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Home / News / Fully Charged: Behold the Star Trek phaser universal remote, the new Thor is female, and Russia’s tiny robot tanks pack a punch

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

Thor

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]

READ MORE: Disney Infinity 2.0: Marvel Super Heroes preview

Russia’s tiny, terrifying robot tanks enter combat training

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2G2CQE3ZV_w

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]

READ MORE: We’re not sure why a robot with human emotions needs to exist, but we’re too terrified to question it

Profile image of Andrew Hayward Andrew Hayward Freelance Writer

About

Andrew writes features, news stories, reviews, and other pieces, often when the UK home team is off-duty or asleep. I'm based in Chicago with my lovely wife, amazing son, and silly cats, and my writing about games, gadgets, esports, apps, and plenty more has appeared in more than 75 publications since 2006.

Areas of expertise

Video games, gadgets, apps, smart home