Imagine holding a 3D-printed part in your hands, marveling at its intricate design, only to have it snap under pressure due to weak layer adhesion. This is the frustrating reality of anisotropic strength, a limitation inherent to 3D printing where parts are weaker along their layer lines. But what if there was a way to […]
What if you could bring the power of artificial intelligence into your hands without needing a PhD in computer science? Imagine a compact device that not only recognizes faces, tracks objects, and analyzes human movements but also allows you to customize its capabilities to fit your unique vision. Enter the DFRobot HUSKYLENS 2, an innovative […]
Apple dropped the "plus" from its streaming service's name in October, because the company typically uses the plus sign for free services with paid versions, such as iCloud+. Now, the company has released a new intro bumper and soundmark for its TV service. Apple has uploaded a five-second video showing its streaming service's new logo appearing in a hazy multi-colored animation before it shifts into focus at the center of the screen. Playing in the background is a soundmark, or as its composer calls it, a "mnemonic."
The soundmark will appear before every show and every episode in a series, according its composer Finneas, whom you may know as Billie Eilish's brother and frequent collaborator. "The things that I think of as real classic mnemonics are NBC — you can hear that in your head — or HBO has its static," he told Variety. Netflix's "tudum" sound is pretty iconic, as well. Only time can tell if Apple's will have the same impact. He explained that the five-second version Apple released as a video will be played before every movie and in between the episodes of a show, so you're bound to hear it multiple times if you're bingeing a series. Apple also made a one-second version of the intro for trailers and a 12-second one for anything released in theaters, such as Killers of the Flower Moon.
Finneas said that he was approached by Apple's Head of Music, David Taylor, who apparently told him that the company was "simplifying" the service. Removing the "plus" from its name was just the beginning. In addition, Apple has also debuted a new logo for Apple One, a subscription option that bundles multiple Apple services, including Apple Music, TV and iCloud+, into a lower-priced monthly plan. The new logo uses a textured multi-colored Apple illustration.
This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/entertainment/streaming/apple-tv-has-a-new-intro-bumper-and-soundmark-140016449.html?src=rss
Nintendo has boosted its Switch 2 sales forecast for the current fiscal year, meaning it could top first year sales of the original Switch. The gaming giant expects to sell 19 million Switch 2s by March 31, 2026, up 26.7 percent from its original forecast of 15 million units. That follows a previous report that Nintendo had asked suppliers to build 25 million Switch 2s by the end of March next year.
In its second quarter ending September 30th, Nintendo sold 4.54 million Switch 2s and has moved 10.36 million units since launch. However, the company's Q3 sales through the holiday season can often double Q2 sales, as they did multiple times with the Switch.
The original Switch sold 17.79 million units in its first 13 months, so the Switch 2 could exceed that over a shorter time frame. Nintendo reportedly requested a production boost as it believed the console will continue its torrid sales pace through the holiday season. It also expects to sell 4 million Switches for the fiscal year, down a touch from its previous forecast.
Nintendo is optimistic about software too, projecting sales of 48 million units for Switch 2 by March 31, up 3 million from its earlier forecast. It also expects to sell 125 million Switch games (which can also be played on the Switch 2) for this fiscal year, rather than 105 million as it previously predicted.
This quarter, the company moved 11.95 million Switch 2 games, with Mario Kart World and Donkey Kong Bonanza among the best sellers. Pokémon Legends: Z-A started shipping on October 16th, which could help lift game sales for Q3.
With console and game sales ahead of expectations, Nintendo's earnings looked pretty rosy for its second fiscal quarter ended September 30th. The company saw 527.2 billion yen in revenue ($3.7 billion) and 102.9 billion yen in profit, both considerably higher than expected.
This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/gaming/nintendo/nintendo-expects-to-sell-way-more-switch-2s-than-it-thought-130048295.html?src=rss
The iPhone 18 is poised to be one of Apple’s most anticipated and innovative releases, with leaks suggesting significant advancements in design, hardware, and overall strategy. From a reimagined Dynamic Island to the introduction of innovative chip technology, the iPhone 18 could redefine the smartphone experience. Below is a detailed look at six key updates […]
What if you could harness the power of innovative AI without relying on cloud services or paying hefty subscription fees? Imagine running a large language model (LLM) directly on your own computer, no internet required, no data privacy concerns, and no frustrating usage limits. For years, this level of control and accessibility seemed out of […]
The landscape of premium LEGO construction has evolved far beyond childhood nostalgia into sophisticated engineering challenges that demand patience, precision, and genuine building expertise. Today’s most complex sets push the boundaries of what brick-based construction can achieve, incorporating intricate mechanical systems, massive piece counts, and revolutionary design techniques that transform static displays into interactive experiences.
These builds represent months of dedication, combining traditional construction skills with modern engineering concepts. Each set on this list exceeds 2,000 pieces and requires an advanced understanding of structural integrity, gear systems, or complex assembly sequences. They’re designed for builders who view LEGO not as toys but as sophisticated construction systems capable of replicating real-world mechanical marvels and architectural achievements.
1. LEGO Icons Tropical Aquarium
The Icons Tropical Aquarium represents LEGO’s bold move into kinetic sculpture territory, transforming 4,154 pieces into a living mechanical ecosystem. Unlike traditional display sets that remain frozen in time, this aquarium breathes with movement through carefully engineered dial and crank systems that animate marine life. The November 13 release at $479.99 positions this as LEGO’s most ambitious attempt at merging engineering precision with artistic expression.
What sets this aquarium apart isn’t just its impressive piece count but its arrangement flexibility that transforms builders into underwater curators. Four model fish move through varied coral structures alongside animated seaworms, while an oyster shell reveals a hidden pearl through mechanical action. Every placement decision affects visual balance and movement patterns, requiring builders to think beyond simple assembly into spatial composition and kinetic choreography.
What we like
Revolutionary kinetic movement system brings static display to life.
Arrangement flexibility allows for personalized underwater compositions.
What we dislike
High price point may limit accessibility for casual builders.
Mechanical complexity requires ongoing maintenance for optimal movement.
2. LEGO Sun Earth Moon Orrery
Marian’s stunning 2,303-piece Sun Earth Moon Orrery elevates LEGO construction into the realm of precision scientific instrumentation. This kinetic marvel doesn’t simply replicate planetary movement but accounts for Earth’s axial tilt, tracks lunar phases, and demonstrates both solar and lunar eclipses with astronomical accuracy. The 70 Technic gears create a mechanical symphony that transforms abstract cosmic concepts into tangible, hands-on learning experiences.
The orrery’s ornate design philosophy mirrors Da Vinci’s mechanical aesthetics while delivering modern engineering precision. The 10.6-inch twelve-faced base celebrates the calendar year, expanding to 20.9 inches when accounting for the moving celestial bodies. Manual hand-crank operation offers meditative building rhythm, while optional RC motor integration provides automated cosmic ballet that runs continuously for educational display purposes.
What we like
Astronomically accurate planetary movements provide genuine educational value.
Dual control options (manual/motorized) offer versatile display possibilities.
What we dislike
The complex gear system requires precise calibration for smooth operation.
Large footprint demands significant display space for proper appreciation.
3. LEGO James Webb Space Telescope Replica
The LEGO James Webb Space Telescope replica tackles one of modern engineering’s most complex achievements through brick-based construction that mirrors the actual satellite’s intricate folding mechanisms. This build captures the telescope’s launch-critical ability to fold into a compact configuration before unfolding in space, requiring builders to understand both structural engineering and the precise mechanical sequences that made the real JWST mission possible.
Every major subsystem finds representation in this meticulous replica, from the eighteen iconic hexagonal mirrors that form the light-gathering array to the layered sun shield that protects sensitive instruments. The secondary hinged mirror, science instruments, propulsion systems, and communications arrays all function through LEGO’s mechanical systems, creating an interactive educational experience that illuminates the genuine complexity behind space exploration’s latest triumph.
What we like
An authentic folding mechanism provides hands-on understanding of complex engineering.
Comprehensive subsystem representation offers deep educational insight into space technology.
What we dislike
Extreme complexity may overwhelm builders without a technical background.
Delicate folding mechanisms require careful handling to prevent damage.
4. Life-Size LEGO Formula 1 Steering Wheel
Vince_GT’s life-size Formula 1 steering wheel replica demonstrates how LEGO construction can perfectly capture the absurd complexity of modern racing technology. Real F1 wheels feature 9-12 rotary dials and over 12 buttons controlling everything from brake bias to differential settings, all packed into a rectangular profile that allows drivers clear sight lines over the wheel’s top edge.
This LEGO interpretation nails those authentic proportions within the 260-300mm diameter range used by Mercedes and Red Bull teams. Transparent dark teal accent pieces on the outer grips provide visual distinction, while the central display panel features customizable designs centered around a prominent “N” logo. The rectangular profile challenges traditional wheel construction assumptions, requiring advanced building techniques to achieve proper ergonomics and visual balance.
What we like
Life-size proportions create an authentic racing simulation experience.
Customizable display panel allows for personalized racing team branding.
What we dislike
Complex button and dial integration may lack full functional capability.
Specialized racing context limits appeal to a broader audience.
5. LEGO Titanic
The LEGO Titanic stands as a monument to both historical tragedy and construction ambition, stretching 54 inches from bow to stern with 9,090 precisely engineered pieces ᅟᅟ. This 1:200 scale recreation required LEGO’s designers to solve unprecedented challenges in structural integrity and historical accuracy, creating the longest LEGO set ever produced while maintaining the authentic proportions that made the original ship both magnificent and ultimately vulnerable.
Beyond mere scale, this set demonstrates advanced construction techniques through its multi-section assembly approach that mirrors actual shipbuilding methods ᅟᅟ. The detailed interior spaces include the ship’s bridge, promenade deck, and swimming pool, while working propellers and mechanical details bring maritime engineering to life ᅟᅟ. The building experience itself becomes a 25-hour journey through maritime history, requiring builders to understand both the ship’s grandeur and the engineering compromises that led to its tragic fate.
What we like
Record-breaking length creates an impressive display piece with historical significance.
Multi-section construction teaches authentic shipbuilding assembly techniques.
What we dislike
Massive size requires dedicated display space and careful structural support.
High piece count and lengthy build time may overwhelm casual builders.
The Evolution of Complex LEGO Construction
These five sets represent the cutting edge of what LEGO construction can achieve when freed from traditional toy constraints. Each pushes different boundaries: kinetic movement, scientific accuracy, space technology replication, motorsport simulation, and historical recreation. They demand not just building skills but a genuine understanding of the real-world systems they represent. Their complexity reflects LEGO’s recognition that adult builders seek challenges engaging both hands and minds.
What makes these builds truly advanced isn’t just their piece counts or assembly time but their ability to teach genuine skills. The Aquarium’s kinetic systems introduce mechanical engineering concepts while the Orrery provides hands-on astronomy education. These sets offer immersive educational experiences that transform abstract concepts into tangible understanding, creating conversation-sparking displays that demonstrate remarkable sophistication within LEGO’s seemingly simple building system.
What if you could turn your next big app idea into a working prototype without writing a single line of code, or spending a dime? That’s exactly what Google’s Studio’s new Vibe Coding feature promises to deliver. In a bold move that’s shaking up the no-code development space, Google has essentially cloned the functionality of […]
Elon Musk told Joe Rogan on his podcast he hopes to unveil a flying car “before the end of the year.” It was an interesting announcement to make, as Rogan also asked Musk about the long-delayed second-gen Tesla Roadster. Tesla unveiled a new Roadster in 2017 and had plans to start deliveries in 2020, but production was delayed several times.
Avoiding that conversation, the Tesla CEO suddenly started talking about wanting the vehicle to fly. After vague answers and musing, he eventually said: “My friend Peter Thiel once reflected that the future was supposed to have flying cars, but we don’t have flying cars.”
He claimed the vehicle Tesla is supposedly working on contains “crazy, crazy technology.” Musk said he wasn’t sure it’s technically a car but that “it looks like a car.”
Musk has been talking about flying cars since 2014. Given his optimistic take on development timelines, that’s a good 10 years of talk so far. Give it perhaps another 10?
Creator Mel Bouzad is suing Meta for over $115,000 on his and other creators’ behalf. He alleges that Meta’s broken AI and vague “monetization policy violations” led to the wrongful demonetization of high-earning pages and the withholding of tens of thousands of dollars in payments. Can multiple small claims court fights force Meta to provide human support and fix its system? Read the full story on the volatile world of viral content.
SpaceX could build up to 600 satellites for a new defense system.
SpaceX will reportedly receive a $2 billion contract to develop satellites for the US government, according to sources talking to The Wall Street Journal. SpaceX will reportedly be tasked with developing up to 600 satellites that can track missiles and aircraft and will be used for President Trump’s proposed Golden Dome project.
The president introduced the project earlier this year as an anti-missile defense system, designed to intercept missile attacks before they reach their target.
Apple surprised many by announcing an upgraded Vision Pro with its latest M5 chip. It’s still largely the same device. The revamped Apple Vision Pro is faster and more comfortable than the original, but its limited ecosystem still makes it better suited to developers than consumers.
This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/general/the-morning-after-musk-talks-flying-teslas-on-joe-rogans-show-120438841.html?src=rss
Apple has officially launched iOS 26.1, bringing a host of new features, enhanced security measures, and performance upgrades. To ensure your device operates at its best, there are several key actions you should take immediately after updating. These steps will help you optimize your experience, maintain security, and prevent potential issues. The video below from […]