Engadget http://www.engadget.com Engadget http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.engadget.com/media/feedlogo.gif Engadget http://www.engadget.com en-us Copyright 2012 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Augmented reality makes Thundercats packaging way cooler than the toys themselves]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/24/augmented-reality-thundercats/http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/24/augmented-reality-thundercats/http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/24/augmented-reality-thundercats/#comments What happens when the toy packaging becomes more exciting than the toy itself? It's an interesting experiment that's now seeing the light of day courtesy of Bandai's new Thundercats and Ben 10 toys, which come to life through a smartphone screen via Aurasma's augmented reality. The company promises that the packages help kids "examine every part of the toy before purchase." That's important. And hey, so's setting them up for a lifetime of disappointment. Video after the break.

Continue reading Augmented reality makes Thundercats packaging way cooler than the toys themselves

Augmented reality makes Thundercats packaging way cooler than the toys themselves originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 24 Jan 2012 19:38:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>augmented realityAugmentedRealitybandaiben 10Ben10minipostpackagepackagingthundercatstoytoysvideoTue, 24 Jan 2012 19:38:00 EST<![CDATA[Tamagotchi turns 15, wonders why you haven't fed it in a decade]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/23/tamagotchi-turns-15-wonders-why-you-havent-fed-it-in-a-decade/http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/23/tamagotchi-turns-15-wonders-why-you-havent-fed-it-in-a-decade/http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/23/tamagotchi-turns-15-wonders-why-you-havent-fed-it-in-a-decade/#comments Remember that little Tamagotchi you promised to always love and care for? When was the last time you fed the thing? Twelve years ago? The little guy's probably starving. Bandai's line of pocket pets turns 15 today -- the first Tamagotchi on sale November 23rd, 1996, becoming a downright phenomenon that proceeded to baffle parents everywhere. Since then, the attention demanding key chains have spawned several video games, a TV series and an animated movie. So go, break your Tamagotchi out of shoebox it's been living in for the past decade and treat it to a birthday meal and a driver's permit.

Tamagotchi turns 15, wonders why you haven't fed it in a decade originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 23 Nov 2011 13:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bandaiTamagotchitoysWed, 23 Nov 2011 13:25:00 EST<![CDATA[Gundam robot statue returns to Japan, looking worse for wear]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/08/15/gundam-robot-statue-returns-to-japan-looking-worse-for-the-wear/http://www.engadget.com/2011/08/15/gundam-robot-statue-returns-to-japan-looking-worse-for-the-wear/http://www.engadget.com/2011/08/15/gundam-robot-statue-returns-to-japan-looking-worse-for-the-wear/#comments
After a brief hiatus, that giant Gundam statue we spotted a couple years ago has once again returned home to Tokyo -- though he clearly didn't make the voyage in one piece. Rather than reconstruct the 60-foot robot in its entirety, Bandai, the company behind the Gundam franchise, has decided to scatter its limbs, weapons and machinery all over an artificial island. For about $6.50, anime fans and Derrida enthusiasts can view the deconstructed mecha in all its glory, sit in the palm of his hand, or even use a fixed bicycle to make his head glow. Oh, how the mighty have fallen. Storm past the break for an extra pic of the exhibit.

Continue reading Gundam robot statue returns to Japan, looking worse for wear

Gundam robot statue returns to Japan, looking worse for wear originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 15 Aug 2011 09:08:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>animeartbandaibicyclebigbotexhibitGundamgundam statueGundamStatuejapanlife-sizemecharobottokyoMon, 15 Aug 2011 09:08:00 EST<![CDATA[Hong Kong gadget flea market: a blast from the past]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/02/04/hong-kong-gadget-flea-market-a-blast-from-the-past/http://www.engadget.com/2011/02/04/hong-kong-gadget-flea-market-a-blast-from-the-past/http://www.engadget.com/2011/02/04/hong-kong-gadget-flea-market-a-blast-from-the-past/#comments If you've seen our Hong Kong feature from awhile back, then you would've already heard about my favorite gadget hangout Sham Shui Po. By chance, my post-flight stroll in said district yesterday coincided with Apliu Street's Chinese New Year flea market, which featured many vintage items like jade figurines, paintings, jewelry, video tapes, vinyl records, etc. Naturally, what really caught my attention were the old gadgets that were literally piled up along the street, and from just HK$30 (US$3.85), you could easily pick up an old classic such as a Sony Clié, an HP iPaq, a WonderSwan Color, an original GameBoy, a MiniDisc player, or even a proper old school laptop or camera. Hell, some guy even had a couple of Nintendo Micro VS Systems (Donkey Kong Hockey and Boxing)!

The catch? Well, there was obviously no warranty for these old timers, plus the broken screens or the lack of compatible batteries for some meant that most were more suitable as collectibles. Regardless, we took a $6 gamble with a Sony Clié PEG-NR70 Palm PDA with docking station and boom! It works! Well, except for the battery that only lasts for an hour, but I'll figure something out.

Gallery: Hong Kong gadget flea market: a blast from the past

Hong Kong gadget flea market: a blast from the past originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 04 Feb 2011 20:51:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>altap liu streetapliu streetApliuStreetbandaicameracheapchinese new yearChineseNewYearcliefeaturedfeaturesflea marketFleaMarketgadgetgameboyhong kongHongKonghphp ipaqHpIpaqipaqlaptopmicro vs systemMicroVsSystemmini discMiniDiscnintendonintendo micro vs systemNintendoMicroVsSystempalmpalm osPalmOspdaphoneretrosecond handSecondHandsham shui poShamShuiPosony clieSonyCliestreet marketStreetMarketvintagewonderswanFri, 04 Feb 2011 20:51:00 EST<![CDATA[Bandai Rilakkuma netbook gets touchscreen and CPU boost, as precious as ever]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/03/16/bandai-rilakkuma-netbook-gets-touchscreen-and-cpu-boost-as-prec/http://www.engadget.com/2010/03/16/bandai-rilakkuma-netbook-gets-touchscreen-and-cpu-boost-as-prec/http://www.engadget.com/2010/03/16/bandai-rilakkuma-netbook-gets-touchscreen-and-cpu-boost-as-prec/#comments
We've heard some folks (we're not naming names) disparagingly refer to netbooks as "toys" from time to time. Of course, when a manufacturer like Bandai cranks the cute factor up to eleven we can't say that it's an altogether bad thing. Like its predecessor, the Rilakkuma SX features 1Seg TV, webcam, Bluetooth, and WiFi. Putting the "next" in "next-gen," this baby features an Atom Z520 processor, 1GB RAM, 60GB HDD, DVD Super Multi, and an 8.9-inch (1280 x 768) convertible touchscreen. Built by Kohjinsha, this one is reportedly coming to the Bandai Namco online store in June for ¥90,000 (about $995).

Bandai Rilakkuma netbook gets touchscreen and CPU boost, as precious as ever originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 16 Mar 2010 12:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>1seg1seg tv1segTvatomAtom Z520AtomZ520BandaicuteJapanKohjinshanetbookRilakKumaWiFiZ520Tue, 16 Mar 2010 12:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Tamagotchi renamed TamaTown Tama-Go, no change in amount of attention it requires]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/02/15/tamagotchi-renamed-tamatown-tama-go-no-change-in-amount-of-atte/http://www.engadget.com/2010/02/15/tamagotchi-renamed-tamatown-tama-go-no-change-in-amount-of-atte/http://www.engadget.com/2010/02/15/tamagotchi-renamed-tamatown-tama-go-no-change-in-amount-of-atte/#comments That's right, grab the tissues and take some time to mourn the death of the Tamagotchi as we knew it. The guys at Bandai have gone and totally revamped the beloved virtual pet, giving it the new name of TamaTown Tama-Go to match that of the already existing Tamatown.com virtual world. Though there have been very minimal changes to the purpose of the toy -- you still have to remember to keep your little character well fed and rested -- the $20 pocketable keychain has morphed into an Easter egg shaped device with a slightly larger and higher contrast four-grayscale display. Why make a portable device larger than before? Well to accommodate attachable collectible figures, of course! Obviously sold separately, the $7 TamaTown figures attach to the top of the Tama-Go and are preloaded with two character specific games and goods. We understand that these sorts of changes are better processed in images (and dreams), so hit the gallery below for more miniscule figures than you can (probably) handle.

Gallery: Tamatown by Tamagotchi

Tamagotchi renamed TamaTown Tama-Go, no change in amount of attention it requires originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 15 Feb 2010 11:09:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Bandaihands-onpettamagotchitamatowntamatown by tamagotchiTamatownByTamagotchitoyToy Fairtoy fair 2010ToyFairToyFair2010toysvirtual petVirtualPetMon, 15 Feb 2010 11:09:00 EST<![CDATA[Bandai unleashes beauty tool to detect the condition, mood of your skin]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/04/bandai-unleashes-beauty-tool-to-detect-the-condition-mood-of-yo/http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/04/bandai-unleashes-beauty-tool-to-detect-the-condition-mood-of-yo/http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/04/bandai-unleashes-beauty-tool-to-detect-the-condition-mood-of-yo/#comments This is the kind of gadget we'd assume was a joke -- if we didn't know that it wasn't. Bandai -- makers of such useful time wasters as the Tamagotchi and the little doohickey that helps women "understand" men -- has just unveiled a new device which should make you feel even less comfortable inside your own skin. Partnering up with Japanese cosmetics company FANCL, Bandai's Skin Expert is a tiny device which you apparently hold up to your face to receive detailed information on its 'quality' and health. Now, all of the information we can find about this little guy is in Japanese, so excuse us for our mystification on how the doodad works, but we'll tell you this: we're definitely buying it if it shows up on Sephora. The Bandai Skin Expert will be unleashed in Japan on November 30th for ¥3,750 (about $40). There's one more super informative shot after the break.


[Via Hobby Blog]

Continue reading Bandai unleashes beauty tool to detect the condition, mood of your skin

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Bandai unleashes beauty tool to detect the condition, mood of your skin originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 04 Nov 2009 21:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>awesomebandaiskinskincaretoyswomenWed, 04 Nov 2009 21:02:00 EST<![CDATA[Easy Piano title lets DS Lite users tickle the ivory]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/07/31/easy-piano-title-lets-nintendo-ds-lite-users-tickle-the-ivory/http://www.engadget.com/2009/07/31/easy-piano-title-lets-nintendo-ds-lite-users-tickle-the-ivory/http://www.engadget.com/2009/07/31/easy-piano-title-lets-nintendo-ds-lite-users-tickle-the-ivory/#comments
We know that DSi of yours is all the rage, but you did hang on to that DS / DS Lite, didn't you? Phew. Starting this November in Europe and other PAL regions, you'll have a remarkably good excuse to bust that unit back out, as this new peripheral looks to require that all-but-forgotten GBA slot. At any rate, the title (which goes by Easy Piano in case you glossed over the headline) will allow players to bang out masterpieces such as Bittersweet Symphony, Every Breath You Take and Pachelbel's Canon on the 8-note, full-octave keyboard accessory. All told, 40 songs will be made available, and there's even a "creation mode" that enables owners to record up to four 3-minute-long jams. Now, if only we had a North American price and release date to pencil in, we'd be all set.

[Via Joystiq]

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Easy Piano title lets DS Lite users tickle the ivory originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 31 Jul 2009 09:07:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>accessoryBANDAIdsieasy pianoEasyPianoGame LifeGameLifegaminggaming handheldGamingHandheldkeyboardmusicnamconamco BANDAINamcoBandainintendonintendo dsNintendoDsperipheralpianoFri, 31 Jul 2009 09:07:00 EST<![CDATA[Robot Doraemon travels back in time to shame Japanese children to success]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/07/20/robot-doraemon-travels-back-in-time-to-shame-japanese-children-t/http://www.engadget.com/2009/07/20/robot-doraemon-travels-back-in-time-to-shame-japanese-children-t/http://www.engadget.com/2009/07/20/robot-doraemon-travels-back-in-time-to-shame-japanese-children-t/#comments
If you're one of those nerds, you're probably quite stoked at the prospect of a real, honest-to-goodness Doraemon in your living room. And even if not, surely we can all agree that this guy is pretty damn cute, right? This ear-less, time travelin' cat features motion, light, heat, and sound sensors that let it react to its environment with a whole slew of facial features and vocal mannerisms that mean nothing to us, seeing as how it's communicating in Japanese. This guy is available from Bandai, starting September 3rd -- in the meantime, check out a few pics snapped at the Tokyo Toy Show below.

Gallery: Robot Doraemon travels back in time to shame Japanese children to success



[Via Tokyo Mango]

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Robot Doraemon travels back in time to shame Japanese children to success originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 20 Jul 2009 11:21:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bandaidoraemonjapanmy doraemonMyDoraemonrobottokyotoytoy showToyShowMon, 20 Jul 2009 11:21:00 EST<![CDATA[Bandai RilakKuma netbook suffers from serious supercuteitis]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/07/13/bandai-rilakkuma-netbook-suffers-from-serious-supercuteitis/http://www.engadget.com/2009/07/13/bandai-rilakkuma-netbook-suffers-from-serious-supercuteitis/http://www.engadget.com/2009/07/13/bandai-rilakkuma-netbook-suffers-from-serious-supercuteitis/#comments
The RilakKuma is what's known in the business as a money-printing device. It might have the same spec -- Atom N270, 1GB memory and 160GB storage -- as every netbook since the time of Moses, but its killer feature is a set of eyes and whiskers painted on the lid. Having once already cashed in on popular children's characters, Bandai is clearly not shy about exploiting its intellectual assets in peddling outdated 8.9-inch 1024x600 displays to the undemanding youth. Only 500 units will be produced, making this a pretty exclusive item and the price is unsurprisingly steep: ¥79,800 ($862). Integrated WiFi and a 1Seg tuner go some way toward rationalizing the cost, but let's be frank, rationality doesn't play a huge role in a purchase like this.

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Bandai RilakKuma netbook suffers from serious supercuteitis originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 13 Jul 2009 08:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>1segAtom N270AtomN270BandaicuteJapanKohjinshaN270netbookRilakKumaWiFiMon, 13 Jul 2009 08:55:00 EST<![CDATA[Hori's Tekken 6 Xbox 360 / PS3 joystick ain't a bad way to burn $150]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/06/23/hori-s-tekken-6-xbox-360-ps3-joystick-aint-a-bad-way-to-burn/http://www.engadget.com/2009/06/23/hori-s-tekken-6-xbox-360-ps3-joystick-aint-a-bad-way-to-burn/http://www.engadget.com/2009/06/23/hori-s-tekken-6-xbox-360-ps3-joystick-aint-a-bad-way-to-burn/#comments
Got a knack for fighting titles? Have a particular fondness for Tekken? If so, you definitely shouldn't be playing with a stock controller, and that's exactly why Hori has crafted the beauty you're inevitably peering at above. The stick, which will ship as part of a Tekken 6 Wireless Fight Stick Bundle bundle, will be made available soon for the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 (shown after the break), and according to our pals over at Joystiq, it'll be on sale at a variety of respected retailers for $150. Said MSRP also includes a collectible art book and a pinch of pride, which totally justifies the somewhat steep asking price. Right? Right.

Continue reading Hori's Tekken 6 Xbox 360 / PS3 joystick ain't a bad way to burn $150

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Hori's Tekken 6 Xbox 360 / PS3 joystick ain't a bad way to burn $150 originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 23 Jun 2009 08:42:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BandaicontrollerHORIjoystickNamcoNamco BandaiNamco Bandai gamesNamcoBandaiNamcoBandaiGamesplaystation 3Playstation3ps3tekkentekken 6Tekken6video gamesVideoGamesxbox 360Xbox360Tue, 23 Jun 2009 08:42:00 EST<![CDATA[Bandai's Project A.i.R. is a $525 blue grid that blows up]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/04/11/bandais-project-a-i-r-is-a-525-blue-grid-that-blows-up/http://www.engadget.com/2009/04/11/bandais-project-a-i-r-is-a-525-blue-grid-that-blows-up/http://www.engadget.com/2009/04/11/bandais-project-a-i-r-is-a-525-blue-grid-that-blows-up/#commentsBandai's Project A.i.R. is a $525 blue grid that blows up
Okay Bandai, we get it. After over 50 years of making cheap toys and video games you want to show the world you can make overpriced stuff too. As if your $2,200 Ginza diorama wasn't enough of a statement, now you're producing a $525 box that lights up and blinks like a miniaturized monochrome disco floor. It's called Project A.i.R., or Art In the Room, and it's basically a 5 x 5 grid with blue LEDs covered by some sort of translucent fabric. Inside each square in the grid is a fan that makes the cloth billow, slightly increasing the brightness of that section of the grid. It's an interesting effect for sure, but as you can see in the video below its functionality is somewhat... limited. But is it art?

[Via CrunchGear]

Continue reading Bandai's Project A.i.R. is a $525 blue grid that blows up

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Bandai's Project A.i.R. is a $525 blue grid that blows up originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 11 Apr 2009 06:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>art in the roomArtInTheRoombandaibandai locusbandai project A.i.R.BandaiLocusBandaiProjectA.i.r.ledlocusproject A.i.R.ProjectA.i.r.Sat, 11 Apr 2009 06:03:00 EST<![CDATA[Kohjinsha livens up netbook game with shockingly green Gachapin edition]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/02/08/kohjinsha-livens-up-netbook-game-with-shockingly-green-gachapin/http://www.engadget.com/2009/02/08/kohjinsha-livens-up-netbook-game-with-shockingly-green-gachapin/http://www.engadget.com/2009/02/08/kohjinsha-livens-up-netbook-game-with-shockingly-green-gachapin/#comments
Generally speaking, Kohjinsha is better known for its dabbling in the UMPC / convertible tablet arenas than netbooks, but there's nothing like a retina-searing lime green shell to bring attention to your latest. Reportedly, the outfit has teamed up with famed toy maker Bandai in order to create a Gachapin and Mukku netbook aimed at kids with no sense of style and a simple desire to smile at all times during the day. As for specs, everything's pretty much par for the course, with a 1.6GHz Atom N270 CPU, 160GB HDD, 8.9-inch display (1,024 x 600 resolution), WiFi, a 3-in-1 card reader, a 1.3 megapixel webcam and 1GB of RAM. We must say, the inclusion of a 1Seg digital TV tuner is a nice touch, and one we're sure your TV-loving youngsters will greatly appreciate. The bad news is that this rig is selling for a whopping ¥79,800 ($866), so you can be certain those fuzzy cartoon characters are getting some serious royalties.

[Via PortableMonkey]

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Kohjinsha livens up netbook game with shockingly green Gachapin edition originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 08 Feb 2009 21:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>1segbandaicartoondesignGachapinGachapin and MukkuGachapinAndMukkujapanKohjinshalaptopMukkunetbookSun, 08 Feb 2009 21:03:00 EST<![CDATA[Video: The $2,230 Ginza diorama speaker from Bandai]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/02/06/video-the-2-230-ginza-diorama-speaker-from-bandai/http://www.engadget.com/2009/02/06/video-the-2-230-ginza-diorama-speaker-from-bandai/http://www.engadget.com/2009/02/06/video-the-2-230-ginza-diorama-speaker-from-bandai/#comments You're not the only ones wondering how a diorama speaker of Tokyo's Ginza district (circa 1955) could possibly cost more than $2,000. But after watching the video, somehow, it almost seems worth it. Almost. Hey, was that Lady Elaine?

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Video: The $2,230 Ginza diorama speaker from Bandai originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 06 Feb 2009 04:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bandaidioramaginzaginza dioramaGinzaDioramaspeakertoyvideoFri, 06 Feb 2009 04:31:00 EST<![CDATA[Bandai's Diorama Ginza speaker recreates a place you've never been, at a price you can't afford]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/01/27/bandais-diorama-ginza-speaker-recreates-a-place-youve-never-be/http://www.engadget.com/2009/01/27/bandais-diorama-ginza-speaker-recreates-a-place-youve-never-be/http://www.engadget.com/2009/01/27/bandais-diorama-ginza-speaker-recreates-a-place-youve-never-be/#comments
Well, it won't help you gals understand men any better, but if you're in the market for an obscure Japanese toy -- and have a couple thou to spare -- this one should be right up your alley. Bandai's Diorama Ginza speaker recreates this happenin' Tokyo district, circa 1955. We don't have any tech specs for this work of art, but we can tell you that it goes on sale in Japan on April 10th for ¥198,000 (that's just over $2,200) and that it's being produced in a limited edition of 200. Personally, we're holding out for "Ginza Street: 2009" featuring the new Vertu store.

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Bandai's Diorama Ginza speaker recreates a place you've never been, at a price you can't afford originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 27 Jan 2009 13:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>banda diorama ginzaBandaDioramaGinzabandaidioramaginzaspeakersTue, 27 Jan 2009 13:35:00 EST<![CDATA[Bandai's latest handheld helps women "understand" men]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/01/25/bandais-latest-handheld-helps-women-understand-men/http://www.engadget.com/2009/01/25/bandais-latest-handheld-helps-women-understand-men/http://www.engadget.com/2009/01/25/bandais-latest-handheld-helps-women-understand-men/#comments
For the longest time now, we were under the impression that it was men looking for miraculous ways of understanding woman. Clearly, we've had the whole thing backwards. Bandai has apparently polled thousands of opinionated males in order to fill its latest handheld with data that woman aged 20 to 30 will pay ¥2,499 ($28) to know. In all seriousness, we can't imagine this thing having a very good search mechanism, so its actual usefulness is definitely questionable. One thing's for sure, though -- handing one of these to your SO / ex-lover with a smirk is guaranteed to get a rise.

[Via ShinyShiny]

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Bandai's latest handheld helps women "understand" men originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 25 Jan 2009 10:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BandaifemalemalemanrelationshiptoytoyswomanwomenSun, 25 Jan 2009 10:04:00 EST<![CDATA[Bandai rolls out new Tamagotchi Music Star designs, earplugs not included ]]>http://www.engadget.com/2008/12/17/bandai-rolls-out-new-tamagotchi-music-star-designs-earplugs-not/http://www.engadget.com/2008/12/17/bandai-rolls-out-new-tamagotchi-music-star-designs-earplugs-not/http://www.engadget.com/2008/12/17/bandai-rolls-out-new-tamagotchi-music-star-designs-earplugs-not/#comments
Bandai's been busy in their genius labs brewing up some "high tech" amusement, and they have the newly announced Tamagotchi Music Stars to show for it. You've probably been dying to create a digital diva or virtuoso all your own, and now you can, with six different options such as Glam Rock, Techno Sound, and Rising Star to choose from. Your character gets to join a band, go through hours of practice, auditions and rehearsals before making it big. Sound exhausting? Well fame comes at a price, kid. No word yet on price or availability, but you can check out their site for lots of info and a few shots of the designs. Oh: and rock on.

Update: We just got word from the company that the Music Stars will retail for $14.99

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Bandai rolls out new Tamagotchi Music Star designs, earplugs not included originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 17 Dec 2008 20:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bandaimusicmusic gamesmusic starMusicGamesMusicStartamagotchitamagotchi music starTamagotchiMusicStartoytoysWed, 17 Dec 2008 20:32:00 EST<![CDATA[Tuttuki Bako "poking box" lets you torment low-res creatures]]>http://www.engadget.com/2008/11/20/tuttuki-bako-poking-box-lets-you-torment-low-res-creatures/http://www.engadget.com/2008/11/20/tuttuki-bako-poking-box-lets-you-torment-low-res-creatures/http://www.engadget.com/2008/11/20/tuttuki-bako-poking-box-lets-you-torment-low-res-creatures/#comments
While we don't expect it to be the type of interface that'll replace touch screens anytime soon, Bandai is certainly forging some interesting new ground with its so-called Tuttuki Bako device, or "poking box," which actually lets you stick your finger right into the device to control the on-screen finger. That's apparently done with the aid of some motion sensors which, as you can see in the video after the break, seem to work at least reasonably well. In addition to boasting various "games" like poking a panda, poking a face, or poking a stick figure, the device also doubles a desk clock, and it's available your choice of red, black or lime green. As you might have guessed, however, it's not available 'round these parts just yet, though you can apparently pick one up in Japan now for the rough local equivalent of $30.

[Via Today and Tomorrow, thanks Lennart]

Continue reading Tuttuki Bako "poking box" lets you torment low-res creatures

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Tuttuki Bako "poking box" lets you torment low-res creatures originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 20 Nov 2008 14:17:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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We've seen no shortage of unorthodox alarm clocks, but Bandai's latest creation is nothing short of spectacular. Rather than making users defuse a bomb or catch a runaway helicopter, the appropriately named Gun O'clock actually forces heavy sleepers to aim a gun and successfully strike the bullseye to shut the undoubtedly obnoxious alarm up. Best of all, those who enjoy challenges can set it to "Hard" mode, requiring them to blast the center target no fewer than five times in order to hush it; after you're satisfactorily awake, you can utilize the game mode to work on your aim. This magnificent wonder is all set to launch in Japan next month for ¥4,095 ($41), but we don't see any obvious signs of it ever coming Stateside. Anyone feeling an online petition? We hear those work really well.

[Via UberReview]

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Bandai's Gun O'clock: shoot the target or you'll never snooze again originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 21 Oct 2008 21:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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We always figured this day would come, but so soon? We're obsolete, ladies and gentlemen. It's been a great ride, and we're glad we got to do just one more Stevenote with y'all before we fade into the night, but the robots have arrived, and they're going to blog harder, better, faster and stronger. We cannot compete. Bandai just announced the Net Tansor Web, a WiFi-equipped robot with a built-in camera for snapping his soon-to-be-award-winning exposés and posting them to the web at regular intervals alongside witty commentary. The bot can react to reader comments like "a little to the right," or "you suck, why don't you just call it Applegadget?" and adjust accordingly. Net Tansor also can handle live video, reads RSS feeds out loud and knows no fatigue. Bandai's going to be selling this for 50,000 Yen (about $490 US) whenever it's ready.

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Bandai's Net Tansor Web bot steals blogger jobs from filthy humans originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 14 Oct 2008 16:23:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Look, you don't have to explain to us how weird this thing is. Trust us, we fully understand. But as gadget editors, we have a certain love for receiving surprise packages and ripping 'em open as quickly as possible to discover what goodies reside within. Bandai's so-very-Japanese Peri Peri keychain is apt to appeal to the unboxers among us, as it recreates the unmistakable feeling of tearing open a rushed FedEx envelope. If there's a downside, it's that there's no new wares to be found after each opening, but on the other hand, at least there's no big dent on your credit card each time you "open" something new. Expect this gem to hit your keyring for just under $10 next month. Bonus video hosted up after the break.

[Via BoingBoing]

Continue reading Bandai's Peri Peri keychain lets you rip open shipping envelopes continually

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Bandai's Peri Peri keychain lets you rip open shipping envelopes continually originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 12 Oct 2008 22:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Bandai's Luminodot is a godsend for the light peg artiste looking to take his work to the next level. What we have here is essentially an updated Lite-Brite with over twice the resolution (read: pegs) of the original. Just like Hasbro's classic toy, several design templates are included with the kit -- and if you're feeling creative, there is an online template generator that will render your own designs to PDF. Also included with the kit are 1,600 pegs in twelve colors (or about half of what you will need to fill up the Luminodot's 70 x 50, 3,500 peg display -- you can order additional pegs on their website). But the most impressive feature is probably the LED backlighting: in addition to lighting the pegs, the Luminodot has twenty-five preprogrammed animated sequences. As with most toys this cool, Luminodot is only available in Japan -- though we have seen at least one for sale on eBay. Video after the break.

[Via technabob]

Continue reading Bandai's Luminodot: 1,600 glass pegs for your child to swallow

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Bandai's Luminodot: 1,600 glass pegs for your child to swallow originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 15 Sep 2008 20:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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We're guessing the naming scheme here was quite intentional, though we'll be the first to say Bandai's Smart Berry has very, very little in common with RIM's stockpile of handsets. Nevertheless, this "mobile communicator" joins the small crowd of other tween-centric chat handhelds with wireless capabilities that enable four of these things to talk to one another "for email, chat and online games within a 10-meter diameter." For whatever reason, messages are limited to 64 characters (and you thought SMS was bad...), and in case that little tidbit grows increasingly frustrating, there's a virtual pet on board to take your mind to a more blissful place. Sure, we can see younger gals being entertained by this for a few weeks or so, but the ¥10,290 ($96) price tag just seems a bit outrageous, particularly when you consider the lack of a color screen. Yeah, for real.

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Bandai boldly introduces Smart Berry: the portable chat handheld for girls originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 18 Jul 2008 10:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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First announced back at Kawaii Kon, former HD DVD pioneer Bandai is making Ghost in the Shell: Innocence its first Blu-ray release. Bandai took the high road in finishing out its HD DVD/DVD Twin release schedule of Freedom even after the format's demise, and we look forward to some next gen features on the company's Blu-ray discs. There's certainly enough incentive, Home Media Magazine notes from last weekend's Anime Expo that output for the whole industry is down and is look for Blu-ray and downloads to help out the bottom line.

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Bandai goes Blu-ray with Ghost in the Shell 2 as anime industry climate cools originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 10 Jul 2008 23:48:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Not that we'd put any stock in a prognosticator -- digital or otherwise -- but for those looking for a bit of fun, Bandai's Mirai Scope is apt to deliver. Reportedly, this digital fortune teller starts out by dousing you in pixie dust and asking a myriad questions about your personal life. After that, we're told it somehow aligns with galactic bodies and helps you figure out your true purpose in life. Hopefully, it's pretty clear that this thing is marginally more than a novel heap, but hey, what else did you expect for ¥2,980 ($28)?

[Via Technabob]

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Bandai's Mirai Scope gets Ms. Cleo in your pocket originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 22 Feb 2008 21:46:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Say it ain't so! As if keeping one Tamagotchi healthy wasn't tiresome enough, now Bandai is out to prove whether or not you could legitimately handle quadruplets. The Tamagotchi Connection V5 maintains the same addictiveness charm found in prior iterations, but also allows humans to focus on "raising multiple characters simultaneously." Supposedly, this will somehow enable kids (um, only kids?) to "experience family values," but we can't envision it doing much more than sucking away even more precious hours of our life. Ready to cave? If so, you can reportedly find these nationwide right now for $14.99, but the "refreshed" edition -- along with the Tamagotchi Pedometer, Tama-watchi, and redesigned Gotchi Gear lineup -- won't be landing until July.

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Tamagotchi Connection V5: oh no, now the family's involved originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 01 Feb 2008 11:14:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ghost in the Shell fans, unite. Your favorite killer spider is back once more, as Bandai is delivering a newfangled version which stands 9.5-centimeters high and connects to your PC via USB. Apparently, this creature comes bundled with software which enables it to play back voice messages and fire up mini-games when it's not emitting sounds through the built-in speaker or catching your eye with its integrated LEDs. Unfortunately, it looks like this creature won't actually be uncaged until next February, but that'll give you some time to save up the ¥13,440 ($115) that you'll need come launch day.

[Via TokyoMango]

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New Tachikoma spider robot on the loose originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 12 Oct 2007 12:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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While we've seen USB-based peripherals that aim to keep your youngsters in a safe and innocent PC environment, Bandai and Buffalo have teamed up to make kid-friendly computing a bit more bearable. The duo has crafted a unique USB key, which is slated to be available in Mickey Mouse and Winnie the Pooh versions, that simultaneously locks the PC into "Kid Mode," password protects the parent's session in the background, and opens up a world of mom-approved fun for the little ones to enjoy. The software that resides on the key includes a dedicated browser for safe surfing, a time regulator to keep them from growing addicted, and options for parents to select precisely what apps their offspring can / can't access. Reportedly, the units are expected to land in mid-September over in Japan, and while pricing has yet to be confirmed, we're hearing it'll run you around ¥3,480 ($30).

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Disney-themed USB keys lock kids into childish environments originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 04 Sep 2007 16:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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For the anime lovers out there, there's no question that even cartoons have a very different feel in HD, so we're sure there's quite a few of you out there clamoring for more HD renditions of your favorite shows. Unfortunately, there seems to be quite a bit of discord when it comes to settling on a format of choice. According to a report at IGN, Bandai looks to be squarely in the HD DVD camp (despite conflicting reports), while FUNimation seemed to prefer Blu-ray and Geneon remained undecided. Generally speaking, none of the firms seemed to think that branching out to other high-definition film formats was out of the realm of possibility, but if the major producers do indeed choose opposing sides, the hardcore anime fans may want to check out a hybrid player to prevent future heartaches.

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Major anime studios split on HD DVD / Blu-ray decision originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 18 Jul 2007 03:49:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Bandai Asovision has taken possibly the most enjoyable side benefit of having a gadget obsessed life and made it 100% legitimate with the PuchiPuchi, a gadget that emulates the joy of popping bubble wrap. The PuchiPuchi simply features eight buttons that each make a popping sound when you press them: for extra enjoyment, the creators have sought to include bonus popping sounds like "door chime" and "sexy voice" every 100 pops, and there's also a one-in-a-thousand chance that your PuchiPuchi will be a super special "puchi lucky" toy with a heart shaped bubble. Frankly, the concept is so absurd -- and, well, Japanese -- that it might just work. Still, we've got to admit to hoping that each PuchiPuchi includes a healthy portion of real bubble wrap on the side.

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Virtual bubblewrap: the best / worst gadget ever made originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 24 Jun 2007 13:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Sure, we all feared this day might come, and while we had certainly hoped that the ten-year anniversary would mark the close of a craze that should have never happened, it looks like Bandai is going to milk this thing one more time. Of course, we saw new life in Tamagotchi land earlier this year, but in a new movie set to debut this December, several of the Tamagotchi characters will be thrilling youngsters and annoying parents by "befriending a human girl who shows up at their virtual home on a star." The animated picture will be distributed by Toho Company, and while we're not certain if this flick will actually make it to US soil, let's hope for all of our sakes that it stays fairly contained.

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Tamagotchi movie to prove whether kids really will watch anything originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 01 Jun 2007 13:37:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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What's better than a 5-inch Gundam? Why a 5-inch Gundam slathered in platinum with diamonds for eyes, of course. This $250,000 robot soldier is manufactured by Bandai and will be on display next month at Baselworld, in Basel Switzerland. You know, for the big watch and jewelry show everyone's been talking about... sheez. Great, but we're not interested until this can be produced on a 1:1 scale.

[Via Impress]

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This $250,000 Gundam will rock your, uh, socks originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 30 Mar 2007 09:43:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bandaidiamondgundamjapanjewelryplatinumFri, 30 Mar 2007 09:43:00 EST<![CDATA[Bandai hatches Tamagotchi handset, coming to AT&T]]>http://www.engadget.com/2007/03/29/bandai-hatches-tamagotchi-handset-coming-to-atandt/http://www.engadget.com/2007/03/29/bandai-hatches-tamagotchi-handset-coming-to-atandt/http://www.engadget.com/2007/03/29/bandai-hatches-tamagotchi-handset-coming-to-atandt/#commentsJust in case your kids haven't gotten into WoW, MSN, or any other addictive pursuit, Bandai and PlayPhone bring drug-like amusement to cellphones with Tamagotchi (see our playful mockup over there on the right). Tamagotchi as a game isn't anything terribly new on mobiles, but unique on this prepaid mobile device is the ability for kids to convert their prepaid minutes to credits on the Tamaphone.com website. Youngsters will be able to pick up things like wallpapers, ringtones, and games all on their own without a credit card or any adult interaction required (of course, parents will still have control over what they are up to at the site). No word on when this little hatchling will pop up, but it should ring in at roughly 100 bones and will make its home on AT&T's network. Based on the the Motorola V190 of old, it ain't exactly packed full of the absolute newest tech, but kiddies will likely adore it.

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Bandai hatches Tamagotchi handset, coming to AT&T originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 29 Mar 2007 18:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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First HD DVD/DVD Twin disc hits U.S. in June, along with new HDi features originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 20 Mar 2007 15:24:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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First HD DVD/DVD Twin disc hits U.S. in June, along with new HDi features originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 20 Mar 2007 15:24:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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We've seen some virtual pets over the years, but we're not entirely sure what to make of the virtual pet. Do you mate them and create strange new breeds? Or fight them to the death via IR? Apparently (and hopefully) neither this time; Bandai's new Human Player is a little more like you than an amorphous pixelated blob. You start by taking a 50 question "Eco-Gram" that assigns your little avatar one of 22 personalities, which commingles (or rejects) other Human Players, and establishes quaint, confined "interpersonal" relationships. Hits Japan for ¥2,980 ($25); it's certainly a new take on the virtual pet, but still a little creepy for our tastes; we're strongly hoping this isn't how we get reincarnated.

[Via Kilian Nakamura, thanks Michael]

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Bandai's Human Player virtual "pet" originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 18 Feb 2007 12:42:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bandaihuman playerHumanPlayervirtual petVirtualPetSun, 18 Feb 2007 12:42:00 EST<![CDATA[Bandai at the International Toy Fair]]>http://www.engadget.com/2007/02/09/bandai-at-the-international-toy-fair/http://www.engadget.com/2007/02/09/bandai-at-the-international-toy-fair/http://www.engadget.com/2007/02/09/bandai-at-the-international-toy-fair/#commentsWhile Mattel and VTech are doing their best to keep kids imaginative, or at least assimilate them into the gadget-filled world, Bandai's new creation lets kids "live the Tamagotchi life 24/7." Forget "edutainment" and prepare your child for life as a WoW gold farmer, heavy raider or professional ganker. The new Tamagotchi Connection V4 lets your child enjoy his or her virtual pet through every stage of virtual life, including going to school and choosing one of 15 careers -- and hopefully a few solid years in a retirement home telling anyone who will listen how when it was young, pixels were this high. The V4 will be followed by the V4.5 in the middle of the year, and both versions will let you take your pet online for more games to play and items to win, while offline you can communicate with your friends' Tamagotchis via IR.

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Bandai at the International Toy Fair originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 09 Feb 2007 10:06:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bandaiinternational toy fairInternationalToyFairtamagotchitoy fairToyFairFri, 09 Feb 2007 10:06:00 EST<![CDATA[Bandai's game-playing portable music player]]>http://www.engadget.com/2006/12/06/bandais-game-playing-portable-music-player/http://www.engadget.com/2006/12/06/bandais-game-playing-portable-music-player/http://www.engadget.com/2006/12/06/bandais-game-playing-portable-music-player/#comments While neither its game-playing or music-playing abilities would likely be enough to cut it on its own, Bandai is hoping the combination of the two will be enough to attract some attention to its latest device here, set to launch in Japan this month. In addition to storing 120 minutes of audio on low quality or 60 on high (it's not clear what format it uses to get those numbers) the player will also let you get in a bit of Game & Watch-level gameplay, apparently interacting to some extent with the music you're listening to. What's more, the device also includes a so-called "pleasure mode," which will let you simply sit back and watch as the tiny pixelated character dances or plays "in tune" with the music. If that's enough to sway ya, you'll soon be able to snag one of these for 7,140 Yen, or about $60.

[Via Impress]

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Bandai's game-playing portable music player originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 06 Dec 2006 22:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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We loves us a good robot 'round here especially when dubbed the "net tongue sir," the hotly anticipated followup to the "net tongue vogue." Ok, ok, it's just the machine translation acting up again, but from the looks of it, Bandai is set to literally rollout the NetTansor WiFi webcam on wheels starting December 16th for ¥50,000 (about $421). This 802.11b/g bot features bidirectional voice communication and a triptych of forward facing sensors with image recognition to avoid smashing into things for up to 2.5-hours of voyeuristic mayhem. However, at 290-mm/11.4-inches high and 980-grams/2.2-pounds in chub, he's not the sneakiest bot in the world. Now please, as always, keep this and all robots away from your man-parts.

[Via Impress]

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Bandai's NetTansor: the WiFi webcam on wheels originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 19 Oct 2006 13:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bandainettansorwebcam on wheelsWebcamOnWheelswifi webcamWifiWebcamThu, 19 Oct 2006 13:10:00 EST<![CDATA[Bandai's Gundam robot gets human-sized]]>http://www.engadget.com/2006/08/04/bandais-gundam-robot-goes-life-sized/http://www.engadget.com/2006/08/04/bandais-gundam-robot-goes-life-sized/http://www.engadget.com/2006/08/04/bandais-gundam-robot-goes-life-sized/#comments Japan's largest toy manufacturer is about to get life sized with the unveiling of a 5-foot tall Gundam. Bandai feels the worldwide recognition of the hit show Mobile Suit Gundam will garner big interest from "20- to 40- year old men," i.e. fanboys, otaku, whatever you wanna call 'em. The 77 pound robot has 14 movable body parts right down to its finger joints, and emits a plethora of sound effects (yes, the Vulcan fires too) while you remotely control his fear-inducing flashing eyes. Marketed as a "sophisticated plastic model" (kind of like its companion to the left), Bandai hopes to ship over 1,000 of these behemoths to living rooms and anime stores everywhere when they drop this December. If this has instantly skyrocketed atop your holiday wish list, you may want to reconsider -- the ¥350,000 ($3,000) pricetag and the giant hassle of self-assembling over 250 parts might just deter all but the most hardcore fans who won't even get the pleasure of mounting up and wearing it around the house, shooting at imaginary Gundam Wings.

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Bandai's Gundam robot gets human-sized originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 04 Aug 2006 15:14:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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