materials

AppWizard
August 10, 2025
The forthcoming Minecraft snapshot will introduce the Copper Torch, a decorative item scheduled for release in the 2025 Fall Drop. It functions like a traditional torch but features unique green textures and particles. To craft the Copper Torch, players need 1 Copper Nugget, 1 Coal, and 1 Stick. The crafting process involves placing the Copper Nugget on top, Coal in the middle, and Stick at the bottom in a Crafting Table, resulting in four Copper Torches. Copper Torches emit a light level of 14 and can be used for illumination and decoration in builds.
AppWizard
August 10, 2025
The Copper Lantern will be introduced in Minecraft's Fall Drop update of 2025. It serves as a decorative light source with a copper frame and a green-tinted glow. To craft the Copper Lantern, players need 8 Copper Nuggets and 1 Torch. The Copper Nuggets are made by converting a Copper Ingot, which is obtained by smelting Raw Copper. The crafting arrangement requires the Torch in the center and the Copper Nuggets surrounding it. The Copper Lantern emits a light level of 15, can be used for decoration, prevents hostile mob spawning, and develops a weathered texture over time. It can be placed on blocks or hung from structures.
Tech Optimizer
August 9, 2025
A team from Kyoto University has developed a light source that emits single photons, enhanced in brightness by a small magnetic field, which can be used for secure quantum communications. This technology relies on the principles of quantum mechanics, making it difficult for eavesdroppers to replicate or measure the quantum states without detection. The researchers used a one-atom-thick semiconductor sheet, WSe₂, creating traps for excitons that emit photons when relaxed. Current limitations include the need for cryogenic temperatures for operation, but advancements in materials may allow for room-temperature single-photon emission. The technology has potential applications in secure communications for sensitive transactions and could evolve into compact modules for practical use. Recent studies have demonstrated successful quantum key distribution (QKD) using true single-photon sources, indicating progress in integrating quantum technology into real-world networking.
AppWizard
August 9, 2025
Strange Antiquities, the sequel to 2022's Strange Horticulture, is set to launch on September 17. The game allows players to sell eldritch antiques to various townsfolk in a curiosity shop located in the Lake District. The developer, Bad Viking, aims to enhance the experience by encouraging players to feel like investigators of the occult, focusing on exploration and deduction. The success of Strange Horticulture has led to similar games, such as Do No Harm, which features a doctor treating a town with unusual ailments and incorporates Lovecraftian themes.
AppWizard
August 8, 2025
As of August 2025, Android users have access to a variety of applications aimed at enhancing productivity, creativity, communication, and personal development. Notable apps include: - Stream Deck: Transforms Android devices into customizable control centers for tasks like live streaming and video editing. - Bit Chat: Enables offline communication via a Bluetooth mesh network, useful in areas without Wi-Fi or cellular service. - Cantra: Allows users to remove pre-installed apps without root access, improving device performance and storage. - GM Way: Customizes social media interactions by hiding notifications and ads to create a distraction-free environment. - Textband: Facilitates the creation of shortcuts for frequently used phrases, streamlining communication. - Timeark: Adds real-time timestamps, geotags, and labels to photos and videos for accurate documentation. - Rare Vision: Offers 1980s VHS-style video effects for retro-inspired content creation. - Adobe Firefly: Uses AI to simplify design tasks, enabling users to generate images and videos easily. - Nomad Table: Connects users to local events and meetups for networking and community engagement. - Imprint: Provides bite-sized lessons on various topics, making learning accessible for busy individuals.
AppWizard
August 8, 2025
Minecraft has approximately 204.33 million monthly players and is available on all mobile devices and gaming consoles. Llamas can be used as pack mules, with inventory capacity varying from 3 to 15 slots based on strength. Players can break blocks to leave a breaking pattern on the north side for navigation. Lava is a superior fuel source compared to wood or coal. Diamonds are now typically found between levels 15 and 63. Blue sheep can be turned red by an Evoker. Torches can help harvest sand and gravel more effectively. Mushroom biomes do not spawn aggressive mobs at night. Carved pumpkins can prevent Endermen attacks. Iron Golems can be created for protection using iron blocks and a carved pumpkin. Cats deter Creepers. Doors create air pockets underwater. Snowballs are effective against Blazes. Placing torches around mob spawners can halt enemy production. The Swift Sneak enchantment allows quick movement while crouching. Mooshrooms produce mushroom stew when milked. Players can dye their dogs' collars for identification. Adding a glass pane to a map preserves pixel art. Zombies are attracted to turtle eggs, which can be used to lure them away.
AppWizard
August 8, 2025
The demo of Nox Mortalis initially disappointed the player due to its cryptic nature and frustrating melee combat mechanics, including a reliance on a parry system and the absence of a compass. However, after reviewing the in-game manual, the player discovered that crafting a compass was part of the gameplay experience. The game incorporates resource management, requiring players to gather materials like wood, coal, and metals to craft weapons and unlock treasure chests. The crafting system is intuitive, with recipes unlocking automatically as players collect materials. The demo allows for approximately four hours of gameplay, including exploration of side dungeons and the initial levels of a central megadungeon. The player experienced a satisfying progression, starting with basic crafting and advancing to more powerful weapons. There is concern about whether the developer can maintain the engaging gameplay loop in the full release, which currently has no set date, as feedback from the demo is being gathered. Players can wishlist the game and access the demo on Steam.
Winsage
August 6, 2025
OpenAI has made its gpt-oss models, with 120 billion and 20 billion parameters, available for public use on AWS's Bedrock platform, marking the first open model release since GPT-2 in 2019. These models are not entirely open source, as users do not have access to the underlying code or training datasets. AWS's chief evangelist, Danilo Poccia, expressed enthusiasm for the integration of these models, which are designed for coding, scientific analysis, and mathematical reasoning, and can be integrated into business workflows. Analysts note that OpenAI's models provide substantial value compared to competitors, aligning with Amazon's cost-saving strategy. AWS hosts various open models, but Claude from Anthropic was absent from the recent press release, indicating a complex competitive landscape. The addition of OpenAI's models to AWS is seen as a potential step towards deeper collaboration between the two companies.
AppWizard
August 4, 2025
Players can expect new features in Minecraft, including shelves for item display and organization, crafted from various materials. Powered shelves can swap items simultaneously and connect for efficient management. The Copper Golem can now serve a decorative role, oxidizing into statues that hold poses, with the option to restore their functionality through waxing. These features are currently available for testing in the Bedrock Edition, with similar opportunities anticipated for Java players.
AppWizard
August 2, 2025
Computing academics from Wrexham University have created a Minecraft world that represents the Welsh cultural festival, the Eisteddfod, allowing children and teenagers to engage with Welsh culture in a digital format. Dr. Shafiul Monir, the associate dean at the university, stated that the project aims to promote digital skills and access for young people while celebrating Welsh culture. Children can contribute by adding activities and landmarks in the Minecraft world. Additionally, a "time machine" installation at the Eisteddfod site invites attendees to record their predictions for the future of the Welsh language, with messages archived digitally. The time machine is made from recycled materials and will be featured during the festival's closing event. After the festival, it will be housed in Wrexham University’s Creative Industries Building for future use by students. The Minecraft village is accessible via the server details: Server Name: Eisteddfod, IP Address: 198.244.179.144, Port: 2117.
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