WetaWorkshop
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'Reality' of Magic Leap could be further away than we thought
Over the last couple of years, we've repeatedly heard a lot about Magic Leap's supposedly advanced augmented reality tech, but have seen very little. In 2014, a half-billion dollar round of investment that included Google ratcheted up the hype and it has not slowed down since. Now, The Information is reporting, based on sources and a hands-on demonstration, that the reality hasn't lived up to all of the promises yet.
Valve's full-scale Portal turret is another treat from Weta Workshop, check out the unboxing video
Last week Valve showed off an impressive Portal turret replica, but didn't mention where the thing came from, or why. Now it's posted another video of the original unboxing, and mentions that like its earlier TF2 turret, this is a Weta Workshop project complete with motion sensor for tracking. Those flashing lights appear to be just for show, but with both of those monoliths patrolling the lobby we'll probably wait for an invitation before stopping by.
Weta Workshop builds real-life TF2 sentry gun, minus the screaming and blood (video)
Weta Workshop is filled with engineers, and that means they solve problems. Practical problems. For instance, how Valve Software is going to keep its throng of Team Fortress 2 players in awe. The answer? Use a gun. Like this heavy-caliber, tripod-mounted, fastidiously crafted life-size reproduction of The Engineer's level 1 Sentry Gun, which features a bona fide motion sensor for tracking whosoever is fool enough to venture into Valve's geektastic lobby in Bellevue, Washington and touch the darn thing. We're ready to volunteer. Video after the break.
Master Chief's bullet-riddled Xbox 360 case mod auctioned off for charity
Sure, Kim Kardashian and Russell Crowe signed airbrushed Xbox 360s bearing their likeness for the David Peachy Foundation's "Konsoles for Kids" charity auction, but Weta Workshop co-founder Richard Taylor built his donation into a badass diorama. That's Halo's Master Chief venting the console with his trusty assault rifle, sending chunks of circuit board, capacitors and LEDs out the other side. According to its eBay seller, the PAL system's still fully functional, and ships with controller, cables and a full warranty. Auction lasts till April 24th; bidding is presently at $810 AUD.
Double-amputee New Zealander has mermaid dreams fulfilled
New Zealander Nadya Vessey -- who lost both of her legs to the knee when she was a child -- has just received a prosthesis that's pretty much unlike anything we've ever seen (outside of Splash). About two years ago, she approached Weta Workshop, who specialize in design and manufacturing of costumes and special effects (and have worked on projects such as The Lord of the Rings trilogy) to see if the company might be interested in making her a working, prostethic mermaid tail. Turns out they were, and they've just completed the final product. The tail, which is composed of wetsuit fabric and plastic molds, with a custom paint job and digitally-imaged effects, enables Nadya to swim quite effectively, apparently, and is an all around sexy piece of machinery. No word on what one of these slick dudes would cost in real life, but we have a feeling we couldn't justify the expense just to tool around in the kiddie pool.Update: Check out the video after the break![Thanks, Pyper]
