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| Ars Technica - 29 Jun (Ars Technica)Living cells isolated from juvenile foreskin are flexible enough to grin when moved. Read...Newslink ©2024 to Ars Technica | ![](/n.gif) |
| ![](/n.gif) | | PC World - 29 Jun (PC World)If you’re dealing with the aches and pains from sitting in an old office chair and are looking to replace it with a new one, you’ve come to the right place. Staples is currently selling the Hyken Ergonomic Mesh Swivel Task Chair for just $90 with the coupon code 94171 (it shaves off an additional $10), plus free shipping. This specific chair is the chair of choice among Reddit’s chair nerd hivemind at r/buildapc, so you know it has serious staying power.
Plus, I happen to own this exact chair model and can confidently vouch its comfort and ergonomics. I’ve been using it for years at this point! Back pain? Sore shoulder? Never heard of them.
Looking for more desk accessories? Check out real PC enthusiasts swear these 24 desk accessories changed their life.
The Union & Scale chair features a mesh back and seat, a swivel-tilt mechanism, and a tension knob that allows you to change the resistance for easy reclining. It’s capable of holding up to 276 pounds and it will require assembly. According to the Reddit wizards (aka commenters), this chair has a good mix of support and comfort, especially if you plan on sitting in it for a long time. I spend an embarrassing amount of time at my desktop computer and rarely do I feel any aches and pains from this chair. If I do feel pain, it’s usually my own doing, as I sit like a pretzel on occasion.
This is an awesome deal, so don’t sleep on it. Get it now before the chance to grab Reddit’s favorite desk chair for a pittance disappears.
Get the Union & Scale Mesh Swivel Task Chair for $90 at Staples
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| ![](/n.gif) | | PC World - 29 Jun (PC World)The Steam Summer Sale is in full swing, and there are deals to be had everywhere you look. But most of them—especially the more popular and more recent games—only have modest discounts at best. I’ve picked out some of my favorites that have the biggest savings.
In no particular order, here are the best Steam Summer Sale deals on the games I personally love and think everyone should check out. Fill up your Steam backlog at a steep discount right now!
1. Fallout 76 — $9.99 (75% off)
Fallout is all the rage at the moment thanks to the Amazon series, but sadly it’s been years since the last mainline game—and it’ll be years more before a new one comes out.
Take this opportunity to get Fallout 76 at a huge discount and dive into the rich lore of this post-apocalyptic world, presented as a prequel to every other Fallout game. The rest of the series is deeply discounted as well, including fan-favorite Fallout: New Vegas.
2. Horizon: Zero Dawn Complete Edition — $12.49 (75% off)
This is one of my all-time favorite games, and the PC version of Horizon: Zero Dawn—with its more precise controls and even prettier graphics—is the best way to experience it.
This package includes the original open-world, robo-dino-hunting game and the excellent Frozen Wilds DLC at an amazing price. If you enjoy this one, you’ll want to move on to the sequel Horizon: Forbidden West… if your PC can handle it.
3. Tunic — $14.99 (50% off)
Tunic is a top-down, Zelda-inspired action-RPG that’s absolutely adorable, animating like a series of kids’ toys come to life. But don’t let the cutesy graphics fool you. With its expansive setting and punishing combat, there’s more than a little Dark Souls flavor to this comely adventure.
4. Disco Elysium: The Final Cut — $3.99 (90% off)
If you want to sink your teeth into a narrative-heavy RPG, you’ll find none deeper than Disco Elysium, which became an instant classic upon release.
Its stunningly original world and neo-noir trappings will suck you in, even as you acquaint yourself with its original take on role-playing and exploration. Make sure you have plenty of free time before you start, as this game will devour it.
5. Middle Earth: Shadow of Mordor + Shadow of War — $6.99 (90% off)
These games are a bit old now, but they combine Tolkien’s Lord of the Rings setting (albeit a sort of fanfiction version) with the excellent combat of the Batman Arkham games.
Even better, the legendary Nemesis system always gives you dynamic and interesting orcs to fight (and eventually recruit to your own army). Start with Shadow of Mordor, then move on to Shadow of War—this bundle makes them an incredible bargain.
6. Civilization VI — $2.99 (95% off)
What can I say about Civilization VI that hasn’t already been said? Nothing, that’s what. If you have any love for the classics of turn-based empire building, or if you’re just curious to see what all the fuss is about, there’s never been a better time to pick it up.
7. Doom (2016) — $3.99 (80% off)
Doom‘s reimagined reboot from nearly ten years ago arguably kicked off the modern boom of boomer shooters, and it’s easy to see why.
An incredible blend of classic and modern elements makes this a demon-punching joy from start to finish, with super-fast movement, satisfying shooting, and fantastic levels. Play Doom (the slightly less old one) for a taste of a nearly perfect shooter.
8. Dead Cells — $12.49 (50% off)
You got your roguelike in my Metroidvania! Dead Cells is one of those rare indie games that nails just about everything it sets out to do, from its colorful pixel art to its smooth-as-butter platforming to its punishing-yet-satisfying combat.
If you’re looking for a challenge and you’re strung out on 3D soulslikes, give this one a go. It’s an absolute winner.
9. Slay the Spire — $8.49 (66% off)
The one that popularized today’s deluge of digital deck-building games, Slay the Spire mixes simple mechanics and deep strategy with a hearty dose of randomness for maximum engagement.
After a few runs, you’ll start to seek out the card combos and battle techniques that can make the difference between a flub and an epic run. Warning: this one can be seriously addictive!
10. Warhammer 40,000: Boltgun — $14.29 (35% off)
The grimdark future of Warhammer 40K and the pixelated perversity of boomer shooters make for a perfect combination, and Warhammer 40,000: Boltgun proves it.
Step into the chunky size-18 boots of a legendary space marine and rid a beleaguered planet of its demonic infestation. Come for the breathless, non-stop shooting—even if your PC can’t handle the newer Doom games—and stay for the deep lore.
11. Yakuza: Like a Dragon — $11.99 (80% off)
The Yakuza series is legendary for its alternately serious and wacky atmosphere, but its usual beat-em-up combat doesn’t appeal to everyone. If you prefer your role-playing games with turn-based combat, this more recent entry should be more your style.
The surrealist setup of Yakuza: Like a Dragon makes everything wackier in a way that’s charmingly anime, and the new protagonist means you don’t need to have played any of the other Yakuza games to dig in.
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| ![](/n.gif) | | PC World - 29 Jun (PC World)At a glanceExpert`s Rating
ProsClean, simple interfaceEssential protection against malwareLower impact on PC system resourcesConsLess participation in testing performed by independent security organizationsExtremely light on featuresOur VerdictMalwarebytes Premium Security offers a simple, easy-to-use alternative to Windows Security—but don’t expect big bang for your buck. Seasoned security vets may also find the lower amount of available independent performance test results offputting.
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Malwarebytes was once a crucial piece of software—a necessary supplement for your main antivirus scanner. You couldn’t always count on just one program to catch everything, and Malwarebytes rose to prominence as a reliable secondary tool.
But the world has changed since 2010. Now if you run multiple antivirus apps, you could open yourself up to software conflicts or increased risk for system vulnerabilities. One single program is the way to go—and if you’re a newbie to security and prefer a dead simple app, then Malwarebytes’ streamlined, elegant approach can fit the bill.
How much does Malwarebytes Premium Security cost?
As a simple suite, Malwarebytes Premium Security costs $60 per year. New subscribers can sign up for a two-year package to save $9 ($111 total). Unlike most other antivirus vendors, Malwarebytes bills in monthly installments over a 12-month term, rather than charging the total cost upfront.
For its consumer products, the company offers a 14-day trial, and a 60-day money back guarantee.
Single-device plan (3 devices)
$60 per year (billed monthly over a 12-month term)
Malwarebytes’ plan allows you to spread your device allotment over those running Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, and even ChromeOS.
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PCWorld
If you want to cover more gear, or save a little more cash, you can get licenses for Malwarebytes through third-parties like Amazon and the PCWorld Software store with more flexible terms and at lower rates. However, such plans currently don’t include VPN service, which Malwarebytes added to the subscriptions it sells directly.
What does Malwarebytes Premium Security include?
When you step up from Malwarebytes’ free version to a paid subscription, real-time monitoring for malware, email, web, and select network threats becomes active. (The free plan only scans if you initiate a manual check.) Overall, you’re protected against viruses, ransomware, and other malware, as well as other common attacks like phishing attempts, zero-day exploits on the web and over email, and suspicious apps.
Choosing Malwarebytes Premium Security adds on access to the company’s VPN, which Malwarebytes advertises as a no-log service. As premium upgrades go, this one is simplistic—you don’t get parental controls, a password manager, additional defenses like protected folders, or PC utilities, as you do with a rival like AVG. The company seems to weigh its VPN service as equally valuable to a collection of such antivirus features.
Key features of Malwarebytes Premium Security
Installation and user interface
After you install the app, you’ll see the main dashboard. The interface is incredibly streamlined, with just two tabs on the left navbar—Dashboard and Settings. You can choose between Light, Dark, or matching Windows’ mode.
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PCWorld
PCWorld
Accordingly, you’ll send almost all your time on the Dashboard view, which is divided into three segments. In the larger one, you’ll see a couple of sections blocked out. At the upper left is Security, with Scanner, Detection History, and Real-Time Protection as the three options and their settings:
Scanner lets you run a quick, full, or custom scan, as well as jump directly to related settings. You can also access the scheduled scans to review what’s already set up and create new ones.
Detection History shows quarantined items, the history of events (like detected viruses), and your allow list—items that you’ve approved as safe after initially being flagged by Malwarebytes.
Real-Time Protection is not so much a feature, but an explanation for how Malwarebytes and how it safeguards your PC continuously.
Directly underneath the security section is one for the VPN. It puts the major controls at your fingertips, letting you quickly activate the service and change the location. You can also jump into related settings.
Along the right side is a rating for your PC’s protection level—Malwarebyte’s assessment of how close you are to utilizing the app fully. You can also check on other devices associated with your account.
PCWorld
PCWorld
PCWorld
Generally, the interface is clean and simple, as are the settings for the app and its features. The only area where you can dig in deeper are the antivirus protection settings—but as Malwarebytes rightly warns, nearly all users are better off leaving the defaults as they are.
One tip: Once the software is installed, head to Settings > Notifications, scroll down to the bottom, and turn off marketing notifications.
Virus, malware, and threat protection
Real-time protection
Malwarebytes Premium Security constantly keeps an eye out for a variety of threats. When you’re opening or adding files, using apps, or browsing the web, it’ll block viruses, ransomware, and other malware like rootkits, along with phishing attempts.
Unlike other rivals, Malwarebytes doesn’t offer a firewall. That job is left to Windows. It also doesn’t offer additional protections against dangers like DNS hijacking and webcam takeovers. As for identity protection, like dark web monitoring and insurance coverage, you must upgrade to the company’s Complete Protection plan, which costs twice as much per year.
PCWorld
PCWorld
PCWorld
If you want to adjust your real-time scanning settings, you can change what the app screens for and how stringent it is with its filters, as well as how it handles suspicious files. Malwarebytes allows you dig surprisingly deep, though only experts should get into the weeds. The overwhelming majority of users should keep the defaults as they are.
Scheduled and manual scans
At installation, Malwarebytes Premium Security automatically creates a scheduled scan for once per week. It runs whenever your system is idle, which the app calls a “smart scan.” You can edit this default or create additional scheduled scans.
For manual scans, Malwarebytes offers three types. The default is a threat scan, which checks commonly targeted areas of your PC, including things running in memory and at startup, as well as registry changes. Files stored on your PC are also looked over.
PCWorld
PCWorld
PCWorld
To fire up a quick or custom scan, you must choose Advanced Scan from the three-dot menu for the Scanner on the dashboard. Custom scans let you tweak a handful of settings related to file types and areas of your PC, as well as how to handle potentially unwanted programs and modifications to your system.
Additional features
Browser extension
Malwarebytes offers a Browser Guard extension for Chrome, Firefox, and Edge, but despite being available as a separate free download, it’s still considered a component of the Premium Security suite. After installation, it runs quietly in the background, protecting your browser from malware and scams (including credit card skimming), as well as serving as an adblocker.
VPN
Malwarebytes keeps its controls for its VPN simple rather than restrictive. Firing up the service is quick and fast, as is choosing a location for a server—and Malwarebytes lets you choose a handful of cities within countries outside of the US, more similar to a dedicated VPN.
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PCWorld
PCWorld
You can choose servers in Albania, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brazil, Bulgaria, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Germany, Greece, Hong Kong, Hungary, Indonesia, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Latvia, Mexico, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Serbia, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, South Africa, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Thailand, UK, Ukraine, USA.
This country list isn’t as large as with some VPN services, but as mentioned above, you can generally choose between two to four cities per country. The exception is the United States, which has 18 cities available, coast to coast.
Speeds held stable when using the VPN during light testing. For US server speeds, Los Angeles (within the same state as PCWorld’s San Francisco location) showed a decrease of about 5 to 7 percent, while New York saw a roughly 26 percent drop.
Customer support
From within the app, you can jump to Malwarebytes’ user guide, support pages, and support tool. You can also use an AI chatbot for answers to your questions, or if you’re signed into your Malwarebytes account, to contact customer support—you’ll get funneled to your choice of email or live chat.
Updates and maintenance
Updates for the app and virus definitions happen automatically in the background, but you can also trigger a check manually. You’ll need to click on the person icon in the upper right of the app window, then choose About Malwarebytes and click on the Check for updates button.
PCWorld
PCWorld
PCWorld
Performance
While Malwarebytes participates in some independent benchmarking of its software, it has no current results from AV-Test and AV-Comparatives, two major organizations that test how well antivirus suites can catch threats.
Instead, the company points the curious toward AVLabs’s testing data. During the May 2024 advanced in-the-wild test, Malwarebytes caught all 521 samples—though its detection rate was split between 78.32 percent pre-launch and 21.38 percent post-launch of the samples (that is, before the malware samples could activate versus after). In comparison, rivals Bitdefender and McAfee caught nearly all the samples before they could execute, with 97.98 percent and 99.3 percent pre-launch detection, respectively.
When asked about its participation in independent benchmarks, a representative from Malwarebytes said the company “focuses on third-party testing that is most closely aligned with the needs of customers” and that it works “with the third-party testers that are most relevant to what our customers encounter in today’s threat landscape.”
PCWorld / AVLab
PCWorld / AVLab
PCWorld / AVLab
During hardware performance tests on our budget Acer Aspire 3 test laptop, Malwarebytes lived up to its claims of light impact on PC resources. When left idle in the background, it had virtually no effect on typical tasks, as shown by PCMark 10’s extended benchmark. That test simulates video chatting, web browsing, gaming, image and document editing in free apps like GIMP and LibreOffice, and the like.
If you work instead on Microsoft Office documents, our UL Procyon tests showed a minimal impact on results, with a less than 3 percent difference. Similarly, our Handbrake encoding test only dipped by about 4 percent.
Even running a threat scan continuously during our benchmarks didn’t disturb these numbers much—PCMark 10 slipped by about 7 percent, Procyon by about 14 percent, and Handbrake by about 19 percent. Given how rival antivirus engines from rivals like McAfee and Norton are far greedier about system resources, Malwarebytes does distinguish itself in this regard.
Conclusion
If you dislike complicated interfaces, Malwarebytes Premium Security can be a good fit as an alternative to Windows Security—so long as you don’t mind not getting as much bang for your buck. The app is attractive and clean in its layout, and the settings are clear and straightforward. However, more seasoned security vets may have reason to hesitate on pulling the trigger, due to the relatively low amount of independent testing data available about software performance.
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| ![](/n.gif) | | PC World - 29 Jun (PC World)If you’re looking to boost your productivity with an extra screen, especially when you’re on the go, the Arzopa S1 Table Portable Monitor is now just $64 at Amazon, down from $130.
While this price is technically a Prime deal—big savings that are only for Amazon Prime members—non-Prime shoppers can still get this awesome portable laptop monitor for $90.
The Arzopa S1 Table serves as an excellent portable monitor since you can easily slip it into your bag right next to your laptop. Whether you’re multitasking with multiple applications or just need a bigger screen for your spreadsheets, this monitor helps you stay productive.
Featuring a 15.6-inch 1080p IPS screen, this monitor delivers vibrant colors and crystal-clear image quality. The anti-glare display ensures you can work comfortably even in brightly lit environments, such as under fluorescent lighting or outdoors.
The display’s 60Hz refresh rate isn’t the best for gaming, but it’s all you need for reasonably smooth visuals while working on presentations, streaming videos, or just browsing the web.
This portable monitor is lightweight (1.7 pounds) and slim (0.3 inches thick), so you won’t have any trouble carrying it around.
The Arzopa S1 Table features dual USB-C ports, so it can easily connect to smartphones, computers, and gaming consoles. The mini HDMI port further extends compatibility to most modern laptops, ensuring you have a way to use the monitor with any device.
This is a fantastic opportunity to get this 15.6-inch Arzopa portable monitor for just $64 if you’re a Prime member. If you aren’t one, sign up for a 30-day free trial of Prime and you’ll be able to join in on this plus all the upcoming Prime Day deals, too!
This 15.6-inch portable laptop monitor is only $64Get it now at Amazon
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| ![](/n.gif) | | PC World - 29 Jun (PC World)Microsoft has stopped delivery of June 25th’s KB5039302 update. While the update had some interesting stuff in it, it turns out that it can cause Windows 11 PCs to restart in a continuous loop.
Specifically, Windows 11 version 23H2 and Windows 11 version 22H2 are affected by this bug. Windows servers are not affected.
Fortunately, KB5039302 isn’t installed on all Windows 11 computers because it’s an optional update. (It’s a preview of the standard update for all Windows 11 machines that will be released on Patchday in July 2024.)
In other words, KB5039302 will only be on your Windows 11 computer if you explicitly installed it.
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Windows 11 Pro
Microsoft wrote the following:
After installing updates released on 26 June 2024 (KB5039302), some devices may not restart. Affected systems may restart repeatedly and require recovery operations to restore normal use.
The Redmond software company continues:
This issue is more likely to affect devices that use virtual machine tools and nested virtualization features, such as CloudPC, DevBox, Azure Virtual Desktop. We are investigating to determine the exact conditions under which this issue may be triggered. Windows Home Edition users are less likely to experience this issue as virtualization is less prevalent in private environments.
And further:
While our investigation is ongoing, this update is not being offered through Windows Update and Windows Update for Business. For this reason, this update may not be offered for your device at this time.
Microsoft is working on a solution to the problem and plans to release it with one of the upcoming updates.
What to do if you’re stuck restarting
If you’ve installed the update on your computer and it enters the never-ending reboot loop, you’ll have to wait until Windows 11 begins the Windows 11 recovery environment by itself.
When it does, select Troubleshoot, then Advanced Options, then Uninstall Updates, and finally click on Uninstall latest quality update. Then confirm removal of the update.
It will take some time for KB5039302 to be removed. Once it’s done, restart your computer and it should work properly again.
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| ![](/n.gif) | | PC World - 29 Jun (PC World)While robot vacuums are quite helpful, they can be rather expensive. If you’ve wanted to try one but you’re reluctant to drop hundreds on a name-brand model, today’s your lucky day.
The Lefant M210 robovac is down to $89 at Amazon, an incredible savings on the robot’s list price of $200. It’s rare to see robovacs under $100, especially ones that don’t compromise on performance!
Designed with pet owners in mind, the Lefant M210 tackles pet hair and dirt as it operates its effective zigzag cleaning routine.
This super-affordable model doesn’t have a brush—it sucks everything up directly—so it avoids all the issues that come with hair getting tangled. The trade-off is that it can sometimes struggle to loosen up dirt and debris that’s stubborn or really caked on.
The compact design of the Lefant M210, with its 11-inch diameter and 2.99-inch height, allows it to easily navigate under beds, sofas, and other furniture. It leaves no spot left uncleaned.
You can choose between six cleaning modes: Auto, Spot, Edge, Zigzag, Schedule, and Manual. You can pick whichever you want through the Lefant app and switch between them as needed. You can even control the robovac with your voice by connecting with either Alexa or Google Assistant and asking it to perform different cleaning jobs.
With its long battery life, the Lefant M210 can run up to 120 minutes in low suction mode, meaning it could clean your entire home on a single charge (assuming you aren’t in a massive mansion).
For less than $90, the Lefant M210 robovac is an absolute steal. What will you do with all the time you free up? Whether it’s chilling with Netflix, tackling other chores, or simply taking a nap, the Lefant M210 can improve your life—if you jump on this limited-time deal.
This Lefant robovac is only $89 right nowGet it at Amazon
Robot Vacuums and Cleaning Read...Newslink ©2024 to PC World | ![](/n.gif) |
| ![](/n.gif) | | PC World - 29 Jun (PC World)A good gaming chair is a well-considered investment for many, as it usually costs a little more than a normal office chair. However, it also fulfils many functions that go beyond just sitting and scores points with its ergonomics and stylish lighting, for example.
But what should you do if you are no longer happy with your gaming chair? Take it apart, dispose of it and forget about it? Not necessarily, because perhaps your gaming chair would benefit from an upgrade.
To get the best out of your gaming chair, we have selected some interesting accessory options. Unless otherwise stated, most of the products should be suitable for all common manufacturers.
Further reading: Why a great gaming setup needs more than just a powerful PC
Option 1: Neck, lumbar or seat cushion for more ergonomics
Most gaming chairs are already very ergonomic and, in addition to a shape adapted to the spine, also have other aids. These include a good neck cushion that supports the head if you want to lean backwards.
The manufacturer Noblechairs, for example, offers a comfortable cushion made of memory foam that adapts to the shape of the head and can be attached to the chair with a drawstring. This is available for just $35.
You should also provide optimum support for your lower back if you are sitting for long periods of time. A separate lumbar cushion is recommended here if the gaming chair does not already have a function. The Razer brand offers a high-quality memory foam cushion that should fit any chair. However, to be on the safe side, check the dimensions in case your chair is narrower or wider than the gaming chairs from Razer.
Last but not least, there’s the part you actually sit on. The seat of many gaming chairs is made from materials that are both comfortable and supportive. However, if you still find that it becomes uncomfortable or causes pain, an orthopedic seat cushion can help. Cushions for the armrests can also help you to adopt a better posture when typing.
Option 2: Footrest, new castors and mat for more support
If you look at the lower part of a gaming chair, you will notice room for improvement. Firstly, the legs should always be at right angles to the floor, but this is not always the case.
If the height adjustment doesn’t help because the chair doesn’t fit your height perfectly, you should get a footrest. These are available from Secret Lab, for example, although they are a little expensive, or cheaper on Amazon with a warming cover that also helps against cold feet in winter.
If you are annoyed that the gaming chair only has cheap plastic castors or makes a lot of noise when rolling, you can usually replace them. However, make sure you buy the correct diameter so that the castors fit when you attach them.
It may also be a good idea to get a floor protection mat to prevent further wear and tear on the floor or castors. As a rule, these are also non-slip and do not have to look as boring as normal carpets, but can be provided with a wide variety of designs such as those from Sharkoon.
Floor mats like this one from Sharkoon could pull the rug out from under your feet.
Floor mats like this one from Sharkoon could pull the rug out from under your feet.
Sharkoon
Floor mats like this one from Sharkoon could pull the rug out from under your feet.
Sharkoon
Sharkoon
Option 3: A chicer look thanks to personalized patches, covers or LED lighting
If you also value the look, you can personalize your gaming chair even further than just during the ordering process. At Backforce, for example, you can order personalized patches that you can apply to any chair with a fabric cover.
Speaking of covers, if you’re not happy with the color of your gaming chair, you can also get a cover for it. This protects the chair from stains or damage caused by cat claws.
If you prefer a more colorful look, you can also equip your gaming chair with additional LED lighting, if this is not already available. You can use conventional light strips from Amazon and stick them to the side of the chair for a cool lighting effect.
Chernishev Maksim / Shutterstock.com
Chernishev Maksim / Shutterstock.com
Chernishev Maksim / Shutterstock.com
Option 4: Extra gadgets such as a cup holder or controller hanger
If you don’t have much space at your desk, you can outfit your gaming chair with places to store drinks, controllers, or headsets. The DXRacer brand, for example, offers a built-in cup holder for its chairs, although this is compatible with only specific models.
The manufacturer, Thrustmaster, also offers a wild-looking design that allows joysticks to be mounted directly on the armrests of the gaming chair. This makes you feel like you’re in the cockpit of the Millennium Falcon or something. Again, make sure that the seat mount is compatible with your chair.
Gaming Read...Newslink ©2024 to PC World | ![](/n.gif) |
| ![](/n.gif) | | PC World - 28 Jun (PC World)Imagine a world where a car is speeding up directly behind you but your hearing only extends to either side of you. It’s a frightening thought, isn’t it? Yet it’s not too far off what we’ve had to endure for decades now in games.
You could just as easily sub out the word “car” for “zombie,” “monster,” “dragon,” or any other kind of game foe, too.
So, I’m just going blurt out my raw opinion: Audio has traditionally taken a backseat to graphics in many games. There… that feels better. But, I do get why that’s been the case…
That a game developer can cause my adrenal glands to flood my body with more of the flight and fight hormone is quite an extraordinary thing…
I mean, it’s true that we live in such a visual world that game developers have naturally prioritized pixels over audio pings. When I look at some of the gorgeous 4K games that have hit our shelves in the last few years — games like Cyberpunk 2077 — I can’t complain, either. The evolution of visually stunning graphics has obviously been a necessary thing to drive game innovation — I mean who doesn’t wanna see a talking vending machine in 3840x2160p?
But we hit a point a while back now where I ceased to be amazed by just gorgeous graphics. Indeed, it’s time to give credit to something else that’s been driving engagement. Yup, take a bow, 3D spatial audio.
The benefits of 3D spatial audio are many.
For starters, technologies like Dolby Atmos for headphones and Windows Sonic have opened a whole new world to my gaming, morphing them from simple linear, roughly approximated auditory experiences into rich sound extravaganzas.
In a literal sense the fact that I can now hear sounds from 17 directions instead of just four really does make them a zillion times more riveting.
That I can hear zombies at my 11 o’clock as well as at 3 o’clock in Resident Evil 2 makes the fantasy a whole lot more believable. Yes, other games have had grotesque flesh-eating undead humans in them too, but these ones sound like they’re actually moving in my 3D space — in my living room, or even in my bedroom, wherever I happen to be playing at the time.
Not feeling the fear in Resident Evil 2? A good 3D spatial audio supported headset will fix that!
Not feeling the fear in Resident Evil 2? A good 3D spatial audio supported headset will fix that! Capcom
Not feeling the fear in Resident Evil 2? A good 3D spatial audio supported headset will fix that! Capcom
Capcom
In a nutshell, with 3D spatial audio, developers have found a way to hack more of my biological processes (Matrix style) to keep me more engrossed than I ever have been before. In some cases, they quite literally leave me shaking in my boots.
But 3D spatial audio is more than just a cool new way to hear games like I’ve never heard them before. Indeed, it has become an effective storytelling technique that gels perfectly with the kind of games that I love to play — the engrossing cinematic kind.
Hellblade Senua’s Sacrifice is a classic example of where that happens. The game uses 3D spatial audio to put voices in your head and thereby enhance the game’s narrative about your character — a crazed Viking warrior who has descended into hell to help her lost lover. It also uses 3D audio in combat scenes, so they become quite frantic.
Further reading: The best gaming headsets
Hellblade Senua’s Sacrifice uses 3D audio to advance the storyline.
Hellblade Senua’s Sacrifice uses 3D audio to advance the storyline. Ninja Theory
Hellblade Senua’s Sacrifice uses 3D audio to advance the storyline. Ninja Theory
Ninja Theory
The way it works at captivating me deserves praise. That a game developer can cause my adrenal glands to flood my body with more of the flight and fight hormone is quite an extraordinary thing.
Another effective 3D spatial audio technique that developers use gets me every time, too. It’s where the audio starts out utilizing the 3D enhanced directionality of 3D spatial audio then collapses down to a single direction — in some cases so that only my player’s breath, or their beating heart is audible (a la Sniper Elite 5).
I call this the claustrophobia effect. Suffice to say, it sounds like my own breath or heart, which makes the action and story more palpable.
Then there’s the way 3D spatial audio enhances environmental sounds like gunfire and passing cars in RPG games like Cyberpunk 2077. If you like a full shopping mall kind of auditory experience where sounds are emanating from every direction — yup, 3D spatial is where it’s at.
3D environmental sounds add to a captivating atmosphere in Cyberpunk 2077.
3D environmental sounds add to a captivating atmosphere in Cyberpunk 2077.
CD Project Red
3D environmental sounds add to a captivating atmosphere in Cyberpunk 2077.
CD Project Red
CD Project Red
But these things are arguably the lesser realized advantages of 3D spatial audio. A more common use is simply competitive advantage. That advantage can be quite big. For me the added directionality allows me to pinpoint explosions, gunfire, and player footfalls in multiplayer matches tons easier than if I had just stereo audio.
That’s no more evident than in Rainbow Six Siege, where I find myself listening like a hawk for the chance of hearing players change from prone to standing, crossing different floor types, and deploying gadgets like flashbangs, to home in on their locations.
But 3D spatial audio also helps with environmental awareness of objects too. The 3D audio anchors them and provides a persistent presence to targets. Indeed, I’ve found it a lot easier to locate objectives in games like Battlefield V, so much so that I’m no longer wandering aimlessly.
That’s not to say that spatial audio technologies are flawless. It can be a minefield to sift between the different types with their varying hardware and game compatibilities. What’s more, they work differently, too. Reddit is flooded with anecdotes about that.
But when you find one that works a treat, it’s gold. DTS Headphone: X 2.0 is one of my favorites. I’ve been loving using it with the Logitech G Pro X Lightspeed headset these past couple of weeks. It’s especially great for games that support Microsoft’s spatial sound API, where I get a full 3D effect — even from above.
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Logitech G Pro X 2 Lightspeed
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So, if you haven’t tried 3D spatial audio, give it a go. But be sure to do your homework and find one that’s compatible with the games you’re playing. After that, load up a game and feel ALIVE!
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