Author Archives: Gaurav Sood

Lando drives incredible Life-sized LEGO McLaren P1 for a lap around the Silverstone Circuit

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LEGO Technic has previously collaborated with big names like Lamborghini and McLaren Racing Formula-1 team to create real-life replicas with LEGO bricks. Now LEGO Technic engineers and McLaren have managed to achieve something truly remarkable with the LEGO McLaren P1. They managed to do a complete lap around the Silverstone track at a respectable speed.

Yes, this life-sized LEGO McLaren P1 was driven around the circuit by the team’s star F1 driver Lando Norris who is in hot pursuit of the championship leader Max Verstappen. This is an extraordinary feat considering how vibrations during the drive can disturb the structural integrity of a car that is made from LEGO bricks. The only thing that comes close to this build is the LEGO Bugatti Chiron which could only go in a straight line.

Designer: LEGO Technic and McLaren

This could be one of the most intricate and detailed LEGO builds ever that’s fully functional just like the real thing. It is constructed out of 342,817 pieces and took 8,344 hours in total to come to life thanks to the dedicated efforts of 23 designers, engineers and builders. The LEGO model is 600 pounds lighter than the real P1 which weighs 8,944 in dry weight. This is also the first ever LEGO model to feature a functional steering wheel that navigates the car around the 3.66-mile track. Powering the four-wheeled LEGO is an electric motor that uses a combination of 768 LEGO Technic motors bundled into eight motor packs (to replicate a V8 engine) in combination with an electric car battery to make up for the range for a complete lap at a top speed of approximately 40 mph.

The only things that are not LEGO in this build for obvious reasons are the steel frame for structural support, wheels, instrument cluster, and the steering wheel. Even the seats and side mirrors are crafted out of LEGO bricks to keep things authentic. According to Ben Gulliver, test and development director at McLaren, “Having worked on the original P1 program for McLaren, it’s amazing to see so many of the elements from the original McLaren P1 brought to life so realistically by the Lego Technic team for the full-scale model.”

When Lando laid his eyes on this pixelated version of the real thing, he was a bit nervous to open the door and take the driver’s seat. Once he pushed the pedal on the straights and took the corners he was surprised by the handling of the LEGO version. Even though the car went at a snail’s pace compared to an F1 car or a sports car, it is something remarkable for a structure made completely out of LEGO bricks. Of course, this is the slowest Lando would have driven around the Silverstone circuit, still he was impressed by the build.

The LEGO McLaren P1 is just a one-off creation and the next best thing to get is the 1:8 scale version set of the McLaren P1.

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Mercedes-AMG ONE-ONE is future-ready hypercar concept that deserves more than a glance

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The Mercedes-AMG ONE hypercar is an extraordinary piece of automotive engineering, designed to bring Formula 1 technology to the road. The ONE features a 1.6-liter V6 hybrid powertrain borrowed from Formula 1, and this engine is coupled with four electric motors, delivering a combined output of over 1,000 horsepower. The hybrid system includes a battery pack that supports an electric-only range, though it’s primarily designed for high-performance driving.

Now a concept envisions an AMG ONE that carries the brand’s heritage into the pure electrified future. The idea is to connect the driver and the vehicles for driving dynamics that naturally let the driver focus on the road for peak performance. Exploring the different ways in which EV skateboard platforms will be built, the concept gets a dual compressed battery for balanced weight.

Designer: Hyunsik Moon

The four batteries are connected directly to each wheel for optimized power delivery. The cabin also focuses on the independent positing of the driver and the co-driver, so that the latter can take over in case the driver wants to relax during hard chases. Visually this Mercedes concept has a flowy aerodynamic design that personifies the union of man and machine at the next level. Those headlights are positioned low for a hunter look and gradually the hypercar gains a bold profile at the center and then flows ever so gradually to the rear which sports a futuristic shape. The curvacious positioning of the taillights eventually contrasts the skirting down low which has the F1-inspired battery charging light.

The low ground clearance of the Mercedes-AMG-ONE-ONE signifies it’s made for street circuits and racing tracks. The whole front opens up like the classic racecars, so you’d want to keep this thing limited to the race circuits for the pure adrenalin rush. Just like other elite Mercedes cars, this one comes in the silver arrow hues of either glossy silver or pure black. The designer has crafted a detailed scaled-down version of the hypercar in bright silver contrasted with the black which I love to the core.

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Nothing CMF speaker gets see-through aesthetics of the big brother in a classic radio-inspired form

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Nothing’s story has been nothing short of inspirational considering their ethical intent towards the marketplace and its consumers. Their sub-brand CMF adapts the same values for the lower segment of the market that serves the budget segment of the market.

While we’ve been awed by the Nothing Sound (1) and Nothing Bass (1) concepts – envisioning the see-through aesthetics of what a Nothing branded would be like. Since Nothing and CMF are already a strong force to reckon with for competitors, a portable speaker is something that we cannot count out from Nothing’s scheme of things.

Designer: Abdelrahman Shaapan

Unlike its big brother, CMF by Nothing doesn’t rely on transparent aesthetics to create a unique statement. Rather the brand focuses on core functionality and accessibility for a greater chunk of the market. The phones, watches and earbuds in the line-up have the signature papaya orange influence but nothing that’s see-through actually. In the concept world that is not the limiting factor and this CMF Speaker takes due advantage.

Not only does it break the convention of a portable speaker design but also fuses form with function with maximum conviction. The music accessory has the playback information including Albumart, now playing controls and track selection buttons displayed on the touchscreen, along with the Bluetooth toggle and volume knob on one side. The frosted cover panel on all sides keeps the innards semi-transparent and the USB-C charging port is positioned on the rear to keep visual integrity intact.

The front portion is reserved for the grill that conceals the drivers and the back side also has a Nothing-inspired baseplate on which the driver housing is mounted. Abdelrahman has borrowed the classic radio look for this speaker, and I appreciate this nostalgic element. Even though we will never see a transparent CMF speaker (Nothing Speaker still I’m hopeful), this is a good starting point for a budding audio accessories brand to derive inspiration.

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Hennessey Venom F5-M roadster is the fastest manual transmission roadster that purists will love to drive

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If you’ve got The Need for Speed then Hennessey has created the most powerful manual transmission hypercar for the ultimate adrenaline rush. The Texas-based tuner has introduced the Venom F5-M roadster with a manual gearbox that’s gated. For motorheads who get their kick from something extraordinary, the car comes with a stick shift gear. Infact, this is the first ever hypercar by the brand with manual gearshift option.

The performance car is based on the droptop roadster revealed recently, and it gets minor tweaks inside out. All the performance capabilities have been retained for peak acceleration and top speed. The speed monster gets an in-house developed twin turbocharged 6.6-liter Fury V8 engine. The M in the name denotes the 6-speed manual transmission gearbox for a very analog driving experience for die hard racing fans.

Designer: Hennessey

According to John Hennessey, the model is a true manual in every sense since it gets a clutch connected to the transmission via a cable. So, no modern day computer controlled interface for smoother gear shifts, which will please purists who want to feel every little mechanical change of the vehicle. The car can generate 1,817hp and 1,617ft-lbs of torque which is very similar to the automatic version. Considering it can hit speeds of 0-6- mph in just under 3.5 seconds, if you have the driving flair to shift gears at the right time, makes it the fastest manual transmission hypercar you can get hands on.

The subtle differences in performance compared to the USA-made version come in the form of aero elements including the carbon fiber bodywork, front canards, and dorsal fin spanning 55-inch from the roof scoop to the rear deck. This helps in achieving stability at top speeds in excess of 300 mph. To make space for the manual transmission, the interiors have also been tweaked. Theirs is an updated central console with horizontal air vents and a redesigned air conditioning control system. Classic car lovers will love the jet-inspired toggle switches for windows positioned behind the carbon fiber shifter and aluminum shift gate.

Lucky buyers will also get the privilege to choose the custom livery that pairs the exposed carbon fiber elements to the spine. The selection of bespoke colors will be deleted from the Hennessey configurator once chosen. Such is the exclusivity of this hypercar. It’s not surprising that the Hennessey Venom F5-M Roadster will only be made in 12 examples worldwide. For a passionate car lover who’s got $2,650,000 to spare on his collectibles, this one should be on the bucket list without an iota of doubt.

 

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7-foot iPhone 15 Pro Max is the world’s largest iPhone and it runs Android

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If Steve Jobs ever knew that YouTube creators would someday run Android on an iPhone and bag a Guinness World Record for it, he probably would have never created an iPhone in the first place. Thankfully there are iPhones – in fact, iPhone 16 lineup is slated for launch today – and we get to see a giant functional replica of the currently top-of-the-line iPhone that measures 6.74 feet tall and weighs roughly 440 pounds.

If you are a DIYer or a tech aficionado there is a slim chance you haven’t heard of Matthew Perks and Arun Maini. The high-profile YouTubers, a.k.a. “DIY Perks” and “Mrwhosetheboss” respectively, have partnered to build a gigantic working replica of an iPhone 15 Pro Max. This humongous iPhone definitely destroys the very idea of a handheld phone, but despite its astounding size, it is immensely functional; which is why it has been adjudged the largest iPhone ever and awarded the official Guinness World Records for the same.

Designers: Arun Maini x Matthew Perks

From the videos about the making and the demonstration of its functionality for the record, I was convinced this is a way more powerful iPhone than Apple would ever make. But the excitement diminished slightly on learning that this Gulliver of iPhones in the Lilliput Island of smartphones runs Android with few tweaks and themed skin to achieve the iPhone appearance and functionality.

Taking nothing away from this highly detailed smartphone build: I’m back and impressed! And why not, this entire thing is built to the tune of $70,000. The construction starts with a massive LG 88-inch LG OLED TV for the touchscreen display, placed inside a specially designed aluminum casing. The hardware inside is no way short of impressive either.

Without going too much into detail, for that you’d enjoy better in the descriptive video above, this big iPhone comes with 128GB of RAM and 4TB of internal storage. The tipple camera array on the back is topped by a 45MP Canon R5 camera, sporting a 28mm lens, and a Sony RX10 Mark 4 to mimic the iPhone 15 Pro Max’s telephoto lens. With the details on the screen and in the body matching that off the inspiration iPhone, the largest iPhone can take impressive photos, recording 8K resolution videos, blast music at 50W, send emails, tap-to-pay for purchases, and even play Flappy Bird that iPhones haven’t been able to download in a decade now.

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Spigen unveils iPhone 16 Cases with gorgeous iMac G3-inspired nostalgic transparent design

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Apple launches a new iPhone lineup every year and accessories makers step up to the challenge, delivering the finest MagSafe-compatible protective cases, ensuring the new iPhones stay safe and secure while looking good. At the launch of the new iPhone 16 devices, accessory maker Spigen – a name trusted by iPhone users for over a decade – has launched compatible cases to protect, accessorize, and power the new Apple devices.

To ensure the protective iPhone 16 cases remain essential to the users, Spigen has plenty of options, and most of them comply fit in its MagFit ecosystem: Cases that protect and keep the secured iPhone compatible with MagSafe charging and the world of snapping accessories. All these Spigen covers take care of the size alteration and the new capture button of the iPhone 16.

Designer: Spigen

Leading the pack, and for me, the most outstanding option in the collection is the iconic iMac G3-inspired case. Dubbed the Classic C1 and priced $59.99, this tribute to one of the most fashionable computers of the day, the C1 like the iMac G3 itself is all about the candy colors. Available in four color options – tangerine, Bondi blue, graphite, and ruby – and made from a two-piece PC and TPU, the iPhone 16 cases with its retro translucent design, are from the MagFit ecosystem and fashioned out for total MagSafe compatibility.

If you’re not the type who would want to travel back in time with the retro translucent design of the C1, but want a rugged phone case for additional protection against accidental falls; Spigen has the Rugged Armor (MagFit) priced at $39.99. Delivered with carbon fiber detailing and multi-layered bumper protection on all corners, the Armor is ready to take a punch. Moving on, with slimness in its name is the Slim Armor. This $54.99 case is MagSafe compatible and despite the form factor it conditions your iPhone to be in safe custody.

AI is the buzzword of late, and even the accessories maker wants to jump onto the bandwagon. To that accord, Spigen Tough Armor AI ($59.99) arrives with the power of artificial intelligence to protect the iPhone 16. Featuring XRD foam construction on the corners and thousands of impact data for trusted defense, the case is thrown in with a kickstand for undeniable user convenience. If you’re not willing to shell out 40-50 bucks for a protective iPhone 16 cover, Spigen has a more economical Core Armor in the collection. At $29.99, the Core Armor gives your iPhone 16 a sleek matte finish and grooves for extra good grip.

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Anker MagGo 3-in-1 Foldable Wireless Charging Station is a pocketable accessory for juicing-up Apple devices

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Anker has brought its new line of chargers to IFA 2024 that enhance your wireless charging experience and hone portability. The one making headlines is the MagSafe-compatible 3-in-1 travel charger that folds like a puck, something similar to the Twelve South Butterfly.

The fold-out charger does draw inspiration from the Butterfly but improves on the design and functionality with an added third charging pad. The trifecta charging pads should be more than enough for travelers who love to carry their share of Apple gadgets!

Designer: Anker

The Qi2-certified 15W MagGo Wireless Charging Station folds into an easily carriable form which lends it ultra-portable aesthetics. The three equidistant charging ports include a Qi2-certified 15W charger, a 5W Apple-certified Apple Watch charger, and a 5W Qi puck in the middle. The latter houses the USB-C power input port to charge up the battery. Targeted for the Apple ecosystem of devices it can simultaneously charge your Apple iPhone 15, Apple Watch, and Airpods Pro while traveling.

The pocket-friendly accessory comes with Apple’s Magnetic Power Profile technology for stable and efficient charging on the go. It has a dedicated StandBy and landscape mode for optimal viewing while binge-watching on the iPhone. There’s a quick snap mode that turns this usable accessory into a puck-sized dimensions of 2.36 x 2.36 x 1.4 inches that can be put inside a pocket – it’s that compact. Anker specifically mentions the charger can also charge Apple Watches with undetachable metal straps which is a bonus.

Anker’s 3-in-1 MagGo Wireless Charging Station comes with a 40W adapter and a 5-foot USB-C to USB-C cable for quick charging of the 3-in-1 pad. It is currently up for grabs on Anker’s website and Amazon for $90. You can choose the accessory from a cool selection of color options including black, white, pink and green. The colorful variants (pink and green) are slated to arrive later this year.

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reMarkable Paper Pro amps your E-Ink writing experience in color

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Back in 2020 reMarkable 2 was a good alternative to the iPad for people who write a lot. A couple of years later Amazon Kindle Scribe took the e-reader market by surprise with its premium reading and writing experience. Now the Norway-based company has released the reMarkable Paper Pro to capture the market share back from Amazon.

Touted as the world’s thinnest color paper tablet, the low-glare 11.8-inch display of the gadget is tailored for a pen-on-paper-like writing experience to help knowledge workers capture, refine, and elevate their thoughts in a world full of distractions. According to Phil Hess, CEO of reMarkable, “We’ve built upon the success of reMarkable 2 to create a device that offers the best writing and reading experience ever on a paper tablet.”

Designer: reMarkable

Inspired by the form of a stack of blank paper sheets, the tablet is 5.1 mm thin and doesn’t compromise on the battery as it lasts a couple of weeks on a single charge. This is the first ever reMarkable tablet to read and write in color, made possible by the new custom-developed Canvas Color display stack. The users will now have the option to write notes, sign documents, annotate PDFs, or mark up notes in a wide range of colors. The writing experience is honed by the reduced latency of 12ms when the stylus hits the screen and the corresponding input is registered. The e-reader is free from any distracting apps and is strictly meant for people who love reading and writing without any frills.

The e-paper slate comes with a stylus, or can also be connected to a wireless keyboard. The size of the bezels on this version has been reduced, the edge band is sharper and the chin sleekly hugs the display making it a treat to hold – just like a sheaf of paper. Made from anodized aluminum and glass it is lightweight and has a lot of grip to hold while lying down or while walking in a rush. The included backlight on the display makes the E-reader ideal for nighttime reading and is gentle enough on the eyes. Even on maximum brightness levels, it doesn’t induce eyestrain.

On the inside, the tablet is powered by a new 1.8Ghz quad-core Cortex A53 processor mated to 2GB RAM and 64GB storage. That’s almost twice as powerful as the previous model. Overall the gadget gives or more reasons than not to go for the investment priced at $579 with the standard Marker. For the Marker Plus version, you’ll have to shell out $629. reMarkable Paper Pro can be ordered right now and orders will be fulfilled within 10-21 business days.

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Easy-to-use Toybox 3D printer lets kids learn, design, and print their own toys

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If you’re an aspiring engineer or simply a hobbyist, you can find a 3D printer for your needs. But there aren’t many options for kids. What if there was a toy (3D printer) that could allow children, and concerned parents, to print their own toys, like they want, and as instantly as possible? Seems like a dream? Not anymore!

On showcase at the ongoing IFA Berlin, the Toybox 3D printer is a one-touch operable 3D printer for kids to design and print their toys. If you have been wanting to get your engineering-minded child a perfect birthday present that could align with his aspirations, the Toybox is definitely what you want. The easy-to-use 3D printer is developed for entertainment purposes, but it does the job of teaching and introducing kids to the idea of printing.

Designer: Toybox

A toy that makes toys; the Toybox is a fun toy for kids that even the adults wouldn’t mind using. The simple design of the printer comes with an onboard on/off button, a print bed, and a feeding slot wherein goes one end of PLA -non-toxic and corn-based plastic – roll, which is the printer’s food and the material it uses to print various outputs. PLA comes in a range of colors, so no matter the toy you are printing, you can do it with matching colors.

Children can print intuitive toys from a rich selection of options and content on the Toybox app. A child simply browses through an ever-increasing catalog of toys, find what they want to print, and hit print. To create their own toys on the fly, kids can connect the printer to their smartphone or tablet and build one object after the other.

The fun with Toybox is not limited to its library of content. Users have the option to import toy or object models from other platforms along with 1.75mm PLA filament of their liking if the sustainable, kid-friendly ones from Toybox are not interesting enough. Content from other platforms can be imported to the Toybox in STL, OBJ, and gCode formats. Then, with thousands of amazing toys available for print on Toybox and many more you can add from other places, this 3D printer will never give your kids the chance to get bored.

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Pharrell Williams’ space-themed LEGO set inspires everyone to chase their dream

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Pharrell Williams is already known for his exploits in the music, fashion and skincare industry. Now the music producer is all set for his LEGO movie titled Piece By Piece produced by the LEGO Group, slated for 11 October release. So how would someone not expect to have a LEGO set for the songwriter? The Danish toy company has been speculated to be working on the LEGO set’s release since last year but plenty more sets pushed the announcement. The LEGO set will now be released on 20th September for builders.

Entitled Over the Moon, this spaceship LEGO set draws inspiration from the childhood experience of the star. The space-themed set represents the launchpad that shoots him to success and inspires others to live their dream too. According to Pharrell “When I was a child, my perception of reality was based on a 20-mile radius. And at the center of it was Atlantis Apartments. We lived in the crash zone of the Air Force Base, where the Blue Angels would fly all the time.”

Designer: LEGO Group

 

The 19.5-inch tall space shuttle set comes with an opening cockpit and attachable landing gear to replicate the take-off and touchdown. It has a total of 966 pieces along with 51 different minifigure heads in seven different color tones. The minifigure of the artist along with his wife Helen Lasichanh in titanium space suits and gold-color visors take centerstage. The heads can of course be swapped with the other minifigure heads. The outstanding visual element of the LEGO set is the detachable jet stream which is actually an array of multicolored bricks that mounts on the back of the shuttle. Each of these colored streams is interchangeable, so one can create a unique look every time they put it together.

A third of the bricks are used to build the jet stream which makes it stand out from any other spaceship set. Pharrell’s Over the Moon LEGO set is up for pre-order right now for $110, so fans better watch out.

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