Energy Archives

Winsage

May 13, 2025

Microsoft shows off the cool Windows Start concepts we never got

Microsoft's design team explored various concepts for the Windows 11 Start menu that were not included in the final product. These concepts aimed to enhance user experience by integrating notifications and functionalities from different Windows features. Key principles guiding the designs included easy access to the app library, personal customization, maximizing utility, and maintaining familiar iconography. The team engaged with 300 Windows 11 enthusiasts and used eye-tracking heat maps for feedback. One concept featured a slide-out phone dashboard for users of the Phone Link feature, restructuring recommended apps and documents for creativity and productivity. Another concept resembled earlier Windows versions, offering an expandable list of apps and shortcuts. Some designs expanded the Start menu significantly, while one focused on app visibility and timely information like meeting reminders. None of these designs were implemented in the current version of Windows 11, with some considered cluttered or confusing. Third-party developers like Stardock Software are providing customization options through solutions like Start11.

AppWizard

May 12, 2025

Get Ori, Wasteland 3, and six more amazing PC games in the latest Humble Xbox Games Studio Bundle

The Xbox Games Studio Bundle offers a selection of Steam codes for eight notable titles from Xbox Game Studios, organized into two pricing tiers. The first tier, priced at £3.90 / 4.67€, includes three games: Sunset Overdrive, Battletoads, and Broken Age. The second tier, priced at £7.80 / 9.35€, includes As Dusk Falls, Ori and the Will of the Wisps, and Wasteland 3. The bundle supports the Gameheads initiative, with 20% of each purchase going to the cause. The bundle is available until May 24, 2025.

AppWizard

May 12, 2025

FTL meets Warhammer 40,000 in tactical space sim Void War

Void War is an upcoming PC game set for release on May 30th, featuring space combat with players navigating ancient starships in a universe filled with blood cultists, imperialists, and corsairs. The game includes a roguelite system map with battles, narrative encounters, and merchants. It is similar to FTL: Faster Than Light but has a darker atmosphere reminiscent of Warhammer 40,000. A demo is currently available on Steam and Itch.io. The gameplay involves real-time engagements with the option to pause for strategic management, focusing on reactor energy allocation and crew management. The full game will feature approximately 10 playable ships, eight commanders, 70 crew types, 60 weapon varieties, 50 modules, and 19 ship systems, along with 140 crew items.

AppWizard

May 12, 2025

‘A Minecraft Movie’ Comes to Digital this Week, to 4K UHD, Blu-Ray and DVD this June

A Minecraft Movie will be released digitally on May 13, 2025, and will be available for purchase on 4K UHD, Blu-ray, and DVD on June 24, 2025. The film is a collaboration between Warner Bros. Pictures and Legendary Pictures, featuring a cast that includes Jason Momoa, Jack Black, Emma Myers, Danielle Brooks, and Jennifer Coolidge, directed by Jared Hess. It is the first live-action adaptation of the best-selling video game Minecraft and has grossed over 2 million globally, achieving the largest domestic opening for 2025 and becoming the highest-grossing movie based on a video game. The story follows four characters who are transported to the Overworld and must navigate its challenges with the help of an expert crafter. The film's special features include several featurettes showcasing the making of the film and its music.

AppWizard

May 10, 2025

‘A Minecraft Movie’ Arrives On Digital Streaming This Week

A Minecraft Movie is set for digital streaming release on May 13, following its theatrical debut on April 4. The film, directed by Jared Hess and featuring a cast that includes Jason Momoa and Jack Black, has grossed 7.4 million worldwide against a production budget of 0 million. Viewers can purchase the movie for .99 or rent it for .99 for 48 hours on platforms like AppleTV, Fandango at Home, and Prime Video. The digital release includes five bonus featurettes: "Building the World of Minecraft: Block Party," "Creepers, Zombies, and Endermen Oh My!," "Minecraft Movie: Block Beats," "A Minecraft Movie: Pixel Pals," and "Marlene + Nitwit."

AppWizard

May 10, 2025

After a decade of development, Roboquest’s developer is calling time on its roguelite shooter: ‘There’s no way we can continue to provide content for players with over 1,000 hours of gameplay’

In the early days of gaming, post-launch support was minimal and primarily focused on bug fixes. Today, players expect ongoing support and new content for months or years after a game's release. RyseUp Studio, the developers of Roboquest, announced that after a decade of support, they will soon conclude updates for the game. The only remaining updates will be a PlayStation port and a standalone spinoff, Roboquest VR. Despite the game's positive reception on Steam with over 16,000 reviews, the studio is transitioning to a new project, aiming for a more efficient development plan. This situation highlights the evolving expectations in game development, particularly for smaller studios facing pressure to deliver extensive support.

AppWizard

May 10, 2025

The next ‘Minecraft’ could come from a Niagara College student

Conor MacNeill, a game development professor at Niagara College, highlights the excitement of students presenting their capstone projects at the Welland campus library. The game development program has grown from about a dozen graduates to a large community, now including collaborations with Brock University. Students are now creating VR games, a significant development compared to the program's early years. First-year student Mark Lampman and fourth-year student Dante Bell showcase their projects, with Bell's team, Slugworks, presenting a game called "Green Thing from the Planet Jupiter." This game features a competitive chase between a green alien and a cat, requiring significant time commitment from the team. The GDLaunch event has evolved, with students actively promoting their games through various marketing strategies. Approximately 25 alumni attended, many looking to hire graduates. The gaming industry is expected to grow through 2027, providing promising opportunities for students. After GDLaunch, 64 graduates attended the Level Up Showcase in Toronto, where their game won second place for Achievement in Audio. The event attracted around 5,000 attendees, showcasing the innovation and dedication of the students.

Winsage

May 8, 2025

Microsoft wants you to ditch Windows 10 for Windows 11, but End Of 10 thinks Linux is a better option

Microsoft is concluding its support for Windows 10 and is encouraging users to transition to Windows 11 or purchase new devices with Copilot+ technology. In response, the End Of 10 project, initiated by Linux enthusiasts, promotes Linux as a viable alternative for users who can no longer run Windows 10. This initiative is community-driven and includes contributors from various sectors of the Linux community, emphasizing that many users can continue using their computers by installing an up-to-date Linux operating system. The project highlights several benefits of switching to Linux, including lower costs, privacy, environmental sustainability, community support, and user control. The End Of 10 website provides resources and assistance for those interested in making the transition to Linux.

AppWizard

May 7, 2025

A Minecraft Movie; Arrives On Digital May 13 & On 4K Ultra HD, Blu-ray & DVD June 24, 2025 From Warner Bros

Warner Bros. Discovery Home Entertainment will release A Minecraft Movie digitally on May 13, 2025, followed by physical formats including 4K Ultra HD, Blu-ray, and DVD on June 24, 2025. The film, directed by Jared Hess and featuring a cast that includes Jason Momoa and Jack Black, is the first live-action adaptation of the Minecraft video game. It has grossed over 2 million and achieved the largest domestic opening for 2025, becoming the highest-grossing film based on a video game. The film's running time is 101 minutes and it is rated PG for violence/action, language, suggestive/rude humor, and some scary images. Special features will include several featurettes exploring the film's production and music.

Winsage

May 6, 2025

Expanding the Surface for Business Copilot+ PC portfolio

AI has evolved into a transformative force for organizations, increasing the demand for secure and high-performance AI-ready Windows 11 PCs. Microsoft has introduced Copilot+ PCs, including the new 12-inch Surface Pro and 13-inch Surface Laptop, both powered by the Snapdragon X Plus processor with an integrated neural processing unit (NPU) capable of 45 trillion operations per second. The 13-inch Surface Laptop offers up to 23 hours of video playback and 16 hours of web browsing, with performance enhancements of up to 50% faster speeds and double the battery life compared to its predecessor. It features an AI-enhanced 1080p front camera for video conferencing and a durable design. The 12-inch Surface Pro is the thinnest and lightest Copilot+ PC, providing 50% faster performance and up to 16 hours of local video playback. Both devices are designed as Secured-core PCs with advanced security features, including Windows Hello for Business and biometric authentication options. They support enhanced productivity through AI features in Windows 11 and Microsoft 365 Copilot, enabling faster file searches and improved team efficiency. Microsoft emphasizes sustainability with the use of recycled materials and energy-efficient designs. The new devices will be available starting July 22 in select markets.