odd look at news on the web
Robot smashes human record in half-marathon – as another self-destructed
20 April 2026 @ 4:16 am
The era of us laughing at humanoids playing sport may now be behind us – for the most part – as a field of robots competing in a half marathon in Beijing demonstrated how frighteningly fast the technology has developed in just 12 months. Even if one model had a day to forget, smashing into pieces after tripping at the starting line, the record-setting winner is a sign of things to come.Continue ReadingCategory: AI and Humanoids, Self-improving AI model has people talking – for good reason
20 April 2026 @ 2:03 am
If it feels like AI is developing too fast to keep up with, a group of Chinese researchers have some bad news – because they've developed a model that "evolves" on its own, creating better versions of itself with each self-analytical loop.Continue ReadingCategory: AI and Humanoids, TechnologyTags: Artificial Intelligence, Smart bike helmet buckle wirelessly shares rider info in emergencies
20 April 2026 @ 1:03 am
While there are already bike helmets that provide vital wearer info in the event of a crash, they typically use electronics that must be built into the helmet. A new high-tech buckle, however, can simply be added to any existing helmet.Continue ReadingCategory: Bicycles, TransportTags: New vision system trims the terror of "man overboard"
19 April 2026 @ 10:03 pm
"Man overboard!" is one of the most frightening things you can hear aboard ship and the outcome is often tragic. Now, maritime technology firm Zelim has achieved official certification for its ZOE Man-Overboard (MOB) machine-vision detection system.Continue ReadingCategory: Marine, TransportTags: ShippinReview: Quality $35 headphones show this brand is no one-trick pony
19 April 2026 @ 6:03 pm
In the running for best budget headphones of 2026, OneOdio's Focus A1 Pro outperform what you'd expect from a pair that'll set you back US$34.99. While they won't outshine premium audio tech, they leave the competition in their price bracket for dead.Continue ReadingCategory: Consumer Tech, TechnologyTags: HeadphonScandi-style tiny house packs space-saving layout into just 270 sq ft
19 April 2026 @ 3:03 pm
With its attractive wooden interior and minimalist design, the Scandi Inn wears its inspiration on its sleeve. Measuring just 270 sq ft (25 sq m), the tiny house makes the most of its compact footprint with a focus on space-saving ideas and storage.Continue ReadingCategory: Tiny Houses, OutdoorsTags: Sulphur-soaked lava world is in a planetary class all its own
19 April 2026 @ 3:03 pm
The floor is literally lava on a nearby exoplanet, new telescope observations show. Given its small size and strange history, one team of scientists suggests planet L 98-59 d’s molten ocean and odd atmosphere might represent an entirely new category of extraterrestrial world.Continue ReadingCategory: Astronomy, ScienceTags: Planet, Varmint round turns NATO rifles into drone killers
19 April 2026 @ 1:03 pm
With a simple switch of a magazine, the Drone Round is claimed to turn a standard NATO caliber small arm into a drone-killing weapon that combines the scattershot of a shotgun with the speed, power and rapid fire of an infantry assault rifle.Continue ReadingCategory: Military, EngineeringTags: US Army, Review: 2026 Toyota Sienna takes minivan-ness to fat MPG levels
19 April 2026 @ 9:03 am
The most versatile vehicle on the road is the minivan and, like cargo shorts, it’s often maligned for no good reason. The 2026 Sienna expands that high practicality by adding a hybrid powertrain as the default.Continue ReadingCategory: Automotive, TransportTags: Toyota, Fearless rugged tablet packs projector, night vision and huge battery
19 April 2026 @ 3:03 am
Aside from being tough as nails, rugged gadgets typically prioritize long battery life, but increasingly, newer models have been adding in specialized tools for fieldwork. A projector, for example.Continue ReadingCategory: Mobile Technology, Consumer Tech, TechnologyTags: