Did aliens photobomb the Moon?

// Invest in the future of more seamless hotel ops »

Advertise | Talk to Us | Shop | Unsubscribe

The Futurist is your daily tech, cosmic, and science (both weird or otherwise) newsletter with articles and content curated just for you.

Love The Futurist?
Forward to a friend and have them sign up here!

Next-gen smart 3D printer automatically adapts to new materials

“A next-generation smart 3D printer has emerged from MIT, aiming to streamline the adoption of new materials by autonomously adjusting its settings to accommodate varying compositions. Researchers note that the prevalent challenge in contemporary 3D printing lies in the limited recyclability of plastic materials used in fabrication, prompting the exploration of sustainable alternatives. … They claim that this new technology has the potential to alleviate the environmental impact associated with additive manufacturing. By facilitating the use of renewable and recyclable materials, the technology aims to foster sustainability within the 3D printing ecosystem.”

// Tech Times »

This AI company is disrupting the labor-intensive $4.1 trillion hospitality industry

You read that right. Labor has long been a hurdle when it comes to seamless hotel and short-term rental management. The problem is that people are… well… imperfect, whereas AI is as close to flawless as we currently know. That’s why big-shot VCs and 1,000+ individual backers are trusting Jurny’s AI. They know it’s the best way to cut back on labor costs — since the industry spends $355 billion annually on that alone. With over $12 million raised so far and $35 million+ in bookings just last year, it’s safe to say this is a pretty sound investment. Join the team that’s shaking up the world of hospitality for good with your minimum investment of $499.10. [Ad]

// Change hospitality forever »

Microsoft PowerToys: 23 ways to enhance Windows for free

“Ever wish you could get a little more out of Windows? You can, if you're willing to install this one free utility program. Filled with an array of tools, PowerToys is designed to add new capabilities and enhance existing features in Windows. … Today, PowerToys is a standalone app available for Windows 10 and Windows 11. It contains features like Awake to keep your PC from falling into sleep mode. Fancy Zones creates window layouts for better multitasking. Keyboard Manager can remap certain keys. PowerRename helps you rename multiple files at once. And there’s a host of other tools. Here's how to install the program, and what you should try first.” And if you want to get even more out of your PC, try Windows 10 Pro.

// PCMag »

NASA spots object speeding around the moon

“NASA's Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter spotted a bizarre sliver of an object speeding above the lunar surface last month. And as it turns out, we're not looking at a UFO — or, uh, maybe an Unidentified Lunar Object — because there's a perfectly human explanation for the lunar apparition. It turns out that the LRO's image was photobombed by the Korea Aerospace Research Institute's Korea Pathfinder Lunar Orbiter (KPLO), otherwise known as Danuri, which is ‘traveling in nearly parallel orbits,’ according to a NASA statement.”

// The Byte »

*Sigh* still living in the ‘00s? Bring your car to the 21st century for cheap

Driving an old car can be tough for a variety of reasons, but the lack of connectivity might just be the biggest inconvenience. No hands-free calling, no GPS, no Bluetooth? C’mon, it’s 2024; everyone should have all those things in their cars — and more. This 6.8” touchscreen dash gives drivers an easy way to bring their outdated cars into the 21st century. Connect with Apple CarPlay or Android Auto to view and access all your essential apps for music, calling, and navigation. Instead of dropping thousands on a brand-new set of wheels, just spend $75 to make your current ride feel fresh and modern. [Ad]

// Drive smarter »

A fake conspiracy theorist’s second act

“Between 2018 and 2021, Peter McIndoe went from state to state, playacting the role of radicalized cult leader pushing an absurd conspiracy theory — that, as he put it, ‘birds aren’t real.’ Avian creatures, McIndoe warned, were being systematically massacred and replaced by deep state-operated drones, designed for widespread surveillance of the populace. … The secret to McIndoe’s success might be that it’s almost impossible to tell when he’s acting. At least for the uninitiated. And he relishes the opportunity to slip back into his role as a conspiracy theorist whenever he gets the chance. This June, Macmillan will publish his book about the movement, written entirely in character with his collaborator and friend Connor Gaydos, entitled: Birds Aren’t Real: The True Story of Mass Avian Murder and the Largest Surveillance Campaign in US History.”

// Slate »