LEGO announces smaller, 1050-brick version of R2D2 to celebrate Star Wars’ 25th Anniversary

Get ready to embark on a journey to a galaxy far, far away as LEGO commemorates the 25th anniversary of Star Wars with this new 1050-brick version of R2D2, hitting stores in March 2024. R2-D2, the iconic droid who’s captured our hearts in countless Star Wars adventures, is making a triumphant return in his brick-built form, following a 2214-brick version from 3 years ago. This newer build is smaller (boasting half the parts of the original), and is focused around younger galactic enthusiasts age 9 and above. However, whether you’re a seasoned LEGO Jedi or young a novice Padawan, this delightful set promises hours of galactic fun!

Designer: LEGO

Standing at 24cm tall, this brick-built rendition of R2-D2 is slightly shorter than the previous 75308 model, which graced us nearly three years ago. However, don’t let the size fool you, as this version is packed with exciting features. With a moveable head, an adjustable third leg, a periscope, and a plethora of tools straight from the Star Wars universe, it’s a true masterpiece.

But that’s not all, folks! R2-D2 comes complete with an information plaque, a Minifigure version of himself, and a special 25th Anniversary Minifigure of the infamous Darth Malak. It’s a Star Wars celebration like no other!

Here’s the lowdown on LEGO Star Wars 75379 R2-D2:

  • Set Name: R2-D2
  • Set Number: 75379
  • Age Range: 9+
  • Piece Count: 1,050
  • Price: $99.99
  • Release Date: March 1st, 2024

So, mark your calendars for this epic rendezvous with R2-D2 in March 2024. Whether you’re a young Jedi or a seasoned builder, this set promises adventure, nostalgia, and the joy of creating alongside one of Star Wars’ most beloved characters.

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Logitech revamps their popular X Plus Gaming Mouse with a ‘Millenium Falcon’ Edition

For that extremely small subset of people who thought the Logitech G502 X Plus gaming mouse wasn’t perfect enough, the company’s managed to outdo itself with an even better version of its wildly popular wireless mouse. Now sporting the graphics of the Millenium Falcon from the Star Wars franchise, this new edition of the X Plus gaming mouse will be difficult to look away from. It’s also much more responsive, has a gorgeous tactile feel, and can functionally equip you with all the tools you need to demolish your sworn foes… in a game, obviously.

Designer: Logitech

Click Here to Buy Now

It’s difficult to talk about the X Plus’ features without highlighting the new variant’s design. I’d say the edgy aesthetic of a gaming mouse lends itself rather naturally to a sci-fi spaceship, but this one really takes the cake. The top fascia comes with a white and gray color scheme, punctuated with red accents and a pattern that echoes the iconic Millennium Falcon. Underneath, a hidden rebellion logo sits above the Hero 25K sensor, offering sub-micron accuracy and zero smoothing, filter, or acceleration – as precise and reliable as a Jedi’s lightsaber.

Logitech hasn’t overlooked the ambiance, either. The G502 X Plus Millennium Falcon Edition features 8-zone RGB lighting, capable of displaying a full spectrum of colors with custom Millennium Falcon-inspired animations. These animations, alongside the option for media-driven effects and advanced personalization, are accessible through the Logitech G Hub software. The LIGHTSYNC RGB not only adds a dynamic aesthetic to your gaming setup but also includes power-saving play detection to ensure efficiency.

At its core, the G502 X Plus Millennium Falcon Edition is a high-performance tool designed for the elite gamer. With a range of 100 – 25,600 dpi and a 400 IPS max speed, it promises precision and responsiveness that would make even Han Solo envious. The integration of Logitech’s first Lightforce hybrid optical-mechanical switches means users get the best of both worlds: the swift actuation of optical switches combined with the tactile satisfaction of mechanical ones.

The mouse also includes 13 programmable controls, allowing users to customize their gaming experience fully. For those long gaming sessions, the battery life stands robust, offering 120 hours of constant motion (37 hours with RGB on), ensuring that the only breaks taken are voluntary.

The mouse pairs with computers using Logitech’s pro-grade Lightspeed protocol (a hat-tip to the space-warping lightspeed travel system seen in the Star Wars movies). Designed to work without wires, the Lightspeed system is tournament-tested, with a response time that’s a whopping 68% faster than Logitech’s previous protocols.

To complete the intergalactic experience, Logitech offers the Return of the Jedi Collection XL gaming mouse pads. Whether you choose the Battle of Endor or Darth Vader version, your desk will transform into a battleground of epic proportions.

Priced at $159.99, the Millenium Falcon-edition mouse is a premium offering for those looking to add a piece of the galaxy to their gaming setup… and for an additional $59.99 each, the themed mouse pads can further elevate your space.

Click Here to Buy Now

The post Logitech revamps their popular X Plus Gaming Mouse with a ‘Millenium Falcon’ Edition first appeared on Yanko Design.

Logitech revamps their popular X Plus Gaming Mouse with a ‘Millenium Falcon’ Edition

For that extremely small subset of people who thought the Logitech G502 X Plus gaming mouse wasn’t perfect enough, the company’s managed to outdo itself with an even better version of its wildly popular wireless mouse. Now sporting the graphics of the Millenium Falcon from the Star Wars franchise, this new edition of the X Plus gaming mouse will be difficult to look away from. It’s also much more responsive, has a gorgeous tactile feel, and can functionally equip you with all the tools you need to demolish your sworn foes… in a game, obviously.

Designer: Logitech

Click Here to Buy Now

It’s difficult to talk about the X Plus’ features without highlighting the new variant’s design. I’d say the edgy aesthetic of a gaming mouse lends itself rather naturally to a sci-fi spaceship, but this one really takes the cake. The top fascia comes with a white and gray color scheme, punctuated with red accents and a pattern that echoes the iconic Millennium Falcon. Underneath, a hidden rebellion logo sits above the Hero 25K sensor, offering sub-micron accuracy and zero smoothing, filter, or acceleration – as precise and reliable as a Jedi’s lightsaber.

Logitech hasn’t overlooked the ambiance, either. The G502 X Plus Millennium Falcon Edition features 8-zone RGB lighting, capable of displaying a full spectrum of colors with custom Millennium Falcon-inspired animations. These animations, alongside the option for media-driven effects and advanced personalization, are accessible through the Logitech G Hub software. The LIGHTSYNC RGB not only adds a dynamic aesthetic to your gaming setup but also includes power-saving play detection to ensure efficiency.

At its core, the G502 X Plus Millennium Falcon Edition is a high-performance tool designed for the elite gamer. With a range of 100 – 25,600 dpi and a 400 IPS max speed, it promises precision and responsiveness that would make even Han Solo envious. The integration of Logitech’s first Lightforce hybrid optical-mechanical switches means users get the best of both worlds: the swift actuation of optical switches combined with the tactile satisfaction of mechanical ones.

The mouse also includes 13 programmable controls, allowing users to customize their gaming experience fully. For those long gaming sessions, the battery life stands robust, offering 120 hours of constant motion (37 hours with RGB on), ensuring that the only breaks taken are voluntary.

The mouse pairs with computers using Logitech’s pro-grade Lightspeed protocol (a hat-tip to the space-warping lightspeed travel system seen in the Star Wars movies). Designed to work without wires, the Lightspeed system is tournament-tested, with a response time that’s a whopping 68% faster than Logitech’s previous protocols.

To complete the intergalactic experience, Logitech offers the Return of the Jedi Collection XL gaming mouse pads. Whether you choose the Battle of Endor or Darth Vader version, your desk will transform into a battleground of epic proportions.

Priced at $159.99, the Millenium Falcon-edition mouse is a premium offering for those looking to add a piece of the galaxy to their gaming setup… and for an additional $59.99 each, the themed mouse pads can further elevate your space.

Click Here to Buy Now

The post Logitech revamps their popular X Plus Gaming Mouse with a ‘Millenium Falcon’ Edition first appeared on Yanko Design.

Logitech revamps their popular X Plus Gaming Mouse with a ‘Millenium Falcon’ Edition

For that extremely small subset of people who thought the Logitech G502 X Plus gaming mouse wasn’t perfect enough, the company’s managed to outdo itself with an even better version of its wildly popular wireless mouse. Now sporting the graphics of the Millenium Falcon from the Star Wars franchise, this new edition of the X Plus gaming mouse will be difficult to look away from. It’s also much more responsive, has a gorgeous tactile feel, and can functionally equip you with all the tools you need to demolish your sworn foes… in a game, obviously.

Designer: Logitech

Click Here to Buy Now

It’s difficult to talk about the X Plus’ features without highlighting the new variant’s design. I’d say the edgy aesthetic of a gaming mouse lends itself rather naturally to a sci-fi spaceship, but this one really takes the cake. The top fascia comes with a white and gray color scheme, punctuated with red accents and a pattern that echoes the iconic Millennium Falcon. Underneath, a hidden rebellion logo sits above the Hero 25K sensor, offering sub-micron accuracy and zero smoothing, filter, or acceleration – as precise and reliable as a Jedi’s lightsaber.

Logitech hasn’t overlooked the ambiance, either. The G502 X Plus Millennium Falcon Edition features 8-zone RGB lighting, capable of displaying a full spectrum of colors with custom Millennium Falcon-inspired animations. These animations, alongside the option for media-driven effects and advanced personalization, are accessible through the Logitech G Hub software. The LIGHTSYNC RGB not only adds a dynamic aesthetic to your gaming setup but also includes power-saving play detection to ensure efficiency.

At its core, the G502 X Plus Millennium Falcon Edition is a high-performance tool designed for the elite gamer. With a range of 100 – 25,600 dpi and a 400 IPS max speed, it promises precision and responsiveness that would make even Han Solo envious. The integration of Logitech’s first Lightforce hybrid optical-mechanical switches means users get the best of both worlds: the swift actuation of optical switches combined with the tactile satisfaction of mechanical ones.

The mouse also includes 13 programmable controls, allowing users to customize their gaming experience fully. For those long gaming sessions, the battery life stands robust, offering 120 hours of constant motion (37 hours with RGB on), ensuring that the only breaks taken are voluntary.

The mouse pairs with computers using Logitech’s pro-grade Lightspeed protocol (a hat-tip to the space-warping lightspeed travel system seen in the Star Wars movies). Designed to work without wires, the Lightspeed system is tournament-tested, with a response time that’s a whopping 68% faster than Logitech’s previous protocols.

To complete the intergalactic experience, Logitech offers the Return of the Jedi Collection XL gaming mouse pads. Whether you choose the Battle of Endor or Darth Vader version, your desk will transform into a battleground of epic proportions.

Priced at $159.99, the Millenium Falcon-edition mouse is a premium offering for those looking to add a piece of the galaxy to their gaming setup… and for an additional $59.99 each, the themed mouse pads can further elevate your space.

Click Here to Buy Now

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Inventive DIYer creates Star Wars Speeder bike from hoverboard parts

James Bruton, who’s a former toy designer turned into a DIYer of robotics and gadgets, stops at nothing once his imagination is let loose. Using modern technologies and his profound skills, the successful YouTube’er has created unique contraptions that’ll get you going anytime.

For his latest creation Star Wars is the inspiration for James, as he goes on to turn hoverboard parts into a side-riding Star Wars speeder. The build tests the builder’s aptitude, as the final creation is in fact a result of an improvised DIY of his previous make, the omni-wheel bike.

Designer: James Bruton

Getting started off, the omni-wheel bike made out of hoverboard parts intended to be a sideways mover – 90 degrees relative to the rider. The balancing act is done by the hoverboard’s sensors, but the problem lies in the sideways movement at such a large scale. Controlling the bike was a nightmare, so James took a new approach and turned it into a completely different DIY.

That’s where the idea of creating a Star Wars Speeder came to be, as the bike upgraded with jet thrusters was born. The initial idea of using the hoverboard’s sensors and motors to actuate the movement didn’t work out well, so the next best solution came in the form of a conventional handlebar. This enables the speeder not only to effortlessly go left and right, but also tilt sideways.

The handlebar also comes with a throttle to control the jet thruster speed, since they spin at a very fast rate. Once the movement was streamlined using the Arduino controller, it was time to drape the inventive ride in Star Wars theme. The only thing missing – or should I say, untweaked – is the inability to get the powerful thrusters to propel the bike from a standstill. It actually needs the good old push!

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An AI created these Star Wars themed timepieces to celebrate May the 4th

What better way to commemorate the greatest work of science fiction than with some science fiction of our own?! These imaginary (fictitious) timepieces were created using Midjourney’s AI art generator (science). Every year, on the fourth of May, sci-fi aficionados celebrate Star Wars Day. The day, colloquially referred to as “May the Fourth be with you” is a play on Han Solo’s iconic dialogue “May the force be with you”. To celebrate this uniquely pop-cultural moment in time, we have some timepieces that take inspiration from various characters in the movie. Each timepiece, whether a wristwatch,  pocket watch, table-clock, or wall-clock was created using Midjourney’s latest versions 5 and 5.1. The prompts were rather simple, to generate ceramic luxury watches (the one above looks exquisite) based on the Star Wars characters. The one on top is obviously an homage to the Storm trooper. It seems a little too literal, but I love the slight cloudy transparency and self-reflection of the ceramic surfaces. The watch, for some reason, has a ceramic strap too, but no harm, no foul. There’s no way this was designed to be real! Scroll down to check out some more.

Designer: Sarang Sheth (via Midjourney)

Just like the Stormtrooper wristwatch, these Darth Vader-themed watches put the iconic Sith lord’s helmet front and center. There’s just a wonderfully light use of gold against the watch’s black ceramic body, making it stand out. The helmet’s 3D depth is a lot on both watches, resulting in something looking incredibly chunky, but I don’t see myself complaining. The only true complaint I had was that I wanted a skeleton watch and the AI didn’t understand what I meant and kept making skull shapes!

Below is yet another example of a Stormtrooper-themed watch. Even though by sheer accident, this time the AI didn’t incorporate the Stormtrooper helmet into the watch face, but instead made a blurred helmet in the background. The result is a rather pristine-looking watch with the Stormtrooper color palette, a date window, and three subdials.

I tried my absolute best to get a Millennium Falcon-shaped watch, but no matter how much I played with the prompt (using even images to coax the AI), the results weren’t satisfactory. The AI image below, however, is the closest I got to something even remotely acceptable. This Millennium Falcon-themed watch may not have the spaceship’s iconic silhouette, but it definitely gets the Falcon’s surface treatment right. The Millennium Falcon has a rather unusual surface, comprising multiple panels welded and riveted together. This chaotic build is visible in the Millennium Falcon watch below as well, with one of the most dramatic watch faces I’ve seen in a while.

The pocket watch below might just be my favorite from this series. It doesn’t take an expert to realize this brass pocket watch is based on the lovable humanoid C3PO. The watch’s vintage design has two tiny dials for eyes, and comes with the same perplexed wide-eyed expression as the tall robot from the franchise. Hats off to Midjourney for also doing such a remarkable job with the reflectivity of the brass, and just the sheer amount of highlights and shadows created by the pocket watch’s intricately detailed surface. This could have easily fooled me.

While its original inspiration blew up into smithereens in the movie, this rather hefty table clock doesn’t look particularly in any danger of being destroyed. The AI had a tough time grasping the size and scale of the Death Star’s different regions, but managed to get the crux of its overall design, with a crater in the center that serves as the watch face.

What’s a Star Wars tribute series without the real star of the franchise? I’m talking about the Baby Yoda seen in The Mandalorian. This particular prompt was incredibly tough to orchestrate. I honestly wanted a table clock with Yoda ears, but Midjourney kept insisting on making a Baby Yoda figurine and putting a clock in its arms. Some of the images it made didn’t even have a clock in them! The one below was the best of the lot, with a rather adorable Baby Yoda holding a tiny timepiece with near-perfect numbering on it (Midjourney is notoriously bad with representing text). 15/10 would buy this.

Our last timepiece themes itself on the descendant of Vader… Adam Driver’s Kylo Ren. Now this one might have been the toughest of the lot, as the AI kept confusing Kylo Ren for Darth Vader. It took over 20 images to get something that even closely resembled Kylo’s helmet. To make things more dramatic, I added some red elements on the watch, along with lightsaber-inspired hands to match!

The post An AI created these Star Wars themed timepieces to celebrate May the 4th first appeared on Yanko Design.

LEGO announces highly detailed X-Wing Starfighter just in time for Star Wars Day 2023

There are just a few weeks to go for this year’s Star Wars Day and to mark the occasion, LEGO has introduced yet another T-65 X-Wing Starfighter to the ever-growing collection. This intricate set is going to be the newest model in the Ultimate Collector Series for LEGO fanatics who value attention to detail. For those who aren’t aware, the Ultimate Collector Series collection already consists of the AT-AT, Millennium Falcon, Razorcrest, and Luke Skywalker’s Landspeeder sets.

One thing that sets this one apart from previous ones is the screen-accurate X-Wings complete with signature KX9 laser cannons, 4L4 fusion thrust engines, and S-foils ready to be locked into an attack position. Compare that to the previous 1,559-piece set released in 2013, and you’ll instantly spot the minute little additions that make the new one desirable.

Designer: LEGO

This X-Wing Starfighter LEGO kit comprises 1,949 pieces in total and measures 10.5 inches in height and 21.5 inches in length when fully assembled. Along with the R2-D2 minifig inside the X-Wing Starfighter, there is a spot on the stand to put the Luke Skywalker minifig dressed in a Rebel flight suit, intimidating galactic warriors with his mighty lightsaber. This timeless Starfighter can be displayed on an old-school stand with the wings either retracted or fully open in the X configuration to bring your Star Wars-themed den to life.

For nerds, there’s a plaque showing all the technical details of the fighter and finally gets over the hassle of aligning stickers properly, something that was an irk on the earlier models. The LEGO set will be available early for LEGO VIP members on May 1, while others can grab one starting May 4 for a price tag of $239.99. The LEGO kit will be available both at the toy maker’s physical stores and online portals. But even before that, you can catch a glimpse of the Starfighter at the toy LEGO’s ExCel London booth.

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Mandalorian themed Logitech G A30 Wireless Gaming Headset for Star Wars fans

The Mandalorian Season 3 has kicked off on Disney Plus, as Grogu and Mando come across friendly and hostile characters en route to their intergalactic voyage. Just the right time for gamers to zone off with a pair of headphones themed on Din Djarin (lovingly known as Mando), the pop culture hero of current times.

Created by Logitech G in collaboration with Lucasfilm, the “A30 Wireless Gaming Headset The Mandalorian Edition” is more of a collector’s item for Star Wars fans who’ll in all likelihood use the accessory to stream the latest installment of this hit series and beyond.

Designer: Logitech G

To keep fans engaged, there are numerous easter eggs concealed in the headset itself. It’ll be a fun exercise to discover them once you own these pair of cans. For now, we’ll focus on the Mando-inspired aesthetics and features of the headset. Based on the A30 headset’s iconic design, these headphones have the Beskar steel-inspired theme which is an absolute nod to the galactic roamer in search for resurrection. The clamping force on these special edition headphones strikes the right balance for a comfortable and secure fit, which is a very important feature for geeks who value ergonomics.

A die-hard Star Wars fan will never want to part with this headset given it features custom speaker tags having the Din Djarin profile on the left tag and the Clan Mudhorn signet on the right. The earcups have authentic Mandalorian script and those signets pump up your chest to be a warrior (or I should say gamer) to be dealt with. The aesthetics are undoubtedly impressive on this headset, and the specifications truly complement the looks.

A30 Wireless Gaming Headset The Mandalorian Edition connects seamlessly to Android, iOS, Mac,  PC, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S with a dongle accessory. Battery life is rated at 27 hours on a single charge, and audiophiles will appreciate the inclusion of the in-house LIGHTSPEED Wireless technology. When the battery runs out and there’s no way to charge it, the 3.5 mm connectivity comes in handy.

Being a gaming headset at its heart, there is ultra-low latency wireless connectivity at the core. Audio coming out of these Mando-themed headphones should be crisp courtesy of the 40 mm drivers tuned for crystal clear spatial audio. These pair of cans can be pre-ordered right away for a price tag of $249 with shipping promised in April 2023.

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Star Wars Crochet Kit: Crafty Jedis

Because who hasn’t dreamed of crocheting their own little Jedi army to take on the Empire, AlwaysFits is selling this Star Wars Crochet Kit. The kit includes everything you need to make your own Yoda and R2-D2, along with instructions to make more characters; you’ll just need to buy the yarn and eyeballs. Oh – and learn how to crochet.

I’ve tried crocheting before, and I just don’t think I have the patience for it. Or the hand-eye coordination. I’ve got the feeling no matter what character I tried making, they would all just wind up looking like Jabba the Hutts. And not a realistic Jabba the Hutt either, the kind a kid might draw.

Those instructions look like some sort of secret coded message to decipher. What are you trying to tell me, crochet book? Is Obi-Wan our only hope?! Or that it’s better to just give up now before I disappoint myself again? Because I’m pretty sure it’s the latter.

Lifesize ‘Pan Solo in Carbonite’ Bread Sculpture

Participating in the Downtown Benicia Main Street Scarecrow Contest, bakers Hanalee Pervan and her mother Catherine of One House Bakery in Benicia, California, created this lifesize ‘Pan Solo in Carbonite’ bread sculpture. Did it win the contest? I have no clue, but it certainly won my heart. And stomach. Now, where’s the butter and jam?

The sculpture is made entirely from dough and is currently on display in the front window of the One House Bakery but will make its way to the compost pile after Han has reached his best-by date. That’s a shame because I love stale bread. It’s like toast but without needing a toaster.

Obviously, what kind of Star Wars fan would I be if I didn’t include an “I loaf you,” “I dough,” joke in here somewhere, so consider this that joke. Now somebody bake me a Death Star cake, I’m so hungry I could eat a tauntaun.

[via BoingBoing]