Experience the Magic of Disney Imagineering: A Sneak Peek into the Future of Theme Parks

Hidden deep in a California valley near Walt Disney Animation Studios is a top-secret testing ground for all the technology seen at Disney Parks and experiences around the world. Recently, io9 and other members of the press were invited for an up-close look at the animatronics for Tiana’s Bayou Adventure and to preview Walt Disney Imagineering’s latest tech that may or may not be coming to a theme park or cruise near you.

Led by National Inventors Hall of Famer Lanny Smoot, WDI hosted a presentation of the immersive HoloTile and demonstrated the capabilities of the “omnidirectional floor.” This groundbreaking technology allows Imagineers to walk through spaces in any direction they want, utilizing AR screens and sensory-tiled floors. Smoot explained that this tool will enable them to design theme park attractions more effectively, allowing them to virtually build what they’re about to build and understand how it will be when it is built in reality.

The HoloTile floor is made up of 19 tiles, each one capable of moving anything on its surface in any direction. The floor uses lidar technology to detect the position of the user’s feet and create a seamless experience. Smoot demonstrated how he could push the tiles together to create a bigger floor, allowing for even more immersive experiences.

Another amazing Star Wars tech moment we got to experience was Smoot’s retractable laser lightsaber. This incredible technology is heavy and requires two hands to wield, just like the real thing. The moment it was handed to me to be the first in our group to test out was seared into my memory as a core experience. It felt like a dream come true to activate it and hear the hum of the lightsaber emitted from the kyber crystal (or tech magic, in this case). The retractable laser lightsaber has only been used by Rey aboard the now-shuttered Galactic Starcruiser, but we hope it finds its way to some sort of presentation at Galaxy’s Edge.

Finally, we got to meet the adorable BD-X droids, which were created specifically for interactive purposes by the Imagineering team behind them. These droids feel so lifelike and curious when you approach them, making them delightful and pet-like. Currently, you can only see this version of the droids during their daily appearances at Star Wars Galaxy’s Edge at Disneyland.

These cutting-edge technologies showcase the incredible innovation and creativity of Walt Disney Imagineering. From the HoloTile floor to the retractable laser lightsaber, these advancements have the potential to revolutionize the theme park experience. Whether you’re a Star Wars fan or just looking for a new adventure, there’s never been a more exciting time to be a part of the Disney universe.

So, what’s next for Disney Imagineering? Only time will tell, but with these incredible technologies and ideas in development, the future is looking brighter than ever. Whether you’re a fan of Star Wars, Marvel, or classic Disney magic, there’s something on the horizon that’s sure to delight. Stay tuned for more updates from io9 and keep exploring the magic of Disney Imagineering!

Discover the Fossilized Treasures of North America

If you’re fascinated by fossils, then a road trip across North America is just what you need. From the west to the east coast, there are countless destinations that offer an escape from modernity and a glimpse into the ancient world. With over 320 dinosaur species found in the United States alone, according to the National Parks Service, there’s no shortage of fossilized treasures to explore.

1. West Gold Hill Dinosaur Tracksite, Colorado

Just acquired by the U.S. Forest Service in April 2024, this site boasts the largest continuous dinosaur trackway in the world, featuring 134 prints covering over 300 feet. The tracks were made by an individual sauropod over 150 million years ago, and are a must-see for any fossil enthusiast.

2. Dinosaur State Park, Connecticut

Housing over 2,600 dinosaur footprints, this park is an exception to the rule that the northeast is not particularly renowned for its fossil beds. With 1/3 of the tracks exposed and 2/3 reburied, there’s plenty to explore both above and below ground.

3. The Badlands, South Dakota

For well over a century, paleontologists have been discovering fossilized remains in the Badlands. Members of the Oglala Lakota had been finding fossils long before that, according to the National Parks Service. The park has yielded thousands of fossil specimens from millions of years of Earth’s history, including large mammalian brontotheres and reptilian mosasaurs.

4. Petrified Forest National Park, Arizona

Known for its Triassic fossils, this park features petrified trees and fossilized plants and animals, as well as living desert denizens. The world as it existed over 200 million years ago has been frozen in time, offering a unique glimpse into the past.

5. Rancho La Brea Tar Pits, California

Located in the middle of Los Angeles, this site has yielded millions of Pleistocene fossils, including massive mammoths and the little legs of Ice Age woodpeckers. The asphalt deposits at the Tar Pits ensnared many animals over thousands of years, providing a terrific repository of ancient life for scientists to study.

6. The Mammoth Site, South Dakota

Born in the mid-1970s after construction-related excavations uncovered mammoth skeletons, this site features overwhelmingly male mammoth remains that died in an ancient sinkhole. The site has yielded 60 Columbian mammoths and three woolly mammoths, offering a unique look into the lives of these prehistoric creatures.

7. Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument, Colorado

Featuring fossilized redwoods and thousands of insect and plant fossils, this monument is a must-visit for any fossil enthusiast. The visitor center and on-site yurt serve as a fossil lab, offering a unique opportunity to learn about the little organisms that matter.

8. Dinosaur Valley, Texas

Once an ancient ocean, the area near Dallas and Fort Worth was home to dinosaurs that walked along its beaches. Now, the Paluxy River plays host to their fossilized footprints, offering a glimpse into a more ancient Earth.

9. The Green River Formation, Wyoming

Dubbed the “Aquarium in Stone” by the National Parks Service, this site now lies high and dry in Wyoming. Featuring over 2,000 fossils from the monument’s Green River Formation, there’s no shortage of fossilized aquatic life to explore.

1. The John Day Fossil Bed, Ohio

Discovered in the 1850s, this site features over 12,000 bones from at least 70 different ancient animals. With a quarry open for exploration, there’s no better place to get up close and personal with the fossilized remains of these prehistoric creatures.

From coast to coast, North America is home to an incredible array of fossilized treasures. Whether you’re a seasoned paleontologist or just starting your journey into the ancient world, there’s something for everyone on this list. So pack your bags, fuel up your car, and hit the road for an unforgettable adventure through the fossilized history of our planet.

The Ending of Alex Garland’s “Civil War” Will Leave You Speechless

Alex Garland’s “Civil War” has left audiences stunned with its powerful and emotional final moments. The film, which follows a group of characters as they navigate the chaos of a civil war, ends on a haunting note that will leave you feeling a mix of sadness, shock, relief, pride, and excitement all at once.

The film’s writer/director, Alex Garland, recently spoke with io9 about the inspirations behind the ending and how it all came together. He explained that the final moments were inspired by the idea of a “baton pass,” where one character passes on their state to another. In the case of the film, this means that the older character, Lee (played by Kirsten Dunst), dies and passes on her state to the younger character, Jessie (played by Cailee Spaeny).

Garland also revealed that he experimented with different versions of the final scene in editing, and ultimately chose the version that contained more power. The result is a sequence of still photos that show Lee’s death, followed by Jessie’s photo of the soldiers over the body of the President, slowly developing as the credits roll.

The decision to end the film with this haunting image was inspired by Garland’s desire to ground the film in reality as much as possible. He explained that the film is trying to “contact reality” through its use of lived experience, news photography, and documentaries as its framework. The trophy shot of the soldiers over the President’s body is a disturbing reminder of the real-life violence and chaos that can occur during times of war.

Overall, the ending of “Civil War” is a powerful and emotional conclusion to an already intense and thought-provoking film. If you haven’t seen it yet, be prepared for a rollercoaster of emotions that will leave you speechless long after the credits have rolled.

Captain America: Brave New World Offers More of What Fans Love

Marvel Studios president Kevin Feige has set expectations high for Captain America: Brave New World, comparing it to the fan-favorite Captain America: The Winter Soldier. At CinemaCon 2024, Feige debuted the first footage from the upcoming film, which promises to deliver more of what fans love about the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU).

The footage begins with an image of the White House set over the classic Captain America theme from previous films. Sam Wilson (Anthony Mackie), now the new Captain America, enters the Oval Office and greets the new President of the United States, Thaddeus Ross (Harrison Ford). The scene is filled with humor, as Sam comments on how Ross looks different from his predecessor, William Hurt. Ross explains that he had to lose his mustache or he would lose the election, and he’s also trying to quit smoking, which leads to him being handed a red lollipop.

Ross tells Sam that while he’s not generally a fan of superheroes, what he did in Mexico changed his mind. He wants Sam to help rebuild the Avengers, and he thanks them for securing an important item. However, the President’s speech is interrupted by an old song that triggers one of the original super soldiers, Isaiah Bradley (Carl Lumbly). Bradley goes into full Winter Soldier mode and tries to assassinate the President.

The footage shows Sam getting involved in the action, fighting Isaiah, and chasing him through the White House. The scene transitions into a montage of action sequences, including a moment where Sam uses his shield to stop several bad guys from stunning him with electric prods. The excitement ends with Ross saying to Sam, “You’re not Steve Rogers,” to which he replies, “You’re right, I’m not.” The footage then cuts to Sam in full new Captain America armor, complete with Falcon wings, unfurling amongst the Cherry Blossom trees of Washington D.C.

Directed by Julius Onah and co-starring Tim Blake Nelson and Liv Tyler, Captain America: Brave New World promises to deliver more of what fans love about the MCU. The film is set to release on February 14, 2025, and it’s sure to be a hit with fans.

If you’re looking for more io9 news, be sure to check out our coverage of upcoming Marvel, Star Wars, and Star Trek releases, as well as everything you need to know about the future of Doctor Who. We’ve got you covered on all things geeky and exciting in the world of entertainment!

Kieron Gillen and Stephanie Hans’ New Graphic Novel, We Called Them Giants, is a Poignant and Devastating Tale of Communication Across a Chasm at the End of the World

In their follow-up to the critically acclaimed RPG-horror series Die, Kieron Gillen and Stephanie Hans have teamed up once again for We Called Them Giants, a new standalone original graphic novel that promises to be just as captivating and subversive as its predecessor. This time around, the creative duo has crafted a poignant and devastating tale of communication across a chasm at the end of the world, featuring beautiful, painterly artwork from Hans and an emotionally charged story from Gillen.

According to Gillen, We Called Them Giants was born out of a desire to do something completely different after the success of Die. “So, in the middle of the covid lockdowns, I was left alone with my cats, staring at them, and staring at me, and thinking about the miracle of relationships between beings of completely different kinds of intelligences, and the wonder of the jump across that gap,” he explained to io9 in a statement over email. “The image of the feral girl in the devastation and the giants came quickly after that, and we were away.”

The story follows a young girl named Lori, who wakes up one day to find the world suddenly a lot more empty than it should be. With all that remains of humanity scraping for survival and fighting among itself, Lori’s life is transformed all over again when horrifying, beautiful creatures suddenly enter the picture. As she navigates this new, post-apocalyptic world, Lori will fall in love, have her heart broken, and experience the full range of emotions that only a Hans/Gillen collaboration can provide.

“People will fall in love and have their hearts broken—the full Hans/Gillen experience,” Gillen continued. “Despite the post-apocalypse setting, the story has an almost weird-fable kind of vibe, and ends up basically as a conversation between The Walking Dead and The Iron Giant. Basically, We Called Them Giants is the story of communication across a chasm at the end of the world.”

Hans added that working on We Called Them Giants was a joy, especially given the opportunity to luxuriate in creating a single long story with a poignant, romantic, and devastating tone. “It’s nothing like we did before,” she said. “In all the best ways.”

We Called Them Giants is set to hit shelves on November 12, and fans of Gillen and Hans’ previous work can expect a beautiful, heart-wrenching tale that explores the human condition in the face of unimaginable devastation. The artwork from Hans is sure to be breathtaking, as always, and the story from Gillen promises to be an emotional rollercoaster that will leave readers both devastated and uplifted.

Don’t miss out on this incredible new graphic novel from two of the most talented creators in the industry today. Check back soon for more updates on We Called Them Giants, and be sure to click through to see some teases of Hans’ gorgeous artwork from inside the book.

The world of horror and comedy is about to get a major shake-up with some exciting new projects in the works! From the reboot of a classic parody franchise to a creepy curse that afflicts a pop star, there’s something for every kind of movie lover. Here’s the latest scoop on what’s coming up:

First up, Variety reports that Paramount has teamed with Fast and the Furious producer Neal H. Moritz on a reboot of the Scary Movie franchise. This feature-length horror movie parody series has been dormant for a while, but now it’s back with a vengeance! The first Scary Movie was released in 2000 and became a hit, poking fun at popular horror movies like Scream and I Know What You Did Last Summer.

Next, we have some exciting news for fans of the 28 Years Later saga. According to Deadline, Nia DaCosta (Candyman) is in talks to direct the second part of the trilogy. The first film, titled 28 Days Later, was released in 2002 and starred Naomie Harris and Cillian Murphy. The sequel, 28 Weeks Later, came out in 2007 and followed a group of survivors as they tried to rebuild their lives in a post-apocalyptic world.

If you’re looking for something new and original, check out the trailer for If, coming to theaters on May 17. This imaginary friend comedy from Paramount promises to be a heartwarming and hilarious adventure that explores the power of imagination and friendship. The film follows a young boy who creates an imaginary friend named “If” to cope with his parents’ divorce, and soon finds himself on a wild journey through the world of fantasy.

But if you’re in the mood for something darker and creepier, get ready for Smile 2! According to Bloody-Disgusting, the sequel to the hit horror movie Smile (2023) will follow a pop star who picks up a malevolent curse after a fan “breaks into her dressing room and smiles creepily at her.” The outlet additionally notes that “a kid with braces” also “flashes her a similar malevolent smile” in the footage screened at CinemaCon 2024. This one looks like it’s going to be a wild ride!

Finally, if you’re a fan of female assassins and action-packed thrillers, check out the trailer for Kitty the Killer, coming to VOD on May 7. This killer comedy follows a group of female assassins called “Kitty” as they turn on their employers in a series of gruesome and hilarious murders. Think Kill Bill meets Pulp Fiction with a dash of Tarantino-esque style and humor.

And if you’re looking for even more excitement, don’t miss the TV spot for next week’s episode of X-Men ’97! The trailer teases an unexpected appearance from Captain America, so get ready for some epic superhero action.

So there you have it, folks! These are just a few of the exciting new projects coming up in the world of horror and comedy. From rebooted classics to original concepts, there’s something for every kind of movie lover. Stay tuned for more updates and get ready to laugh, scream, and be thrilled by these upcoming releases!

Apple has recently announced that they will be relaxing their policy on used parts for iPhone repairs. This is great news for those who have broken iPhones and want to fix them without breaking the bank. Previously, if you went with a third-party supplier or through a repair shop with spare iPhone parts, you had to use Apple-supplied parts, or the device wouldn’t work correctly. Now, used genuine Apple parts will have the same functionality and security as new parts, thanks to remote calibration.

One of the main reasons for this change is the Right to Repair movement, which has been gaining momentum in recent months. The movement aims to give consumers and repair shops access to the tools and information they need to repair their devices without relying on the manufacturer. Apple’s decision to relax its policy on used parts is likely a response to this movement and a way to appease customers who are looking for more affordable repair options.

Another factor that may have contributed to Apple’s decision is the sheer number of iPhones that are being produced and sold each year. As more and more people purchase iPhones, there is a growing demand for replacement parts. By allowing third-party vendors to sell used genuine Apple parts, Apple can meet this demand without having to produce as many new parts itself.

Of course, Apple is also implementing some measures to prevent the use of stolen iPhones in repairing devices. The company will not calibrate components in a new body if the device is declared lost. This feature, called Activation Lock, helps deter a black market of stolen iPhone parts.

Overall, Apple’s decision to relax its policy on used parts for iPhone repairs is a win-win for both the company and its customers. It makes it easier and more affordable for people to fix their broken iPhones, which can only help to maintain Apple’s dominance in the smartphone market share. And who knows – maybe this change will even lead to an increase in iPhone sales as people opt for older models that are more affordable and still offer top-notch capabilities.

The Brightest Of All Time (BOAT) explosion has been a topic of great interest in the scientific community since its detection in October 2022. Recently, a team of researchers used the Webb Space Telescope to study the event and have concluded that it was caused by a supernova, the brightest ever seen. However, despite the abundance of heavy elements in the universe, the team did not find any signs of gold or platinum, leaving the question of their origins still open.

The BOAT explosion was detected by the Gemini South telescope in Chile and was quickly identified as the brightest ever seen. To study the event further, the researchers used the Webb Space Telescope’s Near Infrared Spectrograph (NIRSpec) to look for elements typically seen in supernovae. The signal was not particularly bright, indicating that the supernova itself was not exceptionally powerful.

The BOAT explosion is of particular interest because some scientists had hypothesized that such an event could produce heavy elements like gold and platinum. However, despite the extreme brightness of the event, no evidence for these heavy elements was found. This is striking, as one would expect to find such elements in a supernova of this magnitude.

The BOAT explosion is classified as a long gamma-ray burst, lasting an astonishing 10 hours. This is much longer than typical gamma-ray bursts, which last only a few seconds. The burst was so bright that it could be seen from Earth, and its energy reached up to 13 teraelectronvolts, the same energy as CERN’s Large Hadron Collider during its second run.

The researchers also studied the structure of the burst’s jet, which may cause physicists to rework their models of jet structure. The BOAT explosion is not the largest explosion ever seen in space; that title belongs to AT2021lwx, a nearly 8-billion-year-old outburst from a distant black hole and the gas cloud surrounding it. However, the BOAT explosion is one of the most significant events of its kind, and scientists will likely continue to study it for years to come.

The study of the BOAT explosion highlights the importance of continued exploration and research into the mysteries of the universe. With the help of next-generation observatories like the Vera Rubin Observatory, scientists will continue to make groundbreaking discoveries that shed light on the workings of the cosmos. The BOAT explosion may not have produced the heavy elements expected, but it has provided a wealth of knowledge and insights into the extreme events that occur in the universe.

The European Medicines Agency (EMA) has announced the results of a nine-month investigation into the potential link between GLP-1 drugs and suicidal thoughts and actions. The review found no evidence to support a causal association between the use of GLP-1 medications and suicide. This is the second recent investigation by health regulators to clear GLP-1 drugs of any link to suicide, following a preliminary assessment by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in January.

The EMA’s review analyzed case reports, data collected from drug makers, and the results of a recent study of electronic health records. The agency also conducted a separate analysis of health records specifically focused on people taking GLP-1s for their type 2 diabetes, which found no link to suicide at all. These findings are reassuring for anyone taking Ozempic and other similar drugs to treat type 2 diabetes and/or obesity.

The investigation was prompted by case reports tying the use of GLP-1 drugs to suicide ideation, specifically liraglutide and semaglutide. However, the EMA’s review found no evidence to support a causal association between these medications and suicide. The agency additionally found that the available evidence does not support a link between GLP-1 drugs and self-injurious thoughts and actions.

The findings of the review are in line with some recent research that has suggested that GLP-1 drugs could have mental health benefits. For example, a paper published this February found that GLP-1 use was linked to lower rates of anxiety and depression. However, it is important to note that GLP-1s do have their drawbacks, such as common side effects like nausea and gastrointestinal symptoms, and the potential for rare but serious complications like gastroparesis. Additionally, not everyone who could benefit from taking these medications will respond or be able to tolerate the side effects.

Despite these potential drawbacks, the EMA’s review provides reassurance that GLP-1 drugs are safe for use in treating type 2 diabetes and obesity. The agency has stated that drug makers will continue to monitor their data for potential complications and report any new findings as part of standard post-approval safety practices.

In conclusion, the results of the EMA’s investigation are comforting for anyone taking Ozempic and other GLP-1 drugs for type 2 diabetes and/or obesity. The review found no evidence to support a link between these medications and suicide, and the available evidence does not support a link between GLP-1 drugs and self-injurious thoughts and actions. While GLP-1s may have their drawbacks, they have been shown to be effective in treating type 2 diabetes and obesity, and the EMA’s review provides reassurance that they are safe for use.

Apple is reportedly set to release a new chip, the M4, alongside a new production of iMacs, MacBooks, and a new Mac Mini. The M4 will be AI-centric and is expected to be released later this year. According to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, the company might talk up the M4 chip during its WWDC 2024 conference.

The M4 chip will reportedly last through 2025 and will likely be used in new MacBook Airs. The Cupertino company is trying to make up for sluggish Mac sales from 2022 to 2023, and the competition in the CPU market is heating up. Intel has started the ball rolling with its Meteor Lake series of mobile chips, and Qualcomm is set to release Snapdragon X Elite, its ARM-based CPU, in June.

The M4 chip will likely have a neural processing component, which Apple has not needed to talk up until now. The company started mentioning it with the latest MacBook Air release, and it seems it will only get louder from here. However, the advent of the “AI PC” seemed extra premature when considering all the new chips coming out that claim they’ll have the capacity for on-device AI.

The new M4 MacBooks are expected to look and function the same as the M3, which looked and functioned exactly like the M2. The constant stream of new chips is causing weariness among consumers, and it remains to be seen if Apple can make up for sluggish Mac sales with the new M4 chip.

Overall, the CPU market is heating up, and Apple is trying to keep up with the competition. However, the constant emphasis on AI capabilities may be a marketing ploy, and it remains to be seen if the M4 chip will live up to its hype.