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Mavizon Mavia tracker reaches pre-order at last, makes best friends of cars and iPhones
Remember Mavizon's plans for its Mavia car tracking device (formerly the AutoBot) from almost two years ago? The company promised availability sometime in 2012, and we're here in earnest with the car companion ready for pre-order. The business model has changed significantly since 2010, however. It's a cheaper $169 up front for the Bluetooth cellular OBD-II peripheral -- $99 for the first hundred through the gates, or $299 for a two-pack -- but the full tracking service will cost $5 a month, or $49 every year. Those who do make the leap can get a look at their car's vital signs as well as set up geofenced notifications, track long-term performance and receive impromptu driving directions to a friend's coffee shop check-in. The first batch of Mavia units should arrive within several weeks, we're told, and should have both browser- as well as iPhone-based apps waiting in the wings.
Transformers Universe gives fans a chance to name two classes
As Transformers Universe continues to be pieced together, one sentient component at a time, Jagex is looking to players to help with the development process. Specifically, to help the studio choose names for two of the classes in the upcoming game. Two polls will help the company make its decision. The first is over at Transformers Universe's Facebook page while the second is on MMORPG.com. Both polls will continue until 6:00 p.m. EDT on Sunday. The choices for the Autobot class are Scholar, Engineer, and Counsel, while the Decepticon class has the possibility to be called a Technician, Specialist, or Informer. Players also have the option to write in a name as well. Of course, there are a few disclaimers involved, including this common-sense move: "Hasbro and Jagex reserve the right to not use any suggested name, even if it's a name with the most votes, if it does not fit the brand or is disparaging, derogatory, or offensive."
AutoBot app tracks your car if it tries to roll without you
We smell a Hasbro lawsuit coming with this one, but for now AutoBot is a funky name for a potentially great iPhone and Android app. Working in concert with a Bluetooth OBD-II dongle (not unlike the Superchips Vivid), it lets you diagnose engine troubles, keep track of maintenance, and locate your car via GPS coordinates -- useful for when some Decepticon tries to make off with your ride or when you're simply running low on energon and can't remember where you parked. It can even be configured to automatically send a text to loved ones should you get into an accident, specifying your GPS coordinates and ruining any hope of hitting the body shop before dad finds out. The Mavizon-developed app recently won a startup competition at i-Stage 2010 and sadly isn't slated to be available until 2012, but we should be getting an early look at CES. When it does ship it'll cost $300 for the hardware and the software, though an extra fee will be required if you want to banish pop-up ads back to Cybertron. Update: Hate to say we called it, but as of 12/29/2010 this is now called the Mavizon Mavia.
Roll out! Transformers Online going worldwide
Ever since hearing the news that NetDragon was working on an MMO adaptation of the robotastic Transformers franchise, fans have wondered what it would entail and where it would be launched. While we don't have any more info on the former, Hasbro recently announced that the game would be hitting multiple countries across the world, including China and Korea. During the Hasbro Investor Day, the company announced the future for the franchise, which includes the upcoming movie, a new theme park ride, and, yes, the MMO. TFW2005 reports that Hasbro confirmed a worldwide rollout for the title: "The upcoming Transformers Massively Multiplaying Online Game WILL get ported to other countries as well. YAY!!!" NetDragon is based in China and handles a number of MMO properties, including Heroes of Might and Magic Online, Dungeon Keeper Online and a new version of Ultima Online. [Thanks Max!]
Caption contest: Optimus Prime moonlights as clothes dryer
What does a superpowered Transformer do in his spare time -- you know, when he's not too busy starring in some of the worst written pieces of escapist cinema? Well, for one Taiwanese fella, there's nothing Optimus Prime likes doing more than supporting a bamboo stick used for hanging washed clothes. Seriously, the dude spent $1,600 on scrap metal, built a 14-foot model of his son's favorite mech superhero, and now has it serving as a spectacularly ornamental pivot for his washing. Classy. Oh, and video after the break. Richard Lai: [pumps up hydraulics] "Why hello there, cute little red car..." Tim: "Autobots, spin cycle!" Thomas: "Transformers: Revenge of the Snuggle Bear." Darren: "Man, it's chilly out today. Wait -- these aren't my threads! RAWWRRRR!" Paul: "Oh, sure, Shia said he'll be 'right back.' I hate that kid." Josh F.: "Do these windows make me look fat?" Laura: "Get Michael Bay on the phone. Immediately." Joanna: "Mommm, bathroom!" Chris: "After nine years, Johnny 5 finally admits that he'd been juicing." Joe: "There's not much more to this than meets the eye... sadly." Don: "You think this is impressive? Wait until you see Voltron mowing my lawn." Josh T.: "I need something to do until Transformers 3 rolls around. This cocaine isn't going to buy itself."
Trypticon Transforming Laser Mouse is here to destroy Autobots, carpal tunnels
If you missed out on your chance to add a little Decepticon flare to your PC with the Ravage USB flash drive earlier this week, you'd better hurry and put in your pre-order for this Trypticon Transforming Laser Mouse. In disguise he looks like a particularly non-ergonomic way to control your computer, but in just a few seconds he transforms into... well, a pretty sad, skinny looking rendition of the Decepticon command base. He may have lost weight, but he certainly hasn't dropped any perceived value, available now on pre-order for a somewhat pricey $59.99. He also ships in September, and despite his cost we wouldn't be surprised if that "Add To Cart" button transforms into a "Sold Out" button right quick. When oh when will the Autobots show up to save us from these evil USB gadgets exploiting our childhood memories?Update: We got a comment from awa64 that there are a few other devices in disguise available for pre-order, including a few Autobots. Go get clicking if you want one, but we're holding out for an Optimus Prime uninterruptible power supply. [Via GadgetReview]
Autobot flash drive probably isn't licensed, doesn't care
We know how you Transformers aficionados roll -- you'll spend your very last dollar just to ensure your collection stays complete. That being said, we'd probably recommend skipping right over this Autobot 1GB USB flash drive, unless you dig (likely) non-licensed gear cluttering up your pristine heap, that is. If you're still letting your heart cloud your mind, riddle us this: what legitimate piece of Transformers kit requires you to purchase 12?[Via Coolest-Gadgets]
Xbox 360 making cameo in Transformers movie?
Before we get to this, let's agree to hold off on all Xbox 360 power supply Energon cube jokes, just for a little while, kay? Alright, here goes. Gamespot points us to entertainment website The Movie Reporter, who claim to have gotten their popcorn-greased mitts on the script for Michael Bay's upcoming, slow-mo explosion fest remake of Transformers. So we know it's got explosions, we know it's got slow-mo, what else does it have? The Movie Reporter's Robert Sanchez writes, "I almost forgot to mention one of the most stupid scenes in the script ... For reasons that I won't get into, we see an iPod, Xbox 360, and plasma screens sprout legs and transform just a bit."Hmmm, well, yeah. Just a bit? Like the 360 transforms into a 360-with-legs? If there's a PS3 in this movie, we can expect a whole new metric for measuring the console wars, and just going on the two console's colors, we're guessing the 360 is an Autobot. Just sayin'! Commence Energon cube jokes ... now!See also:Transformers web site launchedActivision grabs Transformers movie license[Via Engadget]
