STACK #159 Jan 2018

TECH FEATURE

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That’s not how the Force works!

Propel Star Wars Drones – TIE Advanced X1 Fighter

Ever wanted to re-enact tiny versions of the Star Wars saga’s most epic space battles? Propel are giving you the best chance, with the release of three shiny new Star Wars-inspired drones. W e took a closer look at the TIE Advanced X1 fighter – perhaps better known as Darth Vader’s own fixed, mounted, twin blaster cannons to take out the nearest rebel scum vessel. It’s got programmed auto take-off and landing to make flying so easy that even a stuck up, half-witted, scruffy looking, dim witted nerf herder could manage. It’s also got more intense and complex controls for those who really want to master their flying. Three speed levels – beginner, advanced, and pilot – allow you to take it slow and learn the ropes at your own leisure before really putting the drone through its paces. Propel’s Star Wars TIE Fighter

personal Twin Ion Engined ship. You control the flight using an included wireless controller, and there is also a compatible phone app. Propel’s interpretation of said TIE fighter is largely similar – if not slightly smaller. Their drones are hand painted to give them that real hobby feel, and the propellers are replaceable, meaning your TIE fighter is theoretically forever. The drone can reach speeds of up to 56kph (still not quite fast enough to make the Kessel Run in 12 parsecs), and comes armed with

drone – along with the T-65 X-Wing Starfighter, and the 74-Z Speeder Bike – are must haves for drone enthusiasts and Star Wars fans alike. Fly casual.

Lenovo Star Wars Jedi Challenges AR Headset Gone are the days when the closest you would come to re-enacting Grievous vs Obi-wan was with a couple of $12 plastic lightsabers. L enovo have just introduced the Star Wars Jedi Challenges AR Headset, and it’s pretty much every budding Jedi’s dream come true. It’s an augmented reality headset, piercing lightsaber – Kyber crystals aren’t cheap) that will let you engage in lightsaber battles in augmented reality. You’ll be able to battle Kylo Ren and Darths Vader and Maul among others, deflecting blasters and blocking strikes, and feedback on the lightsaber will let you know when you’ve been hit. Arguably the best feature is

around the table to claim galactic victory on a much smaller scale. It’s all part of a galaxy of worlds that each lets you play a different game type – just not so far, far away this time. Once you play a level, the next one unlocks, and you make your way through. Awaken your inner Jedi with Lenovo’s new Jedi Challenges AR

which differs from virtual reality in that you’ll see a Droideka standing (rolling?) in front of you in the room rather than being thrown into a completely simulated environment. As well as a headset, you’ll get a trusty lightsaber hilt (minus actual

Headset, and may the Force be with you.

holochess. Yep – you can play a proper game (as seen on Han Solo’s Millennium Falcon)

and command your 3D chess monsters

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JANUARY 2018

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