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  • Retrospective Round-up: The App Store

    Retrospective Round-up: The App Store

    The App Store is ten years old. It’s hard to believe that the iPhone launched in 2007 without it, to be honest. When you think of the start of the smartphone revolution, you think of apps. “There’s an app for that” was such a ubiquitous slogan that you heard it everywhere in those days. When it launched in 2008, the App Store redefined what, exactly, a smartphone could do. With that said, let’s take a look back in time and round up the ways the App Store shaped the modern smartphone market.

    Attack of the Clones

    The first and most obvious impact of the fantastically popular App Store is the legion of clones it inspired. Of them, the Google Play Store is the most notable and the only other successful platform from the era. Truth be told, the success of the iPhone can be largely attributed to support from app developers. Blackberry’s decline can be certainly chalked up to the lack of support from those same developers.

    Gaming

    The App Store reshaped handheld gaming. Where Nintendo and Sony were battling with their traditional handheld gaming consoles, Apple did something unthinkable. Something that Nokia had tried a few years prior with the N-Gage. They made smartphones gaming devices. Nintendo hasn’t been muscled out of the gaming space, but they also couldn’t exactly push Apple out either. It’s impossible to fight just how big of an install base that smartphones have as a gaming platform. Nearly every adult has a smartphone; the same can’t be said of Nintendo’s 3DS.

    The impact of the app store on gaming is nearly immeasurable: the early 2010s were marked by a flood of “freemium” games. Games that would have previously found no audience could now reach a large demographic. Since they were free to start, these games could get into your device, and your head, easily. Then, once you were invested, you would spend a few bucks here and there on power-ups. This business model proved insanely lucrative and persists to this day. Thankfully, traditional game design is still alive and well in the core market.

    Phones Became Omnitools

    Before the App Store, phones were phones. After its launch, phones were damn near everything. Some apps make your phone a GPS, while others make it a video streaming device. Other apps might make your phone a banking portal, while others make it a music playback device. Nearly any functionality you could imagine was suddenly rolled into your phone. And all of that is thanks to this one software platform. It’s been a long decade, and a lot has changed. But here’s to the next ten years, and the changes they bring.

  • Apple Goes Live With USB-Restricted Mode

    Apple Goes Live With USB-Restricted Mode

    The newest iOS 11 update carries a rather important feature with it. Namely, iOS 11.4.1 comes with USB-Restricted Mode. And, frankly, that’s a big deal. This functionality was expected to ship with iOS 12 this fall, coinciding with the release of this year’s new phones. However, it’s a pretty big move, and it’s critical for iPhone user security. You see, one of the most common ways to break into an iPhone is through USB-based hacking tools like GreyKey. These brute-force tools just attempt thousands and thousands of passcode combinations, eventually just forcing their way in with sheer probability. How has Apple worked to counteract this?

    USB-Restricted Mode

    The iOS 11.4.1 update brought a new toggle to your settings: “USB Accessories.” This setting is off, by default, so you don’t have to worry about going in and doing it manually. What the setting does, however, is make the phone unable to be interfaced with by USB accessories if it has been locked for more than an hour. That’s pretty huge: GreyKey and similar illegal hacking hardware has to interface with the iPhone through the Lightning port. Disabling them directly is the bluntest answer Apple could have come up with, but it works perfectly.

    If a criminal steals your phone, it’s likely that you had it locked for a bit before it was stolen. Further, they will then have to exit the public area, go back to a safehouse and attempt to crack the phone’s security from there. This will likely push them past the hour deadline to try to crack the phone, thus making it a pointless endeavor to steal iPhones. Similarly, law enforcement will often take longer than an hour to process a detained person. This means that unlawful access to your phone will likely be impossible. Police will have to get a search warrant, thus cutting down on overreaching violations of citizens’ rights.

    Apple’s Role in Security

    Apple is a leader in electronic security. Their constant innovations in this field are an industry standard and are to be commended. Apple’s move with this newest feature is further evidence of their dedication to protecting the data of their users. Looks like those looking to unlawfully access your information will have to find some new way to break in.

  • LG to Open New OLED Factory in China

    LG to Open New OLED Factory in China

    In a big move, South Korean company LG has secured permission from the Chinese government to open a factory there. The factory, opening in Guangzhou, will focus on OLED panel production primarily. OLEDs, or organic light emitting diodes, are the technology behind the bright, sharp images seen in modern displays like the iPhone X.

    The factory will be built using a staggering $2.33 billion, which underscores how highly LG prioritizes OLED panel production. Many of the Korean company’s high-end televisions are powered by the technology, so this OLED factory will help to power the company’s personal interests. Further, Apple will seek to purchase the displays from LG as well, as it currently relies on Samsung. Ironically, the Korean Samsung is a primary rival of both LG and Apple. By cutting them partly out of the process of constructing iPhones, apple will distance itself from its chief competitor in the American smartphone market. Similarly, by ramping up production, LG will be able to continue battling Samsung in the TV market.

    The OLED Factory Itself

    The factory itself will begin with production targets of 60,000 displays per month. If that sounds like a lot, it’s a drop in the bucket. The company plans to ramp up production numbers to 90,000 displays per month. However, these numbers pan out, a the company is slated to provide between 2 and 4 million displays to Apple.

    The factory will be owned partly by LG, at a 70 percent stake. The Guangzhou Economic and Technological Development District will hold the other 30 percent. This will likely lead to a large increase in the number of jobs in the region, which explains the decision to allow the factory to be built. Concerns regarding environmental safety and fair compensation will likely be raised, as they often are with Chinese factories. However, the demand for smartphones and TVs stays high, so production rolls on.

  • Get Ready to go Off-Road with the New Ram Rebel

    Get Ready to go Off-Road with the New Ram Rebel

    Ram has a seriously powerful contender in the crowded truck market with the Ram Rebel. The Rebel is ideal for off-roading, using some slick new tech to make the process a breeze. Whereas you once would have to put the truck in 4×4 manually, it’s a push of a button away with the Rebel. Today we’re looking at the coolest new features packed into this new Ram.

    Quiet Interior Cabin

    The cabin on the Ram Rebel is quiet, and the ride is smooth. The truck sports a complex technology called active-tuned mass modules that react in live time to the vibration of the engine. By moving in such a way to counter that vibration, the ATMM technology cuts down on both noise and shaking. This all adds up to make for a smooth, Zen-like riding experience even when off-roading.

    Heavy-Duty Shocks

    Getting out in the mud requires some serious stabilization, and that’s where these new shocks come in! Specifically, these are Bilstein remote-reservoir shocks, meaning they can keep you on the trail for hours. They do this by eliminating the main cause of shock fade. Typically, if you spend a long time on the trail, the oil in your shocks gets heated up and your shocks feel much more “soft.” The remote-reservoir style shocks fixes this by letting your shock oil cool in a remote reservoir, allowing you to keep taking bumps off the road.

    Electronically Locking Rear Differential

    Ever been stuck in the mud? Then you know how much it sucks to watch your back wheels spin and not catch any traction. Even with 4WD, sometimes you need a little extra push. That’s what manually-engaged electronic rear differential locking is for. If that sounds complicated, don’t worry, it’s not. All it means is that you can tell your back tires to work together, locking into the same pattern of spin. This lets them work in concert to help get you un-stuck!

    Ram Rebel Pricing and Release

    You’re probably asking when you can get one of your own, and what it’ll cost you. Models start at $47,495, which might sound like a lot, but the Rebel means business. You should see these bad boys hitting dealerships this Fall.

    Feature Image Credit: Car and Driver

  • Ten Best Electric Cars for 2018

    Electric cars are the future of automobiles, if you ask certain experts. While they might not yet dominate the highways in terms of numbers, they’re becoming more popular every year.

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    This year, it’s time for you to join the hype and switch to electric, for the environment and for your wallet! Today, we’re looking at the best electric cars for 2018.

    Fiat 500e

    We’re starting our list with the fun, spunky and dependable Fiat 500e. Sporting a European look and an eye for style, this electric car is fun to drive. It has a short-ish range of 84 miles, so it’s best if driven in the city. For those looking to take to the highway, this one isn’t the best pick. It also doesn’t have a ton of room for cargo, and the seats are somewhat cramped. That said, the Fiat 500e has a slick, retro-style interior and a fun personality. The interior is also replete with awesome technology, like a touchscreen and voice commands. If you’re looking for a fun vehicle to get you around the city, this is a great pick!

    Volkswagen e-Golf

    While the gas-powered Golf is a great vehicle, the electric version sacrifices little to run on electrons alone. If you’re a fan of passenger room and Volkswagen’s signature charm, this is a great electric car for you. It has a range of 125 miles on a charge, and it’ll only set you back around $29,000. The best part about this car is that it’s also pretty fun to drive!

    Chevrolet Bolt

    A recognizable name, the Chevy Bolt is a fine choice for electric car. Its superb range is its biggest selling point: it can go 238 miles on a single charge! That’s no joke! That kind of range would usually set you back, but the Bolt start around $35,000. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are both supported, and the huge infotainment touchscreen looks great. The Bolt is a solid choice and a very futuristic electric car!

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    Ford Focus Electric

    The Ford Focus Electric might not be the most stylish electric, but it’s a solid pick. It boasts a standard 115-mile range, making it good for city and highway travel. The make is high-quality, and the car is dependable and responsive. It doesn’t have a lot of power, but that’s not really the point. If you need an affordable, dependable electric car, the Focus is a great pick.

    Hyundai Ioniq Electric

    The Ioniq is available in three distinct configurations, including two hybrid styles. It can be acquired in a plug-in style hybrid configuration, which makes it the only car available in all three electric configurations. That said, this article is about electric cars, and the Ioniq is a fantastic choice in its electric configuration. It’s affordable, starting just under $30,000, and has great performance. It has a respectably long range, coming in at 124 miles on a charge. It also boasts a 7-inch touch-screen display and has support for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

    Kia Soul EV

    The Soul might not have much range, coming in at 93 miles on a charge, but it makes up for it in interior room. If you’ve got kids, or often cart a ton of passengers around, the Soul is a great pick. It’s a good buy for the money, too, starting around $32,000, and that’s not even counting the money you’ll save not having to buy gas! If you’re looking for a great size and an electric engine, the Soul EV is the car for you!

    Nissan Leaf

    The roomy, highway-capable Nissan Leaf is a great pick for those looking to see what the deal electric cars is. The Leaf sports a 107-mile range on a charge, which means you don’t have to charge up as much with this one. While it’s not the most powerful car on the highway, you won’t really notice the lack of power during normal drives.
    This is an all-around great car with little to detract from it!

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    BMW i3

    BMW’s name is always indicative of a certain level of quality, and that remains true for the i3. The i3 doesn’t sacrifice any power to be all-electric, bringing a stellar 170 horsepower to bear on an 81-mile charge. You can even opt for a bigger battery to get a 114-mile range, making this a versatile and flexible electric choice. The carbon fiber body of this vehicle makes it impressively light and zippy around turns, and the interior is futuristic. However, the i3 is a little expensive, starting at $42,400.

    Tesla Model X

    The original Tesla, the Model X is well-known among electric car enthusiasts for its luxury and performance. Tesla’s cars are powerful, fun to drive and have great range, and the Model X is no exception. Tesla cars are able to use the Supercharger network, exclusive to the company, to charge the batteries very rapidly. That means you spend less time waiting for a charge and more time on the road! The only downside to the Model X, however, is the price tag: it’s a luxury vehicle, and that’s reflected in the price. It starts at $85,500, but it has a nearly 300-mile range and an incredible 2.9-second 0 to 60.

    The Best of the Electric Cars Available in 2018: Tesla Model 3

    The most affordable Tesla doesn’t sacrifice any of that trademark luxury to be $35,000. It has a 215-mile range standard, a luxury interior and a huge touch-screen display instead of a gauge cluster. If you’re a Tesla faithful but without mad money to burn on a car, the Model 3 might be for you. It’s the only car in its price range that rivals the Chevy Bolt’s range, and it does that while looking much cooler. If you’re looking for a great car that happens to also be electric, look at the Tesla Model 3.

  • Fortnite’s Durr Burger has Appeared in the California Desert

    Fortnite’s Durr Burger has Appeared in the California Desert

    A strange ARG has begun in advance of the fifth season of Fortnite. A few weeks ago, an in-game even led to a rocket launch that then caused a series of temporal rifts. Following the appearance of the rifts, some have grown considerably. The rifts have also begun to absorb certain notable landmarks from around the map. One such landmark, the large Durr Burger mascot from the Greasy Grove area, has appeared somewhere else. Nowhere in the Fortnite world, mind you, but somewhere in the real world.

    Durr Burger Sighting

    The dumb-looking mascot for the fictional Durr Burger restaurant was spotted by photographer Sela Shiloni, who is not a gamer. Shiloni was understandably a bit freaked out by the presence of a giant, googly-eyed burger with a lolling tongue. After spotting it and posting it to various social media sites, Fornite players quickly informed the photographer that he had found the missing burger! A bit of digging on Google maps yielded coordinates for the burger. Since, several streamers and enthusiasts have traveled to the location to see what’s going on.

    At the site, they are greeted by “secret agents” who encourage the tourists to stay back. The area is an anomaly, visitors are told, and it could be dangerous. Some are given promo codes for Fortnite goodies. Others are given a phone number to call; the number plays an odd, garbled version of the rift sound from the game.

    Future Items to Appear in Our World?

    The giant burger mascot will likely not be the only Fortnite landmark appearing in the real world. The fifth season of the game will begin in earnest tomorrow, and with it we expect to see some major changes in the world map. The rift in the sky over the map has grown larger every day since it appeared, and that will likely come to a head at the start of season five. What this means for the future of Fortnite, and for the ARG that seems to be developing in our own world, remains to be seen. Either way, we’ll be sure to see you on the battlefield!

  • Elon Musk Creates Small Submarine to Helped Trapped Thailand Kids

    Elon Musk Creates Small Submarine to Helped Trapped Thailand Kids

    On Saturday, July 7th, Tesla CEO Elon Musk tweeted that his company was working on a small submersible that might be useful in helping to rescue the trapped soccer team in Thailand. At the time of this writing, scuba divers have already rescued eight of the twelve trapped soccer players. Musk, however, went ahead with the production of the submersible, saying it may yet help in the rescue effort. In any event, such a vessel could be helpful in future scenarios like this, should another rescue need to be undertaken.

    The Trapped Team

    The team became trapped in the cave while exploring it after a soccer match. While they were inside the cave, monsoon rains surprised them and flooded significant portions of the cave, trapping them inside. They were trapped in the cave on June 23rd, which means they’ve been trapped for nearly two weeks at the time of this writing. On Friday, July 6th, one of the volunteer rescue workers, a former Thai Navy SEAL, died during the rescue effort. This has underscored just how dangerous the rescue effort is, and how much peril the boys are in.

    The Submersible Created by Elon Musk and SpaceX

    The submersible was created from the liquid oxygen transfer tube of a Falcon rocket. The idea behind the vessel is that it could be an alternative for divers to try if conventional rescue methods prove ineffective. For instance, if any of the boys are too tired or not aware enough to swim on their own. In such a case, the vessel could allow even an unconscious passenger to be pulled to safety by divers.

    However, the presence of such a large, metal vessel could prove dangerous to both the divers and the passenger. The cramped cave has some choke points so narrow that divers have to remove their oxygen tanks to slip through. While the tank might be just narrow enough to slip through, it could cause some complications.

    As the team has already rescued most of the boys, it seems their strategy is working. Thankfully, they have access to this technology now, should it be needed. Here’s hoping everyone is safely rescued, and no more of the rescue team is hurt in the effort.

    Feature Image Credit: SpaceX

  • Listen Up: Sony HT-Z9F 3.1 Feature Roundup

    Listen Up: Sony HT-Z9F 3.1 Feature Roundup

    Sound bars are a great way to maximize the sound from your TV without taking up considerable real estate in your living room. While many sound bar options are out there, Sony remains a reliable and excellent maker of the technology. Their biggest strength, of course, is their processing, and the HT-Z9F 3.1 is no exception: it boasts incredible sound thanks to its processors.

    Sound Quality

    The first important consideration when reviewing a sound bar, of course, is the sound quality. This particular sound bar delivers on that front: dialogue is clear, sounds are crisp, and bass is heavy. Whether you’re listening to music or watching action movies, you’ll be impressed by how balanced and undistorted the sound is. You can clearly make out dialogue over rumbling explosions, and sounds have a certain space in between them. All of this, of course, is bolstered by the bar’s excellent surround sound. You can feel the space between events on-screen, or the shape of a room that audio was recorded in. That may all sound a bit confusing, but when you hear it you’ll understand.

    Features and Ports

    The HT-Z9F 3.1 has ARC HDMI, optical digital audio, 3.5mm and Ethernet ports all available. You can hook pretty much anything into this sound bar and play audio through it, which is excellent. It also has an IR repeater sending signals through, which is great for set-ups that have the bar blocking your TV. Wi-Fi and Chromecast are supported, which makes this feel very modern and high-end.

    HT-Z9F 3.1 Pricing and Bottom Line

    The HT-Z9F 3.1 costs between $800 and $900, making it a somewhat premium package. However, when compared to full-scale surround systems and some other high-end sound bars, that price is rather impressive. If you’re looking for big sound from a small bar, Sony’s newest entry is a great piece of technology. If you don’t mind paying a bit of money, your living room will sound like a movie theater in no time. All of that from such a little bar is a pretty big deal!

  • 2019 Subaru Impreza Price Revealed

    2019 Subaru Impreza Price Revealed

    The pricing information for the 2019 Subaru Impreza has been revealed, and Subaru fans have reason to be excited. The newest entry in Subaru’s mid-sized range only costs $100 more than last year’s, which is pretty incredible. Considering all the great features in it, the price tag of $19,480 for a manual transmission is a steal. This vehicle makes a great first new car for young adults! It has power locks, power windows and side mirrors, all great modern amenities to see made standard.

    2019 Subaru Impreza Features

    The first thing to note about the 2019 Impreza is the better gas mileage over last year’s model. For one thing, that helps justify the extra $100 price tag, as it’ll pay itself off in gas soon. For another thing, it’s a great feature for a car of this price that will likely be many young adults’ first new car. Other notables in performance are some Subaru mainstays like symmetrical all-wheel drive and a respectable 4-cylinder engine. The Impreza won’t be winning any street races, but it’ll get you to the grocery store and to work!

    The biggest notable feature in the inside of the Impreza is the infotainment screen. The big, bold, bright 6.5-inch display is compatible with Apple CarPlay as well as Android Auto, which will blow your mind if this is your first car from this decade. As for the other things worth noting in the interior, it’s an all-around quality make and quite comfortable for the price.

    Bottom Line

    If you’re in the market for a dependable, no-frills car to get you to work and back, you’re likely going to love the Impreza. If you’ve never owned a car made in the last ten years, there’s few better than the Impreza to get you started! The best part, of course, is that it costs barely more than $20,000 for an automatic. That’s a price you just can’t beat!

  • Ten Sci-Fi Innovations that Became Real

    Ten Sci-Fi Innovations that Became Real

    The world of science fiction is dominated by high-tech advancements that make life easier (or more dangerous) for the characters. For more than a century, real-world scientists have been inspired by sci-fi innovations to create new technology. From Star Trek to Star Wars, today we’re talking about life imitating art!

    Virtual Reality

    Photo Credit: Trustnodes

    Many people enjoy VR headsets every day to explore virtual worlds. The future dreamt of in tales such as Tron and Blade Runner look a bit more believable when viewed through this lens. While we might not have fully-immersive, full-body recreations of reality, we do have a close visual and auditory approximation. For whatever reason, we are fascinated with being someone else, and VR is our window to that fantasy. While VR has had a rough history (Virtual Boy, anyone?) it’s stronger than ever and commands a good bit of public attention. Oculus Rift and Microsoft’s own VR are two big names to watch in the VR field.

    Wireless Earbuds

    Photo Credit: Apple

    In Ray Bradbury’s classic novel, Fahrenheit 451, a number of citizens are described as having “seashells” attached to their ears. The seashells play calming ocean sounds, music and talk shows. In the context of Bradbury’s novel, they are indicative of a dystopia of disinterested, unintelligent and cruel people. In our own world, the existence of truly wireless in-ear headphones wouldn’t be a reality until the last decade or so. Apple’s AirPod technology is a notable example. Bradbury would be pleased to see that we’re not burning books to withhold their contents, in spite of our technological advancements.

    Robotic Prosthetics

    Photo Credit: CNN.com

    In Star Wars, the iconic scene of Luke getting his new, prosthetic hand calibrated has two large impacts on the audience. First, it reminds us that Luke could become just like his cyborg father, Darth Vader. Second, it reminds us how freaking awesome robot hands are. Just like Luke, there are people in the real world who have benefitted from recent advancements in prosthetic technology. The technology uses receivers that can receive electric signals from the brain and translate them into fine motor control. This tech may have been inspired by fiction, but it’s helping to improve real lives!

    Video Calling

    Photo Credit: iOS Gadget Hacks

    In our world, video calls are commonplace and happen every day. However, in the 1920’s, when silent film The Metropolis was released, they were an impossible fantasy. Since that film’s antagonist used video communication on the silver screen for the first time, numerous sci-fi tales have used the technology. Star Trek is notable for its many tense negotiations between ship captains via video transmissions. In our world, thankfully, we’re not dodging photon torpedoes shot by hostile aliens, we’re just calling grandma to make sure she’s doing okay.

    Space Travel

    Photo Credit: YouTube

    Nearly every sci-fi tale ever told features space travel in some capacity. Indeed, our cultural subconscious holds that man’s future lies with the stars. While our lofty ambitions are still generations from being realized, they’re much closer than any other time in human history. The International Space Station is evidence of this, as are the many deep-space probes we send to the deepest reaches of our star system. While living on alien planets and traveling between stars remain firmly in the realm of fiction, exploring space is still a reality for our species.

    Cell Phones

    Photo Credit: The Atlantic

    In the original Star Trek series, the main characters use a rather wild invention called a tricorder to communicate over vast distances. While we’re being a bit tongue-in-cheek, of course, the idea of a handheld communication device is nothing new in sci-fi. However, the unprecedented computing power of modern handsets certainly reminds one of the types of technology dreamed up by writers from the middle of the last century. Indeed, you carry more computing power with you than what went to the moon in the 60’s. That actually is wild!

    Tractor Beams

    Photo Credit: The Telegraph

    British scientists actually invented this iconic piece of Star Trek tech! A sci-fi innovation long thought to be little more than science fantasy is now reality. While the real-world iteration of this tech is on a much smaller scale than the Star Trek version, it’s the same principal. By manipulating particles within the body, the scientists hope that the technology will revolutionize surgery. Thanks to the tractor beam technology, surgical some surgical procedures that were previously invasive may become much safer, non-invasive endeavors!

    3D Printing

    Photo Credit: Mythcreants

    There’s no technology more optimistic and encouraging that Star Trek’s replicator. The technology behind it is likely also responsible for the teleportation technology employed in the show. However, replicator tech is much more feasible in our world, but under a different name: 3D printing. We don’t make much of it now, but 3D printing is a huge step towards sci-fi innovations becoming reality. Where the replicators were concerned primarily with food, our 3D printers are versatile and perform tons of tasks. And yes, 3D printing food is one of them!

    Nuclear Weaponry

    Photo Credit: Business Insider

    Sci-fi innovations aren’t always optimistic, and nowhere is that more evident than in HG Wells prediction of the atom bomb. In his novel “The World Set Free,” Wells describes “atomic bombs” that “detonate indefinitely,” after reading theories put forth by scientist Ernest Rutherford. Wells’ versions of the bombs were hand-thrown and burned for as long as seventeen days, a far cry from the bombs of our own world. However, the idea of a “nuclear bomb” may have even gone on to influence the research and discovery of true atomic weapons, as life attempted to imitate art.

    Coolest Sci-Fi Innovation Becoming Real: Cybernetic Soldier Suits

    Photo Credit: Marvel

    Tony Stark sports visually-arresting, butt-kicking super-armor in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. It originally debuted in 1968, but it looked a bit clunkier and less awesome back then. That said, the original Iron Man comics would go on to inspire countless robot-piloting works of fiction. Notably, in our world, tech like Stark’s is close to being reality: the Tactical Assault Light Operator Suit, or TALOS, is in development by the US Military. Yes, that name sounds like something Hydra would send after Tony in a comic book, but it’s a real piece of military technology. It incorporates technology that looks like Tony’s Bleeding Edge armor seen in Avengers: Infinity War, using liquid armor that solidifies at the operator’s command. Talk about sci-fi coming to life!