Last year, the Times Square Ball got an LED makeover for its 100th anniversary. This year that tradition continues, all 32,256 Philips Luxeon Rebel LEDs of it (and don't forget the 2,668 Waterford crystals). The 12-foot-wide, 11,875-pound ball is capable of displaying "16 million vibrant colors and billions of patterns" — did you even know that many colors existed? — and all in all it'll use 20% less energy than last year.

What's more, there's talk of it becoming an all-year-round fixture in New York City, making at appearance during other holidays or special events. No word on how it will fit in — if it's made to drop down during other times of the year, then what will be so special about the New Year's Eve ball drop?

Times Square Alliance, via Inhabitat