Added: 10.07.2015 0:10 | 7 views | 0 comments

Holograms Have Come to Life

All over the world, scientists (and most likely Star Wars geeks) have made huge advances in holographic tech. In Japan, the Digital Nature Group has developed tiny, interactive holograms known as Fairy Lights. At the MIT Media Lab, Michael Bove and his group rigged a Kinect camera sensor to project a low-grade but very real 3D holographic image. The image they chose? A grad student dressed as Princess Leia stating, “Help me Obi-Wan Kenobi. You’re my only hope.” (Photo by: Lucasfilm)

The Empire Is Watching You

In the Star Wars films, imperial probe droids roam the galaxy, hunting rebels. Today, drones roam the world on recon missions, military airstrikes, deliveries, farm pest patrol, and movie shoots. (Photo by: Lucasfilm)

Lightsabers Are Real, Kind Of

Wielding your very own laser sword is no longer exclusively for Jedi Knights and Sith Lords. Wicked Lasers has added a chamber to its high-powered laser, creating the look of an actual blue or green lightsaber. (No word on red or purple editions.) Those gadgets can’t cut through substances, but the British-based Welding Institute has crafted a laser cutter that slices through metal like butter. Is it so hard to put an epic laser cutter on a sword hilt? (Photo by: Lucasfilm)

You Can Store Data Just Like A Jedi...Or Sith

Jedi and Sith holocrons may be a bit esoteric for casual Star Wars fans, but they’re far from mysterious. In the Star Wars universal, they're basically external hard drives that are used to store centuries of data about the Force. On Earth, hard drives roughly the size of the fictional holocron can hold around 5 to 10TB. (Photo by: Lucasfilm)

Boeing’s Blaster Guns Will Sound Exactly As You Imagine

Laser pistols, rifles, and other assorted weaponry play a big role in the Star Wars saga. In real life, Boeing plans to add sounds to their lasers to confirm they've been fired. The sound samples they’re testing come straight from Star Wars and Star Trek. (Photo by: Lucasfilm)

DARPA Is All About Protocol Droids ... Sorta

Thank the Maker! The U.S. Department of Defense’s advanced research agency recently held a competition to develop better, faster, stronger bots that can be used to aid humans in disaster scenarios. The need (or want) for a protocol droid may be a long-term goal, but DARPA's robotic challenge is getting us there faster.

You Can Play Hologames Just Like Chewbacca

Oculus Rift and similar VR headsets bring 3D gaming to a whole new level. But other technology–such as the Voxiebox and a prototype display from the Panasonic Silicon Valley Lab–makes the hologame table a reality without special eyewear. Just don’t forget to let the Wookiee win. (Photo by: Lucasfilm)

Speeder Bikes Are On Kickstarter

Zoom through the redwoods or the desert on an actual hovercycle! Companies such as Aerofex are working on selling their version of the speeder bike using hovercraft air technology. Even the U.S. Department of Defense has taken notice, contracting Mallory Aeronautics, which led a successful Kickstarter campaign, to develop a vehicle for recon missions. (Photo by:Lucasfilm)

The U.S. Navy Has Its Own Laser Cannon

Turret guns and turbolasers and superlasers, oh my! The very real USS Ponce can take down drones and small boats with its quick-reacting laser weapon. While the laser isn’t visible from the naked eye, it does pack quite a punch, just like the Millennium Falcon’s quadlaser. (Photo by: Lucasfilm)

DARPA Is Working on Luke Skywalker-Approved Prosthetics

DARPA has been developing prosthetic limbs that allow for nuanced motion and neural connection. The Reliable Neural-Interface Technology (RE-NET) program has made great strides in prosthetic technology, focusing on perfecting the neural control systems that allow users to regain high performance function. (Photo by: Lucasfilm)

Elon Musk Is A Fan Of The X-Wing

Elon Musk’s company, SpaceX, has made a few nods to the ships of Star Wars. Its Falcon 9 rockets (Get it? Falcon?) rock hypersonic grid fins crafted in an "X" configuration to stabilize descent. (Photo by: Lucasfilm)

Energy Force Fields Have Officially Been Patented

In another technological feat, Boeing has issued a patent for an energy field that protects people and objects from shockwaves in an explosion. According to the patent, the field, created by an electromagnetic arc, is said to deflect and absorb explosive force to protect whatever it surrounds. (Photo by: Lucasfilm)

Added: 09.07.2015 23:52 | 6 views | 0 comments

A "Special Look" at Star Wars: The Force Awakens

J.J. Abrams, the director of Star Wars: The Force Awakens, is hosting a panel on July 10 at San Diego Comic-Con. Starwars.com said there will be a "special look" at the upcoming blockbuster. Fans also expect the unveiling of a brand-new trailer. (Photo: Corbis)

Han Solo and Chewbacca are back "home"

Harrison Ford and Peter Mayhew return to play Han Solo and Chewbacca, respectively. As the second Force Awakens trailer hinted, Han and Chewie haven't been flying the Millennium Falcon, but ultimately return "home" to their ship. (Photo: Disney)

The Force Awakens is Set 30 Years after Episode VI

With Luke, Leia and Han returning, the Star Wars timeline has been set for the next trilogy. The Force Awakens takes place thirty years after the Battle of Endor and the events of Return of the Jedi. (Photo: Corbis)

Rey & Finn Will Play Huge Roles

Daisy Ridley and John Boyega star as Rey and Finn in The Force Awakens, respectively. Despite rumors that she's from the desert planet Tattooine, Ridley says Rey is from Jakku. Finn is revealed to be a stormtrooper at the beginning of The Force Awakens trailer, but Boyega has hinted that might not be his actual role. (Photo: Disney)

The Search for Luke?

Your favorite characters from the original trilogy are set to return in The Force Awakens, but their roles are unclear. Rumors say Rey, Finn and Han are on the search for Luke Skywalker in Episode VII. (Photo: Corbis)

The Best Frickin' Pilot in the Galaxy!

Oscar Isaac (Inside Llewyn Davis) will play the new character Poe Dameron in The Force Awakens. Details of his story in Episode VII are scarce, but Isaac said a certain princess has sent him on a mission. Isaac hasn't been shy about his character's skills, proclaiming that Dameron is "the best frickin' pilot in the galaxy!" (Photo: Disney)

Kylo Ren is the Bad Guy

Details are scant on the new big bad Star Wars antagonist Kylo Ren (Adam Driver). Ren will have big shoes to fill without Darth Vader in the upcoming trilogy. It doesn't hurt that Ren is the one wielding the crossguard lightsaber in The Force Awakens trailer. (Photo: Disney)

The Lovable Droids Will Return

Of course, a Star Wars film wouldn't be complete without everyone's favorite droids: R2-D2 and C-3PO. R2 and 3PO actually were the first characters confirmed for The Force Awakens. (Photo: Corbis)

Star Wars: Rogue One (2016)

The first anthology film of the Star Wars universe is titled Star Wars: Rogue One. The 2016 standalone movie is directed by Gareth Edwards (Godzilla). The plot is centered around a group of rebels on a mission to steal the Death Star plans. Rumors are swirling that Darth Vader will reprise his role for the film. (Photo: Corbis)

Han Solo Anthology Film

Disney announced that the second anthology film in the Star Wars universe will be a Han Solo origin film directed by Chris Miller and Phil Lord (The Lego Movie). Aaron Paul (Breaking Bad) is rumored to be up for the role of the scoundrel. Paul fueled the fire by revealing that the official Star Wars Twitter feed is following him on social media. (Photo: Corbis)

John Williams returns to score The Force Awakens

Many fans worried that John Williams would not return to score the soundtrack for The Force Awakens, but those concerns were quelled when J.J. Abrams confirmed he would return for another film. (Photo: Corbis)

Added: 09.07.2015 23:52 | 41 views | 0 comments

A "Special Look" at Star Wars: The Force Awakens

J.J. Abrams, the director of Star Wars: The Force Awakens, is hosting a panel on July 10 at San Diego Comic-Con. Starwars.com said there will be a "special look" at the upcoming blockbuster. Fans also expect the unveiling of a brand-new trailer. (Photo: Corbis)

Han Solo and Chewbacca are back "home"

Harrison Ford and Peter Mayhew return to play Han Solo and Chewbacca, respectively. As the second Force Awakens trailer hinted, Han and Chewie haven't been flying the Millennium Falcon, but ultimately return "home" to their ship. (Photo: Disney)

The Force Awakens is Set 30 Years after Episode VI

With Luke, Leia and Han returning, the Star Wars timeline has been set for the next trilogy. The Force Awakens takes place thirty years after the Battle of Endor and the events of Return of the Jedi. (Photo: Corbis)

Rey & Finn Will Play Huge Roles

Daisy Ridley and John Boyega star as Rey and Finn in The Force Awakens, respectively. Despite rumors that she's from the desert planet Tattooine, Ridley says Rey is from Jakku. Finn is revealed to be a stormtrooper at the beginning of The Force Awakens trailer, but Boyega has hinted that might not be his actual role. (Photo: Disney)

The Search for Luke?

Your favorite characters from the original trilogy are set to return in The Force Awakens, but their roles are unclear. Rumors say Rey, Finn and Han are on the search for Luke Skywalker in Episode VII. (Photo: Corbis)

The Best Frickin' Pilot in the Galaxy!

Oscar Isaac (Inside Llewyn Davis) will play the new character Poe Dameron in The Force Awakens. Details of his story in Episode VII are scarce, but Isaac said a certain princess has sent him on a mission. Isaac hasn't been shy about his character's skills, proclaiming that Dameron is "the best frickin' pilot in the galaxy!" (Photo: Disney)

Kylo Ren is the Bad Guy

Details are scant on the new big bad Star Wars antagonist Kylo Ren (Adam Driver). Ren will have big shoes to fill without Darth Vader in the upcoming trilogy. It doesn't hurt that Ren is the one wielding the crossguard lightsaber in The Force Awakens trailer. (Photo: Disney)

The Lovable Droids Will Return

Of course, a Star Wars film wouldn't be complete without everyone's favorite droids: R2-D2 and C-3PO. R2 and 3PO actually were the first characters confirmed for The Force Awakens. (Photo: Corbis)

Star Wars: Rogue One (2016)

The first anthology film of the Star Wars universe is titled Star Wars: Rogue One. The 2016 standalone movie is directed by Gareth Edwards (Godzilla). The plot is centered around a group of rebels on a mission to steal the Death Star plans. Rumors are swirling that Darth Vader will reprise his role for the film. (Photo: Corbis)

Han Solo Anthology Film

Disney announced that the second anthology film in the Star Wars universe will be a Han Solo origin film directed by Chris Miller and Phil Lord (The Lego Movie). Aaron Paul (Breaking Bad) is rumored to be up for the role of the scoundrel. Paul fueled the fire by revealing that the official Star Wars Twitter feed is following him on social media. (Photo: Corbis)

John Williams returns to score The Force Awakens

Many fans worried that John Williams would not return to score the soundtrack for The Force Awakens, but those concerns were quelled when J.J. Abrams confirmed he would return for another film. (Photo: Corbis)

Added: 09.07.2015 23:52 | 13 views | 0 comments

A "Special Look" at Star Wars: The Force Awakens

J.J. Abrams, the director of Star Wars: The Force Awakens, is hosting a panel on July 10 at San Diego Comic-Con. Starwars.com said there will be a "special look" at the upcoming blockbuster. Fans also expect the unveiling of a brand-new trailer. (Photo: Corbis)

Han Solo and Chewbacca are back "home"

Harrison Ford and Peter Mayhew return to play Han Solo and Chewbacca, respectively. As the second Force Awakens trailer hinted, Han and Chewie haven't been flying the Millennium Falcon, but ultimately return "home" to their ship. (Photo: Disney)

The Force Awakens is Set 30 Years after Episode VI

With Luke, Leia and Han returning, the Star Wars timeline has been set for the next trilogy. The Force Awakens takes place thirty years after the Battle of Endor and the events of Return of the Jedi. (Photo: Corbis)

Rey & Finn Will Play Huge Roles

Daisy Ridley and John Boyega star as Rey and Finn in The Force Awakens, respectively. Despite rumors that she's from the desert planet Tattooine, Ridley says Rey is from Jakku. Finn is revealed to be a stormtrooper at the beginning of The Force Awakens trailer, but Boyega has hinted that might not be his actual role. (Photo: Disney)

The Search for Luke?

Your favorite characters from the original trilogy are set to return in The Force Awakens, but their roles are unclear. Rumors say Rey, Finn and Han are on the search for Luke Skywalker in Episode VII. (Photo: Corbis)

The Best Frickin' Pilot in the Galaxy!

Oscar Isaac (Inside Llewyn Davis) will play the new character Poe Dameron in The Force Awakens. Details of his story in Episode VII are scarce, but Isaac said a certain princess has sent him on a mission. Isaac hasn't been shy about his character's skills, proclaiming that Dameron is "the best frickin' pilot in the galaxy!" (Photo: Disney)

Kylo Ren is the Bad Guy

Details are scant on the new big bad Star Wars antagonist Kylo Ren (Adam Driver). Ren will have big shoes to fill without Darth Vader in the upcoming trilogy. It doesn't hurt that Ren is the one wielding the crossguard lightsaber in The Force Awakens trailer. (Photo: Disney)

The Lovable Droids Will Return

Of course, a Star Wars film wouldn't be complete without everyone's favorite droids: R2-D2 and C-3PO. R2 and 3PO actually were the first characters confirmed for The Force Awakens. (Photo: Corbis)

Star Wars: Rogue One (2016)

The first anthology film of the Star Wars universe is titled Star Wars: Rogue One. The 2016 standalone movie is directed by Gareth Edwards (Godzilla). The plot is centered around a group of rebels on a mission to steal the Death Star plans. Rumors are swirling that Darth Vader will reprise his role for the film. (Photo: Corbis)

Han Solo Anthology Film

Disney announced that the second anthology film in the Star Wars universe will be a Han Solo origin film directed by Chris Miller and Phil Lord (The Lego Movie). Aaron Paul (Breaking Bad) is rumored to be up for the role of the scoundrel. Paul fueled the fire by revealing that the official Star Wars Twitter feed is following him on social media. (Photo: Corbis)

John Williams returns to score The Force Awakens

Many fans worried that John Williams would not return to score the soundtrack for The Force Awakens, but those concerns were quelled when J.J. Abrams confirmed he would return for another film. (Photo: Corbis)

Added: 09.07.2015 23:52 | 8 views | 0 comments

A "Special Look" at Star Wars: The Force Awakens

J.J. Abrams, the director of Star Wars: The Force Awakens, is hosting a panel on July 10 at San Diego Comic-Con. Starwars.com said there will be a "special look" at the upcoming blockbuster. Fans also expect the unveiling of a brand-new trailer. (Photo: Corbis)

Han Solo and Chewbacca are back "home"

Harrison Ford and Peter Mayhew return to play Han Solo and Chewbacca, respectively. As the second Force Awakens trailer hinted, Han and Chewie haven't been flying the Millennium Falcon, but ultimately return "home" to their ship. (Photo: Disney)

The Force Awakens is Set 30 Years after Episode VI

With Luke, Leia and Han returning, the Star Wars timeline has been set for the next trilogy. The Force Awakens takes place thirty years after the Battle of Endor and the events of Return of the Jedi. (Photo: Corbis)

Rey & Finn Will Play Huge Roles

Daisy Ridley and John Boyega star as Rey and Finn in The Force Awakens, respectively. Despite rumors that she's from the desert planet Tattooine, Ridley says Rey is from Jakku. Finn is revealed to be a stormtrooper at the beginning of The Force Awakens trailer, but Boyega has hinted that might not be his actual role. (Photo: Disney)

The Search for Luke?

Your favorite characters from the original trilogy are set to return in The Force Awakens, but their roles are unclear. Rumors say Rey, Finn and Han are on the search for Luke Skywalker in Episode VII. (Photo: Corbis)

The Best Frickin' Pilot in the Galaxy!

Oscar Isaac (Inside Llewyn Davis) will play the new character Poe Dameron in The Force Awakens. Details of his story in Episode VII are scarce, but Isaac said a certain princess has sent him on a mission. Isaac hasn't been shy about his character's skills, proclaiming that Dameron is "the best frickin' pilot in the galaxy!" (Photo: Disney)

Kylo Ren is the Bad Guy

Details are scant on the new big bad Star Wars antagonist Kylo Ren (Adam Driver). Ren will have big shoes to fill without Darth Vader in the upcoming trilogy. It doesn't hurt that Ren is the one wielding the crossguard lightsaber in The Force Awakens trailer. (Photo: Disney)

The Lovable Droids Will Return

Of course, a Star Wars film wouldn't be complete without everyone's favorite droids: R2-D2 and C-3PO. R2 and 3PO actually were the first characters confirmed for The Force Awakens. (Photo: Corbis)

Star Wars: Rogue One (2016)

The first anthology film of the Star Wars universe is titled Star Wars: Rogue One. The 2016 standalone movie is directed by Gareth Edwards (Godzilla). The plot is centered around a group of rebels on a mission to steal the Death Star plans. Rumors are swirling that Darth Vader will reprise his role for the film. (Photo: Corbis)

Han Solo Anthology Film

Disney announced that the second anthology film in the Star Wars universe will be a Han Solo origin film directed by Chris Miller and Phil Lord (The Lego Movie). Aaron Paul (Breaking Bad) is rumored to be up for the role of the scoundrel. Paul fueled the fire by revealing that the official Star Wars Twitter feed is following him on social media. (Photo: Corbis)

John Williams returns to score The Force Awakens

Many fans worried that John Williams would not return to score the soundtrack for The Force Awakens, but those concerns were quelled when J.J. Abrams confirmed he would return for another film. (Photo: Corbis)