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Geeks Use Drones To Make Space Invaders In Real Life

Space Invaders using real drones
Space Invaders using real drones

EZUZ — Ask a 1970s kid to imagine bringing his favorite video game to life, and you might hear some weird stuff involving Ms. Pac-Man. Or, he might dream about playing the legendary arcade video game Space Invaders — for real.

Well, the latter is now (kind of) possible, thanks to drones and the work of the too-much-time-on-their hands tech geniuses at this year's edition of Geekcon: a three-day event held in Israel's Negev desert and meant "for hackers, makers, geeks, tinkerers and everyone who's interested in building cool stuff."

Using eight autonomous drones controlled by a computer to move in formation, players sitting on a motorized car seat equipped with a laser turret can now enjoy the thrills of shooting down pixelated aliens with much more than a joystick.

The result may be slightly underwhelming, as the whole thing basically looks like playing laser tag with a t-shirt cannon, and the Invaders manage to seem less scary than they do in the arcade.

In the end, the project delivers what the Geekcon's motto promises: Top talent, Endless creativity, Mostly useless.

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FOCUS: Russia-Ukraine War

With His Trip To Moscow, Xi Has Sent A Clear Message To The World

China has adopted a stance of pro-Putin neutrality since the start of Russia's invasion. But this is not an alliance of equals. China has the upper-hand and sees the opportunity to present itself as an alternative world leader.

Photo of ​Russia's President Vladimir Putin and China's President Xi Jinping in Moscow during the Chinese leader's state visit to Russia.

Russia's President Vladimir Putin and China's President Xi Jinping in Moscow during the Chinese leader's state visit to Russia.

Pierre Haski

-Analysis-

PARIS — While Russia is mired in Ukraine, and Vladimir Putin has become the target of an international arrest warrant, China appeared as a lifeline.

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Xi Jinping’s presence in Moscow from Monday to Wednesday was a bit like the "quiet force" visiting a friend in trouble. They offer him "face," as the Chinese expression for showing respect goes, referring to him as "dear friend"...

But reality sets in very quickly: between the couple, Beijing has the upper hand — and Moscow has no choice.

Since the invasion of Ukraine, China has observed what one diplomat astutely calls a "pro-Putin neutrality", a subtle balance that suits Beijing more than Moscow. Putin could have hoped for more active support, especially in the delivery of arms, technological products, or ways to circumvent Western sanctions. But China is helping Russia sparingly, while making sure to not incur sanctions in turn.

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