conservation Archives

AppWizard

March 19, 2025

Minecraft recreates NZ’s most popular tourism destinations

Gamers will be able to explore six iconic New Zealand locations, including Abel Tasman National Park and Lake Tekapo, in Minecraft, thanks to a collaboration with Tourism New Zealand. This initiative aims to introduce New Zealand and Te Ao Māori to millions of players worldwide and inspire them to visit in real life. The six locations—Waitomo Caves, Rotorua, Kāpiti Island, Abel Tasman National Park, Lake Tekapo, and Doubtful Sound—were selected for their cultural significance and representation of New Zealand's landscapes. Minecraft, created by Mojang Studios and acquired by Microsoft, has sold over 300 million copies and has more than 100 million active users monthly. The collaboration includes input from local iwi to ensure respectful representation of Māori culture.

Winsage

March 2, 2025

Microsoft shares more information about USB settings in Windows 11

In 2023, Windows 11 introduced official USB4 support with data transfer speeds of 40Gbps, later expanded to 80 and 120Gbps. A dedicated Settings page for managing USB4 devices and hubs was added. Recent updates included connection notifications for issues, alerts for slow charging due to incompatible chargers, a USB battery saver feature for energy conservation, and a section detailing connected USB4 devices. These settings are located under Settings > Bluetooth & Devices > USB, with some features being device-specific.

AppWizard

February 21, 2025

From an Aztez god to Minecraft star. Why does Mexico love the axolotl so much?

The axolotl, scientifically known as Ambystoma mexicanum, is a critically endangered amphibian that serves as a symbol of identity and resilience for the native people of Mexico. It is particularly significant in the context of the chinampas, ancient floating gardens in Xochimilco. The axolotl has gained international fame through popular culture, including its inclusion in the video game Minecraft and its depiction on the 50-peso bill by the Central Bank. In Mesoamerican mythology, the axolotl is linked to the god Xólotl and the myth of the Fifth Sun. Biologically, the axolotl can regenerate parts of its heart, spinal cord, and brain, and has dual breathing capabilities through gills and skin. It can live up to 15-20 years in captivity, compared to a few years in the wild due to habitat degradation. The health of the axolotl is closely tied to the condition of its habitat, which faces pollution and urbanization threats. Conservation efforts are essential for both the axolotl and the chinampas, highlighting the importance of community involvement in preserving these cultural and ecological treasures.

AppWizard

February 15, 2025

We can’t have Bloodborne on PC but we can have Mudborne, a thematically similar game about breeding frogs

Players can explore the game Mudborne, which focuses on genetic manipulation of frogs and plants to restore an abandoned pond environment. The game features puzzles, crafting minigames, and eight distinct frog species. It will be released on March 20 and is developed by TNgineers, who will donate a portion of proceeds to amphibian conservation and environmental health charities. Mudborne will be available on Steam, with a demo on Itch.io. TNgineers is also developing another game called Snacktorio, a factory-cooking simulator.

Winsage

December 28, 2024

Windows 11’s Camera Just Got Smarter: Check Out the Latest Additions

Microsoft has introduced new camera features for Windows 11 that enhance video quality and user experience. Users can now adjust camera brightness, contrast, resolution, and frame rate, allowing for better visibility in various lighting conditions and catering to different bandwidth needs. Additionally, users can utilize their camera in multiple applications simultaneously, enabling multitasking during video calls. However, these features may not be available on all devices immediately, as some older camera models may not support them, and the rollout will occur gradually. Users interested in trying these features early can join the Windows Insider Program and download version 26120.2702.

AppWizard

December 17, 2024

Jingle Jam raises $3.4m for charity

The Jingle Jam livestreaming charity event raised £2.7 million over a two-week period from December 1st to 14th. The funds will be distributed among eight charities: Autistica (£314,000), CALM (£470,000), Cool Earth (£280,000), Sarcoma UK (£269,000), The Trevor Project (£305,000), War Child (£300,000), Wallace and Gromit's Grand Appeal (£396,000), and Whale and Dolphin Conservation (£339,000). Donors contributing over £35 received a collection of games as a token of appreciation.

Winsage

December 12, 2024

7 settings to change on your Windows 11 PC to maximize battery life

Windows PCs, particularly newer laptop models, have improved battery performance, but users often experience reduced battery life over time. A three-year-old Windows laptop may drop from six to seven hours of screen time to struggling to reach three hours. Software adjustments can help maximize battery life. 1. Lowering screen brightness to around 30-40% can extend battery life. 2. The Battery Saver option in Windows 11 can be manually enabled to disable power-hungry activities. 3. Reducing display and sleep timeout settings can conserve energy. 4. Disabling unnecessary startup applications can save battery resources. 5. Turning off animation effects can improve battery life, especially on older devices. 6. Shutting down the laptop instead of just closing the lid can prevent unexpected battery drain. 7. Changing the power mode from Balanced to Best power efficiency can significantly extend battery life.

AppWizard

December 11, 2024

I can finally finish Naiad two years after I played through its demo thanks to it shadow dropping during the Wholesome Snack showcase

Naiad is a minimalist adventure game that was officially released during the Wholesome Snack showcase after a demo in 2022. Players take on the role of a river guardian, protecting the ecosystem from human interference and emphasizing environmental conservation. The gameplay involves learning skills from nature, such as swimming like a duck and diving like fish, while completing quests like reuniting lost ducklings with their families. The game's art style is meticulously handcrafted, featuring a minimalist aesthetic with intricate details. Players are encouraged to reflect on their connection to nature while exploring this immersive world.

AppWizard

October 31, 2024

Visit the (virtual) Minecraft National Park

Mojang has launched the Minecraft National Park, available for purchase on the Minecraft Marketplace, with net proceeds benefiting The Nature Conservancy until January 30. The experience was created by over 50 creators and aims to educate players about conservation while showcasing various biomes. Features include ranger stations, visitor centers, and wildlife crossings. Mojang previously donated 0,000 to The Nature Conservancy during Minecraft’s 15-year anniversary, reinforcing their commitment to environmental stewardship. Players contribute to sustainability efforts through their purchases, supporting The Nature Conservancy's mission.