Back to Classics, “WoW: Burning Crusade Classic” Interview with John Hight & Brian Birmingham

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The existence of the World of Warcraft series as the most iconic MMORPG game over the last few decades has made Blizzard a prominent position in the gaming industry. In order to maintain this legacy, Blizzard has released the latest World of Warcraft Classic game as a new game platform for WoW fans. And it doesn’t feel like it’s been almost two years since it was officially released, now Blizzard has prepared new content for it through the Burning Crusade Classic expansion.

To dive deeper into the contents of the expansion, we’ve rounded up an exclusive BlizzConline 2021 interview with Executive Producer – John Hight and Lead Software Engineer – Brian Birmingham. You can see the full summary below.

World of Warcraft: Burning Crusade Classic at a Glance

As many fans know, Burning Crusade was the first expansion released for the original WoW game back in 2007, and Burning Crusade Classic is a reimagined version that brings the content of the expansion back to WoW Classic. The content that the expansion offers is very diverse and includes new areas to explore, two new character races to play, PvP Arena mode, flying mounts, new Raid and Dungeon challenges, Jewel crafting options, up to the level cap being increased to 70.

Of course, bringing the expansion that was released 13 years ago to the current era is not an easy task, because the developer must convert the game data to the latest format that is currently used as the basis for WoW Classic. Even though it ends up being an easier task, there are various bugs, fixes, and new improvements that must be brought along to create an expansion that can surpass the original material.

Comparison with the Classic Expansion

Because it includes the latest version of the old expansion, fans’ expectations for Burning Crusade Classic are of course also quite high, such as what new improvements it offers. Answering this curiosity, Brian said “One thing we discussed was the addition of Quality of Life (QoL) features, such as the ability to strengthen Blood Elves and Draenei from Level 1 with a pre-expansion patch so we hope players have enough time to reach Level 1 58 and enter the Dark Portal with friends”.

Although there is a desire to bring a variety of new changes to this expansion, the developers also prioritize a more authentic experience and can meet the expectations of fans, especially for those who want to return to nostalgia. Therefore, the focus this time is more towards adding features that make the playing experience more comfortable and the availability of stable server access. This is also because they think that WoW is a more suitable and fun game to play with friends.

The new content that is the main highlight of Burning Crusade is the Karazhan Quest, which allows players to get Karazhan for the first time. Through a series of new story mission players will be taken on an epic adventure through the WoW world from Khadgar to … Read More..

ARE MOBILE APPS THE FUTURE OF ONLINE TICKETING?

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The development of technology has succeeded in bringing the world to us, allowing us to do what was once regarded as the impossible, with our smartphones.

The travel industry is not left out in this innovation as people can now book flight tickets online with mobile phones, which users of Collected.Reviews have said it makes their travels easier and more convenient. Airlines and other travel agencies have mobile applications where you can access any of their services like buying tickets online, ordering taxi services, booking hotels, etc, regardless of where you are provided you have your smartphone and an internet connection.

Online ticketing has received a wide welcome from travelers all over the world because they can perform multiple transactions without having to stand in queues, they also have control over the whole ticketing process and they are accountable for their actions.

Advantages of Mobile Apps for Online ticketing

Mobile apps have helped to reduce some of the problems of traveling. Some of the changes that the introduction of these have brought about include:

1.      Efficiency:

You can book a flight, reserve a seat, hold a flight, change flight details, book taxi service, file a complaint, get your complaint resolved, book hotel reservations, and so on with a mobile app. If you were to do this without a mobile app, you will likely spend more money and energy, you might even spend more than a day.

2.      Increase in the Number of Passengers:

Before, people who did not have time to go to the airport or contact someone at the airport to book a flight were not able to travel. Nowadays, with the mobile app bringing the airport to your hand, anyone can book a flight at any time when they are free.

3.      Customer Satisfaction:

Mobile apps allow travel agencies to attend to the needs of their customers effectively. You can chat or call a customer representative and have your issue sorted in no time.

4.      Faster Boarding Time:

This is not a direct advantage of mobile apps however, when you book a flight online, you do not have to spend time in a queue at the sales counter when you get to the airport. Also, you can check-in before the flight with your mobile app. All you have to do at the airport is print your boarding pass and proceed to the departure. Also, in the bus service, you can pay bus fares with your mobile app and have your seat instead of struggling with other commuters to pay for a ticket.

5.      Environmental Friendly:

Mobile apps eliminate the use of papers which when disposed of after use can lead to pollution and are sometimes not even properly disposed of. Also, given the current situation of the world, mobile apps help you stay safe and avoid contact with people.

Other than these, there are other innovations available that confirm that mobile apps are the future of online ticketing. Innovations like the use … Read More..

ESG and Reasons Why Practicing it is Beneficial

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Shareholders, investors, and fund managers’ global investment priorities are changing. We are witnessing a significant wealth shift to youth, ecological degradation, rising costs and risks, and increased operational efficiency through sustainability. 

Compassionate investors use ESG data (Environmental, Social, and Governance) parameters to screen transactions and determine a company’s effect on the planet.

Businesses may also use ESG to describe:

ESG monitoring entails disclosing information about environmental, social, and governance (ESG) parameters, such as the amount of greenhouse gas (GHG) released in a given year.

ESG data is a measure of how well a company performs in environmental, social, and governance issues. 

ESG

Environmental, social, and governance standards are divided into three major groups, or “pillars.” 

Environmental Aspect

The environmental aspect looks at how an organization behaves as a caretaker of the environment.

This contains the following:

  • Climate change action
  • Emissions and reductions of greenhouse gases
  • The use of water

The Social Aspect 

It looks at how it deals with staff, vendors, clients, and the cultures in which it works. The following are some of the themes:

  • Workplace regulations
  • Performance in terms of health and safety
  • Ways in which a business handles its customers and clients

The Governance Aspect

The leadership of a corporation, executive compensation, accounting, corporate governance, and shareholding are all covered by governance standards. This contains the following:

  • Measures to combat corruption
  • Transparency in the tax system

Benefits of ESG Data 

  1. Investors Would Find it More Appealing 

Businesses with greater ESG scores are more likely to be funded by green investment funds and socially conscious investors.

  1. Improved Results

According to a leading asset manager Amundi, funds with high ESG scores outpaced competitive portfolios between 2014 and 2017.

  1. ESG Data Provides Adaptability as a Virtue

Changing market models reduce the effect of technological or regulatory disruption.

  1. ESG Prepares Businesses for Regulations

ESG standards promote the use of renewable resources and technology, and investment in it, to minimize carbon emissions and costs associated with environmental taxes or compensation for carbon offsets.

  1. A New Perspective

ESG data promotes technological advances in encouraging a shared economy that drives creativity and productivity.

  1. A Positive Brand Image

Organizations with strong ESG values may have higher employee retention and greater brand awareness among their consumers and employees.

Showing a consistent ESG score by reflecting on how you perform your business activities, not just how much money you make, is vital to please this segment of socially conscious investors.… Read More..

The Best Devices for a Smart Kitchen and Basement Design

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Kitchen remodeling and basement finishing continue to top the list of favorite home updates, but what homeowners considered essential a few years ago may not even be included in today’s projects. If you follow any of the home improvement shows, it’s obvious that smart home technology is now incorporated into the majority of remodeling projects. So, which devices are current favorites?

Major Appliances

Smart refrigerators are now relatively common in many kitchen remodeling projects, but the latest versions make it even easier for homeowners to manage their food supply. Kitchen and home designers encourage homeowners to consider the newest technology when they’re exploring ideas for their new smart kitchen. Artificial intelligence, or AI, is coming to homes, with the newest refrigerators and other appliances now learning to think for themselves rather than simply responding to commands.

The range in an updated kitchen now works with users to make sure food is cooked properly, but most ovens and cooktops haven’t yet reached the levels of automation refrigerators enjoy. However, new ranges now include numerous features that enable cooks to prepare even the fussiest dishes easily. Temperature controls, for example, are far more accurate than in the past. Induction cooktops are now considered to be must-have appliances for many cooks, as they offer increased safety and faster heating than either gas or electric cooktops.

Countertop Appliances

While property owners can still opt for traditional countertop appliances that function as designed, modern smart countertop appliances are proving to be ideal for anyone looking for ways to prepare foods and drinks faster. Smart countertop ovens provide fast and easy ways to prepare a wide variety of dishes without having to heat up the entire kitchen. Some of the newest options actually scan packages to automate the preparation process. Users don’t need to do much but wait for the food to cook.

Far too many meals are ruined when ingredients are not measured correctly. While measuring cups are “close,” most serious cooks now use scales to measure ingredients. Today’s top smart scales not only measure ingredients accurately but also work with smartphone apps to help cooks substitute ingredients or change portion sizes. If you’ve ever grabbed the wrong measuring cup and ruined a recipe, you know how important accurate measuring can be.

Instant Pots have been around for a few years, and many homeowners now use them all the time. Smart WiFi-enabled Instant Pots take that appliance to the next level. Top-of-the-line models now use smartphone apps to control cooking. Users can even use Alexa to control the devices without having to interrupt another activity. If you’re dealing with kids or job duties, not having to go to the kitchen to check the device or change settings can be incredibly convenient.

Basement updates

For those who opt to re-do their basement, there are plenty of ways to incorporate smart home components.   A popular feature in today’s basement refinishing and remodeling projects is a home theater.  The advancement in the technology for home theaters gives homeowners … Read More..

How to Select Suitable Broadband Plan

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The internet is now a necessity at home. We can do many things or connect at home to the internet as a source of communication, entertainment, security, business, etc. Thus, the need to consider a suitable broadband plan for your home.

The first step in finding suitable broadband plans for your home is to compare internet providers using people’s feedback on a reputable review website like Britainreviews.co.uk. A list of broadband services online reviews will help make the right decision of broadband plan at your home. When choosing a suitable broadband plan for home use, the following considerations are pertinent.

1.  The number of people to share broadband

Considering the broadband plan for your home, you should plan according to the number of people in the home. The cost of internet usage for a single person will differ for a group of people living in the same house. If there is more than one person in a place, you will need more data and upgrade your broadband plan to a higher level. A home with kids who frequently use the internet will require a higher broadband plan than a family made up of a couple.

2.  The internet-connected devices

Nowadays, there are many things we can do with the internet. From security devices to smart television are all connected to the internet. The more gadgets at home connected to the internet,the higher the broadband plan you will need. Before picking out a broadband plan, please make a list of the internet-connected devices and use it to calculate the broadband plan that will suit your home. From customer reviews, you can learn which of these broadband plans is suitable for many connected devices.

3.  The purpose of the internet

The way and what you use the internet for will also determine your broadband plan. Heavy users who play games online, stream videos, and download will require a higher broadband plan. They can quickly exhaust a small broadband plan, suitable for light users in checking emails, checking social media, and browsing in general. Make a list of your internet activities, and from there, you can deduce the amount of data you can consume monthly. Doing this will help you to determine the broadband plan suitable for your home use.

4.  Time spent at home

Those who spend much time at home usually consume more data than those who spend less time. The time you spend at home will determine your kind of work and be considered in suitable broadband plans for your home use. Those who work from home will need a higher broadband plan because they will consume many data over a long period. While those who spend much time in the office or the kids don’t have much time at home will require a lesser broadband plan.

5.  Affordability of the broadband plan

You can read reviews and compare what the available broadband plan and internet services have to offer. Finding an affordable broadband plan will save … Read More..