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additional restrictions: Opinion
Image from the game Silent Hill 2. (Image source: Konami)

A fan has created a first-person mod for Silent Hill 2, and it's terrifying

A fan decided to create a first-person view mode mod for Silent Hill 2 and while the game already sports rim atmosphere in third person, adding this feature makes for a terrifying result.
Alexis Stegmann, 09 Nov 2025 12:06
Octopi Launcher lets you choose different layouts for inside, outside, vertical and horizontal screens (Image Source: OctopiAppFactory via Google Play)

Octopi Launcher is perfect for the Pixel Fold, fixing a basic feature still not offered by Google

CheckMag Octopi Launcher is essential for those looking to set different home screen layouts between the inside and outside screens on foldable phones. However, this could also be the go-to launcher for anyone looking to replace Nova.
David Devey, 09 Nov 2025 11:17
Laptops flying out of a building on their own. Generated with Grok (Image source: Notebookcheck - Darryl Linington)

Grok Imagine app: Where AI brilliance meets mild trauma

CheckMag Grok’s Imagine app turns static photos into six-second AI videos that range from mind-blowing to mildly disturbing—and it’s free to try. Notebookcheck did just that. Update: Edits made in response to readers' comments....
Darryl Linington, 06 Nov 2025 16:52
A screengrab from The Outer Worlds 2 (image source: Steam Community)

The Outer Worlds 2 director calls for a return to meaningful choices in RPGs

After The Outer Worlds 2’s launch, director Brandon Adler urged a return to risk-and-reward RPG design, arguing the genre has long “coddled” players by ensuring every build and choice leads to a safe outcome.
Rahim Amir Noorali, 06 Nov 2025 07:14
Image from the game The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt. (Image source: Steam)

The Witcher 3 looks stunning with an RTX 5090 and 4K resolution

While many players are eagerly awaiting the release of The Witcher 4, Digital Dreams recently unveiled a video showing The Witcher 3 looking better than ever. But beware, because not everyone will be able to enjoy such a beautiful...
Alexis Stegmann, 05 Nov 2025 17:38
Oppo's marketing surrounding the Find X9 Pro's telephoto converter is misleading at best. (Image source: Oppo)

Oppo Find X9 Pro and the big camera marketing fail: How misleading advertising promises the impossible

The Oppo Find X9 Pro camera flagship will be offered in Europe with an optional telephoto converter that is said to enable tenfold optical zoom. However, misleading marketing is attempting to obscure the telephoto converter's bigg...
Hannes Brecher, 28 Oct 2025 19:37
In-game screenshot from Another Crab's Treasure that shows off the environments and gameplay. (Image Source: Steam - Edited)

Deal | Colorful souls-like adventure set underwater now 40% off on Steam for a limited time

Another Crab's Treasure is an anomaly in the world of souls-likes. It's set in a vibrant and colorful underwater world where you play as Kril the hermit crab, who must embark on an epic adventure to buy back his shell. The game is...
Rohith Bhaskar, 24 Oct 2025 22:49
The Luma camera app has a new imaging pipeline, that lets users preview a fully-developed shot right in camera. (Image source: Apple App Store)

Why Luma Camera and Presets is one of the best "actually free" Halide alternatives for RAW photography on iOS

CheckMag LUMA Camera & Presets offers manual controls, RAW capture, and powerful presets for free, making it a solid alternative to Halide. Developer Rafal Kopiec shares how it cuts Apple’s auto-processing for true creative control, with n...
Anubhav Sharma, 24 Oct 2025 17:16
Welcome to Blue Protocol: Star Resonance. (Image source: playbpsr.com / Notebookcheck)

Blue Protocol: Star Resonance — 5 reasons you should and shouldn't be playing it

Blue Protocol: Star Resonance offers the anime MMORPG experience the genre has desperately needed, but can its beautiful world and dynamic combat save it from itself?
Darryl Linington, 24 Oct 2025 09:59
The Casio G-Shock DW-6935-4 on the right, and the DW-5635-9 on the left, pictured. (Image source: G-Central)

The $11,000 Casio G-Shock mystery: Inside the fake limited-edition scandal

CheckMag Ultra-rare Casio G-Shock watches from NIGO's 2018 collaboration are now commanding $11,000+ on secondary markets, but authentication is nearly impossible. With only 35 pieces made and no official verification system, collectors ar...
Anubhav Sharma, 20 Oct 2025 00:29
Transparent iPhone Air showing internal components and copper charging coil on a wooden desk. (Image source: Phone Repair Guru via YouTube)

Apple iPhone Air transparent back mod goes viral for its incredible design

A new transparent back panel mod for the Apple iPhone Air showcases its stunning internal design and incredible engineering, turning Apple’s thinnest iPhone into a visual masterpiece.
Anmol Dubey, 18 Oct 2025 21:59
The EVT-01 (pictured) has been designed in multiple colors, including the Bronze and Grey edition. (Image source: Kickstarter)

Casio F-91W reimagined: New Italy-made EVT-01 has a CNC-machined aluminum build with sapphire glass

CheckMag Independent makers in Italy are reimagining the Casio F-91W as EVT-01 - a CNC-machined, small-batch digital watch. The Kickstarter showcases multiple limited editions, interesting upgrades, and a collector focus rarely seen in dig...
Anubhav Sharma, 17 Oct 2025 15:34
Ghost of Yotei is the second big-budget PS5 exclusive to launch this year (image source: Notebookcheck)

Ghost of Yotei review: Great game held back by lukewarm story

Ghost of Yotei picks up where Ghost of Tsushima left off and takes full advantage of the PlayStation 5's hardware with stunning visuals. While it is a decent game overall, some aspects of it feel underwhelming.
Anil Ganti, 16 Oct 2025 17:30
A screengrab from Battlefield 6 (image source: Steam Community)

Titanfall and Battlefield boss Vince Zampella says "Call of Duty exists because EA were d****"

In an interview with GQ, Battlefield head Vince Zampella blamed a falling-out with EA for the creation of Call of Duty, recounting how his departure and the founding of Infinity Ward set the stage for the franchise’s rise.
Rahim Amir Noorali, 15 Oct 2025 20:04
Netflix and Spotify team up to bring video podcasts to streaming audiences in 2026. (Image Source: Netflix, Spotify with edits)

Spotify video podcasts head to Netflix in 2026

Netflix and Spotify are joining forces in 2026 to bring select video podcasts to the streaming giant’s platform amidst YouTube’s growing dominance in the video podcast space. What starts in the U.S. may soon ripple across the enti...
Santiago Nino, 15 Oct 2025 12:15
Ghost of Yotei arrives as one of the most visually impressive video games ever made but that apparently comes at a cost. (Image Source: PlayStation)

Ghost of Yotei is causing PS5s to randomly trip off

Brilliant as it may be, Sucker Punch's new game, Ghost of Yotei, is causing PS5s to trip off in a rather bizzare manner. Here's how it happens, and what to try out if you're in a similar bind.
Ricci Rox, 10 Oct 2025 12:56
The Lenovo LOQ 16IRH8. (Image source: Darryl Linington - Notebookcheck)

Moving from console to keyboard: The Lenovo LOQ 16IRH8 advantage

After decades on PlayStation and Xbox, I tested the Lenovo LOQ 16IRH8 in Fortnite, Warzone, Gears, and Hogwarts Legacy... here’s why I’m not going back.
Darryl Linington, 03 Oct 2025 17:39
The Citizen’s NC0201-54A watch (pictured) will be released in December 2025. (Image source: The Citizen)

Citizen reveals new limited edition mechanical model with striking design

A new watch celebrating The Citizen’s 30th anniversary is on the way. The NC0201-54A is a mechanical model with a striking patterned ivory face and stainless steel casing and strap. This is a highly accurate timepiece, with only a...
Polly Allcock, 03 Oct 2025 13:48
For new PC/laptop owners, major sales events like the Steam Autumn Sale are the perfect opportunity to build a library of games (Image source - Steam)

Moving from console to keyboard: Steam's Autumn Sale 2025 brings these PC deals

The Steam Autumn Sale 2025, running from September 29 to October 6, offers the perfect chance for console gamers transitioning to PC to build their first library.
Darryl Linington, 29 Sep 2025 19:14
F-Droid UI (Image Source: Antony Muchiri)

Google’s new rules could put an end to sideloading and alternative app stores on Android

Google is preparing new developer registration rules that could drastically limit sideloading and end independent Android app stores like F-Droid. By requiring every app to be tied to a verified developer identity, Google would ta...
Antony Muchiri, 29 Sep 2025 09:54
Secure deals early during the October 1-5 Price Protection window. (Image Source: Newegg)

Deal | Newegg's FantasTech sale kicks off October 6, here are the best deals so far

Newegg's massive FantasTech Sale II runs from October 6 to 12, featuring the retailer's biggest quarterly discounts across gaming hardware. Plus, with their innovative Price Protection program, they automatically refund customers ...
Nitisha Upadhye, 27 Sep 2025 17:03
Pictured: Melinoë casting a spell. (Image Source: Supergiant Games)

Hades II First Impressions Review: A captivating, bewitching sequel

Notebookcheck's Sasha Mathews reviews the long-anticipated sequel to Hades, following Melinoe fighting against the Titan Chronos himself in Hades II. The full 1.0 release is here as of September 25, 2025, bringing a very witchcraf...
Sasha (Tristan) Mathews, 27 Sep 2025 15:33
Apple continues to clearly position itself against consumers. (Image source: Jorgen Hendriksen / Hussam Abd)

Apple's propaganda obscures iPhone maker's fight against consumers, EU and DMA

Apple is fighting for its own wallet, against fair competition and against its own customers, using propaganda to deliberately incite consumers against the EU and to mislead them into advocating for the interests of mega-corporati...
Hannes Brecher, 25 Sep 2025 12:56
Batteries need to be charged, discharged and used regularly (image source: AI generated)

A call for battery moderation: We own more battery-powered devices than we can maintain

Take a look around your home - chances are, you’ll find a surprising number of devices running on rechargeable batteries. From phones and laptops to Bluetooth speakers, electric toothbrushes, and handheld gaming consoles, the list...
Christian Hintze, 23 Sep 2025 20:24
The custom Ollee Watch module can be used in more than just Casio F-91W and A158W watches. (Image source: Ollee Watch)

New vintage Casio mod that can give your $20 watch superpowers, like step-counter and Blackjack

CheckMag Ollee Watch can transform your vintage Casio F-91W or A158W into a modern feature-loaded gadget. The drop-in mod adds Bluetooth, alarms, sensors, RGB backlight, and app sync, all while preserving the classic design and lightweight...
Anubhav Sharma, 23 Sep 2025 14:11
Kojima’s OD Xbox game (Image Source: Screenshot from the OD-Knock teaser video

We finally have a first look at Kojima’s OD Xbox game

Hideo Kojima’s upcoming Xbox project OD, now subtitled Knock, is shaping into one of his most daring experiments in horror. The latest teaser shows unsettling imagery, lifelike MetaHuman performances, and an atmosphere closer to f...
Antony Muchiri, 23 Sep 2025 10:13
With Smart Connect, the Tab P12 Pro can function as a wireless second screen for Windows PCs (Image source - Lenovo.com)

Lenovo's Tab P12 Pro as a portable monitor

Lenovo Tab P12 Pro with Precision Pen 3 doubles as a wireless second screen via Smart Connect. Setup, latency, and usability tested for students, pros, and creatives.
Darryl Linington, 22 Sep 2025 15:17
No, I’m Not a Human blends management horror and moral choice, forcing players to decide who lives, and who is a monster in disguise (Image source: Steam)

No, I'm not a Human review - spoiler free

CheckMag At its core, No, I’m Not a Human asks a deceptively simple question: who can you trust? You’re stuck in an old house as strangers come knocking. Some are desperate survivors. Others are shape-shifting monsters known only as “Visit...
Santiago Nino, 22 Sep 2025 01:11
The stock response from AliExpress when the wrong item is delivered (Image Source: ChatGPT)

When 50% of purchases are broken or wrong, it's time I stopped buying from AliExpress

CheckMag AliExpress has a selection of spare parts that in some cases, can't be found anywhere else. But with return policies that are largely for show, and 50% of items being broken or mis-sold, enough is enough.
David Devey, 20 Sep 2025 17:34
DIY projectors aren't anything new, but you don't need DIY Perks level skills to build this one (Image Source: Huy Vector via YouTube)

Pico projector from an old smartphone and the VapeServer - two of the week's best hardware hacks

CheckMag From building a pico projector that mere mortals might actually be able to achieve, to running a web server on a Vape battery, the hacker community never ceases to amaze. Here are two of the week's best hacks.
David Devey, 20 Sep 2025 09:46
One of the year’s biggest blockbusters, Tron: Ares, returns on October 10, 2025 (Image source: YouTube trailer)

Must-watch upcoming movies in 2025

Must-watch upcoming movies in 2025: From Tron: Ares to Bollywood blockbusters, explore the year’s top releases in sci-fi, action, fantasy, and horror.
Darryl Linington, 19 Sep 2025 14:18
Paul Rudd and Jack Black face off against a massive snake (Image source: X - Anaconda Movie)

Anaconda reboot’s first trailer drops and it’s just the right kind of chaos

Sony has released the first trailer for the Anaconda reboot, and it’s leaning hard into comedy‑horror chaos. Starring Paul Rudd and Jack Black, the film finds two lifelong friends confronting a real giant snake while trying to rem...
Jonathan Bester, 18 Sep 2025 08:45
The Timex 80 36mm (pictured) with a stainless steel expansion band watch. (Image source: Timex)

Sub-$100 Timex watches with style as well as substance

CheckMag Timex is still a go-to for affordable, reliable watches with styles ranging from retro digital to rugged field and dress designs. Here are 5 of the best models under/around $100 that get you a balance of value, durability, and eve...
Anubhav Sharma, 17 Sep 2025 14:48
Evil returns to its roots. The Conjuring: Last Rites—the final chapter begins. A still from the TV show. (Image source: Official trailer)

The Conjuring hits new heights — and now gets a TV future

The Conjuring: Last Rites just delivered the biggest horror opening weekend of all time, leaving every other spooky franchise trembling in its wake. With box office numbers climbing higher than any jump scare, it’s a record-breaki...
Jonathan Bester, 17 Sep 2025 09:39
Getting started with Xbox Remote Play on the Lenovo Tab P12 Pro was straightforward. (Image source - Lenovo)

Lenovo Tab P12 Pro and Xbox Remote Play: A smooth combo

Released November 19, 2021, the Lenovo Tab P12 Pro doubles as a portable Xbox Remote Play screen with 60 FPS, low latency, and stunning AMOLED visuals.
Darryl Linington, 16 Sep 2025 16:59
Magnificent cities and pretty vineyards in Anno 117 (Image source: Screenshot - Steam Trailer)

Anno 117: How easy is it for beginners to get started? My first experience with the building strategy series

For my brief benchmark preview, I ventured into the Anno series for the first time. My only previous experience with the genre was with The Settlers 2 and Civilization 2 many years ago. Here are my initial impressions of how well ...
Christian Hintze, 16 Sep 2025 12:45
Every time I try to use the Portal with my Series S, I brace for disappointment. (Image source: bang-olufsen.com)

Beoplay Portal Xbox long-term review: Premium sound held back by connection issues

The Beoplay Portal Xbox headset offers audiophile sound and Dolby Atmos capabilities, but years of connection issues with the Xbox Series X/S render it unreliable.
Darryl Linington, 15 Sep 2025 14:40
To achieve the show's distinct, '70s-inspired aesthetic, the camera bodies were paired with Panavision C Series anamorphic lenses. (Image source: Apple TV+)

Severance season 3: The camera equipment that could shape this incredible show

It is anticipated that the production team for Season 3 will continue to utilize the same core equipment, including the Sony Venice 2 camera system.
Darryl Linington, 13 Sep 2025 11:33
The Apple iPhone 17 Pro offers interesting camera upgrades, but Apple is cutting corners in some areas. (Image source: Apple)

Apple's misleading iPhone 17 Pro camera marketing distracts customers from the real weaknesses

The Apple iPhone 17 Pro has received two significant camera upgrades - a 48 MP telephoto camera with a larger sensor and an 18 MP selfie camera with a square sensor. However, Apple has failed to address a major weakness of the pre...
Hannes Brecher, 11 Sep 2025 21:19
The sense of menace in Season 2 is forever present, humming like a bass note. (Image source: Apple TV+)

Severance season 2 review: Bigger, stranger, and beautifully filmed

Severance Season 2 is a visually stunning, ambitious follow-up that deepens character arcs, expands Lumon’s world, and delivers bold, strange, and unforgettable storytelling.
Darryl Linington, 11 Sep 2025 11:13
A picture of Ludens which serves as a mascot for Kojima Productions (image source: Kojima Productions)

Hideo Kojima says a singular conversation in early job interview changed his entire career path

A meeting with an HR manager early in Hideo Kojima's career sparked a conversation that may have been crucial to a series of events that allowed for the legendary Metal Gear Solid franchise to be born.
Rahim Amir Noorali, 11 Sep 2025 07:39
Apple Music and Windows truly feel like they are incompatible - that Apple did a half-assed job of porting one of their key apps to the most popular PC OS in the world. (Image source: Apple, Microsoft, Anubhav Sharma - Notebookcheck)

Apple Music for Windows: Why its garbage listening experience has been failing loyal users since 2023

CheckMag What kind of music app doesn’t let you listen to music? Apple Music on Windows, that's what. Since its port to Windows in 2023, users face constant audio dropouts, broken volume controls, and sync failures, turning what should be ...
Anubhav Sharma, 10 Sep 2025 13:05
Close-up of the Apple iPhone Air rear camera module in white finish (Image source: Apple)

iPhone Air is cool, but I wanted an iPhone 17 Plus

CheckMag Apple’s iPhone 17 lineup brings major upgrades across the board, from ProMotion on the base model to a brand-new iPhone Air. But with the Plus variant missing this year, I’m forced into a choice I never asked for.
Anmol Dubey, 10 Sep 2025 09:20
Nova launcher installed on the TECNO Spark 40 Pro+ (Image Source: Antony Muchiri)

Nova Launcher is shutting down for good

Nova Launcher, the most popular third-party launcher for Android, is shutting down after developer Kevin Barry leaving Branch, the company that acquired it in 2022. The app, once the default choice for users who wanted control ove...
Antony Muchiri, 08 Sep 2025 18:57
YouTube's latest UI experiment for the web restores the volume button to its original spot, but drops the skip and miniplayer buttons. (Image source: Kristen Spradin / Notebookcheck)

YouTube's controversial video player redesign is popping up again, and honestly, it doesn't look half bad

YouTube is rolling out another test of its redesigned web video player, five months after its first attempt drew backlash. The updated look is cleaner and more transparent, with the volume slider back to its original position. How...
Kristen Spradlin, 08 Sep 2025 17:37
Severance is also a sharp parody of office culture under late-stage capitalism. (Image source: Apple TV+)

Severance season 1 review: A chilling blend of satire, sci-fi, and identity

Severance on Apple TV+ delivers a chilling mix of sci-fi, satire, and corporate mystery, with Adam Scott leading one of the decade’s most original dramas.
Darryl Linington, 06 Sep 2025 14:46
Apple also advertises the saving of people via SOS features. (Symbolic image, no use of a satellite connection, image source: Apple)

Lifesaver or paywall disaster? Why the Apple Watch Ultra 3 could make Garmin look old in regard to satellite communication

Apple's Watch Ultra 3 may deal a significant blow to Garmin and its Fenix ​​8 Pro, particularly from a marketing perspective. For customers, the choice of manufacturer could not only have financial implications but also an impact ...
Silvio Werner, 06 Sep 2025 13:59
K-Pop Demon Hunters -Mira, Rumi and Zoey (Image source - Netflix)

K-Pop Demon Hunters: The animation and music behind Netflix’s record-breaker

Netflix's K-Pop Demon Hunters blends anime, 2D/3D fusion, and Korean culture to set new records and redefine modern animation.
Darryl Linington, 05 Sep 2025 13:27
A screenshot from Warhammer 40,000: Mechanicus that shows off the turn-based tactics gameplay. (Image source: Steam)

Deal | XCOM with a techno-cultist skin: Warhammer 40,000 Mechanicus 80% off for a limited time

If you are interested in the recently announced Warhammer 40,000: Mechanicus II, this may be a great time to check out the 2018 original, which is now 80% off on Steam. The XCOM-inspired turn-based tactics game also comes with an ...
Rohith Bhaskar, 04 Sep 2025 17:57
Lois Lane and Superman pause amid Metropolis rubble (Image source: Warner Bros. Pictures / Jessica Miglio via Batman News)

Superman, rendered: The engineering that makes James Gunn’s reboot feel new

James Gunn’s Superman (2025) doesn’t try to win the loudness war. It wins the clarity war. The team stacked practical flight rigs, photographed skies on an LED stage, locked the show’s look before VFX, and built the sound mix in t...
Jonathan Bester, 03 Sep 2025 12:17

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Redaktion, 2013-05- 8 (Update: 2013-09-27)