#customizable macros

[workbyspeech]

https://www.workbyspeech.com/

[chryza]

FFXIV resources I take for granted but apparently a lot of people don’t know exist

The Balance: Community of math wizards who calculate your optimal openers and gear melds, then publish the information for everyone.

Lulus Tools for Ocean Voyage: Detailed information about upcoming ocean fishing voyages including baits, int procs, weather conditions, and more

Garland Tools | Database: Allows you to look up anything in the game, where you get it, and how to use it. Additionally allows you to make interactive crafting checklists that show materials needed. Best for simple solo crafting.

Garland Tools | Bell: Lists all special gathering nodes, where to find them, what time they’re up, what level you need to be at, with customizable notifications

Teamcraft: hub for various crafting tools including rotation planner, crafting checklists, crafting commissions, and more. Best for social crafting.

Eorzea Collection: Glamour hub, lists armor sets and has a gallery of user submitted glams

FFXIV Gardening: Database of seeds, cross breeding pairs, and a planner for your garden.

FFXIV Collect: create an account and manage your collections of mounts, orchestrion rolls, minions, and more.

MogTalk: Official host for world first races for Savage and Ultimates.

Gillionaire Girls: Crafting Levelling guides and Macro resources for DoH

Lulus Chocobo Color Calculator: creates a list of feeds to dye your chocobo new colors.

Sightseeing Log Helper: simple tracker to complete the early sightseeing logs, which are kind of bullshit.

[snapscube]

do you have a controller in your Controller Brain that uses the playstation layout and Preferably buttons? i love my dualsense but it's just...theres some other quality of life features in some modern third party solutions i want!

MIGHT I INTEREST YOU IN MY PRECIOUS BABY THE GAMESIR TARANTULA PRO

I LOVE this controller, in spite of it not being my current main.

It is a PC and Switch controller that uses playstation button and stick LAYOUT but has ABXY buttons. What's really fucking cool is that the button lettering is actually done with LED lights behind the physical buttons that can dynamically rotate based on whether you're using PC or Switch mode. the process is automatic and just activates with a button combination. it's so cool.

It also has haptics/HD rumble! Which only really comes through on Switch mode obviously but it is REAL nice to have if you play a lot of Switch but prefer the PS button layout.

It also comes with trigger stops that turn your trigger presses into essentially mouse clicks, remappable back buttons, and a TONNNN of little macro buttons all around the top and front face that you can also customize to either buttons on the controller OR keyboard keys in PC mode (correct me if I'm wrong on the latter but i remember being able to do this).

There are a COUPLE downsides to this one though, that I will note. One is that at $70 base price and $80 with the charging dock it's pretty pricey compared to other GameSir offerings if you don't catch it on sale. And another thing I should note is that unfortunately for some reason this controller compared to GameSir's other PC controllers has a STRANGE amount of stick latency. That is to say, analog stick inputs register EVER SO SLIGHTLY slower than ideal. I would not consider it a game breaking issue, and it's the kind of thing where you might not even notice it if you're not looking for it. But it unfortunately is not just a numbers thing, it's a difference that can be felt if you're comparing it to something like the Cyclone 2 which is INCREDIBLY fast and responsive. This is honestly the biggest reason why I don't use this controller anymore as my main PC controller in spite of the fact that I really do love it so much and it is CLOSE to perfect for me otherwise. It's sad but worth noting.

(I also don't like the camo aesthetic at all but that's a petty personal thing)

Still very much worth it if you're not a controller freak like me and don't have faster controllers to compare it to and are willing to get used to the slight latency difference for high customizability, great modern features, and a layout you prefer!

[uroboros-if]

Fade to Black Macro

Demo

I have finally turned my fade to black transitions into a somewhat easy to use macro!! :) I am not sure if this has been done before!

Customizable fade times

Built to be compatible with backward and forward buttons (mostly!)

Works across all screen sizes

Note: This is only for SugarCube.

Setup

Copy and paste this Pastebin to your Story JavaScript.

Copy and paste this Pastebin to your Story Stylesheet.

Make a new passage titled exactly as "black_fade". Add the passage tag, "black-fade". Inside, write <div id="black"></div>. Super important! Copy below identically.

After this, your installment of the macro should be complete!

Usage

In the passages where you will be fading from and where you will be fading to, tag it as "passage-fade". For example, I want to transition from "p1" to "p2" with a black fade. Thus, both p1 and p2 should have the tag.

In the passage where you will be fading from, write <<fadestart>>.

Use the <<link>> macro to link to your destination. Inside the link macro, use <<passagefade "[passage name]" [fade time]>> where [passage name] is the passage you want to go to, and fade time is how long the black fade will be in miliseconds. (1000ms = 1s). However, do NOT put the passage you will be going to in the <> macro itself. See below:

Here, I want to go to the passage "p2". Do NOT write <<link "Next passage" "p2">><</link>>. Do not provide the destination passage in the link macro itself. The macro <<passagefade>> will handle it for you if you specify the passage name in the first argument.

Once you do all this, you should be able to sit back and happily use it as you please!

Problems?

Make sure you have the passage "black_fade" titled exactly like that.

Also make sure it has <div id="black"></div> and nothing more!

Make sure "black_fade" is tagged with "black-fade".

Make sure you used <<fadestart>> in the passage you are transitioning from.

Make sure you are correctly using the macro <<passagefade>>. You specify time in miliseconds; it should not have "ms" or "s" included in the argument. It should just be the number (e.g. 4000 for 4 seconds).

Make sure the passages you are fading from and to are tagged with "passage-fade".

There may be CSS/HTML that is interfering with the look of the fade!

There may be other JavaScript code interering with the current code.

If you are having problems, please let me take a look at your Stylesheet or let me know what template you are using! However, I highly recommend looking at the playable and downloadable demo.

(This macro is free to use, free to copy for all commercial and non-commercial projects with no additional fees. Credit is appreciated!)

[2headedb0y]

Just a small update. Tuesday was minimal progress, just configured a few more plugins and set up an in-game credits page that's accessible from the start menu (setting it up now so I can more easily track everyone I need to give credit to; I've also hyperlinked back to contributor websites when one is provided).

There's one newly added plugin I'm particularly looking forward to, as it will allow the game to use the player's custom character portrait to make different facial expressions depending on the choices you make during conversations.

Also set up text macros for every time I have to use a pronoun in a sentence while writing to save some time. Since the player picks that at the beginning, I had to assign "he" "she" or "they" to a variable, and then write an evaluation that would assign the appropriate pronoun *and form of it* (she, her, hers, his, him, them, their, etc.) within the context of any sentence I wrote that included it...every time it would come up in writing. The macros are already saving me a ton of time with writing, so that's been pretty nice.

I'm not gonna show the whole intro scene for meeting Yurei, but I got the bulk of that written last night too. Although I still have to draw his sprites for it, so even if I showed the whole scene here it would just be chibis talking to each other. And set up a way to "sit" at the bench seats in the cat café, since I wanted that for a cutscene, and unfortunately customizable player characters mean I won't be able to have player sprites make unique poses like actually sitting.

[sometipsygnostalgic]

The best system to play Gameboy games on is... well... you can play them on many devices.

Officially it would be GBA SP because it can run Gameboy and GB Colour games.

However, very few backlit SPs were ever released (they are frontlit). So a better unit for Gameboy Advance games might be the DS Lite, which universally is backlit and which is lightweight enough to not cause problems. It also has better ergonomics than the SP, but I am bugged by the black borders and empty second screen.

A really popular mod is called the "Gameboy Macro", which is when you take a DS Lite lower screen and use it solely as a gameboy advance. It is a great way to recycle DS units with a broken top screen, a common issue, though it makes me cringe to think some people modify perfectly fine units this way.

The Lite also has issues with the cartridge sticking out the bottom, so many prefer using the "phat" for this purpose. The original DS is both frontlit and backlit for some reason. The image is still an improvement on frontlit SPs.

The best units to play DS and 3DS games on are... the DS and 3DS.

Specifically the best place for NDS games is the DSi XL. No non-DS device has the touchscreen versatility to run DS games well, and it's very awkward scaling the tiny screen on an emulator.

The 3DS is also not a great place for DS games. The 3DS top parallax screen is incapable of a 1:1 pixel ratio even in pixel-perfect mode, which already has the issue of black borders around the screens, making touch-based games more finicky.

It is especially apparent on the XL models but is also an issue on the smaller 3ds models.

The best unit to play DS games on is the DSi XL. It has a backlit screen and more power and memory than the first two units, making loading faster. It doesn't have the scaling issues of the 3ds, as it doesn't need to do any upscaling at all - the XL has the same number of pixels as a normal DS.

I've never used a DSi XL because all the ones sold in the UK are these ugly beige colours and they never took off, but if you don't mind the loss of the GBA slot, it's the best device for DS games.

Unfortunately DSis seem to be plagued by yellowing screens. I can tell you the small unit I just bought has some very slight yellowing on both screens.

What's the best way to play 3ds games? Well, on a 3ds obviously. It's even harder to accurately emulate 3ds games than DS games, and you lose the 3d effects altogether.

But which 3ds is best?

It depends on what you want. The 3ds more than any other Nintendo system besides the Gameboy is heavily based on preference instead of objective superiority.

To get it out the way first, while the original 3ds has the sleekest look, it's the worst one. The original 3ds and 3dsXL have a much worse 3D implementation, relying on you to stare at the screen at an odd angle.

Not only does the New3ds fix the 3d with an eye tracking sensor, it also has more power again, and a "c-stick". I also think the screens on the New3ds are of a higher quality and run flat games better too.

However the New3dsXL has some downgrades. The SD card is replaced with a microSD but now requires a mini screwdriver to access, removing the back plate. The stylus is also a really tiny one like on the DS, in an awkward place, and the metallic skin on the console will decay very quickly with use. My New3DSXL's skin started peeling under my hands after just six months of use.

The New3DSXL is the best unit to play 3ds games if you are looking to have all the features at their most optimal. It is the best by far for playing in 3d. It can also run the DS library fine, if in a poor image quality.

Personally I prefer the XL, the larger size is easier on the eyes, though the customizable panels on the hard-to-find normal size New3ds are cute too.

If you don't care for 3d, the Wedge and Doorstop may be for you.

The 2ds has all the features of a 3ds apart from the 3d, while in a wedge shape that looks dreadful but actually feels more ergonomic. It has similarities to the first Gameboy Advance and you can't tell you're holding something so tall.

The original 2DS is sold for much cheaper than the other units because Nintendo sold it for cheaper and nobody particularly wants one, so it's the most affordable way to try every game in the DS library, especially if you pair it with a jailbroken SD card. Unfortunately it still uses the 3ds screen, just with no 3d slider, so it still upscales DS games and doesn't have perfect rendering of 3ds games either, but it's harder to tell as the screen's tiny.

The New 2ds XL was the last DS ever sold, it came out after Switch. A lot of cute variants of the 2ds XL exist, and most games coming out around its release didn't have 3d enabled anyway. The feature had died in popularity, so while a 2d 3ds was originally scoffed at, in 2017 it just made sense.

While the New2ds XL looks fancy in a distance, the ergonomics are worse than any 3ds, and far worse than the wedge 2ds. The New2dsXL is all style and no substance, with the speakers being covered by the user's hands, and it's made out of a flimsy plastic. It's clear Nintendo made the materials for the hull cheaper and cheaper over time, so by the end of the 3ds's life they had gone from a very premium-feeling device to cheap plastic. The Switch would follow this design philosophy.

I do salivate over that Pikachu version and I'd enjoy trying one, but my mind tells me it's not a great device.

All told, which do I think is better? Well I think the 3ds XL having the most features is inviting for me, and I have the choice of turning off 3D. However if you want bang for your buck, the 2ds wedge might be your safest option.

Unfortunately the New 2ds XL and New 3ds XL will cost you as much as a Nintendo Switch these days. It seems that sellers have wisened up to the demand from people who missed out on the 3ds and want to try it out. There's also talk of IPS screens being better and the New2ds XL, 3ds XL and DSi XL all use IPS screens, so people are scalping them or raising prices.

[dailycharacteroption]

Leafshifter (Shifter Archetype)

(art by BangBooDoragon on DeviantArt)

Mimicry is a common adaptation among life across the planet. If you’re soft and vulnerable, mimic something that your predators fear. If you’re fearsome and scary, mimic something harmless to draw other creatures in, and so on.

This extends even to plant life, with many plants finding way to mimic animals or other plant species. Many flowers have parts that mimic pollinating insects to draw the real deal in, or mimicking other plants to avoid being eaten by those that fear the toxins of others, and so on.

With that in mind, the ghorans, a plant species that hyper-evolved a humanoid form and behaviors to convince humans to stop exploiting them as a food source, have a conceptual link to not just this concept, but the shifter class as well.

Today’s subject, the leafshifter, is one of two archetypes that cause the shifter to take on plant forms instead of animals. The other, the verdant shifter, we have already covered, but while the verdant shifter specializes in actually shapeshifting into plant monsters, the leafshifter instead shapeshifters into forms that blur the lines between animal and plant. Like living topiaries, their animal forms are composed of plant matter, gaining the benefits of the form on a macro scale, and the benefits of plant physiology on the micro scale.

Now, this archetype naturally meant for ghorans first, but as always, I’m of the opinion that unless a so-called “racial archetype” (or perhaps ancestral archetype is more appropriate now) specifically requires a certain trait to function, there isn’t any reason why other ancestries can’t take part too.

Regardless of how you handle it, however, these shifters present an interesting way to blend mimicry with the true nature of the plant beneath for surprising customizability.

Rather than grow claws, the basic weapon morph of these shapeshifting warriors is to harden their limbs like bramble-covered tree branches.

While they gain aspects like any shifter, they do not gain the normal minor form associated with that aspect. Instead, they gain a planty aspect of their choice, representing the base plant species that they take on the form of, which is later reshaped into an animal-like form when they invoke the major form. These minor forms can include an assassin vine’s grappling, the punishing thorns of brambles, the climbing skill of a creeper vine, the camouflage of a giant flytrap, the toxin resilience of a mushroom, the immovability of the oak, the senses of the giant shrieker mushroom, the lightweight airy nature of the spore, and even the buoyant aquatic mobility of the water lily.

Essentially, as these shifters grow in power, they get to pick and choose their minor aspects to go with their more familiar animal forms. You might recognize the names of those minor aspects as being the same as the plant focus abilities of the plant master archetype for hunters, which makes sense with how the core shifter aspects of the base shifter work. Regardless, these aspects provide lots of mobility options as well as close combat options, so this archetype might be useful indeed for the shifter as a whole. Beyond that, you can pretty much build them however you like.

Even though they don’t necessarily HAVE to be ghorans, the angle of mimicry is a very strong tie for that people, especially since in the Lost Omens setting, they hail from a land where their species was once engineered as a food source, and those of the mystic arts already hold so much political and social power over those that do not. If you can’t beat them directly, fool them. Of course, not every mage requires such deception, and not every ghoran lives in such a situation, but the concept is there, especially since ghorans live with the constant shadow of knowing that some may view them as nothing but chattel.

The iron mining and smelting town of Jusso has had it’s fair share of troubles with the local ghoran population, who take offense at the pollution wrought by their industry. However, when a scanderig wanders out of a pocket of elemental earth deep in the mine, the two forces must set aside their differences to bring down this forgefiend, with combined might of steel and bestial plantlike forms.

It is impossible to say for certain, but some have speculated that the leafshifter technique has a connection with the curious plant monsters known as living topiaries. The ghoran inventors of the technique are quick to dismiss such suggestions, though some would say they are hiding something.

The Jinoge clan of adaro have developed a fascination for the kelp forests surrounding their territory. Such places are prefect for setting up ambushes, especially during their sacred thunderstorm hunts. Some have even learned to tap into the sargassum and take on predatory aquatic shapes composed of kelp and sea grasses.

[gamecomae]

🎮 Unleash Your Inner Pro: The Logitech G502 X Plus & ASUS ROG Azoth 75 Are the Ultimate Gaming Weapons You’ve Been Waiting For

🖱️🎮 The Ultimate Duo for Gamers: Logitech G502 X Plus Mouse & ASUS ROG Azoth 75 Keyboard

Power Meets Precision — Only at GameCom UAE

When it comes to competitive gaming, your gear defines your edge. At GameCom.ae, we’re proud to bring you two of the most powerful weapons in modern PC gaming — the Logitech G502 X Plus Wireless Gaming Mouse and the ASUS ROG Azoth 75 DIY Custom Gaming Keyboard.

Whether you're dominating the battlefield in Valorant or fine-tuning your build in Apex Legends, this pair is designed to amplify your performance, comfort, and control.

⚡ Logitech G502 X Plus Wireless Gaming Mouse

Model: 910-006163 Price: Buy Now on GameCom.ae

“Ultra-fast, ergonomic, and incredibly accurate — this mouse changed the way I play.” — Trusted by gamers across the UAE

🔍 Key Features:

LIGHTSPEED Wireless Technology – ultra-low latency response

HERO 25K Sensor – industry-leading precision (25,600 DPI)

8-Zone RGB Lighting – fully customizable glow zones

120-Hour Battery Life (with lights off), USB-C Fast Charging

Next-gen hybrid mechanical switches

Zero smoothing, zero acceleration

⌨️ ASUS ROG Azoth 75 RGB Mechanical Keyboard

Model: 90MP0316-BKCA00 Price: Buy Now on GameCom.ae

“Typing is so smooth and silent. The OLED display and hot-swap switches make this keyboard feel truly next-gen.” — Loved by streamers, developers, and gamers

🔍 Key Features:

Tri-Mode Connection – Bluetooth®, 2.4GHz RF, USB-C

OLED Display – system info, RGB effects, macros

Hot-Swappable ROG NX Red Switches

DIY lubing kit + stabilizers for pro-level feel

Dual silicone dampening foam

ENG-ARAB layout with durable ABS keycaps

🆚 Quick Comparison: G502 X Plus vs. Azoth 75

FeatureLogitech G502 X Plus MouseASUS ROG Azoth 75 KeyboardConnectivityLIGHTSPEED Wireless, USB-CTri-Mode (BT, RF, USB-C)Battery LifeUp to 120 hoursUp to 2000 hours (2.4GHz, no OLED)Customizability13 Programmable Buttons + RGBHot-Swap Switches + OLED DisplayPro UseFPS / MOBA / eSportseSports / Coding / StreamingBuild QualityErgonomic, lightweight, hybridPremium alloy frame, silicone foamSpecial FeatureHERO 25K sensorOLED with real-time system info

💡 Why This Combo Is a Must-Have

Designed for Long Sessions – Ergonomic and quiet, perfect for marathon gaming or work

Fully Customizable – From RGB to switch feel, everything can be tuned to your style

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💬 What UAE Gamers Are Saying

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#gaminggear#logitechg502xplus#asusrogazoth75#gamingkeyboard#gamingmouse#pcgaming#gamingsetup#rgbkeyboard#mechanicalkeyboard#gamersofTumblr#gamingperipherals#techblog

[09your-gadget]

‎"Ever feel like your workflow could use a boost? Meet the **AJAZZ AKP153E Multifunctional Console Panel**! This sleek desktop assistant is designed to make your life easier, whether you're a gamer, streamer, or just someone who loves efficiency. With 15 customizable macro keys, you can trigger actions with a single tap. Compatible with Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS, it’s perfect for multitaskers. Stay tuned as we explore how this little gadget can transform your daily routine! 🚀

‎ #ProductivityHack #TechUpgrade"

[alchemicaldesignquery]

Overwatch: Spotlight

Plenty to talk about, honestly, but-

It is very clear from this Spotlight that the major updates and changes to the game, going forward, appear to lean hard toward trying to provide a little something for everyone, at the cost of satisfying no one. Both at a micro level (Per hero Perks/MOBA adjustment systems) and a macro one (the core gameplay structure shifting toward a customizable experience per individual).

Which isn't great.

The game wasn't built around customization and shifting it over toward that, feels desperate.

Players struggle with what heroes to play in any given Mission, on any given Map, at the outset (unless they have an excessive amount of on-board knowledge about the game). Now they're going to have all of that, plus new perks to select on the fly.

Adds more time per match, more chances for mistakes/errors in their selections, more disruptions to gameplay flow, and, what I'm predicting to be, a pernicious problem with hard counters going forward that will drastically increase frustration.

Off-setting that though; the addition of Info. cards about heroes is going to be a welcome bit of information for players of all stripes and ranks. Being able to immediately look up damage, healing, health, and other numbers at a glance is a major improvement to the core concept of the game even without the context to make a lot of it useful. Good step and worth acknowledging.

There's plenty more to talk about, but honestly this was a sobering reveal for me. Not much in it I liked or am excited for, and the lack of 6v6 impact beyond more tests and the next Classic being what it is (ugh)?

[kawaiiphantomruinsm]

Transform Your Health in 21 Days with The Smoothie Diet: Your Ultimate Kickstart Guide

What Is The Smoothie Diet?

The Smoothie Diet is a 21-day plan designed by health coach Drew Sgoutas to help people lose weight, improve energy levels, and detox their bodies through nutrient-rich smoothies. Unlike most fad diets, it’s sustainable, customizable, and surprisingly satisfying.

By replacing 1–2 meals per day with carefully crafted smoothies, you flood your body with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that support fat loss and overall health.

Why Smoothies Work So Well

Smoothies are more than trendy drinks—they're nutritional powerhouses. Here’s why they make such an effective meal replacement:

Easy Digestion: Blended ingredients are easier for your body to process.

Nutrient Density: You can pack greens, fruits, seeds, and proteins into one meal.

Satiety & Cravings Control: High fiber keeps you full longer, curbing junk food cravings.

Rapid Results: The nutrient surge supports your metabolism and detox pathways.

With The Smoothie Diet, each smoothie is designed to balance macro- and micronutrients while keeping calories under control.

What Makes The Smoothie Diet Different?

Here’s what sets The Smoothie Diet apart from generic juicing or smoothie recipes online:

✅ Scientifically backed meal plans ✅ Step-by-step daily smoothie schedules ✅ Grocery lists & prep guides ✅ Detox phase to jumpstart metabolism ✅ Recipe variety to prevent boredom

You’re not left guessing. Every detail is outlined for your success, from detox days to shopping lists.

Results You Can Expect in 21 Days

Most users report:

Weight loss of 5–20 pounds

Improved skin clarity

Better digestion and less bloating

More energy and mental clarity

Reduced sugar cravings

If you follow the plan, these outcomes are not just possible—they’re expected.

How to Get Started with The Smoothie Diet

Getting started is simple and stress-free:

Download the full plan from The Smoothie Diet official site.

Follow the 3-day detox to prep your body.

Replace 2 meals per day with smoothies.

Stick to one whole-food meal per day (lunch or dinner).

Stay hydrated and track your progress.

No calorie counting. No complex cooking. Just blend, sip, and transform.

Internal Tips to Maximize Results

🟢 Use frozen fruits for texture and convenience 🟢 Add flaxseeds or chia seeds for fiber 🟢 Stick to the recipes—each one is calorie-balanced 🟢 Use a blender with at least 700W for smoother blends 🟢 Follow the detox plan strictly for the first 3 days

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Is The Smoothie Diet safe? Yes. It’s based on whole foods and supervised by a certified health coach.

Q: Will I feel hungry? Most users report feeling full and satisfied due to the fiber and protein content.

Q: Can I exercise on The Smoothie Diet? Absolutely! Light to moderate workouts enhance results.

Q: Is it suitable for vegans? Yes, the plan includes vegan-friendly smoothie recipes.

Final Thoughts: Is The Smoothie Diet Right for You?

If you’re serious about making a lasting change, The Smoothie Diet is one of the simplest, healthiest ways to reset your body. It takes just 3 weeks to see visible results—without starving or overcomplicating things.

Ditch the quick fixes and commit to a real solution. Let The Smoothie Diet guide you toward sustainable, healthy living.

The Smoothie Diet: How to Lose Weight & Reset Your Body in Just 21 Days

Why The Smoothie Diet Works When Other Diets Fail: A Real-World Perspective

Why The Smoothie Diet Works When Other Weight Loss Plans Fail

Why The Smoothie Diet Is Actually Working for Real People — and Could Work for You Too

The Smoothie Diet: How This Simple Routine Can Transform Your Body in Just 21 Days

How The Smoothie Diet Helps You Lose Weight Without Feeling Deprived

[luizsiqueiraneto]

The Limbo of Advanced Users and Amateur Developers in Microsoft 365

Microsoft 365, the successor to the iconic Office suite, has transformed how millions of people work, collaborate, and manage their daily tasks. However, this transformation has not been equal for everyone. While businesses and corporations have access to a myriad of powerful tools through robust subscriptions, advanced users — those enthusiasts who have historically driven innovation through customization and automation — are left in limbo. This article argues that Microsoft, by prioritizing service-based and enterprise-focused models, has abandoned beginner developers and advanced users, once the cornerstone of its tools’ success.

The Golden Age of Customization

In the past, Microsoft Office allowed rich customization and automation through Visual Basic for Applications (VBA) and integration with technologies like COM (Component Object Model). These features enabled individuals, even without corporate tools, to create scripts to automate tasks, customize interfaces, and connect applications in innovative ways. With VBA, a user could generate automated reports in Excel or build macros to streamline repetitive processes in Word. This turned Office into not only a productivity tool but also a learning platform for budding developers.

However, with the migration to Microsoft 365, this flexibility has been significantly reduced. VBA remains available in a limited capacity, but its usage is increasingly marginalized, and many new features of Microsoft 365 are inaccessible through it. Furthermore, VBA has no support in the web environment, which is becoming increasingly central to modern workflows.

A Service, Not a Tool

Microsoft 365 represents a fundamental shift: from locally installed software to a cloud-based service. While this approach offers benefits like real-time collaboration and automatic updates, it has severely limited advanced users. Local automation has taken a back seat, and the focus has shifted to tools like Power Automate — a powerful platform, but largely inaccessible to personal users.

Power Automate is clearly designed for the corporate environment. Many of its most compelling features are locked behind business-specific subscriptions, leaving individual users without practical alternatives. For users seeking advanced and customized solutions, Microsoft 365 is no longer a viable option.

Apple’s Counterpoint

While Microsoft appears to be moving away from advanced users, Apple is taking the opposite direction. Tools like Shortcuts, AppleScript, and Automator make Apple’s applications highly customizable, even for personal users. Tasks can be automated in Pages, Numbers, Reminders, and Calendar without relying on corporate services. This approach not only empowers users but also fosters curiosity and learning among new developers.

This contrast highlights the central issue: Apple values tech enthusiasts and amateur developers, while Microsoft seems to have relegated them to a secondary role, if not excluded them entirely.

The Impact on the Future of Technology

Microsoft’s abandonment of advanced users has broader implications beyond daily workflows. For many developers, tools like VBA served as an entry point to programming. Removing these opportunities makes practical learning more difficult and stifles grassroots innovation. At a time when the market needs more developers and creative thinkers, this decision is particularly troubling.

Moreover, this exclusion risks alienating a community that has historically been crucial to Office’s success. Advanced users are often technology “evangelists” within their circles, promoting tools and influencing purchasing decisions. Ignoring them poses a significant strategic risk for Microsoft.

Conclusion: What Should Microsoft Do?

If Microsoft wants to regain the trust and engagement of advanced users, several actions are essential:

1. Revitalize VBA and Similar Technologies: Ensure that local automations are not only supported but encouraged, including integration with new Microsoft 365 features.

2. Expand Access to Power Automate: Offer more platform functionalities to individual users without requiring corporate subscriptions.

3. Acknowledge the Value of Advanced Users: Develop tools and initiatives aimed at educating and empowering amateur developers and tech enthusiasts.

In a world increasingly dominated by cloud-based services, striking a balance between innovation and accessibility is crucial. Microsoft has an opportunity to correct its course and reaffirm its commitment to the community that helped it succeed. If it fails to do so, it risks losing a vital segment of its user base to more inclusive alternatives.

[rahuldigitalhub]

online gadget review

The iPhone 16 series, launched in September 2024, brings notable upgrades across its standard and Pro models. Here's a summary of its key features:

Standard Models (iPhone 16 & iPhone 16 Plus):

Processor: Powered by the A18 chip, offering improved AI and graphics capabilities.

Cameras: A 48MP main camera supports 2x optical zoom via sensor cropping, and the 12MP ultrawide camera now enables macro photography.

Display: Bright and efficient OLED panels.

Battery: Promises better performance, though Apple has not disclosed the exact capacity.

Charging: Enhanced wireless MagSafe charging (up to 25W) and wired charging (up to 45W).

Pro Models (iPhone 16 Pro & Pro Max):

Processor: Equipped with the A18 Pro chip, which features faster CPU, GPU, and neural processing capabilities.

Cameras: A triple-camera system with a 48MP Fusion main camera, an enhanced ultrawide lens, and a 5x telephoto camera on both Pro models. New features include 4K120fps video recording and spatial video for immersive content on Apple Vision Pro.

Audio and Video: Advanced editing tools like Audio Mix, spatial audio capture, and wind noise reduction for professional-grade content creation.

Design: Improved thermal performance with a graphite layer in Pro models for demanding tasks like gaming.

Software & AI:

Both standard and Pro models benefit from iOS 18, introducing features like customizable home screens, advanced AI tools (e.g., ChatGPT-powered Siri), and privacy improvements. Apple Intelligence tools also support text summarization, email proofreading, and generative image creation.

Pricing:

[thepanvelite]

Quick and Healthy Creamy Pasta Primavera with Vegetables

Creamy Pasta Primavera: a customizable, delicious dish combining vegetables, creamy sauce, and pasta in 15 minutes.

Imagine a dish that’s as delightful to the palate as it is easy to make. A dish that combines the freshness of vegetables with the richness of a creamy sauce, all tossed together with perfectly cooked pasta. That’s exactly what you get with Creamy Pasta Primavera, a meal that’s not just delicious, but also customizable to your taste. Macros, Calories, and Servings Total Time: 15…

[productwave]

Low Profile Prowess: Reviewing the ROG Falchion RX Low Profile Keyboard

Gamers seeking sleek minimalism without sacrificing performance, gather 'round! We put the ROG Falchion RX Low Profile keyboard to the test, and here's the lowdown:

First Impressions:

This keyboard packs a punch in a pint-sized package. Its 65% layout ditches the function row and number pad for a compact footprint, perfect for space-conscious setups or on-the-go gaming. The sleek aluminum top plate and customizable RGB lighting scream "premium", making it a head-turner on any desk.

Performance Powerhouse:

Don't underestimate the size! The ROG RX Low-Profile Optical Switches deliver a satisfying click and lightning-fast response times, ideal for competitive gaming. Plus, the tri-mode connectivity (wireless 2.4GHz, Bluetooth, and wired USB) offers flexibility whether you're dominating at home or battling on the go.

Beyond Basic Keys:

This keyboard goes beyond just typing. The built-in touch panel lets you control media, adjust lighting, and launch macros on the fly, adding a layer of convenience and customization. We loved the dedicated volume wheel, Armour Crate software integration and onboard memory for profiles.

A Few Things to Consider:

Compact Compromise: The 65% layout might not be ideal for everyone, especially those who rely heavily on function keys or the number pad. Consider your workflow and needs before buying. Price Point: This keyboard sits in the premium range. Weigh the features, performance, and brand value against your budget before making a decision. Palm Rest Bliss: While portable, the keyboard doesn't have a built-in palm rest. Consider getting one for extended gaming sessions for added comfort.

Overall Verdict:

The ROG Falchion RX Low Profile is a stylish and feature-packed keyboard that prioritizes performance in a compact form factor. The ROG RX Low-Profile Optical Switches, tri-mode connectivity, and touch panel make it a versatile option for gamers who value portability and performance. Just be sure the 65% layout suits your needs and consider the price point before diving in.

Have you tried the ROG Falchion RX Low Profile? Share your gaming setup pics and keyboard must-haves in the comments!

#ROGFalchionRXLowProfile #gamingkeyboard #keyboards #lowprofilekeyboard #wirelessgaming #CompactPowerhouse #WorthTheInvestment #productwave

[cartel34]

Native Instruments - ELECTRIC MINT: A Digital Symphony of Dynamic Soundscapes" Download

Dive into a world of sonic innovation with Native Instruments' latest release, "ELECTRIC MINT." This cutting-edge virtual instrument is a game-changer for music producers and sound designers, offering a kaleidoscope of dynamic soundscapes that redefine electronic music production.

Unleash Your

Soundscapes" Download

Creativity: ELECTRIC MINT opens up a realm of creative possibilities, combining the organic warmth of analog synths with the precision of digital technology. From ethereal pads to pulsating basslines, this versatile instrument allows you to sculpt and shape your sound with unprecedented precision. Whether you're producing ambient tracks, EDM bangers, or cinematic soundtracks, ELECTRIC MINT is your passport to limitless sonic exploration.

Immersive Synthesis Engine: At the heart of ELECTRIC MINT lies a powerful synthesis engine that seamlessly blends classic analog tones with modern digital flexibility. Craft intricate melodies, experiment with evolving textures, and sculpt your signature sound with an intuitive interface that caters to both beginners and seasoned professionals. The instrument's expansive library of presets serves as a launchpad for your creativity, while advanced users can dive deep into the synthesis engine to fine-tune every aspect of their sound.

Expressive Performance Features: ELECTRIC MINT is not just a static instrument; it's a dynamic musical partner. The incorporation of expressive performance features such as mod-wheel assignments, aftertouch sensitivity, and customizable macros ensures that your music remains fluid and expressive. Whether you're performing live or layering tracks in the studio, ELECTRIC MINT responds to your every nuance, allowing you to infuse your music with unparalleled emotion.

Seamless Integration: Native Instruments is renowned for its seamless integration with popular DAWs, and ELECTRIC MINT is no exception. Enjoy a smooth production workflow as you effortlessly integrate this virtual instrument into your preferred music software. With support for various plugin formats, including VST, AU, and AAX, ELECTRIC MINT becomes an integral part of your production toolkit, regardless of your platform of choice.

Elevate your sonic journey with Native Instruments - ELECTRIC MINT, where innovation meets inspiration in a digital symphony of unparalleled soundscapes. Explore, experiment, and evolve your music with this groundbreaking virtual instrument that pushes the boundaries of what's possible in electronic music production.