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Starlink gaming: Can you really play online games via satellite internet?
AppWizard
August 6, 2026

Starlink gaming: Can you really play online games via satellite internet?

Starlink uses a network of over 10,000 satellites in low Earth orbit to provide internet service, requiring users to have a clear view of the sky for optimal performance. It claims download speeds of up to 400 Mbps, which can be beneficial for gamers, although actual speeds may vary by location. Latency ranges from 25 to 60 milliseconds, which can impact performance in competitive gaming. Users can reduce latency by connecting devices via ethernet and ensuring the satellite receiver has an unobstructed view. The service has proven reliable for the author, who has experienced only one significant outage in over a year of use. Upload speeds are lower than traditional broadband, averaging 20-30 Mbps, which can be frustrating for tasks like 4K filming. Starlink is recommended for areas without fiber broadband, but 5G may be a better option where available due to higher potential speeds and lower latency. Starlink's hardware costs and subscription fees can be higher compared to 5G plans.
Minecraft 26.3 Snapshot 7 patch notes: Concrete Stairs, Concrete Slabs, and more
AppWizard
August 5, 2026

Minecraft 26.3 Snapshot 7 patch notes: Concrete Stairs, Concrete Slabs, and more

Mojang has released Minecraft 26.3 Snapshot 7, introducing Concrete Stairs and Concrete Slabs for all 16 colored Concrete blocks, and overhauling Explorer Maps into distinct items with unique icons. The new map items include various explorer maps and are not available in Creative Mode. Existing Explorer Maps will convert to the new items upon loading older worlds. Other changes include adjustments to Cushions, loot table updates, and expanded Realms support. Technical changes involve new data components for attack and interaction animations, and density functions now use single-precision floating point values. Bug fixes address issues with Cushions, Armadillos, Sniffers, and various map-related problems.
Minecraft 26.3 Snapshot 7
AppWizard
August 5, 2026

Minecraft 26.3 Snapshot 7

The 26.3 Snapshot 7 update introduces new features including Concrete Stairs and Slabs in 16 colors, and Explorer Maps that lead to various Abandoned Camps in multiple biomes such as Bamboo Jungle, Cherry Grove, Birch Forest, and others. Significant structures like Ancient City and Desert Pyramid also have new maps. Changes include updated loot tables for Abandoned Camp Barrels and adjustments to player icons on maps. Explorer Maps are now distinct items with unique icons, and existing maps will convert to the new item type upon loading. Technical changes involve updates to Data Pack and Resource Pack versions, along with various command and data component modifications. Bugs have been fixed, improving overall gameplay experience.
Speaking of Matt Damon, there's a new survival game out this week on Steam where you're stranded on Mars and have to grow potatoes to survive
AppWizard
July 29, 2026

Speaking of Matt Damon, there’s a new survival game out this week on Steam where you’re stranded on Mars and have to grow potatoes to survive

Christopher Nolan's film The Odyssey is boosting Matt Damon's career. The game Sol One, developed by yeetgench, is inspired by themes of survival similar to those in Damon's role in The Martian. In Sol One, players navigate a Martian landscape, scavenging resources and cultivating food, particularly potatoes, to survive. Unlike the film, the game's protagonist must rely on their ingenuity to escape without waiting for rescue. Players will mine materials like iron, copper, and uranium to build a rocket to return to Earth. The game includes automation features, allowing players to use rovers for resource gathering. Sol One aims for a grounded, science-driven survival experience, featuring realistic weather patterns and dynamic challenges. Early access for the game launches on Steam on July 30.
The Minecraft Movie votes are in and, despite controversy, everyone's a winner
AppWizard
July 11, 2026

The Minecraft Movie votes are in and, despite controversy, everyone’s a winner

Jack Black and Jason Momoa will reprise their roles as Steve and Garrett in the upcoming sequel, A Minecraft Movie Squared, alongside Kirsten Dunst as Alex. Mojang announced a competition for fans to submit designs for the film, selecting three finalists: 'Lightning Rod Lighthouse' by Francisco C.M., 'Copper Badlands Castle' by Rosanna C., and 'Tranquil Taiga Tower' by Iola Y. The 'Tree Village' by Ben V. was disqualified for not adhering to submission guidelines but will be recognized as an honorable mention. All builds will be included in the movie or its end credits. A Minecraft Movie Squared is scheduled for release on July 23, 2027.
Li’l Friday: ‘Beetlejuice,’ PC Highland Games, Venus Flytrap Festival
AppWizard
May 28, 2026

Li’l Friday: ‘Beetlejuice,’ PC Highland Games, Venus Flytrap Festival

Every Thursday evening through Labor Day, the Carolina Beach Boardwalk hosts the Boardwalk Blast event, featuring free music and fireworks. On May 28, The Petty Mac Revue will perform at 6 p.m., followed by fireworks at 9 p.m. On May 29, the Broadway tour of “Beetlejuice” will be at the Wilson Center, with five performances from May 29 to 31. Other events include “Ten-Minute Miscellany” at Thalian Hall, “Mahalia: A Gospel Musical” by Techmoja Dance Company, “Twelfth Night” by Cape Fear Shakespeare, and a stand-up comedy show by Nick Murphy at Dead Crow Comedy Room. On May 30, the Port City Highland Games will take place at 3600 Randall Parkway, celebrating Scottish heritage and benefiting paws4vets, with over 1,500 participants expected. Other events include NC Vibe Fest, a performance by Striking Copper at Waterline Brewing, The Pop Culture Expo at Elk’s Lodge, Venus Flytrap Festival at BSL Community Center, and CFCC Riverfront Boat Show. On May 31, “Dear Evan Hansen” will be performed at Front Street Theater, with final performances from May 28 to 31. Other events include a donation drive in the Brooklyn Arts District and a concert by Titans Wilmington Symphonic Band.
Minecraft Updates Used to Feel Magical, Now They Don't Hit Like They Used To
AppWizard
May 18, 2026

Minecraft Updates Used to Feel Magical, Now They Don’t Hit Like They Used To

In the early days of Minecraft, major updates significantly transformed gameplay, introducing new dimensions and mechanics, with players eagerly anticipating these annual changes. Iconic updates included Redstone mechanics, the Nether overhaul, and the Ender Dragon boss. Recently, Mojang shifted to smaller, more frequent updates, which introduced new mobs and blocks but felt less impactful, leaving players wanting more substantial changes. The transition began with the Garden Awakens update, which set a precedent for subsequent updates that lacked transformative qualities. For example, the Minecraft 1.21 Tricky Trials update introduced new challenges and a mob but did not alter core gameplay significantly. Recent updates have focused more on building enhancements rather than survival challenges, with examples like the Chaos Cubed and Tiny Takeover updates prioritizing cosmetic changes over meaningful survival features. The frequency of updates has diluted their impact, making players feel overwhelmed and disconnected. Many recent updates exist independently without building on previous content, leading to missed opportunities for integration and deeper gameplay experiences. The community desires updates that enhance the survival experience and create memorable moments.
Crimson Desert's latest patch gives the people what they want, which is to tame and ride a random bear with your own two hands—or a goat, if you're freaky
AppWizard
May 11, 2026

Crimson Desert’s latest patch gives the people what they want, which is to tame and ride a random bear with your own two hands—or a goat, if you’re freaky

Players of Crimson Desert expressed a desire to tame and ride bears. Developer Pearl Abyss introduced legendary wolf and bear mounts that can be acquired through quests or by defeating bears. Initially, these animals could not be tamed for riding, but a recent update allows players to register certain animals as special mounts after earning their trust. The list of tamable animals includes dogs, with some requiring unique taming methods. Additionally, players can now extract materials used in equipment upgrades, receiving a full return of special materials and a 70% refund on common resources like iron ore, copper ore, and bloodstones. Pearl Abyss continues to introduce new features regularly, including bird taming, to enhance the player experience.
Minecraft 26.2 Snapshot 5
AppWizard
April 29, 2026

Minecraft 26.2 Snapshot 5

The 26.2 Snapshot 5 introduces several new features, including an explosive archetype for the Sulfur Cube and the addition of erupting Geysers formed by Potent Sulfur. The new Sulfur Cube archetype, called Explosive, shares properties with the Regular archetype but has higher air drag and can absorb TNT blocks. When primed, absorbed TNT has a fuse time of 6 seconds when ignited by fire or Redstone, and a randomized fuse time between 0.75 and 3 seconds when primed by an explosion. Sulfur Cubes with absorbed TNT cannot be picked up or damaged, and no Small Sulfur Cubes will spawn upon explosion. Potent Sulfur creates Geysers when placed above a Magma block and under water, sending water particles skyward at random intervals. Various adjustments have been made to mob hitboxes, and Hoglins are now classified as hostile and will not spawn on Peaceful difficulty. New sounds for Geyser eruptions have been added, and Touchscreen Mode has been removed. The Data Pack version is now 104.0, and the Resource Pack version is 86.2. New particles related to Geysers have been introduced, and several bugs have been fixed in this update.
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