outdoors

AppWizard
December 30, 2025
Amazon is offering a limited-time deal on the Garmin inReach Messenger Handheld Satellite Communicator at a historic low price, with 11% of available units already claimed. The device connects to smartphones via the Garmin Messenger app, utilizing cellular networks or satellite communications for messaging. It includes safety features such as GPS location sharing and SOS signaling for emergencies. Additional features include check-in messages, real-time weather updates, trackback routing for navigation, an IPX7 water-resistant rating, and approximately 28 days of battery life on a single charge.
AppWizard
December 25, 2025
The timing of video game releases has become increasingly complex for developers, with major publishers traditionally launching titles between one and three months before the holiday season. However, in recent years, many have shifted to releasing games from February to April, and even into May and June, creating a crowded market. Rockstar's announcement of Grand Theft Auto 6, initially set for 2024 but delayed to May 2026 and then to November 2026, has prompted developers to reconsider their release strategies. Team Cherry's announcement of Hollow Knight: Silksong disrupted the release schedule, forcing other developers to scramble for safer dates. Microsoft’s surprise release of Oblivion Remastered in April negatively impacted sales for indie titles like Rosewater, highlighting the challenges of coordinating release schedules in an increasingly crowded market. Upcoming releases such as Resident Evil: Requiem on February 27 and the potential launch of Fable could further complicate the landscape for developers in 2026.
AppWizard
December 23, 2025
On the twenty-second day of the Advent Calendars, the following items were revealed: - LEGO CITY (#60475): An 18-piece holiday-themed toy train with a carriage and steam. - LEGO Disney (#43273): A 2×4 table with a cupcake and a cup of hot chocolate. - LEGO Friends (#42668): An assortment of headwear accessories on a red and pink desk. - LEGO Harry Potter (#76456): A minifigure of Cedric Diggory in a festive jumper with a mandrake design. - LEGO Minecraft (#21280): A cozy chair and a campfire.
AppWizard
December 15, 2025
Embark Studios has released a winter-themed update for Arc Raiders called Cold Snap, introducing a new challenge: frostbite, which affects players in snow-covered environments. Four of the game's five maps—Dam Battlegrounds, Blue Gate, Buried City, and Spaceport—have been transformed with heavy snowfall, requiring players to manage their exposure to the cold to avoid health depletion from frostbite. Players can stock up on medical supplies or seek shelter to mitigate this effect. The update features two limited-time reward tracks: the Flickering Flames Event, where players earn Merits to unlock rewards like gear and cosmetics, and the Candleberry Banquet Project, which involves looting event-specific items to reveal scenes and earn additional rewards. Additionally, the Cold Snap update introduces the first Expedition Project, allowing players to reset their accounts for a fresh start, earning temporary buffs and permanent unlocks. A new Raider Deck with an ice hockey theme will be available starting December 26, offering various rewards without an expiration date. The update will be available on December 16.
AppWizard
November 2, 2025
A recent investigation by IIT Delhi found that Android applications with precise location access can gather extensive information about users, including whether they are indoors or outdoors, the presence of crowded environments, and details about room layouts and activities, without using the phone’s camera or microphone. The study, led by MTech student Soham Nag and Professor Smruti R Sarangi, utilized a system called AndroCon, which analyzes low-level GPS signals to detect user activity and contextual information. AndroCon achieved up to 99% accuracy in identifying surroundings and over 87% accuracy in recognizing human activities, including subtle gestures. The research highlights significant privacy risks, as applications with fine-grained location permissions can extract sensitive data without user consent. The findings were published in the ACM Transactions on Sensor Networks.
AppWizard
November 1, 2025
Researchers at IIT Delhi, led by MTech student Soham Nag and Dr. Smruti R Sarangi, have developed a system called AndroCon that utilizes low-level GPS signal fluctuations to gather detailed information about a user's environment and activities without using cameras or microphones. The system can determine whether a person is indoors or outdoors, identify the structure of a room, and assess their actions with high accuracy—up to 99% for surroundings and over 87% for human activities. AndroCon can also generate indoor floor maps with a margin of error of less than four meters. The study highlights potential privacy concerns, as any Android app with fine location permissions could access sensitive contextual information without user consent. The findings were published in the ACM Transactions on Sensor Networks.
AppWizard
October 24, 2025
Nature in video games has evolved from a simple backdrop to an important escape for individuals with limited access to the outdoors, exemplified by Minecraft influencer Cassie Anne, who uses the game to connect with nature due to her severe allergies. The advancement of video games has been driven by technological innovations such as procedural generation and the pursuit of photorealism, allowing for immersive environments. These technologies are also being used to create digital twins for urban planning and environmental visualization. However, the energy consumption of visually intensive games contributes approximately 50 million tons of CO2 emissions annually. Despite this, video games can enhance ecological awareness and educate players about sustainability, serving as a connection to nature for those unable to experience it physically.
BetaBeacon
October 14, 2025
Square Enix has launched a website announcing a new Dissidia Final Fantasy game for Android and iOS, with more information to be revealed on October 14, 2025. The teaser images on the website depict modern Japan and suggest the game will be a "Team Boss Battle Arena." The images include characters like Rinoa, Sephiroth, and Prompto, as well as silhouettes of various Final Fantasy characters. The author is excited about the announcement and hopes for a successful mobile game.
AppWizard
September 24, 2025
Baby Steps is a satirical open-world game developed by Gabe Cuzzillo, Maxi Boch, and Bennett Foddy, and published by Devolver Digital, priced at £15.30. Players control Nate, who is transported outdoors and faces comedic challenges in walking and navigating terrains. The game features awkward controls that reflect Nate's clumsiness, as he embarks on his adventure barefoot. Players can collect hats and lost items, but missteps can lead to humorous tumbles. The game includes various ascents that require strategic decision-making, and while the humor may wear thin over time, the narrative remains engaging with witty dialogue and cutscenes. Baby Steps comments on gaming challenges and the journey's entertainment value.
AppWizard
September 22, 2025
Michael has a decade of experience in technology journalism, specializing in keyboards at PCWorld. He has contributed to publications such as Android Police, Digital Trends, Wired, Lifehacker, and How-To Geek. He has reported live from major industry events like CES and Mobile World Congress. Michael resides in Pennsylvania and enjoys outdoor activities, particularly kayaking.
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