Engadget

Ford sends out OpenXC beta, vehicle-aware apps should be just around the corner

Sharif Sakr — Sat, 18 Feb 2012 02:41:00 EST

It's six months since Ford partnered with Bug Labs to build OpenXC and now the system is ready for third-party developers to get involved. Rather than following Renault and others down the Android route, OpenXC is a dedicated platform designed to bring together third-party apps and hardware. It comes with an Arduino-based interface module that hooks up to the car's own systems, allowing the software to work with sensors, audio interfaces, safety devices and whatever other add-ons an owner might want to rig up. One app, developed by India's HCL Technologies, is already complete: it sends location updates to selected contacts to warn them if a driver is running late for a meeting. (Finally, Arduino gets to do something useful.)

Ford sends out OpenXC beta, vehicle-aware apps should be just around the corner originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 18 Feb 2012 02:41:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ford / Bug Labs partnership makes SYNC look like old news

Brian Heater — Mon, 12 Sep 2011 18:21:00 EST

It's a big day for the forward-thinking folks at Ford. Over in Frankfurt, the American auto giant showcased electric bike and cloud car concepts, and several timezones away at TechCrunch Disrupt in San Francisco, the company talked up its new partnership with Bug Labs. The result is OpenXC, a platform that promises to deliver increased integration for third-party software and hardware, like new audio interfaces, safety products and environmental sensors, plugged into Bugs' hardware and software modules. According to Ford, OpenXC makes developing for Ford vehicles far simpler than before, while lowering the cost and installation difficulty for car owners interested in adding on to their vehicles. More info in the press release after the break.

Continue reading Ford / Bug Labs partnership makes SYNC look like old news

Ford / Bug Labs partnership makes SYNC look like old news originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 12 Sep 2011 18:21:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Bug Labs' BUGswarm and Verizon BUGbundle hands-on

Chris Ziegler — Tue, 11 Jan 2011 18:24:00 EST

Remember Bug Labs, the guys building open-source hardware modules that make it easy (and relatively inexpensive) to prototype new gadgets of your own creation? The last time we visited with these guys at the spring CTIA show last year, the company's upgraded BUGbase 2.0 was still in mockup form -- and carrier deals were little more than a gleam in CEO Peter Semmelhack's eye. Nearly a year has passed since then, and Bug's ecosystem has grown considerably to encompass a bunch of third-party modules, prototyped products, and carrier-specific packs for Sprint, AT&T, and Verizon that let your meticulously hacked-together hardware communicate over the network of your choice.

Of course, this all necessitated a follow-up meeting, which we were delighted to have at CES a couple days ago. Read on!

Gallery: Bug Labs' BUGswarm and Verizon BUGbundle hands-on

Continue reading Bug Labs' BUGswarm and Verizon BUGbundle hands-on

Bug Labs' BUGswarm and Verizon BUGbundle hands-on originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 11 Jan 2011 18:24:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Bug Labs gets cozier with Verizon, announces LTE module for speedy DIY devices

Sean Hollister — Wed, 05 Jan 2011 18:02:00 EST

Not satisfied with the smattering of LTE products announced at CES thus far? Why not build your own with Bug Labs' modular components? Yes, the open-source hardware manufacturer has teamed with Verizon to offer pre-certified wireless modules once again, though this time they take advantage of the new LTE hotness rather than Verizon's EV-DO network. No word on when we'll be able to sign up to prototype our own phones nor how much they'll cost, but know that even just the base platform will slurp $500 out of your wallet. PR after the break.

Continue reading Bug Labs gets cozier with Verizon, announces LTE module for speedy DIY devices

Bug Labs gets cozier with Verizon, announces LTE module for speedy DIY devices originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 05 Jan 2011 18:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Sprint opens M2M Collaboration Center, we check it out

Myriam Joire — Tue, 26 Oct 2010 13:50:00 EST

Yesterday we attended the opening of ~~Cyberdyne Systems Corporation's labs~~ Sprint's M2M Collaboration Center, where we were treated to demos of machine-to-machine (M2M) technology -- in other words, machines talking to one another over Sprint's network, a precursor to self-aware doombots on a mission to reclaim CDMA and WiMAX for their own nefarious purposes. (We kid.) The center is designed for Sprint -- and partners like Ericsson, Intel, Panasonic, and Bug Labs -- to develop and test embedded wireless 3G and 4G devices such as medical equipment, digital billboards and kiosks, remote sensors, utility meters, appliances, evil-looking 3-legged surveillance cameras, and vehicle tracking / monitoring systems. Imagine a wireless future where everything communicates with everything else... yes, we suggest you sleep with one eye open, because the machines are taking over. Resistance is futile.

Video and press release after the break!

Gallery: Sprint opens M2M Collaboration Center, we check it out

Continue reading Sprint opens M2M Collaboration Center, we check it out

Sprint opens M2M Collaboration Center, we check it out originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 26 Oct 2010 13:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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AT&T Connection Kit marries Bug Labs with 3G, whatever crazy gizmo you dream up

Chris Ziegler — Wed, 20 Oct 2010 01:39:00 EST

Creative spirits that know their way around an Eclipse project (and, optionally, a soldering iron) but have a deeply-rooted hatred for CDMA will be happy to know that the tinkerers at Bug Labs have announced a new partnership with AT&T, its second with a US carrier after teaming up with Verizon a few weeks back. The core of the program is the new BUG + 3G / GSM kit, featuring per-certified Bug modules ready to work on AT&T's network; that package will in turn build on top of AT&T's existing Connection Kit for developers that includes activated data SIMs and other tools you'll need to build the next great connected device that Engadget will inevitably write about... and hopefully review. So, you know, make sure we're on your list for review units, alright, everyone? It looks like the new modules will be available in January, so start working on those million-dollar ideas -- in the meantime, you can find the full press release after the break.

Continue reading AT&T Connection Kit marries Bug Labs with 3G, whatever crazy gizmo you dream up

AT&T Connection Kit marries Bug Labs with 3G, whatever crazy gizmo you dream up originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 20 Oct 2010 01:39:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Bug Labs to offer pre-certified modules for Verizon's network

Chris Ziegler — Wed, 22 Sep 2010 21:55:00 EST

Verizon's holding its developer conference (VDC, for those in the know) this week where it courts software and hardware developers alike to make stuff that works on its airwaves, and one of the bigger pieces of news to come out of it so far has been from Bug Labs. Now, Bug's not exactly a company we'd expect to be working with Big Red, as CEO Peter Semmelhack notes in his blog post on the matter: "it may come as a surprise to you that a company that is so often vilified for being closed is teaming up with Bug Labs, a company that is defined by its openness." What changed? Basically, Bug modules are going to serve as pre-certified building blocks for developers, saving little guys with limited budgets the time and expense of going through Verizon's certification process -- you just integrate Bug's hardware and you automatically inherit its approval. No word yet on when the new modules will be ready or how much they'll cost, though (we're still waiting on the new BUGBase to launch). Follow the break for the full press release.

Continue reading Bug Labs to offer pre-certified modules for Verizon's network

Bug Labs to offer pre-certified modules for Verizon's network originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 22 Sep 2010 21:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Bug Labs' BUGbase 2.0 prototype hands-on

Chris Ziegler — Wed, 17 Feb 2010 12:38:00 EST

At first glance, Bug Labs' latest creation actually seems like a bit of a downgrade from the version it replaces -- it loses the onboard LCD display and a handful of buttons, after all -- but we sat down with CEO Peter Semmelhack today on the hustling, bustling floor of MWC to get the straight dope on what makes the BUGbase 2.0 a superior product. First of all, you can't overlook the fact that they've moved to a Cortex A8-based OMAP3530, an appreciable boost from the ARM11 core it replaces, but it turns out there are a whole bunch of subtler changes too, like the inclusion of on-board audio out (pictured above toward the left of the base), HD video out capability through a module, and a second microSD slot. Why two, you ask? Isn't 32GB of external storage enough? Probably, but Semmelhack points out that the second slot (covered behind a flap) is dedicated to loading the operating system, making it a trivial task to quickly switch between kernels or get unbricked.

Although the unit we saw today has functional guts, we're told that the casing is pre-production -- not to say that "production" BUGbases need to look amazing, anyway, considering that they're frequently used for prototyping themselves. Though Android's already been ported to the Bug platform, the company is really driving home the message in 2.0; when you think about it, this kind of makes any Android dev out there a de facto Bug dev, so that's a nice angle to play. Look for it to ship by "early Summer," so it's time to scoop up that first-gen unit now if you're jonesing for the integrated display.

Gallery: Bug Labs' BUGbase 2.0 prototype hands-on

Bug Labs' BUGbase 2.0 prototype hands-on originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 17 Feb 2010 12:38:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Bug Labs intros BUG 2.0 platform with faster processor, Android support

Chris Ziegler — Mon, 15 Feb 2010 07:00:00 EST

Tired of your BUGBase lagging out while you're trying to set up that crazy homebrew alarm system? Hope is on the way in the form of BUG 2.0, Bug Labs' next-gen development platform that moves up to a Cortex A8-based OMAP3 core from the original BUGBase's ARM11. The processor bump isn't the only change, though: they're announcing full support for running BeagleBoard apps and -- get this -- Android. That means that you won't necessarily need to be locked into Bug's own development environment for doing your thing, and obviously, folks already familiar with Android development should have a much easier time making the transition. Even better, the base maintains backward compatibility with existing BUGmodules, so most of your current investment won't be for naught -- save the old base, of course. Price and availability are yet to be announced.

Continue reading Bug Labs intros BUG 2.0 platform with faster processor, Android support

Bug Labs intros BUG 2.0 platform with faster processor, Android support originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 15 Feb 2010 07:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Send your 'Hiro P' BUGbase back, get a BUGbase WiFi for $99

Darren Murph — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 16:32:00 EST

If you classify yourself as a hardcore DIYer, you probably sprung for Bug Labs' 'Hiro P' BUGbase way back in the day. You've also likely been weeping since the entirely more awesome BUGbase WiFi was announced last month. Thankfully, you can now empty your current bucket of tears and stash it away for good, as a wicked good deal has just arrived to turn that frown upside-down. Bug Labs is offering the $449 BUGbase WiFi for just $99 if you send your original BUGbase back to the company before November ends. If you'd like to take advantage, feel free to hit up Bug and mention the offer being emailed out to existing users after the break.

Continue reading Send your 'Hiro P' BUGbase back, get a BUGbase WiFi for $99

Filed under: Misc. Gadgets

Send your 'Hiro P' BUGbase back, get a BUGbase WiFi for $99 originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 05 Nov 2009 16:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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BUGbase WiFi finally overcomes, ships in the US and Europe

Darren Murph — Tue, 22 Sep 2009 21:23:00 EST

It's hard to believe that BUG Labs has been helping tinkerers thinker for two whole years now, particularly when you realize that its BUGbase has been operating sans WiFi all along. At long last, after a painful battle with the licensing overlords connected to WiFi and Bluetooth, BUG has finally received approval to ship the BUGbase WiFi (which does BT as well) both here in the States as well as in Europe. Aside from those two huge additions, BUG also upgraded the device with a friction-fit docking connector and improved power management, not to mention a few subtle "under the hood" tweaks designed to make everyone's lives a little easier. Oh, and for existing BUGbase owners? A special BUGWiFi module will be shipping in a few weeks, and yes, all of BUG's other modules will be compatible with either base. Once you're done hopping around like a jovial schoolgirl, feel free to order your own BUGbase WiFi now for $449.

Filed under: Peripherals

BUGbase WiFi finally overcomes, ships in the US and Europe originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 22 Sep 2009 21:23:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Bugbase WiFi module threatened by large yellow antenna at FCC

Tim Stevens — Tue, 01 Sep 2009 08:56:00 EST

When the Hiro P BUGbase from Bug Labs shipped last year it did so without 802.11, leaving this piece of homebrewers hardware sadly disconnected from the groovy microwaves all around it. That looks set to change in the very near future with the FCC testing of the BUGwifi module, an add-on announced way back in January then never heard from again. There's still no word on when we might expect this stubby open wundermodule to start hosting wireless Guitar Quake deathmetalmatches, but things usually don't take long once the FCC has done its deed.

Continue reading Bugbase WiFi module threatened by large yellow antenna at FCC

Filed under: Misc. Gadgets, Wireless

Bugbase WiFi module threatened by large yellow antenna at FCC originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 01 Sep 2009 08:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Quake gets ported to the BUG, controlled by Rock Band guitar

Donald Melanson — Tue, 27 Jan 2009 17:34:00 EST

The folks from Bug Labs certainly represented themselves well enough at CES with a slew of new BUGModules, but we're guessing they would have attracted even more attention if they would have had this perennial favorite on hand. If you can't quite make it out, that's Quake running (rather well, we might add) on the BUG and, yes, it is indeed being controlled by a Rock Band guitar thanks to the newly developed Xpad driver, which should work equally well with a standard Xbox 360 controller if you're a little less ambitious. Head on past the break to check it out in action, and hit up the link below for all the necessary details.

Continue reading Quake gets ported to the BUG, controlled by Rock Band guitar

Filed under: Misc. Gadgets, Gaming

Quake gets ported to the BUG, controlled by Rock Band guitar originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 27 Jan 2009 17:34:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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New BUGModules hands-on

Ben Drawbaugh — Thu, 08 Jan 2009 17:59:00 EST

These new BUGModules from BUG Labs aren't much to look at, but just holding them in your hands really gets your gears going about what new kinds of custom gadgets you could come up with. The new modules are really ones that open up the possibilities and make us think, "what if I want to use more than four modules?" The usefulness of the wireless adapters like WiFi and 3G go without saying, but the possibilities of having a projector in your pocket with sound could really lead to something. And last but not least, who wouldn't want the Swiss Army Knife of input and output on their custom gadget?

Gallery: BUGModules hands-on

Filed under: CES, Peripherals, Wireless

New BUGModules hands-on originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 08 Jan 2009 17:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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BUG Labs throws down five new BUGmodules, including pico-projector and 3G radio

Paul Miller — Wed, 07 Jan 2009 12:43:00 EST

After about a year of working with its original kit, BUG Labs is going next-gen with five new modules to mix-and-match with its Lego-style DIY BUGbase kit. Most of it is connectivity, with BUG3g for 3G phone / data connectivity; BUGwifi, which does 802.11b/g WiFi and Bluetooth 2.0 + EDR; and BUGbee, a 802.15.4 radio for ZigBee home automation and other "personal area network" fun. On the output front, BUGsound (pictured) provides a 20mm speaker, omnidirectional microphone and four 3.5mm jacks for audio in and out, but we're most stoked about BUGprojector, which uses Texas Instruments' DLP Pico tech to pump out a 480 x 320 image. All of these new modules work with the existing BUGmodules and that recently introduced BUGvonHippel breadboard. No word on price yet, but they should all ship this quarter. We'll have hands-on with all these goodies later this week.

Gallery: BUG Labs throws down five new BUGmodules, including pico-projector and 3G radio

Filed under: Cellphones, Misc. Gadgets, Peripherals

BUG Labs throws down five new BUGmodules, including pico-projector and 3G radio originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 07 Jan 2009 12:43:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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BUG Labs intros BUGvonHippel, talks up big plans for CES

Darren Murph — Sun, 21 Dec 2008 19:05:00 EST

BUG Labs has a special place in our hearts, so it's actually kind of astounding to look back and realize that we haven't heard anything substantial from the outfit since March. Big things are in store for the new year, however, and it's getting things rolling right away with the introduction of the $79 BUGvonHippel. Named after Professor Eric von Hippel at MIT who inspired its creation, the device "further enables developers to create new and interesting 'hardware mashups' by connecting their BUG to a universe of other devices and interfaces." Also of note, there's a new community portal opening up for eager developers, and the BUG Labs team will be bringing a so-called Test Kitchen to the CES floor in Vegas to show off some of the developments we've been missing out on.

Filed under: Misc. Gadgets

BUG Labs intros BUGvonHippel, talks up big plans for CES originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 21 Dec 2008 19:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Engadget's NYC reader meetup / holiday party is tonight!

Joshua Topolsky — Fri, 19 Dec 2008 12:00:00 EST

This is it! The Engadget reader meetup / holiday party is happening tonight in New York City! All of the information you need is below, but we'd like to stress a few points:

The venue capacity has a limit, so make sure you get there early, and plan to wait in a bit of a line.
It is snowing like crazy in New York -- so please bundle up and come prepared for the elements! We'll do everything we can to move people inside as quickly as possible, and there's a coat check at the venue for your heavier gear.
Bring your ID! Without it, you can't get in!

And the rest of the details about the event:

We're giving away tens of thousands of dollars in gear! Including...
SanDisk 2GB, 4GB, or 8GB microSD cards for the first 200 people through the door!
Free food, and free drink tickets for the first 500 people
Live Q&A session with Engadget editors
Music for the evening will be provided by Justin VanDerVolgen (of !!! and Outhud)
The event is 18 TO ENTER / 21 TO DRINK, AND YOU MUST BRING AN ID. ADMISSION IS FREE. Sorry younger readers, but we'll do a follow-up all ages event soon!
The venue capacity tops out at a tiny bit over 1000, so you if you're coming, be sure to get there early!

When: Friday, December 19th, 7:00PM to 12:00AM
Where: Hiro Ballroom, 371 W. 16th St., New York, NY. 10011

You can discuss plans for the event on Facebook here.

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For media interested in attending, please ping us at: nycreadermeetup [at] gmail [dot] com
Note: space for media is very limited as this is a reader event. Readers, you're all set -- no need to email us.

Filed under: Announcements

Engadget's NYC reader meetup / holiday party is tonight! originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 19 Dec 2008 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Engadget NYC reader meetup, December 19th: new giveaways, more info

Joshua Topolsky — Thu, 18 Dec 2008 12:00:00 EST

By now you should have heard about the Engadget NYC reader meetup / holiday party taking place TOMORROW, Friday, December 19th. If you're not clued in to all the happenings, this should bring you up to speed. We'll have participation (and giveaways) from the following companies: Nokia, Microsoft (Zune and Xbox), T-Mobile, Palm, HP, SanDisk, Peek, VIA, Sling, Bug Labs, Neat Receipts, Panasonic, Livescribe, Rhapsody, and Make.

Some new additions (to the already large stack of items): VIA has just handed over an Artigo A2000, Peek is going to be flooding the event with a whopping 12 handhelds to give out (celebrating its 12 days of Peekmas), Bug Labs is offering a BUGBundle, and Livescribe has provided us with a Pulse (courtesy of Target)! And remember, those are just a few of the goods on offer.

Remember, feel free to bring any hacks, mods, or other generally awesome tech you want to show off to us and other Engadget readers -- you don't get the chance too often!

Here are some super-important details about the event:

We're giving away tens of thousands of dollars in gear! Including...
SanDisk 2GB, 4GB, or 8GB microSD cards for the first 200 people through the door!
Free food, and free drink tickets for the first 500 people
Live Q&A session with Engadget editors
Music for the evening will be provided by Justin VanDerVolgen (of !!! and Outhud)
The event is 18 TO ENTER / 21 TO DRINK, AND YOU MUST BRING AN ID. ADMISSION IS FREE. Sorry younger readers, but we'll do a follow-up all ages event soon!
The venue capacity tops out at a tiny bit over 1000, so you if you're coming, be sure to get there early!

When: Friday, December 19th, 7:00PM to 12:00AM
Where: Hiro Ballroom, 371 W. 16th St., New York, NY. 10011

You can discuss plans for the event on Facebook here.

View Larger Map

Filed under: Announcements

Engadget NYC reader meetup, December 19th: new giveaways, more info originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 18 Dec 2008 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Bug Labs' Hiro P edition BUGbase kit gets unboxed

Donald Melanson — Thu, 17 Apr 2008 11:48:00 EST

You may not be able to get your hands on one at the moment, but those that missed out on the initial shipment of Bug Labs' open source BUGbase Hiro P edition kit can now at least make believe like one arrived on their own doorstep, thanks to the set of unboxing photos kindly provided by Flickr user finsprings. That set also helpfully includes size comparisons to a Blackberry and a first gen iPod nano (the base is bigger than both, but not by as much as you may think), and of course plenty of shots of the packing itself. Check all that out at the read link below.

[Thanks, Dave]

Filed under: Misc. Gadgets

Bug Labs' Hiro P edition BUGbase kit gets unboxed originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 17 Apr 2008 11:48:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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BUG+EDU educational discounts unveiled for little hackers

Paul Miller — Mon, 31 Mar 2008 17:14:00 EST

Bug Labs announced in January that it'd be busting out a BUG+EDU program for getting units into the hands of impressionable youngsters, and now that they've sold out of the first crop of units they're getting those educational discounts off the ground. Students (with relevant ID) can now purchase modules at a 10% discount, while K-12 schools and secondary education institutions can buy Bug for 25% off. K-12 schools can also participate in Bug giveaways, while undergrad and postgrad programs can develop coursework in conjunction with Bug -- long story short, some kids out there are going to get themselves some fun edumicatin'.

Filed under: Misc. Gadgets

BUG+EDU educational discounts unveiled for little hackers originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 31 Mar 2008 17:14:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Bug Labs sells-out of initial inventory, founder pumped

Thomas Ricker — Thu, 27 Mar 2008 03:03:00 EST

The whole claim of a product sell-out is a bit dubious without any numbers to back up the boast. Was it 100 or 100,000 units sold? Nevertheless, Bug Labs has depleted its initial stock of Bugs. Those of you looking to get your hands on the open-source, modular hardware platform will have to wait until the next shipment in May. While most of the purchases went the way of tinkerers, about a third of the devices were surprisingly scooped up by corporations looking at Bug to possibly replace expensive, custom devices. At least that's how Bug Labs' founder, Peter Semmelhack spins it. Could be, or perhaps it's just the same compelling curiosity we all feel about Bug with a desire (read: R&D budget) to keep abreast of industry change? Regardless, good on ya Pete.

Filed under: Misc. Gadgets

Bug Labs sells-out of initial inventory, founder pumped originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 27 Mar 2008 03:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Bug Labs store open for business, BUGbundle unveiled for $549

Paul Miller — Mon, 21 Jan 2008 12:26:00 EST

We knew today was the day, and now Bug Labs has opened its doors and cautiously invited shoppers inside. Cautious because Bug doesn't really want non-developers snapping up the kit right now, since the hardware itself is pretty much useless to the proletariat at this point without any mature software, and there isn't a bunch of it go around. To kick things off, Bug Labs is also announcing the BUGbundle, which packages a BUGbase (the WiFi-free Hiro P edition), GPS, LCD, accelerometer and 2 megapixel camera for $549. Orders are limited to one per customer at this time, and educational promotions will be coming in March.

Filed under: Misc. Gadgets

Bug Labs store open for business, BUGbundle unveiled for $549 originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 21 Jan 2008 12:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Bug Labs announces WiFi-free Hiro P BUGbase

Ryan Block — Fri, 18 Jan 2008 17:55:00 EST

Looks like Bug Labs is fixing to release its BUGbase in more than one version due to apparent issues related to solid, stable open source WiFi chipsets and drivers. Picking up the Hiro P Edition monicker (let's hope it doesn't snow crash), this revised first BUGbase will ship without 802.11, but adds a small joystick control, and as recompense for the wireless sacrifice, Hiro P owners will get a free BUGvonhippel module (the hardware breakout box, basically), and the option to snag a pluggable WiFi attachment on the cheap at a later time. For those who want to wait for the full, integrated-WiFi experience, Bug's not yet offering a set schedule for the "regular" base kit, but Hiro P goes on pre-sale at the Bug Labs store for the regular early adopter price this Monday.

Filed under: Misc. Gadgets

Bug Labs announces WiFi-free Hiro P BUGbase originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 18 Jan 2008 17:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Video: A little Bug Labs demo

Nilay Patel — Tue, 08 Jan 2008 09:49:00 EST

You know our nerd hearts beat deep for the just-released open-source modular Bug Labs gear, and Mahalo Daily's Veronica Belmont caught up with Jeremy Toeman for a quick little demo. We're not sure exactly why you'd want a motion-sensing camera with the lens on the opposite side of the motion detector, but hey -- let's see your iPhone do that. Check the whole vid after the break!

Continue reading Video: A little Bug Labs demo

Filed under: Misc. Gadgets, Handhelds

Video: A little Bug Labs demo originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 08 Jan 2008 09:49:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Bug Labs announces price, release, and new BUGmodule

Ryan Block — Sat, 05 Jan 2008 15:01:00 EST

The moment hardware hackers have been waiting for: final price and release details of the Bug Labs BUGbase and BUGmodules. And even better for those enterprising early adopters, Bug is giving a discount to everyone who buys gear within the first 60 days. Here's the story:

Pre-orders start Monday, January 21, 2008
Gear ships by Monday, March 17, 2008
BUGbase: $299 / $349 (early adopter price / regular price when bought after 60 days)
Touchscreen LCD: $99 / $119
GPS: $79 / $99
Camera: $69 / $79
Motion/accelerometer: $49 / $59
New Von Hippel BUGmodule (adds interfaces and I/O ports for further hacking of the BUGbase)
Bug is also launching BUG+EDU, promoting to the education-market (additional details to come)

Filed under: Misc. Gadgets

Bug Labs announces price, release, and new BUGmodule originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 05 Jan 2008 15:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Working Bug Labs hardware hands-on

Evan Blass — Tue, 20 Nov 2007 18:10:00 EST

As a publication whose bread and butter is handheld gadgets, we're obviously more than a little excited about Bug Labs' upcoming LEGO-style DIY electronics kit, which allows users to affix various modules to a small, open-source computer and create such magical products as a GPS-enabled digital camera with built in 3G modem and motion detector. While we've seen the hardware before -- including the BUGbase and current BUGmodules -- founder and CEO Peter Semmelhack invited us over today to check out some of the very first working applications, including the Linux-based PIM software you see running in the photos. Apparently we can expect pricing details shortly, as well as a demo of the final system in action, all leading up to an official launch before the end of the year. Check out the gallery below for even more hands-on action...

Gallery: First shots of working Bug Labs hardware

Filed under: Misc. Gadgets

Working Bug Labs hardware hands-on originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 20 Nov 2007 18:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Bug Labs BUGbase and BUGmodules hands-on

Ryan Block — Thu, 01 Nov 2007 19:16:00 EST

There's no doubt Bug Labs is getting closer to launching its open source modular gadget kits, but for those wondering when we'd see some physical hardware, today's your lucky day. We got a chance to check out an early BUGbase unit and the full complement of BUGmodules. While we didn't get to see it up and running, we did get to fool around with the whole experience of plugging (and unplugging) modules, and got a good feel for how things work. Some details:

The BUGbase uses a bus with four module slots. Each module has a base size of 2 x 2-inches (meaning the BUGbase itself is ~4 x 2-inches).
Multiple BUGbases can be physically conjoined and communicate wirelessly for greater than four simultaneous devices, but there is no system for bus expansion of a single BUGbase.
While it can charge via USB, there's also a backup power input should you use the USB for an external peripheral.
Bug settled on MMCmicro instead of microSD because it's open source. We're torn about this one. We get it, but really, who the hell has any MMCmicro cards laying around?
Yeah, that's a standard camera mount you see on the side. Nice addition.
The modules we looked at included a display, GPS receiver, motion detector, digital camera, and 3G radio. Obviously those are just a few listed on the site.
The LCD module apparently uses the exact same QVGA LCD panel as the iPod classic. If that matters at all to you.
The module plastics are colored according to purpose: input, output, or input-output. For example, the light blue modules are output only (like the 3G module above); dark blue modules are input-output (like a touchscreen), while white modules are input only (GPS receiver, etc.).
Yeah, they made a Hiro Protagonist reference.
Still no price / exact launch details, but we're obviously getting close.

Gallery: Bug Labs BUGbase and BUGmodules hands-on

Gallery: Bug Labs BUGbase and BUGmodules press shots

Filed under: Misc. Gadgets

Bug Labs BUGbase and BUGmodules hands-on originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 01 Nov 2007 19:16:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Bug Labs shows off new product render

Ryan Block — Mon, 08 Oct 2007 19:22:00 EST

Ok, we're not actually any closer to Bug Labs's DIY gadget kits than we were yesterday, but at least we can start to get a better idea of what they're talking about, courtesy of these new product renders found on their site. Kind of reminds us of one of those kitchen-mounted DVD / TV sets though, so we're hoping Bug sexies it up a bit. Ain't no reason DIY can't be well designed, is there?

Gallery: Bug Labs shows off new product render

Filed under: Misc. Gadgets

Bug Labs shows off new product render originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 08 Oct 2007 19:22:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Bug Labs fleshes out BUGbase, BUGmodule details

Paul Miller — Tue, 28 Aug 2007 13:44:00 EST

Bug Labs just threw the door wide open on its website, and is finally hitting us with the nitty gritty on its open source hardware modules. There are too many details to get into, but the BUGbase "foundation" module is boasting an ARM1136JF-S processor, 128MB of RAM, 802.11b/g WiFi, USB, Ethernet and a small LCD with button controls. There are four connectors on the BUGbase to plug into other modules, and plenty of support for cameras, networking, displays and the like. So far the confirmed modules include GPS, camera, touchscreen LCD and an accelerometer, while under "coming soon" we've got features like a double-width touchscreen, QWERTY keyboard, audio speaker and mini jacks, and of course the all-important "teleporter" module. Bug Labs is still on the hunt for beta testers, so if you're not afraid of getting your hands dirty with an SDK and some halfway-there-hardware, be sure to hit 'em up.

Filed under: Misc. Gadgets, Handhelds

Bug Labs fleshes out BUGbase, BUGmodule details originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 28 Aug 2007 13:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Bug Labs is looking for beta testers

Ryan Block — Mon, 20 Aug 2007 14:57:00 EST

You already know that Bug Labs's DIY gadget line is geared a little more towards the Joneses (and not necessarily those trying to keep up with them), so if you're a little closer to the nerdy hacky hardware / software developer type, Bug has its eye out for you. In its first wave of beta testers the company is looking for software devs to get in deep with the Bug software and SDK, and eventually get going with the first round of hardware when that's ready to get pushed out in its a later phase of the beta. Head on over to the Bug site for more.

Filed under: Misc. Gadgets

Bug Labs is looking for beta testers originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 20 Aug 2007 14:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Bug Labs' DIY gadget guts revealed

Thomas Ricker — Fri, 17 Aug 2007 09:26:00 EST

These may only be samples, but you're looking at the first, in what is expected to be a series, of easy codin', open-source hardware modules from Bug labs. Unfortunately, they didn't have any working prototypes assembled at their Bug+Bar+NYC gathering, but we'll still chalk it up to progress while we wait for the DIY gadget kits to launch in the coming months.

[Via Make:]

Filed under: Misc. Gadgets

Bug Labs' DIY gadget guts revealed originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 17 Aug 2007 09:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Bug Labs DIY gadgets to turn consumer electronics on its ear?

Ryan Block — Tue, 31 Jul 2007 15:33:00 EST

Last night we sat down for dinner with a company that, with the use of open source hardware, intends to invert the top down consumer electronics market as we know it -- a lofty goal, no doubt. But when Bug Labs (based in New York) introduces their modular gadget kits later this year, end users (read: tech enthusiasts) will be able buy interchangeable electronics components with a common interface capable of mixing, matching, and building custom devices (without having to lift a soldering iron). Sounds kind of out there, but here's the model:

Users snag a small Linux-based micro-PC with USB, WiFi, Bluetooth, and plenty of special ports for attaching these functionality modules.
Users can develop Java apps and load custom software onto the base device to take advantage of expansion modules for any usage scenarios they can dream up.
Users expand each portable's capabilities by adding modules, such as a small or large screen, QWERTY keyboard, GPS, camera, speaker, etc.; the user can add whatever is necessary to build the gadget that fits their purpose. (Sorry, no cell radio modules at launch.)
Each component is accessible and web addressable, meaning users can write and load software to / from their own or other users' components, as well as share their functionality or data (i.e. user A can use an app to remotely share his / her GPS locator or digital camera with user B).
Of course, all these hardware component schematics, interface protocols, etc. will be made available online if you want to build your own Bug-based gear.
Bug Labs might also allow users to submit novel and relatively marketable configurations for mass manufacturing, and serve as a storefront for budding gadget designers using the Bug platform.

Will a DIY open source hardware hacker's kit ever be enough to enable Joe Blow to develop the next RAZR or iPod? Probably not to start; effective portable electronics requires a very vertical design process, but if CE development is ever going to be democratized the way software development was over 30 years ago, then clear and open source components and systems is the kind of approach that could be capable of doing it.

Filed under: Misc. Gadgets

Bug Labs DIY gadgets to turn consumer electronics on its ear? originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 31 Jul 2007 15:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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