Fully Charged: Behold the Star Trek phaser universal remote, the new Thor is female, and Russia’s tiny robot tanks pack a punch
Catch up on the fun and curious with our morning news roundup
Star Trek phaser universal remote incoming
Set Phasers to… news? Maybe a sitcom? It’ll be your call come November when Firebox and The Wand Company release the Star Trek: The Original Series Phaser Universal Remote Control, which is exactly what it sounds like: a replica Phaser that’ll control your TV and other compatible devices.
It’s promised to be an incredibly accurate 1:1 replica, as its makers 3D-scanned the last remaining prop used by William Shatner on the nearly 50-year-old series. “We have spent thousands of hours creating a collectible prop replica gadget that will bring new levels of action and enjoyment to Star Trek fans as they boldly go on their adventures,” said Chris Barnardo of The Wand Company.
The Phaser remote stores up to 36 commands and features force feedback, familiar sounds from the series, a detachable MK 1 Phaser unit and replica power cell, and a customizable lock code. It’s available for pre-order now and will sell for the princely sum of £119.95, with a fuller reveal planned for San Diego Comic-Con next week.
[Source: Firebox]
READ MORE: International Space Station is getting its first 3D printer — and also an espresso machine
Marvel’s next Thor is a woman
Marvel Comics will shake up its core roster in a significant way in October with the debut of a new Thor series—starring a female Thor. The bulky, blonde-haired man we’ve come to know as the popular hero can no longer wield Mjölnir, the iconic hammer, so this new heroine will take over.
“This is not She-Thor. This is not Lady Thor. This is not Thorita,” says writer Jason Aaron, who is continuing on after the current Thor: God of Thunder run ends. “This is THOR. This is the THOR of the Marvel Universe. But it’s unlike any Thor we’ve ever seen before.”
[Source: Marvel]
Russia’s tiny, terrifying robot tanks enter combat training
If you ever encounter a diminutive tank like Russia’s Platform-M, don’t admire the small frame or try to take a selfie—chances are that it’s actively plotting your demise with its Khalishnakov rifle. Oh, or the four onboard grenade launchers.
Gizmodo brings word of the combat robot beginning training exercises, with the intent of rolling into active duty by 2018. The Platform-M can be controlled remotely over the Internet, and it can engage enemy infantry at up to 800 meters “with 100% accuracy,” claims the above news clip, which has surprisingly upbeat music for a profile on horrific killing machines.
[Source: Gizmodo]
Andrew Hayward
Freelance Writer 
