Did you know you can change your Activity Status and appear offline on Instagram? Well, yes, you can.

Using the ‘insta offline’ trick on Instagram lets you fly under the radar and avoid unwanted interactions with other users.

The platform includes an Activity Status feature that tracks how long it’s been since you were online and lets your friends know when you’re active on the platform.

As you can imagine, that has the potential to get a little invasive. Fortunately, Instagram only shows this to users you follow or message privately.

But it’s still nice to be able to hide that Activity Status, so you don’t have to worry about everyone knowing what you’re up to at all times.

What does appearing offline on Instagram do?

As we mentioned briefly, appearing offline on Instagram does several different things. And it all revolves around the Activity Status.

First, turning off your Activity Status to appear offline on Instagram will hide your status from other users.

That means nobody can see when you actively browse images and videos on the platform.

Additionally, toggling your Activity Status off will also hide the counter that tells people how long it has been since you were last offline.

So, you can essentially hide every aspect of Instagram’s Activity Status for your profile.

However, doing it also means you can’t see anybody else’s Activity Status.

So if you want to know when others are online, you’ll have to continue to let them know you are online.

Why would you want to appear offline on Instagram?

There are several reasons why you might want to appear offline on Instagram.

Maybe you’ve got that annoying aunt who won’t leave you alone whenever they find out you’re online.

Or maybe there’s someone you’ve connected with in the past that takes advantage of your Activity Status.

Although, it might be a better idea to go ahead and block that person completely.

Whatever your reason for wanting to appear offline on Instagram, the feature can be an incredibly useful tool.

And you can always go back and toggle the feature back on if you want to show your friends you’re online again.

How to go offline on Instagram’s app

Since Instagram is primarily used on mobile devices, this will likely be the most useful section for most people.

First, we’ll look at how to toggle off your Activity Status on the Instagram mobile app for iOS or Android.

The menus might look a little different, depending on what kind of phone you have. But the processes are the same either way.

After toggling off this setting, you will begin to appear offline on Instagram.

And whenever you want to appear online again, just repeat the same steps and toggle Activity Status back on.

Here’s how to toggle Activity Status on Instagram for desktop

Meta originally focused on developing Instagram as a mobile app.

Thankfully, that’s changed as the company has added features to Instagram’s desktop site to make it work more like an app.

And fortunately, you can at least use the website to toggle your Activity Status.

How to appear Invisible on Instagram’s desktop site:

1. Click your profile picture in the top right corner

2. Select Settings

3. Click Privacy and security

4. Toggle the Show activity status box off

That’s all there is to that.

Once you toggle the Activity Status box off from that menu, your online status and history are essentially invisible to everyone.

Remember, you also can’t see other users’ Activity Status if you’ve toggled this option off.

And if you ever change your mind, you can follow the same steps to return and turn your Activity Status back on again.

Use Instagram’s Activity Status to your advantage

Tons of people like to browse Instagram to keep up with friends or their favorite creators.

But you don’t have to let everyone know that you’re online when you’re browsing the platform.

Instagram’s Activity Status lets you choose when you want people to see that you’re online.

Of course, it also means that you won’t be able to see other users’ Activity Status with yours turned off. But that’s a small price for extra privacy on the platform.

You can change your Activity Status on Instagram regularly.

So get familiar with this process and start browsing Instagram on or offline. The choice is always yours.

Are you keeping this feature turned on? Carry the discussion over to our Twitter or Facebook.

Editors’ Recommendations:

• When did Instagram come out?
• Who’s the most followed person on Instagram?
• Can you see who views your Instagram Stories?
• How to unlink Facebook and Instagram

The post How to appear offline on Instagram appeared first on KnowTechie.

Keyboards have been around long before the mouse, or even the computer. Typically keyboards were used in data entry positions, and the number pad was added so numbers were easier to input.

Since keyboarders and typists are primarily right-handed, the number pad was placed on the right side. Unfortunately for left-handed entrants, there was a learning curve that led to slower inputs due to the additional movement.

When the computer was released, the keyboard has stayed virtually the same in the terms of design, and the number pad remained on the right side.

Evoluent set out to change the game and make data entry easier for left-handed users. I am not a left-handed typist, but my mother is, so I asked her for some of her opinions on the keyboard. She used it for about two weeks.

READ MORE: Keychron’s new keyboard is small but still fits a numpad

The Evoluent reduced-reach keyboard doesn’t look or feel different from other typical keyboards, besides the obvious number pad placement reversal. The keyboard is made out of plastic which creates a cheap feel, but it works all the same.

Evoluent tried to give the keyboard a stylish look with an extended front lip created out of chrome with their logo. It gives it a nice look, but overall there isn’t anything that stands out. It just looks like a keyboard with the number pad on the left-hand side.

I had a difficult time using this keyboard for the first several days. My brain has been programmed to use my right hand for the number pad, and because of that, the whole keyboard felt off. I kept missing letters and numbers.

READ MORE: Review: Cooler Master CK721

Inputting numerical data was a task. My muscle memory tried to take over, and my left hand wasn’t complying. I am 26 years old and have been using computers since I was in the single digits. I can’t erase over 20 years of muscle memory. However, my mother had a different story.

My mother is a left-hand dominate person who writes, eats, cleans, and does everything else with her dominant hand. She has had issues using the number pad as it is on the right-hand side for years. I thought this keyboard would be a good “experiment” for her.

It took her about two work days to get used to the keyboard. She explained how her hand naturally wanted to go to the right side for numbers, but her left hand felt comfortable. My mother explained that at the end of the two weeks she was used to the keyboard, but she went right back to using her regular keyboard with the number pad on the right side.

With my mother having the same amount of experience as I did, when it comes to years spent on computers, muscle memory took over. It’s very difficult to get rid of over 20 years of muscle and brain training.

The keyboard overall is responsive and works great while the keys aren’t as loud as mechanical keyboards. You can get used to the layout, but be prepared for a learning curve. It isn’t a learning curve like when you get a new mouse or keyboard, it’s a whole positional shift.

With your number pad being on the left, your mouse will naturally be closer to your keyboard. Your elbows will straighten out, which isn’t a bad thing. It all depends on the user and how well you can adapt to the change. Personally, I couldn’t.

Overall I felt that this keyboard would be better suited for introductory students who are left-handed. Having years of muscle memory programmed was too much of a hurdle for me to jump over.

The other issue I had, which was a completely personal preference, was the lack of “clicks” when I pressed the keys. As a writer who has used mechanical keyboards for years, the key presses felt too soft. The keys did register, which is a good thing, but I think I am too set in my ways.

If you are interested in the Evoluent reduced reach keyboard, you can purchase one here on Amazon or via the company’s website for $59.99.

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: UGREEN HiTune X6 Noise Cancelling Earbuds – almost everything you want under $40
• Review: TRNDlabs FADER drone – a terrific little drone that has one glaring weakness
• Review: EPOS H3Pro Hybrid – a solid, yet pricey headset with ANC
• Review: TempSpace standing desk – a solid value at $300

A sample unit was provided to KnowTechie for the purpose of this review

The post Review: Evoluent reduced reach right-hand keyboard appeared first on KnowTechie.

There are a few accessories you can purchase that can truly enhance your mobile gaming experience, and possibly unlock a new passion. With tons of free-to-play games available and mobile gaming services like Apple Arcade and Google Play Pass, the possibilities could be endless. Take a look through this list to help turn your Android device from zero to a hero.

Here are the best Android gaming accessories money can buy right now

Razer Raiju Mobile Gaming Controller w/ Phone Mount

Image: KnowTechie

The Razer Raiju is the most expensive item on this list, but you can’t get a better Android gaming controller than this one. For $150 you get a configurable mobile controller with hair triggers, perfect for shooters like PUBG and CoD: Mobile.

Connect the controller right to your mobile device for easy app control, allowing you to program each individual button, controller vibration, and more. The Raiju can also be used on the PlayStation 4 as well, so you aren’t only stuck on mobile.

BEBONCOOL Android Wireless Game Controller

Image: KnowTechie

This controller turns your phone into a monitor while the Bluetooth controller includes two analog sticks, bumpers, triggers, and two back paddles. I found that this worked great for games like Fortnite since I can’t build just using touch-inputs on my phone’s screen.

8Bitdo SN30 Pro Wireless Bluetooth Controller

Image: KnowTechie

Sometimes players enjoy hanging on to a bit of nostalgia, and this SNES-themed Bluetooth controller would be perfect for fans of the classic controller on modern-day technology. Enjoying simple games like Tetris or side-scrollers are best with the SN30. I enjoyed using this controller while playing Dr. Mario World.

GameSir F1 Grip Game Controller

Image: KnowTechie

If you are looking for a simple grip that helps alieve the annoyance of holding a mobile phone horizontal, this attachment will help make gaming comfortable for cheap. The F1 also comes with a detachable analog stick that is great for games like Mario Kart Tour.

GameSir F2 Trigger Grip Game Controller

Image: KnowTechie

The only difference between this grip and the F1 is that the F2 comes with dual triggers. The transparent triggers assure that your view will never be blocked. We recommend the F2 for mobile shooters like CoD: Mobile, PUBG: Mobile, or Fortnite.

Alleeco Deep Base USB-C Earbuds

Image: KnowTechie

If you have a newer Android, you will have to use a USB-C or Bluetooth headset. Instead of an over-the-ear option, these earbuds are great for mobile, lightweight gaming. There is an in-line mic and volume settings so you can communicate with your teammates.

HyperX Cloud Stinger Gaming Headset

Image: KnowTechie

Instead of going for the lighter option, the HyperX Cloud Stinger is an excellent option for a more heavy-duty mobile gaming experience. I found that an actual headset is better for games like Fortnite and PUBG: Mobile due to using environmental and background audio cues to detect enemies.

A pair of earbuds may not reward you with clear audio like the HyperX Cloud Stinger offers, for example. Read our review of it here.

Samsung 128GB Micro SD card

Image: KnowTechie

Some mobile games can exceed 30GB, so storage space on your Android device might be tight. For $20, you will be able to store tons of games, clips, and more without worrying about running into any issues.

Samsung Micro SD Card 256GB

Image: KnowTechie

Double the size of the 128GB for only $5!

Mobile Game Controller Grip w/ Rear Fan

Gaming for an extended period of time can potentially overheat some devices, but this $25 adapter includes a rear fan to help avoid any issues. I use this grip for when I am playing CoD: Mobile to help cool down my phone.

SteelSeries Nimbus Bluetooth Controller

Image: KnowTechie

This controller is a cheaper option than the Razer Raiju, but definitely a great Bluetooth controller for mobile gaming. The difference between the Raiju and the Nimbus is that SteelSeries’ option does not allow players to program each button. If you aren’t looking for a fully customizable controller and are looking for something simple, then go with the Nimbus.

USB Type C 6-Foot Cable

Image: KnowTechie

Just to make sure you never run out of battery power, this six-foot braided cable will make sure you can game as long as you’d like. Plus, not to mention, you can never have too many of these.

AUKEY USB-C 90-Degree Braided Cable

Image: KnowTechie

Some Android phone cases or accessories can get in the way of your phone’s charging port, but this 90-degree cable might be able to solve that problem. AUKEY made sure to put rubber around the joints to avoid any breaking or snapping of cables. I also found it much more comfortable to play games with a 90-degree cable since a typical cable would cause discomfort after holding my phone horizontal for longer than 20 minutes.

Anker Portable Power Bank 20100mAh

Image: KnowTechie

If you are gaming on the go with your Android device, a power bank would be a great option to prolong your battery. I used to carry this bank around with me when I played games like Ingress, where I knew I wouldn’t have access to an outlet for hours. And not to mention, these come in clutch for other uses outside of gaming. The name of the game here is keeping your smartphone charged at all times. This sucker will do that for you.

Halo Bolt 58830mAh Charger

Image: KnowTechie

This bad boy will make sure your phone is charged, and can even charge laptops through the AC adapter. If you are one of those gamers who has multiple phones for games like Pokemon: Go, the Halo Bolt should be a drop in the bucket.

Editors’ Recommendations:

• Nintendo’s mobile game monetization sucks way more than you realized
• The Nintendo Switch has now sold over 15 million units in North America alone
• Call of Duty: Modern Warfare is skipping the loot boxes and going straight for the battle pass
• Analogue just released the best handheld gaming console since the Game Boy

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

The post The best Android gaming accessories you can buy right now appeared first on KnowTechie.

While the system continues to thrive, there are some accessories that Switch owners can purchase to provide more longevity, comfort, and protection. The best part is that the majority of these accessories are quite cost-efficient and won’t drain your bank. Here are the top 15 Nintendo Switch accessories you can buy right now!

Nintendo Switch Pro Controller

Image: KnowTechie

The Pro Controller is one of the best purchases I have ever made for my Nintendo Switch. While it is a bit expensive, the controller allows players to simply share clips and pictures with a click of a button. I also found that it was a lot easier to play games like Rocket League and Super Mario Odyssey with the Pro Controller.

Price: $62 | Amazon

Nintendo Joy-Con Wheel (Set of 2)

Image: KnowTechie

Racing games are incredibly popular amongst Nintendo fans, especially with Mario Kart 8 Deluxe. For around $6 a wheel, you and a friend can play together by simply snapping a Joy-Con into the plastic steering wheel.

Price: $13 | Amazon

Nintendo Switch Wired LAN Adapter

Image: KnowTechie

Some Switch owners enjoy gaming on the best internet connection possible, which is important for games like Fortnite or Super Smash Bros. This adapter takes up one USB input through the Switch’s charging dock and will allow owners to directly access a wired LAN connection.

Price: $28 | Amazon

HyperX Cloud Gaming Earbuds with Microphone

Image: KnowTechie

Gaming on the go can be difficult when you don’t have a pair of earbuds or headphones to ear the game’s audio. HyperX has one of the best pairs of gaming earbuds on the market, along with a fairly decent in-line microphone to allow players to chat with each other. You can also use the Cloud earbuds across different consoles, PC, and mobile.

Price: $40 | Amazon

Samsung 64GB MicroSD

Image: KnowTechie

Major AAA games on the Switch can take up tons of storage space from the Switch’s standard 32 GB internal storage, with most of that being used for the operating system. Samsung’s 64 GB MicroSD is one the cheapest across Amazon while having over 20,000 positive reviews.

Price: $12 | Amazon

SanDisk 128GB MicroSD

Image: KnowTechie

If you need more space than 64 GB, then for only $8 more you can double the space. If Samsung isn’t your cup of tea, SanDisk is your next best bet. SanDisk is considered one of the best manufacturers for internal storage, so they are definitely a safe bet. And they even have official Nintendo-licensed microSD cards specifically for the Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch Lite.

Price: $20 | Amazon

Nintendo Switch Tempered Glass Screen Protector (2-Pack)

Image: KnowTechie

Having a cracked or scratched screen is every Nintendo Switch user’s worst nightmare. For less than $10, you can get two tempered glass screen protectors to avoid any cosmetic damage. The best part is that there is an extra protector in case you mess up aligning the cover!

Price: $9 | Amazon

Nintendo Switch Black Protective Carry Travel Case

Image: KnowTechie

This carrying case for the Nintendo Switch is a top seller on Amazon for several reasons. One of them is that for only $12, you can store your Switch, two Joy-Con sets, a charging cable, and eight games!  There is also a flap of fabric that is specifically placed to provide an extra layer of protection for the Switch’s screen.

Price: $12 | Amazon

Nintendo Switch Fiber-Tipped Stylus Pen

Image: KnowTechie

Some games on the Nintendo Switch require an accurate touch, like Super Mario Maker 2. This stylus will allow players to be much more precise with their selections rather than a finger. Users can also use the stylus on their mobile devices. We love accessories that can be used across multiple devices!

Price: $12 | Amazon

Nintendo Switch Joy-Con Portable Grips

Image: KnowTechie

While the Joy-Cons are incredibly functional on their own, using them for an extended period of time could lead to hand cramping. With these non-slip rubber grips, the Joy-Cons will feel much more natural. Each pack comes with two and there are color options ranging from bright pink to neon green to fit anybody’s personality.

Price: $13 | Amazon

Nintendo Switch USB C Braided Charge Cable

Image: KnowTechie

Switch owners who want to charge on the go do not have to use the docking station. A standard USB-C cable will do the job, but this braided cable will add another layer of protection. I’ve accidentally run over this cable with a vacuum and the braiding was able to protect the internal wires safely.

There are options for a 3 or 6-foot cable, but the 3-foot option is what we recommend for travel charging.

Price: $10 | Amazon

HORI Compact Playstand for Nintendo Switch

Image: KnowTechie

This officially licensed product by Nintendo allows players to play with their Switch while it is safely secured in an adjustable-angle stand. There are also rubberized grips on the bottom to avoid any unwanted movement.

Price: $13 | Amazon

Heavy Duty Protective Grip Case for Nintendo Switch

Image: KnowTechie

We know this case is a bit pricey, but hear us out. If there are any parents out there who are fearful of allowing their child to use a Nintendo Switch, then this is a must-have. The entire case is full of thick, rubber padding to avoid any painful drops. Keep in mind that this case is best used when the Joy-Cons are attached.

Price: $20 | Amazon

Anti-Scratch and Shock Absorption Case for Nintendo Switch

Image: KnowTechie

If you are looking for a low-profile protective case for the Nintendo Switch, then we recommend this one. There are also vent holes in the back for air circulation as well as a cut out for the Nintendo Switch kickstand.

Price: $17 | Amazon

Nintendo Switch Car Headrest Mount

Image: KnowTechie

Traveling can be a pain with children, but this headrest mount might make that family vacation trip a bit easier. With a few velcro straps, passengers can comfortably sit back and enjoy their Switch without holding it directly in their hands. As a plus, this mount also works with select tablets, like the iPad.

Price: $19 | Amazon

There’s a lot here, we know. But no matter if you are playing from the comfort from your home or on the go, these accessories will certainly add another level of entertainment to the Nintendo Switch.

Did we miss anything? Have anything you’d like to suggest to the list? Let us know down below in the comments or carry the discussion over to our Twitter or Facebook.

Editors’ Recommendations:

• The new Nintendo Switch Lite also suffers from Joy-Con drift so that’s cool
• Nintendo is finally adding SNES games for Nintendo Switch Online subscribers – 20 of them, actually
• This case for the Nintendo Switch Lite is exactly what the console needs
• Review roundup: Nintendo Switch Lite – out with the thicc, in the with thin

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

The post The best Nintendo Switch accessories you can buy right now appeared first on KnowTechie.

Roccat has been one of my favorite peripheral companies this year due to their unique designs and functionality. Recently, the German company released the Khan Aimo, Roccat’s latest RGB headset. Paired with Roccat’s ecosystem of products, referred to as the Swarm, your office will be sprinkled in a light show of RBG disco colors.

Roccat’s Khan Aimo promises high definition audio that will blow your normal headphones out of the water. It should be noted that a 24-bit/96KHz audio source is required to reach the maximum potential of the headset. The left ear cup has a mic-arm that clicks down into place and clicks up to mute the mic, a great feature for when you’re trying to inhale some chips between rounds. The microphone doesn’t offer the best quality, but it is better than no mic at all. If you have played online with your buddies, you know how crucial microphone communication is and the headset does the job, but could definitely be better.

The left ear cup also has a thick, braided wire attached that is around 4 meters long. The Khan Aimo is powered by USB, which could be a problem for some users. Personally, I prefer a 3.5mm based product so I can listen with my mobile device as well, but it really depends on your planned use.

Image: KnowTechie

The right ear cup holds the volume rocker, and admittedly, it can be a bit difficult to locate. With the rocker being next to the 7.1/2.0 sound switch, it can be confusing when you’re thumbing your way up the controls. It is easy to accidentally hit the switches instead of the rocker, which can be immediately distracting, especially when gaming. In the middle of a match of Fortnite, I went to lower my audio and instead I hit the sound switch. It was noticeable enough for me to take my hands off my controller, causing me to die a glorious death midmatch. It eventually became easier, but I feel that it’s an unnecessary design flaw that should have been picked up during testing and design.

Image: KnowTechie

The ear cup’s memory foam material felt comfortable and light on my head, never feeling like it was slowly crushing my skull. It was especially nice that the Khan Aimo didn’t press against my glasses. I have often found in other headsets that the ear cup would press against my glasses and create a headache, but this was not an issue with these.

At the $120 price point, Roccat is rivaling other headset companies like SteelSeries and Logitech for a midrange, quality headset. It is not a stretch to say that you would be hardpressed to find similar quality in this price range. As a fan of Roccat, the Khan Aimo did not disappoint. Sure, there were some flaws, but for $120, I can certainly deal with the issues.

A review sample was provided to KnowTechie for this review.

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Image: PikMobile

PikMobile is a patented, ad-free social media publishing app that allows creators to build a fan base while growing social interactions. PikMobile allows creators to create a subscription-based service for fans and other users. People who enjoy PikMobile as a user, not a content creator, can sign up for a monthly subscription to their favorite athletes, celebrities, foundations, and creative content personalities. Normally, as a content creator, you would post content on Twitter, Instagram, Snapchat, or all three throughout the week. As a content creator, you would not see any revenue with this unless there is an underlying brand deal or advertisement. With Pikmobile, you can turn those posts into money to go into your brand by creating a fanbase directly on the app.

Fans can support your social presence in multiple ways, but it is up to you to decide the price model. Basically, you’re going to want to see what works best for your style and content. There are three different options. For one, fans can purchase a subscription, series, or collection individually through your PikeMobile store. There are also options available for monthly subscriptions and complete single payment options. All have their benefits, but it really comes down to you.

Over the past 10 years, the internet has allowed for social media to thrive. It allows users to reach a new audience and create conversations that wouldn’t have been able to happen without the platform. If you are a social media user, turn those likes, comments, retweets, and any other social interaction into cash. Creators can upload behind-the-scenes clips, videos, podcasts, pictures and more to build a revenue stream off of content. With creators making a PikStore, people can offer a monthly subscription to access all of the content within an ad-free environment.

If you are interested in PikMobile’s service, check out their website and YouTube channel for information and walkthroughs to set up your profile.

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I was excited to jump into Rare’s Sea of Thieves. The demo reel shown at Microsoft’s 2017 E3 conference excited me. It truly looked like it would be the perfect game to play with friends while experiencing the pirate life I never got to live. I saw numerous Twitch streamers playing the game, and it seemed like the reception was a good one. That was until I got my hands on the actual game.

Sea of Thieves is a multiplayer-based online game that drops players straight into a life filled with hunting treasure, skeleton monsters, and ships scattered throughout the sea. With the game being multiplayer-based, like Destiny, there are always things to do in the world – but, not really, in the case of this game. With this in mind, players on Xbox One are required to have an Xbox Live subscription, and PC players are required to have an internet connection. Once players log into the servers, you are joined by your friends or random strangers where anything is possible.

Image: TheNextWeb

In a game that is always live and active, you would expect a lot to happen, right? I was left, more often than not, bored on the high seas. Sea of Thieves is not meant to be a solo game. There is a lot of traveling in Sea of Thieves, and without friends or people to talk to, it is boring as hell. As a pirate, it is your responsibility to take care of the ship’s sails, navigation, and leaks. When you are playing by yourself, all of these tasks can be overwhelming. With friends, all of these tasks turn into a peaceful, relaxing sail across the high seas.

Regardless of Sea of Thieves’ multiplayer reliability, the game is pretty basic. Searching around the world for treasure can seem daunting, but over time it turns repetitive. The first jolt of joy you have when you find the treasure and return it to your home base soon dwindles down to a grind. There are three main quests: search for treasure, fight skeletons, and deliver a payload. Instead of the exciting life of a pirate, you are living the boring life of rinse and repeat.

Image: Kotaku

There isn’t much of a progression system in Sea of Thieves, except for earning gold. Completing missions rewards players with gold, which can be used to buy items. These items can either be swords, pistols, outfits, ship sails and more, but all of these are cosmetic and do not affect gameplay at all. Cosmetic items can be influential to players in games like Destiny, mentioned before, but there isn’t really anything pulling players back. Players are already moving onto games like Far Cry 5 or stuck on Fortnite, like me. I am waiting for a game to suck me away from Fortnite, and nothing has been up to the task.

Microsoft is trying to push Sea of Thieves onto players, trying to pull back the market from Sony and Nintendo. The Xbox/PC platform has been missing the mark on games, especially first party from Microsoft, and they tried with Sea of Thieves. Microsoft is trying to market the game by offering it within their Xbox Game Pass service. With Xbox Game Pass, players can pay $10 a month to instantly access hundreds of titles digitally, with Sea of Thieves being one of them. I certainly wouldn’t pay $60 for Sea of Thieves, but $10 is easier to digest. If there was ever a time or circumstance where I would recommend Sea of Thieves, it would be because of Microsoft’s Xbox Game Pass service.

I enjoyed Sea of Thieves for the first couple of hours, then the experience wore off. There isn’t enough content to pull me back or away from other games. There are too many games within my backlog, and too many coming out. As an avid gamer I have to pick and choose which games I want to invest my time in, and unfortunately for Microsoft and Rare, Sea of Thieves was tossed aside.

A review code was supplied for the purpose of this article.

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Deadmau5 streamed the game which is in the early alpha stage. The gameplay he showed featured himself playing a team deathmatch mode. The game is rough, but it looks to be based on Call of Duty and Halo. The map featured a huge Deadmu5 head looking over the area. Must be nice to feature yourself in a game that you are designing. We can only dream, right?

mad early “alpha alpha” testing… but making great progress with the team. For now, consider it a pet project… give us a year at least. https://t.co/z63JrAC6UQ

— Goat lord (@deadmau5) April 16, 2018

Deadmau5 said on Twitter that fans should consider the game to be a “pet project” and to not expect anything for “at least a year.” He also went to Reddit to comment on a post within the “LivestreamFail” sub about the game.

“At present, we’re just setting up some basic mechanics, getting a space together where we can jam out in an arena of sorts and spitball ideas… once we’ve agreed on that and nailed in network code and sever delegation, we head down the “fun and original secondary objective” route. once that all gets dialed in, we head into art department and clean her up and carry on improving the funcitonality and playability.” – Joel Zimmerman, Deadmau5 via Reddit

There isn’t much information available about the first person shooter as he is asking for some time to work and focus on the project. I had no idea that Deadmau5 had aspirations to be a game developer, but I am excited to see what he has to offer. Regardless of how I feel about his music, it is always exciting to see another artist enter into the video game world. We should be welcoming other artists of different mediums to video games, not ridiculing them away.

The post It looks like Deadmau5 is developing a first-person shooter appeared first on KnowTechie.

Snap is adding new templates to Lens Studio, seven to be exact, which will allow users to create 2D and 3D lenses to share with followers and friends. In addition to the basic lenses already available, users will be able to unlock new filters created by Snapchat users, artists, and friends. Don’t expect a wave of new lenses each day. Snap will be rolling out new lenses through their Discover tab. Users will be able to swipe up to unlock the lens, or snapping a picture of an artist’s Snapcode for the lenses.

Image: SnapChat

Snap will also be debuting a new “Official Creator Program” for the best lens creators. Those who are accepted into the program will have their creations and lenses featured, along with support from Snap. It seems like the new program and Lens Studio upgrades are a way for Snap to drive more users and to ensure long-term use. Snapchat has been looking to make their presence known to influencers and celebrities as most of them seem to prefer Instagram.

Do you still use Snapchat? Will you make any lenses? Let us know down below if you still enjoy Snap’s platform!

The post Snapchat to aid selfie addiction with new user created selfie lenses appeared first on KnowTechie.

Image: The Verge

The new Xbox Live avatar system will let you fully customize your character with body types, clothing, and interactive props. The avatar editor will work on both Xbox One and Windows 10 systems.

“We built these from the ground-up, they’re being built in Unity which is a whole new engine. Avatars are meant for whatever you want your digital self to represent. We don’t want to put you in a box, there are no more checkboxes, no matter what you think you look like or what you want to present online.” -Bryan Saftler, Product manager at Xbox

The original E3 trailer claimed that there would be options for wheelchairs, amputees, skateboards, motorbikes, and more. The editor will allow users to fully customize their avatar’s face, hair, makeup, body, limbs, and options all the way down to fingernail options. All options will allow for color options. If you had a previous Xbox Live avatar, you will be able to import your old one into the new system. Of course, there will be a store to allow users to buy new items and outfits. As mentioned prior, the new system was built entirely using the Unity engine.

Xbox is going to put the new Xbox Live avatar feature on the Xbox One dashboard and will launch a new store that will be open to third-party developers. Microsoft is planning to preview and test the new avatars this month with testers. The new avatar system was planned to release in Fall of 2017, but numerous push backs delayed the launch. With testing time with developers, hopefully, the new system will be smooth and clean.

How do you feel about this? Excited to have avatars again?

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It isn’t surprising that other studios are jumping in on the fun, like Cliff Bleszinski’s Boss Key Studios’ Radical Heights. One of the major studios could be bringing a variation of the mode to one of the most popular gaming franchises in the world with the latest Call of Duty release.

Call of Duty: Black Ops 4 is rumored to be releasing a multiplayer mode that will include a battle royale, or a last man standing mode.

According to sources who spoke with Polygon and Kotaku, Call of Duty: Black Ops 4 will be the first Call of Duty to ship without a campaign. Call of Duty’s campaign has been a staple in the series for over 10 years. According to the two unnamed sources, Activision will be nixing the campaign for a battle royale mode.

“The sources, who asked for anonymity, said that as Black Ops 4’s release date approached, it became evident that development on the single-player campaign wouldn’t be completed. One source said Treyarch has since focused Black Ops 4’s development on expanding multiplayer and the series’ popular Zombies mode.” – Polygon

Call of Duty was created in 2003, and the campaigns were what originally boosted the series. With the boost of Xbox and PlayStation systems, Activision introduced cinematics, direct missions, and an overall first-person shooter experience that no other game offered at the time. Over time, Call of Duty evolved into a multiplayer-heavy game that brought out console esports.

Fans are expecting at least one “new” campaign this year. It has been speculated by Charlie Intel and Eurogamer that we will see a remastered version of Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2, which will release without the original multiplayer content. Call of Duty: Black Ops 4  is scheduled to hit shelves on October 12, 2018, on Xbox One, PlayStation 4, and PC. We expect more information to be announced on May 17 with the game’s official reveal, along with a spot within E3 2018 in June.

Call of Duty has been a big part of my life for years, but the past few releases have been disappointing, to say the least. The last Call of Duty I genuinely enjoyed was 2012’s Black Ops 3. Since then, I have been left with confusion and frustration. It has been a tradition of mine to sit and play through the entire single-player campaign before jumping online. Playing the single-player campaign first allowed me to learn and adjust to the game.

With the lack of a campaign, I feel that the game is missing a mass market. Even though multiplayer is the biggest selling point for gamers, I know several more who enjoy the campaign just as much.

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During the SEGA Fanfest 2018 event held by the company, SEGA revealed that the first Sonic the Hedgehog game will lead the “Ages” lineup.  But wait, there’s more! Sonic will be joined by Thunder Force 4, Phantasy Star, Alex Kidd in Miracle World, and Gain Ground. There will be a total of 15 games included in the line-up and it will be available as a digital download within the Nintendo Switch eShop. The games will be available in Japan, North America, and Europe later this summer. There is no word on how much it will cost, yet.

Gaming fans will be enthralled to know that Studio M2, the development studio involved with several SEGA re-releases, is behind the line-up of ports. M2 is the studio behind the ported re-releases of “3D Classics” that released last year on the Nintendo 3DS. If any company is familiar with Nintendo’s consoles and ports, it is Studio M2. New additions will be added to the retro revivals, as well. Studio M2 will be implementing new features like a Mega Play arcade version of Sonic the Hedgehog, along with Phantasy Star receiving a new difficulty.

Nintendo has been noticeably slacking on a Nintendo Switch Virtual Console release, so it seems companies are taking matters into their own hands. Capcom, SNK, and now SEGA are now seemingly focusing on retro re-releases. Who could pass up a round of gaming nostalgia?

Are you interested in the “SEGA Ages” line-up? Will you purchase the 15-game bundle? Let us know!

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The suspect was at a concert held by Hong Kong’s Jacky Cheung, and there were over 50,000 people in attendance. AO drove 80 kilometers from Zhangshu to Nanchang for the event and was relying on the cover of the massive crowd. That was a massive mistake. AO was wanted by police in Zhangshu for involvement in an economic case. It wasn’t described what the case was or what it was related to.

“Obviously, Ao did not expect to be found among thousands of other people. He told the police that he drove some 80 kilometers from Zhangshu to Nanchang for the concert and was astounded when the police arrested him.” – ECNS.cn

The capital of east China’s Jiangxi Province captured AO, recently added facial recognition cameras. Because of the concert venue’s security cameras, the system noticed and alerted authorities at the beginning of the concert. The country is not unfamiliar to these cameras, and they don’t only track criminals. The security software has been implemented within cameras, public security, and smartphones. The smart system that is often used throughout China can check 266 people per hour, which is about 100 more than traditional systems. The central railway station in Zhengzhou equips police with “smart glasses” to locate criminals within the countries criminal database.

How do you feel about being on surveillance? Do you feel comfortable? Do you feel that your rights are being violated? Personally, I do not care as I have nothing to hide, but I’d like to know your thoughts!

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Attorneys in Texas and California announced that the website entered a guilty plea for charges of human trafficking in Texas. On the other side, Ferrer pleaded guilty to conspiracy and three counts of money laundering in California. Several corporate companies that were tied to the site entered guilty pleas to money laundering. If you are interested, you can read all of the unsealed documents here courtesy of the Justice Department.

Within the unsealed documents, including the 93-count federal indictment, it broke down and explained how Backpage operated. Specifically, the Justice Department detailed how Backpage ran illicit sex-based ads, which often revolved around sex workers, child sex workers, and human trafficking.

From Attorney General, Jeff Sessions,

“For far too long, Backpage.com existed as the dominant marketplace for illicit commercial sex, a place where sex traffickers frequently advertised children and adults alike. But this stops right now.”

Part of his guilty plea requires Ferrer to serve a maximum of five years behind bars, and surrender site data and the URLs connected to back page. Ferrer has also agreed to work with authorities against Backpage, including Backpage co-founders Michael Lacey and James Larkin. Due to Ferrer’s corporation, Lacey and Larkin were indicted on April 9. Ferrer has admitted to authorities that the majority of the websites advertisements were for sex services. Once credit card companies and banks refused to work with the website, Ferrer worked with others to launder the website’s proceeds. This is incredibly illegal, and now the website is paying the price.

Backpage was considered to be the one of the internet’s hottest website for prostitution, child prostitution, and sex of any kind. I’m sure frequent Backpage users will find another platform to advertise one, but for now, there is one less site to worry about.

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One of the cheapest live TV streaming providers is making it’s way to two of the most popular streaming devices available, however. Philo, one of the most basic and cost-effective choices, is landing on Apple TV and Amazon Fire TV later this summer.

If you enjoy live television, but only want a few channels, then this might be a great option for you. The service does not offer news or sports, which means they can offer significantly lower prices packages. Philo’s basic package includes 37 channels like Animal Planet, HGTV, MTV, Nick, and more for $16. For $4 more a month, you can bump up to 46 channels. One of the best features of Philo is that you can watch on up to three devices at once. You do not need to worry about contracts, and you can cancel at any time. With this streaming service, you can watch live TV without being caught in a provider contract or device rental agreement.

Last November Philo arrived on Roku, iOS, and browsers for a wider audience base. Apple TV and Amazon Fire TV are two of the most popular streaming devices available, so even more viewers will be reached to extend Philo’s audience base. According to CNET, the company is planning to unlock their streaming app for each included TV network. Unlocking channels will eliminate the paywall that some apps hide behind within Philo. CEO Andrew McCollum stated last week that an Android app is next on their development roadmap.

Philo may not be the most versatile platform or offer the most channels, but it is a great live TV streaming service. If you do not care about the local news or sports, then the budget streaming service is a great fit. Philo’s $14 and $20 price point is right on par with streaming platforms like Spotify and Netflix. If you are interested in trying out Philo, they also offer a free 7 day trial period. You can sign up right on their website. I tried the service, and personally, I felt that it was a great offering for a customer with basic live TV needs.

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The National Security Council cybersecurity coordinator Rob Joyce stated that the targets were within homes and offices, firewalls, switches, critical infrastructure, and private companies. The Russian hackers would scan across the internet for routers and devices for vulnerabilities. If a device could be affected, an alert would pop up and inform the hacker about the make and model of open routers.

From Rob Joyce, National Security Council cybersecurity coordinator,

“We have high confidence Russia has carried out a coordinated campaign to gain access to enterprise, small office/home office routers known as SOHO routers, and residential routers, and the switches and connectors worldwide.”

A technical alert was pushed after the call and stated that Russian hackers were behind the attack, and they took advantage of outdated devices along with routers with weak defenses. Those outdated devices included routers and devices that had a default or no password and devices that were no longer supported. The DHS said that they have seen Russian activity scan for vulnerabilities within the past two years, but there is no way to tell how many devices were affected or attacked. Cyber attacks that are state-sponsored are a massive concern, as hackers often use vulnerabilities to tamper with elections, businesses, and power grids.

Consumers can protect themselves against hacks and attacks like this by keeping their devices updated and password protected. The technical alert recommends users to change any default passwords, and to use different passwords across different devices. If you have a device that is outdated or no longer supported, the DHS recommends that you replace it.

It seems like every week users are being alerted about a new hack or intrusion around the world. I haven’t even recovered from the Facebook data reveal. Please, if you do not want to be affected, change your password and make sure your device is still supported. If you are not sure about your device, check out the manufacturer website for updates. If you are not sure how to update your device, each website usually has a frequently asked section.

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Images were leaked through Imgur and The Verge, with both showing what the new design will look like. At this time, it doesn’t seem like the new design is drastically different, but instead includes a large amount of “quality of life” improvements, streamlining the experience for users. It looks like Google is following the crowd and taking advantage of the Material Design philosophy that Android currently uses. The new design features new icons along with a flatter, bolder layout. Overall, it seems like Google is trying to simplify the layout for easier navigation.

Image: The Verge

The new design will feature three layout options: default, comfort, and compact. The default layout highlights details and attachments, comfort keeps highlights hidden, and compact is comparable to the current Gmail design. On the bottom of your email with the new design, there will also be “smart replies.” Smart replies offer suggestions for quick one-line replies within emails. There is also an option to have your sidebar on the opposite side of your email, which will allow users to use Google Keep or Google Calendar on the Gmail platform. Google has been trying to implement their entire ecosystem for some time now, and this design is a good step in the right direction for Gmail users. With the new design, the process of using Google Calander and Gmail together is simple.

Image: The Verge

The Verge claims that the new Gmail design is being worked on internally at Google, along with a small group of outsiders/testers. Google already pushed a huge update for Google Calander last October, so it makes sense that they are looking to redesign their other apps.

Questions still remain on what this will mean for Google Inbox and if that is no longer a priority.

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Rockstar told Kotaku UK that they will be losing the rights to some of the in-game songs that are featured in GTA IV. A Rockstar developer said that “due to music licensing restrictions, we are required to remove certain songs from the in-game soundtrack.” This includes most of the Russian pop station, Vladivostok FM. There are almost 30 songs on the in-game Russian music station.

This is not the first time Rockstar has removed songs from their games, but this is the first time they have gone out of their way to announce it to players of the series before the change. In Vice City, the game was actually removed from Steam for a short time due to copyright issues over a Michael Jackson song. GTA: San Andreas also fell victim to song usage and a quiet patch was rolled out to users, many of which not realizing what the patch was actually doing. Surprisingly enough, both of patches came about around the 10-year marks for both games.

Rockstar did not state if they are removing all songs from the Russian station, or if it will affect other stations. The music will be removed from the game on April 26, but Rockstar will be updating the lost songs with new ones. Rockstar is quoted as saying, “we are replacing some of those songs with a new set of songs on that station.”

Personally, when I play GTA, I have my own playlist in the background. I know players enjoy the in-game radio so I am curious about your thoughts. Does anyone still play GTA IV or is everyone on GTA V now? Do you listen to the in-game radio or do you mute it? Let me know!

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According to Loup Ventures co-founder, Gene Munster, he is expecting Apple to sell around 7 million HomePods within its first year, and 11 million in total in 2019. 11 million units sound like a solid number, but not when compared to predictions of 2019 sales of Amazon’s Echo. These numbers could reach as high as 39 million in 2019, says Munster, with 29 million units sold being projected for this year. The other main competitor within the smart speaker industry, Google Home, is slated to sell 18 million this year, with projections showing upwards of 32 million in 2019.

It is no surprise that Apple hasn’t been going well with their HomePod, as it noticeably lacks against both Amazon’s Alexa and Google’s Assistant over Siri. An independent study was conducted to show how Siri lacks in comparison to Google Assistant when approached with a variety of questions. In addition, the HomePod cannot even play third-party music or support multi-room audio. For $350, the HomePod merely is not worth it when you look at the other options on the market.

Obviously, some people will still be purchasing the HomePod, as it is yet another way to bolster your Apple ecosystem, but if you’re not married to that idea, it might be best to hold off at present.

If you are interested in purchasing a smart speaker, you will be better off looking at Google or Amazon’s options. There is no point in buying into Apple’s product when you can buy a better product for a fraction of the price. Maybe with some time to research and develop a better product, Apple can come out with a better smart speaker with their branding. However, as it stands now, Apple missed the mark by miles.

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Google Photos can now turn your favorite pictures of your pet into a photo book. Who doesn’t take a ton of pictures of their pets? All you have to do is select the images you want, and then select if you want your book to be in hardback or soft cover. It’s a neat feature for the pet-obsessed!

Photo: NDTV Gadgets

The next feature is for Google Lens, Google’s A.I. photo-analyzing tool that can identify specific items and objects. With the new update, people who snap pictures of their dog or cat will get an alert that describes the breed of the animal along with some facts. To pull up Google Lens, which is available for most Android and iPhone devices, select the image in Google Photos, and then tap the Lens icon on the bottom of your screen. It’s simple and easy to use, and almost anybody can use it.

The last feature, and probably the most over-the-top suggestion I have ever seen, comes from Bohl herself.

“If your pet is ready for a big screen debut, open your Google Photos app, go to the Assistant tab, and click on the movie button. Then, if available, choose the Meow Movie or Doggie Movie option, select your pet, and we’ll compile the best photos of your four-legged pal into a movie, set to pet-themed music.” – Kristi Bohl, Google Photos product manager.

Despite the horrible puns and cringy suggestions, it is an interesting feature to look into. Google Photos is entirely free along with the pet upgrades that were pushed this week.

Will you enjoy the new pet-tastic features? Have you already experienced the new filters and options? Let us know down below and share any pictures you have taken!

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