journey Archives

Winsage

August 6, 2025

OpenAI open weight models now available on AWS

AWS has introduced two new OpenAI models with open weights, the gpt-oss-120b and gpt-oss-20b, available through Amazon Bedrock and Amazon SageMaker JumpStart. These models are designed for text generation and reasoning tasks, excelling in coding, scientific analysis, and mathematical reasoning, with performance comparable to leading alternatives. They support a context window of 128K and adjustable reasoning levels (low, medium, high). Users can access these models via an OpenAI-compatible endpoint in Bedrock, utilizing the OpenAI SDK or Bedrock APIs for integration. To access the models in Amazon Bedrock, users must request access through the console and can evaluate them using the Chat/Test playground. The process for using the OpenAI SDK involves configuring the API endpoint and authentication with an Amazon Bedrock API key. Users can build AI agents using frameworks that support the Amazon Bedrock API or OpenAI API, with deployment facilitated by Amazon Bedrock AgentCore. The OpenAI models are available in the US West (Oregon) region through Amazon Bedrock and in the US East (Ohio, N. Virginia) and Asia Pacific (Mumbai, Tokyo) regions via SageMaker JumpStart. Each model provides full chain-of-thought output capabilities for enhanced interpretability. They can be modified and customized to meet specific needs, and security measures are in place to ensure robust evaluation processes. Compatibility with the standard GPT-4 tokenizer is also included. For cost details, users can refer to the Amazon Bedrock and SageMaker AI pricing pages.

AppWizard

August 6, 2025

Magical girl RPG Mirage: Miracle Quest announced for PC

French independent studio Toe Bean Club has announced its new project, Mirage: Miracle Quest, a magical girl RPG featuring innovative deckbuilding mechanics. The game will be available on PC via Steam, but the release date is not yet disclosed. Players will assume the role of Mirage, a young exorcist whose life is disrupted by a mysterious creature. The game combines traditional RPG elements with magical girl aesthetics and allows players to customize their gameplay through deckbuilding, fostering strategic approaches and character relationships. Screenshots showcasing the game's vibrant artistry and environments have been released.

Winsage

August 6, 2025

Microsoft’s CVP thinks we’ll ditch the keyboard and mouse for voice commands in 2030, but I’m not convinced

Microsoft predicts that within the next five years, traditional input devices like the keyboard and mouse may become obsolete, replaced by artificial intelligence and voice-activated controls. David Weston, Microsoft's Corporate Vice President, stated that future generations may find using a mouse and keyboard as foreign as DOS is to today's youth. He envisions users interacting with computers through natural dialogue, suggesting that future Windows iterations will understand complex verbal commands. However, skepticism remains about the widespread adoption of voice commands, especially for tasks requiring precision, such as gaming and social media engagement.

AppWizard

August 6, 2025

Copper just got another use in Minecraft’s latest snapshot — and it’s not what you might expect

Mojang has introduced new features related to copper in Minecraft with the release of Snapshot 25w32a on August 5, 2025. This update includes copper torches, copper chains, copper bars, and copper lanterns. Copper torches are crafted using 1 Copper Nugget, 1 Stick, and 1 Coal; copper lanterns are made by surrounding 1 Copper Torch with 8 Copper Nuggets; copper chains are formed with 1 Copper Ingot in the center and 1 Copper Nugget above and below it; and copper bars are created using 6 Copper Ingots. The update emphasizes copper as a fundamental building material, showcasing various oxidation stages that enhance visual appeal. Players are also anticipating the addition of copper fences and gates, as well as the potential for copper to be used in beacons.

AppWizard

August 6, 2025

When the quality-of-life update fixes something that annoyed me, after I stop playing the dang game

Players in Pacific Drive develop a bond with their vehicles, akin to tumultuous relationships, as they repair and enhance their cars during journeys in the Zone. The game has introduced a more user-friendly save system, but some players feel it's too late for them. The System Shock remake initially lacked a waypoint system, which was later added in an update, but came too late for some players. Blue Prince has made quality-of-life updates, such as allowing doors and safes to remain open after puzzles are solved. Games like Pathfinder: Kingmaker and Disco Elysium have received significant updates post-launch, but the timing of these enhancements often coincides with players moving on from the games.

AppWizard

August 6, 2025

I thought it was a cute and casual little mining sim right up until it devoured my entire morning

Players in Gemporium: A Cute Mining Sim take on the role of a mole who inherits a gem shop and a debt of one million dollars. The game features mining mechanics with tools like a television for tracking sought-after gemstones and a magnifying glass for finding gems at dig sites. Players can upgrade their abilities to double gem extraction and use haggling mechanics to negotiate better sales. The game includes a humorous element of owing a loan shark, who is literally a shark. A free demo is available, and the full game will launch on Steam on August 7.

Winsage

August 6, 2025

How to set up Windows 11 with a local account

Redmond prefers users to log into Windows 11 using a Microsoft account, particularly during installation. This can be problematic for those valuing privacy. A local account, which is stored solely on the device, offers benefits such as keeping preferences off the cloud and avoiding OneDrive. There are methods to set up Windows 11 with a local account: 1. Method 1: During installation, boot from a USB drive with the Windows 11 installer. After reaching the country selection screen, press Shift + F10 to open a command prompt and type PLACEHOLDER5199f62cf80342e3. After rebooting, disconnect from the internet using PLACEHOLDERf8cfa33cc93b6e53 in the command prompt. You can then create a local username and password. 2. Method 2: Use Rufus to prepare a USB installation drive. Select the option to "Remove requirement for an online Microsoft account" during setup. After booting from the USB, repeat the process of disconnecting from the internet and creating a local account. To add a local account to an existing Windows 11 setup, go to Settings > Accounts > Other Users, then select "Add account" and choose "Add a user without a Microsoft account." Enter the required information to create the local account.

AppWizard

August 5, 2025

First-person narrative loop horror game Ire: A Prologue announced for PC

ProbablyMonsters has announced its new project, Ire: A Prologue, a first-person narrative horror game set to launch on PC via Steam and the Epic Games Store on October 28. The game features a story about a young girl named Emily searching for her missing father aboard a haunted ship in the Bermuda Triangle. Players will navigate dark corridors, unlocking thirteen doors while being pursued by a relentless monster. The game pays homage to 80s and 90s horror films, incorporating stealth mechanics and dynamic monster interactions. Ire: A Prologue is developed using Unreal Engine 5 and marks the beginning of a new horror franchise. Key features include exploring the ship for clues, utilizing stealth to survive, and experiencing an immersive atmosphere with a compelling soundscape.

AppWizard

August 5, 2025

Asda making ‘big improvements’ to website and app

Asda is implementing four major updates to its online shopping platforms, including a new delivery tracking map and a revised payment policy that charges customers only for the items received. Additional improvements will feature faster search results and the removal of sponsored products from the "Your Favourites" section. Despite the anticipated enhancements, Asda has warned customers of potential "teething issues" during the transition. In 2025, Asda also discontinued its Blue Light Card Benefits, announced plans to modernize and expand the menus at 180 cafés with a £10 million investment, and is considering major staffing adjustments, including merging key leadership roles.

AppWizard

August 5, 2025

Raven union secures Microsoft contract

Unionised employees at Raven Software have secured their first contract with Microsoft after nearly three years of negotiations involving 19 quality assurance staff members. The contract includes a ten percent compensation increase over the next two years, allows for permanent work-from-home arrangements, and reduces mandatory overtime while requiring a minimum of seven days' notice for any required overtime work. The unionisation process began in 2022, with Activision Blizzard recognizing the bargaining unit shortly after. However, in August 2024, the union accused Microsoft and Activision Blizzard of negotiating in "bad faith."