a sturdier material, I’d adore them. I’ve managed to crack the cup holder within a couple of weeks, and now I’m terrified of doing further damage to either of them.

X-Frame Gaming Desk GD1B – The Verdict

Like I said, I’m really conflicted over this desk. The actual shape and design are fantastic, and those who like the style will find a lot to love about this desk.

But I’m 36 now. I want to be able to go from gaming to writing reviews filled with jokes and bad puns, and occasionally my day job. I don’t want pointless red flourishes or a carbon fiber pattern.

Give me something sleek and simple, especially when dealing with such a space-hogging size.

If I’d had this desk in my early 20s, or if I wanted to be the next Markiplier, I’d be giving it a solid 8 out of 10. It really does have some great ideas.

But this desk feels like it’s trying desperately hard to appeal to a specific audience. An audience that I’m not a part of anymore. And if that doesn’t make me feel depressingly old, I don’t know what will.

If you’re looking for something a little different than what FlexiSpot has to offer, the $102 Amazon Basics Gaming Desk is a solid option. Other notable mentions include the $110 CubiCubi L-shaped Gaming Desk, and the $109 Desino Gaming desk.

The FlexiSpot GD1B Gaming Desk sells for $189.99 and can be purchased exclusively from the company’s website.

Have any thoughts on this? Let us know down below in the comments or carry the discussion over to our Twitter or Facebook.

Editors’ Recommendations:

• Review: Flexispot Soutien ergonomic office chair
• Flexispot Comhar EG8 Standing Desk Review
• Review: TempSpace standing desk – a solid value at $300
• Mavix M7 Review – a gaming chair that combines style with comfort and quality

Just a heads up, if you buy something through our links, we may get a small share of the sale. But remember, it’s one of the ways we keep the lights on here. Click here for more. A sample unit was also provided for this review.

The post Review: FlexiSpot X-Frame Gaming Desk GD1B appeared first on KnowTechie.

Obviously, I’m not one to look a gift horse in the mouth though, and the space I had put aside for a 3D printer was looking awfully lonely… so, after playing the violins a little more, I jumped at the chance to try this one out and give it a review.

The Anycubic Vyper 3D printer will set you back $429. Its printing size extends to 9.6 inches by 9.6 inches by 10.2 inches. It also features a magnetic, removable platform. But all of that information is available on the Amazon listing. Let’s dive into how the printer actually works and what we think of it.

Precursor to printing

So, a little bit of background on the unit. It’s the next step up from the base-level models that need modding. Something that pops straight out of the box and is ready to go as soon as you’ve put it together. This is backed up by the ridiculously smart ideas Anycubic has put into it.

Self-leveling bed? Check. Magnetic, flexible plate that sits on top of the bed to make peeling prints off easier? Check.

READ MORE: The EIBOS Oceanus makes cleaning 3D-printed objects easy

An incredibly sturdy side-stand that holds your filament in place without worrying about the spool falling off, pulling the entire printer down with it, and leaving you with a very expensive paperweight? Check. Easy-to-follow instructions that had me up and running within 25 minutes (I timed it)? Also, check.

Beautifully built

When I reviewed the Voxelab Aquila 2, I thought it was an incredibly well-constructed piece of kit, despite my negativity about how it performed. Compared to the Vyper though, the Aquila was like putting together a LEGO made of glass shards. While wearing a blindfold.

Four screws had the motor attached to the base. Three more and the screen was attached. Then it was just a matter of plugging in all the labeled wiring. That’s it. That’s all it took.

I was ready to run through the initial setup then hopefully, finally, I’d be able to create the dickasaurus army that’s been fuelling my nightmares for the last few months.

Printing in practice

Powered by a 32-bit motherboard and Cortex-M3, the Vyper can be used with traditional PLA and ABS filaments, but it can also be used with TPU, PETG, and — I’m not kidding here — wood.

This is mainly down to the huge temperature range, which allows the hot end kit to run from a plastic-friendly 200 degrees, right up to a scorching 260 degrees.

The basic test project went amazingly well. I got that lovely level of ‘squish’ that gives you confidence as the base layer adheres. While was running, I decided to try out a couple of things. I changed the x-axis settings slightly, then reverted them.

I could actually see where I’d made the changes when the print was complete. It’s such a small thing, but it genuinely blew me away to have such accurate control over everything.

A TCM2209 silent driver means it’s ridiculously quiet, especially when previous experience made me think 3D printers were supposed to sound like a PS4 on steroids. The stock software is absolutely fantastic, too.

Mid-project changes are easy thanks to touchscreen capability, and even picking our next print from the SD card is incredibly simple.

The Anycubic Vyper offers articulated excellence

Confidence running high, I skipped past basic projects and tried out this ‘articulated dragon’ from Cults. Definitely a dragon. Definitely not a water-type creature from a smash-hit video game, trading card, and anime series. I decided to name this project Shmyrados.

It took around 17 hours, but holy shit, it actually worked. The joints were smooth and separated, the detail on its face was impeccable, and even the small, small rough parts on the spikes of its back just needed a little bit of smoothing out with sandpaper to have it in perfect condition.

What I’m trying to say is, it made me extremely popular with my kid, and he’s now asking on an almost daily basis what we can print next.

A couple of simpler projects were lined up next. I decided to try a logo for the metal band, Gojira, and the same band’s iconic L’Enfant Sauvage album artwork, the latter of which will eventually be turned into a wall clock.

The album artwork is where I ran into my first real issue with this printer.

Hot or not

This is a small thing, and if you’re not attempting larger projects, there should be no issue, but it’s definitely something to be wary of.

The bed doesn’t seem to stay at the right temperature in certain areas. For me, this led to issues with bed adherence, so one area near the bottom where it looks slightly denser, is due to heating issues with the bottom plate.

It doesn’t seem to make it weaker or impact the finished project too much, but it does make it look slightly less than perfect.  Shmyrados also had this issue, although it only hampered the base layer, not the rest of the print.

It hasn’t impacted the creativity running wild in my mind, either. The fun stuff is all well and good, but I want to use it for productive means, too.

I can design or find a plan for a cable holder to eliminate the spaghetti-like amalgamation of cables in the office. I can make a phone stand, complete with space for a USB-C connection.

The print quality, except for that small area of heat loss, is enough to justify using it on a regular basis.

The disappointment of dickasaurus

Above all else, I’m sure the whole reason you’re reading this in the first place is because you want to know whether dickasaurus works or not. The answer to that is a little bit of a double-ended dildo double-edged sword.

On the one hand, it worked, and it worked damn well. On the other hand, this veiny, turgid monster is something I even feel bad about showing to my friends.

I have no issues showing it to anyone reading this though, especially not on a site that reviewed the Autoblow AI. Please enjoy this disgraceful bastard in all of its NSFW glory.

Anycubic Vyper: The verdict

Safe to say, the hopes of a penisaurus army have been well and truly disbanded, and the idea has been locked in a small box at the back of my brain. That’s never getting opened again.

Anycubic’s Vyper 3D printer helped me to realize that nightmare, though, and I genuinely couldn’t be more impressed with the outcome.

While the asking price of $429 (available on Amazon or directly from Anycubic where it is currently cheaper) might be a little cost-prohibitive for beginners in the hobby, it also offers almost anyone the ability to churn out high-quality prints on a consistent basis.

If the price isn’t something you are comfortable with, there are other budget options for those looking to get into the hobby. The ELEGOO Mars 3D printer might be more your speed or even this cheaper option from Anycubic.

My partner has already put in requests for more useful ideas, like organizing trays for herbs, and small fidget toys. I, on the other hand, have dreams for an army of printed ducks, including tiny hat-wearing generals.

Editors’ Recommendations:

• Review: Monoprice Harmony Capsule 200 – a budget Bluetooth speaker with budget sound
• The Stündenglass gravity infuser is the Rolls Royce of gravity bongs
• Review: Acer Aspire C27 all-in-one PC – it’s good enough for most people
• Review: SteelSeries Arctis 7+ wireless gaming headset – not perfect, but close

Just a heads up, if you buy something through our links, we may get a small share of the sale. It’s one of the ways we keep the lights on here. Click here for more. A sample unit was provided for the purpose of this review.

The post Review: Anycubic Vyper 3D Printer – easy to use and easy on the eyes appeared first on KnowTechie.

And while we’re excited to see Bobby Kotick launched into the sun as soon as the ink dries on the contract, and it’s going to be great working through Call of Duty and Diablo via Game Pass, we occasionally try to live in the here and now.

This is why we’ve been delving into what titles are coming out in February. Here are some of the coolest games you might want to get your grubby paws on in February. So let’s get to it.

East and West

Dinosaurs are awesome. So are robots. Put them together and you get some kind of prehistoric T-1000. Or Horizon Forbidden West, which hits PS4 and PS5 on Feb 18. The first title in the franchise exploded onto the scene in 2017 and is already regarded as one of Sony’s best IPs.

You’ll take control of Aloy again, but the years since the last entry have seen her learn all-new acrobatic abilities and discover even more vicious dinobots (not the ones from Transformers).

They say the definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results. Seemingly, Koei Tecmo never got this message though, as Dynasty Warriors 9 Empires comes to PC, Switch, PS4 and PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X|S on Feb 15.

The concept is largely the same in each installment – hack and slash your way through hundreds of thousands of identikit enemies in order to conquer opposing generals – but the Empires spin-off adds tactical elements to bring added depth to the gameplay.

If nothing else, it’s awesome fun hopping on a horse, galloping into a crowd, and murdering your way back out again.

Wanted: Undead or Alive

It’s a little early for Halloween (or late, depending on your perspective), but that’s not something Techland cares about. Dying Light 2: Stay Human finally launches on PC, Switch, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X|S on Feb 4. The first game won a metric butt-ton of awards both before and after release, and fans have been waiting with bated breath since the sequel was announced.

Retaining the first-person viewpoint of the original, it expands on the upgrade systems, adds plenty of branching storylines, and the lead developer has claimed it’ll take more than 500 hours to 100%.

We don’t know if there’s a Mass Effect-style ‘bang everything that walks’ option, but if there isn’t, not being able to quite literally fuck a zombie’s brains out seems like a missed opportunity.

Maybe you don’t want too much storyline when you’re killing (re-killing?) zombies. Maybe you just want a fresh soul to annihilate. In that case, Evil Dead: The Game might be more to your taste. It looks similar to Dead by Daylight in a lot of ways, featuring co-op and PVP play, multiple maps from the iconic horror series, and loads of weapons.

While it’s dark and slightly scary-looking, it also seems to capture the comedic personality found in the films and TV show. You’ll even get to wield Ash’s famous chainsaw. Groovy!

Burning your eyes

Death end re;Quest 2 brings sexually charged JRPG goodness to Switch on Feb 8. PS4 and PC gamers have had the title since February 2020, so now Nintendo fans are going to see what all the fuss is about.

A quick word of warning: like other titles by Compile Heart, there’s plenty of fan service scattered throughout like the pervy chocolate chips in a fresh, cum-covered cookie. It’s never the focus of their games, but each one seems to mount, straddle, and grind on the lines of acceptability in video games.

Alternatively, Beat Souls comes to Switch, PS4, PS5, Xbox One and Series X|S this month. Unlike Death end re;Quest 2, the burning in your eyes comes from ultra-bright artwork and graphics, as well as fast-moving icons hurtling at your corneas.

You’re tasked with moving your character to the beat of each tune while also collecting souls. Each of the playable characters has different skills, and like any other rhythm game, it goes from ridiculously easy to finger-bleedingly fast.

It launched to mixed reviews on PC in late 2021, but it has enough personality to make it an interesting choice now that it’s hitting consoles on Feb 16.

Storytime

Live through the eternal conflict of chaos and order in Total War: Warhammer 3. Based on the world-famous, wallet-draining tabletop Warhammer game, this strategy game puts you in command of your very own army as you attempt to dominate the opposition. Play it on PC from Feb 17.

Martha is Dead looks like one of the most interesting titles we’ve seen in a long time. This first-person psychological thriller is set in World War 2 and looks like it’s going to fuck with your head in lots of different ways. It looks absolutely stunning and takes advantage of the added grunt Series S/X and PS5 offer.

Expect to deal with creepy, supernatural elements, hallucinations, and an exploration of grief from Feb 24. Along with next-gen consoles, PS4, Xbox One and PC gamers can also jump into the ‘fun’.

February 2022 Games – The Verdict

New Year, New Me has taken on a whole new level this year. We can no longer lament the fact there aren’t many next-gen exclusives. Some would say we’ve been beaten into submission, but for once we’re going to take the positive approach and appreciate the fact that more people can get their hands on new titles.

There’s a decent range of stuff out this month. Rhythm-action fans and pervs are sorted. So is anyone who likes having their head messed with. Evil Dead and Dying Light offer a heavy injection of violence and brutality, and Horizon scratches the blockbuster itch.

All around, February is a pretty damn good month with plenty to offer to carry us through the colder parts of the year.

Have any thoughts on this? Let us know down below in the comments or carry the discussion over to our Twitter or Facebook.

Editors’ Recommendations:

• What happens to Call of Duty now that Microsoft owns Activision Blizzard?
• Microsoft is officially done with making more Xbox One consoles
• Sony can’t make enough PlayStation 5s so it’s making more PS4s instead
• Does the Steam Deck have expandable storage?

Just a heads up, if you buy something through our links, we may get a small share of the sale. It’s one of the ways we keep the lights on here. Click here for more.

The post Here are the games you absolutely need to look out for in February appeared first on KnowTechie.

Here at KnowTechie, we’re all about being cynical pricks. We complain a lot, and when something sucks, we have no qualms about tearing a new asshole into something. It’s something we all enjoy doing, and there seems to be a little competition about who can be the grumpiest.

Vertagear’s PL4500 has managed to anger me in a whole new way. For the first time in recent memory, this incredible gaming chair has given me absolutely nothing to complain about. Crazy, right?

Respectfully, I’ve had to bow out of the cynolympics and enjoy sheer bliss under my ass. But, there’s a good reason why. Read on to see what makes it so special.

Down with the thicc-ness

The first thing I’m going to point out is that this chair is heavy. It’s ‘double-c thicc’, tipping the scales at 58.9 lb. But that’s for a very good reason. The PL4500 is aimed at big and tall users. Vertagear recommends a maximum height and weight of 6’6” and 118 kg (260 lb), but it will take a max load of 400 lb.

You shouldn’t have any trouble putting it together, though. The instructions are clear, and everything slides into place with nice satisfying clicks.

READ MORE: Review: EWin Champion Series gaming chair

From beautiful PU-coated caster wheels to a steel-reinforced frame, everything is easily fitted, and any moving parts are secured with a bit of help from the supplied tools and screws. Once it’s all constructed, you’ll be greeted by something that feels incredibly sturdy.

Chairway to heaven

Gaming chairs can sometimes look a little overbearing and garish. The sleek all-black/charcoal model completely skips this trend, although brighter options – like black and green, black and white, or the Swarovski-crystal encrusted chair – still don’t force you to look away.

READ MORE: Four budget gaming chairs that won’t break the bank

I’ve got mine set up at home, and it looks incredible whether I’m on yet another Microsoft Teams call, getting my ass handed to me in Fortnite, or waging war against opposing tribes in Age of Empires. However, we won’t mention how it looks bathed in the glow of an Incognito browser and your favorite adult website.

Every square inch has a premium look and feel, even down to the smooth-rolling wheels and textured fabric to either side of the back support. I was completely expecting nice visuals, especially for a $450 price tag. What I wasn’t expecting was to keep staring at it randomly.

Baby got back(rest)

Looks would be for nothing if the chair weren’t comfortable, though, so it’s lucky the PL4500 excels here, too. Almost everything you can think of can be adjusted until you find the right settings. You can tell there’s a hell of a lot of attention put into this area, and it pays off.

You can change the seat’s height and tilt angle. So can the angle of the backrest. I tested it out as far back as it goes, and you can almost lie completely flat.

READ MORE: Review: DXRacer Craft Series gaming chair

It’s not a desirable situation, but if you ever found yourself stuck to your desk for any reason (like trying to snipe an eBay bargain, beating scalpers to the latest batch of PS5s, or having to use your bedroom as a Walter White-style meth lab), you’ll be secure in the knowledge you can grab a quick power nap on it.

A removable head cushion and back cushion give added control over exactly how your body shapes the chair. For example, I have awful posture at times, so a cushion at the bottom of my back really helped me to sit straighter for longer.

I was surprised how much control you get over the armrests, too. They can be sat at slimmer or wider positions relative to your profile, the armrests can move backward and forward, raised and lowered, and they even have around 90 degrees of rotation on the horizontal.

When all moving parts are considered, it’s hard to imagine anybody out there being unable to find their ideal balance.

Sit down on it

Ok, so I think we can all agree that it looks fantastic. And there’s obviously plenty of options when it comes to adjusting it. But the important question is, is it actually comfortable?

In short, yes. Beneath the coffee fiber padding, you’ll find Ultra Premium High Resiliency Foam, which has incredible density and almost reaches the hallowed heights of memory foam.

Vertagear claims that the coffee fiber HygennX system will limit odor and promote breathability while also controlling bacteria. I can definitely vouch for breathability.

I’ve sat in it wearing joggers, shorts, and jeans (separately, of course. Wearing them all together would be weird), and not once have I had to deal with overheating. This is a big plus for me, as I always seem to be running a degree or two hotter than anyone else.

The bacteria and odor control aren’t something I can mention too much about, though. It’s not as though I’ve gone for a run before sitting down in it to see how much sweat it retains. However, I have released a few farts that were so bad my cat left the room, and there seem to be no long-lasting effects just yet.

Light it up

While the chair itself is stunning to look at and ridiculously comfortable in use, Vertagear was kind enough also to send an RGB LED kit.

Including a USB dongle, two separate light fittings, and the rechargeable battery, this kit really took everything to the next level. After a quick download of the NZXT software, you’ll have a raft of personalization to wade through.

All the usual suspects are here, so you can keep to one static color, create rainbows, enjoy cool flowing patterns, or – and this one is my favorite feature – sync it with your game. The palette will evolve from green to red when playing your favorite shooter to reflect your health status.

It’s so incredibly cool to play something with the lights off and see LEDs casting a dynamic glow all around the room. It’s such an immersive thing and something I would never have thought of.

Final verdict

I’ve never been one to shout about the joys of a decent chair. I’ve always just survived with cheap deals and second-hand chairs that have conspicuous stains on the seat. However, the Vertagear PL4500 is an absolute revelation in comfort.

My back feels genuinely supported, and my hips aren’t bearing as much weight. I can easily last a whole working day sitting in it without the fidgeting and constant repositioning of my legs that I usually have to deal with. A chair has no right to be this comfortable, but I’m so happy that it is anyway.

The Vertagear PL4500 retails for $449 and can be purchased directly from the company’s website. The chair is also available via Amazon, Office Depot, and Walmart.

Have any thoughts on this? Let us know down below in the comments or carry the discussion over to our Twitter or Facebook.

Editors’ Recommendations:

• Review: The Emporia SMART.5 – a $270 phone your grandparents will love
• Review: UGREEN HiTune X6 Noise Cancelling Earbuds – almost everything you want under $40
• Review: EPOS H3Pro Hybrid – a solid, yet pricey headset with ANC
• Review: TempSpace standing desk – a solid value at $300

Just a heads up, if you buy something through our links, we may get a small share of the sale. KnowTechie was provided a sample for this review. Click here for more.

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If you’re anything like me, you might see mechanical keyboards as an almost mythical piece of tech. One that elevates gamers from mere players to esports enthusiasts. Something that transforms traditional office workers into productive members of society.

A lot of the time, they’re also desk-dominating behemoths that need a huge, sturdy frame to house their weighted keys. Vissles doesn’t believe in this idea, though.

Launching the LP85 Low Profile Mechanical Keyboard on Kickstarter, this awesome little surprise packs a high-end feel into a positively tiny form.

Take a look at these keys

Stunning to look at, it instantly impresses with a beautiful aluminum case that demands your attention. The black keys coordinate and elevate the look, while the white prints on each one give a mono contrast. All these elements combine to offer something that’s slim, sleek, and sophisticated. If you’re looking for a minimalist office setup, you really can’t go wrong.

Vissles saw fit to include an RGB function, along with 19 different lighting effects. From simple rainbow cascades to a dynamic ripple effect as you press each key. Lights that switch off as you press individual keys or a random blinking effect. 

READ MORE: How to choose the right mechanical keyboard for you

The options cover almost everything you could ever want or need, and you can switch directions, dim and brighten the lights, or even change their speed. It’s all so ridiculously excessive but really makes it feel like a premium product.

At 0.47 inches high, it’s actually the slimmest mechanical keyboard in the world. And at less than 500 grams, it also slips easily into my Thule laptop bag whenever I’m heading out to waste some time in the office. With room to spare for lunch!

Looks aren’t everything

All this gushing about the looks would be for nothing if it didn’t have the function to go with it. Luckily, the LP85 delivers in this area too. Battery life is fantastic, with 2000mAh packed inside. If you do let the juice run out, though, it’ll still connect via the USB-C cable and recharge even when in use.

In all the hours I’ve used it, I’ve experienced precisely zero lag. This is all thanks to the fact it uses light beams instead of metallic contacts for signals. So provided you’re in range, there’s no interference, no cutting out, and no issues with the Bluetooth connection.

Speaking of which, connection initially stumped me, but that was me being more than a little dim. I pressed all sorts of buttons, connected it via cable, and tried to see if I could access it in an option that way. I even tried holding different keys in combination with the Control key. 

Turns out all of that was wrong. Holding the fn key along with P for five seconds sets it up for pairing. After that, it was entirely painless with everything I tried it on. Seriously. EVERYTHING. PC, Mac, Android, it all connected, and connected effortlessly. 

You can even pair up to three separate devices and switch between them all at will. Unlike some Bluetooth-connected tech, which requires you to switch off the receiving gadget before you can swap to something else, there are commands that will switch in and out at will.

The hardest button to button

That satisfying ‘clack’ of keys is present and correct. And to be honest, I’m so surprised by that. For something less than an inch thick (although I told my partner it was three inches, just so she didn’t catch me out on the lies about ‘little Marc’s measurements), all I expected was a typical ‘click, click, click’.

Instead, it gives you that old-school Mad Men vibe as you type. You really do feel like you’re making big decisions whenever it’s in front of you. 

The only thing missing is the classic typewriter ding, but you can probably find a way to replicate that sound after every line to really immerse yourself in ’60s culture. Minus the sexism and racism, obviously.

Minor annoyances

After all the positivity, you might be wondering why a perfect score wasn’t awarded. Well, I have two small bugbears. Let’s get the petty one out of the way first. CTRL + Tab usually switch your windows, right? It’ll take you from the Incognito tab you’re using to browse Orange YouTube to the Excel file you’ve got open directly behind it for emergency purposes.

This keyboard doesn’t do that. To switch windows you actually need to press command + Tab. That extra second and a half where my hand responded to the signals from my brain created so many instances of frustration. 

It happens even with the Windows version of the keyboard. It turns out that whichever version you get, it’s defaulted to Mac OS keys. You can switch it, so, like I said, super petty. But if a Windows keyboard drops at my doorstep, then I want to use Windows command from the jump.

My second problem and this is admittedly even more nitpicky, is that gaming can be slightly awkward. The small footprint means everything is a little bit more compressed than normal, full-sized keyboards, so it can be tough to keep your fingers placed in the WASD formation. It’s not as though my hands are the size of catcher’s mitts, either. In fact, my hands are pretty damn small. 

This definitely isn’t something that will affect all users, though. If you’re a serious enough gamer to be investing in a mechanical keyboard, you’re going to want one with all the bells and whistles to give you the edge.

Hotkeys, full arrows, and number pad, all that jazz. I wouldn’t mind so much, but the Kickstarter page specifically calls out its functionality as a gaming device.

Vissles LP85 Low Profile Aluminium Wireless Mechanical Keyboard: The final verdict

I’ve always wanted a mechanical keyboard, but I’ve never really used a desktop enough to justify it. This outstanding concept completely negates the idea that I have to use it in a traditional desk and tower environment.

I use it when I’m working from home and my TV is acting as a monitor. I use it in the office with a dual-screen set up (I’m usually streaming Netflix or WWE Network on the second screen, but that’s beside the point.)

What I’m trying to say is, small foibles like the mixed-up CTRL/function keys and gaming usability aside, this $99 (at the time of the Kickstarter) Vissles keyboard is an absolute revelation to me. It just has it all.

The incredibly slim metallic form. A satisfying click every time you tap a key. Hell, the RGB was entirely unnecessary, but I absolutely adore it. I simply cannot recommend this keyboard enough.

Have any thoughts on this? Let us know down below in the comments or carry the discussion over to our Twitter or Facebook.

Editors’ Recommendations:

• Review: SteelSeries Apex 3 TKL gaming keyboard – cheap in price, not quality
• Review: Cooler Master SK622 Bluetooth gaming keyboard
• Review: LUMI teaching keyboard – it’s kind of like Guitar Hero, but for keyboards
• Review: iQunix F60 Joker mechanical keyboard

Just a heads up, if you buy something through our links, we may get a small share of the sale. It’s one of the ways we keep the lights on here. Click here for more.

The post Review: The Vissles LP85 wireless mechanical keyboard appeared first on KnowTechie.

From Xbox and Switch to PlayStation and PC, it seems like there’s no shortage of things to play. Well, that’s the Hallmark version at least.

In reality, developers seem to have decided February 2022 is the month for all their big hitters, so this Christmas looks a little light on content. Despite that though, there are still a few games worth taking a look at in December 2021. So without further ado, let’s get down to it.

Mickey Mania

Kids are probably going to spend the next month or so hyped up on a combination of sugar and festive excitement. So it comes as no real surprise that the kid-friendly Disney Magical World 2: Enchanted Edition is set to capitalize on that when it’s released for Switch on December 3.

A re-release of a 2015 3DS game, the life sim sees players roaming the Magical Kingdom and interacting with plenty of famous characters, including Stitch, Winnie the Pooh, Anna and Else from Frozen, and of course Mickey and Minnie Mouse. It’s not a world-beating title by any means, but there’s plenty to keep younger gamers entertained.

We all know the reality of Disney is slightly more twisted than Mickey and his chums would have you believe, though. If this is the mindset you subscribe to, then Five Nights at Freddy’s Security Breach, which hits PC, PS5, and PS4, might capture your attention instead.

Like the rest of the horror-tinged series, this one absolutely isn’t for the kids. This one is for the grown-ups. Or at least the teenagers. The visuals are way better than when the series had its home on phones, so the potential for jump scares is through the roof. Expect to cower as murderous animatronics try to unalive you from December 16.

Christmas is cunning

I don’t think there’s any other way to put this, This Is The President, which hits Steam on December 6, could easily be renamed SimTrump. It’s a management sim where you play as a multi-millionaire whose goal is to dodge punishment for all the shady shit you’ve done in the past.

Obviously, it’s heavy on the satire, but blackmailing, bribery, and the general manipulation of political systems will hopefully allow you to change the US Constitution and avoid taking responsibility for your actions. 

Cast your mind all the way back to the heady days of 2010, when Kairosoft’s awesome phone title, Game Dev Story, gave humans everywhere a way to ignore their families. Now imagine Game Dev Story was released in 2021, complete with the cynical mindset we’ve all picked up since then.

That’s what you can expect with Startup Panic, which comes releases for PC on 12/8. It has a wonderfully charming graphical style, and also retains the isometric view of Kairosoft’s super-fun release. It also expands on the mobile classic with a deep upgrade system, so it promises to be an awesome way to waste a few hours.

Jingle hells

Sticking with PC exclusives, it feels like we’ve gone almost three days without a Souls-like coming out. So, if you haven’t had enough of the many, many games that people who hate themselves play, you might want to take a look at Thymesia.

Imagine Bloodborne with more acrobatics and a deep weapons system and you’re pretty close to what’s expected. Thymesia hits PC on December 7, with a PS5 release planned for 2022.

Remember Hyper Light Drifter? The awesome 2016 debut from Heart Machine? Well, the same studio is finally releasing their sophomore title, Solar Ash, on December 2.

It’s a third-person adventure with a beautiful graphical style and wonderful animation. High-speed traversal is the order of the day, and massive, life-threatening enemies want to make everything a little more difficult for players.  If Solar Ash comes anywhere near the heights of HLD, PC, PS4 and PS5 players will be in for a huge treat.

To festivity and beyond

Despite criticism from the entire internet after the trailer from July 2020, Halo Infinite seems to have turned it around and got the hype train back on track. Fans of the series will be waiting for it to hit PC, Xbox Series X/S, and Xbox One on December 8, while newcomers will finally get to see what all Master Chief’s fuss is about.

In the meantime, it might be worth doing a full run-through of Halo: MCC before it launches. Unless you’ve been blasting opponents online already, of course. Heads up; this one also releases on Game Pass on launch day, so it’s yet another Microsoft title you don’t have to pay for upfront!

If Halo doesn’t have enough personality for you, then maybe 2020’s breakout hit Among Us will tickle your pickle. It’s been available on PC, mobile, and Switch for a long while, but it’ll be hitting PS4, PS5, Series S/X, and Xbox One on December 14.

Enjoy the unique experience of destroying all trust in your friendships as you try to convince one another you’re not the imposter. Then hide in a vent before callously killing them. And blaming somebody else for the murder, obviously.

December 2020: The verdict

I really wanted to put Advance Wars 1 + 2 Re-Boot Camp on this list. It was supposed to hit Switch on December 3. Nintendo ruined Christmas by following everybody else’s lead and delaying it to Spring 2022, though.

The same thing applies to WWE 2K22, Saints Row (which has had a further delay to summer 2022), and Horizon Forbidden West amongst others.

Overloading the start of next year means I’ve struggled to find much to shout about before Santa empties his sack down your chimney. Maybe 2022 will amaze gamers everywhere, but for now, I’ll keep going with Metroid Dread and Forza Horizon 5.

Have any thoughts on this? Let us know down below in the comments or carry the discussion over to our Twitter or Facebook.

Editors’ Recommendations:

• First Impressions: Halo Infinite has the bones to be a great multiplayer shooter
• The GTA Trilogy remaster flopped so hard that Rockstar is giving away the original games for free
• Is Elder Scrolls VI going to be an Xbox exclusive?
• Gucci made a gaudy $10,000 Xbox that will probably sell out instantly

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There have been plenty of pretenders to WoW’s throne, but nothing has come close to capturing such a large player base. Even Star Wars: The Old Republic and The Elder Scrolls Online didn’t manage to put a dent in the armor. Final Fantasy XIV is trucking along, but can’t really compete with the longevity that WoW has experienced yet.

With such a lead over the entire market, it’s going to take a company with deep pockets to even come close in 2021. Enter Amazon Games and their latest big-hitter, New World.

Here’s everything you need to know about it.

Look back to move forward

To really understand what makes New World so interesting, you have to dig a little into the history of Amazon Games. After announcing a move away from the mobile games market in 2014, nothing really happened until 2016, when a trio of titles was announced: Breakaway, Crucible, and the subject of this article, New World.

No longer would we have to endure poor, money-grabbing casual games. We’d finally be able to play AAA titles that would compete with money-grabbers from the likes of Ubisoft instead! It didn’t exactly go to plan though. Breakaway was canceled in 2018, and Crucible lasted just seven months before Amazon Games killed it.

Even New World has been delayed multiple times. It should have been released in May 2020! Basically, New World has become a big, big risk that may make Amazon Games reconsider its place in the market if it doesn’t succeed.

What is New World?

It’s an MMO, so without being too cynical, it hits plenty of the box-tickers you’d expect to see. Large, varied environments? Check. PvP (player-versus-player?) Check. PvE (player-versus environment?) Check. Deep, branching skill trees? Check.

Several player and NPC factions with different loyalties, enemies, motivations, and a mutual penchant for war? Check, check, check, and check.

This is both a good and a bad thing. Newcomers to the genre should find that the familiar tropes make it a little easier to get into. However, long-time fans might be left spinning their wheels until they reach the endgame content.

The story

It’s in the story where New World starts to set itself apart. Set on Aeternum, a fictional island in the Atlantic Ocean, your goal is to colonize the place. Unlike real-world missionaries, you won’t be bringing the words of magic sky daddies with you. You will however find actual magic, known as Azoth. This fun substance makes the plants and animals treat you as a threat, so they all want to extinguish your existence.

As an added bonus it also revives the dead explorers who came before you. They’ll want you dead, too. The only way to survive will be harnessing the power of Azoth to defend yourself.

READ MORE: Final Fantasy XIV is so popular that Square Enix is telling people to stop buying it

Anyway, you choose your faction – The Marauders, The Syndicate, or The Covenant – and from there you’ll separate into your chosen company, which is New World’s term for guilds and clans. After picking a side, you’ll make like the British Empire as you take settlements throughout Aeternum and transform them into bustling hives of scum and villainy. Or business, trade, and battle. Whatever.

Things would be pretty boring if that was it, wouldn’t they? Luckily, Amazon Games has this covered too, because once you’ve built a settlement, you’ll have to defend it, too. The Corrupted, The Lost, The Ancient, and The Angry Earth are all NPC factions that you’ll have to align with and fight against as the story evolves.

Gameplay

A captivating story and a rich, magic-based system would be all for nothing if there wasn’t plenty of gameplay to keep you occupied. So let’s break down the different play modes.

Expeditions are the ‘traditional’ MMO dungeon experience. You and a crew of up to four partners combine in a hopefully unbeatable team. Enjoy plenty of exploration and lots of bad guys to farm XP from.

Maybe that sounds a little small-scale, though. Maybe you want to join in with War Mode. This is the PvP experience that online games can live or die by. Up to 100 players total jump in here and you’ll need to attack or defend a settlement.

Ok, ok, I get it. You’re hard to please. You want big, epic battles but don’t want to get shown up by other humans. In that case, hop into Invasion. This is where you’re placed into a team of 50 and forced to defend your faction’s fort against waves of computer-controlled enemies. Surviving for 30 minutes will grant you with a victory. It sounds a lot like Horde modes.

Finally, Outpost Rush is where everything combines into an MMO-themed homunculus. This is where you’ll be placed into a 20v20 battle to attack or defend an outpost. At the same time, you’ll also have to fight computer-controlled enemies. That’s right. PvPvE. Bring the chaos!

Does it have promise?

If the initial response is anything to go by, there’s a big possibility that New World is going to break new ground. It’s already (kind of) breaking the internet, as hundreds of thousands of people have been logged on and playing or queuing up to try it out. In fact, it’s currently sitting in fifth place for the most concurrent Steam players at one time, with more than 700,000. Less than a week after launch.

Obviously, only time will tell whether New World has the staying power to really make headway in this crowded space. We’ve seen the next big thing pop up time and time again, only to get stomped on by WoW (see: City of Heroes/Villains, The Matrix Online, Marvel Heroes, BSG Online, ESO, Final Fantasy XIV (sort of), and uh… Hello Kitty Online.)

What does give hope is the game’s Steam reviews. There has been a mix of responses, but a lot of the negative reviews are based on the long wait to get into it in the first place. Which must be incredibly frustrating for new players, but isn’t the worst issue Amazon Games could have.

New World – the verdict

If you can get into the game it seems like there are some really interesting systems at play here. But even if you can’t, the sheer number of users watching the game on Twitch is phenomenal, too. Almost 1 million viewers tuned in on September 28th.

New World definitely has the “it factor.” As we’ve said a couple of times, we can only wait to see what happens over the next few months. Now if you’ll excuse me, I’m off to do what us English do best. Queue up and complain about it until I get to pick my faction.

Have any thoughts on this? Let us know down below in the comments or carry the discussion over to our Twitter or Facebook.

Editors’ Recommendations:

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• The new Kirby and the Forgotten Land shows that the lovable pink ball will outlive us all

Just a heads up, if you buy something through our links, we may get a small share of the sale. It’s one of the ways we keep the lights on here. Click here for more.

The post New World: Everything you need to know about Amazon’s new hit MMO game appeared first on KnowTechie.