Mark Roberts
(He/Him)
Sacramento
Covers:
technology, gaming, web services, cyber-tech
Doesn't Cover:
health, politics, entertainment
I am a Freelance Technology Content Writer for Apprupt.com, living in Sacramento, California.
Articles by Mark Roberts
EA Sports F1 25: Una PSSR mejorada disponible junto con el Pack de temporada 2026
Descubrid cómo la PSSR mejorada potencia la experiencia de carreras definitiva en el pack de temporada 2026 de EA Sports F1 25, mientras el productor técnico de Codemasters Si Lumb revela cómo el equipo ha implementado el nuevo sistema y sus beneficios a la acción en la pista. ¿Habéis dedicado un trabajo especial a crear esta versión de PS5 Pro o ha sido una implementación bastante directa? ¿Y al juego le han dado permiso para incluir una insignia de “Mejorado para PS5 Pro” en PS Store?
EA Sports F1 25 : PSSR amélioré et Pack Saison 2026 disponibles
Découvrez comment le PSSR amélioré propulse l’expérience de course automobile ultime dans F1 25 : Pack Saison 2026 avec Si Lumb, Technical Producer chez Codemasters, qui explique comment l’équipe a implémenté ces nouveaux systèmes ainsi que ses fonctionnalités à vos courses. Est-ce que la version PS5 Pro du jeu vous a demandé d’effectuer certaines tâches particulières, ou est-ce que l’implémentation était simple à réaliser ?
EA Sports F1 25: Enhanced PSSR available alongside 2026 Season Pack
Find out how enhanced PSSR is powering the Ultimate Racing Experience in EA Sports F1 25: 2026 Season Pack, as Codemasters Technical Producer Si Lumb unpacks how the team has implemented the new system and the benefits to the on-track action. Has special work gone into creating this PS5 Pro version, or is this a fairly straightforward implementation?
Boss GX-10 Review - How Does It Compare to the GX-100?
Boss is the industry standard for FX pedals. A company of many firsts, Boss have shaken up the FX game yet again. But how do you innovate with more of the same? Introducing the Boss GX-10, a do-it-all compact multi-fx and modeller brand new for 2024. I say “more of the same” because the GX-10 is essentially a slimmed-down version of the GX-100, boasting the same top-tier AIRD amps, cabs, and software.
Fender Mustang Micro Plus vs. Mustang Micro
Fender’s Mustang Micro headphone amp was a game-changer when it was first released, offering tonnes of tones that could fit into your pocket. But now, it’s even better! Introducing the Fender Mustang Micro Plus, an upgraded and updated device that includes the much-missed features that its predecessor lacked. Yep, that’s right, you can finally tune your guitar thanks to a new OLED display – no more awkward pauses mid-practice to take off the headphones and check your pitch. But what else is new?
Are Fender Custom Shop Guitars Worth It?
Fender’s Custom Shop guitars are rightly regarded as some of the most premium premier instruments available today – so just what is it that elevates them above the rest?
The 11 Best Acoustic Guitars
Choosing an acoustic guitar is never easy – there’s so much, perhaps too much, choice! What shape? What size? Electro? Normal? Gah! If you want to cut through the noise and see the best acoustic guitars for all ability levels, read on! We’ve picked out various styles and brands to serve all kinds of players, whether it be bright parlours for fingerpicking or the futuristic Acoustasonic for adventurous musicians who need multiple sounds under one roof.
Fender Player II Stratocaster and Telecaster Review
Since its debut in 2018, Fender’s Player series has rapidly become one of the brand’s best-sellers, even surpassing its prestigious American-made counterparts in popularity. So, it’s good news for everyone that it’s just got even better. Introducing… the new and improved Player II series.
The 13 Best Bass Guitars - Options for Every Type of Bassist
Welcome to the low end, the groove that complements every great track and forms the soul of rhythm and melody. The mighty bass guitar carves out its own melodic space in every song and is often the instrument that gets heads bopping.
The 15 Best Metal Guitars - Options for Every Budget
Featured image: Creative Commons License by Alfred Nitsch Metal is a broad church and an expansive genre that covers a huge range of musical styles. Whatever your preferred flavour of the Good Stuff is, it’ll typically be characterised by heavy distortion, energetic playing, and technical lead lines.
HeadRush PRIME Review | Gear4music
Much like Optimus of the Transformers world, the HeadRush PRIME aims to be the head honcho of floor modellers and multi-FX units. And just like the giant and sentient shape-shifting robot, the PRIME can transform your tone – and your voice! – in a vast multitude of ways. But just how good is it? We’re taking a deeper dive with our in-depth HeadRush PRIME review, so you can decide if this fully loaded piece of high-end kit is the missing link in your rig. The HeadRush PRIME is utterly comprehensive.
The 11 Best Acoustic Guitar Strings
One of the most vital aspects of any acoustic guitar is the strings. It doesn’t matter how expensive your artfully crafted instrument is if your strings are not up to the task. Getting the right set can improve your feel, tone, action, and sustain – meaning you’ll get the best out of your acoustic. With that in mind, here’s our guide to the best acoustic guitar strings out there, helping you get the sound you’ve always craved.
A Guide to Prince's Guitars and Gear
Featured image: Creative Commons License by penner If there was a man who needed no introduction, it’d be Prince. But this is an introduction, so we’ll have to abide by protocol, ahem, may I present: Prince, the flamboyant but ferociously talented musician who boasted an eclectic collection of equipment. Even if you’re not familiar with his music, you’ll have likely seen the Symbol or Cloud guitars that strike such wild shapes and made Prince such an imposing figure on stage.
Fender Tone Master Pro Review
Can virtual recreations ever beat the real thing? Fender – arguably the king of tube tones – have thrown their hat into the ring of high-end floor modellers. Presenting the Tone Master Pro, a premium floor modeller that’s stuffed to the gills with features and versatility. Now that it’s had time to settle into the guitar world, I’m taking a look to decide if it’s truly a floor unit title contender. Does it do enough to convince guitarists to ditch the traditional and embrace the digital?
The 16 Best Pointy Guitars and the Legends Who Wield Them
The 32 Greatest Moments in Rock and Roll History by | Apr 23, 2024 Throughout the 20th and 21st centuries, countless episodes have shaped modern music and culture. From outrageous antics and iconic performances all the way to utterly bizarre crowd interactions that shocked audiences, there are plenty of iconic events that music lovers need to know about.
The 32 Greatest Moments in Rock and Roll History
Featured image: Creative Commons License by Drew de F Fawkes Throughout the 20th and 21st centuries, countless episodes have shaped modern music and culture. From outrageous antics and iconic performances all the way to utterly bizarre crowd interactions that shocked audiences, there are plenty of iconic events that music lovers need to know about.
Fanned Frets Explained - What Are These Weird Guitars?
A Guide to Angus Young’s Guitars and Gear by | Apr 3, 2024 A rocker without equal, Angus Young is best known for sporting a school uniform and duckwalking across arena stages. As a founding member of rock ‘n’ roll titans AC/DC, he’s become synonymous with outrageously catchy riffs and iconic guitar hooks. And the key to his musical mojo is the axe that’s served him well for decades: the legendary red Gibson SG.
Dreadnought vs. Concert - Which Guitar Shape is Right for You?
A Guide to Angus Young’s Guitars and Gear by | Apr 3, 2024 A rocker without equal, Angus Young is best known for sporting a school uniform and duckwalking across arena stages. As a founding member of rock ‘n’ roll titans AC/DC, he’s become synonymous with outrageously catchy riffs and iconic guitar hooks. And the key to his musical mojo is the axe that’s served him well for decades: the legendary red Gibson SG.
A Guide to Angus Young's Guitars and Gear
Featured image: Creative Commons License by Eliassofronov A rocker without equal, Angus Young is best known for sporting a school uniform and duckwalking across arena stages. As a founding member of rock ‘n’ roll titans AC/DC, he’s become synonymous with outrageously catchy riffs and iconic guitar hooks. And the key to his musical mojo is the axe that’s served him well for decades: the legendary red Gibson SG.
The 8 Best Bass Practice Amps
Diving into the world of bass practice amps can be as thrilling as it is bewildering, especially for the burgeoning bassist eager to find their sound! With so many options available to you, we’ve made things easier by compiling a list of the best bass practice amps available today. We’ll go over what makes a good practice amp and things to look for, as well as provide you with a range of suggestions to help get your groove going.
The 12 Best Guitars for Shredding
Are you ready to get your face melted? Strap in tight because we’re going to cover the best guitars for shredding your heart out. No, we’re not talking about an efficient method for destroying incriminating documents; we’re talking about the elite-axe-super-shredders wielded by the likes of Van Halen and Henson, the kind that accommodates outrageously swift riffs.
Squier Stratocaster Review | Gear4music
Launched just last year, the Sonic line completely replaced Squier’s Bullet series of entry-level instruments. But are they solely for beginner guitarists, or could they be the road-tested companions that stage veterans are seeking? In this Squier Stratocaster review, I’m putting the HSS Sonic through its paces to determine just how well it fits and feels.
A Guide to Jack White’s Guitars and Gear
Featured image: Creative Commons License by Lindsey Turner The musical mind behind the record-shatteringly popular “Seven Nation Army”, Jack White is responsible for a long list of chart-topping bops and earworm tracks. In part, that’s thanks to his distinctive blues sound and sonic identity, a character he’s nurtured and developed through a wide selection of equipment and rigs.
How To Use a Capo - A Step-by-Step Guide
The humble capo is your guitar’s secret weapon, allowing for easy pitch and key changes that transform your playing experience. It can also refer to the head of an Italian crime syndicate, so we’ll try not to confuse the two as we go on. Our clear guide on how to use a capo will give you all the info you need on this valuable accessory. Read on to find out all the different types you might encounter, top tips, and a handy key chart to aid your playing.
The 9 Best Short-Scale Basses 2024
Short-scale basses are game-changing instruments. They cut down the heft of the standard 34″ full-size bass to a much more manageable 31″ and under. It’s a seemingly small change, but it actually affects everything from the weight and feel of standard bass to their string tension and tone. Pick one up and you’re in for quite a different experience! Whether you’re a complete novice player or a professional veteran, short-scale basses can serve up some unique benefits.
21 Easy Bass Riffs for Beginners
Featured image: Creative Commons License by Craig Howell From the groove-inducing thump of Queen’s “Another One Bites The Dust” to the pop-powered hook of Billie Eilish’s “Bad Guy”, bass riffs are responsible for some of the biggest moments in music history. While the guitar might steal the spotlight in many songs, the bass is by no means relegated to a background role! There are plenty of tunes where the thunderous rumble of a bass is the main driver of its rhythm or melody.
The 13 Best Guitar Stands and Wall Hangers
An In-Depth Guide to Jimmy Page’s Guitars and Gear by | Dec 20, 2023 A guitar giant, a riff legend, and a solo maestro. Jimmy Page is responsible for dozens of juicy rock ‘n’ roll hooks that have dominated the airwaves for decades… including the notorious Forbidden Guitar Shop Song. Bursting onto the scene in the late ‘60s, Jimmy made a name for himself in the Yardbirds before founding the iconic Led Zeppelin where many of his most famous riffs were created.
An In-Depth Guide to Jimmy Page's Guitars and Gear
Featured image: Creative Commons License by Heinrich Klaffs A guitar giant, a riff legend, and a solo maestro. Jimmy Page is responsible for dozens of juicy rock ‘n’ roll hooks that have dominated the airwaves for decades… including the notorious Forbidden Guitar Shop Song. Bursting onto the scene in the late ‘60s, Jimmy made a name for himself in the Yardbirds before founding the iconic Led Zeppelin where many of his most famous riffs were created.
3/4 vs. Full-Size Guitars: Which One Do I Need?
How To String a Guitar – A Step-by-Step Guide by | Dec 5, 2023 Whether you’re a complete beginner or a seasoned player, knowing how to restring your guitar is crucial for maintaining optimal sound quality. In this step-by-step guide, we will walk you through the process, providing clear instructions and valuable tips along the way. But first, it’s good to know that the six strings on a guitar, from thickest to thinnest, are E, A, D, G, B, and high E.
How To String a Guitar - A Step-by-Step Guide
A Comprehensive Guide to Telecasters with Humbuckers by | Nov 21, 2023 Electric guitars don’t come more iconic than the vaunted Fender Telecaster. As the first-ever solid body electric (called Esquire at the time), the Telecaster has since garnered a serious rock ‘n’ roll reputation. Seen in the hands of virtually every stripe of guitarist, from rowdy punks to modern indie boppers, the Tele is known for versatility – in part thanks to the variety of pickup configurations you can find them in!
A Comprehensive Guide to Telecasters with Humbuckers
Electric guitars don’t come more iconic than the vaunted Fender Telecaster. As the first-ever solid body electric (called Esquire at the time), the Telecaster has since garnered a serious rock ‘n’ roll reputation.
23 Easy Christmas Guitar Songs to Play This Winter
We’ve all got our favourite Christmas songs… whether it’s traditional “round the fire” style singalongs, the ‘80s pop ballads that still top charts to this day, or… something a little err, different. This Christmas, why not impress the family gathering (or make it easier to endure) by rocking out your favourite festive tunes? To that end, we’ve prepared a list of easy Christmas guitar songs to get you ready for yuletide riffing.
The 12 Best Multi-Effects Pedals 2023
Are you tired of lugging around a back-breaking pedalboard that looks more like an intricate puzzle than a musical tool? You’re not alone! For all you intermediate-level guitarists out there who dream of simplifying your setup, we have a list of setup game-changers for you: the best multi-effects pedals for 2023. These magical little devices are the secret sauce to transforming your sound without the hassle.
Epiphone Les Paul vs. Gibson Les Paul
The Best Beginner Guitar Packages of 2023 by | Sep 25, 2023 When looking to begin your journey in guitar playing, it’s important to make sure you have all of the essentials. As a beginner, figuring out what you need can be a daunting task, and it’s easy to overlook something that might be crucial later. To save you time, effort, and stress, we’ve curated exclusive guitar packages, encompassing everything you’ll need to flourish as a guitarist.
How to Tune a Guitar in Four Different Methods
How to tune your guitar Let’s go into a bit more detail for each method! 1. Tune your guitar with a tuner Whether you’re using a clip-on tuner or a pedal tuner, the process is most the same, but we’ll go over both separately.
The 13 Best Semi-Hollow Guitars 2023
In the vibrant world of guitars, semi-hollow models hold a distinctive place. Striking a harmonious balance between the resonant warmth of a hollow body and the focused sound of a solid body, semi-hollow guitars offer an exquisite blend of tone, aesthetics, and versatility.
28 Easy Guitar Riffs for Beginners
A Detailed Look at G4M’s NEW Guitar Range by | Jul 3, 2023 From its cutting-edge technology and top-quality materials to its innovative design features, G4M is the ultimate choice for anyone who is serious about their music.
What Was the Legend's Setup?
Featured image: Creative Commons License by Hannu Lindroos / Lehtikuva A music industry colossus, Jimi Hendrix’s passionate playing lives with us still – decades after his tragic passing. His intricacy, soulful songs, and inimitable style continue to inspire new guitarists to take up the cause.
The 10 Best Acoustic Guitar Brands
Best acoustic guitar brands On with the list! Bear in mind, as our introduction pointed out, these aren’t ranked in order of “bestness”. Rather, they represent a selection of the top brands, each with their own unique characteristics and advantages. 1. Martin One of the oldest guitar brands in existence, Martin are celebrated for their large dreadnought instruments that boast a deep, powerful sound. Their outstanding quality makes them ideal for advanced players and professionals.
42 Easy Ukulele Songs for Beginners
Easy ukulele songs for beginners 1. “Riptide” by Vance Joy Taking it back to the “Riptide”, Vance Joy’s smash hit features simple Am, G, C, and F chords. The trick to mastering it is adopting the DD UD strumming pattern for the verse and a chucking rhythm during the chorus. 2. “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” by Isreal Kamakawiwo’ole (IZ) One of the most recognisable uke arrangements of recent history, “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” is a soul-soothing piece that’s fun to play and sing along to.
The 11 Best Acoustic Guitars for Beginners
Things to consider Size of guitar The size of your guitar is incredibly important as it affects the playability, comfort, volume, and tone of the instrument. Ultimately, the right size for you depends on comfort and your preferences. For example, a larger player with bigger hands may find themselves cramped on smaller, shorter-scale models. However, younger developing players might struggle to enjoy playing a dreadnought shape with steel strings.
Universal Audio's NEW UAFX Guitar Pedals
The New Universal Audio UAFX pedals Let’s look at these pedals in more detail. Universal Audio Del-Verb Ambience Companion How would you like a buffet of utterly authentic vintage reverbs and delays at your feet? Well, the Del-Verb Ambience Companion serves up just that! Offering a feast of classic sound-thickening tones to enhance your music, it packs no less than six vintage reverb and delay effects.
Boss DS-1W Waza Craft Distortion Pedal - A Hands-On Review
Introducing the Brand New Squier Sonic Series! by | Mar 31, 2023 If you’re a lover of soulful twangy blues, why not start with an SSS Stratocaster? Or perhaps you’re an aficionado of indie rock and crave the offset style of a cool Jazzmaster. And if these don’t do it for you, why not taste the quintessential Telecaster?
Introducing the Brand New Squier Sonic Series!
Different Types of Guitar – An In-Depth Guide by | Mar 28, 2023 From the fluid motion of flamenco music to the sweeping scores of classical orchestras, the classical guitar is renowned for its responsive fingerpicking styles and warm nylon sound. Generally, (emphasis on generally) classical guitars are smaller than most other acoustics, leading to a bright tone that helps individually plucked notes stand out above a mix.
Different Types of Guitar - An In-Depth Guide
Types of guitar – what are they? Classical guitars Good for beginners? Yes Genres: Classical, Jazz, Folk, Pop From the fluid motion of flamenco music to the sweeping scores of classical orchestras, the classical guitar is renowned for its responsive fingerpicking styles and warm nylon sound. Generally, (emphasis on generally) classical guitars are smaller than most other acoustics, leading to a bright tone that helps individually plucked notes stand out above a mix.
Retirement is Changing Again. How Does That Affect You?
As the COVID-19 pandemic was raging, you may have seen headlines about retirement. They often read like these: “Amid the pandemic, a rising share of older U.S. adults are now retired,” Pew Research Center, 11/4/2021. “Why millions of older Americans are retiring early in the wake of the pandemic,” PBS Newshour, 2/23/2022. “The COVID Retirement Boom,” Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis, 10/15/2021.
27 Easy Guitar Songs for Beginners
27 Easy Guitar Songs for Beginners 1. “Paranoid” by Black Sabbath Raise your rock hands because “Paranoid” is perhaps one of the most legendary metal songs in existence. Starting with two strums of an E power chord on the 7th fret, you’ll instantly feel like a rock god! That strong chord is followed by a cool little hammer-on riff in the same position and E, A, and D power chords in a steadily down-picked fashion.
Try Before You Buy with TonePedia!
In the hear and now with TonePedia To help you find the next pedal that’s right for you, Boss have launched a fantastic tool that gives you the ultimate try-before-you-buy experience. Introducing Tonepedia – the embedded player that lets you get a clear idea of how a Boss pedal will perform with different guitars, amps, and other stompboxes.
Best Acoustic Guitar Amps 2023
Best acoustic guitar amps for advanced guitarists Looking for something to complement a professional grade performance? These high-quality artist amps from Boss and Fender can fine-tune your tone with precision as well as build totally unique sounds with premium built-in effects. Fender Acoustic Junior Acoustic Amp Interested in transforming your acoustic tone?
How To Turn Off Subtitles On Roku
Last Updated on December 4, 2022 by Mark Roberts If you are a Roku user, you might want to learn how to turn off subtitles on Roku. And if you’ve already tried doing it on your own, you might have realized that it’s not as easy as it sounds. Subtitles or closed captions [cc] make it easier to watch and understand a movie or show. They translate the dialogues to the language that you know better. That’s why most streaming devices and platforms, including Roku device support, closed captions.
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