immersive experiences Archives

AppWizard

June 14, 2025

This Android app can make your virtual life a little bit easier, if you have patience

Android Central's Editor's Desk discusses the integration of virtual reality (VR) with everyday devices, highlighting advancements in VR headsets like the Quest 3, which features color passthrough. This allows users to remain aware of their surroundings while using VR. However, accessing smartphone notifications can be challenging in VR. To address this, Meta launched the Smart Connect app for the Quest 3, enabling users to stream and control their Motorola smartphones directly from the headset. Setting up Smart Connect involves downloading the app and syncing devices via a QR code. The app allows for app streaming, creating a phone-like interface in VR, and supports multiple apps. It also includes a desktop mode for a computer-like experience. However, users may face issues with app scaling, keyboard functionality, and navigation due to small interface elements. Overall, Smart Connect aims to enhance connectivity between smartphones and VR technology.

AppWizard

June 10, 2025

Steam Next Fest – June 2025 Features Over 30 PC VR Demos

Steam Next Fest has begun, featuring over 30 PC VR games. Notable titles include Ghost Town, Of Lies and Rain, Don't Move, Puzzling Places, RAGER, Virtual Skate, Ultima Chess, Retronika, and Whispers of the Void (which has an updated demo). The event runs until June 16, 2025, at 10 AM PT. The list of participating games is based on information from Valve, and some titles may change or new demos may be introduced during the event.

AppWizard

June 6, 2025

Thief VR is a huge slap on the face and kick in the teeth for everyone who has been waiting for more than a decade to return to the City

Embracer Group, a Swedish holding company, has retained the rights to the Thief franchise while undergoing significant layoffs and restructuring, with nearly 1,000 employees losing their jobs. They recently announced Thief VR: Legacy of Shadow, which has raised concerns among fans about the direction of the franchise and the effectiveness of VR technology in enhancing gameplay. The reveal trailer showcased familiar mechanics but lacked innovation, leading to doubts about the company's understanding of the franchise and its audience.

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

May 29, 2025

Amplitude secures $13.6m in funding

Developer Amplitude Studios has secured €12 million (.6 million) in funding from a Series A round led by Griffin Gaming Partners, which contributed €10 million. The funds will be used for developing projects like Endless Legend 2 and expanding the studio's capabilities. This funding follows Amplitude's management buyout from Sega. Amplitude CEO Romain de Waubert de Genlis emphasized the studio's commitment to its indie identity and creative vision, while Griffin partner Frankie Zhu highlighted the studio's success in creating strategy-based franchises.

AppWizard

May 22, 2025

Meta beats Android XR to the punch by making Instagram scrolling spatial

Instagram is testing a new feature that introduces an immersive 3D experience for users interacting with photos on the platform, utilizing Meta's Reality Labs and the Meta Quest VR headset. A select group of testers will soon experience this functionality, which aims to enhance visual exploration and engagement with Instagram's content.

AppWizard

April 29, 2025

What can we expect from Minecraft 1.21.80 Update | Esports News – The Times of India

The 1.21.80 update for Minecraft introduces several quality-of-life improvements, including the Flat World Presets feature, which allows players to select templates for flat world creations such as "Redstone Ready," "Snowy Kingdom," and "Water World." This feature is accessible in the Advanced tab on the Create New World screen and enhances player customization. The update also upgrades Mojang's Realms service by adding server region preference settings, enabling players to choose the geographical location of their Realm and providing information about the active server region upon logging in. Additionally, the update aligns the random offset behavior of trees, plants, and environmental blocks between Bedrock and Java editions, promoting consistency across platforms. Various fixes are included, such as resolving a bug with the "invincible pet" mob and changing the use of fireworks for Elytra to prevent unintended activations.

AppWizard

April 18, 2025

Marketing ‘A Minecraft Movie’: “blockifying’ the world” and …

Warner Bros. Pictures' marketing strategy for A Minecraft Movie focused on engaging the existing fan base and appealing to younger audiences. The campaign included interactive social media experiences, tactile billboards, and cast appearances at gaming events. The film grossed 0 million globally and over 0 million in North America within two weeks of release. The marketing involved collaborations with brands like McDonald's and Adidas, targeting Generation Z, which made up 64% of the audience during the opening weekend. Local-language influencers voiced characters in dubbed versions, and the campaign adapted based on audience feedback. The world premiere occurred in London on March 30, followed by a premiere in Mexico on April 3, generating significant excitement and engagement.

AppWizard

April 16, 2025

Best Single-Player PC Games to Play in 2025

Single-player PC games are thriving in 2025, featuring captivating narratives, intricate gameplay, and stunning visuals. Notable titles include: 1. Blue Prince - An indie roguelike puzzle game with a Metacritic score of 93, set in a shifting manor where players solve interconnected puzzles. 2. Assassin’s Creed Shadows - Set in feudal Japan, this game features two protagonists with distinct playstyles and has been praised for its narrative pacing and environmental design. 3. Indiana Jones and the Great Circle - A cinematic first-person adventure focusing on exploration and puzzle-solving, released on PC in late 2024. 4. South of Midnight - A magical adventure following a girl with weaving abilities, notable for its claymation art style and emotional depth. 5. Avowed - A first-person fantasy RPG with choice-driven storytelling, set in the same universe as Pillars of Eternity. Upcoming games include: - Blades of Fire (May 22, 2025) - A Soulslike combat game with a focus on cinematic storytelling. - Cairn (TBA 2025) - A survival climbing simulator emphasizing precision control mechanics. - Hell Is Us (September 4, 2025) - A narrative-driven action game that eschews traditional open-world design. - Eriksholm: The Stolen Dream (Late 2025) - A stealth-adventure game featuring orphans uncovering a conspiracy. The PC platform remains the best for single-player games due to mod support, performance flexibility, a vast library, and indie innovation. The evolution of gaming technology has led to cutting-edge graphics, immersive storytelling, and innovative exploration mechanics, enhancing player engagement.

Winsage

April 13, 2025

Upgrade to Windows 11 Pro for less than a movie ticket

Microsoft Windows 11 Pro is currently available for upgrade at a price of .97, reduced from its standard price of 9. The operating system features a modern interface, Snap Layouts, Virtual Desktops, a revamped Start menu, BitLocker encryption, Windows Information Protection, an AI-driven assistant called Windows Copilot, and DirectX 12 Ultimate for enhanced graphics. This limited-time offer is valid until April 27 at 11:59 p.m. PT.