New Zealand Archives

BetaBeacon

May 29, 2025

Microsoft Copilot for Gaming AI Game Assistant Enters Beta on Android, iOS

Microsoft has introduced the Copilot for Gaming beta, an AI companion designed to assist players in their video game endeavors. The tool allows players to ask for assistance, inquire about play history and achievements, receive game recommendations, and catch up on games they haven't played in a while. The beta is currently available on Android and Apple devices in specific regions, with plans to expand to Windows PCs in the future.

AppWizard

May 8, 2025

Minecraft Franchise Pixelates on an International Scale

A Minecraft Movie made its theatrical debut last month, achieving a record-breaking release. The franchise has over 200 licensing partners worldwide, expanding its reach through various collaborations that enhance both the film and the gaming experience. Notable U.S. partnerships include Fossil, which launched a collection of luxury accessories; Woobles, offering crochet kits; Crocs, with Minecraft-licensed footwear and Jibbitz; and Home Chef, creating themed meal kits. Internationally, new tabletop games and pinball machines are set to launch in August 2025, along with pet and camping gear in Europe, bedding in Mexico, crafting supplies in Japan, and party essentials in Brazil. Bandai will debut its health and beauty line in Japan in September, with additional rollouts planned. Food and beverage initiatives include offerings from San Carlo in Italy, Marumiya in Japan, Finsbury Foods in the UK and France, and Norco in Australia and New Zealand, as well as new snacks and dairy products across Europe and Brazil. Dairy Farmers of America released Minecraft-inspired vanilla-flavored green milk in March.

AppWizard

April 17, 2025

Jared Hess Is Still a Sundance Guy: Why the Smash Hit ‘Minecraft Movie’ Feels a Little Like an Indie Film

Jared Hess, director of “A Minecraft Movie,” admires Robert Eggers’ reinterpretation of “Nosferatu” for its distinct personality and unexpected storytelling elements. Hess gained recognition with “Napoleon Dynamite” at the 2004 Sundance Film Festival, which became successful through word-of-mouth. “A Minecraft Movie” has earned over million at the box office after three weekends, significantly surpassing “Napoleon Dynamite's” total earnings. Hess's children served as unofficial consultants during the film's development, contributing to its personal touch. Adapting “Minecraft” posed challenges due to its lack of a traditional narrative, but it also allowed for creative freedom, particularly with the character of Steve. The film was primarily shot in Auckland, New Zealand, and Hess emphasized collaboration with game developers to balance fidelity to the source material with innovative storytelling. Despite mixed critical reception, Hess maintains his comedic style focused on character and story, and he hopes for broader opportunities in Hollywood.

AppWizard

April 10, 2025

China’s Surveillance Push via Android Apps – Australian Cyber Security Magazine

The UK Cyber League has supported a new advisory by the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC UK) in collaboration with several international partners, including the Australian Cyber Security Centre, the Canadian Centre for Cyber Security, the German Federal Intelligence Service, the German Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution, the New Zealand National Cyber Security Centre, the United States Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the United States National Security Agency. The advisory focuses on two spyware variants, BADBAZAAR and MOONSHINE, and provides guidance for app store operators, developers, and social media companies to enhance user safety. Spyware is defined as malware that installs on a device without the user’s consent, collecting and sending data to a third party. The advisory emphasizes the need for vigilance and proactive measures against such threats.

AppWizard

April 7, 2025

Streamer Valkyrae Cut From A Minecraft Movie: ‘I Would Much Rather Not Have That 30 Seconds Than Be Sued’

Streamer Valkyrae, also known as Rachell Marie Hofstetter, confirmed that her cameo in A Minecraft Movie was cut from the final release. She stated during a Twitch livestream that she would "much rather not have that 30 seconds than be sued," indicating complexities behind her omission. Valkyrae previously shared a negative experience with Jason Momoa, one of the film's stars, describing a disappointing atmosphere during filming. Although her cameo was cut, some fans believe they saw her in the background of a scene. Valkyrae confirmed her intended appearance would have lasted approximately 30 seconds and reassured her audience that the decision had nothing to do with Minecraft or its creators. She expressed gratitude for spending ten days in New Zealand and maintained a positive view of the film, stating, “No, the movie did not suck.” IGN rated A Minecraft Movie a 6/10, highlighting its comedic elements and kid-friendly adventure.

Winsage

April 3, 2025

Microsoft’s miniature Windows 365 Link PC is available to buy now

Microsoft has launched the Windows 365 Link, a mini-desktop PC that connects to the Windows 365 cloud service, priced at .99. It is available for purchase in the United States, Canada, Australia, the UK, Germany, Japan, and New Zealand. The device is designed for businesses, minimizing the need for IT support and allowing users to work from anywhere. It features a fast boot time and has undergone testing with over 100 organizations. Individual consumers may face challenges in purchasing it, as bulk purchases might be required.

AppWizard

April 1, 2025

Jack Black, Jason Momoa, ‘Minecraft Movie’ co-stars talk bringing video game to the big screen – WSVN 7News | Miami News, Weather, Sports

The "A Minecraft Movie" features a cast including Jack Black as Steve and Jason Momoa. The film was shot in New Zealand, with the cast enjoying the scenery and exploring locations like Hobbiton. Black and Momoa share a creative chemistry, discussing their appreciation for nature sounds and creating a unique instrument called the "Awuba." The film includes humorous concepts like "chicken lava," and it is set to be released this Thursday. Fans can participate in a giveaway for Fandango codes by emailing their name and phone number.

AppWizard

March 28, 2025

New Zealand partners with Warner Bros to showcase Māori culture to tourists through Minecraft

Tourism New Zealand has launched a collaboration with Warner Bros., Mojang Studios, and Māori game developers to create a Minecraft campaign celebrating Māori culture and promoting tourism. The campaign, which began on March 24, 2025, features a free downloadable content (DLC) pack that allows players to explore six iconic locations in New Zealand, aiming to inspire real-world travel and generate significant visitor spending. The DLC includes locations such as Waitomo Caves, Te Puia, and Kāpiti Island, and incorporates activities that reflect real-life experiences. Piki Studios, the Māori game design studio behind the DLC, emphasized the importance of accurately representing Māori culture. The initiative aligns with Tourism New Zealand's strategy to promote the country as a year-round destination and is linked to the upcoming release of ‘A Minecraft Movie’.

AppWizard

March 25, 2025

Minecraft’s Jack Black and Jason Momoa Reveal Which Video Games They’ve Played the Most

Jack Black and Jason Momoa discussed their different experiences with video games in an interview. Black shared his immersive experience with Red Dead Redemption Part Two, playing it for 400 hours during the pandemic, while Momoa expressed caution about gaming due to his addictive personality. He reminisced about playing Street Fighter, favoring characters Ryu and Blanka. The development of A Minecraft Movie has been lengthy, initially announced in February 2014, facing production delays and changes in directors. Originally set for a May 2019 release with a budget of 0 million, the film's progress was hindered by the COVID-19 pandemic. Principal photography began in January 2024 in Auckland, New Zealand, after delays from the 2023 SAG-AFTRA strike. The film aims to combine live-action with advanced visual effects to create a realistic representation of Minecraft. Black and Momoa have developed a strong friendship during production, with both actors promoting the film together. A Minecraft Movie is scheduled to be released on April 4, 2025.

Winsage

March 24, 2025

PHOTOS: Synnex’s “Seizing the device refresh opportunity” event

The transition to Windows 11 is seen as an inevitable shift that channel partners must embrace, presenting substantial opportunities for those ready to adapt. Thomas Tapsas, Director of Channel Sales at Synnex, compared this transition to the Y2K phenomenon, noting that four times as many PCs will require replacement. Synnex aims to assist partners in navigating this transition, emphasizing the need to rethink technology strategies and enhance customer offerings. The collaboration with Microsoft is intended to empower partners to fully leverage Windows 11 and maintain competitiveness in the market.