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Most Hyped Trailer from the Game Awards 2024
The Game Awards 2024 was packed with excitement, featuring some of the most thrilling game trailers we’ve seen this year. From long-awaited sequels to bold new stories, the event gave players plenty to look forward to. Whether you love epic adventures, fast-paced action, or unique worlds, these trailers showcased the future of gaming. Here’s a look at the most talked-about reveals that have everyone excited.
1. Elden Ring: NightReign
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Djtsw5k_DNc
Elden Ring: Nightreign, a standalone cooperative multiplayer roguelike spin-off from From Software, is set to release in 2025 on PC, PlayStation, and Xbox platforms, with a Network Test for PS5 and Xbox Series X|S players in early 2025. Directed by Junya Ishizaki, the game is set in Limveld, a variant of Limgrave, where players face the Nightlord and other foes, including familiar enemies from previous Souls titles. Nightreign features eight playable classes, randomized loot, roguelike mechanics, and cross-generation but no cross-platform multiplayer. Players can embark on three-player runs that culminate in major boss battles and earn currency for character customization and relic upgrades. The game promises a blend of classic Souls elements and fresh cooperative gameplay innovations.
2. Witcher 4
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=54dabgZJ5YA
The Witcher 4, the highly anticipated sequel in CD Projekt Red's renowned RPG series, will feature Ciri as the protagonist, beginning a new trilogy set after the events of The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt. Currently in full development with Unreal Engine 5, the game promises a story-driven, open-world experience with expansive possibilities for exploration and character progression. The trilogy's first installment is still years away, with no confirmed release date, but it has been described as the studio's "most advanced" project. Fans can expect new Witcher lore, such as the Lynx School, alongside familiar elements like Geralt's possible cameo. CDPR has also assured that the game will not be exclusive to any storefront, signaling widespread availability upon release.
3. Borderlands 4
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R8CaRnf0zO0
Borderlands 4, set for release in 2025, marks a new chapter in Gearbox Software's looter-shooter franchise, introducing an all-new planet, four new Vault Hunters, and enhanced RPG elements. The game, which will launch on PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X (excluding last-gen consoles), continues the series' signature blend of humor, action, and treasure hunting. Gearbox has teased a balance between approachability and depth, with the new Vault Hunters fulfilling archetypal roles like "soldier" and "mage." Developed over several years and published by 2K Games, Borderlands 4 promises fresh gameplay while staying true to the franchise’s roots, as showcased in its cinematic and gameplay trailers revealed during The Game Awards 2024.
4. Okami Sequal
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mSoZgCCxyQc
Capcom has officially announced a sequel to Okami, with a visually stunning teaser trailer revealed during The Game Awards 2024, featuring Amaterasu’s return in her iconic wolf form. Directed by Hideki Kamiya, the sequel promises to evolve the series’ beloved Celestial Brush mechanics, potentially incorporating innovative control features for modern consoles, including the rumored Nintendo Switch successor. The game’s art style appears to shift toward softer, painterly visuals while maintaining its signature storytelling elements of restoration and rebirth. While no release date or platforms have been confirmed, the sequel is expected to embrace modern hardware capabilities, potentially offering a more seamless open-world design and dynamic gameplay. Capcom's revival of the franchise under Kamiya’s leadership reflects a renewed commitment to honoring the legacy of Okami and delivering a creative, unforgettable experience.
5. Mafia: Old Country
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MdnmrHadUdo
Mafia: The Old Country, launching in Summer 2025, serves as a prequel to the Mafia trilogy, exploring the origins of organized crime in 1900s Sicily. Developed by Hangar 13, the game will feature a more linear, narrative-driven experience compared to the open-world structure of Mafia 3, with a focus on authenticity, including fully localized Sicilian voice acting. Players will navigate the fictional town of San Celeste, engaging in knife and gun combat, high-speed vehicle chases, and initiation rituals. Revealed through cinematic trailers at Gamescom 2024 and The Game Awards 2024, the game is set to release on PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X/S, promising rich storytelling and a gritty action-adventure experience.
6. Onimusha: Way of the Sword
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9xQa_iW958E
Onimusha: Way of the Sword is set to release in February 2026 for PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S, marking the series' return after nearly 20 years. Set in Edo-era Kyoto, the game follows a samurai wielding the Oni Gauntlet to combat demonic Genma amidst a land corrupted by Malice. The gameplay retains the series' signature elements, including the Issen parry system and the collection of souls to empower the protagonist, with hints of the Oni transformation mechanic returning. While the story teaser was minimal, fans can expect a blend of melee combat, survival horror elements, and rich feudal Japanese settings, staying true to the franchise’s roots.
7. Slay the Spire 2
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=krDFltgjLtE
Slay the Spire 2, set to release in 2025 with an Early Access launch on PC, MacOS, and Linux, brings back beloved roguelike gameplay with new twists. Set 1,000 years after the original, the game features returning characters Ironclad and Silent, alongside a new slayer, The Necrobinder, with hints that other familiar faces like Defect may return. Built on the Godot engine, the sequel introduces updated mechanics, new cards, and enhanced visuals, with Mega Crit hiring dedicated art and animation staff to elevate the experience. The game will launch without microtransactions and is expected to expand its roster and content during Early Access. Fans can anticipate fresh challenges, an evolved art style, and an expanded story as they climb the Spire once more.
8. Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VLGy63pt9vA
Naughty Dog's upcoming sci-fi adventure, Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet, was unveiled at The Game Awards 2024, marking a departure from the studio's previous works like The Last of Us and Uncharted. The game follows bounty hunter Jordan A. Mun, voiced by Tati Gabrielle, as she ventures to the perilous planet Sempiria to capture a target named Colin Graves, played by Kumail Nanjiani, hinting at a personal connection. Set on a mysterious and dangerous alien world, Intergalactic promises a character-driven narrative structured like a TV series, with a focus on emotional depth and rich storytelling. While gameplay details remain scarce, a brief trailer highlights melee combat and hints at ambitious mechanics, with Naughty Dog claiming it will feature their "deepest gameplay" to date. With development ongoing since 2020, no release date has been confirmed, but the game is expected to be a major, immersive addition to Naughty Dog's portfolio.
9. The Outerworlds 2
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ClhDyC0ZECs
The Outer Worlds 2, set to release in 2025, is Obsidian Entertainment's follow-up to its acclaimed sci-fi RPG, bringing players to a new star system with a fresh crew while retaining the series' signature humor and gameplay style. Exclusive to Xbox Series X and PC, the game will launch on Xbox Game Pass and promises to be twice the size of its predecessor, featuring expanded environments, new weapons, and enhanced combat mechanics. Revealed during The Game Awards 2024 with a gameplay trailer, the sequel showcases fast-paced shooting, cover-based combat, and stunning alien landscapes, while hinting at an expanded narrative and deeper companion interactions. Fans can expect more of what made the original a standout, with a larger scope and new adventures in a brand-new setting.
10. Virtual Fighter 6
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pmeGL2JP9N0
Virtua Fighter 6, revealed during The Game Awards 2024, marks the long-awaited return of Sega's iconic fighting franchise after nearly 20 years. While no release date or platforms have been confirmed, the game is in development, with gameplay footage suggesting a continuation of the series' grounded 3D fighting style focused on combos and positioning. Featuring an older Akira and a new character named Stella, the game aims to innovate while staying true to its roots, with development led by Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio and supported by original series developers. Fans can look forward to fresh elements in this classic series revival.
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The Future of Meeting Notes: Why Read AI Leads the Pack
Meeting notes are essential for tracking decisions, assigning tasks, and keeping teams aligned, but taking notes manually is often time-consuming and prone to errors. Enter Read AI: a cutting-edge tool that automates notetaking, generates concise summaries, and highlights next steps. Designed to integrate with popular platforms like Microsoft Teams and Zoom, Read AI is revolutionizing how professionals manage meeting documentation.
What is Read AI and Why Does It Stand Out
At its core, Read AI is an intelligent meeting assistant that automates notetaking and transforms raw discussions into actionable insights. Unlike traditional methods, where participants rely on manual notes or scattered recordings, Read AI uses advanced algorithms to capture and structure meeting content efficiently.
Key Features of Read AI:
Real-time transcription: Instantly convert spoken words into text during meetings, ensuring nothing is missed.
AI summary generator: Create concise summaries that include key points, decisions made, and action items.
Actionable insights: Identify follow-up tasks and responsibilities, making post-meeting collaboration more effective.
Imagine this scenario: During a Zoom meeting, Read AI transcribes the conversation in real time, marks critical points as they happen, and delivers a polished summary at the end. Team members can focus on contributing to the discussion rather than worrying about capturing every detail.
Read AI is designed for modern teams, offering tools that adapt to a variety of workflows, from brainstorming sessions to client calls, making it indispensable for today’s professionals.
Benefits of AI-Powered Meeting Notes
The introduction of tools like Read AI has transformed meeting documentation, offering benefits that extend beyond just saving time. One major advantage is the increased accuracy and consistency these tools provide. By reducing the risk of human error, AI ensures that every critical detail and decision is accurately captured, creating reliable records for future reference.
AI-powered notes also improve collaboration by producing concise, well-structured summaries that can be easily shared among team members. This helps build better alignment, ensuring everyone stays on the same page and can contribute more effectively to ongoing projects. Tools like Read AI aren’t just streamlining processes—they’re enhancing how teams communicate.
Consider a project kickoff meeting where Read AI records discussions, assigns action points to team members, and generates a summary that’s immediately shareable. This level of efficiency helps teams move forward faster and with greater clarity.
By automating tedious tasks, Read AI enables professionals to focus on creativity, strategy, and collaboration—areas where human expertise truly shines.
The Future of AI-Driven Notetaking
As AI technology continues to evolve, tools like Read AI are becoming even more intelligent and adaptable, fundamentally changing how meetings are managed and how collaboration unfolds. Recent advancements, such as the integration of Read AI for Gmail, demonstrate how AI can seamlessly connect meeting and message data, enhancing workflows across multiple platforms.
Read AI already integrates with tools like Asana and Trello through platforms like Zapier, enabling automated workflows for assigning tasks and organizing projects. However, the potential for deeper, native integrations is significant. These would eliminate the need for third-party connectors, providing a streamlined experience where tasks and deadlines are automatically created and synchronized directly within project management platforms.
Beyond task automation, future iterations of Read AI could focus on personalized insights, tailoring meeting notes and summaries to individual participants. By focusing on role-specific decisions and action items, this feature would streamline communication and ensure everyone receives relevant updates.
Advancements in sentiment analysis could further enhance collaboration by assessing the tone of discussions, identifying areas of concern and encouraging proactive conflict resolution. Predictive analytics might take AI notetaking a step further by flagging unresolved issues or suggesting actionable next steps based on meeting content.
Pioneering the Next Era of Collaboration
Looking further ahead, AI notetaking might evolve to become a central hub for collaboration, combining data from various tools and platforms into a unified experience. AI assistants like Read AI could become the nexus of workplace communication, integrating everything from meeting insights to email replies and project management tasks into a real-time, cohesive system tailored to individual workflows. As these innovations unfold, the lines between meetings, messages, and tasks will blur, creating an advanced productivity experience powered by AI.
If you're looking to stay ahead of these trends and maximize your productivity, consider exploring innovative devices like the Acer Swift Go 14 AI Laptop, which offers the performance needed to run AI tools. To dive deeper into the latest advancements in AI and productivity, subscribe to the Acer Corner email digest for expert insights and updates.
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About Maxine Sheppard: Maxine is a writer and editor who specializes in topics ranging from travel, tech and music to wildlife and design. When not writing, you might find her driving through a national park with the radio on loud.
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2025's Hottest Survival Games: 7 Must-Play Titles on PC
With their unique blend of resource management, exploration, and intense challenges, survival games have become a significant genre in the gaming landscape. They often place players in hostile environments where they must gather resources, build shelters, and fend off threats to survive. The appeal of the best survival games lies in their immersive gameplay and the sense of achievement that comes from overcoming adversity. Players enjoy the freedom to craft their own narratives, making choices that can lead to vastly different outcomes.
Many gamers prefer playing survival games on PC rather than consoles for several reasons. PCs typically offer superior graphics and performance capabilities, allowing for a more visually stunning experience. Additionally, the flexibility of modding on PC can enhance gameplay significantly, providing new content and features that are often unavailable on consoles. The ability to customize controls and settings further contributes to a more tailored gaming experience. For PC players, powerful computers like the Predator Orion Gaming Desktop ensure smooth performance and crisp visuals, as well as a future-proof gaming setup.
Best Survival Games 2024
As 2024 comes to a close, the survival genre has delivered standout titles that pushed the boundaries of innovation. Pacific Drive, from Ironwood Studios, sets players in the eerie Olympic Exclusion Zone, where managing a vehicle becomes a lifeline against environmental hazards and surreal threats. With its blend of atmospheric storytelling and unique mechanics, it's no surprise that the game won the Best Gameplay award at the BIG Festival in June 2024. Another highly popular title, Endnight Games' Sons of the Forest, builds on its predecessor with adaptive AI-driven enemies and tense gameplay, earning a nomination in the 2024 Steam Awards' Better with Friends category.
City-building enthusiasts were drawn to Frostpunk 2, the highly anticipated sequel from 11 Bit Studios. Released in September, the game expanded on the survival mechanics of its predecessor, challenging players to make morally complex decisions in a frozen wasteland. Frostpunk 2 earned Best Gameplay honors at the 2024 Gamescom Awards and was named Best Sim/Strategy Game at the Game Awards 2024. Together, these titles highlight the survival genre’s evolution, offering unforgettable experiences for a diverse range of players.
7 Must-Play PC Survival Games in 2025
Looking ahead to the coming year, several new PC survival games are generating excitement among gamers:
1. Aloft
https://youtu.be/4XQxVjT6Az4?si=QV_R0zGK68UcD92J
Developed by Astrolabe Interactive and published by Funcom, Aloft is set to launch in Early Access on January 15, 2025. This cooperative sandbox survival game transports players to a colorful world of floating islands, where they can build and customize their own skyships. Players will navigate through serene and stormy skies, gathering resources while cleansing the islands' ecosystems from corruption.
The game allows up to eight players to collaborate, creating vibrant airborne villages that light up the night sky. Unique mechanics include crafting sails and navigating wind currents, enhancing the exploration experience. As players progress, they can unlock new biomes, challenges, and items to craft. With a solid foundation already established through demos, Aloft is poised to be an exciting addition to the best PC survival games lineup for 2025.
2. Atomfall
Scheduled for release on multiple platforms on March 27, 2025, Atomfall is a single-player survival-action game from Rebellion Developments. It's set in an eerie world influenced by post-World War II themes, real-life events, and classic British science fiction, and players must navigate through dark environments filled with danger and mystery. The gameplay combines exploration, crafting, and intense combat as players uncover clues and face off against hostile entities.
Players can utilize a metal detector to unearth hidden treasures while crafting weapons and items essential for survival. The game features light roleplaying game (RPG) elements that allow players to define their character through interactions with nonplayable characters (NPCs) and skill trees. The Deluxe Edition offers additional content such as exclusive weapons and early access to expansions.
3. The Alters
https://youtu.be/IiDOlqALAN4?si=DHSr7w1Q5nvVTwwb%20
The Alters, developed by 11 Bit Studios, is set to launch in the first quarter of 2025 after a slight delay from its original November 2024 schedule. Players take on the role of Jan Dolski, who crash-lands on a hostile planet and must manage a high-tech mobile base designed for a crew he doesn't have. This multiplatform game introduces a unique mechanic where Jan can create alternate versions of himself—known as Alters—by making pivotal decisions from his past. Each Alter possesses distinct skills and personalities that impact gameplay dynamics and relationships within the base.
Players must pay attention to resource management while balancing interpersonal conflicts among the Alters as they strive for survival. The narrative explores themes of choice and consequence, adding depth to the gameplay experience. The Alters demo is already available on PC and can be downloaded via Steam.
4. Dune: Awakening
https://youtu.be/Ud3EW5aAUZ8?si=LMJlE9qOGo8dPREE
Set in the iconic universe of Frank Herbert's Dune series of science fiction novels, Dune: Awakening is an open-world survival massively multiplayer online (MMO) developed by Funcom that's expected to launch on PC in early 2025. Players customize their characters as they crash-land on the desert planet of Arrakis, facing extreme environmental challenges such as heatstroke and thirst. Survival hinges on resource management as players battle against harsh conditions while competing for control over valuable spice resources with other players.
The game incorporates base-building mechanics and allows players to form guilds for cooperative play against both environmental threats and rival factions. Giant sandworms add an additional layer of danger as they can be summoned during gameplay.
5. The Last of Us Part II Remastered
Naughty Dog's critically acclaimed The Last of Us Part II Remastered arrives on PC on April 3, 2025. This remastered version enhances the original's visuals with higher resolution textures, improved character models, and support for ultrawide displays like the 49" EI1 UltraWide Curved Entertainment Monitor. Players will experience Ellie and Abby’s gripping narrative with new gameplay features that include a roguelike survival mode titled "No Return," which introduces permadeath mechanics and randomized encounters for added replayability.
The remaster also optimizes performance across various hardware configurations, ensuring smooth gameplay at high frame rates. Additionally, players can expect new accessibility options such as Speech to Vibrations and Descriptive Audio. This release not only brings one of PlayStation's most beloved titles to a wider audience but also showcases how PC gaming can elevate storytelling through advanced graphics and performance enhancements.
6. Polyaris
https://youtu.be/1Egyg-Q_qR0?si=lhr8KBn0DN_rfJLr
Polyaris, developed by Norwegian indie studio Magic Pie Games, invites players into an icy, post-apocalyptic world where they must survive against extreme cold and hostile wildlife while uncovering secrets buried beneath the snow. Set for release by the end of summer 2025, this first-person, single-player title emphasizes crafting tools and building shelters from available resources while exploring frozen wastelands filled with challenges. Players will need to manage their warmth levels carefully while making their way through treacherous environments teeming with dangers such as aggressive creatures or harsh weather conditions. The game's art style combines realism with stylized elements that enhance immersion in its frigid landscape.
7. Cairn
https://youtu.be/Q4In8-k2A-I?si=lTm1iQNJne7q24ag
From The Game Bakers, another independent studio, comes Cairn, a groundbreaking survival climber that focuses on realistic climbing mechanics. Players must carefully plan their ascents on treacherous Mount Kami while managing limited resources like pitons, which are essential for climbing success. This open-world survival adventure emphasizes exploration as players discover hidden paths and face environmental challenges that test their skills at every turn. With eye-catching visuals powered by Unity technology, Cairn showcases breathtaking, almost surreal landscapes alongside intense survival elements.
With such a diverse lineup of anticipated computer survival games set for release in 2025, players can expect innovative gameplay experiences that’ll keep them engaged for hours on end as they navigate challenging environments of danger and discovery.
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About Lalaine Capucion: Lalaine has been working as a freelance writer and editor for more than 12 years, focusing on lifestyle, travel, and wellness. When she isn’t writing, she's most likely curled up with a good book or trying out a new recipe in the kitchen. She lives in Metro Manila, Philippines.
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Acer Swift X 16 Review: Powerful Performance and Stunning Design for Creators and Professionals
With captivating color and crystal clear clarity, the Acer Swift X 16 laptop offers outstanding performance capabilities for creators and professionals. The 3.2K 120Hz OLED display, exceptional color grading, and image quality will delight users with stunning color accuracy. Weighing just 1.9 kg (4.18 lbs), the Acer Swift X 16 is made for makers, offering cinema-grade industry-standard video editing with 100% DCI-P3 color coverage. It is also professionally calibrated and certified by TÜV Rheinland to balance blue light limitations and minimize eye strain. This lets creators continue doing what they do best without causing additional damage to their eyes.
The Acer Swift X 16 makes the future possible now with a dedicated AI engine, offering a brand-new AI experience with AMD Ryzen™ AI. Users can browse, create, and play with dependable performance at up to 8 cores and 16 threads, while the AI engine frees up the processor to multitask and keep running at lightning speed. With 1TB of SSD storage and 16 GB of installed memory, users can experience quicker data transfers, low latency, and faster load times.
Features
Alongside speedy load times, AI capabilities, and excellent color quality, the Acer Swift X 16 also offers the following features.
1. TwinAir cooling and enhanced battery life
The Acer Swift X 16 includes a redesigned thermal arrangement, allowing it to be fitted with a 36% larger battery and TwinAir cooling. Users can benefit from impressive thermal performance and a longer battery life, so they can focus on creating and designing without their device overheating. Twin stereo ring fans dissipate heat throughout dual D6 copper heat pipes, ensuring accurate and controlled heat dissipation. Users can choose from four different fan speeds, Silent, Normal, Performance, and Turbo, depending on their usage requirements, boosting airflow by up to 42%.
2. Advanced video calling capabilities
Acer’s TNR technology provides high-quality imagery in low-light conditions, allowing professionals to continue working day and night. The Acer Swift X 16 also includes Acer PurifiedView™ and PurifiedVoice™ with AI Noise Reduction, ensuring high-quality visuals on the 1080p FHD camera and clear sound during video calls. Automatic framing puts users front and center, helping them appear more engaging and natural during online meetings. Moreover, AI-assisted gaze correction automatically adjusts the user’s eye angle, helping them maintain steady eye contact with their video call partner.
3. NVIDIA® studio exclusive features
Creators can take their creative endeavors to the next level with NVIDIA® Studio. With RTX and AI acceleration in top creative apps, NVIDIA® Studio drivers for maximum stability, and a whole host of exclusive tools like Omniverse, Canvas, and Broadcast. With the Acer Swift X 16 and exclusive content from the NVIDIA® Studio, artists can breathe life into their ideas faster than ever before.
Specifications
* Operating system: Windows 11 Home
* Processor model: AMD Ryzen™ 9 7940HS
* Processor speed: 4.0 GHz
* Processor core: Octa-core (8 Core™)
* GPU: NVIDIA® GeForce RTX 4050 graphics
* Graphics memory capacity: 6 GB
* Total installed memory: 16 GB
* Total solid state drive capacity: 1 TB
* Bluetooth: 5.2
* Interfaces / ports: HDMI x 1, USB 3.2 Gen x 1, 3.2 Gen 2 (USB Type-C) x 1, Thunderbolt™ 4 (USB 3.2) x 2
* Keyboard features: Backlit keyboard with OceanGlassTM Touchpad
* Maximum battery run time: 10 hours
* Screen resolution: 3200 x 2000
* Height: 0.7 inches (1.778 cm)
* Width: 14.02 inches (35.61 cm)
* Depth: 9.81 inches (24.91 cm)
* Weight (approx): 4.35 lbs (1.97 kg)
Power, productivity, and precision: the Acer Swift X 16
If you are searching for a powerful laptop to support your creative side, look no further. The Acer Swift X 16 is the best laptop for creators and designers, offering outstanding features like a larger battery and AI functions for enhanced performance. At just 17.9 mm (0.70 inches), the stunning device is easily transportable while users dash between the studio, office, and home. The Acer design team has meticulously built the Acer Swift X 16 with productivity, accessibility, and precision in mind, making it the ideal companion for creators and professionals. Get yours today at the Acer online store.
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How to Play Phone Games on PC
Smartphones, the pocket sized mini-computers the world has grown to love are everywhere nowadays. With over 9 out of every 10 Americans owning one, they are integral to our daily lives. From contacting friends, family, and colleagues, to social media, banking, music streaming, and even health monitoring, the uses we’ve found for these handy devices are myriad!
Smartphones share many of the characteristics of your PC, and it's no surprise that phone games are super popular among people of all ages. Since the early days playing Snake on old school Nokias, to Call of Duty: Mobile, and Candy Crush Saga, there’s a game for everyone.
Today we’re not reviewing phone games. For serious phone gamers, the natural evolution of gaming on your phone screen is to take the game to a bigger screen, namely your PC. In this article we’ll furnish you with the lowdown on why you might want to play phone games on a computer, then provide a step by step guide on how to play phone games on your PC. Read on, and put your phone down while you get stuck in to phone gaming on your PC!
Why play phone games on a computer?
The burning question, is it not? Your phone is a perfectly good device, it’s got you this far in your phone game exploits, so why make the switch to play cell phone games on PC? There are actually some great benefits to transferring your phone gaming to a PC. Let’s have a look at the top four improvements we’ve noticed after making the switch to PC:
Improved performance. Whether you use a laptop or desktop, chances are that your trusty PC has hardware that outguns your diminutive smartphone. A more powerful processor (CPU), graphics card (GPU), and far greater RAM mean that your PC can run your phone games smoother, at faster speeds, and with less lags than on your smartphone. This translates to better gaming performance for you, the player, meaning abundant victories await!
Beat the heat, save your phone. We’ve all been there, stuck in the thick of the action, trying to run a graphically demanding game on our smartphone. As the game progresses, the battery level gets lower and lower, while the phone gets so hot you’re worried the battery might melt! Transfer these gaming odysseys to your PC and you most likely won’t need to worry about overheating, which can seriously shorten the lifespan of your phone’s battery. Another plus: your phone stays free to receive messages and calls while you game.
Control. To play your favorite phone games on your PC, you’ll need an emulator (more on that later), via the emulator, you can map touch controls to your keyboard and mouse inputs. Compared to your phone, keyboard and mouse control delivers faster reaction times and increased precision, giving you the edge over opponents. You can also connect to external controllers (Xbox, etc) enabling console-like gameplay for phone games. The increased control possible with PC keyboard, mouse, and game controllers gives you a competitive advantage over touchscreen players, so get ready to win big. PUGB Mobile is an example of this phenomenon you may well have heard of, where playing with a mouse is akin to paying in god mode!
Screen real estate. Screens come in many shapes and sizes, using a variety of display technologies. One thing is for sure, transport your phone games from the small screen of your phone onto your laptop or monitor and you’ll open up a world of gaming possibilities. Strategy games, RPGs and FPS will come to life on a larger screen, with more details and room to properly play in an immersive environment. Added bonus: no more eye strain from staring at your phone screen, because a larger display can lead to hours of comfortable gaming.
How to play phone games on PC
Now let’s get down to the technical nitty gritty, that really isn’t too challenging at all -the art of playing phone games on your trusty PC. There are a couple of different ways to play Android games on your PC. These include using an emulator (our personal fave), game streaming, screen mirroring and cloud gaming. Emulators allow you to run Android apps and games on your PC. At time of writing the best emulators include:
* BlueStacks is the most widely used emulator, user friendly across a range of apps and games, customizable.
* MEmu, the serious gamer’s choice, prioritizes gaming performance, compatible with demanding titles and delivers smooth gameplay.
* LDPlayer is the casual gamers delight, offering fast, lightweight gaming that won’t ask too much of lower-end PCs.
Steps to phone game on your PC
Most emulators follow a similar process to help you get started playing phone games on your PC. Follow these simple steps to transfer your phone game campaigns to your PC:
* Download an emulator that meets your needs. There are many available, and a quick Google search will deliver the goods.
* Install your chosen emulator. Once you’ve settled on an emulator, simply run the installer and follow on-screen instructions to finish the setup.
* Run the emulator. Log in using your Google account and access the Play store, as you would on your smartphone.
* Download games. Following on-screen instructions, find and download the game you’re burning to play, then install it on the emulator.
* Customize and play. Following the instructions of the emulator, you can map your keyboard and mouse inputs to mimic touchscreen controls. Launch the game and tweak your customizations as you please, for the enhanced performance of smartphone gaming on your PC.
Tips to takeaway
If you’re unsure about the emulators above, try Google Play Games, an official way to get hundreds of your favorite phone games running on your PC. There are a few prerequisites for this app, though: you’ll need Windows 10 or later, an SSD boot drive, and before downloading, you must enable Virtualization support in your PC’s BIOS settings. If that’s too much hassle, we recommend trying out an emulator -you might be pleasantly surprised.
Finally, here’s a few tips to help you have the best phone gaming experience on your PC. Do your emulator research, and choose one that is made for gaming. After you’ve settled on an emulator, optimize the app's settings for your PC’s specs. Don’t forget to also optimize your PC setting for gaming. You can do this by going to Windows Power Settings, and selecting “High Performance” to assign maximum resources to running your game smoothly.
Also free up CPU and RAM by closing background apps that you don’t currently require. Finally, make sure you customize your keys with the emulator’s key mapping tool. The perfect key setup for one game might be incompatible with another, so remember to save your preferred key mapping profiles. We’ll leave you for now, and wish you luck on your gaming journey as you migrate, with your favorite games from phone to PC!
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How to Turn Off Ad Blockers Without Compromising Privacy
Ad blockers have become a must-have tool, shielding you from intrusive ads and improving your browsing experience. However, they can sometimes block essential website functionality, prevent access to content, or interfere with services you need. Whether it’s accessing a trusted news source, completing a payment, or streaming a video, knowing how to disable or adjust ad blockers is crucial.
This guide will walk you through the steps required to turn off ad blockers temporarily or selectively, ensuring you retain control over your online privacy while maintaining smooth website functionality.
Understanding Ad Blockers and Their Role
Ad blockers work by identifying and filtering out content flagged as advertisements or trackers. They improve browsing by:
Eliminating intrusive ads: No more pop-ups or distracting banners.
Speeding up website performance: Less content to load means faster page speeds.
Enhancing privacy: Blocking tracking scripts reduces data collection by advertisers.
However, ad blockers have downsides. They can inadvertently block legitimate content, disrupt features like online forms, or prevent access to ad-supported sites. For example, news outlets and free tools often rely on ads for revenue, meaning your ad blocker may deny you full access to their offerings.
Understanding the balance between convenience and site functionality is the key to using ad blockers effectively. Whether you’re temporarily disabling them or learning to whitelist trusted sites, small adjustments can enhance your overall browsing experience.
Steps to Disable Ad Blockers Across Browsers
Turning off ad blockers is straightforward, but the process varies depending on your browser. Here’s a quick guide for popular browsers:
Chrome
* Open Chrome and click the three-dot menu in the top-right corner.
* Navigate to "More Tools" and then "Extensions."
* Find your ad blocker in the list and toggle it off.
Firefox
* Click the menu button (three horizontal lines) in the top-right corner.
* Select "Add-ons and themes."
* Locate your ad blocker and click "Disable" to turn it off temporarily.
Edge
* Click the three-dot menu in the top-right corner.
* Go to "Extensions" and find your ad blocker.
* Toggle it off or remove it entirely if necessary.
Safari
* Open Safari preferences.
* Go to the "Extensions" tab and locate your ad blocker.
* Uncheck the box to disable it.
Mobile Browsers
For Chrome or Safari on mobile, ad blocker settings are often tied to third-party apps. Open the app managing the blocker and disable it from there.
How to Whitelist Specific Websites
If you don’t want to completely disable your ad blocker, whitelisting is a great option. This allows ads on trusted websites while keeping your blocker active elsewhere.
Steps to Whitelist on Popular Browsers
Chrome:
Open the site you want to whitelist, click the ad blocker icon in the toolbar, and select “Allow ads on this site.”
Firefox:
Follow a similar process by clicking the ad blocker icon and selecting “Disable on [current site].”
Edge:
Click the ad blocker icon in the toolbar while on the site, then choose “Don’t run on pages on this site” or a similar option depending on your ad blocker.
Safari:
Add trusted websites to the "Allowed Websites" section in Safari preferences.
Tips for Whitelisting Wisely
Choose reputable sites:
Whitelist sites you trust, like news platforms or professional services.
Review privacy policies:
Ensure the site has strong privacy practices before allowing ads.
Test functionality:
After whitelisting, refresh the page to see if the features you need are restored.
Whitelisting is a middle ground that keeps your browsing efficient while supporting content creators who rely on ads to fund their work.
Addressing Privacy Concerns When Disabling Ad Blockers
Disabling your ad blocker, even temporarily, can expose you to risks like increased tracking and invasive ads. However, there are steps you can take to protect your privacy while allowing ads on certain sites.
Mitigating Privacy Risks
Enable browser privacy settings: Modern browsers like Chrome and Firefox allow you to block third-party cookies and trackers without relying solely on ad blockers.
Use anti-tracking tools: Extensions like Privacy Badger or built-in features in browsers can help block trackers while allowing legitimate site functionality.
Regularly clear cookies and cache: Prevent sites from accumulating unnecessary data about your browsing habits.
Ad Blocker Alternatives for Privacy
Consider pairing a less intrusive ad blocker with your browsing setup. For example, some tools block only trackers and malware-laden ads, allowing respectful ads to display without compromising your privacy.
By combining whitelisting and privacy tools, you can maintain control over your online experience while supporting content creators.
As digital advertising continues to evolve, the future of ad blockers may shift from merely blocking content to becoming more sophisticated tools for managing online experiences. For example, ad blockers that allow users to tailor their browsing by filtering ads based on personal preferences—blocking intrusive formats like pop-ups while allowing unobtrusive, relevant ads.
Artificial intelligence may play a pivotal role in the next generation of ad blockers, enabling smarter detection of malicious content while respecting legitimate advertisers. These tools could analyze ad quality, transparency, and relevance in real time, giving users greater control without sacrificing access to valuable content.
Beyond filtering, future ad blockers might integrate with privacy-focused browsers and AI-driven assistants to create seamless, secure, and personalized web experiences. Features like dynamic whitelisting, where trusted sites are pre-screened for safe advertising, could make managing ads easier than ever.
For future AI ad blocker technology, the Acer Swift 14 AI Laptop is a great choice. It’s optimized for AI-powered apps and platforms, with a powerful Intel Core Ultra 7 processor, 32GB RAM, and 1TB SSD memory.
Ultimately, the line between blocking ads and supporting content creators will continue to blur. The challenge ahead lies in creating tools that strike the perfect balance between user experience, privacy, and the sustainability of free online content.
To stay informed on the latest trends in digital tools and web privacy, consider subscribing to the Acer Corner email digest for expert insights and tech updates.
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About Maxine Sheppard: Maxine is a writer and editor who specializes in topics ranging from travel, tech and music to wildlife and design. When not writing, you might find her driving through a national park with the radio on loud.
