• GAMERANT.COM
    How to Get Smooth Stone in Minecraft
    Minecraft may be a survival game, but it's also a creative tool that allows players to set their imagination free and come up with awesome creations. There are various resources and materials in Minecraft, which is why it's such a versatile building tool for creative players.
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  • WWW.POLYGON.COM
    How to use the Freezer to freeze and unfreeze items in Blue Prince
    The Freezer is a rare room in Blue Prince that freezes your currency, allowing you to carry it over to the next run. While your assets are frozen in the Freezer, you’re also unable to pick up any more gems or gold pieces. But there are ways to thaw the Freezer — and your assets — exposing deeper secrets and leading you on some new adventures. In this Blue Prince guide, we’ll show you how to unfreeze items in the Freezer, plus explain the door in the Freezer, and what all you’ll find in there. How to melt the ice in the Freezer in Blue Prince Once you draft the Freezer, your gold and gems will automatically freeze, meaning you not only can’t spend your existing gold and gems, but you also can’t pick up any you come across in future rooms. A little thermometer icon will appear in the bottom right corner of your screen. You’ll also notice several frozen items on the shelves next to you, in addition to a big ice chest ahead, and a frozen door to the left. There are two primary ways to unfreeze the items (and the doorway) in the Freezer. Use a fire item to melt every chunk of ice in the Freezer. This includes the door, and you can in the Freezer by clicking on them. When you first start the game, you’ll have access to the Burning Glass fire item, which you can craft via the Workshop by combining the Magnifying Glass and the Metal Detector. Alternatively, after you’ve solved the chess puzzle, you can select the Knight’s power, which will give you access to the Armory, which sells the Torch. The Torch can do the same things as the Burning Glass, but doesn’t require you to combine multiple items together to make it. Heat up the room itself. If you draft a Furnace in relative proximity to the Freezer and then re-enter the Freezer, the temperature will slowly tick up. (According to our testing, column doesn’t have bearing on the outcome, but you’ll need to place both rooms within three ranks of each other.) As the thermometer rises, the ice will start to disappear and you’ll gain access to all the goodies inside. Hanging out in the Furnace or Sauna room for long enough will also unfreeze your assets. But that’s not all there is to the Freezer. [Ed. note: Spoilers follow for Blue Prince.] All Freezer items and clues in Blue Prince The Freezer contains several currency items — which can be annoying, given your gold and gems are frozen, but helpful if you decide to heat the room with the Furnace. But the real treasure is in the frozen room and the ice chest. In the ice chest, you’ll find a Prism Key, which is very useful for drafting around the house. But you’ll also find a letter from the Baron. This letter will give you some significant hints for both solving the house’s two picture puzzle and for how how you should interpret the message you get when you do. Inside the frozen room, you can pick up an Upgrade Disk for any nearby terminals and a letter that will help you figure out the Admin Key you need to get into the terminal in Blackbridge Grotto, one of the estate’s permanent additions. For more Blue Prince guides, see our full walkthrough on how to reach Room 46, our explainer on how to solve Mora Jai puzzle boxes, and our list of all safe codes.
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  • LIFEHACKER.COM
    You Can Get This Kodak Instant Photo Printer on Sale for $70 Right Now
    We may earn a commission from links on this page. Deal pricing and availability subject to change after time of publication.There’s something nostalgic about holding a printed photo in your hand, especially in a world full of scrolling and swiping. That’s probably why the Kodak Step Instant Smartphone Photo Printer has been getting so much attention—it's small enough to fit in a bag, quick enough to use on the go, and doesn’t rely on ink or toner. Right now, it’s down to $69.99 on StackSocial in black, white, or blue. And if awards matter to you, PCMag named it their Best Photo Printer of the Year for 2023 and gave it their Editor’s Choice stamp. Not bad for something made of lightweight plastic with a matte finish, weighing less than your phone and fitting neatly in your pocket.This little gadget pairs with your smartphone—iOS or Android—via Bluetooth or NFC and spits out 2x3-inch prints in under a minute. There’s no ink involved—just ZINK (zero ink) photo paper that uses embedded dye crystals. That said, the starter pack includes just five sheets of photo paper, so you’ll need to stock up early if you plan on using it often. The prints aren’t pro-lab quality (but you’re not expecting that either), but they’re colorful, smudge-proof, water-resistant, come with a peel-and-stick backing, and are great for scrapbooks, mood boards, or slapping on your fridge. You can print up to 25 photos on a single charge, and everything runs through the Kodak app. The app isn’t mind-blowing, but it lets you do the basics—crop, add filters, toss in a few stickers, maybe a frame or two.It also comes with a one-year manufacturer’s warranty, which is good peace of mind for a portable printer at this price. Shipping is limited to the contiguous US, so keep that in mind if you're browsing from outside. But overall, this is a straightforward little printer that doesn’t overpromise, doesn’t overcomplicate, and actually delivers on the fun of printing your memories in real time.
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  • WWW.ENGADGET.COM
    EU regulators reportedly delayed Apple and Meta penalty announcements ahead of US trade talks
    The European Commission (EC) reportedly delayed regulatory penalty announcements against Apple and Meta this week as it accelerates its push for a trade deal with the US. On Friday, the Wall Street Journal said the move led to concern from European Parliament lawmakers that political factors are influencing the body's regulatory decisions. The EU is said to have initially planned to announce cease-and-desist orders against Apple and Meta on Tuesday and reportedly told at least one of the companies about the timing in advance. The WSJ says the decision to postpone the announcement came shortly before EU Trade Commissioner Maroš Šefčovič met with US officials in Washington on Monday, the official's first in-person talks with the US since President Donald Trump's 90-day tariff pause. On Tuesday, an EC spokesperson said technical work had been completed on the cases, but no dates had been announced. "We're currently working on the adoption of final decisions in the short term," the spokesman reportedly said. Kevin Dietsch via Getty Images The European Commission's penalties stem from the Digital Markets Act (DMA), which aims to level the playing field for smaller companies competing with Big Tech behemoths. The EC probed Meta for its scheme that lets users opt out of personalized ads, for a price. Meanwhile, Apple's case relates to the company's rules that limit developers' ability to steer consumers to transactions outside the App Store. The EC opened the probes in March 2024. Under the DMA, companies could be fined up to 10 percent of their global annual revenue. However, the WSJ reports that the financial penalties would be much lower than that, and the cease-and-desist orders would be much more impactful. Earlier this month, EU antitrust chief Teresa Ribera told lawmakers that the EC wouldn't meet her March deadline to issue a decision on Apple and Meta. That statement was on April 8, a day before Trump officials announced a pause on the "Liberation Day" tariffs. The WSJ reports that the regulatory decisions are still expected to advance, but it isn't clear how long their announcement will be delayed. The European Commission has previously claimed it would fight to defend its "regulatory autonomy" despite pressure from Trump and his Big Tech backers to neuter the bloc's restrictions on American businesses.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/big-tech/eu-regulators-reportedly-delayed-apple-and-meta-penalty-announcements-ahead-of-us-trade-talks-164644661.html?src=rss
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  • VFXEXPRESS.COM
    Compositing and Lighting Godzilla X Kong: The New Empire by Wētā FX
    Hollow Earth, the awe-inspiring realm of titans, was a world crafted entirely in CG, free from the boundaries of plate photography. Director Adam Wingard envisioned this underground landscape with its own unique cinematic language, pushing Wētā FX to rethink scale and speed in ways rarely explored. One of the biggest challenges was creating lighting that felt natural and visually stunning, even though the scenes were technically set inside vast caves. The lighting team worked extensively to develop a convincing outdoor-style lighting approach for this surreal world, ensuring the titans’ epic battles felt grand yet grounded within their fantastical environment. The final result is a seamless blend of technical brilliance and creative storytelling. The post Compositing and Lighting Godzilla X Kong: The New Empire by Wētā FX appeared first on Vfxexpress.
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  • WWW.FASTCOMPANY.COM
    China and Cambodia’s $1.2 billion canal project raises environmental concerns
    Cambodia and China have signed a $1.2 billion deal to finance an ambitious canal project that aims to boost trade efficiency by linking a branch of the Mekong River near Phnom Penh to a port on the Gulf of Thailand, the Cambodian government agency heading the project announced Friday. The deal to fund the Funan Techo Canal was signed Thursday during the state visit to Cambodia of Chinese President Xi Jinping, the agency said in a news release. Xi returned home Friday after a three-nation Southeast Asian tour that also included Vietnam and Malaysia. Construction of the 151.6-kilometer (94-mile) canal began last year but was halted shortly after the Aug. 5 groundbreaking ceremony for reasons that were not made clear. Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet said at the time that the canal will be built “no matter what the cost,” emphasizing that the project promotes “national prestige, the territorial integrity and the development of Cambodia.” Described as a public-private partnership contract, the deal was signed by Deputy Prime Minister Sun Chanthol on behalf of Cambodia’s government, and by Ieng Sunly of the Funan Techo Coastal-Inland Waterways Company Ltd., the private sector partner. The project is being developed on a build-operate-transfer basis, with Cambodian investors holding a 51% stake, and Chinese investors holding 49%. “The canal will create a new inland waterway-maritime corridor capable of handling vessels up to 3,000 deadweight tons,” according to Friday’s announcement. It will encompass canal excavation and the construction of ship locks, navigation and logistics infrastructure. “As an inland waterway and important transport infrastructure in Cambodia, the FTC Project will become a new engine driving national economic growth,” said Wang Tongzhou, chairman of China Communications Construction Company, in the announcement. He added that “after completion, it will significantly reduce the comprehensive logistics costs in Cambodia, and promote Cambodia’s industry to the middle-to-high end of the value chain.” China Communications Construction Company is the parent company of China Road and Bridge Corporation, the contractor for the project’s construction from the Bassac River to the coastal province of Kep. The massive state-owned firm has faced scrutiny for its alleged involvement in financial scandals. It is also blacklisted by the United States for its role in helping the Chinese military construct and militarize artificial islands in the South China Sea. According to Friday’s announcement, the canal is expected to create “up to 50,000 direct and indirect jobs in Cambodia.” Critics have raised concerns that the canal could severely disrupt the Mekong River’s natural flood patterns. These disruptions could lead to worsening droughts and a reduction in the nutrient-rich silt essential for Vietnam’s vital rice production in the Mekong Delta, a region that sustains millions and is a major global rice exporter. The signing announcement, however, stated that, “A rigorous Environmental Impact Assessment, conducted by 48 specialists, confirmed minimal environmental impact.” It added that the Cambodian government has led efforts to minimize resettlement “with a route designed to avoid dense communities and cultural sites” and that “a responsible compensation and consultation process is underway.” —Sopheng Cheang, Associated Press
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  • WWW.YANKODESIGN.COM
    Casio G-SHOCK G5600BG-5 Makes Sustainability Stylish and Durable
    Casio’s G-SHOCK lineup has never been one to shy away from bold ideas, and the G5600BG-5 adds an eco-friendly twist to the brand’s signature toughness. Watch enthusiasts and green-minded shoppers are always looking for that perfect blend of style and substance. With this model, you’re not just getting the durability G-SHOCK is famous for but also a little piece of Casio’s sustainability story right on your wrist. At the heart of the G5600BG-5 is an innovative use of factory waste resin that would usually get tossed aside. Casio collects the leftover resin scraps from making other G-SHOCK components, powders them, and then mixes them into a warm beige base. You’ll spot unique flecks of white and olive green throughout the band and bezel, so every single watch ends up with its own subtle pattern and color blend. Designer: Casio That means no two G5600BG-5 watches are exactly alike, giving each one an individual character. It’s not just marketing hype: these variations come directly from recycled resin sourced from Casio’s own factory waste, so your watch will have a truly one-of-a-kind design. If you’re someone who likes a little surprise or a personal touch in your accessories, this detail is bound to catch your eye. On the style front, the G5600BG-5 stands out by keeping things understated but fresh. The beige body, accented with those olive and white speckles, gives off an effortlessly versatile vibe. Whether you’re heading out on a weekend hike or just need a reliable daily driver, the look fits right in. It’s a great pick for anyone who likes their gear to hint at adventure without shouting about it. Of course, this wouldn’t be a proper G-SHOCK without the technical chops to back up the unique appearance. The G5600BG-5 boasts the famous shock resistance that’s kept this brand ticking for decades, along with 20 bar water resistance for peace of mind during swims or sudden downpours. The display is designed to be easy to read even in low light, with a backlight that’s just a button press away. Where this model truly flexes its green credentials is with the G5600 Tough Solar system. The watch charges up from even modest indoor lighting, virtually eliminating the hassle of battery replacements and making it a friend to the forgetful among us. The fact that both the band and bezel are made from recycled resin scraps is the cherry on top for anyone keen on reducing their environmental impact. This isn’t Casio’s first foray into recycled resin watches, but the new colorway with a beige base and olive green flecks is a refreshing take on last year’s model. For longtime G-SHOCK collectors and newcomers alike, the G5600BG-5 is a standout: practical, unique, and packing just a little bit of history in every piece.The post Casio G-SHOCK G5600BG-5 Makes Sustainability Stylish and Durable first appeared on Yanko Design.
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  • WWW.WIRED.COM
    My Fleece Jacket Is See-Through: Alpha Direct and Grid Fleece
    The gorpcore backpackers are wearing a breathable fabric called Alpha Direct or grid fleece. It’s coming for your cover-ups.
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