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Android’s Next Named Release (Lollipop?) Will Be Announced at Google I/O

Going into Google’s big developer conference, one of the biggest questions was whether or not we would see a whole new version—the “L” version—of Android. The answer is yes, and it comes from Android frontman Sundar Pichai via Bloomberg Businessweek. From Businessweek: This year, Pichai will preview the next release (Lollipop? Lemonhead?) for the first…

Did Decorations Make This Ancient King Think He Was A Cow?

Nebuchadnezzar was not a good guy, by Biblical standards. He was also unpleasant company for a few years when he came to believe he was a cow and ate grass. What caused this madness? It might have been how he chose to decorate his palace. King Nebuchadnezzar, in history, overthrew Jerusalem, put out the reigning…

Science Fiction Does Something Way Better Than Predict The Future

People get stuck on the idea that science fiction predicts the future, and that we should look to SF books to find out what we’ll be doing 20 years from now. But actually, says Questionable Practices author Eileen Gunn, science fiction does something way more valuable: teach us that change is inevitable. Top image: Oliver…

The Most Fun Zombie Movie We’ve Seen In Ages Was Made By High Schoolers

The students at Oak Park High in Winnipeg turned their high school into ground zero for the apocalypse in this short zombie romantic comedy. What this film lacks in budget, it more than makes up for in a sense of wild fun. Zombie High was produced by Oak Park High’s Independent Film company, and for…

A Real-Time Look At How Much We Spend on Stuff

If there was any lingering doubt that we are a nation of consumers, this real-time infographic should all but eliminate it. Retale.com has illustrated the staggering amount of money being spent every second in retail and online stores, as well as on various products, in a chart that makes you wonder why anyone would ever…

The 7 Deadliest Fashion Trends Of All Time

Keeping up with fashion trends can sometimes be uncomfortable and expensive. But trying a new style or two is typically not life-threatening — except in the case of these dangerous trends, that maimed (and sometimes killed) anyone brave enough to sport them. Top image: Green dress (dyed with arsenic), Mauve boots (dyed with coal tar),…

The Biggest Misunderstanding in the Net Neutrality Debate

Pending public rage, the FCC’s flawed net neutrality rules will kick in later this summer. And yet, despite the impassioned coverage in the media, it’s obvious that most people are still missing the point. As Wired points out today, a type of internet fast lane already exists, and nobody’s talking about how to shut them…

You Can Now Chat Between iOS and Android Even Without Reception

FireChat, the elegant mesh networking app that lets you talk to you friends without an internet connection, just got even better. While you’ve been able to use the app on iOS and Android devices separately for months, a new version of the app lets you cross the platforms. It sounds pretty neat! The update, FireChat…

Aerial Photos of Coal Mining Pits Are Sublime and Terrifying

For some, coal mining conjures images of quaint Appalachian towns. In parts of Germany, where some of the world’s largest open-pit coal mines exist, the resemblance is more of an apocalyptic wasteland. Photographer Bernhard Lang’s stunning overhead documentation of the Hambach Mine depicts the massive scale of the mining operation. The pit is 961 feet…

Win Six(!) FOURSEVENS LED Flashlights

Need or want a new flashlight? Here’s a chance to win one of six (or all six) FOURSEVENS portable illumination devices. Each is one of the nicest lights on the market. https://gizmodo.com/how-led-flashlights-are-designed-and-manufactured-1594909789 Enter as many of these giveaways as you want. The winner of each will be randomly chosen and contacted by email, so make…

Zombies, Livestream, and Shazam: Meet Google Glass’ Newest Apps

With Google Glass still being in its Explorer phase, there hasn’t been a whole lot of diversity as far as its app (or “Glassware”) selection is concerned. But to kick off I/O, Google has just announced a whole slew of new apps you can slap onto your face computer. The most notable (and mildly disconcerting)…

The Most Powerful Anime Robot Of All Time Has Been Chosen

It has been decided, everyone. Gurren Lagann, of Tengen Toppa Gurren Lagann is the most awesome, best robot of all anime, ever. Just kidding — this was just the result of one poll (not that I disagree with the results!). Charapedia, a Japanese site about anime and video game characters, held a poll among its…

Deals: $70 Mouse with $50 in Steam Credit, Tri-Clad Skillet, $830 iMac

Pick up your your choice for best gaming mouse, the Razer DeathAdder 2013 today, and Best Buy will pack in $50 of Steam credit with your purchase. For comparison’s sake, the DeathAdder currently goes for $50 on Amazon, so this is an excellent deal, and you won’t have any trouble spending that credit in the…

This Exquisite Timelapse Of The Natural World Is An Instant Classic

Time to get your bandwidth on, people. This is one of the most spectacular and mesmerizing high-def timelapse videos we’ve seen in a while — if not ever. This 4K video was put together by Joel Schat, and it’s his nature demo reel, if you can believe it. Shot primarily in US national parks, the…

A Fridge That Gives You Retro Style Without the Giant Energy Bill

You might love the retro curves and contours of the old fridge you inherited from your grandmother, but that ancient appliance isn’t doing your monthly electric bill any favors. With GE’s new Artistry fridges you get the best of both worlds, though—modern and efficient refrigeration technology, plus subtle retro styling that isn’t overly hip. As…

Suburban Gothic Is Scooby Doo In The ‘Burbs, Starring Everyone You Love

The first images of Suburban Gothic, the new film from Excision director Richard Bates, came out yesterday. And this horror comedy is already showing some great sight gags, plus a cast that includes Kat Dennings, Ray Wise, Jeffrey Combs and John Waters. Check ’em out. Suburban Gothic is premiering at the 18th annual Fantasia International…

The best way to stop tornados might be to build a giant wall. At least that’s the theory of one physicist, who proposes enormous weather barriers that would be almost 1,000 feet high, stopping twisters before they start.

New Ninja Turtles trailer shows Shredder in action for the first time

Okay, these realistic teen turtles are way more badass than their cartoon forebears, as you can see in the second trailer for the new Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles movie. You also see a little bit of the villainous Shredder in action for the first time. I can’t wait for this movie, no matter how weird-looking…

What’s the Weirdest Computer Mouse You’ve Ever Seen?

Touchpads suck. They are obviously and infinitely inferior to the glory of the mouse. But that doesn’t mean there’s not any room for innovation in mouse-world. Plenty of folks have tried to improve on perfection with ergonomic-y joystick-like tricks and other strange tweaks. What’s the weirdest one you’ve ever come across? Some of them turn…

A History of Our Obsession with the Disease Apocalypse

The “plague plot” is a subgenre of horror that’s become as common as zombie movies . But over half a century ago, Hollywood wasn’t churning out tales of the disease apocalypse and deadly black goo viruses. Where did our love for pandemic panic come from? A look back at the history of the subgenre provides…