The Flaming Lips are an American rock band formed in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma and the pandemic has caused them to think outside the box for their latest concert, literally. Held at The Criterion in Oklahoma City, everyone in attendance, including the band members, were encased in inflatable human-sized bubbles. Fortunately (or unfortunately), this is just a temporary thing, and was also for a music video shoot. Read more for a video clip and additional information.
The 2021 Mercedes-AMG GT Black Series is the successor to the SLS AMG and builds upon its predecessor in every way possible. It’s powered by a twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V8 generating 730 horsepower and 590 pound-feet of torque, paired with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox that sends power to the rear wheels. All of this power means that it can hit 62 miles per hour in 3.4 seconds and 124 mph in 8.8 seconds. Read more to see it in-action at the Nürburgring.
DIERYA’s DK61E 60% Mechanical RGB Backlit Gaming Keyboard is smaller than standard-sized models, but doesn’t lack in features, and you can get one for $49.49 shipped after Prime members (30-day free trial) clip the on-page coupon, today only, originally $54.99. Its IPX4 Certified so you won’t have to worry about accidentally spilling liquid on the keyboard, while the specially designed keycaps reduce fatigue during extended play sessions. Product page. Read more for a hands-on video review and additional information.
It’s official, NASA has selected Nokia Bell Labs to advance “Tipping Point” technologies for the Moon by deploying the first LTE/4G communications system in space in a bid to help pave the way towards sustainable human presence on the lunar surface. This ultra-compact, low-power, space-hardened, end-to-end LTE solution should be completed by late 2022. The company is partnering with Intuitive Machines for this mission to integrate this groundbreaking network into their lunar lander, which self-configures upon deployment.
The problem with virtual reality devices is that controllers can only be used for interacting with objects, but Microsoft has a wrist-worn haptic device that will let you feel them. Called the Haptic PIVOT, this device renders virtual objects into the user’s hand on demand, consisting of a single actuated joint that pivots a haptic handle. This means that objects can be moved in and out of a user’s hand, giving them the sensation of grasping, catching, or throwing an object.
Photo credit: Jesus Rivera / UCI
Found mainly in the U.S. Southwest, the diabolical ironclad beetle hides under rocks and inside trees, but thanks to an exoskeleton, it can even survive being run over by a car. That’s right, its crush-resistant structures makes it nearly indestructible, specifically, its elytra. The elytra are basically the forewing blades that open and close to safeguard the flight wings from bacteria, but the ironclad’s elytra have evolved to become a solid, protective shield.
As many already know, Half-Life: Alyx is a virtual reality first-person shooter set between the events of Half-Life (1998) and Half-Life 2 (2004). Players take control of Alyx Vance who is on a mission to seize a superweapon belonging to the alien Combine. This latest mod lets you enter the world of BioShock Rapture in virtual reality, if you’re brave enough that is. Called “Return to Rapture,” the mod is focused on Andrew Ryan, the founder of Rapture, who holds a suitcase with the key to ADAM (a genetics-manipulating chemical) and BioShock’s iconic plasmids.
There’s the Tesla Cybertruck, and then the GMC Hummer EV, powered by the company’s own proprietary Ultium battery technology. Its three electric motors produce a combined 1,000 horsepower and 11,500 pound-feet of torque, or so GMC claims. The 24-module, double-stacked battery pack allegedly is good for an estimated range of 350-plus miles on a full charge. To help it get around, the Hummer EV comes equipped with 35-inch Goodyear Wrangler Territory mud-terrain tires, or optional 37-inch tires if need be. Read more for two videos, additional pictures and information.
NASA’s Origins, Spectral Interpretation, Resource Identification, Security, Regolith Explorer (OSIRIS-REx) spacecraft briefly touched down on asteroid 101955 Bennu and unfurled its robotic arm Tuesday to collect dust and pebbles from the surface for delivery to Earth in 2023. This ancient rock is currently more than 200 million miles from Earth, and the materials collected will give insight to the early solar system as it was first taking shape billions of years ago. Read more for a video and additional information.
The Apple Watch Series 6 (GPS, 40mm) may have just been released last month, but you can already get one for $374.98 shipped, this week only, originally $399. Unlike its predecessors, this latest model can measure the oxygen saturation of the user’s blood, which represents the percentage of oxygen being carried by red blood cells from the lungs to the rest of the body. The reading you get indicates how well this oxygenated blood is being delivered throughout the body. Product page. Read more for a hands-on video review and additional information.