Photo credit: Desheng Kong via Oddity Central
Researchers from China’s College of Engineering and Applied Sciences at Nanjing University have developed an innovative alternating-current electroluminescent (ACEL) display that is thin enough to be worn on skin, similar to a temporary tattoo. It links with a human-machine interface that enables information to be displayed directly onto human skin. It consists of an electroluminescent layer made of light-emitting microparticles sandwiched between two flexible silver nanowire electrodes. Read more for additional pictures and information.
Based on the 1962 Chevy C-10 pickup truck, the E-10 combines classic style with modern technologies, including an illuminated Chevy logo, front / rear LED lights as well as a lowered suspension sporting 20-inch and 22-inch wheels (front / rear) for a more aggressive stance. What really sets it apart is that GM replaced the original 4.6L V8 engine with Chevy’s electric Connect & Cruise concept crate propulsion package offering “approximately 450 horsepower” with “proven components from the Chevrolet Bolt EV.” Read more for a video, additional pictures and information.
Batman fans rejoice! LEGO revealed today their all-new DC Batman 76139 1989 Batmobile model car kit that eplicates the classic curves of the famous Batmobile car, as seen in Tim Burton’s 1989 Batman movie. It measures 60cm long and consists of 3,306 pieces, offering a challenging and rewarding build. Authentic features include a slide-open cockpit with a wraparound windshield element, 2 hidden machine guns with a pop-up function activated by turning the turbine exhaust, and decorative grappling hooks on each side of the vehicle.
Microsoft’s HoloLens 2 headset was first announced earlier this year, and now, it’s finally shipping to customers. Improvements from the original model include a diagonal field of view of 52°, which improves over the 34° field of view of the first edition, all the while keeping a resolution of 47 pixels per degree. This mixed reality device combines the company’s artificial intelligence, Azure, and cloud-computing platforms into one. Read more for a hands-on video and additional information.
US Secretary of Defense Mark T. Esper released a statement claiming that China is manufacturing and selling weaponized drones to the Middle East, while it prepares to export its next generation stealth UAVs [unmanned aerial vehicles]. Chinese weapons manufacturers are also selling drones advertised as capable of full autonomy, including the capability of conducting lethal targeted strikes. Read more for a video and additional information.
Drones are already changing the commerce as well as food delivery industries, and soon, we could be seeing them in the world of luxury. How so? Well, a Netherlands-based Dutch insurance company has managed to create a hammock drone of sorts. Simply put, the idea consists of a regulars-sized hammock that not only can move, but can float just about anywhere, thanks to industrial-sized drones. Read more for the video if you missed it the first time around.
Photo credit: University of Rochester/J. Adam Fenster
University of Rochester and the Changchun Institute of Optics, Fine Mechanics, and Physics researchers have figured out how to make unsinkable metals using superhydrophobic (water repelling) materials. To accomplish this, they created structures made up of two treated aluminum surfaces facing each other, connected by a small central pole, designed to trap the maximum amount of air. What they ended up with was a virtually unsinkable metal. Read more for a video and additional information.
Apple AirPods Pro have gone on sale yet again ahead of Black Friday, and you can pick up a pair for $234.99 shipped, originally $249.99. In addition to Active Noise Cancellation, AirPods Pro delivers superior sound quality with Adaptive EQ, which automatically tunes the low- and mid-frequencies of the music to the exact shape of your ear, thus resulting in a rich, immersive listening experience. It also uses a custom high dynamic range amplifier to generate pure, incredibly clear sound while also extending battery life, and it even powers a custom high-excursion, low-distortion speaker driver designed to optimize audio quality and remove background noise. Product page. Read more for a video review / comparison and additional information.
UPS’s Flight Forward drones have now flown prescription medications to the front lawn of a private home and to a retirement center, marking the company’s first revenue-generating deliveries for drugstore chain CVS. The maiden delivery flight was completed on Friday in Cary, North Carolina, and the second drone flight delivered medications to a public space at a retirement community. These shoe box-sized packages were lowered from drones hovering at an altitude of about 20 feet. Read more for two videos and additional information.
You’ve probably seen the spy photos, but now, the 2020 BMW M2 CS has officially launched, powered by a 3.0-liter TwinPower Turbo six-cylinder engine making 444 hp and 406 lb-ft of torque, mate to either a six-speed manual or a seven-speed dual clutch transmission. If you opt for the former, it can accelerate from 0-60 mph in 4.0 seconds, and hit a top speed of 174 mph, while the optional dual-clutch transmission hits 60 mph in 4.2 seconds. Read more for a video and additional information.