- Tech News
Viva Brazuca: Taking the 2014 World Cup Game Ball For a Spin
Every four years, there’s another World Cup. Every World Cup gets a new game ball. And since 1970, that ball has been made by Adidas. Enter Brazuca, the official game ball for World Cup 2014. It’s different, which is great—especially for players who find themselves in need of a scapegoat. Disclosure: We were so excited … Continued
By Leslie Horn - Tech News
Why Don’t We Design a Better Wheelchair?
What’s the difference between using a wheelchair and wearing glasses? Both take advantage of technology to adjust or enhance human capabilities. Yet we tend to consider people in wheelchairs as disabled, and people with glasses as, well, relatively normal. It’s all about perspective. The Atlantic’s Rebecca Rosen recently interviewed Sara Hendren, who runs a blog … Continued
- Tech NewsMicrosoft
You Can 3D Print Your Very Own Movie Prop From The Hobbit
If you fit into the piece of the Venn diagram between “Fans of The Hobbit,” “Microsoft Users,” and “Folks Who Have a 3D Printer,” Microsoft and Warner Bros. UK have a treat: On December 13th, when the second Hobbit movie debuts, you’ll be able to download plans to 3D print your own souvenir: the Key … Continued
- Tech NewsDesign
Here’s the Perfect Diary To Divulge How Much You Miss Your Game Boy
You remember that fateful Thanksgiving many years ago, don’t you? The whole family was over and your cousin was playing with your beloved Game Boy—until you heard the crash. Despite being in another room, you instantly recognized the sound. It was your Game Boy falling to its death. Technically, it still worked, but there were … Continued
- Tech News
Philly Is Suing Scientology Over Its Vacant “Cathedral of the Future”
The Church of Scientology has reportedly spent roughly half a billion dollars buying up buildings in U.S. cities over the past few years—but, in many cases, these huge buildings have remained vacant. Now, the city of Philadelphia is taking the church to court over an empty tower. Using $7.85 million in donations, the church bought … Continued
- io9
The io9 Book Club is in session! Let’s talk about Neptune’s Brood.
Welcome to the monthly meeting of the io9 Book Club. In November, we read Charles Stross’ Neptune’s Brood. Jump into comments to get started talking about it! For those unfamiliar with the io9 book club, here’s how it works: You read the book. We create a special book club post on io9 when the meeting … Continued
- io9
Peter Parker returns to Spider-Man. ‘Nuff said.
Those people jonesing for the original, non-Dr. Octopus-inhabited Spider-Man will have a good day tomorrow, as The Amazing Spider-Man #700.1 hits comic store shelves tomorrow. It’s set before the switch, so it’s not technically in modern continuity, but at least Peter Parker will be webslinging across New York City in his one body for the … Continued
By Rob Bricken - io9
Here’s how to decorate the house of the future, right now
Today we asked you totell us what was the most futuristic thing about yourself, and you responded by telling us about your jobs, your personal tech, and with an idea about just how to decorate the house of the future, right now, from commenter eideticex: Well my current endeavor with augmented reality using QR codes … Continued
By Ria Misra - Tech NewsSploid
Feel the terror of being chased by a shark swimming underwater
There’s something about this video that fills me with terror more than any other shark clip I’ve ever seen. It’s not its monstrous looks, but the vision of it coming at you out of nowhere, accelerating until it engulfs your head with its jaws. The complete video is even worse. It’s terrifying to see this … Continued
By Jesus Diaz - Tech NewsAmazon
Some Good Things Drones Can (Actually) Do
While everyone is freaking out about Amazon’s plan to unleash an army of delivery drones on the world, it’s important to remember that these flying robots can do much more than just move packages. As the technology has improved and dramatically dropped in price, people have been coming up with all kinds of crazy and … Continued
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- io9
Why Science Fiction Readers Shouldn’t Just Cling to the Golden Age
Author Gareth Powell recently attended a book group where nobody had read any authors who came along in the past 50 years. Ina bracing essay for SF Signal, he talks about the peril of focusing only on “golden age” science fiction, and neglecting how the genre has changed. Powell writes: Some fans will always cling … Continued
- io9
How does your country rank in reading, math and science?
The results for PISA 2012 are in. PISA is an international survey done every three years to assess the competencies of 15-year-olds from 65 countries in key subject areas. Here’s what they found. The survey, called the Programme for International Assessment (PISA), is organized by the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD). Some 510,000 … Continued
- Tech News
Tactical Stockings Ensure Maximum Stuffage
Ensuring a healthy bounty of presents on Christmas morning isn’t all about just being good. As any kid will tell you, there are countless strategies you can use to maximize your pile of presents—including this tactical stocking. A new addition to your festive arsenal, it’s packed with pockets, straps, clips, and an extra strong handle … Continued
- Tech News
This 3D-Printed Robot Heart Runs on Nothing But Pee
Robots may not have souls, but pretty soon they might have real, 3D-printed, fluid-pumping hearts. Except those hearts won’t be pumping blood; they’ll be pumping pee. Last month, researchers at the University of the West of England made big strides in the worlds of 3D-printing, robotics, and pee with a fully functioning artificial heart actuator … Continued
By Eric Limer