Minecon 2012 took place over the weekend, and its developers at Mojang used it as an opportunity to disclose updates they have planned for Minecraft. Nicknamed the "Redstone Update", the upcoming version 1.5 of Minecraft is set to offer huge changes to the functionality of the redstone power resource and how it interacts with machines.
The update is aimed at changing the way redstone functions, to make it more consistent and—in a sense—logical. New features, such as variable signal strength, will play a role in how redstone works, and players will have to use a new capacitor block to output full power, but only when there's enough redstone to power it up. The new block will work like a repeater, with a single input and output. These capacitors can be configured to decide how much input is required to push an output.
In other words, redstone will function similarly to electricity.
Additionally, the game will see the addition of minecart improvements, a daylight detector (which can be used as a solar panel), fireworks, and a new type of ore that can only be found within the Nether.
In all, the system is expected to allow players to more easily create automated railways and automate logistical stuff in their designs.
The update is set for release in January.
Via GameSpot.
