Red Rooms Brings the Thrill of Online Poker to Life

It’s rare for a movie to get technology right. And it’s even rarer for that movie to be a thriller or horror, where realism takes a backseat to scares and tension. But Red Rooms mostly gets it. Nothing takes me out of a film quicker than a tech MacGuffin that might as well be literal […]

Devices Compatible with Your DualSense Controller Aside from PlayStation 5

The DualSense controller serves as a fantastic gamepad partner for the PS5, providing an ergonomic build, engaging features such as haptic feedback and adaptive triggers, along with an integrated microphone and speaker for online gameplay. Nevertheless, this wireless gamepad is not limited to exclusive use with a PlayStation 5.

If you prefer a specific gaming controller that you are used to, you might want to employ it for gaming across different platforms. Thankfully, there’s an expansive array of devices that your DualSense or DualSense Edge can link to via Bluetooth or USB, including PCs and Macs, smart TVs, mobile gadgets, and the Steam Deck — with four distinct compatible Bluetooth device connections able to be registered at the same time to one controller.

While linking to a non-PS5 device may limit your access to the complete range of the DualSense’s features, it indicates you won’t need to invest extra money in a new gamepad for your alternate gaming devices. Below, we’ve outlined four categories of devices your DualSense controller can connect to that are not a PlayStation 5.

PCs and Macs

Streamlining Audio File Transformation to M4B Audiobooks on macOS using AudioBo

### Optimizing Audiobook Production with AudioBo

Audiobooks have surged in popularity, offering a convenient method to savor literature while on the move. For passionate listeners, the management and creation of audiobooks can pose challenges, particularly when navigating various audio formats and metadata. AudioBo, a dedicated macOS application, alleviates these issues by simplifying the conversion of audio files into compliant M4B audiobooks.

#### The Demand for a Specialized Audiobook Application

As a dedicated audiobook lover with extensive experience, I have investigated multiple ways to create and curate audiobooks. While MP3 files work well for music, they frequently prove inadequate for audiobooks. Problems such as lacking chapter support, unreliable bookmarks, and unpredictable resume functionality can disrupt the listening experience. Numerous existing applications for converting audio files into audiobooks fail to efficiently import metadata, which is essential for organizing and enriching the audiobook journey.

#### Presenting AudioBo

AudioBo seeks to bridge this gap by offering a streamlined approach to transforming audio files into M4B format. Users can effortlessly drag and drop MP3, FLAC, or WAV files, and the application automatically optimizes for quality while managing file size. AudioBo generates compliant M4B files that integrate smoothly with widely-used applications like Apple Books and Prologue.

#### Primary Features of AudioBo

1. **Metadata Import Capability**: A notable aspect of AudioBo is its ability to import metadata from platforms like Audible, Apple Books, and Google Books. This feature enables users to automatically fill in cover art, book details, and chapter titles with a single click, saving both time and effort.

2. **Batch Chapter Refinement**: AudioBo comes with a robust batch chapter cleanup tool that allows users to standardize titles, rearrange tracks, and eliminate unwanted entries without the need for manual editing of each track. This function is especially beneficial for larger audiobook projects.

3. **Maintaining Audio Integrity**: When updating existing M4B files, AudioBo avoids unnecessary re-encoding. If users wish to modify cover art or correct a title error, the app can retain the original audio stream, ensuring no loss in quality and conserving time.

4. **Intuitive User Interface**: The application boasts a user-friendly interface, making it approachable for both beginners and seasoned users. The process of creating audiobooks becomes straightforward and effective.

#### Final Thoughts

After thorough evaluation, AudioBo has demonstrated to be a dependable and efficient tool for crafting audiobooks on macOS. Its blend of metadata importing, batch processing, and quality preservation renders it my top choice for audiobook production. AudioBo is available for a one-time fee of $9.99 on the Mac App Store, with a complimentary demo accessible on the developer’s website, allowing users to test its capabilities prior to purchase.

For audiobook aficionados seeking to elevate their listening experience and enhance their audiobook management, AudioBo represents a transformative solution.

Factors Leading TV Producers to Cease Production of 8K Displays

85-inch 8K 3D television presentation in 2014. Yet, it was in 2019 that the enthusiasm for 8K TVs genuinely began to intensify, with LG and others introducing fresh 8K OLED television choices. Nevertheless, the initial 8K TVs did not become easily obtainable for purchase until 2020. Now, fewer than seven years later, 8K TVs are gradually being eliminated, with LG being the most recent to declare its exit from the high-resolution displays, followed by TCL’s withdrawal in 2023 and Sony ceasing 8K production in 2025. So, what transpired with 8K, and why is everyone abandoning it?

To address this inquiry, we must first comprehend what 8K truly is. Beyond merely being double the resolution of 4K, the overall distinctions between 4K and 8K are somewhat more intricate than that. A contemporary 4K screen is specified at a resolution of 3,840 x 2,160 — approximately 8.3 million pixels. Conversely, an 8K television boasts a resolution of 7,860 x 4,320. Certainly, it’s merely twice the resolution, but it translates to significantly more pixels, totaling around 34 million pixels on the entire display. However, more pixels should equate to enhanced quality, shouldn’t it? Regrettably, it is not that straightforward at all.

More isn’t always better

Four Key USB-C Devices to Elevate the MacBook Neo

MacBook Neo has garnered outstanding reviews due to its remarkable performance, high-end design, and robust battery life, which we also highlighted in our MacBook Neo review. Nevertheless, its reduced price means Apple had to make some sacrifices, including limited RAM and storage, along with a restricted selection of ports. While these trade-offs may not hinder everyone’s computing experience, they could prevent some users from maximizing the capabilities of this highly proficient MacBook.

Indeed, you will have to accommodate certain limitations, like the fixed 8 GB of RAM; you can address others with USB-C accessories. These accessories will not only enable you to bypass the limitations but also enhance your MacBook Neo’s functionality for an improved experience. We have gathered four such USB-C accessories to complement your new MacBook. These selections were made after thoroughly evaluating various USB-C devices and how they can enrich the everyday experience of a MacBook Neo user.

Samsung T7 Portable SSD

Even if you opt for the 512 GB variant of the MacBook Neo, the built-in storage may be inadequate for some users. Thankfully, you can remedy this issue with an external SSD, and the Samsung T7 stands out as one of the top choices available. It supports USB 3.2 Gen 2 speeds, perfectly complementing the faster USB-C port on the MacBook Neo. It also comes in various storage sizes to accommodate different needs and boasts a compact design. Most importantly, its aluminum frame is robust enough to withstand falls from up to two meters. Due to these features and its dependable performance, it has garnered an impressive rating of 4.7 on Amazon.

Mac owners report that it operates seamlessly with various Mac desktops and laptops and serves as a suitable alternative to internal storage. However, they do indicate that you will need to format it to the APFS file system to fully utilize it on a Mac. While the vast majority of reviews are favorable, a small number of customers mention receiving defective units that did not perform as anticipated or failed. It retails for $185 for the 1 TB version on Amazon, which is on the pricier side due to the current RAM and storage chip shortage. Nonetheless, it is extremely reliable, making it a top choice for storing your projects, films, and photos.

Ugreen Revodok Pro 6-in-1 USB-C Hub

The MacBook Neo is equipped with only two USB-C ports — one of which is limited to USB 2.0 speeds. This effectively gives you just one multifunction port for charging and transferring data at high rates, which can pose a challenge if you intend to connect multiple peripherals, an external display, and more.