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In a move straight out of a sci-fi movie, scientists have created wearable infrared contact lenses that allow you to see in the dark, even with your eyes closed.

A group of scientists from the University of Science and Technology of China unveiled the lenses in a study published today in Cell.

Unlike infrared goggles, these contact lenses don’t require a power source. Instead, they convert infrared light to visible light using nanoparticles. The ten lucky human participants who tried on these contact lenses could perceive otherwise imperceptible infrared wavelengths, according to the study.

The scientists are already thinking about futuristic applications of the contact lenses. “Our research opens up the potential for non-invasive wearable devices to give people super-vision,” said Tian Xue, a neuroscientist at the University of Science and Technology of China and the senior author of the study in a statement to Cell Press. “There are many potential applications right away for this material. For example, flickering infrared light could be used to transmit information in security, rescue, encryption or anti-counterfeiting settings.”

The contact lenses use upconverting nanoparticles—teeny tiny particles that absorb multiple low energy photons and emit a single, high-energy photon. Specifically, these particles absorb lower-energy near-infrared wavelengths (800-1600 nm range) and convert it to wavelengths that are visible to mammalian eyes (400–700 nm range). The researchers had already demonstrated that they could enable infrared vision in mice by injecting particles into the retina, but they wanted to develop a method that didn’t require you to inject anything directly into your eyeballs.

So, the researchers combined the nanoparticles with polymers that are used in normal soft contact lenses.

The scientists first tested a much smaller version of these contacts on mice, finding that the mice behaved as if they could see infrared wavelengths. Taking advantage of the fact that mice prefer to hide in dark crevices, the researchers gave the mice a choice between a dark box or a box illuminated with infrared light. Without the contacts, mice showed no preference between the dark box and the illuminated box. But with the contacts, the mice were more likely to choose the dark box.

The researchers then recruited human participants to try out the lenses. The scientists found that people wearing the lenses could detect morse code-like flashes and perceive the direction of incoming infrared light from an LED. “It’s totally clear cut: without the contact lenses, the subject cannot see anything, but when they put them on, they can clearly see the flickering of the infrared light,” Xue said in a statement. “We also found that when the subject closes their eyes, they’re even better able to receive this flickering information, because near-infrared light penetrates the eyelid more effectively than visible light, so there is less interference from visible light.” They also saw this light better with their eyes closed.

The researchers also modified the contact lenses to allow participants to distinguish between different wavelengths of infrared light. They made a version of the lenses that convert different spectra of infrared light to specific visual wavelengths—980 nm was converted to blue light, 808 to red light, and so on.

But before you get too excited, though, it’s important to note that participants wearing the lenses couldn’t see all that well. They weren’t able to make out fine details of their environment, for example, and could only see infrared light coming from an LED. This is because the contact lenses scatter the incoming infrared light, the authors wrote.

To combat this, the researchers created wearable eyeglasses using the same basic principles. This helped a little bit, and participants were able to distinguish infrared patterns and shapes, but still weren’t able to see ambient infrared light.

The technology isn’t quite at super-vision levels yet, and scientists are working on making these contacts more sensitive. “In the future, by working together with materials scientists and optical experts, we hope to make a contact lens with more precise spatial resolution and higher sensitivity,” Xue said in a statement.

As civilizations from Rome to the Maya harnessed empirical ingenuity to create materials with built-in healing, color-shifting, or structural resilience, they left behind recipes that modern science is only now decoding. From rust-proof iron pillars and self-repairing concrete to nanotech-level glass and ancient vulcanized rubber, these ten remarkable “smart” materials demonstrate how our ancestors engineered solutions that still inspire today’s cutting-edge research.

Related: 10 Surprising Secrets of Ancient Medieval Fortresses

10 Roman Self-Healing Concrete

The secret behind the longevity of Roman maritime structures lies in a precise combination of volcanic ash (pozzolana), lime, and seawater, creating a hydraulic binder that sets underwater. When tiny fissures form, they allow seawater to infiltrate the mortar, dissolving calcium hydroxide and unreacted lime particles. These dissolved minerals then react with silica and alumina from the volcanic ash to precipitate aluminum tobermorite crystals within the cracks. Detailed petrographic analyses of cores taken from the Roman piers at Pozzuoli Bay have revealed layers of tobermorite up to 150 micrometers thick, effectively sealing cracks over decades. Modern X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy studies confirm that this autogenous healing process continues long after initial curing.

Researchers at MIT’s Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering and the University of Toronto’s Department of Materials Science are reproducing this mechanism by embedding ureolytic bacteria (Sporosarcina pasteurii) or encapsulated mineral precursors (calcium lactate microcapsules) into contemporary concrete mixes. When microcracks allow water ingress, the bacteria hydrolyze urea to produce carbonate ions, which combine with calcium to form calcite, sealing fissures up to 0.5 mm wide. Large-scale field trials on highway bridges are underway to quantify long-term durability improvements and to compare the energy footprint of biologically active concrete versus traditional repair cycles.^[1]

9 Wootz (Damascus) Steel

Originating in South India as early as the 3rd century BCE, Wootz steel was traded globally and forged into the legendary Damascus blades admired for their combination of razor-sharp edges and exceptional toughness. Chemical analysis of surviving Wootz ingots and blades—using transmission electron microscopy and atom probe tomography—has identified networks of carbide nanoparticles enriched in vanadium and molybdenum at grain boundaries, which impede crack propagation. Periodic thermal cycling and repeated folding during forging created a banded microstructure: alternating layers of hard cementite and softer ferrite phases.

Contemporary metallurgists at the University of Manchester’s Henry Royce Institute and Tohoku University’s Institute for Materials Research are exploring powder metallurgy and laser additive manufacturing techniques to recreate these features. By controlling cooling rates to within 1 °C per second and introducing trace vanadium at concentrations as low as 0.03%, they have produced experimental blades exhibiting hardness values above 65 HRC and Charpy impact toughness comparable to historical artifacts. Collaborations with archaeometallurgists are refining thermal-tempering schedules based on differential scanning calorimetry data from authenticated Wootz samples.^[2]

8 The Lycurgus Cup’s Dichroic Glass

Crafted in the 4th century CE, the Lycurgus Cup remains an unparalleled example of ancient nanotechnology. The goblet’s silica matrix contains embedded gold and silver nanoparticles, typically 15–25 nanometers in diameter, that interact with visible light via localized surface plasmon resonance. In reflected light, shorter wavelengths are predominantly scattered, giving the cup a jade-green appearance; in transmitted light, longer red wavelengths pass through, rendering a translucent ruby-red hue. Synchrotron-based X-ray absorption spectroscopy has precisely mapped the ratio of gold to silver, revealing 5:1 proportions concentrated near the inner surface where nanoparticle density is highest.

Current efforts in photonic materials research at Harvard SEAS involve synthesizing sol-gel glass matrices with tunable metal-nanoparticle distributions. By adjusting reduction potentials during chemical vapor deposition, engineers achieve narrow particle-size distributions within 1–2 nanometers variance. These advanced dichroic films are being tested as anti-counterfeiting overlays for currency and corporate securities. Larger-scale fabrication trials are also exploring dynamic window coatings that adaptively alter color balance in response to sunlight intensity, potentially reducing building cooling loads by up to 12%.^[3]

7 Egyptian Faience

Egyptian faience—far older than glazed ceramics—relies on a quartz (silica) core mixed with alkali fluxes (natron or plant ash) and copper-based colorants. During firing at temperatures between 1,472°F and 1,742°F (800°C and 950°C), a thin layer of the surface liquefies, forming a self-glazed vitreous coating rich in copper silicates that produce characteristic turquoise and deep blue hues. Microprobe analysis of artifacts from Abydos shows copper concentrations of 4–7% by weight in the glaze layer, with an interfacial transition zone where silica gradually increases from 60% to over 80%. Controlled-atmosphere kilns recreated in lab settings demonstrate that minor variations in oxygen partial pressure (from 0.01 to 0.03 atm) significantly shift glaze opacity and color saturation.

Chemists at the Getty Conservation Institute are using laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy to monitor in-situ glaze formation and to identify optimal firing profiles that minimize kiln defects. Their goal is to develop environmentally friendly flux alternatives—such as sodium-potassium borates—reducing reliance on mined natron. Additionally, exploring microscale layering techniques has led to prototype tiles with graded color zones, replicating ancient faience’s natural gradient effects for modern architectural and artistic applications.^[4]

6 Maya Blue Pigment

Celebrated for its vibrancy and resilience in tropical conditions, Maya Blue results from indigo molecules encapsulated in the channel structure of palygorskite clay. When mixtures of finely ground indigofera leaves and palygorskite are heated to 248–302°F (120–150°C) for 1–2 hours, indigo bonds via hydrogen and van der Waals interactions to silanol groups lining the clay’s tubular channels. Synchrotron X-ray diffraction studies reveal that approximately 0.7 molecules of indigo occupy each unit cell of palygorskite, creating a hybrid organic–inorganic pigment that resists acids, alkalis, and microbial degradation.

At UCSB’s Materials Research Laboratory and UNAM’s Institute of Materials Research, scientists employ infrared spectroscopy and thermogravimetric analysis to optimize low-temperature binding protocols that prevent indigo decomposition. Their work has yielded synthetic Maya Blue variants incorporating other natural dyes—such as carmine and weld—to produce a spectrum of durable pigments for conservation-grade paints and inks. Ongoing field tests on historical building facades in Mexico are evaluating weathering performance over multi-year exposures to UV radiation and acid rain.^[5]

5 The Iron Pillar of Delhi

Erected around AD 400 in the temple complex of Qutub Minar, the 23-foot (7-meter) tall, 6-ton Iron Pillar of Delhi remains remarkably rust-free despite exposure to monsoon rains. The artifact’s purity—iron content exceeding 98%, phosphorus levels around 0.25–0.30%, and negligible sulfur or manganese—encouraged formation of a passive oxide film. Analytical studies using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy have identified a 10–15 µm thick misawite (δ-FeOOH) layer that adheres tightly to the metal, preventing oxygen infiltration and further corrosion.

Materials scientists at the Indian Institute of Science and the National Physical Laboratory in India replicate this ancient alloy via bloomery-smelting processes, adjusting bog iron feedstock phosphorus content. Their accelerated weathering tests—subjecting replicas to cyclic salt-spray and humidity conditions—demonstrate corrosion rates less than 0.01 mm/year, outperforming comparable modern steels in marine environments. These findings inform development of low-alloy, high-phosphorus steels for coastal infrastructure that mimic the Iron Pillar’s self-protective characteristics.^[6]

4 Chinese Imperial Porcelain

By the Tang Dynasty (7th–10th centuries AD) and reaching zenith under Song and Ming rule, Chinese kilns in Jingdezhen produced porcelain so pure that it transmitted light when thinly cast and rang like a bell when tapped. The body comprised 70–75% kaolin clay for plasticity and 25–30% petuntse (feldspathic rock) for vitrification, fired at temperatures exceeding 2,372°F (1,300 °C) in oxidizing atmospheres. Laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy and electron microprobe analyses of shard cross-sections reveal uniform grain sizes below 2 µm and minimal microcracking, contributing to translucency and mechanical strength.

Modern ceramists at the Imperial Kiln Museum and Tsinghua University apply programmable electric kilns with precise ramp rates (up to 50°F or 10 °C/min) to replicate Ming-era glazes containing trace manganese and iron impurities. Their work has led to advanced zirconia-reinforced porcelain composites with fracture toughness values above 4 MPa·m½ and thermal shock resistance suitable for aerospace components. Additionally, insights into ancient firing–cooling profiles guide the manufacture of orthopaedic implants with bioinert surfaces and tailored porosity.^[7]

3 Mesoamerican Vulcanized Rubber

Long before Goodyear’s 19th-century breakthrough, the Olmecs and Maya mixed latex from Castilla elastica trees with sap from morning-glory vines (Ipomoea alba), whose organic sulfur compounds initiated cross-linking. Gas chromatography–mass spectrometry of ceremonial ball fragments reveals sulfurated organic moieties at 1–2% wt, sufficient to create covalent C–S bonds between polyisoprene chains. This primitive vulcanization enhanced elasticity and thermal stability, maintaining mechanical integrity across 68–104°F (20–40°C) diurnal swings.

Researchers at the University of Akron’s Polymer Science Center are reverse-engineering these ancient recipes, using thermogravimetric analysis to map curing kinetics and dynamic mechanical analysis to measure storage—and loss moduli—over frequency sweeps. Their bio-based elastomer prototypes incorporate plant-derived sulfur donors and natural antioxidants, exhibiting tensile strengths above 15 MPa and self-healing properties when reheated to 140°F (60°C). Applications include eco-friendly gaskets and seals for green energy systems.^[8]

2 Inca Seismic-Proof Stone Masonry

At sites such as Sacsayhuamán and Machu Picchu, Inca stonemasons carved granite and andesite blocks with convex faces and interlocking joints, achieving assembly tolerances under 1–2 mm. Finite-element modeling of wall segments shows that under simulated 7.5-magnitude earthquakes, blocks pivot and settle laterally by up to 3 mm, dissipating seismic energy without structural failure. Surface polishing techniques removed microasperities, ensuring even contact pressure and eliminating stress concentrators.

Engineers at the University of Cambridge’s Centre for Smart Infrastructure and Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute use laser scanning and photogrammetry to capture joint geometries, then employ robotic milling to fabricate modern analogues in high-strength concrete. Integrating fiber-optic strain sensors within joints, prototypes demonstrate self-centering behavior and maintain vertical alignment after thousands of cyclic load tests—validating the Incas’ millennia-old earthquake-resilient design.^[9]

1 Greek Fire’s Seaworthy Adhesive Mixture

While renowned as a naval incendiary, Greek Fire also functioned as a hydrocarbon-based sealant that adhered to wet timber hulls. Byzantine texts suggest a blend of pine resin, naphtha, quicklime, sulfur, and pitch. Experimental reenactments at Aristotle University of Thessaloniki using period-accurate pine resin ratios (30–40% wt) and purified bitumen show exothermic polymerization when mixed with lime water, forming a cross-linked matrix that maintains adhesion after a 72-hour saltwater immersion.

Contemporary chemists analyze these formulations using differential scanning calorimetry to map exotherm peaks and rheometry to assess viscosity changes under shear. Guided by these insights, polymer engineers are developing bio-inspired marine coatings with dual adhesive and hydrophobic properties, achieving pull-off adhesion strengths above 2 MPa and water contact angles exceeding 120°, without relying on toxic antifouling agents.^[10]

There’s a new frozen oddball orbiting the Sun, and it’s not your average space rock. It’s a planet—a minor one, to be fair—but one of the largest yet discovered and with an orbit around the Sun that puts our own planet’s orbit to shame.

The minor world is dubbed 2017 OF201; the International Astronomical Union’s Minor Planet Center added the object to its catalog on May 21. Despite its classification, the planet measures somewhere between 290 and 510 miles (470 and 820 kilometers) across. Its upper size limit would put the minor planet in the same wheelhouse as Ceres, the largest asteroid in the belt between Mars and Jupiter, boasting a diameter of about 592 miles (952 km).

The team of astronomers—led by Sihao Cheng, a researcher at the Institute for Advanced Study—first spotted 2017 OF201 in archival images, but only now is the object officially recognized as a trans-Neptunian object, or TNO. TNOs are bodies in the solar system that orbit the Sun beyond Neptune, which is 30 times more distant from the Sun than the Earth. A preprint describing the discovery is hosted on the preprint server arXiv.

But 2017 OF201 is superlative even among the distant TNOs; its orbit takes it as far as 838 astronomical units from the Sun—making it nearly 30 times farther than Neptune, which again, is itself 30 times farther from the Sun than Earth is, on average. At its closest, as reported by EarthSky, 2017 OF201 comes within 45 AU of the Sun.

That remarkable orbit earns the minor planet the label of an extreme trans-Neptunian object (ETNO), a subset of distant rocks that fuel theories about mysterious gravitational forces at play in the far reaches of the solar system.

Which brings us, inevitably, to Planet Nine, the theorized distant world posited as a gravitational explanation for the strange clustering of objects in the Kuiper Belt. Other ideas have been floated to explain the phenomenon—such as a ring of debris exerting gravitational influence, or even a primordial black hole—but nothing grips our human fascination like a distant planet, so far away from our solar system’s other worlds that it’s never been observed.

Planet Nine, if it exists, would have to be a little over six times Earth’s mass, with an orbital period of about 7,400 years. The newly cataloged minor planet is big, but not Planet Nine big.

Still, discoveries like this keep astronomers buzzing. Just last month, a different team of astronomers found a different slow-moving object beyond Neptune—a would-be Planet Nine candidate, but it’s in the wrong place.

Objects like those recently reported add to the growing list of bodies that might eventually help pinpoint the elusive Planet Nine—or at least explain the strange movement of objects on the periphery of our solar neighborhood.

2017 OF201 isn’t the planetary heavyweight many have been waiting for, but it’s a reminder that the solar system is still full of surprises—especially in its frigid, hard-to-see suburbs.

Vending machines are everywhere—from high schools to hospitals to subway platforms—but they’re more than just mechanical snack dispensers. Behind those blinking lights and humming motors lies a strange and fascinating world of quirky innovations, cultural oddities, and unexpected trivia. These automatic vendors have dispensed everything from holy water to hamburgers, and their evolution is filled with stories that are, at times, brilliant, baffling, and downright bizarre.

So grab your change—or, more likely, your contactless card—and take a look at ten facts about vending machines that are anything but ordinary.

Related: 10 Most Complex Machines Ever Built

10 A Mystery Vending Machine Went Missing in 2018

For decades, a mysterious vending machine stood on Seattle’s Capitol Hill, quietly offering a selection of rare, vintage sodas for just 75 cents. The machine was unmarked and weathered, with cryptic buttons labeled things like “Mystery” or “?.” When pressed, they would dispense obscure drinks long thought discontinued, such as Crystal Pepsi and Black Cherry Fresca.

Who stocked this retro machine that only took coins? No one knew, and when it disappeared in 2018, leaving behind a note that read “went for a walk,” nothing was made clearer. Some believe it was an elaborate art project or guerrilla marketing stunt, but we may never know the truth.^[1]

9 They Can Be a Loophole for Gambling

There are many places in the world where you can enjoy a game of Blackjack or sit for hours at a slot machine, and there are also countries where it’s illegal.

But that doesn’t mean it can’t be done. In countries like Thailand, the United Arab Emirates, and especially Japan, vending machines offer an interesting loophole. Often called “lucky boxes” or “mystery boxes,” these machines dispense boxes with prizes that vary in price. The option to win a box of tissues or an iPad satisfies the gambling itch without actually being considered such.

More and more countries are catching wind of these mystery machines. They are banning them, especially because they offer a gateway for children and teens to become addicted to gambling.^[2]

8 Surge Pricing Machines Were Tested by Coca-Cola

Coca-Cola has had a lot of failures in its long history. From Coca-Cola Energy to the infamous New Coke, the multi-million dollar company has had some embarrassing moments. One of the lesser-known escapades was tested in 1999 when new vending machines with variable pricing were introduced.

These new vending machines would automatically detect the outside temperature and adjust the price accordingly—hot weather means higher prices, naturally. Like how Uber and Lyft charge more when it’s raining, Coca-Cola knew that people want an ice-cold drink on a warm day. But unlike rideshare programs, these vending machines were physical objects that could—and would—have some anger taken out on them.

When thirsty buyers were met with a more expensive drink, so many of them either didn’t buy a Coke or took their frustration out on the machine itself that it was deemed not financially worth it to Coca-Cola to expand the idea.^[3]

7 Even Animals Can Use Them

Monkeys are notorious for their uncanny intelligence and sneakiness, especially when it comes to food. Videos of monkeys taking bananas, chips, and even cell phones from unsuspecting tourists all over the world have gone viral since the dawn of the internet.

So perhaps it should come as no surprise that Japan has seen monkeys that have figured out how to use vending machines. Multiple stories and videos feature monkeys either stealing or being given money and then inserting it into the machines, selecting their snack, and receiving it.

Sure, it’s impressive, but monkeys are famously smart animals. What would you say if I told you crows have proven to be able to do the same thing? In 2018, a small island in the South Pacific created a vending machine specifically for these birds. The crows were shown that food comes out if they insert a piece of paper into a slot. Not only did they instantly understand, but they were able to rip the paper to the correct size to ensure it would fit in the slot.^[4]

6 They Used to Sell Cigarettes

Though they’re now banned in most countries, there was a time when you could purchase cigarettes and other tobacco products just by using a machine. Even as far back as 1615, one could buy snuff and tobacco in English taverns via a coin-operated machine, but it wasn’t until 1926 that cigarette machines really took off.

Suddenly, diners, cafes, and bars across the world had an easy way to appease customers without bothering workers. Unfortunately, as the harmful effects of cigarettes came into public light, age restrictions also rose in popularity. It became impossible for machines to operate, as there was no way to verify the ID or age of buyers. The few countries that allow them now generally require one to show an ID to a worker and then are given a token to insert into the machine to enable the purchase. Other countries, like the United States, only allow cigarette machines in places where people under 18 are not allowed, such as clubs and bars.^[5]

5 They Were Used in Victorian Times

Though the concept of vending machines has been around for thousands of years, the first modern version of what we know today cropped up in 1883 when Percival Everett designed a vending machine dispensing postcards. It was an instant hit at railway stations and post offices and soon began to carry envelopes and note paper.

Just four years later, candy and chocolate companies realized the profit of having these snack dispensers on every corner, and 15,000 were installed in Germany alone. In 1888, the United States got its first vending machine in the form of a gum allocator, and it was a hit on train platforms in New York City. Though the popularity of vending machines didn’t explode until the introduction of automatic restaurants, the fact stands they existed even in Victorian times.^[6]

4 At One Point, 1 in 9 Coca-Cola Purchases Was a Dud

In the 1950s, Coca-Cola had a problem. They were known for the cheap price of their iconic soda, which had been just five cents for over thirty years.

Unfortunately, inflation was taking its toll, and the vending machines weren’t able to reliably make change, so customers needed to have exact change in order to make a purchase. However, the company worried consumers wouldn’t want to carry multiple coins if they raised the price by just one cent.

Coca-Cola approached the U.S. Treasury Department in 1953 and asked them to mint a 7.5-cent coin. When this didn’t work, they took a creative step by implementing a new program in which one out of every nine Coke bottles was empty. These “blanks” meant a few patrons would have to pay ten cents for just one bottle, raising the price to 5.625 cents.^[7]

3 They Can Withstand Natural Disasters

Japan is widely considered to be the vending machine capital of the world. From classic sodas and chips to more risqué items, these are more than a convenience throughout the country—they’re a way of life.

And now they can actually help save lives. While some vending machines in Japan are beginning to be built to withstand earthquakes, which are common in the area, a few take it even further. The Japan Times reports that some machines are now equipped with external defibrillators and flood detectors. When a natural disaster is detected, these high-tech vending machines dispense food and beverages (and even Wi-Fi) for free.^[8]

2 They’re Deadlier Than Sharks

The release of Jaws in 1975 struck fear of sharks into the hearts of millions. Suddenly, every trip to the beach was tinged with horror—the idea of a bloodthirsty great white chomping on an arm or leg led to an uptick in galeophobia (fear of sharks). But if you’re a practical person, you’d do better to have a healthy fear of vending machines because they actually kill more people per year than sharks.

Every year, an average of just three or four people in the world die due to shark bites. Compare that with the number of people who are killed by vending machines—thirteen. Though they can’t menacingly stalk you through murky waters, vending machines have been known to fall and crush customers—usually people who are trying to force an item out.^[9]

1 The First One Dispensed Holy Water

Today, you can purchase almost anything from vending machines. Cupcakes, pizzas, crabs, socks, books, caviar, and even used underwear can be bought simply by tapping a card or inserting a few bills.

However, in the 1st century AD, Hero of Alexandria developed the novel idea of inventing the first of these evolved machines. Though it seems impossible for such a high-tech contraption to have been started two thousand years ago, it’s fairly simple. As the Smithsonian explains: “Put a coin in a slot at the top of a box. The coin hits a metal lever. On the other end of the beam is a string tied to a plug that stops a container of liquid. As the beam tilts from the weight of the coin, the string lifts the plug and dispenses the desired drink until the coin drops off the beam.”

Notice that it dispensed liquid—though not the kind you’re probably thinking of. Instead of Pepsi or Coke, Hero’s machine only allowed the buyer to purchase water. Not for drinking, though—for blessing oneself. Placed outside churches, the vending machines only released holy water. They were created to respond to people taking more holy water than they were paying for.^[10]

The one thing I have in common with the average TikToker is my longing for expensive fixed-lens point-and-shoot cameras. It seems the two companies—Fujifilm and Ricoh—have the biggest brand recognition by the app-obsessed crowd, and they’re individually calling up two cameras to help feed audiences and algorithms alike. The first on our list from the folk at Fuji looks and feels incredibly old school, but it’s designed specifically to funnel vertically-oriented shots to an Instagram account.

We won’t have to wait long for the most anticipated cameras of the year. First up, Fujifilm finally announced its $850 X Half camera. If you’re wondering about the strange naming convention, it’s because the fixed-lens camera is a “half-frame” shooter with a portrait-oriented, 18-megapixel sensor. The lens is equivalent to 32mm with an f/2.8 aperture. It includes a far more shrimpy body and half the sensor size compared to the company’s landmark X100V and X100VI point-and-shooters. It sports an old-school, lightweight body complete with an actual working tactile frame advance lever. The rear screen is dedicated to seeing your shots in the 3:2 aspect ratio and for picking from 13 different film simulations that have become such a staple on Fuji’s digital products.

If you didn’t already think this camera was made for the person who simply wants to funnel their photos to Instagram, then know the Fujifilm X Half won’t shoot in RAW format, which is what the vast majority of professionals prefer for photo editing. Instead, it features a dedicated smartphone app. It will also operate with various Instax printers. Fujifilm said this camera is directed at the Gen Z audience who want a digital camera to use alongside their phone.

You need to use the frame advance lever after taking every image, which makes the X Half seem more of an expensive film camera simulation than a professional device. And yet, there’s something magical about the limitation inherent with film cameras that’s missing from today’s high-end digital devices. The camera even includes grain effect and time stamp options to add noise to your final shots. The Fujifilm X Half should be available in late June.

If you were looking for something that’s a little more typical, Ricoh is edging closer to finally unveiling the sequel to its all-time classic fixed-lens camera, the Ricoh GR III. In a release, Ricoh said the Ricoh GR IV is in development. It will sport a redesigned lens, a new sensor, and a redesigned digital imaging engine. The company suggested the new shooter may also connect to a new app, which should make it easier to get from the camera directly to your phone. We won’t actually get to see what it looks like until May 31, when it will be shown off at various GR Spaces in Tokyo, Beijing, and Shanghai. We’ll have to wait until the fall for a full release.

TikTok’s attention has largely spun away from its previous darling, the Fujifilm X100VI. That’s despite the initial glowing reviews of the more expensive $1,600 camera. The X100VI has been notoriously hard to acquire new or used. Meanwhile, the Ricoh GR III (which you can still find for under $1,000 used or about $1,100 new) has been around for more than five years, and it’s still one of the gold standards of this compact form factor thanks to its low-key design and its capacity to take crisp shots. There are two versions of that camera with the same 24.2-megapixel APS-C sensor—the GR III with the 28mm lens and the GR IIIX with a 40mm lens that’s better for close-ups and street photography.

It may be harder for today’s internet-famous photographers to get one of these cameras going forward. Ricoh said it will stop shipments of the GR III in July “due to difficulty in procuring parts and components,” but the GR IIIX should be available for a while longer. The wait until then may be excruciating for those of us desperate for another unassuming but ultimately powerful camera.