Tech

How Tokyo’s drone show spectacular took flight

Published

2 years ago

August 4, 2021

Brittany Coles

How did almost two thousand drones light up the sky to create a spectacular better than fireworks? the idea for a done show began down under

The drone show was the true highlight of the Tokyo 2020 opening ceremony

1,824 drones formed the shape of the world 175m in the air.

https://twitter.com/Olympics/status/1418571211982970884

The shapes kept rotating and shifting against each other, and some turned bright blue

Millions of us, across the world were transfixed as the drones rotated just like Planet Earth.

It was breathtaking and was quite literally the turning point that made most of us believe in the Olympics again.

A photo shows a sphere made of drones during the Opening Ceremony of Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games at National Stadium in Tokyo on July 23, 2021. The summer Olympic games will run until Aug. 8th. ( The Yomiuri Shimbun via AP Images )

Did you know Australia was behind the whole light show?

Back in 2019 the country was burning through a devastating black summer, so instead of having sparking flames in the air AKA fireworks, drone light shows became the answer.

“You can’t rely on people to be responsible with fireworks,” signatory Susan Fahey commented under the petition calling for the cancellation of Sydney’s New Year’s Eve fireworks show in 2019. “Fireworks displays are unnecessary when you can have amazing drone light shows.”

They can be fully customised to create anything imaginable, even to John Lennon’s song ‘imagine’ like we saw in Tokyo.

To perform a drone show, multiple quadcopters coordinate to fly in programmed, preset patterns, tracing out shapes in the sky that are often choreographed to music.

The drones are also relatively lightweight – less than a jar of Vegemite

After a few test runs, the lightweight drones in Tokyo were all controlled by a team of just 15 people.

In a perfect performance – trained pilots, animators and programmers manoeuvred the high-tech equipment.

With the man behind the idea describing the drone spectacular as “an amazing feat of technology.”

“A lot of the story really came from the creative talents here in Japan, and then we collaborated on best ways to integrate the drones into the overall story,” Intel Olympic and Paralympic general manager Rick Echevarria said.

Will fireworks be replaced in the next few years as this emerging technology gains a sky hold?

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The Game Awards 2023: Industry celebrates huge year

Published

13 hours ago

December 4, 2023

ticker NEWS

The gaming community is abuzz with anticipation as The Game Awards 2023 approach, scheduled for this Friday, December 7th. This annual event has become a significant highlight for gamers worldwide, celebrating the best titles released throughout the year. With an array of outstanding games in contention, fans are eagerly speculating about the potential winner of the coveted Game of the Year (GOTY) award.

Nominated Titles

The competition is fierce, with some stellar titles vying for the top spot. The nominees include:

Alan Wake 2
The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom
Resident Evil 4
Spider-Man 2
Baldur’s Gate 3
Super Mario Bros Wonder

Each game brings a unique experience to the table, making the decision for the ultimate winner even more challenging. Fans and critics alike are engaging in heated discussions about their personal favorites and predictions.

Watch the Live Announcement Video Here

Resident Evil 4 Remake in VR: A Terrifying Experience Awaits

Capcom is set to thrill fans with a groundbreaking update for Resident Evil 4 Remake. Starting December 8th, owners of PSVR2 and the Remake will have access to a free add-on VR Mode. The immersive experience includes the entire main story with 3D audio, a shooting range for weapon interactions, and a terrifying yet thrilling encounter with the iconic game in virtual reality.

The addition of VR mode is a significant leap for the PSVR2 lineup of games, offering players a chance to dive into the horror classic in an entirely new dimension.

Experience the Chills with the RE Remake VR Mode Trailer

PlayStation 5 Slim Hits Australia

Exciting news for Australian gamers as the sleek PlayStation 5 Slim is set to hit shelves this week. Available for pre-order from major retailers, the slim version will be available on Wednesday, December 6th, just in time for the holiday season.

Options include both disc and digital consoles, with prices at $799 for the disc version and $769 for the digital version bundled with two controllers via Amazon AU. Additional accessories, such as the disc drive and vertical stand, can be purchased separately.

Get a Closer Look at the New PlayStation 5 Slim

Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora – A New Frontier in Gaming

In the midst of the gaming frenzy, Ubisoft is set to release Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora on Friday, December 7th. This action-adventure game, set in the expansive open world of the Western Frontier of Pandora, offers a first-person perspective and promises a visually stunning experience.

Fans of the Avatar movies are in for a treat, with the game available on PS5, Xbox Series, and PC. The captivating graphics seen in early footage have heightened the anticipation for this exciting addition to the gaming landscape.

Embark on a New Adventure with the Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora Trailer

As the gaming community gears up for The Game Awards and the release of highly anticipated titles and updates, December promises to be a thrilling month for gamers worldwide. Stay tuned for the big reveals and immerse yourself in the ever-evolving world of gaming.

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EV integration and recent tax reimbursement raises questions

Published

17 hours ago

December 4, 2023

ticker NEWS

The Victorian Government’s decision to reimburse Electric Vehicle (EV) owners over an alleged unconstitutional tax has sparked discussions about the global evolution of EV integration.

Automotive journalist Mike Costello emphasises the broader implications for environmental policies and the potential precedent this sets for other regions.

The incident underscores the importance of transparent processes in identifying and compensating affected EV owners and may prompt a reevaluation of tax structures globally.

How governments handle this situation can impact the perception of their support for green initiatives and influence the trust of EV owners.

In summary, this reimbursement marks a pivotal moment, shaping future policies and fostering a more supportive environment for electric vehicles on a global scale.

Tech

U.S destroyer targeted by drones, missiles in Red Sea

Published

21 hours ago

December 4, 2023

ticker NEWS

A U.S. Navy destroyer and several commercial vessels came under attack from a coordinated onslaught of drones and missiles.

The incident, which occurred in international waters, has raised concerns about maritime security and the evolving nature of threats in the region.

The U.S. destroyer, accompanied by a fleet of commercial ships, was navigating through a vital shipping lane when it fell under attack. The assailants, suspected to be a non-state actor with access to advanced weaponry, unleashed a barrage of drones armed with explosives and fired multiple missiles at the vessels.

The U.S. Navy responded swiftly, deploying countermeasures to defend against the incoming threats.

While there were no immediate reports of casualties or significant damage, the incident has prompted a broader conversation about the security challenges faced by ships in this strategic waterway.

Authorities are working diligently to identify the responsible party and ascertain the motive behind the attack. The incident has also sparked discussions about the need for enhanced international cooperation to safeguard maritime routes in the Red Sea.