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Bits: The Byteside Blog

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Networks

This test will find you your soulmate Rotten Tomatoes reviewer

Don't know which movie reviewers share your tastes? Find your perfect film match with the Movie Critic Matchmaker test.

This test will find you your soulmate Rotten Tomatoes reviewer
Technology

Signal becomes top free app after world's richest man's tweet

Messaging app Signal became one of the most downloaded apps in the world last week, in part thanks to a simple two-word tweet.

Signal becomes top free app after world's richest man's tweet
Games

The Great Dalmuti review: fresh art for a simple, clever card game

A trick-based shedding game, The Great Dalmuti's fresh new D&D themed edition is an easy and fun game to add to your collection.

The Great Dalmuti review: fresh art for a simple, clever card game
Computers

BYOD tips for school laptops: what should you buy?

First time buying a laptop for school? Make sure you follow these important steps to get the device that will help and not hinder your child.

BYOD tips for school laptops: what should you buy?
Computers

Razer Naga Left-Handed Edition makes me wish it existed before my brain calcified

I really tried. But a lifetime of forced right-handedness made it too hard to flip. But this very nice mouse still taught me a lesson.

Razer Naga Left-Handed Edition makes me wish it existed before my brain calcified
Games

The DontNod formula is stressing me out

Binary choices with unexpected consequences can lead to frustration beyond the intended emotional weight of DontNod games.

The DontNod formula is stressing me out
Art & Culture

New Aussie tech pod alert: Queens of the Drone Age

Johnston, Jones, Yeo and Yeo have a new Aussie tech podcast that looks like a fresh and smart addition to the scene. Go get it!

New Aussie tech pod alert: Queens of the Drone Age
Games

Too many people think they know what went wrong with Cyberpunk 2077

Instead of pretending we know what really happened behind the scenes, it's more valuable to consider the complexities of making games.

Too many people think they know what went wrong with Cyberpunk 2077
Games

Diablo Immortal hands on: yes, this deserves a place on any phone you own

The Technical Alpha just wrapped up, so what was it like to play? Here's why we're excited by this excellent Diablo mobile experience.

Diablo Immortal hands on: yes, this deserves a place on any phone you own
Technology

20 shining lights of 2020: things that made a bad year brighter

It's been 'interesting', but here's some brilliant TV, tech, games, and standout moments that delighted, inspired or helped us along the way.

20 shining lights of 2020: things that made a bad year brighter
Games

17 indie videogame gems of 2020

For all its faults, 2020 was a fantastic year in indie games. While not everyone can win GOTY, here are 17 indie gems well worth your time.

17 indie videogame gems of 2020
Politics

Toxicity Ghettoing: an Amazon patent could create a gaming class system

From quitters to shouty men, toxic players deserve a special place in hell. But is this the right path to send them there?

Toxicity Ghettoing: an Amazon patent could create a gaming class system
Games

Demon’s Souls? No, League of Legends: Wild Rift is the best remake of the year

For all the negative framing applied to mobile gaming, Wild Rift isn’t a dumbed-down version of League of Legends. It’s a more elegant one.

Demon’s Souls? No, League of Legends: Wild Rift is the best remake of the year
Media

Byteside’s favourite TV shows of 2020

Nice, weird, funny and fierce. From Lasso to Mando and more, these are Byteside's favourite TV shows of 2020.

Byteside’s favourite TV shows of 2020
Technology

Apple AirPods Max: first impressions

After more than a week I am in love with the AirPods Max audio, but there are some niggling issues that detract from the experience.

Apple AirPods Max: first impressions
Games

Settlers of Catan: my family Christmas tradition

Every family has its traditions. Some involve a land called Catan. Herein is an exploration of the ritual that defines my Christmas.

Settlers of Catan: my family Christmas tradition

Sales vs success vs Cyberpunk

I’m reminded of the Aesop’s Fable “The Dog & His Reflection”. CDPR chased the bigger bone, the desire to release simultaneously across PC, Xbox Series X, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, and PlayStation 4.

Sales vs success vs Cyberpunk
Games

The Pathless is an exercise in indie elegance

The Pathless is a beautiful new title from the team at Giant Squid. Find out what makes it so special in our review.

The Pathless is an exercise in indie elegance
Media

Dune director Denis Villeneuve: "Warner Bros. just might have killed the Dune franchise"

Denis Villeneuve thinks Warner Bros. "might just have killed the Dune franchise", which would be a tragedy for all involved.

Dune director Denis Villeneuve: "Warner Bros. just might have killed the Dune franchise"
Games

Byteside's favourite indie games of 2020

Check out our picks for some of the best indie and smaller budget games we have played to avoid the real world in 2020.

Byteside's favourite indie games of 2020