Laser technique revolutionizes ultra-high temperature ceramic manufacturing for space, defense applications  Space Daily

People Can Fly, announced that the company has suspended development on two games -- Project Gemini and Project Bifrost.

Appcharge, a direct-to-consumer (D2C) platform for mobile games, and marketing measurement firm AppsFlyer announced a strategic partnership.

Space Forge Raises Record £22.6M Series A for In-Space Manufacturing  TECHi

Introducing the apps and games you shouldn't miss this month.

Here’s a fun one for Mac nostalgia fans: a new project by hobbyist Nick Gillard has taken the idea of mini retro builds to a whole micro level. Called the pico-mac-nano, this is a working replica of the original Macintosh that stands just 62 millimeters tall (that’s 2.4 inches for you, Casey Liss). And what’s more, you can actually run MacPaint and MacWrite on it. How awesome is that? The project (via BoingBoing) builds on an earlier open-source emulator by Matt Evans, who had already managed to get a Raspberry Pi Pico running System 1. Gillard took that idea and ran with it, packing it into a shockingly faithful 3D-printed case, complete with a tiny rainbow Apple logo and even a scale replica of the original Picasso-style shipping box. “I just couldn’t resist creating a matching, tiny version of the iconic ‘Picasso’ box that the original 128K Macintosh shipped in. After finally finding a manufacturer (in India!) and having the first batch back, I’m super-happy with the result; a white, full colour printed, corrugated cardboard box.” The guts of the machine are made of a Pi Pico microcontroller, a 2-inch 480×640 TFT screen configured to match the original Mac’s 512×342 resolution, and a speaker capable of those signature startup chimes. Everything runs off a custom firmware that emulates a 68000 CPU, all open-sourced and shared on GitHub. The result is a perfect desktop curiosity you can gift yourself on a special occasion or, if you’re one of these DIY creatures, build on your own. Gillard says he’ll be selling a few pre-assembled kits soon, but if you’re the DIY type, you can also grab the STL files, firmware, and a full parts list for your next weekend project over at 1BitRainbow.com. Add 9to5Mac to your Google News feed.  FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links. More.You’re 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. Don’t know where to start? Check out our exclusive stories, reviews, how-tos, and subscribe to our YouTube channel

Tech Flying motorcycle zooms at 124 mph without touching the ground A jet-powered flying bike that combines speed, agility, and futuristic design Published June 1, 2025 6:00am EDT close Flying motorcycle zooms at 124 mph without touching the ground Soar above traffc in the air with ease. Imagine gliding through city traffic, not stuck in traffic jams on the road, but soaring above them in the air with ease. The Volonaut Airbike, a jet-powered flying bike developed by Polish entrepreneur Tomasz Patan, is turning this vision into reality. With a top speed of 124 mph and a frame that is seven times lighter than a typical motorcycle, this innovative vehicle could change the way we get around in cities, making travel faster and easier. Jet-powered flying bike  (Volonaut)Jet power and featherweight designUnlike many personal flying devices that depend on large, noisy propellers, the Volonaut Airbike uses a jet propulsion system. While the exact technical details have not been disclosed, the Airbike's design emphasizes extreme lightness and agility.CHINESE WEARABLE EVTOL JETPACK MAKES HISTORIC FIRST FLIGHTExtensive use of carbon fiber and 3D-printed parts allows the vehicle to weigh just 86 pounds without a rider. This is approximately seven times lighter than an average motorcycle, which typically weighs around 600 pounds. This featherweight construction makes the Airbike nimble and efficient in the air. Jet-powered flying bike  (Volonaut)Performance and featuresThe Volonaut Airbike can reach speeds of up to 124 miles per hour, making it faster than most motorcycles in traffic. It features a proprietary stabilization system enhanced by a flight computer, which automatically maintains hover and provides ease of control for the rider. This technology allows even those with limited flying experience to handle the bike safely and confidently. The Airbike's open, roofless design offers the rider an unobstructed 360-degree view, creating a sense of complete freedom and immersion in the flying experience. Additionally, the absence of spinning propellers means the Airbike can navigate through tight spaces with greater ease and safety. Jet-powered flying bike  (Volonaut)A real-life flying bike inspired by imaginationThe Volonaut Airbike's sleek, futuristic silhouette and compact size evoke the image of a flying motorcycle that many have dreamed about for years. Its design and performance bring to life a concept often seen in movies and stories about the future of transportation. Volonaut's promotional videos even feature a rider dressed as a Stormtrooper, highlighting the bike's resemblance to the flying vehicles of popular culture. This playful nod underscores the Airbike's blend of cutting-edge technology and imaginative design. Jet-powered flying bike  (Volonaut)Meet the inventor: Tomasz PatanTomasz Patan is a visionary engineer with a talent for creating groundbreaking airborne vehicles. He is best known for the Jetson One, a quad-rotor electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) drone that can carry a human pilot. Building on the success of that project, Patan has now introduced the Volonaut Airbike, a smaller, more agile flying machine that relies on jet propulsion rather than propellers. His work continues to push the boundaries of what personal flight can achieve. Jet-powered flying bike  (Volonaut)What about the cost?When it comes to price, the Volonaut Airbike is still something of a mystery. Patan has not yet revealed an official cost, but if you look at his previous project, the Jetson One drone, which was priced at around $92,000, you can get a rough idea of where the Airbike might land. Given the advanced materials, jet propulsion and sophisticated flight computer involved, it's safe to assume this won't be a budget-friendly ride. However, as with most new technologies, prices often come down over time as production scales up and designs are refined. So, while it might start out as a high-end gadget for early adopters and enthusiasts, there's hope that flying bikes like this could become more accessible in the years ahead.WHAT IS ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE (AI)? Jet-powered flying bike  (Volonaut)What lies ahead for the Volonaut Airbike?Although the Volonaut Airbike has already been demonstrated in flight, many details remain undisclosed. Patan has not yet revealed the exact propulsion technology, pricing or release date, but he has expressed optimism the Airbike will be available to the public in the near future. As development continues, this flying motorcycle could soon become a practical option for urban commuters seeking a faster, more flexible way to travel. Jet-powered flying bike  (Volonaut)Kurt's key takeawaysHonestly, the Volonaut Airbike feels like something we've all dreamed about but never thought we'd actually see. It's exciting to watch this blend of bold engineering and creative design come to life, making personal flight more real than ever before. Sure, it might be a bit pricey at first, but who knows? Maybe in a few years, zipping through the skies on a flying bike will be just as normal as hopping on a motorcycle today.CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APPWould you feel comfortable trading your motorcycle for a flying bike that soars above city traffic? Let us know by writing us at Cyberguy.com/ContactFor more of my tech tips and security alerts, subscribe to my free CyberGuy Report Newsletter by heading to Cyberguy.com/Newsletter Ask Kurt a question or let us know what stories you'd like us to coverFollow Kurt on his social channelsAnswers to the most asked CyberGuy questions:New from Kurt:Copyright 2025 CyberGuy.com.  All rights reserved.   Kurt "CyberGuy" Knutsson is an award-winning tech journalist who has a deep love of technology, gear and gadgets that make life better with his contributions for Fox News & FOX Business beginning mornings on "FOX & Friends." Got a tech question? Get Kurt’s free CyberGuy Newsletter, share your voice, a story idea or comment at CyberGuy.com.

Dotemu is on a pretty good run. The video game studio and publisher has been around since 2007, and much of its history is largely working on remakes and remasters of older games. But it’s also been involved with major hits in the form of sequels and new games that are in the spirit of older classics, including Streets of Rage 4 and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredder’s Revenge.All of that work is culminating in what looks to be a promising 2025, with three new but classics-inspired games: Ninja Gaiden: Ragebound, a new side-scroller for the series; Marvel Cosmic Invasion, an arcade-y beat-’em-up; and Absolum, an original beat-’em-up with roguelike elements. Absolum. Image: Dotemu“We’re open to everything,” CEO Cyrille Imbert tells The Verge. Despite his title, Imbert says his job involves acting like an executive producer to bring together concepts that answer specific needs for franchises.Before Shredder’s Revenge’s 2022 release, for example, there hadn’t been a good side-scrolling TMNT game for “a while,” he says. (Turtles in Time, which helped inspire the game, came out in 1991.) “We were convinced that there was a need for that.” There was: the game sold 1 million copies in its first week, developer Tribute Games said at the time.Dotemu takes on “most of the risk” of a project based on an existing franchise, Imbert says, meaning that while the company needs to convince a franchise owner to get on board, Dotemu typically finances everything and is responsible for finding a studio to execute a concept.“From A to Z, we are in control of the project, but we take the risk from A to Z as well,” explains Imbert. “Sometimes the studio will also participate financially, but it’s fairly rare, or it’s usually a minority of the total spending.” Ninja Gaiden: Ragebound. Image: DotemuWith the new Ninja Gaiden game, for example, Imbert says he was familiar with the 3D iterations of the franchise on Xbox, and he also saw the success of recent action-platformers like The Messenger. So, he started conversations with Koei Tecmo, and then worked with The Game Kitchen, the developer of Blasphemous, on a pitch. “That’s the story, basically,” Imbert says.For Marvel Cosmic Invasion, Imbert says that following Streets of Rage 4, “lots of people” had been asking for a new X-Men game that was like what you used to find in arcades. “We knew there was a need and that people would really like it,” he says, especially if it got a similar treatment as Streets of Rage 4 or Shredder’s Revenge. The idea was “very obvious” to the Tribute Games team as well, so Dotemu and Tribute made a pitch to Marvel Games.Absolum, as a fully original game, is different from its other titles. From a pure business perspective, it’s a way for Dotemu to diversify its lineup so that the company doesn’t rely entirely on licensed games. Internally, the Dotemu team felt like they could do their own thing, and by making it inspired by classics, it would still fit in Dotemu’s lineup, Imbert says. They also wanted to work with Guard Crush, which worked on Streets of Rage 4, on another beat-’em-up.It all adds up to what’s going to be a busy year for the company. It has three games that show the different approaches it has to making these kinds of experiences, and all of them were chosen for a specific reason. “That’s how we’re going to be proud of what we do.”See More:

A team of Purdue University students recently set a new Guinness World Record with their custom robot that solved a Rubik’s Cube in just 0.103 seconds. That was about a third of the time it took the previous record-setting bot. But the new record wasn’t achieved by simply building a robot that moves faster. The students used a combination of high-speed but low-res camera systems, a cube customized for improved strength, and a special solving technique popular among human speed cubers.The Rubik’s Cube-solving robot arms race kicked off in 2014, when a robot called Cubestormer 3 built with Lego Mindstorms parts and a Samsung Galaxy S4 solved the iconic puzzle in 3.253 seconds — faster than any human or robot could at the time. (The current world record for a human solving a Rubik’s Cube belongs to Xuanyi Geng, who did it in just 3.05 seconds.) Over the course of a decade, engineers managed to reduce that record to just hundreds of milliseconds.Last May, engineers at Mitsubishi Electric in Japan claimed the world record with a robot that solved a cube in 0.305 seconds. The record stood for almost a year before the team from Purdue’s Elmore Family School of Electrical and Computer Engineering — Junpei Ota, Aden Hurd, Matthew Patrohay, and Alex Berta — shattered it. Their robot has come to be known as Purdubik’s Cube. Bringing the robot record down to less than half a second required moving away from Lego and, instead, using optimized components like industrial motors. Getting it down to just 0.103 seconds, however, required the team from Purdue to find multiple new ways to shave off milliseconds.“Each robot that previous world record-holders has done has kind of focused on one new thing,” Patrohay tells The Verge. When MIT grad students broke the record in 2018, they opted for industrial hardware that outperformed what previous record-holders had used. Mitsubishi Electric chose electric motors that were better suited for the specific task of spinning each side of the cube, instead of just hardware that moved faster.However, the first thing the Purdue students improved was actually the speed that their robot could visualize the scrambled cube. Human speed cubing competitors are allowed to study a Rubik’s Cube before their timer starts, but the robot record includes the time it takes it to determine the location of all the colored squares. The students used a pair of high-speed machine vision cameras from Flir, with a resolution of just 720x540 pixels, pointed at opposing corners of the cube. Each camera can see three sides simultaneously during exposures that lasted as little as 10 microseconds.The Purdubik’s Cube’s high-speed Flir cameras use wide-angle lenses, and the Rubik’s Cube appears in only a very small region of their field of view. The color detection system relies on low-resolution images of the puzzle, which speeds up processing times. Photo: Matthew Patrohay / Purdue UniversityAlthough it may seem instantaneous, it takes time for a camera to process the data coming from a sensor and turn it into a digital picture. The Purdubik’s Cube uses a custom image detection system that skips image processing altogether. It also only focuses on a very small area of what each camera’s sensor sees — a cropped region that’s just 128x124 pixels in size — to reduce the amount of data being moved around.Raw data from the sensors is sent straight to a high-speed color detection system that uses the RGB measurements from even smaller sample areas on each square to determine their color faster than other approaches — even AI.“It’s sometimes slightly less reliable,” Patrohay admits, “but even if it’s 90 percent consistent, that’s good enough as long as it’s fast. We really want that speed.”Despite a lot of the hardware on Purdue’s robot being custom-made, the team chose to go with existing software when it came to figuring out the fastest way to solve a scrambled cube. They used Elias Frantar’s Rob-Twophase, which is a cube-solving algorithm that takes into account the unique capabilities of robots, like being able to spin two sides of a cube simultaneously.The team also took advantage of a Rubik’s Cube-solving technique called corner cutting where you can start to turn one side of the cube before you’ve finished turning another side that’s perpendicular to it. The advantage to this technique is that you’re not waiting for one side to completely finish its rotation before starting another. For a brief moment, there’s overlap between the movements of the two sides that can result in a significant amount of time saved when you’re chasing a world record.High-speed footage of the Purdubik’s Cube reveals how it uses the corner-cutting technique to overlap movements and reduce the time it takes to solve the Rubik’s Cube. Photo: Matthew Patrohay / Purdue UniversityThe challenge with corner cutting is that if you use too much force (like a robot is capable of) and don’t time things perfectly, you can physically break or even completely destroy a Rubik’s Cube. In addition to perfecting the timing of the robot’s movements and the acceleration of its motors, the students had to customize the cube itself.Guinness World Records follows the guidelines of the World Cube Association, which has a long list of regulations that need to be followed before a record will be recognized. It allows competitors to modify their cube, so long as it twists and turns like a standard Rubik’s Cube and has nine colored squares on each of its six sides, with each side a different color. Materials other than plastic can be used, but the color parts all need to have the same texture. To improve its durability, the Purdue team upgraded the internal structure of their cubes with a custom 3D-printed version made from stronger SLS nylon plastic. The WCA also allows the use of lubricants to help make cubes spin more freely, but here it’s used for a different reason.“The cube we use for the record is tensioned incredibly tight, like almost hilariously tight,” says Patrohay. “The one that we modified is very difficult to turn. Not impossible, but you can’t turn it with your fingers. You have to really get your wrist into it.” When solving the cube at high speeds, the lubricant helps to smooth out its movements while the increased tension reduces overturns and improves control so time-saving tricks like corner cutting can be used.Each of the robot’s six servo motors connect to the Rubik’s Cube center squares using a custom-made metal shaft that spins each side. Photo: Matthew Patrohay / Purdue UniversityFaster servo motors do help to reduce solving times, but it’s not as simple as maxing out their speed and hoping for the best. The Purdubik’s Cube uses six motors attached to metal shafts that slot into the center of each side of the cube. After testing several different approaches the team settled on a trapezoidal motion profile where the servos accelerate at speeds of up to 12,000,000 degrees/s2, but decelerate much slower, closer to 3,000,000 degrees/s2, so the robot can more accurately position each side as it comes to a stop.Could the Purdubik’s Cube break the record again? Patrohay believes it’s possible, but it would need a stronger cube made out of something other than plastic. “If you were to make a completely application-specific Rubik’s Cube out of some sort of carbon fiber composite, then I could imagine you being able to survive at higher speeds, and just being able to survive at higher speeds would then allow you to bring the time down.”See More:

Author Hi, I've downloaded a recent android app called NCM - Next Chess Move and it states that it uses stockfish on the device. I've did some digging up and it seems it's true, it's calculating moves even when the internet is off,Being interested in chess and studies this in the past I though then , because of the licensing for Stockfish, the source code for this app must be public right ? And if that is the case, any way I could find the source code for this app ?The license for Stockfish is GPLv3.  Author I'm  interested in this since I've been toying with the idea of creating a closed source 3D chess game and would be so much better to use Stockfish locally than on a server. Can anyone point in the right direction, please ?  Advertisement The author of NCM should be able to point you in the right direction Note that GPL affects all software around it. If you combine it with other software, the other software then carries the GPL license as well.In other words you cannot leverage GPL software and wrap it in closed source without also publishing the code of the closed source. It's tricky. There are ways to mix GPL and non-GPL software, but it needs a good lawyer who is comfortable with software generally and the nuance of the GPL specifically.It is tricky but possible to build up non-free tools and software that rely heavily on F/OSS systems, including GPL systems. For example, they might build a standalone chess engine and release the engine portions and interface under the terms of the GPL, and also have their UI and front-end that interfaces with it which they sell. There would need to be a clear, clean break between them, but it is possible to do and has been done on a few projects.I don't see them under an LGPL license, but those are similarly able to co-exist with proper lawyer involvement. Companies like EA have a page where they distribute the libraries with source and the implementation changes they made. Author Is it possible then to use Stockfish: 1. On a server and distribute the server code ?2. Build a binary framework, link to that and only distribute the binary framework if building an app with it ? Advertisement I am not a lawyer and cannot answer if any specific way is sufficient to avoid a lawsuit.The license is trying very hard to make it impossible to use the software in a non-free/open source context.  If you want to do it anyway and be legally safe, talk to a lawyer.Alternatively, don't go there. Yup, it's generally best to be 100% in or 100% out unless you have careful legal reviews by experienced lawyers. Working with GPL, release it all GPL and you are safe. Not touching anything with GPL, release it without source as a proprietary system and you are safe. It is possible to mix them, but only when you have lawyers involved asking difficult questions about the details. No lawyers, don't mix it.  GPL does not demand you reveal source code when the program is only interacted with over the internet. It only demands you publish the entire source code to the person whose machine it is running on, basically (besides granting the right to run, modify, publish, and publish modified versions und the same license). Also, as soon as you use a GPL component in a project, the entire project needs to be GPL, but you may use sub-components in the parent project that are non-GPL (such as MIT). But the overall parent project must be under a GPL license.If you want a GPL license that also enforces the open-sourcing when interacted with over the network, choose AGPL. You can use GPL dependencies in an AGPL parent project, but you cannot use AGPL dependencies in a GPL parent project. There is also the LGPL which is a bit less ideologically strict.