interactive experience Archives

AppWizard

April 21, 2025

Google rolls out Gemini Live screen sharing to all Android users

Google has launched its Gemini Live feature for all Android users, expanding access beyond select devices like the Pixel 9 and Galaxy S25. The feature allows users to share their video or screen in real-time, enabling interactive experiences with the AI assistant. Users can seek assistance by pointing their camera or scrolling down within the app and can initiate a session using the "Share screen with Live" button.

AppWizard

April 14, 2025

Google tests a new home for AI Mode in its Search bar for Android app users

Google is experimenting with a redesign of its AI Mode search launcher, integrating it into the main Search bar of its Android app. This change aims to enhance user engagement with AI functionalities. The updated interface allows users to tap the Search bar while removing the Lens and voice icons. AI Mode was first introduced in early March for a select group of early access users. The new AI Mode button will be distinct from the traditional Search function and aims to improve user understanding of complex subjects by providing advanced reasoning and analytical capabilities. It delivers succinct answers with relevant links and detailed explanations when needed. Google plans to integrate its Gemini technology into AI Mode to introduce multimodal capabilities for more comprehensive responses to complex queries.

AppWizard

April 9, 2025

Inspired by the First-Ever Big Screen Adaptation of the Bestselling Video Game of All Time, A Minecraft Movie Hologram Experience Launches Nationwide

Warner Bros. Pictures and Hologram Media Network are collaborating to promote the upcoming release of A Minecraft Movie through a holographic experience in Proto Hologram units at four Macerich malls and thirty Simon® malls in the U.S. The immersive content is created by Pretty Big Monster. Additionally, Snapchat is partnering with them to launch four augmented reality (AR) Lens experiences called Blockify Your World, featuring a 3D Body Tracking lens that allows users to become holograms of Minecraft creatures during a special event at Roosevelt Field Mall in New York. Cameron Curtis from Warner Bros. expressed excitement about the project, highlighting the immersive experience for fans. James Andrew Felts from Hologram Media Network emphasized the potential of holographic technology for storytelling, while Adam Katzenback from Snap Inc. noted the creative possibilities of combining holograms with AR.

AppWizard

March 23, 2025

Meta Continues to Integrate AI Bot Profiles into its Apps

Meta is integrating AI-powered profiles into its social media platforms, including Facebook, Instagram, Messenger, and WhatsApp. Messenger has launched an “AI Studio” for users to create and manage their own AI personas for conversations. WhatsApp is also introducing an AI Studio for user interaction with AI bots. Instagram is enhancing this trend with AI options in its “Create” tools, allowing real-time character creation and customization. Meta plans to introduce millions of AI profiles that mimic real users, complete with bios and the ability to post and comment, which raises concerns about user awareness and potential psychological impacts. The integration of AI bots may influence engagement metrics and app usage while also raising ethical questions about social interaction. There are concerns about the mental health implications of social media use, especially in light of rising AI-generated misinformation. The competitive pressure for innovation in AI development is influencing the approach taken by social media companies.

AppWizard

March 21, 2025

McDonald’s Launching Minecraft Happy Meals, Plus a ‘Nether Hot Sauce’ For Nuggets

As of April 1, McDonald's has launched a themed Happy Meal in collaboration with Minecraft, coinciding with the release of A Minecraft Movie on April 4. The Happy Meal includes 12 film-inspired figurines or Block World toys and a scannable code for an exclusive digital game. For adults, the Minecraft Movie Meal offers a choice between a Big Mac or 10-piece McNuggets, medium fries, and a drink, along with one of six collectible Minecraft items and a redeemable code for the McDonald's Add-On pack in Minecraft. Additionally, McDonald's has introduced a limited-edition McNugget sauce called Nether Flame Sauce, inspired by Minecraft's The Nether dimension.

AppWizard

March 21, 2025

McDonald’s offering Minecraft Movie Meal to coincide with film’s theatrical release

McDonald's will launch a special menu inspired by "A Minecraft Movie" on April 1, ahead of the film's release on April 4. The menu includes a Movie Meal featuring a Big Mac or 10-piece Chicken McNuggets, medium fries, a drink, and one of six exclusive collectibles. The collectibles are a Big Mac crystal, fry helmet, soda potion, and zombie Hamburglar. The Movie Happy Meal will offer 12 figurines or Block World toys and a scannable code for an exclusive digital game. A limited-time Nether Flame sauce will also be available with the Chicken McNuggets. These items will be available while supplies last at participating locations.

AppWizard

March 14, 2025

Get ready for a bounty of PC games on June 8, as the PC Gaming show is back

The PC Gaming Show will take place on June 8, celebrating its tenth anniversary and showcasing over 50 games for various platforms, including Steam Deck, Linux, macOS, and Windows. The event will be broadcast on Twitch, YouTube, X, and Steam, with opportunities for content creators to co-stream. Jake Tucker, the Editorial Director, highlighted the show's growth and commitment to a player-focused approach since its inception in 2015.

AppWizard

February 24, 2025

This Raspberry Pi Creeper robot is bringing our Minecraft nightmares to real life

The Raspberry Pi has been used to create a creeper robot by developer Efren Lopez, integrating artificial intelligence. The robot can navigate and observe its surroundings, featuring a body on motorized wheels, a movable head with a servo mechanism, and a camera module for vision. It is powered by a Raspberry Pi 5, connected to a Pimoroni NVMe Base Duo, a Hailo-8 Raspberry Pi AI kit, and a Pimoroni Yukon board, with onboard batteries for mobility. The robot includes two cameras (a Pi Cam V3 and an Arducam ToF module) and a Dayton audio transducer for audio output. Lopez has shared build videos on YouTube to showcase the robot's capabilities.

AppWizard

February 24, 2025

Today’s Android app deals and freebies: Crystal Journey, Earthlings Beware!, Water Tracker, more

A selection of price drops on Android games and apps is available on Google Play. Promotions for the Samsung Galaxy S25 and S25 Ultra include a complimentary double storage upgrade, discounts of up to 84% on Galaxy Buds, and potential savings of up to 0 with eligible trade-ins. Customers can also receive a free Galaxy Fit3 wearable. Significant markdowns are noted on SanDisk’s 1.5TB 150MB/s Ultra microSD cards, with an Amazon sale on SanDisk products starting at .99. Highlighted apps include Crystal Journey, Earthlings Beware!, and Water Tracker: Hydro Coach PRO.

AppWizard

February 12, 2025

Minecraft is a digital playground for learning and growth

Minecraft has over 141 million active players and serves as a platform for children to explore, create, and interact, significantly impacting child development, social interactions, and cognitive learning. Researchers from the University of South Australia found that collaborative play in Minecraft fosters skills such as teamwork, communication, and problem-solving. Dr. Vincenza Tudini highlights that the game encourages creativity and social growth, promoting pro-social behavior among players. Minecraft enhances language development and digital literacy through gameplay interactions. The game cultivates problem-solving and teamwork skills as children collaborate to overcome obstacles. However, there are risks associated with its open online environment, including cyberbullying and interactions with strangers. Parents and educators are encouraged to implement safety measures, such as using private servers and teaching responsible online behavior. Minecraft Education Edition is being used in classrooms to teach subjects like coding and mathematics, transforming learning into an interactive experience. The study on Minecraft's impact is published in the journal Children’s Online Learning and Interaction.