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instant messaging platforms that have appeared and disappeared. While we’re messaging friends with text, it’s quite simple to overlook that just because sending texts is straightforward, it doesn’t indicate that conveying your true intentions is also uncomplicated.

In reality, how you communicate, the frequency of your replies, your choice of emoji, and numerous other factors can cause the recipient to interpret the interaction differently. Therefore, it’s crucial to always remember some of the fundamental guidelines of texting etiquette when you’re exchanging messages.

don’t depict the most advantageous applications of this technology). Nevertheless, at the research level, the technology is continuously evolving, with teams investigating the potential of 4D printing. One research group is even testing 4D printing to construct autonomous “soft robots” utilizing materials that have typically been considered waste.

A fundamental difference between conventional 3D printing and 4D printing is the incorporation of a time dimension. This added dimension is what renders it “4D.” 3D printing entails the production of static objects that generally remain immobile unless integrated into machines as components. In contrast, 4D printing facilitates the creation of items that can alter their shapes, functionalities, or both in response to stimuli. Heat and light serve as examples of stimuli that can activate a 4D printed object to change its form or operation.

This innovation holds potential in sectors such as robotics. Take, for instance, the research carried out by a team of Korean scientists. In a publication within Advanced Materials, the researchers describe how they have employed a 4D printing technique to create recyclable structures that can autonomously modify their shape when subjected to heat or light. While this achievement is remarkable by itself, what is perhaps even more impressive is that the team accomplished this milestone using materials that are typically deemed industrial waste: sulfur.

Federal Communications Commission (FCC) prohibited routers manufactured in other nations due to claims that they “represent an unacceptable threat to the national security of the United States.” We may have jumped the gun, as the FCC is not entirely banning them, particularly if they are crucial for military functions.

Recently, the FCC released an updated public announcement concerning the foreign-made router prohibition. The notice indicates that Netgear (an American-based company that produces its products in locations such as Vietnam and Thailand) has received a “Conditional Approval” to keep selling in the United States. While the notice does not specify the exact rationale, it mentions that Conditional Approval may be granted to any firm that requests it as long as it manufactures uncrewed aircraft systems (UAS) and UAS “critical components.” Naturally, the company must also demonstrate that its routers do not pose substantial threats to national security. We can reasonably deduce that Netgear accomplished this not only due to a convincing argument but also because its routers are integral to UAS functionality.

Given that Netgear may have attained this advantage partly because its routers facilitate UAV control, one might speculate that a stipulation of the Conditional Approval is that Netgear is limited to selling routers exclusively to U.S. government agencies. However, this is not accurate. As per the public notice, Netgear is also permitted to market consumer-level mesh, mobile, and standalone routers in the Orbi and Nighthawk series (which are among the best budget routers available on Amazon), along with cable gateways and modems.

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The essence of Paul Verhoeven’s iconic blockbuster, “Total Recall,” undoubtedly lies in its practical effects. Remarkably, one of the prosthetics appeared so strikingly realistic (at least in the footage) that Verhoeven mistakenly believed it was one of his actors who had taken the initiative and filmed the scene without his knowledge or approval. In reality, prosthetic and makeup artist Rob Bottin had crafted a full robot that mimicked Marshall Bell (who portrayed mutant human George/Kuato) solely to demonstrate to the director that the vision he had conceived for the scene could be executed as imagined without appearing artificial.

In a retrospective interview with Syfy, actor Mel Johnson Jr., who portrayed the cunning mutant spy Benny, recounted how Bottin deceptively impressed Verhoeven. This involved one of the most unforgettable scenes, in which Kuato, a psychic mutant, is unveiled as a conjoined twin of George and the leader of Mars’ Resistance. As Johnson noted, “Even by today’s standards, one would assume it was CGI, but Kuato was tangible. Kuato was a physical entity. All those movements were real. For Kuato to function, it had to be a robot [not Marshall Bell] to achieve the mechanics necessary for Kuato. And Paul was really against that.”

At first, Verhoeven rejected the idea, believing it would not appear correct. Consequently, Bottin recorded some footage in secret to present to the director. Johnson explained, “Paul exclaimed, ‘How did Marshall accomplish this? Who permitted Marshall to film this scene without my involvement?’ Rob replied, ‘No, that’s not Marshall; that’s my robot. I did it purely for you to see, based on your reaction, that you were unaware that isn’t Marshall.'”

Rob Bottin was a visionary during that era.

As a special makeup designer and creator, Bottin contributed to numerous legendary ’80s and ’90s films whose practical effects remain impressively effective today. Besides “Total Recall,” he left his mark on classics such as the original “The Thing,” “Mission: Impossible,” “Seven,” and “Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas,” among many others.

Mel Johnson Jr. had the honor of collaborating with him on several occasions and highlighted the moment when Benny reveals his identity with his mutated “long-arm” appendage as an example of Bottin’s inventive and inspiring work. “For him to create my arm, I had to be in a complete half-body cast from my waist to my neck, and I had never fractured a limb or anything, so I had never been in a cast before. I had to master body acting with my arm since there were about seven individuals behind me operating that electrically when it was removed. And I truly enjoyed it. I thought it was fantastic.”

Bottin’s impact was substantial in nearly everything he participated in over the past four decades. This is why it’s regrettable that he retired around 2002 after VFX took control of the film and television industry. His likely last (though uncredited) contribution occurred in Season 4 of “Game of Thrones,” where he assisted in executing King Joffrey’s (Jack Gleeson) gruesome death scene.

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gave the Apple Music application a significant design overhaul in iOS 26, introducing the fresh Liquid Glass user interface from the initial beta while enhancing the visual experience throughout. However, that wasn’t the sole innovation in iOS 26 for the Music app. Apple launched various features that users may find appealing, such as the option to translate lyrics and receive assistance with pronunciation. AutoMix is another intriguing feature that enables the app to transition smoothly from one track to the next without any interruptions.

Nonetheless, the capability to pin favorites at the top of the Library section stands out as one of the most noteworthy features Apple incorporated into the Music app in iOS 26. Although this feature aims to provide you with quick access to your preferred music on the iPhone, it could be even more advantageous in the vehicle, particularly when using Apple Music through CarPlay.

CarPlay already simplifies the playback of Apple Music tracks in the car, offering voice control via Siri or touch input. The steering wheel can also be utilized to manage playback, and the passenger can readily control music to allow the driver to concentrate solely on the road. However, the introduction of music pins in iOS 26 brings one-tap playback to CarPlay, making music management even safer for the driver, especially for those who commonly listen to their favorite artists and playlists.

a mind-bending film inspired by a timeless short tale – had transformed into a celebrated masterpiece within the genre for numerous reasons. Foremost among these, however, is the outstanding visual effects and make-up artistry that presented audiences with some of the most unforgettable creatures and outrageous scenes in the movie. Who can forget the grotesque yet intriguing Kuato fused to Marshall Bell’s abdomen, the three-breasted woman, or Dean Norris’ unsettling Tony with a warped, monstrous face? The visionary behind these breathtaking creations is special make-up effects icon and Academy Award winner Rob Bottin, which includes the chilling puppet and taxi driver, Johnny Cab.

Also featured was the creepy puppet and taxi driver, Johnny Cab, a character brought to life by Robert Picardo, after whom the puppet was modeled. As Ricardo recounted in a 2020 interview with Syfy, Bottin inquired if he could utilize his likeness to create the mold base intended for Johnny Cab. “Rob and I were pals, and he essentially asked me if he could shape Johnny Cab [with my face] — he just fancied my face. He said, ‘This will be your swan song… we’ll take a cast of your face with that silly grin, and then I’m going to craft a puppet. After that, he mentioned, ‘I’ll recommend you to Paul,’ who I’d previously auditioned for in ‘RoboCop.’ Yet, I still had to audition to be the voice coming from my own face and Johnny Cab, and he selected me.”

The takeaway? Never decline an artist wanting to utilize your likeness for a prop in another film — you may just land the role.