There is a new plugin for Blender, Paint System by Tawan Sunflower that enables you to paint directly on your 3D models in Blender using a very familiar system to Photoshop users. Best of all the add-on is completely free although it does require a newish version of Blender to run, Blender 4.1 or higher.Installation is easy:Note: Please use Blender 4.1+Under Releases on the right click one of Paint System version, then simply click the .zip file. The addon will begin to download.In blender click Edit > Preferences > Add-ons (For Blender 4.2+) Click the small dropdown on the top right and choose Install From Disk. (For Blender 4.1) Click InstallNavigate to the downloaded .zip file and install it..The add-on is available on Gumroad. If you like the authors work consider giving him a star over on the GitHub page. All of the code is available, released under the GPL v3 license. You can learn more about Paint System for Blender in the authors video or in the video below.

Earlier this week, some sources begun to claim that the next generation iPhone SE, which is expected to debut this spring, wont actually be called iPhone SE at all. Were now starting to hear that itll be called iPhone 16E instead. This may be a weird rumor, but I think it actually makes a lot of sense, given what we know so far about the iPhone SE 4.iPhone SE 4 rumorsTo quickly recap, heres everything were expecting with iPhone SE 4:iPhone 14 design: featuring a notch with Face ID, and a 6.1-inch OLED displayA18 chip with support for Apple IntelligenceUSB-C portSingle rear camera: 48MP sensor from iPhone 15Apples in-house 5G modem, the first of its kindItd definitely be the biggest upgrade in the history of iPhone SE. Apple hasnt done a form factor upgrade with iPhone SE since the 2nd generation model in 2020. When the iPhone SE 3 was released in 2022, it retained the same form factor, just with an A15 Bionic chip and support for 5G. The iPhone SE 4 will be the first major iPhone SE refresh in 5 years.iPhone SE 4 CAD render / source: 91mobilesToo good to be true?While I have no skepticism over the actual rumors of iPhone SE 4, Ive always been skeptical about the price. A lot of people have thrown around $499 as a potential price tag for iPhone SE 4, but thats never made a ton of sense in my head. Apple currently sells the iPhone 14 for $599, and the iPhone 15 for $699.Yet somehow, a newer phone with components from both of these (plus an even newer chipset) is apparently supposed to cost substantially less?There are two things that could lower Apples costs for the iPhone SE 4:The new in-house modems, allowing them to ditch Qualcomms pricier modemsNot using Samsung OLEDs, and instead relying on BOE and LG display for more affordable panelsThese two components are some of the most expensive components in the iPhone. Its very possible that Apple could sell the iPhone SE 4 for $499 and still have decent margins. However, the bigger question is: would they?iPhone 16E in the iPhone lineupIf the iPhone SE 4 were $499, itd be $300 less than the iPhone 16 at $799. Between those two phones, youd be paying a $300 price premium for Dynamic Island, the Action Button, and an ultra wide camera. I dont know about you, but to me, it sounds like the iPhone SE 4 would be way too good of a deal compared to iPhone 16.Thats why the iPhone 16E naming makes sense to me. If they ditch the SE branding, they could sell the phone for $599 without a ton of backlash. On top of that, the iPhone 15 will likely still be sold after the iPhone SE 4/16E releases. With the upcoming SE being called 16E instead, itd be a great way to highlight that the iPhone 15 is an older phone without support for Apple Intelligence, despite carrying a higher price. iPhone SE has also historically been known as the smaller phone, and with a 6.1-inch display, its hard to call it small. iPhone 16E would also be a cleaner name for consumers, signifying that the phone is part of the current lineup. This would probably help sales to some degree. With the current SE branding, you cant really get a great sense of its age, unless you do your research. However, Apple could mitigate that by switching to years instead of generation numbers.Wrap upPersonally, I just like the iPhone 16E branding. iPhone SE always carried a bit of a cheaper stigma that I think turned some people away from it. With the first iPhone SE redesign in five years, it could be a great time to reshape how people view the product.What do you think about the iPhone 16E rumor? Let us know in the comments.My favorite iPhone accessories on Amazon:Follow Michael:X/Twitter,Bluesky,InstagramAdd 9to5Mac to your Google News feed. FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links. More.Youre reading 9to5Mac experts who break news about Apple and its surrounding ecosystem, day after day. Be sure to check out our homepage for all the latest news, and follow 9to5Mac on Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn to stay in the loop. Dont know where to start? Check out our exclusive stories, reviews, how-tos, and subscribe to our YouTube channel

When you want to get a point across, simple text isn't always enough. In person you'd wave your arms or point, but until recently texting someone would be like standing still -- just plain words without any emphasis. The Messages app iniOS 18.2now gives you all sorts of embellishment, from bold and italic to making words explode.And that's just the start of what's new.Animated effects and text formatting make chatting more fun, and RCS support means your friends with Android phones can finally send high-resolution images. If your brain is active late at night, you can schedule texts to be sent at a more reasonable hour without waking anyone up.And don't forget the abilities to bounce texts from a satellite and create your own emoji with Genmoji -- an Apple Intelligence feature on iPhone 15 Pro, iPhone 16 and select iPad models. Here are eight new features in the Messages app you should know about. Read more:iOS 18 Review: Get Ready to Customize Your iPhoneAlso, if you're just getting started with the new system, be sure to check out the settings you need to change right now. And don't miss these 10 hidden iOS 18 features. Thanks to RCS messaging, you can better communicate with Android users The addition of Rich Communication Services protocol to Messages shouldreduce frictionwhen texting with friends who own Android phones. It enables read receipts and gives you higher-quality image transfers and end-to-end encryption (but keeps Android message bubbles green). If your carrier supports RCS, it's likely you don't need to do anything to use it. Go toSettings > Apps > Messages > RCS Messagingand make sure theRCS Messagingis turned on. RCS Messaging should be enabled by default. Screenshots by Jeff Carlson/CNET You can also send text messages via satelliteTheEmergency SOS via Satellitefeature that was introduced with the iPhone 14 has been aliteral lifesaver. When you have no cellular signal, you can connect to a satellite and exchange short text messages with emergency responders. With that infrastructure in place, Apple is opening Messages up to nonemergency texts too. If you're out of range of cellular or Wi-Fi networks and own an iPhone 14 or later, Messages will prompt you to connect to a satellite. While connected, the Dynamic Island expands to help you stay pointed at the satellites overhead. You can then text people like you normally would, and features like emoji and Tapbacks should still work. If you want to check out a demo of the feature, go toSettings > Apps > Messages > Messages via Satellite > Satellite Connection Demo. Or just go out into the middle of nowhere and try it out yourself. Apple/Screenshot by CNET You can now format text in Messages I don't want to come across as "that typography guy," but it has long bothered me that one of the only ways to emphasize text in Messages has been to put it in all caps. We as a society haven't developed typography over hundreds of years and invented the most sophisticated computing devices just to shout at each other over text. So yeah, I guess I am that guy. I feel better now that I can express myself using bold, italic, underlined and strikethrough text in conversations with my friends who are also running iOS 18, iPadOS 18 and MacOS Sequoia. You can apply formatting to an entire phrase, individual words and letters, or combinations of those, like so: Type your message.To apply formatting to the entire message, tap the Formatting button in the suggestion bar; all of your text is highlighted. Or, to add emphasis to only a word, double-tap to select the text and then press the Formatting button. You can also choose Text Effects from the options that appear above the selection.Tap one of the options at the top of the formatting panel that replaces the keyboard: bold, italic, underline or strikethrough. Apply text formatting to selected text or an entire message. Screenshots by Jeff Carlson/CNETIf you format a message that is sent to someone running an older system, they'll see only plain text, which could be confusing if you've used strikethrough to indicate removed words. You can animate your text messages Here's where I toss aside any pretense of being a typographical purist. A message or selected words or letters can be animated in one of eight styles. Need to deliver some big news with more emphasis than bold text? With iOS 18, there are several new animation options you can add to your text. The Big animation expands the size of your letters. Or perhaps just mentioning that it's freezing outside doesn't convey the teeth-chattering cold -- apply the Jitter animation to make the letters shake. Adding animation is just as easy as formatting text: Type your message.Tap the Formatting button in the suggestion bar to select the entire text. Or, select individual words or letters and then press that button.Tap one of the animation styles to apply it: Big, Small, Shake, Nod, Explode, Ripple, Bloom or Jitter. Apply animated effects to messages. Screenshot by Jeff Carlson/CNETYou can mix animations within a message by making selections and applying different styles to them. However, you can't apply more than one animation to a selection; a word cannot shake and then explode, for example. As with text formatting, a message shows up as plain text for anyone not running iOS 18, iPadOS 18 or MacOS Sequoia. Even with these new features, I want more: text formatting and text animation. Currently you can use one or the other. But if Apple's engineers can make something as complex as eye-tracking for the Vision Pro, they can make this happen in a subsequent update. You can turn off auto-playing animations, if that's not your thing Let's say your friend just installed iOS 18 and wants to try out all the animation effects in a series of messages, creating a screen full of pulsing, resizing, jittering and exploding texts. You think, with all that animation tempting a migraine, what has Apple unleashed? Don't stress, because you can set the animations to not automatically repeat. Go to Settings > Accessibility > Motion and turn off Auto-Play Message Effects. Your friend can still send animated text that will play once when you receive it, but you won't be subjected to the animation repeating. You can add any emoji or sticker as a tapback in Messages Sometimes words are unnecessary. You could reply to someone's message using a Tapback icon to express love, agreement, disagreement, laughter, alarm or curiosity. They're quick to apply and get your reply across easily. They've also been limited to just six icons, and in monochrome no less. With iOS 18, Messages adds color (and some cartoony shading) to those icons, but also the ability to reply with any emoji or sticker. Here's how to do it: Touch and hold a message until you see the Tapback bubble appear.Tap the emoji button just below the other icons. Or, you can swipe left on the bubble to view recent emojis, stickers and a gray emoji button that leads to the emoji library.In the emoji picker, choose a sticker (left side) or any of the hundreds of emoji. Add any emoji as a Tapback reply. Screenshots by Jeff Carlson/CNET You can create your own unique emoji using Genmoji One Messages-related feature of Apple Intelligence on the iPhone 15 Pro, iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Pro models is the ability to summarize incoming texts in their notifications. iOS 18.2 brings another option to the Messages app: Genmoji, a way to create your own emoji on the spot by describing what you want. (It also works on iPads with M-series processors and the latest iPad mini.)Before you start though, you'll need to sign up for the waitlist in the Image Playground app. Once you're accepted, you can do the following: In a conversation with someone, tap the emoji button to view the emoji options.Tap the Genmoji button to the right of the Describe an Emoji field.Type (or use dictation to speak) a description of what the Genmoji should look like. You can type something like "blue bird" or "crying emoji surfing" and the app will start creating variations of your descriptions. (Learn more about creating better Genmoji.)Flip through the icons it creates until you find one you like. You can also edit the description to change the parameters of the generated image.When you have a Genmoji you like, tapAdd. Create custom emoji using Apple Intelligence. Screenshots by Jeff Carlson/CNETThe new emoji appears inline in your text and is added to your Recents collection of emojis. It also shows up as a sticker that you can add. You can schedule text messages using Send Later I know which friends are likely up at midnight to reply to a text, and which I'd probably wake up. Because I want the second category to continue to be my friends, the ability to schedule texts in the Messages app is great for when I want to share a thought but don't need an immediate reply. To send a message at a specified time, do this: Type your message.Tap the More (+) button.Tap Send Later; you may need to swipe up to find it in the list of apps and features.In the time picker that appears, set a day and time to send the message.Tap the Send Message button (the up arrow) to schedule it. Up too early or too late? Schedule a message for later so you don't wake up the recipient. Screenshots by Jeff Carlson/CNETScheduled messages show up with a faint dashed border. If you need to change the timing later, tap Edit above the message and then choose Edit Time from the menu. Also, if you find yourself scheduling messages often, I recommend moving the Send Later option higher in the More list so it's easier to access. For more, see how Apple redesigned the Photos app in iOS 18and learn everything about the new Passwords app that syncs across devices and platforms. 11 Essential Accessories Your iPhone Wants for the Holidays See all photos

The new year is in full swing and most of us are recovering from the holidays. If there's anything you didn't get to cross off your holiday shopping list, you'll be glad to know there are still some great deals that are on par with recent Black Friday and Cyber Monday deals. This is especially the case for big-ticket items like new TVs. We've spotted the 85-inch Panasonic W95 Series Fire TV for only $1,500 at Woot right now. That's a discount of 50% from its usual asking price of $3,000. You can score this deal from now until Jan. 10 or until it's sold out, so we suggest acting fast if this deal interests you.See at WootThis Panasonic W95 Series Fire TV features 4K resolution and a mini LED panel that power these strong visuals. Panasonic included other features that provide better contrast and visuals, such as a Quantum Dot sheet and Local Dimming. These features work with the HCX Pro AI Processor MKII to provide more lifelike colors and better clarity so you can get a theater-quality TV experience every time. Hey, did you know? CNET Deals texts are free, easy and save you money.The audio features on the Panasonic W95 are just as incredible. This TV includes Dynamic Theater Surround, which is subwoofer that enhances the TV's Dolby Atmos sound quality. Other highlights are the Game Control Board and a refresh rate of 144Hz. With these features, gamers can quickly control their settings without missing out on any updates. Fire TV is also integrated into this TV so all viewers can enjoy their favorite streaming services easily. Plus, you can use this TV with Alexa and turn on Fire TV Ambient Experience to display your favorite pictures or artwork when not watching TV.Looking for a new TV but not sure if this deal is for you? Check out our list of the best 4K TV deals so you can get exactly what you need.Why this deal mattersWith the holidays behind us, new year deals like this one make it easier to make large purchases as stores prepare their shelves for incoming inventory or newer TV models. This Woot deal offers a new Panasonic W95 for half its usual asking price, which makes now a great time to buy. Shoppers with an Amazon Prime membership can also save a few more bucks, as this means they can get free delivery. More shopping deals from CNET CNET is always covering a wide array of deals on tech products and much more. Start with the hottest sales and discounts on theCNET Deals page, and sign up for theCNET Deals Textto get daily deals sent straight to your phone. Add the freeCNET Shopping extensionto your browser for real-time price comparisons and cash-back offers. And peruse ourgift guide, which includes a full range of ideas for birthdays, anniversaries and more. See at CNET

Mass Effect fans think this official image hints that Paragon/Renegade system is "absolutely returning"Shepard's hook.Image credit: BioWare / Mass Effect News by Vikki Blake Contributor Published on Jan. 4, 2025 Mass Effect fans think they've spotted a clue that the series' signature morality system may be making a comeback in Mass Effect 5.Whilst developer BioWare has confirmed nothing either way - which means we can only take this with a healthy bucket of salt for now - fans like X user Kalaelizabeth believe they've spotted a sneaky nod to Mass Effect's Paragon/Renegade system hiding in plain sight.15 Things You Didn't Know About Mass Effect Andromeda - new gameplay.Watch on YouTubeTake the post embedded below, which includes an official promotional image of the next Mass Effect game that, at first glance, may not be telling us very much at all.Look a little closer, though, and you can see why fans are drawing the conclusions they are. Regardless of whether or not you believe the image is sneakily acknowledging the morality system is making a return, it's a curious image for BioWare to have shared, especially when super-imposed by the iconic Paragon symbol: To see this content please enable targeting cookies.The flames of speculation have been further fanned by the post Kalaelizabeth was quoting. BioWare project director and executive producer Michael Gamble recently commented on the series' long-held morality mechanic, acknowledging that although more players opted to be a Paragon - that is, a "good" Shepard - in the original trilogy, how you play is "meaningless" unless the ability to be "bad" also exists."Regarding Renegade and Paragon - yes, its true that more people played Paragon. But, it would have been meaningless if Renegade had not existed. The ability to choose is stronger than the number of people playing any option, IMO," Gamble tweeted (thanks, TheGamer).Does all of this mean Paragon/Renegade is "absolutely returning" for Mass Effect 5? Absolutely not. But it's arguably one of the best interpretations we've had yet as to why BioWare teased such an interesting image...As for the eagerly-anticipated Mass Effect TV show? An adaptation was first touted back in 2021, when former BioWare lead writer Mac Walters explained various factors had contributed to the company shifting its initial vision of a movie adaptation toward something for the smaller screen. Later that same year, reports surfaced claiming Amazon was "nearing a deal" for a Mass Effect TV series, as part of its ongoing push into sci-fi and fantasy storytelling.And now those reports have been confirmed. Variety revealed on the most recent N7 day - 7th November 2024 - that a Mass Effect TV series is now officially in development at Amazon, with 10 Cloverfield Lane and Fast & Furious 9 (AKA F9: The Fast Saga) scribe Daniel Casey on writing and executive producer duties.

In BriefPosted:9:46 AM PST January 4, 2025Image Credits:Smith Collection/Gado / Getty ImagesLyft will credit NYC riders for congestion fee throughout JanuaryNew York Citys congestion pricing is scheduled to take effect Sunday but for the first month, Lyft said it will be crediting riders who pay the fee.New Yorks program, which is supposed to reduce traffic in lower Manhattan while also raising funding for mass transit, was paused by Governor Kathy Hochul in June, then eventually reinstated at a reduced price. There are different prices for different vehicles at different times during daytime hours, it will cost $9 to drive a regular car in Manhattan below 60th St, while someone using a ride-hailing service like Uber or Lyft will pay $1.50 per ride.Lyft passengers will be charged like everyone else, but the company said that throughout January, theyll get the money back in credits that can be spent on Lyft or Citi Bike for the following week.Lyft also noted that the new fee comes on top of an existing $2.75 congestion fee for rides that begin, end, or pass through Manhattan below 96th St. So it described the credit as a small gesture to help people adjust to another new expense even as we work to reduce the overall cost of rides.Topics

Built circa 1804 in the form of an English country estate house, Birdsey Hall stands as the finest property in the town of Goshen, Connecticut. The residence was built for Birdsey Norton (1763-1812), a wealthy cheese merchant who was said to have been inspired to build a country estate after travelling the American south on business. The high-style Federal/Adamesque mansion features expansive grounds bounded by brick walls and Victorian gardens. The property was later owned by Fred Favorite and Robert Devoe, friends of Liberace, who operated an antique store. Birdsey Hall remains one of the finest Federal estates in Connecticut.

People make their way throgh showfloors at the Las Vegas Convention Center during the Consumer ... [+] Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas, Nevada, on January 11, 2024. (Photo by Frederic J. BROWN / AFP) (Photo by FREDERIC J. BROWN/AFP via Getty Images)AFP via Getty ImagesCES, the annual technology extravaganza hosted by the Consumer Technology Association (CTA), kicks off the new year with over 150,000 industry attendees and 4,000 exhibitors converging in Las Vegas. Its not just the first big tech event of the yearits the one that sets the tone for the next twelve months of innovation.CTA Sr.VP Kinsey Fabrizio Speaking at CES Qualcomm Keynote 2024.CTAAs Kinzie Fabrizio, President of the CTA, put it in an interview last week, Every company is a tech company now, and CES reflects that reality. Weve gone from being the Consumer Electronics Show to the Consumer Everything Show. In fact, the CTA has fully embraced this evolution, officially dropping the phrase "Consumer Electronics Show" from its branding years ago.This transformation has been decades in the making. CES has grown far beyond its roots as a showcase for gadgets and electronics. Today, it spans categories as diverse as automotive, health tech, extended reality (XR), and wearables. From tractors by John Deere to AI-driven health diagnostics and prototypes of autonomous vehicles, CES is where the future comes to life, said Fabrizio.CTA President Kinzie Fabrizio with Forbes contributor Charlie Fink at CES Press Day, 2024. Charlie FinkBehind the Curtain: How CES Comes TogetherThe CTAs 155-person staff works year-round to make the worlds biggest trade show happen. According to Fabrizio, A core team of about 10 staff oversees operations for the entire event, managing 2.5 million net square feet of exhibit space. They handle everything from security to transportation logistics, even timing the traffic lights around the city.Las Vegas, a long-time partner of CES, plays a critical role in the event's success. This year, attendees will enjoy the newly renovated North Hall at the Las Vegas Convention Center, an upgrade designed to elevate the overall experience. The city of Las Vegas has been a phenomenal partner, said Fabrizio. The Convention Center is undergoing a massive transformation, and its exciting to see how that space evolves to meet the needs of the show.CTA CEO Gary Shapiro. CTAMORE FOR YOUWhat to Expect at CES 2025CES 2025 promises to be an exciting blend of established tech trends and emerging innovations. Among the highlights are keynotes from two industry heavyweights: Jensen Huang, CEO of Nvidia, and Samsung.Huangs keynote is expected to spotlight Nvidias role in powering the AI revolution. Were thrilled to have Jensen kick off CES, said Fabrizio. His insights into AI and its applications across industries are going to set the tone for the show. Nvidias influence spans far beyond gaming GPUsits shaping the future of generative AI, autonomous vehicles, and data centers.Meanwhile, Samsungs keynote may offer a glimpse into its much-anticipated AR headset, a move that could accelerate the adoption of extended reality technologies. As CES continues to be a launchpad for breakthroughs, this presentation is one to watch.Izumi Kawanishi, President and COO of Honda Mobility Inc., introduces the Afeela car, where Honda ... [+] teams up with Sony and Microsoft on AI and other tech for the mobility industry during the Sony press conference at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES), January 8, 2024, in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Frederic J. BROWN / AFP) (Photo by FREDERIC J. BROWN/AFP via Getty Images)AFP via Getty ImagesThemed Zones to NavigateFor attendees navigating the sprawling CES footprint, knowing where to go is crucial. Heres a quick guide to some of the key zones and themes at CES 2025:Mobility: Automotive tech has become a centerpiece of CES. From EVs to autonomous systems, major players like BMW and Hyundai will showcase their latest innovations. Fabrizio highlighted this shift: CES went from featuring aftermarket car tech to full-scale OEM exhibits. Today, its a destination for transformative mobility stories.Health Tech: With AI-enabled diagnostics and remote monitoring systems, health tech is expected to be one of the fastest-growing sectors at CES. Gary Shapiro, CEO of the CTA, emphasized its importance: Technology is solving critical problems in healthcare, from addressing shortages of professionals to enabling aging populations to live independently.Wearables: This years wearables will focus on consumer-friendly devices like health trackers, smart glasses, and voice-enabled tools. Voice will become the operating system, said Fabrizio. This year, expect a lot of innovation around frames and wearables.XR: Augmented and virtual reality remains a hot topic, with new devices and platforms competing for attention. Samsungs rumored AR headset could be a major talking point.Xreal's booth dominated the show floor in the area designated for XR/gaming/metaverseat CES 2024.Charlie FinkPractical Tips for CES 2025With so much to see and do, its essential to plan your time wisely. CES veteran attendees recommend dedicating a full day to major venues like the Las Vegas Convention Center and the Sands Expo. I need a full day now just to see everything at the Sands, said Fabrizio, referencing the abundance of startups and AI-focused exhibits in that space.After decades of CES, I can offer these tips, which youll find everywhere, because theyre true for everyone, from bigwigs to little wigs.Dress in layers. Vegas in winter is hot inside, cold outside.Wear comfortable shoes. Youre going to walk miles.Stay hydrated. Youre in the desert.Be mindful of travel. Its going to take longer to get from place to place than you think.Hand sanitizer is a must. Masks should be considered. I am not careful enough, and always come home with a cold. Dont be like me.I have given up on most parties. Theyre all standing affairs, and you cant hear anyone.LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - JANUARY 10: The Wonder Globe, a 20-foot, spherical LED screen is shown at SK ... [+] Group's SK Wonderland booth during CES 2024 at the Las Vegas Convention Center on January 10, 2024 in Las Vegas, Nevada. CES, the world's largest annual consumer technology trade show, runs through January 12 and features about 4,000 exhibitors showing off their latest products and services to more than 130,000 attendees. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)Getty ImagesThe Future Seen From Vegas CES 2025 captures the moment when technology permeates every aspect of our lives. Shapiro reflected on how CES has evolved alongside the tech industry: Its not just about the productsits about solutions for real-world problems. Whether its clean air, better healthcare, or smarter transportation, CES showcases how innovation is making the world better.As the tech world descends on Las Vegas, one thing is clear: CES isnt just a preview of the year ahead. Its a celebration of how far weve comeand a roadmap for where were going next.Gary Shapiro, CEO of the CTA, just released his fourth book. CTA

Editor's take: This likely won't be the last time a village, town, or city receives an unexpected delivery from the sky. As companies accelerate satellite launches and other orbital operations, the issue of excessive space debris is becoming an inevitable consequence. After all, what goes up must eventually come down. It was an ordinary day for the residents of Mukuku village in Kenya's Makueni County until an unexpected delivery from above disrupted the calm.On December 30, at around 3 pm local time, a massive metallic ring weighing approximately 1,100 pounds came crashing into the village. The loud impact startled residents, some of whom initially feared it was an attack or a bomb explosion.Joseph Mutua, a local villager, recounted the event to Kenyan news station NTV. While tending to his cows, he heard "a loud bang" and assumed it might be a car accident. However, there were no signs of a collision nearby.The source of the disturbance turned out to be space debris a separation ring from a rocket launch. These components are typically designed to burn up harmlessly in the atmosphere or fall into remote areas. Occasionally, however, they veer slightly off course.The Kenya Space Agency (KSA) was quickly alerted and sprang into action. Collaborating with local authorities, they secured the area and took the hefty ring into custody for further investigation. Preliminary assessments suggested the debris was from a launch vehicle re-entering Earth's atmosphere. The KSA also issued a statement assuring the public that this was an "isolated case" and that the metal object posed no threat to public safety.While rare, incidents like this are becoming more frequent as Earth's orbital paths become increasingly congested. As of last year, over 170 million pieces of space debris larger than a millimeter were orbiting our planet remnants of rockets, defunct satellites, and other space operations. Most of this debris burns up safely upon re-entry, but some make it uncomfortably close to the ground. // Related StoriesIn February of last year, the European Space Agency issued an alert about a satellite, heavier than a large car, making an uncontrolled re-entry to Earth. Additionally, in March, a piece of the International Space Station crashed through a family's house in Florida. At times, even the station itself has had to perform maneuvers to avoid incoming debris.For now, Kenyan authorities are still investigating the exact origin of the fallen ring.

Forward-looking: Researchers have achieved a breakthrough in extending the lifespan of EV batteries by adopting a single-crystal electrode design. This innovation not only holds the potential to significantly increase the longevity and range of electric vehicles but also paves the way for more seamless integration of renewable energy sources into power grids. The study, funded by Tesla Canada and the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada, was led by Professor Jeff Dahn from Dalhousie University in Halifax, and a team of researchers. Their innovative battery demonstrated exceptional durability, lasting over 20,000 charge-discharge cycles before reaching the industry-standard 80 percent capacity threshold.To put that into perspective, it equates to powering an EV for an extraordinary 8 million kilometers.The research focused on understanding how internal damage and fatigue accumulate in batteries over time and devising methods to prevent these issues, explained Dr. Toby Bond, a senior scientist at the Canadian Light Source. Using the advanced synchrotron light technology at the University of Saskatchewan, the team conducted detailed analyses of the battery's internal structures.The new single-crystal electrode battery was compared to a conventional lithium-ion battery, which typically lasts around 2,400 cycles before hitting the 80 percent capacity mark. With the CLS's ultrabright synchrotron light, researchers were able to study the internal structures of both battery types without disassembling them, ensuring the integrity of the long-cycled cells was maintained.The results were striking. While conventional batteries exhibited extensive microscopic cracking in their electrode material after repeated charging and discharging, the single-crystal electrode battery showed almost no signs of degradation. "In our images, it looked very much like a brand-new cell," said Dr. Toby Bond. "We could almost not tell the difference." // Related StoriesThe key to this durability lies in the structure of the electrode particles. Traditional batteries use electrodes composed of tiny particles made up of smaller crystal clusters. In contrast, the single-crystal electrode is a single, continuous crystal, making it far more resistant to mechanical stress and strain. Bond likened the difference to that between a snowball and an ice cube the latter being much harder to crush.This breakthrough has far-reaching implications for the EV industry and beyond. Current US regulations require EV batteries to maintain at least 80 percent of their original charge capacity after eight years of operation. However, industry experts are pushing for batteries that last decades, enabling "second-life applications" such as grid-scale energy storage for renewable sources like wind and solar.The extended lifespan of these new batteries could outlast other components of electric vehicles, representing a significant milestone in EV technology. "We really need these vehicles to last as long as possible because the longer you drive them, the better its improvement on the carbon footprint is," Bond explained.The research team reports that these advanced batteries are already in commercial production, with their adoption expected to grow significantly in the coming years. "I think work like this just helps underscore how reliable they are, and it should help companies that are manufacturing and using these batteries to plan for the long term," Bond said.