social interaction Archives

AppWizard

April 12, 2025

‘My recreated Minecraft university is helping autistic students’

De Montfort University (DMU) in Leicester has created a virtual campus in Minecraft to support students with autism, allowing them to socialize and build friendships. Eden Turner, a 23-year-old student, has reconstructed parts of the university, including the library, to create a welcoming environment for autistic students. Clare Squires, DMU's autism officer, emphasized the initiative's role in fostering community and belonging, particularly for new students. The project helps reduce anxiety by familiarizing students with the campus layout and providing a low-pressure space for interaction. Plans are in place for Eden to expand the virtual campus further.

AppWizard

April 3, 2025

Dune: Awakening Will Add Music From Original Dune PC Games

Funcom has announced that Dune: Awakening will include music from the original Dune and Dune II: Battle for Arrakis, featuring soundtracks by composers Frank Klepacki, Philippe Ulrich, and Stéphane Picq. The game is set to launch on May 20, 2025. In this reimagined universe, Paul Atreides does not exist, Lady Jessica has a daughter, and Duke Leto survives the assault on Arrakeen. Players will start as a prisoner on Arrakis, tasked with discovering the fate of the Fremen. They will learn to survive by mastering Fremen ways, crafting stillsuits, and constructing shelters. The game features an open world with iconic Dune technology, bustling hubs for social interaction, and a dynamic desert landscape that changes weekly with new challenges and rewards.

AppWizard

March 23, 2025

Meta Continues to Integrate AI Bot Profiles into its Apps

Meta is integrating AI-powered profiles into its social media platforms, including Facebook, Instagram, Messenger, and WhatsApp. Messenger has launched an “AI Studio” for users to create and manage their own AI personas for conversations. WhatsApp is also introducing an AI Studio for user interaction with AI bots. Instagram is enhancing this trend with AI options in its “Create” tools, allowing real-time character creation and customization. Meta plans to introduce millions of AI profiles that mimic real users, complete with bios and the ability to post and comment, which raises concerns about user awareness and potential psychological impacts. The integration of AI bots may influence engagement metrics and app usage while also raising ethical questions about social interaction. There are concerns about the mental health implications of social media use, especially in light of rising AI-generated misinformation. The competitive pressure for innovation in AI development is influencing the approach taken by social media companies.

AppWizard

March 23, 2025

The best games to play in 2025, so far

In 2025, the gaming landscape features a mix of innovative titles and new iterations of beloved franchises. The standout games, each rated four stars or higher, include: - WWE 2K25: Offers an immersive wrestling experience with a talented roster and innovative modes, though it has monetization strategies that may frustrate fans. - Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii: Revitalizes the Yakuza series with engaging mechanics and a captivating pirate adventure narrative. - Sniper Elite: Resistance: Set in World War II France, it enhances the sniping experience with multiplayer modes and a strategic narrative. - Dynasty Warriors Origins: Features epic battles and refined combat mechanics, creating a thrilling atmosphere. - Wanderstop: A simulation game about a former champion fighter running a tea shop, blending whimsical gameplay with a narrative about personal growth. - Civilization 7: Enhances the 4X formula with stunning visuals and new mechanics, making it accessible for newcomers and rewarding for veterans. - Avowed: Set in the Pillars of Eternity universe, it emphasizes rich storytelling and exploration. - Citizen Sleeper 2: Starward Vector: Enhances narrative depth and introduces new gameplay mechanics, creating a thrilling experience. - Assassin's Creed Shadows: Combines stealth and RPG elements in a beautifully crafted Sengoku-era Japan setting. - Kingdom Come Deliverance 2: Features a detailed open world and engaging quests, rewarding players for overcoming challenges. - Two Point Museum: A humorous simulation game where players build and manage a quirky museum, adding layers of strategy. - Lost Records: Bloom & Rage – Tape One: Introduces a dual timeline for enriched storytelling and innovative mechanics. - Split Fiction: A cooperative game with a blend of genres and gameplay styles, promoting teamwork in a visually stunning world. - Monster Hunter Wilds: Refines the series' core loop with thrilling hunts and gear crafting, emphasizing dynamic combat and immersive environments.

AppWizard

March 22, 2025

Why McDonald’s Minecraft Movie Meal Is A Generational Block Party

McDonald’s Happy Meals have evolved into cultural artifacts, reflecting the interests of different eras, such as Beanie Babies in the '90s, Star Wars collectibles in the 2000s, and Pokémon trading cards in 2025. The introduction of the Minecraft Movie Meal highlights McDonald’s engagement with a cultural phenomenon that resonates with Millennials, Gen Z, and Gen Alpha. Food and gaming have become intertwined, with 56% of Gen Alpha spending weekends gaming, making it a key avenue for social interaction. Minecraft incorporates food as a vital gameplay component, emphasizing its role in community experiences. McDonald’s has successfully leveraged nostalgia and pop culture collaborations, with the Minecraft Movie Meal fostering intergenerational bonding similar to the Pokémon Happy Meal. This meal signifies the ongoing evolution of food, play, and nostalgia, reflecting the convergence of digital and physical play in contemporary culture.

AppWizard

March 16, 2025

New messaging app hopes to get travellers to fill idle time on flights by talking to others

Wingle is a mobile application that enables passengers to communicate with each other during flights without needing an internet connection, utilizing Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. The app allows users to send messages and book airport lounge services, and it was launched in Europe in July 2024, with a global rollout planned for January 2025. It has attracted over 20,000 active users, primarily from Europe. Users create profiles that include personal information and a personality diagram, and conversations are temporary, disappearing after the flight. Wingle generates revenue through commissions from booking services, and its reception has been mixed, with some users appreciating the opportunity for social interaction, while others express concerns about privacy and potential misuse.