house Archives

AppWizard

June 26, 2025

4K Blu-ray Review: A Minecraft Movie

A Minecraft Movie is the highest-grossing Hollywood film of 2025, with ticket sales reaching 0 million and poised to cross the billion threshold. The film features Jack Black as the voice of Steve, who embarks on a journey in the Overworld after discovering the Orb of Dominance. Despite its humorous tone and strong visual and audio presentation, the film lacks character development and fails to explore deeper themes related to creativity and adulthood. It includes supporting characters like Garrett, Henry, and Natalie, but their potential is not fully realized. The 4K Blu-ray release includes special features such as behind-the-scenes content and actor experiences with the game.

AppWizard

June 26, 2025

New on Home Video: “The Minecraft Movie” on Blu-ray + Digital

Warner Bros. Pictures and Legendary Pictures will release "The Minecraft Movie" on home video starting June 24, 2025. The film, based on the 2011 video game by Mojang Studios, has grossed nearly billion globally, making it the largest domestic opening of 2025 and the highest-grossing film based on a video game. Directed by Jared Hess, it has a runtime of 101 minutes and is rated PG for violence/action, language, suggestive/rude humor, and some scary images. The cast includes Jason Momoa, Jack Black, Emma Myers, Sebastian Hanson, Danielle Brooks, Jennifer Coolidge, Rachel House, Jemaine Clement, and Matt Berry. The story follows four misfits who are transported to the Overworld and must navigate challenges to return home. Special features on the home video release include several featurettes about the film's world-building, unique mobs, music, and behind-the-scenes experiences.

AppWizard

June 24, 2025

LEAK: Android XR Companion App, ‘Martha’ Glasses

Google's Android XR platform is developing smart glasses named Martha, which will have a companion app similar to the Pixel Watch. A leaked image reveals the app will allow users to manage notifications, adjust settings, and use features like Record Your View and quick feedback options. The glasses are designed with robust arms to house battery and smart technology, equipped with speakers for interactions with Gemini, and include a dedicated button for function access. They resemble Ray-Ban’s Meta glasses and are likely still in the prototype phase. There is growing enthusiasm for Google's entry into augmented reality, although a launch date for Android XR has not been announced.

AppWizard

June 24, 2025

WhatsApp ban: US congressional staffers must delete the messenger

The US House of Representatives has banned the use of WhatsApp on all work devices due to cybersecurity concerns, categorizing it as a "high risk" application. The ban is based on criticisms regarding a lack of transparency in user data protection, insufficient encryption of stored data, and potential security vulnerabilities. Employees are instructed to remove the app from their devices, and alternatives such as Microsoft Teams, Wickr, Signal, iMessage, and FaceTime are recommended. This decision aligns WhatsApp with other previously banned applications, and there is speculation that similar guidelines may be adopted by other government agencies.

AppWizard

June 24, 2025

Microsoft tests Xbox app with Battle.net integration — updated app brings third-party game library aggregation

Microsoft is testing a new Xbox app for PC among Xbox Insiders, which will aggregate installed games from various third-party storefronts into a single interface. This feature will debut with the ROG Xbox Ally and Ally X handhelds later this year. The initiative is part of Microsoft's strategy to transition Xbox from a console-centric brand to a service-oriented platform, aligning with the Game Pass initiative for both Xbox and PC users. Microsoft is optimizing Windows 11 for third-party handheld devices instead of developing its own Xbox handheld. While a widespread launch of the aggregated library feature has not been announced, initial rollout with the ROG Ally handhelds is expected during the holiday season, with broader support potentially arriving by the end of this year or in 2026.

AppWizard

June 21, 2025

‘The Gilded Age,’ ‘A Minecraft Movie,’ Haim’s ‘I Quit,’ and the best to stream this weekend: June 20, 2025

The Gilded Age returns for Season 3 on Sunday at 9 p.m. ET/PT on HBO and Max, featuring Bertha aiming to establish her place in New York society and George expanding his railroads to California. Ada navigates her new role as the lady of the Brook house after marrying Rev. Forte, while Agnes deals with the implications of her sister's wealth. The season highlights evolving relationships and ambitious pursuits. The Waterfront, a family drama by Kevin Williamson, is now streaming on Netflix, focusing on the Buckley family in Havenport. The Buccaneers, based on Edith Wharton's unfinished novel, has its second season streaming on Apple TV+, following American women in 1870s London. Surviving Ohio State, an HBO documentary about Dr. Richard Strauss's abuse at Ohio State University, is available on Max. A Minecraft Movie, featuring Jack Black, is a popular choice among children and has grossed nearly a billion dollars. Frozen: The Hit Broadway Musical is now on Disney+, capturing the West End production of the animated film. Ash, a sci-fi thriller starring Eiza Gonzalez and Aaron Paul, is streaming on Shudder. KPop Demon Hunters is an animated musical action-comedy about a K-pop girl group fighting demons. Friendship, a comedy starring Tim Robinson and Paul Rudd, is available on VOD platforms. Haim has released a music video for "All Over Me," and rock band Wednesday has launched "Wound Up Here (By Holdin On)," the second single from their upcoming album, Bleeds, set to release on September 19.

AppWizard

June 20, 2025

These 7 games need a remaster, and they need it now

Fallout: New Vegas, released in 2010 by Obsidian Entertainment and published by Bethesda Softworks, is a unique RPG praised for its player agency, writing, and world-building, making it a candidate for a remaster to fix technical bugs and improve visuals. Dragon Age: Origins, released in 2009 by BioWare and published by Electronic Arts, is regarded as the best in its series, but a remaster seems unlikely due to a lack of familiar staff. Black & White, a 2001 game by Lionhead Studios and published by Electronic Arts, is not available on major platforms, and a remaster could enhance its AI and gameplay. Vampire: The Masquerade - Bloodlines, released in 2004 by Troika Games and published by Activision, is a classic RPG with bugs and unfinished elements that could benefit from a remaster to fix glitches and restore content. No One Lives Forever, a 2000 game by Monolith Productions and published by Fox Interactive, is unavailable due to rights disputes, but a remaster could modernize its visuals and controls. Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic 2, released in 2004 by Obsidian Entertainment and published by LucasArts, is an unfinished narrative that could be improved with a remaster to restore missing content. Freedom Force, a 2002 game by Irrational Games and published by Electronic Arts, could benefit from a remaster to improve compatibility and support user-generated content.

AppWizard

June 19, 2025

How To Watch A Minecraft Movie Online And Stream The Box Office Phenomenon From Anywhere

A Minecraft Movie is now available for streaming, featuring Jack Black and Jason Momoa. The film has grossed nearly one billion dollars globally, making it the highest-grossing film of the year in the United States. It premiered on Max on June 20, with an American Sign Language version available. The movie will air on HBO's linear channel the following day at 8 PM ET / 5 PM PT. Max offers subscription plans starting at .99 per month, with options for ad-free viewing and 4K streaming. Max can also be accessed as an add-on through Amazon Prime, which offers a 30-day free trial. Canadians can stream the film on Crave, starting June 20, with promotional pricing for new subscribers. In the UK, the film's availability is uncertain, but it may appear on NOW or can be rented through PVOD services. Australian audiences can stream the film on Max with various subscription options starting at AU.99 per month. The cast includes Jason Momoa, Jack Black, Sebastian Hansen, Emma Myers, Danielle Brooks, Jennifer Coolidge, Rachel House, Allan Henry, Jemaine Clement, Jared Hess, Matt Berry, and Bret McKenzie.

Tech Optimizer

June 18, 2025

DataStrike Expands Open-Source Database Management Business by 600% as Demand for PostgreSQL Expertise Surges

DataStrike has reported a 600% increase in its open-source database management business over six months, largely due to the growing adoption of PostgreSQL. In response, the company has doubled its team of database management professionals, focusing on recruiting PostgreSQL-certified experts. PostgreSQL has surpassed MySQL as the most utilized database among professional developers, with 49% of developers reporting extensive experience with it. Additionally, 51% of organizations have seen increased PostgreSQL usage in the past year. DataStrike offers 24/7 U.S.-based support for various database platforms and has found that 54% of IT leaders feel they lack the resources for data infrastructure management. Founded in 2008 and headquartered in Pittsburgh, PA, DataStrike serves over 200 clients across North America.

AppWizard

June 17, 2025

FBC: Firebreak review

Firebreak is a cooperative shooter set to be released on June 17, 2025, priced at £33, developed and published by Remedy Entertainment. The game features players as 'Firebreakers,' janitors in rubber suits tasked with resolving maintenance challenges while battling the Hiss, a hostile force. It is set within The Oldest House, the headquarters of the Federal Bureau of Control, and consists of five distinct jobs with various objectives. The gameplay emphasizes trial and error, with a mix of chaotic encounters and peculiar tasks, such as repairing air conditioning units and collecting sticky notes. Firebreak has been reviewed on an AMD Ryzen 5 3600 with an Nvidia 2080 Super and 32 GB RAM, and is verified for Steam Deck. The game lacks extensive tutorials, potentially disadvantaging newcomers. Balancing issues affect gameplay, with fluctuating difficulty levels and some jobs being less successful than others. A clearance system intended to enhance replayability may lead to player fatigue. Despite its current challenges, there is potential for improvement with future updates.