Dynamic Lighting Archives

AppWizard

July 29, 2025

Roblox Versus Minecraft: Comparing the Giants

In 2025, Roblox has over 380 million monthly active users and nearly 89 million daily players, with a library of more than 5 million user-generated games. Minecraft has approximately 32 million monthly active users and 2.5 million daily players. Roblox features a virtual currency called Robux, allowing players to personalize their experiences and trade virtual items. Minecraft offers modes like Survival and Creative, emphasizing resource management and artistic expression. Roblox's graphics vary by creator, with enhancements like dynamic lighting, while Minecraft maintains a consistent blocky style with recent graphical updates. Both platforms are accessible on multiple devices, with Roblox supporting PC, mobile, Xbox, and VR, and Minecraft available in Java and Bedrock editions, which do not share servers.

AppWizard

July 27, 2025

First Version of BioShock RTX Remix Path Tracing Mod Released

A demo for the RTX Remix Mod for the original BioShock game has been released by modders ‘skurtyyskirts’ and ‘watbulb’. This mod introduces real-time Path Tracing to enhance the game's graphics, utilizing improved materials through physically-based rendering (PBR) assets. The mod includes a custom compatibility wrapper to facilitate communication between BioShock, which operates on Unreal Engine 2.5, and RTX Remix. The demo features hundreds of newly crafted textures and assets, with updated lighting effects. The demo is available for download, but users may encounter visual inconsistencies and bugs. Additionally, various RTX Remix Mods for other games are in development, including titles like Tomb Raider 2, Grand Theft Auto: Vice City, and Need for Speed: Most Wanted. Demos for Path Tracing Mods have also been released for games such as Deus Ex and Call of Duty 4.

Winsage

July 24, 2025

Microsoft is bringing powerful new AI tools to Windows 11

Microsoft has rolled out new features for Windows 11, transitioning tools from testing to general availability. Key additions include semantic and agentic search functionalities in the Settings menu, allowing users to express queries in natural language and request specific tasks. The Click-to-Do feature now integrates with Copilot and a new Reading Coach application for context-aware actions. Paint has been upgraded to allow AI-generated stickers and includes a new object select tool for easier image editing. The Photos app will introduce a Relight feature for dynamic lighting effects, limited to devices with Snapdragon X processors. The Snipping Tool has a new “perfect screenshot” feature that uses AI for improved selection, and a new Black Screen of Death and rapid recovery option have reduced crashes and restarts by 22%.

Winsage

July 15, 2025

Announcing Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26120.4733 (Beta Channel)

Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26120.4733 (KB5062651) has been released to the Beta Channel for Windows 11, version 24H2. This update includes new features such as the "describe image" action in Click to Do, which provides detailed descriptions of images and is currently available for Snapdragon-powered Copilot+ PCs, with support for AMD and Intel devices expected soon. An upcoming administrator protection feature will secure floating admin rights for users and is disabled by default. Improvements include updated privacy dialog designs for app permissions, activation of Smart App Control in evaluation mode, and various fixes for issues in File Explorer, taskbar, live captions, Dynamic Lighting, graphics, and settings. Known issues include potential rollback errors during installation, touch navigation problems in the new Start menu, Xbox Controller issues, and problems with the Microsoft Changjie Input method. Windows Insiders in the Beta Channel will receive updates based on Windows 11, version 24H2, and features may be rolled out gradually.

Winsage

July 15, 2025

Microsoft Issues New Insider Preview Builds for Beta and Dev Channels

Participants in the Beta channel of the Windows Insider Program can install cumulative update KB5062651, upgrading Windows 11 version 24H2 to build 26120.4733. Dev channel participants can upgrade to build 26200.5702 with the installation of KB5062653, which pertains to Windows 11 version 25H2. Notable features in these builds include: - A new Copilot+ PC experience with a "Describe image" action, initially available on Snapdragon X-based Copilot+ PCs. - A new platform security feature for administrator protection, which is disabled by default and can be activated through Windows Security > Account protection. - Revamped app permission dialogs that appear as system modal dialogs. - Various fixes targeting issues related to the Taskbar, Search, File Explorer, Live Captions, Dynamic Lighting, Graphics, Settings, and more.

Winsage

July 14, 2025

Announcing Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26200.5702 (Dev Channel)

Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26200.5702 (KB5062653) has been released to the Dev Channel, introducing new features, improvements, and fixes. A new "describe image" action in Click to Do is now available for Snapdragon-powered Copilot+ PCs, with support for AMD and Intel-powered PCs expected soon. An upcoming security feature called Administrator protection allows for just-in-time admin privileges and is disabled by default. The design of privacy dialogs for app permissions has been updated, and Smart App Control may be activated in Windows Security for Insiders in evaluation mode. Windows PowerShell 2.0 has been deprecated and removed in this build. Fixes include resolving issues with File Explorer, search animations, live captions, Dynamic Lighting, and graphics synchronization. Known issues include error pop-ups in Group Policy Editor, touch navigation problems in the new Start menu, and Xbox Controller bugs via Bluetooth. Windows Insiders may experience a rollback error (0x80070005) when installing this update.

AppWizard

June 22, 2025

Best Minecraft Shader Packs To Use In 2025

Shaders are specialized mods that enhance the visual aesthetics of games by adjusting lighting, shadows, and colors. They can create realism, distinct atmospheres, and evoke emotions through color manipulation. A selection of top shaders for Minecraft includes: - SEUS (Sonic Ether's Unbelievable Shaders) - Known for stunning realism and dynamic lighting effects. - Continuum Shaders - Offers cinematic quality with breathtaking visuals and atmospheric effects. - BSL Shaders - Balances performance and beauty, popular among players. - Chocapic13's Shaders - Provides a customizable experience with various presets for different hardware. - Lagless Shaders - Enhances visuals without compromising performance. These shaders improve the graphical fidelity and immersive experience of Minecraft.

AppWizard

June 19, 2025

Aaero2: Black Razor Edition Announced For PC & Consoles

Indie game developer Mad Fellows, in collaboration with publisher Wired Productions, has announced Aaero2: Black Razor Edition, which integrates new features, music packs, and previously released content for PC and consoles. The game offers an on-rails rhythm shooter experience where players navigate alien landscapes while tracing ribbons of light, synchronized with the soundtrack. It includes a single-player campaign, two-player co-op, and PvP modes, featuring over 20 unique levels and a redesigned combat system that encourages timing missile launches to the rhythm. The soundtrack includes tracks from Monstercat and Black Razor Records, with contributions from artists like Droptek, Muzz, Bossfight, Ivar & The Horde, Kieron Pepper, and Lania Kea. Players can engage in epic boss battles and complete achievements and daily goals throughout the game.

AppWizard

June 3, 2025

Minecraft Movie Streaming Soon on Max With Sources Pointing To June Date

The Minecraft Movie is set to stream on Max, with a potential release date of June 20, 2025, although this has not been officially confirmed by Warner Bros. Discovery. The film, directed by Jared Hess and featuring Jason Momoa, premiered in theaters on May 30, 2025. It will be available for digital purchase or rental on platforms like Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, and Fandango at Home. Physical editions (4K UHD, Blu-ray, DVD) are scheduled for release on June 24, 2025. In 2025, Minecraft modpacks are evolving, with a focus on technical modpacks and new gameplay experiences. Notable modpacks include "Biohazard: Project Genesis" and "Multiversal Archeology," which emphasize automation and resource gathering. Popular modpacks are introducing intricate quest systems, performance optimizations, and visual enhancements, including high-definition textures and dynamic lighting. Tools like CurseForge and packwiz are streamlining modpack creation and sharing. The Bedrock Edition has seen new modpacks like "Elemental Horizons" and "Survival Evolution." "Technological Frontiers 4" is currently the top-rated modpack on CurseForge. The 1.21 update has influenced modpack developments, leading to new dungeon exploration themes.

AppWizard

June 1, 2025

Painkiller RTX is a path-traced upgrade to a classic but almost forgotten shooter

Nvidia's RTX Remix is a tool that allows game modders to enhance classic PC games with path-traced visuals. One notable project is the transformation of the 2004 game Painkiller into Painkiller RTX, currently at version 0.1.6. This project utilizes a custom rendering technology called PainEngine, replacing the original Direct X 8.1 rendering with a path tracer, resulting in improved visuals such as real-time shadows and moving lights. The gameplay retains its fast-paced action focus, with enhanced mechanics through Havok physics, allowing for dynamic interactions with the environment. Painkiller RTX features significant upgrades in lighting, including dynamic lighting that interacts with moving objects and improved texture quality using Quixel megascan assets. However, the path-tracing technology requires robust hardware for optimal performance, and even mid-range GPUs like the RTX 4060 may struggle with frame rates during intense gameplay.