recognition Archives

AppWizard

July 7, 2025

I stored files inside of Minecraft, and here’s how it works

Files are collections of data stored in a single container, often identified by their extensions. In Minecraft, data can be represented using wool blocks, where each block corresponds to a specific hex digit, allowing for the storage of bytes. A mapping was created to associate hex digits with wool colors, enabling data encoding and decoding within the game. An encoder script generates an "mcfunction" file for efficient block placement, while a decoder reads the wool matrix from the game world using the Amulet library. The process involves defining coordinates and dimensions for the wool matrix, and successful decoding reveals the original encoded message. This project demonstrates the versatility of data representation, though it is not intended for practical use.

AppWizard

July 6, 2025

Microsoft app to delete all passwords forever – how to avoid losing yours

Microsoft Authenticator will remove its password-saving function by August 2025, resulting in the deletion of all password data stored within the app. Users are advised to export their passwords to alternative locations, such as the Microsoft Edge browser, which will become the primary password management solution. Passwords will not be encrypted during the transfer, so it is recommended to delete the exported file afterward. The shift is part of Microsoft's move towards using passkeys for enhanced security, which allows quicker sign-ins using biometric data.

AppWizard

July 5, 2025

Out of the blue: How a Quake blog turned PC gaming news site has stayed a haven from ‘internet enshittification’ for nearly 30 years

Stephen "Blue" Heaslip established Blue's News in the 1990s, driven by a passion for gaming rather than profit. The site has maintained a consistent output, with Heaslip posting 12,313 articles last year alone, and has only gone 22 days without a post since July 1996, achieving a 99.8% hit rate. Heaslip has authored 94% of the site's content, which has garnered over a billion views. Despite facing personal challenges, such as a car accident in 2021, he continued to deliver content using voice recognition software. Heaslip has turned down offers from major media outlets, prioritizing the relationship with his readers and the intrinsic value of writing.

AppWizard

July 3, 2025

5 reasons why Google’s Pixel software is better than Samsung’s One UI

63% of respondents in a recent poll prefer Google’s Pixel UI over Samsung’s One UI, which received 37% support. Users favor Google’s camera app for its intuitive design and image processing capabilities, finding it easier for everyday photography compared to Samsung’s more complex camera app. Google’s Pixel UI is appreciated for its simplicity, offering a single app for each function, while Samsung’s devices often come with multiple pre-loaded applications, leading to a cluttered interface. Users find Samsung’s One UI settings overwhelming, whereas Pixel UI provides a clean layout for quick adjustments. Unique features like Now Playing and Call Screen on Pixel devices enhance user experience, and Google’s speed in rolling out software updates is faster and more reliable than Samsung’s, contributing to user trust in the Pixel ecosystem.

Winsage

July 2, 2025

Windows 11 should have been an easy upgrade – Microsoft chose to unleash chaos on us instead

Microsoft has a long-standing support policy for its Windows operating systems, committing to a ten-year lifecycle for each new commercial release, which includes five years of mainstream support and five years of extended support. The introduction of Windows 11 in 2021 disrupted this tradition by imposing stringent hardware requirements, rendering many relatively new PCs incompatible with the new operating system. Approximately 50% of Windows 10 users may be unable to upgrade to Windows 11, affecting hundreds of millions of PCs. Microsoft has opted to profit from Extended Security Updates for corporate environments while individual consumers and small businesses face limited support options. The company's decision to impose these hardware requirements has raised concerns about its commitment to customer satisfaction and the value placed on individual users compared to enterprise customers.

Tech Optimizer

July 2, 2025

NordVPN blocks 90% of phishing sites and earns AV-Comparatives certification

NordVPN's Threat Protection Pro feature has successfully blocked 90% of phishing websites in independent testing by AV-Comparatives, making it the only VPN with certified phishing protection. This feature has been recognized for two consecutive years for its effectiveness in detecting phishing attempts, surpassing the 85% threshold required for certification. Threat Protection Pro is available to subscribers of NordVPN Plus, Complete, and Ultra plans, while Basic tier users only have access to a DNS filter. NordVPN has also ranked third among 35 competitors for avoiding online shopping scams in 2024 and achieved a 99.8% malware protection rate according to testing by West Coast Labs.

AppWizard

July 1, 2025

Battle Royale Game SUPERVIVE Launches July 24 for PC

Developer Theorycraft Games will officially launch its free-to-play competitive squad-based hero battle royale, SUPERVIVE, for PC via Steam on July 24. The 1.0 global launch will feature a comprehensive overhaul of the game, including new content, overhauled progression systems, and new features. Players who participated in the open beta will receive exclusive rewards, such as a Cartoon Carrot Wisp (Rooty) and a Champion callsign, while those with over 40 hours of gameplay will receive The OG Glider and the title of Theorycrafter. A presentation detailing the game's evolution will be held on July 17 at 9:00 PM PT on SUPERVIVE’s YouTube channel. Battlepass owners will receive an additional 200,000 EXP during pre-launch maintenance.

AppWizard

July 1, 2025

‘A Minecraft Movie’ made a beloved video game mainstream. YouTubers had already turned it into an empire.

A Minecraft Movie was released in 2025, becoming the top film at the U.S. box office and generating excitement among audiences. The game Minecraft had nearly 170 million monthly active players in 2025 and is known for its sandbox experience, allowing players to mine, build, and customize their gameplay. Dream, a prominent content creator with 32 million YouTube subscribers, highlighted the game's creativity at VidCon. The community around Minecraft thrives on collaboration and humor, with cultural references like the “chicken jockey” glitch and the song “Steve’s Lava Chicken” performed by Jack Black in the film. The movie, which had been in development since 2014, aimed to balance fan service with broader accessibility and was directed by Jared Hess. Dream expressed satisfaction with the film's humor and its potential to attract more attention to Minecraft. Additionally, Dream showcased a project at VidCon allowing users to upload 3D avatars into Minecraft. Other creators, like Aidan Weiss, have also contributed to the game's community, with viral content that resonates with fans.

AppWizard

June 29, 2025

Our favorite RPG from last year is 40% off in the Steam Summer Sale

Metaphor: ReFantazio is currently available at a 40% discount on Steam, priced at until the sale concludes on July 10. It has a rating of 95% from PC Gamer, making it one of the highest-rated games in the publication's history, second only to Baldur's Gate 3 with a score of 97%. The game is considered a strong contender for the Best RPG award for 2024.

AppWizard

June 27, 2025

Drawing out the abilities of elementary school students! Reservations are now being accepted for “City Planning with Micra! -Summer Free Research 2025 with 1,000 Elementary School Students” Reservations are now being accepted!

The event "Town Building with Minecraft! ~Summer Project 2025 with 1,000 Elementary School Students~" will take place from July 19, 2025, to August 17, 2025, at e-Stadium Izumi and Izumisano Ochi Arena. It is aimed at elementary school students and will be guided by YouTuber Kiokio (@kiokio_coc). Reservations opened on June 27, 2025, on a first-come, first-served basis. The event is organized by KUL Corporation and co-organized by e-Stadium Co., Ltd. Activities at Izumisano Ochi Arena will occur on August 2 and 3, 2025.