shaders Archives

AppWizard

August 22, 2025

Minecraft: What’s the difference between Bedrock and Java

Minecraft has two primary versions: Bedrock and Java. Minecraft Bedrock offers robust cross-play capabilities across consoles and devices, allowing players on Xbox, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation, and mobile to connect with Windows users. It simplifies server setup with the Realm feature for casual multiplayer experiences and includes achievements and parental controls, making it family-friendly. Minecraft Java, the original version, runs on the Java platform and supports cross-play among Windows, Mac, and Linux users, but not consoles or mobile. It features extensive mod support, allowing for customization, and includes advancements instead of external achievements. Combat mechanics differ, with Java emphasizing strategy through a cooldown system. Bedrock is often recommended for children due to its controlled environment, while Java appeals to players seeking customization and deeper engagement with the game. Additionally, Minecraft has expanded to include titles like Minecraft Dungeons, Legends, and Education, each offering unique gameplay experiences.

AppWizard

August 21, 2025

Microsoft is working on a fix for PC shader stutter

Microsoft is introducing an "advanced shader delivery" feature for the ASUS ROG Xbox Ally handhelds, aimed at reducing loading times and minimizing stutter in games. This system preloads game shaders during download, potentially allowing games to launch up to ten times faster and operate more smoothly. The feature may require collaboration with developers for full benefits at launch. Additionally, Microsoft is improving user experience on Windows 11 for gaming by enhancing access to features like the Game Bar and minimizing background activity to allocate more resources to gaming.

AppWizard

August 20, 2025

Microsoft wants to soothe a big pain for PC gamers: Shaders

Microsoft is introducing "advanced shader delivery" to improve the gaming experience for PC users by standardizing shader packaging. This involves creating a State Object Database (SODB) that collects shader data, which is then paired with a cloud-based compiler to form a Precompiled Shader Database (PSDB). This PSDB will be downloaded with the game, allowing for quick access to shaders without additional compilation. The feature is currently available on the Xbox gaming store, the Xbox PC app, and devices with AMD processors. Microsoft plans to extend this technology to other storefronts and game developers, and existing games will also benefit in the future. The shader cache will refresh automatically after driver updates. Further details are expected to be shared in September.

BetaBeacon

August 7, 2025

The AYANEO Pocket S2 is the most powerful Android handheld I’ve ever tested, but is it the best?

The AYANEO Pocket S2 has a sleek and slender design with stacked triggers, high-end TMR electromagnetic sticks, and a headphone jack. It features a Snapdragon G3 Gen 3 chipset that outperforms other popular handhelds in terms of CPU and GPU performance. The device also excels in sustained performance and temperature control. It is highly recommended for gaming, including emulation of retro and modern games. The Pro model comes with a larger battery and a swappable D-pad. However, the premium price tag may make it difficult to recommend, especially with the release of other compelling alternatives by AYANEO.

AppWizard

August 4, 2025

The ‘Compiling Shaders’ screen is the worst screen in gaming: here’s how to make it suck less

Developers are now compiling shaders before gameplay, leading to a shader compilation screen that displays a progress bar with potentially tens of thousands of shaders. This screen can frustrate players, who are left with nothing to do but watch the progress. Suggestions to improve this experience include integrating gameplay tips with the loading screen, using entertaining phrases during loading, compiling a single large shader instead of many small ones, introducing "No-Shader Saturdays" for gameplay without shader compilation, and allowing players to participate in the compilation process.

AppWizard

August 4, 2025

Battlefield 6 has fragmented install feature that allows you to slim a full 80GB installation down to 55GB on PC — feature enables installing campaign and multiplayer separately

Battlefield 6 will feature fragmented downloads, allowing players to install only the components they choose, with a base installation size of 55 GB and a total install size of approximately 80 GB if campaign and multiplayer modes are added. The game will utilize DirectX 12 shaders for enhanced graphics and include a "cosmetic stream" feature for pre-loading cosmetic items, potentially improving performance to over 300 FPS. The release date is set for October 6, 2025, with an open beta scheduled for later this week.

AppWizard

July 27, 2025

First Version of BioShock RTX Remix Path Tracing Mod Released

A demo for the RTX Remix Mod for the original BioShock game has been released by modders ‘skurtyyskirts’ and ‘watbulb’. This mod introduces real-time Path Tracing to enhance the game's graphics, utilizing improved materials through physically-based rendering (PBR) assets. The mod includes a custom compatibility wrapper to facilitate communication between BioShock, which operates on Unreal Engine 2.5, and RTX Remix. The demo features hundreds of newly crafted textures and assets, with updated lighting effects. The demo is available for download, but users may encounter visual inconsistencies and bugs. Additionally, various RTX Remix Mods for other games are in development, including titles like Tomb Raider 2, Grand Theft Auto: Vice City, and Need for Speed: Most Wanted. Demos for Path Tracing Mods have also been released for games such as Deus Ex and Call of Duty 4.

AppWizard

July 16, 2025

It’s been a year since Minecraft ditched annual summer updates, and I have to admit there’s never been a better time to play

Mojang announced the discontinuation of its annual summer updates and the mob vote, leading to initial frustration among players. However, nearly a year later, the game's update strategy has resulted in a thriving Minecraft community. Recent updates include the Pale Garden Biome with the Creaking mob, the Vibrant Visuals update with shaders, the Chase the Skies update featuring the Happy Ghast, and the Spring to Life update adding biome variants for pigs and cows, craftable saddles, and the Copper Golem. The last major update under the previous format, the Tricky Trails update, was considered underwhelming. The shift away from cohesive themes has allowed for more frequent and diverse content updates, with five major updates released in the past year. This new approach has revitalized the game, enhancing player engagement and creativity.

AppWizard

July 15, 2025

Can You Play Minecraft on Mac? Here’s What You Need to Know

Playing Minecraft on a Mac is feasible, with two primary editions available: Java Edition and Bedrock Edition. Java Edition runs natively on macOS and supports mods, while Bedrock Edition lacks official support for Mac and requires workarounds to run. To acquire Minecraft, users can visit minecraft.net, select Java Edition, download the installer, and launch the game. Mods function similarly on Mac as they do on Windows, with popular mod managers like Forge and Fabric supporting macOS. Hosting a Minecraft server on a Mac is possible but cumbersome, leading many to rent servers instead. In Java Edition, players can join IP-based servers and share addresses with friends. Performance can vary, with modern Macs generally handling the game well, but adjustments may be needed for base models. Minecraft Bedrock does not exist natively for Mac, and the Mac App Store version is the Education Edition. Compatibility issues with mods can arise, and local servers may be blocked by the Mac firewall.

BetaBeacon

July 10, 2025

The Game Boy of my dreams is finally back in stock for good

The ModRetro Chromatic is the ultimate Game Boy, with an enhanced but authentic screen and exquisite build quality. It only plays Game Boy and Game Boy Color cartridges, replicating the original hardware closely. It has a backlit LCD panel, premium build quality, and a battery indicator. The device has been restocked with new colorways and accessories. The price has been adjusted, making it a pricey option for diehard Game Boy fans. It is considered the ultimate way to play Game Boy cartridges for dedicated collectors.