lighting Archives

AppWizard

June 22, 2025

Best Minecraft Shader Packs To Use In 2025

Shaders are specialized mods that enhance the visual aesthetics of games by adjusting lighting, shadows, and colors. They can create realism, distinct atmospheres, and evoke emotions through color manipulation. A selection of top shaders for Minecraft includes: - SEUS (Sonic Ether's Unbelievable Shaders) - Known for stunning realism and dynamic lighting effects. - Continuum Shaders - Offers cinematic quality with breathtaking visuals and atmospheric effects. - BSL Shaders - Balances performance and beauty, popular among players. - Chocapic13's Shaders - Provides a customizable experience with various presets for different hardware. - Lagless Shaders - Enhances visuals without compromising performance. These shaders improve the graphical fidelity and immersive experience of Minecraft.

Winsage

June 20, 2025

Windows 10 is dying as scams skyrocket. We asked a security expert for advice

In this week's episode of The Full Nerd, hosts Adam Patrick Murray, Alaina Yee, Will Smith, and guest Mike Danseglio discuss the end of Windows 10 and its security implications, the rise of scams, and various online security concerns. They explore user transitions to Windows 11, Linux, and vulnerabilities in communication methods. A recent vulnerability allows hackers to steal encryption keys from AMD Ryzen CPUs, prompting firmware updates for users of the Ryzen 3000 series or newer. Asus Armoury Crate users are advised to update due to a critical flaw that could grant hackers administrative rights. Cloud gaming is gaining traction among gamers under 40, provided latency issues are resolved. DDR4 memory prices are rising, indicating a decline of AMD’s AM4 platform. Anker has recalled older power banks due to fire hazards, and Framework has launched a new 2-in-1 DIY laptop. AMD has shared promising benchmarks for its upcoming Ryzen Threadripper 9000 series.

AppWizard

June 20, 2025

18 Minecraft secrets that will help you beat the game

- Minecraft has 204.33 million monthly players. - Llamas can be used as pack mules, with inventory capacity varying from three to fifteen slots based on strength. - Breaking a block reveals a pattern on its north side, aiding navigation. - Lava is a more durable fuel than wood and coal in furnaces. - Diamonds are commonly found between levels 15 and 63, with deeper mining increasing discovery chances. - Players can change a blue sheep to red by bringing it near an Evoker. - Torches can be used to farm sand and gravel blocks by placing them right after block removal. - Mushroom biomes provide safety from hostile mobs at night. - Wearing a carved pumpkin prevents Endermen from attacking. - Players can create Iron Golems for protection by arranging iron blocks and a carved pumpkin. - Cats deter Creepers, making them useful companions. - Doors can create air pockets underwater for breathing. - Snowballs can be used against Blazes in combat. - Placing torches around mob spawners can stop enemy production without destroying them. - The Swift Sneak enchantment allows faster movement while crouching. - Mooshrooms can be milked for mushroom stew. - Players can dye their dogs' collars for customization. - Glass panes can protect pixel art designs on maps from modifications. - Zombies are attracted to turtle eggs, providing a distraction tactic for players.

AppWizard

June 19, 2025

Aaero2: Black Razor Edition Announced For PC & Consoles

Indie game developer Mad Fellows, in collaboration with publisher Wired Productions, has announced Aaero2: Black Razor Edition, which integrates new features, music packs, and previously released content for PC and consoles. The game offers an on-rails rhythm shooter experience where players navigate alien landscapes while tracing ribbons of light, synchronized with the soundtrack. It includes a single-player campaign, two-player co-op, and PvP modes, featuring over 20 unique levels and a redesigned combat system that encourages timing missile launches to the rhythm. The soundtrack includes tracks from Monstercat and Black Razor Records, with contributions from artists like Droptek, Muzz, Bossfight, Ivar & The Horde, Kieron Pepper, and Lania Kea. Players can engage in epic boss battles and complete achievements and daily goals throughout the game.

AppWizard

June 19, 2025

Enhanced Splinter Cell is the best way to play this classic in 2025

Tom Clancy’s Splinter Cell, released in 2002, has an unofficial mod called Enhanced Splinter Cell that revitalizes the game with quality-of-life improvements and restored content. The mod enhances lighting effects, allows customization of Sam Fisher's outfit, and incorporates dgVoodoo2 for modern compatibility. It introduces gameplay tweaks such as easier inventory access, HUD toggling, adjustable movement speed, and a new crouch mechanic. Additionally, it includes two previously cut missions, Nuclear Power Plant and Severonickel, along with updated cutscenes for the Kalinatek mission and the new missions. Enhanced Splinter Cell is recommended for players wanting to experience the classic on modern hardware.

AppWizard

June 17, 2025

Minecraft – Official Vibrant Visuals and Chase the Skies Launch Trailer

The Vibrant Visuals and Chase the Skies update for Minecraft introduces enhanced visual features such as improved lighting, dynamic shadows, and reflective surfaces, as well as new gameplay elements including the cheerful happy ghast and flyable mounts.

AppWizard

June 17, 2025

Minecraft Vibrant Visuals: New Graphics, New Mounts, New Adventures, All Dropping Today!

On June 17, 2025, Mojang will release two updates for the Bedrock Edition of Minecraft: "Chase The Skies" and "Vibrant Visuals," both free of charge. The "Chase The Skies" update introduces the Happy Ghast, a flying mount for up to four players, which can be tamed by transforming a Dried Ghast Block into a Ghastling. This update also includes a Player Locator Bar and new mob and boat interaction mechanics. The "Vibrant Visuals" update features graphical enhancements such as directional lighting and shadows, water reflections, volumetric fog, and enhanced mob and item lighting. Players are advised to gather materials like ghast tears and soul sand, build a Ghastling Station, and ensure their devices meet the requirements for the Vibrant Visuals update.

Winsage

June 16, 2025

Windows Hello webcams have stopped working in the dark. I don’t care

Microsoft has updated its Windows Hello biometric recognition system to use both the standard optical webcam and the infrared depth camera for user authentication, addressing a potential spoofing vulnerability. Testing on three laptops (Surface Laptop 7th Edition, Asus ZenBook S 14, and MSI Prestige 16 AI Evo) showed that all devices successfully recognized the user in dim lighting conditions. However, some colleagues reported issues with facial recognition in similar low-light environments, indicating inconsistency across devices. Microsoft has included a numeric PIN option as a backup login method. The update is said to enhance security by requiring visible light for recognition, but its practical impact on user experience appears minimal.

AppWizard

June 16, 2025

Is This Minecraft’s Best-Looking Update Yet?

Mojang Studios will release the Vibrant Visuals update for Minecraft Bedrock Edition on June 17, 2025. Key features of the update include richer lighting, dynamic shadows, biome-specific fog, and immersive atmospheres. It introduces Physically Based Rendering (PBR) to enhance textures, allowing them to exhibit properties like metalness and glow. Various biomes will receive aesthetic transformations, such as deserts glowing in golden hues and icy regions appearing cooler and bluer. The water engine has been overhauled to include realistic caustics and reflections. The update will be enabled by default on all supported Bedrock Edition devices. Development for the Java Edition is ongoing, with early test builds showcasing features like atmospheric fog and infinite clouds.

Winsage

June 16, 2025

Microsoft’s Windows Hello facial recognition no longer works in the dark

Microsoft updated its Windows Hello face unlock feature in April, requiring adequate lighting for functionality to address a security vulnerability. The facial recognition system now relies on color cameras to detect visible faces, making it ineffective in low-light conditions. Users can disable the webcam via Windows 11 Device Manager as a workaround, but this disables the camera for all applications. The security flaw was identified by researchers at Nanyang Technological University and classified by Microsoft as "important," though it has not been publicly disclosed or exploited. Inquiries about reinstating dark-room functionality in future updates are pending.