Microsoft has launched the Surface Pro 13-inch, integrating Snapdragon X2 processors with a 2-in-1 design, starting at 9.99. It is available in black, platinum, and dune colors. The design resembles its predecessor, the Surface Pro 11, and features enhanced performance with up to a 53% increase in graphics performance. The device offers options for LCD and OLED displays, with the OLED variant favored by creators. The Surface Pro Flex Keyboard is recommended for optimal use and is currently available at a discount. Early feedback indicates improved performance and battery life compared to the Surface Pro 11.
Microsoft has announced the early release of its Xbox backward compatibility program for Windows PCs and portable handhelds, allowing players to access four classic Xbox games: "Fuzion Frenzy," "Blinx: The Time Sweeper," "Crimson Skies: High Road to Revenge," and "Conker: Live and Reloaded." These games can be purchased individually or accessed through Xbox Game Pass. The program will support Xbox achievements, which will be activated later this year, and offer customizable graphics settings. Minimum system requirements for PCs include Windows 11, updated drivers, 8GB of RAM, a minimum 4 Core CPU, and a compatible GPU.
X has launched a completely reimagined Android application, described by Nikita Bier as one of the most significant engineering endeavors in the company's history. The new app features enhancements in speed, smoothness, and reliability, aimed at improving user experience. It is designed to operate faster, with a refined interface for fluid interaction and a focus on stability to reduce disruptions. The revamped app will also serve as a foundation for future innovations, allowing for more efficient rollout of new features and enhancements.
The RPCS3 initiative has successfully enabled the emulation of over 75% of PlayStation 3 titles on PC since its inception in 2011. Sony announced the closure of the PS3 Store in 2027 and will cease new physical disc production for the PlayStation platform starting January 2028.
RPCS3 has successfully emulated over 75% of PlayStation 3 titles on PC. Sony announced the closure of the PS3 Store in 2027 and will cease new physical disc production for PlayStation titles in January 2028.
The 1,024,000² 2b2t World Download Project is a significant Minecraft archiving achievement, preserving approximately 13.7 TiB of compressed world data from the 2b2t server, including a million-by-million-block section of the Overworld, and smaller captures of the Nether and End dimensions. It is the largest available Minecraft world download, released via torrent. The project took over a year to develop, involving a team that utilized 28 bot accounts to collect data, resulting in four distinct captures of varying sizes. The project was led by a developer named crayne, with key contributors including Fuch, mahan, and Steve3. The code and documentation are available on GitHub, and the project incurred over ,000 in server rental costs. 2b2t, established in December 2010, is one of the oldest Minecraft servers, known for its unyielding map and challenging environment, having hosted over 1,000,000 players. The creators assert that no AI was used in the project and have licensed their work under CC0 for community accessibility.
The RPCS3 emulator for PlayStation 3 can now run 75% of the PS3 game library, which is 2,681 out of 3,559 titles. No games are rated with zero compatibility, with 0.06% classified as "Loadable," 1.69% as "Ingame," and 22.93% as playable to some extent. Some popular titles like Grand Theft Auto IV and the Assassin's Creed series are still "Ingame," while Battlefield 1943 is at the "Intro" stage.
RPCS3, the open-source PlayStation 3 emulator, has achieved that 75.33% of all PlayStation 3 games are now fully playable on PC. Additionally, 22.93% of games can enter gameplay but are not completable, and 1.69% cannot progress past the introduction. RPCS3 also provides a native version for Linux users.
Silicon Valley University in California is offering scholarships, called "Max Achievement Scholarships," to students who demonstrate exceptional gaming abilities, particularly in Minecraft. To qualify, applicants must unlock all 115 achievements in Minecraft and provide verified proof of their accomplishments. Successful candidates can receive up to ,000 to help cover tuition fees. Additionally, applicants must submit a written report connecting their gaming experiences to their educational and career goals and maintain a strong GPA to retain the scholarship. The university also offers similar scholarships for other games like Terraria, No Man’s Sky, and Ark: Survival Evolved.
