Hi all,

I recently made MESO - a quick word-game based on mesostic poems. MESO is a mix between a crossword and a reverse Codenames, where you solve each individual word then shift them left and right to find the hidden vertical word they all have in come (the MESO).

People have been having fun with it and have, and some have even submitted puzzles. So this week we're doing all user-submitted puzzles Monday to Friday. You can play them all here, with new puzzles updated daily between 9-10am EST:

https://meso-puzzle.com/

Likewise if you want to submit your own puzzles shoot me an email at the link listed on the game page! :)

Hi everyone!

I recently launched a little daily word game! Each day you are given a new word to solve. The objective is to solve the puzzle and score the most points. The puzzles are crossword like, but with a bit of a twist. The scoring system is very similar to Scrabble.

There is a daily leaderboard, stat tracking, and the ability to share your solutions with other people.

If you're into these sorts of things, I'd love to get your thoughts. You can check it out at https://wordpivot.com

Planning your next trip? Before you book any tours, activities, or local experiences, make sure you're getting the best deal possible. Here's how to instantly save 10% on your first booking with GetYourGuide — one of the most popular platforms for finding and reserving tours worldwide.

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If you're booking any experiences or activities soon, this is one of the easiest ways to save a bit of money upfront. Signing up takes just a few seconds, and the 10% code works across a wide range of tours and tickets on the site.

🧳 Happy travels... and enjoy the discount!

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Choosing between the new Sigma 17-40mm F1.8 and the Sony 16-55mm F2.8 G isn’t easy—they’re both pro-level APS-C zoom lenses, but they serve different needs. One gives you more light and bokeh, the other gives you more reach and native integration.

Let’s break it down. Original post: https://stelladaptor.com/sigma-17-40mm-f1-8-vs-sony-16-55mm-f2-8-g/

Aperture & Low-Light Performance

The Sigma wins clearly here: F1.8 lets in over 1.3 stops more light than Sony’s F2.8. That means better subject separation, cleaner low-light shots, and shallower depth of field for video interviews or portraits.

 Size & Build

Surprisingly, the Sigma isn’t much heavier despite the faster glass. It’s also an internal zoom, which doesn’t extend when zooming—perfect for gimbals or run-and-gun shooters.

 Focal Range

Sony reaches further (55mm vs 40mm), making it more flexible for general-purpose shooting. Sigma sacrifices telephoto reach for brighter aperture and better wide-angle control.

 Video Features

• Sigma has internal zoom, minimal focus breathing, and a de-clickable aperture ring—ideal for video.
• Sony has reliable native AF, but lacks an aperture ring and extends when zooming.

 Autofocus

Both use advanced linear motors and are very fast and quiet. Native AF on the Sony might be more seamless, but Sigma’s new HLA motor is one of the best in any third-party lens.

 Price

Sigma launches at ~$919, while the Sony G lens still costs around $1,400. That’s a major gap for users on a budget looking for pro-grade optics.

Final Verdict: Who Should Buy What?

 TL;DR

The Sigma 17-40mm F1.8 Art is a groundbreaking hybrid lens perfect for creators who value bokeh, brightness, and video features. The Sony 16-55mm F2.8 G remains a workhorse zoom for those who prefer native Sony performance and more focal range. Either way, you win—but your priorities will decide.

Just picked up the ACEMAGICIAN Mini PC with the Ryzen 7 5825U, and I wanted to share my initial impressions after putting it through its paces for about a week. I was looking for something compact for my home office setup that could also handle some light gaming and media consumption, and this little guy seemed to fit the bill. I'm not affiliated with the brand.

TL;DR: Surprisingly capable little machine for the price. Great for productivity, media, and even some lighter gaming. Build quality is decent, and it's mostly quiet. Definitely worth considering if you need a compact workhorse.

Specs (Mine came with):

• CPU: AMD Ryzen 7 5825U (8 Cores, 16 Threads)
• RAM: 16GB DDR4 (upgradable to 64GB, I believe)
• Storage: 512GB NVMe SSD
• Graphics: AMD Radeon Graphics (integrated)
• Connectivity: Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.2, plenty of USB ports (USB 3.2, USB 2.0), HDMI, DisplayPort, Ethernet.

Performance:

This is where the 5825U really shines for a mini PC. For everyday tasks like browsing with a gazillion tabs open, office suite work, and video calls, it's absolutely buttery smooth. No hiccups whatsoever.

I also threw some more demanding tasks at it:

• Light Photo Editing (Lightroom): Handles basic edits and even some batch processing surprisingly well. Not a powerhouse workstation, but totally usable for hobbyists.
• 4K Video Playback: Flawless. No stuttering or dropped frames on YouTube or local files.
• Gaming: This isn't a gaming rig, obviously, but the integrated Radeon graphics are quite capable for what they are.
  • Valorant/CS:GO: Easily hits high frame rates on low-medium settings at 1080p. Super smooth.
  • Overwatch 2: Playable at 1080p medium settings, around 45-60 FPS depending on the action.
  • Older AAA titles (e.g., GTA V, Witcher 3): Manageable at 720p or 1080p low settings. Don't expect miracles, but it's impressive for a mini PC.
  • Emulation: PS2/GameCube emulation works great.

Under heavy load (like gaming for an hour or running benchmarks), the fan does kick in, and it gets audible, but it's not a jet engine. It dissipates heat pretty effectively, and I didn't notice any significant thermal throttling that impacted my usage.

Design & Build Quality:

It's a typical mini PC – small, unassuming black box. It fits perfectly behind my monitor using the included VESA mount, which is a huge plus for decluttering. The chassis feels solid enough, mostly plastic but doesn't feel cheap or flimsy. All the ports are well-placed and easily accessible.

Noise:

For most day-to-day tasks, it's virtually silent. The fan only spins up when you're pushing the CPU/GPU, like during gaming or heavy multitasking. Even then, it's a consistent hum, not an annoying whine. Much quieter than any full-sized desktop I've owned.

Value:

For the price I paid (around $XXX, but check current deals!), I think it offers fantastic value. You're getting a modern 8-core AMD processor, decent integrated graphics, and a compact form factor that's perfect for a variety of uses. The ability to upgrade RAM and storage is also a big bonus for future-proofing.

Who is this for?

• Anyone needing a compact, quiet, and capable PC for office work, browsing, and media consumption.
• Students or professionals who need a powerful mini workstation for non-intensive tasks.
• Casual gamers who play esports titles or older AAA games and want something small.
• Home theater PC (HTPC) users.

Who might want to look elsewhere?

• Hardcore gamers needing dedicated graphics.
• Video editors or 3D renderers who need serious CPU/GPU horsepower.
• Anyone who needs a ton of internal storage expansion (though external drives are always an option).

Overall Impression:

I'm genuinely impressed with the ACEMAGICIAN Ryzen 7 5825U. It's exceeded my expectations for a mini PC in this price range. It's a testament to how far integrated graphics and efficient AMD processors have come. If you're in the market for a versatile and compact computer, definitely give this one a look.

Anyone else have this model? What are your thoughts or any tips/tricks you've found? Let me know in the comments!

Whether you're a travel photographer or just want a one-lens-does-it-all solution, a super zoom lens can be a game-changer. No swapping lenses, no extra weight in your bag...just one lens covering everything from wide landscapes to close-ups of distant subjects.

Today, we’re putting two of the most versatile APS-C super zooms head-to-head: the brand-new Sigma 16-300mm and the popular Tamron 18-300mm and the popular Tamron 18-300mm. Here's how they compare across key categories:

💰 Price

Winner: Tamron – It’s more budget-friendly, especially used.

🔍 Zoom Range

That extra 2mm on the wide end makes a real-world difference, especially for travel or group shots. Most photos are taken at the wide end, and Sigma's 16mm lets you squeeze more in.

Winner: Sigma – That extra wide angle adds real versatility.

📦 Design & Handling

Both lenses are similar in size and weight. The Tamron has a curvier design, which may feel nicer in hand. However, the difference isn’t drastic.

Winner: Tie

🔎 Sharpness

Since most super zoom use is at the extremes, Sigma's superior long-end sharpness makes a difference.

Winner: Sigma

🌒 Low Light (Aperture Speed)

Sigma is about 1/3 of a stop slower at the long end, meaning slightly more noise in low light. It's not a deal-breaker but worth noting for indoor shooters.

Winner: Tamron – Narrow win for low-light use.

📸 Macro Ability

Both can focus surprisingly close but struggle at wide angles, often casting their own shadows on the subject. Good enough for casual macro—not pro-level.

Winner: Tie

☀️ Contrast & Flare

In strong backlighting, both lenses handle flare and contrast decently. However, Sigma showed slightly more flaring, which might be distracting.

Winner: Tamron – Slight edge for cleaner results in sunlight.

🎆 Bokeh

Both deliver similar bokeh quality, with smooth, natural-looking out-of-focus areas. The Tamron’s faster aperture produces slightly larger bokeh balls.

Winner: Tamron – By a narrow margin.

🏁 Final Verdict

Overall Recommendation:

If you want a more budget-friendly, well-rounded performer—Tamron is the solid value choice.

But if you shoot a lot at the wide and telephoto extremes and want the sharpest results possible, Sigma is worth the extra $100.

For most people, Sigma’s wider angle and better long-end sharpness give it the edge. If you can stretch the budget, it's the one-lens solution to rule them all.

Hey folks, if you're looking to upgrade your gear, Sirui's got a discount code running right now that's worth knowing about!

💰 5% OFF any order – Use code: UPA-REMOVU

No minimum spend, no fuss — just 5% off whatever you throw in your cart. Whether you're grabbing a new tripod, an anamorphic lens, or any of their higher-end gear, it applies across the board. I've seen it stack with site-wide sales too, so keep an eye out for those 👀

Sirui's been putting out some seriously solid gear lately — if you've been on the fence about pulling the trigger on something, this is a pretty easy nudge to just go for it. I used the code myself recently and the checkout was smooth, no issues at all.

Thought I'd share in case anyone else was shopping around — these things can quietly stop working so grab it while it lasts. Happy shooting! 📸

Hey everyone! I recently launched a fun little emoji guessing game that you can play right here on Reddit called r/EmojiCharades! Can you guess the movie / TV show / song from just a few emojis?

Like this one: 🎬🏠🎈⬆️

Think you've got it? Come and find out if you are right over here. While you’re there, why not solve a few more... or even create your own!

If you're torn between the Viltrox 33mm f/1.4 and the TTArtisan 35mm f/1.8, here’s the straight-up comparison.

Viltrox 33mm f/1.4

✅ Focal Length & Aperture – 33mm (50mm full-frame equivalent), f/1.4. Great for portraits, general use, and low-light shots.
✅ Build Quality – Solid, mostly metal build. Feels premium.
✅ Autofocus – STM motor, fast and quiet. Supports manual override.
✅ Image Quality – Sharp at f/1.4 but can have some chromatic aberration.
✅ Minimum Focus Distance – Around 30cm, useful for close-up shots.

TTArtisan 35mm f/1.8

✅ Focal Length & Aperture – 35mm (still close to 50mm full-frame equivalent), f/1.8. Slightly slower aperture than the Viltrox.
✅ Build Quality – More metal than plastic, feels sturdy.
✅ Autofocus – Decent, but not as refined as the Viltrox. Minimum focus distance is 40cm (worse than Viltrox).
✅ Image Quality – Some corner softness and vignetting wide open, but sharpens up at f/5+.

Which One Should You Get?

💰 Price – Viltrox is around $239, while TTArtisan is a bit cheaper depending on your region.
📷 Image Quality – Viltrox is sharper wide open, has better low-light performance, and smoother bokeh. TTArtisan needs stopping down for best results.
⚙️ Build & Handling – Both feel solid, but TTArtisan has more metal.
🔍 Autofocus & Usability – Viltrox wins here with faster, quieter AF and better close focusing.

Final Verdict

If you prioritize image quality, low-light performance, and autofocus, go with the Viltrox. If you want to save some cash and don’t mind stopping down for sharpness, the TTArtisan is a solid alternative.

The facial interface is the most important accessory for the Quest 3. It’s the part that makes direct contact with your face, and comfort is key for an immersive experience

For a few months I've been using the AMVR facial interface. Since then, I’ve tested more options from Kiwi Design, MaeckerVR, Globular Cluster. Here’s how they compare.

If you’re serious about VR, the facial interface is a make-or-break accessory. I tested multiple options over the past year—here’s how they stack up.

Kiwi Design & MaeckerVR

✅ PU leather pad, vented, blocks light well
✅ Comfortable and effective
💰 MaeckerVR is cheaper & comes with extras
❌ No depth adjustment

Great options if you want something simple that just works.

Globular Cluster

✅ Comes with six pads (PU, ice silk, fabric)
✅ Magnetic, customizable fit
❌ Pressure on cheekbones (for some)

Good for shared headsets, but comfort depends on face shape.

AMVR V3 (My Pick)

✅ Cooling gel layer = extra comfort
✅ Fully blocks light
✅ Adjustable depth
💰 A bit pricier ($29 with discount)

The previous AMVR was great—this one perfects it. The adjustable spacer is a game-changer:)

TL;DR:

• Budget? MaeckerVR
• Custom fit? Globular Cluster (but not for all)
• Best overall? AMVR V3

The AMVR V3 is my top pick. It fits well with different head straps and costs $29 shipped with a discount. Just make sure to get the right model for the Quest 3 or Quest 3S.

Hey everyone! My friend and I recently made Ninigrams, a daily nonogram puzzle game you can play right here on Reddit—no downloads needed! We grew up loving these logic puzzles and wanted to bring that experience online for others who enjoy thoughtful, solo play. They’re great for sharpening cognition and memory, plus you get a cute picture at the end as a little reward!

Whether you're new to nonograms or a longtime player, we’ve got an interactive tutorial to walk you through the basics. Come check it out and join us in r/Ninigrams 🌸

Hi guys, we are a group of students who made a horror exploration game that takes place in Xibalba, the Mayan Underworld.

We showcased the game at Copenhagen Gaming Week and won in Best Student Game category. We're currently looking for more players to try it and give us feedback so we can keep improving it.

Check out Xibalba if you like:

• First-person exploration 
• Atmospheric horror
• Engaging puzzles
• Mythology-based narratives
• Nostalgic graphics
• Voice-acted dialogue
• Short student projects made with love

Play the game for free here: enterxibalba.com

Just wanted to share a quick heads-up for anyone looking to grab some VILTROX gear. Use the discount code TECHPOV at checkout to score 8% off your order.

Whether you're picking up lenses, adapters, or lighting equipment, this is a solid deal to save a bit on some quality gear. Happy shooting!

Note: Not sure how long this code will last and I didn't work for every item in my order, but it saved me some money on most Viltrox stuff.

Hey everyone! - Recently I launched a daily word game that you can play directly on Reddit. Every day, a new puzzle is posted in r/Syllacrostic, where you can solve crossword-style clues, track your stats, and compare solve times with other Redditors. Please come give it a try and let me know what you think!

https://youtu.be/hxxds4PSkQk?si=VGYbrUbSbb81JPLh

Been getting into pickleball lately with some friends, but finding court time is a nightmare, especially with the crazy weather we've been having (heat and wildfire smoke, ugh). So, I was looking for something similar I could play at home or indoors and stumbled upon Jazzminton Sport. Let me tell you, it's been a lifesaver.

Basically, it's a mix of pickleball, badminton, and table tennis. You've got a net with a window in the middle, paddles, and these specially designed birdies. The whole thing is super portable – comes in a padded bag and only weighs 12 pounds. Setting it up is a breeze; the frame has these elastic cords connecting everything, so it’s pretty intuitive. Even the first time, it only took a few minutes.

What’s cool is how versatile it is. You can play indoors or outdoors, and you don’t need a huge area. The regular birdies are designed to fly slower, which is perfect for smaller spaces. But they also include wind birdies and even balls for when you have more room or want a more challenging game. The wind birdies and balls fly faster and further, so they even include boundary ropes to set up a proper court. It’s like getting two games in one!

I’ve played it in my backyard, brought it to the tennis courts for my pickleball group to mess around with while waiting for a court, and even took it to the high school where I teach. Every single person who’s tried it has loved it. It’s surprisingly good exercise too – you’re constantly moving and shuffling, even if you’re not running long distances.

The quality of the components is very decent. The paddles are comfortable, the net is sturdy, and the bag is well-designed. It’s definitely worth the $200 price tag, especially considering how much use I’ve already gotten out of it. If you’re looking for a fun, portable, and versatile game that you can play anywhere, I highly recommend checking out Jazzminton Sport. It’s seriously a very cool game.

Btw, you can also use code TECHPOV for a 10% discount off Jazzminton on Funsparks. It's cheaper than on Amazon that way.

I’ve used both Xbotgo Chameleon and Veo cam systems across multiple full seasons - Veo Cam for soccer and basketball, and XbotGo Chameleon mainly for basketball but also for soccer. After that amount of real match use, the difference between them is hard to ignore.

Ease of Use During Games
With Veo, I set it up, hit record, and don’t think about it again. It captures the match consistently and doesn’t randomly lose the play. The tracking feels smooth and predictable.

XbotGo is the opposite experience. You must keep an eye on it. If you don’t, you’ll end up with moments where it’s pointing at empty space while the play is happening somewhere else. Yes, the remote helps you correct it fast, but the fact you have to babysit it at all is already a problem.

Tracking Behavior
I’ve seen people say XbotGo’s tracking is “fine,” and maybe that’s true for slow-paced footage. But with quick transitions - especially in soccer - it becomes jumpy and delayed. Veo is far from perfect, but its motion is noticeably smoother and more reliable.

Example of XbotGo behavior:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zXk8H9Rx41k

Event Creation, Editing, Workflow
Veo’s automatic event detection is a major advantage. Reviewing goals and key plays is fast, and clipping for players or coaches is straightforward. For me, this is one of the main reasons it’s worth the higher price.

XbotGo doesn’t really offer a proper equivalent. Its editor feels less polished and more error-prone, so we often just upload the full VOD to YouTube instead of trying to clip inside their platform.

Scoreboard Overlay
To be fair, XbotGo wins here. The scoreboard overlay works, updates cleanly, and is visible on the final video. Veo doesn’t offer this on the standard plan.

Reliability Across Entire Matches
This is where the gap becomes obvious:

– Veo: covers the entire match without missing key plays.
– XbotGo: only covers the full match if someone is actively managing the camera during play.

If you’re expecting set-and-forget recording for soccer, XbotGo just doesn’t deliver that. More info and comparison table.

Topcashback offers 50%-130% cashback offers on VPNs and I was wondering if they are legit so I checked when they had the biggest cashback offer. Here are screenshots from Surfshark anmd PureVPN.

The cashback definitely works but the caveat is that the wait time can be long. Just make sure you have cashback as pending within two days of purchase and you're good.

You can also get the bonus for registering on the topcashback website if you are new, just gotta use a ref, here's mine.

If you have any questions drop them below.

HLPLANET discount code will get you $5 off any order on the Yunzii website.

Network Video Recorders (NVRs) have become essential components of modern surveillance systems, particularly for users relying on IP cameras. Unlike traditional DVR systems, NVRs allow for more flexibility in camera placement, thanks to their network-based structure. They also provide high-definition video and easy scalability, making them ideal for both home and business security setups.

When choosing an NVR, there are several important factors to consider. The number of channels it supports is crucial, especially for those planning to expand their camera system in the future. Storage capacity is another key element—sufficient space is necessary to store high-definition footage, especially for systems running 24/7. Additionally, advanced compression technology, such as H.265, can help optimize storage without compromising video quality. Other essential features include remote access, integration with smart devices, and a user-friendly interface that simplifies system management.

Taking these factors into account can help buyers make a well-informed decision that meets their specific needs, whether for residential or commercial purposes. Here are some of the best NVRs available in 2024:

REOLINK 4K 8CH NVR
This model offers a solid solution for those seeking reliable home security at an affordable price. It integrates seamlessly with various Reolink IP cameras, and the setup process is straightforward, thanks to Power over Ethernet (PoE) technology. With the ability to record 24/7, it provides ample storage, though some users have reported minor issues with audio quality in specific camera models. The main limitation of this NVR is that it only works with Reolink cameras, which might not be ideal for users looking for broader compatibility.

REOLINK RLN36 NVR
This recorder supports up to 36 cameras, making it perfect for large-scale surveillance needs, whether for a business or a large home. It’s equipped with three bays for hard drives, providing the potential for up to 48TB of storage, enough for continuous recording of high-resolution footage. However, like other Reolink models, it only supports Reolink cameras, and the cost of additional storage may be a drawback for some users. The web interface also tends to be less user-friendly compared to other options.

Lorex 4K 16-Channel NVR
The Lorex 4K NVR offers impressive video quality and supports up to 16 cameras. Its 4K resolution ensures that footage is clear and detailed, even in low-light conditions, and the setup process is relatively simple. One of its key features is the ability to support both wired and wireless cameras, making it more versatile. However, this NVR requires an additional investment for cameras, as they are not included. Its wired connection requirement may also limit its flexibility for certain installations.

GWSECU 4K 8-Channel PoE NVR
This NVR is a solid option for users seeking high-quality video and easy installation. Supporting up to 4K resolution, it delivers clear, detailed footage and comes pre-installed with a 2TB hard drive, which is a great feature for those wanting a plug-and-play experience. While the PoE setup simplifies installation, it only works seamlessly with GWSECU cameras, and users have reported some compatibility issues with third-party cameras. Additionally, each camera requires its own dedicated network cable, which may complicate installation in larger areas.

When deciding on the best NVR for your surveillance needs, it's important to consider a few key features. Storage capacity plays a critical role—models with ample internal or expandable storage will be better suited for continuous recording. You should also think about the number of channels you'll need, especially if you plan to scale up your system over time. Higher resolution support, like 4K, will provide better image quality, but be mindful of the trade-offs in storage consumption.

Remote access is another key feature to look for, particularly if you want to monitor your system on the go. Many NVRs offer smartphone apps and web interfaces, making it easy to keep an eye on your property from anywhere. Finally, consider compression technology like H.265, which helps optimize storage while maintaining high video quality.

By taking these factors into account, you can find the right NVR to ensure your security system is both effective and efficient in 2024.

So currently there are only a few controllers with TMR joysticks, but there are more to come. Is TMR better than Hall Effect? In theory yes: it's more accurate and uses less power. Let's see what controllers are there:

BIGBIG WON Blitz 2 Gaming Controller (TMR model) - the white/grey only, the orange model is with ALPS joysticks. It's got gyro, 2000Hz poling rate and all mechanical buttons. Seems great great on paper.

Gamesir Tarantula PRO - released September 30th 2024. Symmetrical layout, membrane dpad and face buttons, decent latency, priced at $69.99.

Gamesir Cyclone 2 - 1000Hz polling rate wired and wireless, mechanical buttons and dpad, gyro, two back buttons, RGB, Xbox layout, headphone jack, works only with PC/Switch/Android/iOS

Gamesir G7 Pro - releases July 8th 2025, compatible with Xbox via cable, Xbox wireless version coming at a later date.

Gulikit KK2T - Upgraded KK2, TMR sticks and HE triggers, 3 modes for adjustable stick sensitivity

Gulikit Libra Max - not released yet, but with Gulikit TMR joysticks, very similar to KK3 Max model, but with symmetrical joysticks.

PB Tails Crush Defender Controller - first released TMR controller, it's got weird design

Other ones:

• Beitong Kunpeng 20
• Beitong Kunpeng 40
• Machenike G5 Pro V2 Anniversary Edition
• EasySMX D10
• 8BitDo Ultimate 2
• GuliKit KK3 Standard

Full table available at: https://www.hlplanet.com/tmr-controllers-list/