Engadget

Sony Xperia S heading to Canada on April 17th, exclusive to Sony Stores

Edgar Alvarez — Tue, 10 Apr 2012 15:17:00 EST

Still patiently waiting to find out when Sony's NXT child will hit Canadian shelves? According to the Japanese outfit, residents of the Great White North can finally expect the Xperia S to make a grand entrance on April 17th. The handset is set to be sold exclusively at Sony Stores around the country, but unfortunately, there's no word on how much it'll cost. That said, we do know that the 4.3-inch Gingerbread device will only be compatible with Rogers network, so Xperia lovers on Telus and Bell need not apply. So, not all Canadians can grab the new Sony slab, but at least some of you can before your neighbors down south.

Continue reading Sony Xperia S heading to Canada on April 17th, exclusive to Sony Stores

Sony Xperia S heading to Canada on April 17th, exclusive to Sony Stores originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 10 Apr 2012 15:17:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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CubeStormer II rocks a Samsung Galaxy S II, makes CubeStormer I look downright slothful (video)

Brian Heater — Fri, 14 Oct 2011 20:08:00 EST

CubeStormer I was pretty cool, we guess, but that was way back in 2010. Now we're all about CubeStormer II. Built by Mike Dobson and David Gilday, the puzzle-cracking robot is capable of solving Rubik's Cubes at blazing fast speeds, shaving precious fractions of seconds off of human world records. The 'bot was constructed from four Lego Mindstorms NXT kits, with our old pal the Samsung Galaxy S II serving as the its "brain." CubeStormer will be making a public appearance at ARM TechCon 2011 in California, later this month (and really, the whole thing seems like a bit of an ad for ARM -- albeit a really awesome one). In the meantime, check out some video of it in action after the break.

Continue reading CubeStormer II rocks a Samsung Galaxy S II, makes CubeStormer I look downright slothful (video)

CubeStormer II rocks a Samsung Galaxy S II, makes CubeStormer I look downright slothful (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 14 Oct 2011 20:08:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Wall-E gets a LEGO Mindstorms NXT makeover, tears up the dance floor (video)

Joseph Volpe — Fri, 15 Jul 2011 23:59:00 EST

Alright, let's all be upfront here. When you saw this Pixar masterpiece you caught yourself thinking, "Destruction of the Earth? Not so bad... if that means I get my own Wall-E." It's ok, other more robotically-adept Quebecers had the same idea. Except they managed to mix it up with a LEGO Mindstorms NXT kit and create a waste-collecting romantic of their own -- sans the devastation of our world. The brainchild of Montreal-based creator Marc-André Bazergui, project w.5 incorporates six NXT bricks, 17 motors and over a thousand parts that let the lovelorn bot reanimate his motorized chassis back into our hearts. It's an impressive feat you can watch below, but note the video has been sped up -- you didn't expect building bricks to move that fast, did you?

Continue reading Wall-E gets a LEGO Mindstorms NXT makeover, tears up the dance floor (video)

Wall-E gets a LEGO Mindstorms NXT makeover, tears up the dance floor (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 15 Jul 2011 23:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Mindstorms NXT battle bot shoots bricks, breaks hearts (video)

Christopher Trout — Fri, 11 Mar 2011 09:56:00 EST

There's so much to love about Martijn Hellemans' Mindstorms NXT battle tank: it sports independent suspension, cruise control, LED headlights, laser sighting, and a high velocity brick cannon. What's more, it's controlled by a PSP-Nx remote, but you know what we really love about this Mindstorms battle bot? It gets down to the smooth jazz -- and here we thought we were smitten with NXT Wall-E. Check out a video of our new Lego love, complete with quiet storm accompaniment, after the break.

Continue reading Mindstorms NXT battle bot shoots bricks, breaks hearts (video)

Mindstorms NXT battle bot shoots bricks, breaks hearts (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 11 Mar 2011 09:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Lego bot built to test Kno's tablet textbook, human overlords watch gleefully (video)

Michael Gorman — Wed, 02 Feb 2011 02:24:00 EST

Just because the first few tablet textbooks have shipped doesn't mean that members of Kno's development team are resting on their laurels. Product testing on the Kno tablet continues -- and it looks like Lego is doing the heavy lifting. They've put our favorite plastic building blocks to work by constructing a Kno stress tester out of Lego Technic parts. The robot checks both the Kno's ambient light sensor and the ability of its touchscreen to accurately track the system's pen swipes and flicks. Though not as intricate as a Lego replica of a 2000+ year old mechanical computer, the robot -- with its hypnotic pendulum-like motion -- is still a sight to behold. Check the video after the break.

Continue reading Lego bot built to test Kno's tablet textbook, human overlords watch gleefully (video)

Lego bot built to test Kno's tablet textbook, human overlords watch gleefully (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 02 Feb 2011 02:24:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Pulito, the Lego Mindstorms swiffer-bot that seeks out electricity (video)

Sean Hollister — Mon, 15 Nov 2010 09:16:00 EST

You could certainly buy a ready-made robot to sweep your hardwood floors, but doesn't building your own out of Lego bricks sound like loads more fun? That's what PlastiBots did with the Pulito pictured above, a Lego Mindstorms NXT sweeper with a host of sensors to navigate around furniture and a standard Swiffer pad to scrub. There's no fancy NorthStar or Celestial navigation packages to keep the bot on track, so it meanders about much of the time, but there is an fancy infrared beacon on the robot's charging dock to guide the creature home. When the Pulito's running out of juice from a long, tiring session of painstakingly traversing your floors, it's programmed to automatically seek out that invisible light and receive a loving 12 volt embrace from the station's brass charging bars. See it in action after the break, and hit our source link for more.

[Thanks, Dave]

Continue reading Pulito, the Lego Mindstorms swiffer-bot that seeks out electricity (video)

Pulito, the Lego Mindstorms swiffer-bot that seeks out electricity (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 15 Nov 2010 09:16:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Lego's MINDroid Android app remotely controls Mindstorms NXT robots

Darren Murph — Tue, 12 Oct 2010 12:02:00 EST

Hardcore hobbyists have been controlling their Mindstorms NXT creations with all sorts of paraphernalia for years, but now Lego itself is stepping in to lend a hand. The new MINDroid app just splashed down in the Android Market, and it enables Android 2.1 (or greater) handsets to dictate Mindstorms NXT robots over Bluetooth. According to Lego, tilting / turning the phone can make the robot move forward, turn to the sides, and by pressing an action button on the phone's screen, activate the 'Action' motor. Given that the download will cost you absolutely nothing, what are you waiting for? Your robot army awaits your commands.

Lego's MINDroid Android app remotely controls Mindstorms NXT robots originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 12 Oct 2010 12:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Lego Mindstorm NXT enlisted for shirt-folding robot

Laura June — Sun, 10 Oct 2010 11:08:00 EST

All we have to say about this shirt-folding robot is that it does a better job than we could ever hope to. And for that, we love it. Video is below.

Continue reading Lego Mindstorm NXT enlisted for shirt-folding robot

Lego Mindstorm NXT enlisted for shirt-folding robot originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 10 Oct 2010 11:08:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Lego bipedal bot takes several small stairs for man, one big fall for robotkind (video)

Sean Hollister — Tue, 03 Aug 2010 21:12:00 EST

Climbing stairs is one of the hardest physical tasks for a bipedal collection of motors and circuits, as Honda's ASIMO can relate, but one man's managed to achieve just that with this head-banging Lego Mindstorms NXT robot. After spending years tinkering with the plastic blocks, 222Doc's X-2 Chicken Walking Biped can autonomously walk up and down flights of small steps with relative ease, perform headstands and even scale five-inch cinder block cliffs if precariously pushed. The robot requires only seven Lego servo motors plus a touch sensor and gyroscope in each foot, but also uses a pair of third-party multiplexers (also spotted in that transforming Wall-E) for fine control of the extra motors. Watch it perform after the break, but stop the second video at 3:20 if pain makes you queasy -- the bot takes a pretty ugly spill.

Continue reading Lego bipedal bot takes several small stairs for man, one big fall for robotkind (video)

Lego bipedal bot takes several small stairs for man, one big fall for robotkind (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 03 Aug 2010 21:12:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ask Engadget: best robot platform for under $400?

Darren Murph — Thu, 29 Jul 2010 23:29:00 EST

We know you've got questions, and if you're brave enough to ask the world for answers, here's the outlet to do so. This week's Ask Engadget question is coming to us from Ryan, who reckons it's about time he stopped playing with Lego blocks and began playing with a real man's robot platform. Just kidding about the Lego bit. If you're looking to send in an inquiry of your own, drop us a line at ask [at] engadget [dawt] com.

"I am an aspiring roboticist who has been using Lego Mindstorms NXT for a few years and I am looking for the next step up. I have a budget of about $400. I am looking for something that has more motors, more sensors, and a way to have it live feed video back to a computer. I would also like a platform that has a large amount of building that can be done on top of it, such as adding an arm or another array of sensors, or a different drive base. I'm new to the world of robotics outside of the NXT, so any tips would be appreciated as well. Thanks!"

Come on over, robot lovers. Toss those gloves and goggles aside for a moment and throw this guy some advice. What platform keeps you up in the garage at night?

Ask Engadget: best robot platform for under $400? originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 29 Jul 2010 23:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Transformable Wall-E gets recreated with some love, Lego and DIY skills (video)

Vlad Savov — Mon, 19 Jul 2010 05:03:00 EST

Sure, you'll have seen Lego-based Wall-E imitators before, but few recreate both the cuteness and the basic functionality of the drone quite like this one here. Programmed using Lego Mindstorms, this adorable little creation can transform itself into a box (like the real Wall-E!), pick up and carry objects, look up and down, and even produce and respond to sounds. It can be controlled remotely or left to do things by itself. Follow the break to see it on video.

Continue reading Transformable Wall-E gets recreated with some love, Lego and DIY skills (video)

Transformable Wall-E gets recreated with some love, Lego and DIY skills (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 19 Jul 2010 05:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Hey, Lego my Droid, you remote-controlled fiend! (video)

Ross Miller — Sat, 10 Jul 2010 06:52:00 EST

That original Motorola Droid looking long in tooth? Not sure what to do with it once you upgrade to Incredible, X, or even the progenitor's most direct descendant? Take a cue from Mike Partain, who threw in a Lego NXT Robot kit and some ingenuity to create a rather clever proof of concept. The building blocks serve as the bulk of the structure and motor skills, the phone serves as camera, GPS, and compass. The missing links between these two elements and Partain's remote controlling are three little pieces of complex software... so maybe it's not in your immediate future, but having a few dreams and vicariously living through the videos after the break should get you through the weekend, right? And if you really want to fiddle with one yourself, the source code has been provided.

Continue reading Hey, Lego my Droid, you remote-controlled fiend! (video)

Hey, Lego my Droid, you remote-controlled fiend! (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 10 Jul 2010 06:52:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Hacker creates Lego Mindstorms NXT-606 drum kit, just because he can (video)

Tim Stevens — Wed, 07 Jul 2010 09:36:00 EST

If you've taken your Lego Mindstorms NXT kit to the Nerd Cup, created a 3D scanner to digitize your Precious Moments collection, and trained it to solve a Rubik's Cube, you might think you've run out of things to do. Perhaps this was the problem that Peter Cocteau faced -- or maybe he just wanted to make the most bombastic NXT project yet. He created an 8-bit sample drum machine with 24 sounds controlled entirely by two Lego rotation sensors. He did have to make a few augmentations to get the audio output working (and to add in that bitching DJ-style light to make it more club friendly). He's kindly provided all the source that you'll need to get your little blocks bumpin', but if you want yours to be just like his you'll need to do your own soldering.

Continue reading Hacker creates Lego Mindstorms NXT-606 drum kit, just because he can (video)

Hacker creates Lego Mindstorms NXT-606 drum kit, just because he can (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 07 Jul 2010 09:36:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Motorola Droid solves Lego-encased Rubik's Cube in 24 mind-melting seconds (video)

Darren Murph — Sat, 08 May 2010 23:12:00 EST

Oh sure, you've seen your disgustingly hairy cousin solve a Rubik's Cube in 3 minutes and 13.4 seconds, and we've seen quite a few sophisticated robots do it in far less time. But in the latest episode of "Yes, Droid Really Does," we've got Motorola's darling solving a Lego-encased Cube in just over 24 seconds. Let's recap: a Droid, a Mindstorms NXT monstrosity, a Rubik's Cube and faux techno. Is there any chance you aren't clicking through to watch this video?

Update: Whoops -- had the wrong image in there somehow. Fixed now!

Update II: Drats -- the video owner removed the clip. We'll keep it embedded should it return.

Update III: It's back! Check it after the break.

Continue reading Motorola Droid solves Lego-encased Rubik's Cube in 24 mind-melting seconds (video)

Motorola Droid solves Lego-encased Rubik's Cube in 24 mind-melting seconds (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 08 May 2010 23:12:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Strax iPad SoundSleeve prototype case rocks a NXT flat-panel speaker, little else (video)

Thomas Ricker — Wed, 14 Apr 2010 06:52:00 EST

We've seen NXT flat-panel speakers applied to everything from cars to laptops to gallery art. Now the audio tech has been smartly applied to a first generation prototype iPad case from Strax. The iPad SoundSleeve features a 3.5-mm plug and fold-out stereo speaker exposed when propped up on a table for landscape viewing. The obvious design flaw is that the speaker is facing away from the viewer. Better than the stock iPad speaker, we guess, especially if you hate bass. Look for it to launch around June for an expected $69 commitment. See it in action after the break courtesy of our brethren at Engadget Chinese.

Continue reading Strax iPad SoundSleeve prototype case rocks a NXT flat-panel speaker, little else (video)

Strax iPad SoundSleeve prototype case rocks a NXT flat-panel speaker, little else (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 14 Apr 2010 06:52:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Lego Cubestormer robot solves Rubik's Cube in sub-12 second whirlwind (video)

Darren Murph — Mon, 15 Feb 2010 00:59:00 EST

Robots born with the sole purpose of solving the Rubik's Cube are nothing new, but we're pretty sure we haven't seen one crack the code in under a dozen seconds before. The Cubestormer, which is built from a myriad Lego Mindstorm kits, recently took hold of the famous block and lined up every color without breaking a sweat. Oh, and did we mention that it took less than 12 seconds? It's worth noting again, either way. Hop on past the break and mash play to have your mind blown, not to mention your own intelligence insulted.

Continue reading Lego Cubestormer robot solves Rubik's Cube in sub-12 second whirlwind (video)

Lego Cubestormer robot solves Rubik's Cube in sub-12 second whirlwind (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 15 Feb 2010 00:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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GoSpeak! Pro fold-out speakers give on-the-go presenters plenty of joy

Darren Murph — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 15:16:00 EST

NXT's flat-panel speaker technology doesn't get an awful lot of love these days in the high-end audio realm, but that's not to say some outfits aren't putting it to good use. Take SMK-Link Electronics, for instance, who just pushed out the most spectacular must-have product ever for the traveling salesperson in your life. The five-pound GoSpeak! Pro is little more than a fold-out speaker system, which is slim enough to slide easily into any briefcase yet potent enough to project PowerPoint audio to some 200 listeners (yes, 201 actually is impossible). As expected, you can also hook up a wireless microphone to let your voice project through it as well, but with a base price of $399, you might consider just yelling really, really loudly.

Filed under: Misc. Gadgets

GoSpeak! Pro fold-out speakers give on-the-go presenters plenty of joy originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 09 Nov 2009 15:16:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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G4 Cube given wheels, automation, the will to race Woz's Segway

Ross Miller — Sat, 30 May 2009 07:31:00 EST

Not wanting the Allspark to beat them to the punch, the gang at thinkingbricks has given life to an Apple G4 Cube, complete with LEGO Mindstorms NXT-borne retractable wheels, a Bluetooth controller, automation via sensors, and a creepy red LED. That transparent base really makes the wheel deployment much more dramatic, a nice touch if we do say so ourselves. There aren't any step-by-step instructions, but there should be plenty of information at the page if you're thiking of making your own as a weekend project. Either way, be sure to check it out on video, located after the break.

Continue reading G4 Cube given wheels, automation, the will to race Woz's Segway

Filed under: Desktops, Robots

G4 Cube given wheels, automation, the will to race Woz's Segway originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 30 May 2009 07:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Lego safe is made from robot parts, will guard your mint condish Robocop figurines just nicely

Samuel Axon — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 06:09:00 EST

No, your eyes don't deceive: it's a Lego safe. Apparently Lego's computer-equipped Mindstorms NXT can be used for something more practical than launching robots into space (great as that was), and believe it or not, this box is actually kind of secure. Five double digit codes protect your valuables, and the dial goes both ways, so there's a left and right entry for each number -- hence, over 305 billion possible combinations. Moving the safe will trip motion sensors and set off an alarm, and bars inside strengthen the structure, so while master diamond thieves won't be deterred, surreptitious little siblings might. Video after the break, and check the right nav through the read link to dig up building instructions.

[Via Digg]

Continue reading Lego safe is made from robot parts, will guard your mint condish Robocop figurines just nicely

Filed under: Household

Lego safe is made from robot parts, will guard your mint condish Robocop figurines just nicely originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 19 Nov 2008 06:09:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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LEGO Mindstorms ready for Tuesday space launch

Thomas Ricker — Tue, 29 Jul 2008 04:00:00 EST

To celebrate the 10th anniversary of LEGO Mindstorms, a group of professors, middle-school students, and corporate nerds will be launching several Mindstorms robots into near-space. The High Altitude LEGO Extravaganza (HALE) project will set the robots aloft in an atmospheric weather balloon shortly before sunrise this morning outside of Reno, Nevada. At about 100,000 feet (30km) the balloon will burst and the robots will parachute back to terra firma collecting data and photographs along the way. One robot named Lil' Joe will attempt a world record free-fall decent before deploying its parachute on a pre-programmed schedule. Mind you, the world record is attributable to Mindstorms NXT free-fall, a title we expect is currently held by your little brother sleeping upstairs.

Read -- HALE
Read -- HALE launch tracking

Filed under: Robots

LEGO Mindstorms ready for Tuesday space launch originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 29 Jul 2008 04:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Mustek readies 9.5-inch digiframe with integrated NXT flat-panel speaker

Darren Murph — Tue, 29 Jan 2008 13:24:00 EST

What's a good digiframe without a good speaker? Apparently, it's not anything Mustek wants you to be interested in, as it's hoping the sweet sounding NXT flat-panel drivers integrated into its brand new PF-A950PS will catch more than just eyes. Set to debut at PMA, this 9.5-inch digital photo frame boasts NXT speakers that are actually "concealed within the screen," and it also features an 800 x 480 resolution, a multicard reader that handles SD, MMC, MS, MSPro, xD and CF formats, 128MB of internal memory, USB 2.0 port and playback support of JPEG, AVI, MJPEG and XviD files. It's all yours for $249.99 this May.

Filed under: Digital Cameras, Displays

Mustek readies 9.5-inch digiframe with integrated NXT flat-panel speaker originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 29 Jan 2008 13:24:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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KEF unveils new Instant Theater systems

Steven Kim — Sun, 02 Dec 2007 13:18:00 EST

Like most companies rooted in hi-fi, KEF still has its high end speakers. But it's aiming for more mass market appeal with the Instant Theater series. There are eight HTIB systems in the lineup, so something in there is sure to cover your needs. All of the models use KEF's Uni-Q coaxial drivers, a powered subwoofer and a (naturally) matching HDMI-equipped DVD/CD player. HTIB doesn't always mean cheap, though; these setups range from £1,200 - £2,500 ($2,500 - $5,000). On the low end, you've got the NXT-equipped, 2.1 channel "virtual surround" kit120 (pictured), and there's a continuous rollout of features moving up the range to the 5.1-speaker kit550. And if speaker cable isn't your thing, look for the upcoming kit 570w and kit580w, featuring wireless rear channels (prices unannounced).

[Thanks, sk]

Filed under: Speakers, Others

KEF unveils new Instant Theater systems originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 02 Dec 2007 13:18:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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How to build a toilet-flushing Lego robot

Evan Blass — Fri, 28 Sep 2007 08:12:00 EST

We were always a little wary of bringing our Legos into the bathroom, but if you've got no such baseless fears, BattleBricks has published a handy how to on building one of those fancy auto-flushers you see in some of the finest washrooms worldwide. Using only parts from a standard NXT Mindstorms kit, Will Gorman rigged up a contraption that employs the ultrasonic sensor module to detect the presence and then absence of a bathroom-goer, and also features a dedicated button to perform a Rube Goldberg-esque manual flush. Keep on reading for a thankfully-SFW demo vid of the so-called "RoboFlush"...

Continue reading How to build a toilet-flushing Lego robot

Filed under: Robots

How to build a toilet-flushing Lego robot originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 28 Sep 2007 08:12:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Q Acoustics' decor-friendly QAV HT speakers

Steven Kim — Wed, 12 Sep 2007 01:33:00 EST

Large HD displays are a lot less of an eyesore than in the days when CRT RPTV's ruled the roost. But unless you install in-wall speakers, you're still left with speaker cabinets spoiling your floor plan. Q Acoustics is hoping to make the speakers disappear with their QAV lineup, though. These speakers achieve svelteness by using NXT's latest design, the "Balanced Mode Radiator," which rounds out the typically thin sound of NXT's panels by adding a traditional cone driver. Q Acoustics is especially proud of the pictured "soundbar," which puts all three front channels in a single unit that adjusts to span the width of your TV. We're skeptical that 40" of separation between left and right can produce a soundstage, but it does cut down on visual clutter. No word on US availability, but you can pick up a 5.1 set in the UK for £600 ($1200).

[Thanks, dv9r]

Filed under: Speakers, Others

Q Acoustics' decor-friendly QAV HT speakers originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 12 Sep 2007 01:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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XOUNT's illuminated, wireless speaker system

Thomas Ricker — Tue, 21 Aug 2007 09:02:00 EST

Meet the latest speaker system to make use of that NXT flat panel speaker tech, the XOUNT. This 2.1 system is said to distribute stereo sound evenly throughout the room while offering a half-dozen or so, €59/$69 skins (or Styles, as they call 'em) to reflect your unique and possibly, suspect design flare. They've even packed in a light source to amaze and confuse your pets. €329/$443 lands you a single illuminated speaker -- tack on an additional €165/$222 if you want the wireless iPod docking option. Choking dog skin-sample after the break -- no, really.

[Via AVING]

Continue reading XOUNT's illuminated, wireless speaker system

Filed under: Home Entertainment, Wireless

XOUNT's illuminated, wireless speaker system originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 21 Aug 2007 09:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Brighton's 2.1 kitty cat speaker setup

Darren Murph — Fri, 10 Aug 2007 02:34:00 EST

We've seen teddy bear, canine, pig, and even spider-influenced speakers in the past, and it's with open arms that we welcome in yet another pet to the animal audio farm. Brighton's BI-SPCAT/WH 2.1 system consists of two pointy-eared NXT flat panel speakers and a feline-ish subwoofer with a 35-watt amplifier built right in. Additionally, these cats include five preset equalizer settings, a paw print remote control, and a 3.5-millimeter auxiliary input. Sure to make the cat lover in your family pleased as punch for a stiff ¥19,800 ($166).

[Via AVing]

Filed under: Portable Audio

Brighton's 2.1 kitty cat speaker setup originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 10 Aug 2007 02:34:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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TEAC's CD-X10i makes your CDs and iPods erect

Thomas Ricker — Fri, 22 Jun 2007 04:24:00 EST

Nothing too special here, just a nice looking piece of kit from Teac. Of course those NXT flat panel speakers aren't exactly ordinary, but they've been around for years now in everything from boom boxes to portables to laptop LCDs, projection screens, and even singing picture frames. The 2.1-channel (5W x 2, 15W sub) CD-X10i plays CDs in that upright, B&O way while packing an iPod dock in tow. Yours in Japan starting July for about ¥30,000 or right around $243.

[Via Impress]

Filed under: Home Entertainment

TEAC's CD-X10i makes your CDs and iPods erect originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 22 Jun 2007 04:24:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Logitec cranks out six new iPod speaker stations

Darren Murph — Wed, 23 May 2007 13:35:00 EST

You won't have any difficulty convincing us that the iPod speaker system niche is entirely oversaturated with copycat offerings, but apparently, that message isn't fazing Logitec. The company has announced a whopping six new speaker docks for various Apple players, including the LDS-Xi900BK 2.1 system that utilizes NXT Surface Sound technology and gives users an extra pair of auxiliary inputs and a TV output, and the LDS-Ri500 (pictured above) series that looks more like a tag-along safe than a AC or battery-powered boombox with FM radio capability. Furthermore, the LDS-Si101WH and LDS-Si100WH/BK get downsized in order to handle your nano or 2G Shuffle, and while prices are still up in the air for the half dozen devices, they should all hit the shelves simultaneously come June. Click on through for a bundle of pics.

[Via AkihabaraNews]

Continue reading Logitec cranks out six new iPod speaker stations

Filed under: Home Entertainment, Portable Audio

Logitec cranks out six new iPod speaker stations originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 23 May 2007 13:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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LEGO Johnny Five is (kinda) alive; needs input

Nilay Patel — Tue, 01 May 2007 17:56:00 EST

While we're no strangers to the crazy robots people build out of LEGOs, Daniele Benedettelli's LEGO Johnny Five has got to be the most awe-inspiring brickwork we've seen in a while. The NXT-based 'bot actually contains two NXT units that communicate via Bluetooth to provide Mr. Five a full range of motion from his 6 motors and as much input as he can handle from up to 8 sensors. Benedettelli built the model after careful study of Johnny Five photos to determine his precise measurements, and two previous attempts. While we applaud all this effort, we can't imagine how much time it's going to take him to plate version 4 in gold. Check the read link for plans and videos of Johnny in action.

[Via MAKE: blog]

Filed under: Robots

LEGO Johnny Five is (kinda) alive; needs input originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 01 May 2007 17:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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The 2006 Engadget Awards: Vote for Robot of the Year

Ryan Block — Tue, 10 Apr 2007 13:22:00 EST

Now's your chance to cast your ballot for the 2006 Portable Media Device of the Year! Our Engadget Awards nominees are listed below, and you've got until 11.59PM EST on Sunday, April 15th to file your vote. You can only vote once, so make it count, and may the best tech win! The nominees: Cornell's "conscious", adapting robot, Lego Mindstorms NXT, Manoi AT01, TMX Tickle Me Elmo, Whitebox Robotics 914 PC Bot, and Wowwee Robosapien RS Media.

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Filed under: Announcements, Robots

The 2006 Engadget Awards: Vote for Robot of the Year originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 10 Apr 2007 13:22:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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WiigoBot melds Lego with Wii bowling, knocks down all 10 pins in our hearts

Paul Miller — Fri, 30 Mar 2007 11:17:00 EST

If a lowly blogger could die from awesomeness, we're pretty sure we'd be keeling over right about now. The Lego Mindstorms geekz0rs over at BattleBricks have managed to reach new heights of human ingenuity, melding a Mindstorms NXT kit, some clever programming and Nintendo's Wii to create an unstoppable bowling machine capable of tossing a perfect game without breaking a sweat, growing a nasty mustache, or sporting a beer belly. While the BattleBricks folks don't provide precise instructions on how to build this yourself, they've got plenty of evidence that it does, indeed, bowl like a champ. So peep the action video after the break, and then start plotting your own NXT creation conquer some other form of automated Wii Sports point inflation -- we never could quite get the hang of tennis.

[Thanks to everyone who sent this in]

Continue reading WiigoBot melds Lego with Wii bowling, knocks down all 10 pins in our hearts

Filed under: Gaming, Robots

WiigoBot melds Lego with Wii bowling, knocks down all 10 pins in our hearts originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 30 Mar 2007 11:17:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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LEGO Autopilot takes to the skies autonomously

Darren Murph — Thu, 15 Mar 2007 11:08:00 EST

Seems like LEGO mods are gaining quite a bit of steam these days, as not only are the amount of block-based creations growing by the week, but Bosch has even unveiled a dishwasher specifically made for the hopelessly obsessed. Just in case the LEGO-based Wii concoction isn't down your alley, the self-proclaimed LEGO Autopilot could be just what the voyeuristic side of you has been yearning for. Modeled around HiTechnic's NXT Acceleration / Tilt Sensor kits, it's apparently possible to build a UAV for your personal indulgences with less than a grand in cash, and if you add on the optional webcam and Bluetooth controls, you could definitely fetch a sneak peek in faraway locales. The autopilot system reportedly "controls the rudder, which keeps the plane flying level," but manually altering the servo arm can give you a taste of manual controls if you get tired of watching. Of course, this here endeavor certainly isn't aimed at the faint of heart (or budget-minded), but be sure to hit the read link to see what you're in for if you decide to give this a go.

[Via Slashdot]

Filed under: Transportation

LEGO Autopilot takes to the skies autonomously originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 15 Mar 2007 11:08:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Lego Mindstorms NXTway-G much cooler than Segway

Jeannie Choe — Tue, 13 Mar 2007 12:05:00 EST

Since kits became available last year, there certainly hasn't been a shortage of clever robots over at the Lego Mindstorms NXT community, but Roy Watanabe's NXTway-G caught our collective eye. He took direct inspiration from similar self-balancing bots, the Legway and NXTway (basically NXT brick-controlled mini-Segways), but took it to the next level by using a gyroscopic sensor -- and from the looks of the video, it's a smooth operator. NXTway-G can stand in place, climb a slope, and take a modest shove. We say modest because of its one downfall -- if knocked flat, it'll find itself in one of those "I've fallen and I can't get up" situations -- and nobody wants a whiny bot on their hands.

Read - Mindstorms NXTlog
Read - NXTway-G in action

Continue reading Lego Mindstorms NXTway-G much cooler than Segway

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Lego Mindstorms NXTway-G much cooler than Segway originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 13 Mar 2007 12:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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TDK's Xa-10 mini flat panel speakers

Thomas Ricker — Wed, 21 Feb 2007 03:02:00 EST

TDK just slipped NXT's crazy-thin SoundVu technology into your pocket. That's right, the 80 × 117 x 16-mm (3.15 x 4.6 x 0.63-inch) Xa-10 flat panel speaker brings a 1.2W x 2ch waft of breathy bass you might otherwise choose not to float from your trou. The speakers will accept USB power (or batteries) and a mini-stereo input when they hit Japan in March for just ¥2,980 or about $25.

[Via Impress]

Filed under: Peripherals, Portable Audio

TDK's Xa-10 mini flat panel speakers originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 21 Feb 2007 03:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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LEGO car is better at parallel parking than you are

Paul Miller — Wed, 13 Dec 2006 07:45:00 EST

Now that all those cool kids are getting self-parking cars and being all big-headed about it, a fresh Mindstorms NXT creation has come along and put them all in their place. The SPC (Self Parking Car) can detect a space large enough for parking all by its lonesome, do the parallel parking deed, and then at your verbal command of "GO!" return to the road, ready to park another day. For a mere $249 (the price of the kit), you too could be this awesome, not to mention all the gas you'll be saving in the process. Of course, that whole "people moving" situation could get a bit sticky, but we're sure you'll work something out. Peep the video after the break.

[Via TechEBlog]

Continue reading LEGO car is better at parallel parking than you are

Filed under: Robots, Transportation

LEGO car is better at parallel parking than you are originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 13 Dec 2006 07:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Art Lebedev Studios' unveils artsy Sonicum 2.1 speaker set

Darren Murph — Fri, 10 Nov 2006 15:28:00 EST

While Ben Heckendorn and Soner Ozenc have definitely mastered their own forms of art, Art Lebedev provides soothing, aesthetic, and eye-tingling creations second to none. While his Optimus keyboard (and mini three as well) were flattering enough, the Mus2 pointer-shaped mouse was pure genius. Design freaks take heart, as Art Lebedev Studios' has an uber-sleek Sonicum speaker system up for pre-order, and besides eliciting all sorts of geekish lust, the 2.1 computer-minded setup boasts dual 5-watt NXT speakers, a 15-watt subwoofer, and a few design cues that set it apart from the rest. The satellites bear a striking resemblance to a speaker cone silhouette, the subwoofer's bass knob is cleverly marked with a textual smiley, and each simplistic piece is branded with Art's own barcode logo. For just €106.17 ($126.60), you can claim your Sonicum rig now, but unfortunately you'll be waiting until next April to hear (and see) Lebedev's latest masterpiece in person.

Filed under: Home Entertainment

Art Lebedev Studios' unveils artsy Sonicum 2.1 speaker set originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 10 Nov 2006 15:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Transparent NXT SoundVu-equipped screen

Donald Melanson — Tue, 01 Aug 2006 16:25:00 EST

Japan's Dai Nippon Printing Co. (DNP) is set to make the country even more futuristic this fall when they release their transparent "Crystal Illusion Screen" equipped with NXT's where's-that-sound-coming-from SoundVu technology. The screen itself measures a respectable 46 inches in old-school 4:3 and is coated with a special liquid crystal material that apparently only reflects the light from the projector, making it usable even in brightly lit areas. NXT's SoundVu system takes the display's flexibility even further, eliminating the need for external speakers, instead magically producing sound from the screen itself. It's not clear, however, if the projector is actually part of the system or if you have to supply your own. We hope it's the former, cause the screen's gonna cost you a hefty 480,000 Yen (over $4,000) when it launches in October.

[Via Impress]

Filed under: Displays

Transparent NXT SoundVu-equipped screen originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 01 Aug 2006 16:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Authentic Ltd's ASS-60AK NXT SoundVu projection screen

Stan Horaczek — Thu, 13 Jul 2006 07:42:00 EST

Remember when we saw one of NEC's laptops equipped with NXT's SoundVu, and we jokingly mentioned how we didn't think it could cut it in a home theater system? Well apparently Authentic Ltd. thinks otherwise, because they've just announced their, ahem, ASS-60AK front projection screen, that doubles as a display surface and a speaker. The screen, which vibrates at a rate undetectable to the human eye to create sound, is made of Teonex, a material specially designed to produce high frequencies other fabrics would absorb. The release suggests it can be used as a stand-alone speaker or as the center channel to your surround sound system, thus mimicking the acoustically transparent screens used in full-scale multiplexes. While it sounds great in theory (caugh), NXT technology has been hit or miss enough that you'd probably to hear what it actually sounds like before dropping more than $500 for your own.

Filed under: HDTV, Home Entertainment

Authentic Ltd's ASS-60AK NXT SoundVu projection screen originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 13 Jul 2006 07:42:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Robosapien RS Media gets new Lego Mindstorm NXT brain

Stan Horaczek — Sat, 08 Jul 2006 10:32:00 EST

If you're looking to delve a little deeper into the world of robotics, but don't exactly have the time or soldering skills to build your own, you'll be glad to know that you'll be able to hack away at your lovable Robosapien RS Media using Lego's Mindstorm NXT system. Thanks to Robosapien designer Mark Tilden's affinity for Lego, the Mindstorm brain fits perfectly into the bot's backpack, allowing you to program a host of new movements into its already robust and customizable repertoire. We suggest you start with something easy like dancing then move your way up to teaching your Robo to destroy the evil imposter, Robone. The source link goes on to mention a few other interesting projects being worked on at Wowwee headquarters, including a four-foot, Segway wheel toting Robosapien model with voice technology and an internet connection, as well as a robotic spider and dragonfly. It all sounds very exciting to us, and we, for one, would like to welcome our new robot overlords (beat you to it).

Filed under: Robots

Robosapien RS Media gets new Lego Mindstorm NXT brain originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 08 Jul 2006 10:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Multi-bot programming language accepting beta testers

Evan Blass — Mon, 19 Jun 2006 14:49:00 EST

If you have what it takes to spend countless hours tinkering with small robots, coding in a brand new language, and filing a stream of bug reports, then the National Robotics Engineering Center wants you to beta test its new multi-plaform bot programming software. Tasked by the educational outreach department at Carnegie Mellon's Robotics Academy with developing a commercial application capable of controlling the most popular kits on the market, the team came up with a language called RobotC, which can be used to write scripts for both the NXT and RCX varieties of Lego Mindstorms bots as well as that Vex Robotics kit we featured in our Holiday Gift Guide. As part of the beta testing program, you'll get a free copy of the software to play with in exchange for your promise to participate in the Bug Tracking system -- which probably isn't much of a burden for those hardcore enthusiasts who spend all day living, breathing, and blogging this stuff anyway.

Filed under: Robots

Multi-bot programming language accepting beta testers originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 19 Jun 2006 14:49:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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