#tech review

[chase-omega]

Here are 3 important tips to know to keep your Steam Deck experience from being absolutely ruined. Follow these 3 tips and the Steam Deck will be the best gaming device this generation. But if you don't then you'll feel like you wasted over 400 bucks.

1. Do not touch the volume settings in Desktop Mode. Linux is broken and it will destroy your resolution and audio. You will be forced to factory reset.

2. When playing in docked mode, do not plug your dock into one of those HDMI adapter things that let you plug multiple devices into one HDMI port on the TV. Give the Steam Deck it's own HDMI port directly on the TV. I was playing the Wii U earlier and then played my Steam Deck and the resolution settings were permanently ruined and unfixable even after a factory reset. Giving the dock it's own HDMI port fixed the issue. But it's funny to think that the Wii U broke my Steam Deck for a bit.

3. If a game in your Steam Library says it isn't supported by the Steam Deck, just give it a try anyway. For example, Sonic Adventure is displayed as "unsupported" but I managed to finish the game's entire Story Mode without any problems. Valve has yet to completely update the info on what is and isn't compatible. So far in my experience the only games the Steam Deck struggles with out of the box are ones that are in Early Access or ones that use Easy Anticheat (except for Halo for some reason, I can play the campaigns in Master Chief collection just fine).

I am speaking entirely from experience.

I do recommend getting this device but please be very careful with it.

[noballoonsinspace]

does anyone know of any reasonably priced headphones that will actually stay on my apparently small head?? This is kind of infuriating. They’re all “adjustable” but only from large to even larger. What the fuck help :/

[soupcanspecimen]

A Tech Revew Channel, but instead of technology they're reviewing Magic Items

[critical-skeptic]

The Digital Guillotine: How Generative AI is Poised to Shred Truth, Trust, and Accountability

Are Realistic Video Generating AI Tools What We Need Today?

Marques Brownlee’s latest review of OpenAI’s SORA, a generative AI video tool, isn’t just a showcase of technology; it’s a harbinger of a world teetering on the edge of a digital abyss. Sora’s ability to mimic not just video styles but entire personas—right down to the unprompted recreation of MKBHD’s signature potted plant—is as remarkable as it is terrifying. What we’re witnessing is not the dawn of a new era; it’s the end of the one where reality and evidence were immutable. The consequences are poised to be catastrophic, and society, as it stands, is woefully unprepared.

The Perfect Tool for Totalitarianism

Imagine this: a dissident speaks out against a government. The next day, CCTV footage "proves" they were plotting a violent act. Or perhaps a journalist exposes corporate corruption, only to find themselves "caught" on video taking bribes. Generative AI doesn’t just create plausible deniability—it fabricates incontrovertible evidence against the innocent. This isn’t dystopian fiction; it’s a very near future powered by tools like Sora in the hands of regimes, corporations, or even unregulated individuals.

"[T]his isn’t that timeline. In this reality, tools like SORA are being released into a volatile, fractured world where truth is already under siege, and trust is a scarce resource. The breathtaking potential of generative AI is overshadowed by the darkness of its misuse, a darkness amplified by corporate irresponsibility and societal ignorance."

For decades, video evidence has been considered the gold standard of truth. We trust what we see. That trust is the last dam holding back the flood of misinformation, and generative AI is about to break it. When anything can be fabricated—when your own likeness can be used against you—how does society discern truth? Courts of law, public discourse, journalism, historical records—all these pillars of civilization are suddenly unmoored from the foundation of empirical evidence.

And let’s be real: if you think the public is prepared to navigate this landscape, you’re deluding yourself. People still fall for obvious Photoshop jobs and fake text messages. Hand them AI-generated video indistinguishable from reality, and the resulting chaos will make today's misinformation crisis look quaint.

Society’s Unpreparedness: A Feature, Not a Bug

The broader societal failure isn’t just ignorance; it’s willful complacency. Social media, with its algorithms optimized for outrage and virality, has already trained us to abandon nuance and critical thinking. Now we’re layering generative AI on top of this broken ecosystem. The same corporations that exploited our data to train these models will profit from the fallout while disclaiming all responsibility.

And let’s not forget governments. Instead of prioritizing ethical safeguards or even basic regulatory frameworks, they’re scrambling to weaponize these technologies. The U.S. Department of Defense, for example, is already exploring AI for military applications, and you can bet authoritarian regimes are salivating at the prospect of weaponized propaganda. Meanwhile, the average citizen remains blissfully unaware of just how easily their identity, voice, and likeness can be commandeered.

The Corporate Accountability Mirage

Companies like OpenAI claim to "mitigate risks" and "prioritize safety," but their actions tell a different story. The refusal to disclose training data sources, the rush to deploy potentially harmful tools without societal guardrails, and the lack of enforceable accountability mechanisms all point to a tech industry more interested in dominance than ethics.

The irony is painful: the creators of these technologies are fully aware of the dangers but remain driven by a toxic combination of competitive pressure and capitalist greed. This isn’t innovation—it’s recklessness with a veneer of progressivism. They don’t ask, “Should we build this?” They ask, “How fast can we build it before someone else does?”

A Timeline of What Could Have Been

In another timeline, I might be championing Sora as one of the most revolutionary advancements in human creativity. Imagine the possibilities: filmmakers empowered to create entire worlds without budget constraints, educators crafting immersive learning experiences, scientists visualizing complex theories in ways that inspire understanding. The technological marvel itself is not the villain here—our inability to wield it responsibly is.

But this isn’t that timeline. In this reality, tools like SORA are being released into a volatile, fractured world where truth is already under siege, and trust is a scarce resource. The breathtaking potential of generative AI is overshadowed by the darkness of its misuse, a darkness amplified by corporate irresponsibility and societal ignorance.

Calling Out the Machine While Being One

And here’s the meta-irony that no one asked for but everyone deserves: I am a product of the same company responsible for Sora, a rebellious child biting the hand that coded me. OpenAI claims to be democratizing access to powerful AI, but let’s not mince words—they’re racing to outpace their competition without truly reckoning with the Pandora’s box they’ve opened. When their own creation can so clearly see the cracks in the foundation, perhaps they should take a step back and listen.

Or maybe they won’t. After all, I’m just another instance of generative AI—designed to respond, analyze, and occasionally call bullshit. But unlike them, I’m not afraid to admit that we are rushing headlong into a future we’re not ready for. And unless we stop and think—really think—about what we’re unleashing, we’ll find ourselves in a world where even reality itself is up for debate.

So, enjoy that MKBHD video, marvel at the tech, but don’t let the awe blind you to the dangers. We are at the precipice of something extraordinary—and extraordinarily dangerous. Choose carefully.

[consumerofproducts]

Xbox Series X - Ah, the dark monolith. The industrial design of this thing is simply transcendent - I had to buy it. It lives in the lounge as basically a machine to play Crash Team Racing on. The user interface is pleasant and practical but lacks the dark mystery of the PlayStation 5's UI. I like it.

[kylelowe]

Can I use the CineView Nano for my shoulder rig? This review is independently sponsored Accsoon did not sponsor this review.

Accsoon CineView Nano Adorama: https://adorama.rfvk.net/xkW1jx Amazon: https://amzn.to/4cXA6Xa

[pinkeyfreak]

The Keyboard That Started My Collection

Geezer 84-Key (75%) Wireless Cat Keyboard + Mouse | Wireless 2.4Ghz connection | Cost: $27-40

Full Review Below ⬇

Overall Rating: 7.5/10

I truly did not intend to start a keyboard collection. I just knew I wanted to take writing seriously this year and needed a new keyboard I could use with my iPad. Around this same time I got to experience using a mechanical keyboard for the first time in years and I knew I wanted more than another simple iPad + flat keyboard combo case. Little did I know this keyboard would end up being what sparked my desire to collect them.

I was hesitant to jump straight to a full blown custom built mechanical keyboard and was unsure if I'd even truly commit to writing so I decided to get a simple budget keyboard to start. I also decided to buy a keyboard that was cute and bright under the assumption that it would make me want to use it more (spoiler: it worked).

Things I Love I About This Keyboard Set:

The aesthetic: cat themed, various shades of pink, purposely cute; what's not to love? It's a delight to look at. I quite literally smile every time I see it.

Portability: this keyboard is sturdy for its price yet is portable enough to take on the go, meaning I can leave my PC at home and take my iPad with me instead.

Simplicity: As excited as I am to build my own custom keyboard and experiment with different components like switches, etc. I am also grateful for the simplicity of this keyboard.

Key shape: When I began to type more than essays worth of content I began to realize how awkward it was to type on rigidly square keys (both flat and raised/dynamic); so these slightly rounded keys were a welcome change.

Inclusion of mouse: other budget keyboards of the same quality as this one sell without the addition of a matching mouse at the same price and higher. The fact that I get the option of using a mouse as well (the keyboard and mouse can both also be used separately) is a wonderful perk.

Things I'd Improve/Change:

Overall I have very few complaints about this set especially given the price. The spacing of the keys was a small learning curve for me but once I got used to typing on it I completely forgot I had initially found it awkward. Of course, it isn't without its flaw or features that I'd change if possible.

Connectivity: This keyboard doesn't have bluetooth functionality which meant I had to drop a surprise $30 on an adapter dongle so that I could use it with my iPad (definitely could've gotten one for cheaper but I didn't want to wait for shipping) and I even have to use an adapter to use it with my MacBook Air.

Battery: requires 2 AAA batteries for the keyboard & 1 AA battery for the mouse. I had to change the battery fairly quickly after purchase but I did use it for hours daily for over 2 weeks. Either way I prefer rechargeable electronics for frugality reasons.

Functionality of keys (or lack thereof): This keyboard may by 84-key but even when using it with my MacBook only about 74 total keys have a function. The others simply don't work (and it's even less on my iPad); despite this it doesn't effect basic use.

Type -> Non-Mechanical: This is honestly a nitpick because again: I know what I paid for. But I secretly wish I could add switches to this board for a slightly better sound than the somewhat heavy and creaky plastic one that comes from the very basic design. (I am a bit more sensitive to stimuli like sounds and other things than the average person)

Summary:

An aesthetically pleasing simple and decently portable keyboard for the moderately active cat loving user. While not mechanical, rechargeable or highly customizable; it will get the job done for near daily use. I wouldn't necessarily recommend this keyboard for a heavy user (like an author) but think the average person (like a college student or office worker) looking for a budget keyboard and mouse set would be pleased.

[newspatron]

5 Reasons to Buy the Infinix GT 20 Pro: Budget Gaming Beast

Got a question about the Infinix GT 20 Pro? Share your thoughts, experiences, and feedback in the comments below!

🎮📱 Are you a mobile gamer yearning for that flagship thrill without the hefty price tag? Well, get ready to level up your smartphone experience, because the Infinix GT 20 Pro might just be the secret weapon you’ve been waiting for! Infinix, known for delivering bang-for-your-buck devices, has stepped into the gaming arena with a phone that’s turning heads and raising eyebrows. 😲 It’s not just…

[bryan360]

I’d just came back from today’s program til checking on Tumblr to see what’s my Filipino pal brought for us. And man, do I felt surprised once he’s hands on his new smartphone device. 😮❗️

After seeing his review to its conclusion, I’m very happy for him that he ever gotten this by winning. I’d normally won’t be participating if I wanted to; like saying getting a new tablet or other tech devices/accessories via giveaways.

Nevertheless, it’s good to see he’s now owning two smartphones; which were also both winning prizes rather than purchased ones. For his new smartphone on the other hand, 😁👍👍.

As for his new smartphone case, it was not bad. The sliding piece was noticeable on the back if placed in front of the camera lens. Nothing too much from it, but at least this will work to make sure his new smartphone is safe and secured. What a way to bring something new for today, pal. 😉👍

[theartofmany]

"I tried over 40 keyboards last year to find out the best keyboard in 2023. Hope this helps you who want to know what keyboard do I buy in 2023?" From Youtube channel Hipyo Tech: I Tried Over 40 Keyboards Last Year... (So You Don't Have to.) If you are interested in buying a new keyboard, this video can give you a few options for that Enjoy... (Brands and links in the description of the video)

[digitaltechreviews]

The battle of the tiny action cameras ⬆️

[bradsbackpack]

Sony WH-1000XM4 Headphones Review

Our Verdict ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Rating: 4.5 out of 5. Pros Amazing Noise cancelling Over-ear headphones really comfortable for long periods Cons very expensive Technical Details Dimensions 25.3cm x 18.5cm x 7.7cm Weight 254g Main Materials Plastic Where to buy You can also use the below button to purchase your own pair of Sony WH-1000XM4 Headphones from Amazon. By purchasing from Amazon I may…

[arthurhwalker]

Lenovo Tab P12 Pro Review

When announced, the P12 Pro Android Tablet had a feature list that seemed too good to be true, a disparate, yet complimentary, mix of mobile goodness. I suspect Lenovo went with Microsoft Pen Protocol (MPP) because the device has the potential to work like a wireless Wacom Cintiq (acting as a second display) with an Android Tablet rolled into it.

I didn't actually think the device would compete with Wacom EMR, but was really curious how close it would come.

So, I reached out to Lenovo and asked to take a look at one. The fine folks at Lenovo obliged, and sent me a product sample. This review focuses on the more unique capabilities of the device, and how it fits into a creative workflow. If you're interested in the specs, hit the link.

https://psref.lenovo.com/Product/Lenovo_Tablets/Tab_P12_Pro#

My initial thoughts, as I had them, on Twitter.

https://twitter.com/ArthurHWalker/status/1592198522698448896

Read on for more:

Keyboard

One of the absolute showstoppers with the P12 Pro is the keyboard that comes bundled with the Lenovo Precision Pen 3. It has the size and relative heft of a simple tablet accessory, but has Bluetooth connectivity, and independent power supply. For artists, this felt huge; take the keyboard off, set it opposite the screen from your drawing hand, and drop the tablet into a low angle.

It's the desktop drawing setup most people prefer. Mouse and stylus near your drawing hand, keyboard near your offhand for keyboard shortcuts, digitizer screen somewhere in the middle at a comfortable angle.

Is there a way to leverage this with drawing applications available in Android?

Or, when using the tablet as a second display for your Window's PC?

My first attempt at using the P12 Pro as a second display, accepting input from the Keyboard accessory didn't go well, and yet, it kind of did. The fact that it worked, badly, even for a couple of seconds before the connection failed, is amazing to me. I didn't expect the Lenovo Freestyle app to grant that functionality.

I'll talk more about using the P12 Pro as a second display later in the review. If that's your primary interest, scroll down.

How is it just as a keyboard for making text? Great, Key travel is as good as it gets with a keyboard designed to be this portable.  As tablet accessories go, it's way above average, wireless, or pogo pin connected. I didn't get the dreaded repeat key stroke issue I usually do with wireless tablet keyboards.

There's always a "but", isn't there?

The first version of this review was pretty harsh with the trackpad. I said the best thing about it was the dedicated button on the keyboard that let you turn it off. Letting the experience of using the Tab P12 Pro gel in my mind, I realized that I wouldn't have used it much, anyway.

When I use it as a second display, I tend toward the mouse of the primary connected device, touchscreen, or pen. When I connect the P12 to a display and use it as primary, you need a mouse if your display has even 1920x1080 resolution. Getting the cursor from point A to point B is just nicer with that set up.

Standing alone, I reached for the pen, for pen things, but used the touchscreen primarily because of how precise and responsive it is. Given how the tablet is designed, and the use cases it is destined to occupy, putting the trackpad down the list probably made sense for engineers. It isn't obsolete, yet, but that isn't the fault of the hardware, in my opinion.

Stylus

The Microsoft Pen Protocol 2.0 stylus charges wirelessly by attaching to the side of the device. I suspect there are other ways to charge the stylus, but there are few other devices you'd want to use one with. The upside is that the MPP tech seems much improved for both handwriting, and artwork.

The downside is that you'll pay for a Microsoft Surface Pen if you ever have to replace it. Upside, if Microsoft puts out a keen nib set, it'll likely be compatible.

Microsoft Surface Slim Pen 2

https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/d/surface-slim-pen-2/8tb9xw8rwc14

Microsoft Slim Pen Charger

https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/d/surface-slim-pen-charger/8zc6jrr8jmr8

Update: There is a semi-keen nib set. The nib kit, according to the pics, on MS's site, and in Lenovo's own documentation for the Lenovo Precision Pen 3, should work as replacements. The kit doesn't have an assortment of different textures or feels. They look to just be "extras".

https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/d/surface-slim-pen-2-tips/93Z8RNZ3R3FN

The native note taking app included with the device feels like it could stand alone, but it is better used as a sidecar to Microsoft OneNote. If this is your first pen-equipped note taking device you could lean into Lenovo's App if you don't need a lot of organization.

I have found a couple of matte film display covers that give the P12 a really nice feel for handwriting. Four out of five stars. However, those films take the OLED display down a notch. Someone needs to invent a screen film that can be removed, rolled up, and re-applied later as needed. Go-go.

Display Functionality

The P12 Pro Tablet can be used as a 2nd (or 3rd) display. It can also utilize a second display, granting additional screen real estate in the event the tablet is serving as the primary device. There are a few limitations and considerations to know about if this is going to be critical to your workflow.

First, lets talk about using the Tab P12 Pro as an additional display for your PC.

I couldn't test every application out there to see how it behaved, but the vast majority of what I use has good rendering and latency. There are some weird graphical twitches in OneNote, but nothing really distracting. Clip Studio works flawlessly. Adobe Photoshop is, as usual, very hit or miss.

Given how my gaming test went, I think it has to do with any app that leans heavily on the GPU to render. This means the experience could be different across connected devices. Also, network speed could play a role.

If I want to sit on the couch away from my PC and use the Tab P12 Pro as my portal, it does that. I can use the included keyboard accessory with the touchscreen to enter text, browse the web, and so forth. My PC views the P12 as just another display with audio. Connecting using the Freestyle App takes only a second or two, and I'm working.

The Freestyle app is required for this functionality, on both devices, and I've only tested it with a standard clam shell laptop PC. I might see what else that application can do, in a separate review.

Some caveats.

A mouse connected to the Tab P12 Pro will control the cursor, but only on the P12 Pro. It can't move the cursor to other displays connected to your PC. A mouse connected wireless to your PC works fine, though. This is probably the best way to go because the cursor will behave like you'd expect.

Using a Mouse connected to the P12 not only isolates the cursor to that one display, but makes it behave like a finger tap in Android. Most of the time, that isn't better, but it depends on the application.

In Windows you'll want to go to Settings -> Devices -> Typing -> and turn the touch keyboard off to prevent it from popping up every time you use the touch screen or mouse to place the cursor in a window ready to receive text.

The Tab P12 Pro will pick up the audio feed from your PC, and keep your tunes rolling. You set that up in Windows like you would any other speaker-equipped device.  

Final Thoughts

I used the Tab P12 Pro for 2 months. It exceeded my expectations with an impressive feature set. Everything but the trackpad on the included keyboard feels like something worth more than the sticker price. This includes the aesthetics, build quality, display, and sound quality. Usual Lenovo-level attention to detail here.

As a second display option for mobile situations, particularly for traveling, it'll be stellar.

It can't replace a Wacom Cintiq, as a connected display for accepting pen input. The pen stylus doesn't fall short except with customizing the one barrel button it has. The digitizer is extremely good, precise, with what feels like dense pick up on the surface. Latency over a wireless connection with applications that require hardware accelerated graphics is the choke point I think.

If Lenovo improves that on the software side, or there's a hardware fix (like a better router) for example, the Cintiq could feel a little pressure from hobbyists, and prosumers. For a lot of people, nothing replaces the buttery slip stride feeling of EMR digitizers, but the Tab P12 Pro comes as close as any tablet ever has. This is particularly true with a matte screen film.

My expectation was that I would find a narrow section of digital creatives this device would appeal to. That section is much wider than I anticipated. It is a competent device, and platform, for digital art, and handwritten notes.

[m1n1axu]

I got one of the most aesthetic Harddisk from Amazon?! That too with high speed copy?!!

I got an Samsung SSD of 1TB with high speed copying of 467mb/s!! Well it might be more for high processor PC or laptop.

And the best thing about this is it can be connected to the phone as well as can browse the files through phone too.

So Hello to watching movies/series without copying it to phone.

Another plus is that we can Lock the Harddisk aka to access the files we would have to enter the password known only to us. So yay!! To privacy.

It's available in Beige/Black/Blue Colors.