On a February evening in 1990, two presenters sat down with a stack of old reports and asked a simple question. What became of the cameras that were supposed to change photography forever? Peter Macann and Kate Bellingham pulled clips from the Tomorrow’s World archive and walked viewers through four ideas that had once looked like the next big thing. Some had already faded. One had quietly taken over. Another was still waiting for the rest of the technology to catch up.
Photo credit: Sarang Sheth
Insta360 keeps filing patents that point straight at the same light, easy-to-carry drones DJI has been selling to casual pilots and creators. The latest one, utility model CN223865117U, describes a compact aircraft with arms that fold completely into the body and a ring-shaped guard around the propellers. Images from the filing, first noticed in mid-July, show a small black chassis stamped with the company logo and a simple locking system that holds the arms open or closed. The entire package is designed to stay under 250 grams, the legal limit that lets many countries skip the more complicated registration rules.
Spring arrived at Eastnor Castle lake in Herefordshire with a surprise waiting for two of the most skilled bike riders on the planet. Danny MacAskill and Kriss Kyle knew only the broad outline of the day. They arrived ready to ride, yet the full scale of Red Bull’s construction floating on the water remained hidden until they stood on the shore.
Sunreef Yachts and BRABUS just put their names on the same boat for the first time. The result is the ULTIMA 55, a 55.8-foot carbon-heavy catamaran that treats open water the way BRABUS treats asphalt. Two 10.8-liter six-cylinder engines sit in the hulls, each making 533 kW or 725 horsepower. Combined output hits 1,450 horsepower and the boat clears 40 knots. An advanced hydrofoil system lifts the hulls higher as speed builds, cutting drag and almost erasing heel so the ride stays level and surprisingly quiet even when the throttles are pinned.
