If you aren't playing Mojang and Microsoft's Minecraft, you are definitely out of the loop when it comes to this sandbox/strategy game with a square looking world that has entrapped both old and the young.  There has been recent .13 updates to the Pocket Edition, Windows 10 Edition Beta, but most are looking forward to that Combat update and its release date, features, and more. 

On the Windows Blog, Microsoft recently announced the free update to the Minecraft: Pocket Edition as well as Minecraft: Windows 10 Edition Beta.  As of November 19th, players in either of these versions can use Redstone components, explore new desert temples, use five new door types, and collect six types of rabbits.  It is also possible to purchase the new Biome Settler character skins, and a whole lot more. 

This .13 update brings the first of three groups of simple Redstone items with Redstone wires, Redstone torches, Redstone lamps, levers, buttons, pressure plates, tripwire hooks, note blocks, trapped chests, detector rails, and TNT.  There will be some advanced blocks like Pistons, Repeaters and others planned for future updates. 

Gamespot reports that while players are exploring desert biomes, the might find mysterious desert temples emerging from the sands.  It is possible for players to journey into these places and make a lot of loots, assuming they can survive the death-traps inside.  As for the bunnies, there is some serious AI technology put in them to make them cute, but they can also eat up a player's crop, so beware. 

The Biome Settler Pack 1 ($1.99) is the first of a series of forest, tundra, and desert biome-inspired skin packs, and it can add more than two dozen new character skins to the game.  The new skin pack brings in settler characters like archers, hunters, and brewers, so players can get ready to roleplay.   

In addition to the beta update for the Pocket Edition, fans are eagerly looking forward to update 1.9, which is also known as the Combat Update.  According to Minecraft's own Gamepedia, This Combat update is expected to "overhaul the combat system, among other additions and changes".  It was expected that this update would arrive in mid-October, but this doesn't seem to happen. 

iDgitialTimes reports that the features of Minecraft Update 1.9 were discussed during a MineCon Panel.  One of the features discussed in this presentation was plans to overhaul the game-ending Ender Dragon encounter.  Most players have found that this foe isn't too difficult for this game's equivalent of a final boss, and the game doesn't give much incentive to try even to slay this dragon.  Mojang wants to motivate players by tying in new things with the dragon, and explore the new islands coming in the end.

Version 1.9 also plans to introduce a new dimension that includes a new zone complete with new blocks, new food source, new mobs and other changes that could take a while to implement, hence the increased wait.  Other new updates to Version 1.9 include new items like enchanted arrows and spell effects.  These arrows include spectral arrows, invisibility arrows, and poison arrows.   There is also talk of dual-wielding, as the player can toggle the primary hand of the character. 

There is still no word on the release date of the long-awaited Version 1.9, but if Mojang is smart, they will have it out before the holiday season, but it doesn't seem to be coming out for Thanksgiving weekend.