Stray Archives

AppWizard

December 28, 2024

Google just gave us our first look at what Samsung XR headset apps might look like

Samsung's XR headset, known as Project Moohan, will debut within the next year and is powered by the Snapdragon XR Plus Gen 2 chip. The Android XR developer blog features a six-second video showing app windows layered over real-world environments. Android XR has two modes: Home Space, which allows multitasking with multiple app windows, and Full Space, which offers a single window experience against a virtual backdrop. Home Space is the default view, with a toggle to switch between modes. Samsung's app windows are expected to reflect the aesthetic of One UI. Android XR will support various input methods, including hand and eye tracking, voice commands, keyboard and mouse, and dedicated controllers. CES 2025, starting January 7, will provide more information about the headset's features and capabilities.

AppWizard

December 26, 2024

What is Minecraft Minepal mod?

The Minecraft Minepal mod introduces an AI-driven non-player character (NPC) that interacts with players in a lifelike manner, powered by ChatGPT. It supports 55 languages and is compatible with Windows, Mac, and Linux, available for free and supporting up to Minecraft version 1.20.4. The NPC can engage in voice chat, assist in constructing structures, accompany players, gather and craft blocks, perform tasks like cooking and repairing, and can be customized in appearance and personality. Installation involves downloading the standalone Minepal application, entering the Minecraft username, specifying the host, selecting the Java version, and launching Minecraft to introduce the NPC into the game.

BetaBeacon

December 12, 2024

Xbox Insiders can now stream owned games to their consoles

Cloud gaming on Xbox consoles with purchased games is only available for some Xbox Insiders in the Alpha Skip Ahead and Alpha rings of the Insider program who are subscribed to Xbox Game Pass Ultimate. There are 50 select games that can be streamed, with more games expected to be added over time.

BetaBeacon

December 7, 2024

Pocket Gamer Awards 2024 winners and game of the year announced

- Brawl Stars earned more by May 2024 than it did in the entirety of 2023.

AppWizard

December 5, 2024

Minecraft: How to Find, Tame, and Breed Black Cats

Black cats in Minecraft are rare variants that can be found in two main locations: Witch Huts in Swamp Biomes and during full moon nights in newly generated villages. To find them, players should look for Witch Huts in the northwest corners of Swamp Biomes or explore new villages at night during a full moon, where there is a 50% chance of spawning black cats. To tame a black cat, players need to collect raw fish (preferably raw cod or raw salmon), approach the cat slowly, and feed it the fish until hearts appear above its head, indicating it has been tamed. Once tamed, the cat will follow the player and can scare away Creepers. Breeding black cats requires two tamed black cats and feeding them raw cod or salmon near a Witch Hut to produce black kittens. Additionally, players can summon black cats using the command /summon cat ~ ~ ~ {variant:all_black}, provided cheats are enabled. Tips for finding black cats include exploring swamps at night, being patient, and ensuring a safe space free from hostile mobs.

Winsage

November 29, 2024

This bold Windows 12 Lite concept video imagines a new direction for Microsoft’s OS

Microsoft has previously attempted to launch lighter versions of its Windows operating system, but these efforts have often been discontinued. A concept designer named AR4789 has created a video for the Windows 12 Lite concept, which emphasizes aesthetic changes rather than technical improvements. The concept features a bottom taskbar for applications and a separate floating taskbar for system icons and the Start menu, resembling the macOS Menu bar. It retains rounded corners for windows and reintroduces a tiled Start menu, which was removed in Windows 11. The Windows Out-of-Box Experience (OOBE) is also envisioned to be revamped while keeping familiar elements. There has been no official announcement from Microsoft about Windows 12, but speculation suggests that the company may have been preparing for its release this year, although the focus has shifted to the rollout of Windows 11 24H2.

AppWizard

November 28, 2024

Steam Autumn Sale 2024: The best deals we’ve spotted

Valve has launched the Steam Autumn Sale for 2024, featuring discounts on thousands of game titles. Notable deals include Dragon’s Dogma 2 for AUD 7.53, Metaphor ReFantazio for AUD 4.21, and early access to Hades 2 for AUD 7.55. Discounts are available on classic games such as Silent Hill 2, Ghost of Tsushima, and the Resident Evil franchise. Some highlighted deals include: - Against the Storm – AUD 9.97 (-50%) - Assassin’s Creed Mirage – AUD 19.98 (-60%) - Crusader Kings 3 – AUD 8.98 (-70%) - Darkest Dungeon – AUD 7.92 (-92%) - Diablo 4 – AUD 29.97 (-40%) - Divinity: Original Sin 2 – AUD 14.48 (-70%) - Monster Hunter Rise – AUD 24.24 (-75%) - Resident Evil 4 – AUD 29.97 (-50%) - Star Wars Jedi Survivor – AUD 24.98 (-75%) - Tiny Tina’s Wonderlands – AUD 9.99 (-80%) Prices are listed in Australian Dollars (AUD).

AppWizard

October 25, 2024

How to find and defeat the Creaking in Minecraft

The Creaking is a creature in Minecraft found exclusively in the Pale Garden biome, identifiable by its grey leaves and moss-covered ground. Players can spot Creaking Hearts in the trees at night, indicating the creature's presence. The Creaking can also be summoned anywhere using a Creaking Heart and pale oak logs. It stands two blocks tall and is confined to the chunk of its connected Creaking Heart. To defeat the Creaking, players must first destroy its Creaking Heart, as the creature is invulnerable until then. Players can choose to flee, engage in combat, or destroy the heart. Attacking the Creaking yields resin for crafting, and it releases particles that help locate the nearest Creaking Heart. Once the heart is destroyed, the Creaking has only half a heart of health and can be defeated with a single blow from most weapons.

AppWizard

October 25, 2024

Critics should stop giving leeway to bad video game movies

The trailer for the Minecraft movie was released on September 4, 2024, and has received widespread criticism for its poor visual quality, awkward dialogue, and failure to capture the essence of the game. A scene featuring Jason Momoa crafting an item from a non-existent recipe and sheep with human teeth has particularly drawn negative attention. The film appears to target a younger audience, potentially alienating the game's significant teenage and young adult fanbase. Director Jared Hess's claim that adapting a game without a clear narrative is challenging is questioned, as Minecraft offers rich storytelling through its gameplay. The film's narrative has been criticized for resembling a generic adventure film rather than an authentic homage to Minecraft.

AppWizard

October 1, 2024

Minecraft Pale Garden biome explained

The 2024 Minecraft showcase introduced the upcoming Bundles Of Bravery update, featuring the new Pale Garden biome. This biome is characterized by its greyish hues and eerie atmosphere, with towering trees and ambient sounds at night. A new mob called The Creaking, which is immune to damage and connected to a central entity known as the Creaking Heart, will inhabit this biome. Players can capture the Creaking Heart with a Silk Touch tool. The update also includes a new wood block, Pale Oak, for building, and hanging moss that spreads to adjacent blocks. An official release date for the Pale Garden has not been announced, but updates are expected within the next few months.