By Rian

Gray, a writer.

Apple Pay Makes Landing in South Korea

I had written the introduction for this op-ed in 2012, and the op-ed was in making since. It began with Apple’s stance on NFC, whether the NFC on smartphones will become the next de facto standard, especially against chip-and-pin and contactless. And not so surprisingly, with Apple Pay introduced only in the United States in…

How to Add Sleep Hotkey on Logi Options+

To customize Logitech keyboards, users can opt to use Logitech’s included software,Logi Options+, or third-party alternatives to either enhance the Options+ or completely replace it. The reason why I am writing a how-to on Logitech’s official software has little to do its capabilities; frankly, I would recommend exploring third-party alternatives for any advanced customizations capabilities.…

How to Disable “Open in Windows Terminal” in Context Menu

If your intent with Windows is to develop or write codes, “Open in Windows Terminal” in the context menu may be a nice touch. But for the majority of the average users, including myself who only use Windows as a secondary, having an added option to already well-established UI can simply be disturbing. Instructions Yet…

How to Self-Host Google Fonts on WordPress

If you have noticed outage, I must apologize. I was experimenting with what can be or should be done with Google Fonts. Of many things Google offers for free, Google Fonts is the platform caters to creative purposes without extra charge. Many font creators contribute towards the goal, and some of the fonts, such as…

MX Mechanical Mini Spiel

I had used full-sized MX Mechanical for a while. As much as I appreciated how it met most of my demands, there was always the lingering sense of doubt in myself — wouldn’t a smaller keyboard have fared better on desk. After all, desk space is always a prime real estate for me. I prefer…

How to Enable Legacy Desktop Icons on Windows 11

Beginning with Windows 8, if I recall correctly, Microsoft has been trying to make Windows a hybrid OS for both the touchscreen devices (e.g. tablets) and computers with traditional displays (e.g. laptops and desktops). It is only a personal opinion, and quite unfounded one at that, but I don’t believe Windows 8 excelled at either;…

Home Safety Hotline Spiel

There is a saying, I was told, in horror community, nobody cares if it’s a mystery, a thriller, a supernatural — they are all scary, therefore horror. I am reminded of it once again, as I found the Home Safety Hotline was labeled a horror and puzzle game; latter of which is certainly true. Home…

Goodbye Intel Macs and Mac Pros

Apple is finally shutting down all Intel support for macOS in coming 2026. macOS Tahoe, or 26, will be the last version to support x86 Macs as know it. Given the timing, it means within a year or so, most users would also need to switch over to Apple Silicon unless they have specific reason…

How to Remove Gallery from Navigation Pane on File Explorer

Coming from macOS environment, one of the immediate changes I want to make to File Explorer on Windows would be the items available on the sidebar, or navigation pane. I don’t store photos on a Windows machine; in fact, I have them stored on a NAS, which is running a flavor of Linux. Gallery on…

How to Disable Web Search on Taskbar

If your go-to machine is running Windows, chances are there are some bundled-in features and softwares that aren’t either used or ideal for your work flow. For me, especially as I am running Windows primarily on virtual machines, is web search on taskbar. If I were to search something on the taskbar or file explorer,…

Unicorn Overlord Spiel

There was a JRPG that’s been sitting on a back burner for a while. Unicorn Overlord is a strategy-JRPG, which tried its own unique blend of turn-based combat. In fact, I would go so far to argue it is a strategy game in a JRPG interface. What drew me in was its clever take on…

How to Disable Microsoft Account on Windows

Microsoft has been aggressively pushing online accounts on local machines as far back as Windows 8, if I recall correctly. Beginning with Windows 10, now the operating system constantly demands the user is recommended to login via an online account instead. All of my Windows installations are virtual, and logging into my actual Microsoft account…

Display over USB-C is a Nightmare

Apple had taken a step back its USB-C only doctrine with reverting back to MagSafe for power, 3.5mm headphone jack for audio, HDMI for display, and embedded SD card reader for SD cards. These were the some of the ports and features most professionals wanted out in the field without carrying an additional item. It…

App to Install Latest macOS on Legacy Devices

With the leak macOS 26 may be named Tahoe, I’m seeing reports on the list of the devices that will be left behind. No doubt this is more a concern for personal Macs than ones handled in an organization — they would already have made an upgrade plan. It is likely Apple will release few…