Science & Technology
Shapeways Acquires Majority Stake in Thangs to Strengthen the Creator Ecosystem
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NEW YORK, NY, December 18, 2024 – Shapeways, the engine for digital manufacturing solutions, has announced the acquisition of Thangs, the collaborative 3D file sharing and discovery community. The acquisition marks the second step of the plan created by the new management team that came together to relaunch Shapeways. Thangs is a platform built for all creators and invites former Shapeways members and newcomers alike to visit thangs.com/memberships to learn how creators can monetize their digital designs on Thangs.
The acquisition also addresses gaps in Shapeways’ previous infrastructure. Changes to the Shapeways business model by the former management team left the infrastructure underpinning Shops and Marketplace outdated. The acquisition of Thangs from Physna, Inc., provides the community with a timely solution that exceeds Shapeways’ prior capabilities combining robust IP protection powered by Physna’s technology with a modern platform tailored to creators’ needs. With Thangs fostering ideas into designs and Shapeways bringing those designs to life, the two companies together create a seamless ecosystem that spans the full 3D creation value chain.
A Shared Vision for Creators
Shapeways CEO, Marleen Vogelaar explained: “The team behind Thangs really love their creators and community — and they take good care of them: which is exactly in line with the original spirit of Shapeways. Equally importantly their 3D search technology powered by Physna protects the IP of their creators which is incredibly important to me and the rest of the management team. We will be working now to create the ‘Print to Shapeways’ button within Thangs, and developing shops. We will be retaining the spirit of Thangs, which will become Thangs 3D Inc., a subsidiary, while creating a new home for Shapeways community members’ 3D files and businesses.”
The integration of Shapeways and Thangs creates new opportunities for both communities. Designers on Thangs will be able to expand their offering beyond digital assets by leveraging Shapeways’ digital manufacturing engine to sell physical products directly to consumers. The combination brings a broader customer base and additional revenue streams to the Thangs community, while maintaining the platform’s existing functionality and identity.
Greater than the Sum of its Parts
Paul Powers, CEO and Co-founder of Physna, Inc., explained: “The synergy between Shapeways and Thangs was clear from the start. While Physna will continue to focus primarily on our B2B and government products, we remain invested in Thangs and have a great relationship with the community. We look forward to continuing to support Thangs and Shapeways; I believe the strong synergies between the two will drive growth and create value for both communities.”
Dan Pham, Head of Community Relations at Thangs, shared: “When Shapeways approached Thangs, we recognized a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to empower our community of designers to grow their thriving businesses. 3D printing is transforming commerce on both a global and local scale. It’s an incredibly exciting frontier, and we’re thrilled to provide designers with even more tools to help them succeed. If you’re a 3D designer, we invite you to join Thangs. Let’s keep growing together!”
Moving forward, Thangs will serve as the consumer-facing brand for creators and makers, while Shapeways continues to focus on business customers. Both brands will be powered by Shapeways’ digital manufacturing engine, combining expertise in software, hardware, and post-processing solutions with agile, on-demand manufacturing capabilities.
— Ends —
About Shapeways:
Shapeways is the world’s leading platform offering programmatic solutions for diverse manufacturing industries. By deploying regional and agile digital manufacturing technologies Shapeways enables its customers to bring small to medium volume production-grade parts & products to market quickly and manage them effectively throughout their full lifecycle. The company aims to be a key partner in its clients’ sustainable and resilient supply chain, driving their success, innovation and economic growth.
Shapeways offers 12 additive manufacturing technologies and a large suite of materials and finishes to a wide range of customers, from engineers to large enterprises in sectors such as automotive, aerospace, architecture, medical technology, and semiconductors. Shapeways operates according to ISO:9001, IATF 16949, and ISO 14001 standards.
For more information see the FAQs and www.shapeways.com
About Thangs:
Thangs is the ultimate platform for 3D creators and enthusiasts, dedicated to empowering the global 3D printing community. Thangs hosts a robust search solution with more than 24 million 3D printable models in their index and thousands of exclusives available through a membership plan.
Thangs believes in supporting creators with innovative tools, IP protection, and membership options that enable designers to earn a full-time income. With the introduction of print on demand, designers will soon be able to create even more value for their global communities.
Whether seeking inspiration, building connections, or transforming a passion into a thriving career, Thangs delivers unparalleled support at every stage. Experience the power of a truly connected 3D community with Thangs.
Press Contact:
James Woodcock
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Science & Technology
Quantum Computing Breakthroughs: Disrupting Industries with Oxford’s Innovations
A recent breakthrough in quantum computing at the University of Oxford promises to disrupt multiple industries by significantly enhancing computational capabilities. Explore the technological implications and potential disruptions poised to redefine sectors.
In May 2026, the University of Oxford announced a significant breakthrough in the field of quantum computing, unveiling an advanced error correction algorithm that has the potential to transform computational capabilities. This development is not just a scientific triumph; it heralds a new era of technological disruption across multiple industries. Quantum computing, long anticipated as the next frontier in technology, promises to solve complex problems beyond the reach of classical computers, and Oxford’s latest advancement brings this closer to reality.
At the core of this breakthrough is the enhancement in quantum error correction, a critical component that addresses the inherent instability of qubits, which are the fundamental units of quantum information. Traditional computers use bits of 0s and 1s, but quantum computers operate on qubits, which can exist in multiple states simultaneously. This superposition allows quantum computers to process information exponentially faster than classical computers. However, qubits are notoriously prone to errors due to environmental noise and operational inaccuracies. Oxford’s new algorithm significantly improves the error correction process, maintaining qubit stability longer and allowing extended computational tasks to be performed accurately.
The implications of this are profound. Industries ranging from pharmaceuticals to finance stand on the cusp of disruption as quantum computing offers the ability to model complex molecular structures, optimize large-scale financial portfolios, and even revolutionize artificial intelligence algorithms. In pharmaceuticals, for example, quantum computing can expedite drug discovery by accurately simulating molecular interactions, potentially reducing the time and cost associated with bringing new drugs to market. Similarly, in finance, quantum algorithms can optimize trading strategies and risk management with a precision unattainable by current technologies.
Moreover, the ripple effects of such a leap in computational power extend to data encryption and cybersecurity. Quantum computers possess the potential to decrypt classical encryption methods, prompting a race for quantum-resistant cryptography. This necessitates a paradigm shift in how we secure digital information, affecting every sector that relies on data security.
Despite the tremendous promise, the transition to quantum computing is not without its challenges. The infrastructure required to support quantum technologies is expensive and complex. There is also a significant skills gap; experts in quantum computing are scarce, and training a new generation of scientists and engineers is imperative. Furthermore, ethical considerations regarding the power of quantum computing must be addressed, particularly in terms of privacy and security.
Looking forward, as quantum computing continues to evolve, industries will need to adapt swiftly to harness its capabilities. Early adopters who invest in quantum technologies and develop quantum-ready strategies will likely dominate in the coming decade. As Oxford’s breakthrough demonstrates, the race is on to fully realize the potential of quantum computing and redefine the boundaries of what is technologically possible.
Science & Technology
Apple’s AI Innovations: Shaping the Competitive Landscape in 2026
Apple’s latest advancements in artificial intelligence are setting the stage for a competitive showdown with other tech giants. This article explores how Apple’s AI strategy is positioning the company in the fast-evolving tech landscape.
In the bustling realm of technology, few companies command as much attention as Apple. In 2026, the Silicon Valley titan has once again captured the tech world’s gaze with its latest advances in artificial intelligence. As Apple unveils a suite of AI-driven innovations, the competitive landscape is poised for a seismic shift.
Apple’s strategic focus on AI is not merely about introducing new features but is a calculated move to redefine user experiences while maintaining its staunch advocacy for privacy. At the heart of Apple’s AI initiatives is the promise of personalization—an AI that learns and adapts to the user’s preferences, offering seamless interaction across its range of devices. This focus is especially pertinent in an era where user data is a hot commodity, and privacy concerns are at an all-time high.
What sets Apple apart in the AI race is its dual emphasis on innovation and privacy. While competitors like Google and Amazon have long been heralded for their AI prowess, often prioritizing expansive data collection to fuel their AI engines, Apple has carved out a niche by leveraging on-device processing. This approach not only mitigates privacy risks but also enhances real-time responsiveness, a crucial factor in user satisfaction.
The competitive implications of Apple’s AI advancements are profound. Google’s AI, renowned for its search and recommendation algorithms, faces a formidable challenger in Apple’s ecosystem-centric approach. Meanwhile, Amazon’s Alexa, which dominates the smart assistant market, must contend with Apple’s Siri, now equipped with enhanced contextual understanding and predictive capabilities.
Microsoft, another major player, has been making strides with its integration of AI in cloud services and productivity tools. However, Apple’s holistic approach—integrating AI across hardware, software, and services—presents a cohesive strategy that is difficult to replicate. This integration not only ensures a seamless user experience but also reinforces brand loyalty, a cornerstone of Apple’s business model.
As AI continues to evolve, the stakes in the tech industry are higher than ever. Apple’s innovations are not just about keeping pace but are strategically designed to place the company at the forefront of the AI revolution. In doing so, Apple is not only safeguarding its market position but is also setting new benchmarks in how technology can enhance and secure our digital lives.
The road ahead will undoubtedly see further advancements and competition, but Apple’s current trajectory suggests it is well-positioned to lead in the AI domain. By prioritizing user-centric design and privacy, Apple is not just participating in the AI race; it is setting the pace.
Science & Technology
AI Fitness Instructors and Unreal Gains: Revolutionizing the Fitness Industry
The rise of AI-driven fitness programs is transforming the fitness industry. Explore the technology, its impact on traditional fitness models, and how it is reshaping consumer expectations.
Artificial intelligence is making its mark across various sectors, and the fitness industry is no exception. With the advent of AI-driven fitness instructors, there is a seismic shift underway in how fitness is perceived and pursued. This article delves into the rise of AI in fitness, examining the technology behind it, its effects on traditional fitness models, and the shifting expectations of consumers.
In recent years, AI fitness instructors have become increasingly popular, offering personalized workout programs, real-time feedback, and virtual coaching. These AI systems utilize advanced algorithms to tailor fitness routines that adapt to an individual’s progress and preferences, making fitness more accessible and engaging than ever before.
At the core of AI fitness instructors is sophisticated machine learning technology. These systems collect data from various sources, such as wearable devices and user inputs, to create personalized fitness plans. AI analyzes this data to optimize workouts, ensuring they are challenging yet achievable, and provides insights that were previously accessible only through one-on-one sessions with human trainers.
The integration of AI into fitness is transforming traditional models. Gyms and fitness centers are incorporating AI technologies to enhance their offerings, while some consumers opt for entirely virtual experiences. This shift is challenging the status quo, pushing traditional trainers to adapt by integrating technology into their own practices to remain competitive.
As AI fitness programs become more prevalent, consumer expectations are evolving. Users now demand more personalized and flexible fitness solutions that fit into their busy lifestyles. AI provides this adaptability, offering users the ability to engage in workouts anytime, anywhere, without compromising on quality or effectiveness.
Looking ahead, the role of AI in fitness is set to expand. As technology continues to advance, we can expect even more innovative solutions that enhance user experience and outcomes. AI-driven gamification elements, for example, are already being explored to increase engagement and motivation.
The rise of AI fitness instructors represents a significant evolution in the fitness industry. By offering personalized, accessible, and innovative solutions, AI is not only transforming how people engage with fitness but also challenging traditional models and expectations. As this technology continues to develop, the potential for further disruption and improvement in the fitness sector is immense.
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