Tag Archives: programmable

Sphero, My Super Hero

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It’s that time of the year when you get the jitters and start hunting high and low for the perfect gift. Allow me to put you out of your despair, and give you the heads-up on a product that appeals to all ages (young and old) across the board. Sphero. My Superhero! Yes, it’s that kinda thing that appeals to the gamer, the techie robotic kind, the shy, the friendly, the design freak, the outdoorsy and the indoors. In short…everyone! This sophisticated and programmable robot is the buzz-word for today!

At its core, Sphero is a robotic ball that you can drive around using your smartphone or tablet. But that’s just the beginning. Since there are millions of ways you can use the Sphero, it’s a guarantee that you won’t get tired or bored of it. Interestingly, you can use it as a muse for your pets! What I like most about it is that you can get creative with the way you use it.

For example, you can build an obstacle course using the ramps that come included in the box or play a high-tech version of golf using the Sphero Golf app. The possibilities are endless. Top of my head, I can think of taking it to the pool with me, play tag with it, innovate with awesome augmented reality games like Sharky The Beaver or indulge in tabletop games like ColorGrab.

Sphero travels easily and gives you over an hour of non-stop play. Its deigned creatively with cable free induction charging. You can use iOS and Android systems to control the play and the system comes with 25 free games and apps available for download.

To make the Sphero more durable and fun, there is a special Nubby cover designed. It essentially converts the Sphero into the ultimate off-road robot, giving strategic advantage navigating over gravel, water, and concrete. Nubby also protects against scratches and scuffs. Here’s the fun part of it all, Orbotix has a limited edition version called Sphero 2.0 Revealed that is sold exclusively at Apple Stores.

As a special gesture, when you buy a Sphero from the online store, you can get a free Nubby cover with your purchase!

Learn More about the Sphero here.

Designer: Orbotix [ Buy Now ]

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(Sphero, My Super Hero was originally posted on Yanko Design)

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Blinkytape: Buy Programmable LEDs by the Strip

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Ever wanted to make your stuff light up and blink? Well the guys at BlinkyTape have got you covered.

blinkytape

BlnkyTape is a tube which comes in one-meter-long strips, each embedded with 60 independently controllable RGB LEDs. Each strip has a built-in controller circuit, and can be programmed and powered via a micro-USB connector.

The flexible tape can by bent, so it can be used in a wide variety of applications. In addition, it’s encased in weatherproof silicone, so you can use it outdoors too. Just be sure to protect the USB connector at the end, since it’s not sealed. Too bad you can’t daisy-chain them though - could you imagine the holiday display you could make with this stuff? Guess you could always buy one of those 24-port USB hubs.

BlinkyTape is currently raising funds for production over on Kickstarter for just a couple more days (through June 12), where you can get in on the action for as little as $60(USD).

[via Boing Boing]

Combat Creatures Attacknid Robot Revealed: Get Ready for The Holiday Toy of the Year

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A few months back, robot/toy designer Jaimie Mantzel showed off an early prototype of a six-legged robot toy that looked pretty damned awesome. He announced at the time that he was working on it so a production version could eventually be made, and now we can see the final build in action!

combat creatures robot

The first of the six-legged robots in the new Combat Creatures line-up is dubbed Attacknid (despite not having eight legs like a spider, but I don’t care.) The final version of the robot measures 10 inches-tall, and can fire foam projectiles up to 30 feet from its 360° rotating head. You can choose from three different weapons, including foam “Dissector Discs” (included), or upgrade with “Snyper Darts” or “Destroyer Spheres.” Despite not seeing pics of them yet, those all sound awesome to me.

combat creatures 2

Check out Jaimie showing some of the first Attacknids off the assembly line in the video clip below…

Of course, the entire thing can be controlled remotely, and the 2.4GHz wireless communication supports up to FORTY robots in simultaneous battle! Oh, and if you hit your opponents armor directly it “explodes” off of its legs – and three direct hits shuts down the other ‘bot cold. And from the looks of the video clip, you can swap out colored skins on your ‘bot too.

Oh, and its designer is encouraging hacks and mods, as is proven by this freakishly awesome, illuminated Attacknid somebody already put together:

The Attacknid Combat Creature is available for pre-order now for £69.99 (~$112 USD) for delivery in the U.S. and the UK, though only the UK will get their orders in 2012. That price includes the Attacknid robot in black, a red skin set, the remote control, Disector weapon, 20 foam Dissector discs, and various other bits and bobs. No word yet on how much the add-on weapons and skins will sell for.


RGB + LED + USB = blink(1)

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While I particularly like the look and programmability of the L8 SmartLight, it might be a bit showy and overkill for many needs. If you’re looking for a simpler way to indicate activity on your computer or the internet, you might want to check out this little gadget instead.

blink 1 a

It’s called the blink(1), and it’s a tiny programmable RGB LED with a USB connector on the end of it. Just plug one into a spare USB port, and you can program it to blink or glow in any color based on software triggers from your computer. For instance, you can have it glow when you have a new email, or maybe when a friend signs on to Skype. It can be used to indicate pretty much anything you’d like. And if you’ve got more than a single available USB port, you can go to town with multiple blink(1)s.

The blink(1) will ship with apps for Mac OS X, Windows and Linux, and since its designed to be Open Source, you’ll be able to custom program it for other applications as well – and there are C and Java APIs for low-level access. Each tiny blink(1) sells for $30(USD), or you can pick up a two-pack for $55 over on Kickstarter. The project has already surpassed its funding goal, so it’ll definitely go into production.


This Sonic Screwdriver is a Remote Control on the Inside

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A remote control? Whaaaat. It doesn’t make as much sense as the Sonic Screwdriver screwdriver right? Then again, it’s not as if the tool itself makes sense. A screwdriver that opens locks and takes vital stats? Whaaaat.

dr who sonic screwdriver tv remote control

Except for its case, this gadget is very similar to the Magic Wand remote control. It can learn up to 39 gestures – and thus 39 commands – to control any device that has an infrared remote, from TVs to home theater systems. It also emits 13 sound effects from the Doctor Who series.

ThinkGeek sells the Sonic Screwdriver programmabey-remotey for $100 (USD), but you should travel to the site at a future date in September because the gadget is currently sold out.

[via Ubergizmo]