Can VR make you better at sports?, Recreate classic games in Python, Giant wooden LEGO drawers, and more

January 10, 2022

Sports are a ton of fun, but let’s be honest—it can be expensive and time-consuming to hit the gym every single day. So what’s an athlete to do? Is there perhaps an alternative way to improve your sporty skills in between trips to the gym? We think there might be … in VR.

The world of VR is filled with sports simulators that all require the correct form, timing, and skill set to win the proverbial gold medal. But can those same skills actually transfer over to real sports? We dove in and explored the topic in today’s top story. Come see what we found!

Other Highlights: 

• Classic PC and console games are the bee’s knees, and the Pi Foundation explains how to recreate them yourself in Python and Pygame Zero. Soo cool.
• Giant wooden LEGO blocks you can use for storage and decor? Umm yes, please!
• In case you haven’t noticed, native Bluetooth sucks on the Nintendo Switch. Here’s what you need to work around that!
• … and so much more!

-Suzanne

Sports have been a way to stay healthy, have fun, and demonstrate skills since ancient times, but getting into and regularly practicing those sports can be both expensive and challenging. VR gives people a way to simulate sports cheaply, but will practicing them in VR make you better in real life? Read More »

Paging through a magazine is a terrific leisurely activity and a great way to stay informed and pass the time. The best magazine reader apps make it easy to stay current with the latest issues on a single device without having to carry around a stack of them everywhere you go. Read More »

Mobile games have come a long way and there are now many substantial games available on our phones, from competitive shooters to grand story-based experiences—especially with the recent wave of game streaming platforms. But if you want to fully take advantage of modern mobile games, these accessories can turn your phone into a proper gaming machine. Read More »

The Nintendo Switch is (finally!) capable of supporting a Bluetooth connection between the Switch and Bluetooth audio devices. However, Bluetooth support on the Switch is still pretty spotty, so you’re better off investing in an excellent Bluetooth transmitter to pair your favorite headphones. Read More »

Of all the strange and exciting things shown during CES 2022, BMW’s iX Flow concept may be the weirdest. This experimental technology lets you change your car’s paint job at the push of a button, and oddly enough, it has roots in the Amazon Kindle. Read More »

Need a few more outlets on your wall? No problem. This 1800J USB outlet extender gives you five additional AC outlets, three USB-A ports, and one USB-C port. It also has built-in surge protection, short-circuit protection, overheating protection, and features a fireproof shell to keep your devices and home safe. It’s fairly small, measuring just 5.43 x 3.54 x 1.73 inches, making it great for use in a hotel or Airbnb while traveling, as well as around your home.

Get it at Amazon →

We’re all big fans of the Raspberry Pi microcomputer, but have you ever tried reading Wireframe magazine? It’s a gaming magazine published under Raspberry Pi Press, and its authors regularly explain how to recreate classic games in Python and Pygame Zero. Read More »

An interesting feature introduced with Tesla’s Holiday 2021 update allows drivers to program light shows for their EV. And quite naturally, some people took this feature to the extreme for Christmas and the New Year, including Tom BetGeorge of Magical Light Shows. Read More »

Now that man has been to space, it’s (apparently) time to send up our voice assistants. And the first to take that giant step? Amazon’s Alexa will be a part of Artemis I, a series of upcoming 2022 NASA missions that will land the first person of color and the first woman on the moon. Read More »

If anyone has ever said you’re too old to enjoy LEGO designs, be sure to show them these incredible wooden LEGO drawers and shelves. They’re a fancy take on the iconic building bricks and a fun collaborative effort between LEGO and Room Copenhagen. Read More »

After first announcing its affordable F-150 Lightning electric truck in May of 2021, Ford is now planning on doubling its production efforts for it. The advanced schedule now means an output of 150,000 trucks by early- to mid-2023. Read More »

If you’ve shopped for a new pair of prescription glasses lately, you’ve probably seen pitches for blue-blocking lenses that supposedly cut down on eye strain and reduce sleep disruptions that come from using digital screens. But do they live up to the hype? Let’s take a look. Read More »