blue Archives

AppWizard

August 7, 2025

Google’s Genie 3 drops you into a 3D world you can explore and play with as it happens

Genie 3, developed by Google DeepMind, allows users to create interactive 3D environments using brief text prompts. It enables exploration and manipulation of these virtual scenes for a limited time, maintaining stability and coherence for over a minute, unlike its predecessors, Genie 1 and 2. Genie 3 can respond instantly to new commands, allowing real-time changes without reloading. Currently, it is in research preview and accessible only to select academics and creators. The system has limitations, including basic interaction mechanics and challenges with multiple agents and accurate real-world replicas.

Winsage

August 7, 2025

Microsoft’s anniversary edition Windows XP-themed Crocs are definitely a look, but I’m not entirely sure I could carry them off

Microsoft has released a special anniversary edition of Crocs inspired by Windows XP, featuring a design that replicates the iconic Bliss wallpaper. The upper part of the footwear showcases fluffy white clouds against a blue sky, while the soles depict lush green grass. A worldwide launch is expected, though no specific dates have been provided. The Bliss image, captured by photographer Charles O’Rear in 1996 and acquired by Microsoft before Windows XP's release in 2001, depicts a hill in Sonoma County, California, which has since become a vineyard. Bliss was once one of the most viewed photographs globally, reflecting the popularity of Windows XP.

Winsage

August 6, 2025

40 years of Windows: How XP changed everything

In 2001, Microsoft released Windows XP, which combined consumer and business versions of Windows and was built on the Windows NT core. It provided a more stable platform compared to Windows 98 and Windows Me, despite initial malware issues. Windows XP featured a vibrant blue interface, the iconic green Start button, and the recognizable "Bliss" wallpaper. It introduced customization options, including user-created themes, and tools like Stardock's WindowBlinds. Key features included System Restore, USB plug-and-play support, built-in CD burning, native ZIP file support, and Windows Movie Maker. Microsoft implemented an activation system to combat software piracy. Security measures improved significantly with the release of Windows XP Service Pack 2 in 2004, which introduced a default firewall and a Security Center. Windows XP became popular during the rise of the internet and supported applications like Mozilla Firefox, Google Chrome, and Skype. It left a lasting cultural impact, with many users expressing nostalgia for the operating system.

Winsage

August 6, 2025

Get over the nostalgic Windows Ugly Sweaters, Windows XP crocs are now a thing – The Times of India

Microsoft has launched a limited-edition line of Crocs inspired by the Windows XP era, featuring the Bliss photograph design. Each pair includes six Jibbitz charms representing early internet icons, such as the MSN butterfly logo and the Internet Explorer icon, along with a matching drawstring bag. Microsoft employees can preorder the Crocs before they are available to the public. This initiative aligns with Microsoft's history of quirky anniversary merchandise.

Winsage

August 6, 2025

These $80 Windows XP Crocs just made me desperate for Android footwear

Microsoft has collaborated with Crocs to create limited-edition footwear celebrating the 50th anniversary of the company and the nostalgia of Windows XP. The shoes feature a sky blue design with grassy green soles, reminiscent of the Bliss wallpaper. Each pair includes a six-pack of Microsoft-themed charms, such as the MSN logo, Internet Explorer emblem, Clippy, and the classic mouse pointer. Microsoft employees have exclusive pre-order access, and each purchase comes with a matching Bliss drawstring backpack. The price of the Crocs is not specified. There is also a growing desire in the tech community for similar custom footwear, particularly Android-themed Crocs.

AppWizard

August 6, 2025

Sonic The Hedgehog’s Minecraft DLC Scores A ‘Super Update’ This Week

Minecraft has launched the 'Super Update' for its Sonic the Hedgehog collaboration, allowing players to collect Chaos Emeralds, confront Dr. Eggman, and transform into Super Sonic and Super Shadow. The Sonic DLC has added iconic zones, characters, abilities, and adversaries to Minecraft. Sonic is also set to appear in a new title, Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds, and has a collaboration with Timberland footwear.

AppWizard

August 6, 2025

When the quality-of-life update fixes something that annoyed me, after I stop playing the dang game

Players in Pacific Drive develop a bond with their vehicles, akin to tumultuous relationships, as they repair and enhance their cars during journeys in the Zone. The game has introduced a more user-friendly save system, but some players feel it's too late for them. The System Shock remake initially lacked a waypoint system, which was later added in an update, but came too late for some players. Blue Prince has made quality-of-life updates, such as allowing doors and safes to remain open after puzzles are solved. Games like Pathfinder: Kingmaker and Disco Elysium have received significant updates post-launch, but the timing of these enhancements often coincides with players moving on from the games.

Winsage

August 6, 2025

Move over Windows Ugly sweaters, Microsoft is about to drop custom Windows XP Crocs with an all-important Clippy Jibbitz

Microsoft is releasing Windows XP Crocs, called the '50th Anniversary Exclusive,' marking the first time a Windows version is featured in footwear. These Crocs are currently available for internal order by Microsoft employees, with a planned worldwide launch to follow. The design is inspired by the classic Windows XP wallpaper and includes six Jibbitz shoe charms: Clippy, MSN Butterfly, Internet Explorer Logo, Recycling Bin, and Folder. Each pair also comes with a drawstring tote featuring the Windows XP wallpaper design. Further updates on pricing and availability are anticipated.

Winsage

August 5, 2025

Microsoft is making Windows XP crocs — complete with XP inspired Jibbitz for maximum nerd cred

Microsoft has announced the creation of Windows XP-themed Crocs, featuring the Bliss wallpaper design and Jibbitz charms inspired by Microsoft products. Currently, these Crocs are available exclusively to Microsoft employees but will soon be accessible to the public. This launch is part of Microsoft's 50th anniversary celebration. The Bliss wallpaper was captured by photographer Charles O'Rear in 1998 and became synonymous with Windows XP after Microsoft acquired its rights in 2000.

Winsage

August 5, 2025

Microsoft’s Windows XP Crocs are no joke

Microsoft has released a limited edition of Crocs inspired by the Windows XP operating system to celebrate its 50th anniversary. These Crocs feature a Clippy shoe charm and are currently available for preorder exclusively to Microsoft employees, with a global launch planned soon. Each pair is priced at an undisclosed amount and includes a six-pack of Microsoft Jibbitz with symbols like the original MSN logo, the Internet Explorer icon, Clippy, and a mouse pointer. The design reflects the iconic Bliss wallpaper from Windows XP, featuring a blue sky and green sole. Each purchase also includes a Bliss drawstring backpack. An official comment from Microsoft regarding the Crocs is expected soon.