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Ford sends out OpenXC beta, vehicle-aware apps should be just around the corner
It's six months since Ford partnered with Bug Labs to build OpenXC and now the system is ready for third-party developers to get involved. Rather than following Renault and others down the Android route, OpenXC is a dedicated platform designed to bring together third-party apps and hardware. It comes with an Arduino-based interface module that hooks up to the car's own systems, allowing the software to work with sensors, audio interfaces, safety devices and whatever other add-ons an owner might want to rig up. One app, developed by India's HCL Technologies, is already complete: it sends location updates to selected contacts to warn them if a driver is running late for a meeting. (Finally, Arduino gets to do something useful.)
Ford / Bug Labs partnership makes SYNC look like old news
It's a big day for the forward-thinking folks at Ford. Over in Frankfurt, the American auto giant showcased electric bike and cloud car concepts, and several timezones away at TechCrunch Disrupt in San Francisco, the company talked up its new partnership with Bug Labs. The result is OpenXC, a platform that promises to deliver increased integration for third-party software and hardware, like new audio interfaces, safety products and environmental sensors, plugged into Bugs' hardware and software modules. According to Ford, OpenXC makes developing for Ford vehicles far simpler than before, while lowering the cost and installation difficulty for car owners interested in adding on to their vehicles. More info in the press release after the break.
Bug Labs' BUGswarm and Verizon BUGbundle hands-on
Remember Bug Labs, the guys building open-source hardware modules that make it easy (and relatively inexpensive) to prototype new gadgets of your own creation? The last time we visited with these guys at the spring CTIA show last year, the company's upgraded BUGbase 2.0 was still in mockup form -- and carrier deals were little more than a gleam in CEO Peter Semmelhack's eye. Nearly a year has passed since then, and Bug's ecosystem has grown considerably to encompass a bunch of third-party modules, prototyped products, and carrier-specific packs for Sprint, AT&T, and Verizon that let your meticulously hacked-together hardware communicate over the network of your choice. Of course, this all necessitated a follow-up meeting, which we were delighted to have at CES a couple days ago. Read on! %Gallery-113915%
Bug Labs gets cozier with Verizon, announces LTE module for speedy DIY devices
Not satisfied with the smattering of LTE products announced at CES thus far? Why not build your own with Bug Labs' modular components? Yes, the open-source hardware manufacturer has teamed with Verizon to offer pre-certified wireless modules once again, though this time they take advantage of the new LTE hotness rather than Verizon's EV-DO network. No word on when we'll be able to sign up to prototype our own phones nor how much they'll cost, but know that even just the base platform will slurp $500 out of your wallet. PR after the break.
Sprint opens M2M Collaboration Center, we check it out
Yesterday we attended the opening of Cyberdyne Systems Corporation's labs Sprint's M2M Collaboration Center, where we were treated to demos of machine-to-machine (M2M) technology -- in other words, machines talking to one another over Sprint's network, a precursor to self-aware doombots on a mission to reclaim CDMA and WiMAX for their own nefarious purposes. (We kid.) The center is designed for Sprint -- and partners like Ericsson, Intel, Panasonic, and Bug Labs -- to develop and test embedded wireless 3G and 4G devices such as medical equipment, digital billboards and kiosks, remote sensors, utility meters, appliances, evil-looking 3-legged surveillance cameras, and vehicle tracking / monitoring systems. Imagine a wireless future where everything communicates with everything else... yes, we suggest you sleep with one eye open, because the machines are taking over. Resistance is futile. Video and press release after the break! %Gallery-106001%
AT&T Connection Kit marries Bug Labs with 3G, whatever crazy gizmo you dream up
Creative spirits that know their way around an Eclipse project (and, optionally, a soldering iron) but have a deeply-rooted hatred for CDMA will be happy to know that the tinkerers at Bug Labs have announced a new partnership with AT&T, its second with a US carrier after teaming up with Verizon a few weeks back. The core of the program is the new BUG + 3G / GSM kit, featuring per-certified Bug modules ready to work on AT&T's network; that package will in turn build on top of AT&T's existing Connection Kit for developers that includes activated data SIMs and other tools you'll need to build the next great connected device that Engadget will inevitably write about... and hopefully review. So, you know, make sure we're on your list for review units, alright, everyone? It looks like the new modules will be available in January, so start working on those million-dollar ideas -- in the meantime, you can find the full press release after the break.
Bug Labs to offer pre-certified modules for Verizon's network
Verizon's holding its developer conference (VDC, for those in the know) this week where it courts software and hardware developers alike to make stuff that works on its airwaves, and one of the bigger pieces of news to come out of it so far has been from Bug Labs. Now, Bug's not exactly a company we'd expect to be working with Big Red, as CEO Peter Semmelhack notes in his blog post on the matter: "it may come as a surprise to you that a company that is so often vilified for being closed is teaming up with Bug Labs, a company that is defined by its openness." What changed? Basically, Bug modules are going to serve as pre-certified building blocks for developers, saving little guys with limited budgets the time and expense of going through Verizon's certification process -- you just integrate Bug's hardware and you automatically inherit its approval. No word yet on when the new modules will be ready or how much they'll cost, though (we're still waiting on the new BUGBase to launch). Follow the break for the full press release.
Bug Labs' BUGbase 2.0 prototype hands-on
At first glance, Bug Labs' latest creation actually seems like a bit of a downgrade from the version it replaces -- it loses the onboard LCD display and a handful of buttons, after all -- but we sat down with CEO Peter Semmelhack today on the hustling, bustling floor of MWC to get the straight dope on what makes the BUGbase 2.0 a superior product. First of all, you can't overlook the fact that they've moved to a Cortex A8-based OMAP3530, an appreciable boost from the ARM11 core it replaces, but it turns out there are a whole bunch of subtler changes too, like the inclusion of on-board audio out (pictured above toward the left of the base), HD video out capability through a module, and a second microSD slot. Why two, you ask? Isn't 32GB of external storage enough? Probably, but Semmelhack points out that the second slot (covered behind a flap) is dedicated to loading the operating system, making it a trivial task to quickly switch between kernels or get unbricked. Although the unit we saw today has functional guts, we're told that the casing is pre-production -- not to say that "production" BUGbases need to look amazing, anyway, considering that they're frequently used for prototyping themselves. Though Android's already been ported to the Bug platform, the company is really driving home the message in 2.0; when you think about it, this kind of makes any Android dev out there a de facto Bug dev, so that's a nice angle to play. Look for it to ship by "early Summer," so it's time to scoop up that first-gen unit now if you're jonesing for the integrated display. %Gallery-85808%
Bug Labs intros BUG 2.0 platform with faster processor, Android support
Tired of your BUGBase lagging out while you're trying to set up that crazy homebrew alarm system? Hope is on the way in the form of BUG 2.0, Bug Labs' next-gen development platform that moves up to a Cortex A8-based OMAP3 core from the original BUGBase's ARM11. The processor bump isn't the only change, though: they're announcing full support for running BeagleBoard apps and -- get this -- Android. That means that you won't necessarily need to be locked into Bug's own development environment for doing your thing, and obviously, folks already familiar with Android development should have a much easier time making the transition. Even better, the base maintains backward compatibility with existing BUGmodules, so most of your current investment won't be for naught -- save the old base, of course. Price and availability are yet to be announced.
Send your 'Hiro P' BUGbase back, get a BUGbase WiFi for $99
If you classify yourself as a hardcore DIYer, you probably sprung for Bug Labs' 'Hiro P' BUGbase way back in the day. You've also likely been weeping since the entirely more awesome BUGbase WiFi was announced last month. Thankfully, you can now empty your current bucket of tears and stash it away for good, as a wicked good deal has just arrived to turn that frown upside-down. Bug Labs is offering the $449 BUGbase WiFi for just $99 if you send your original BUGbase back to the company before November ends. If you'd like to take advantage, feel free to hit up Bug and mention the offer being emailed out to existing users after the break.
BUGbase WiFi finally overcomes, ships in the US and Europe
It's hard to believe that BUG Labs has been helping tinkerers thinker for two whole years now, particularly when you realize that its BUGbase has been operating sans WiFi all along. At long last, after a painful battle with the licensing overlords connected to WiFi and Bluetooth, BUG has finally received approval to ship the BUGbase WiFi (which does BT as well) both here in the States as well as in Europe. Aside from those two huge additions, BUG also upgraded the device with a friction-fit docking connector and improved power management, not to mention a few subtle "under the hood" tweaks designed to make everyone's lives a little easier. Oh, and for existing BUGbase owners? A special BUGWiFi module will be shipping in a few weeks, and yes, all of BUG's other modules will be compatible with either base. Once you're done hopping around like a jovial schoolgirl, feel free to order your own BUGbase WiFi now for $449.
Bugbase WiFi module threatened by large yellow antenna at FCC
When the Hiro P BUGbase from Bug Labs shipped last year it did so without 802.11, leaving this piece of homebrewers hardware sadly disconnected from the groovy microwaves all around it. That looks set to change in the very near future with the FCC testing of the BUGwifi module, an add-on announced way back in January then never heard from again. There's still no word on when we might expect this stubby open wundermodule to start hosting wireless Guitar Quake deathmetalmatches, but things usually don't take long once the FCC has done its deed.
Quake gets ported to the BUG, controlled by Rock Band guitar
The folks from Bug Labs certainly represented themselves well enough at CES with a slew of new BUGModules, but we're guessing they would have attracted even more attention if they would have had this perennial favorite on hand. If you can't quite make it out, that's Quake running (rather well, we might add) on the BUG and, yes, it is indeed being controlled by a Rock Band guitar thanks to the newly developed Xpad driver, which should work equally well with a standard Xbox 360 controller if you're a little less ambitious. Head on past the break to check it out in action, and hit up the link below for all the necessary details.
New BUGModules hands-on
These new BUGModules from BUG Labs aren't much to look at, but just holding them in your hands really gets your gears going about what new kinds of custom gadgets you could come up with. The new modules are really ones that open up the possibilities and make us think, "what if I want to use more than four modules?" The usefulness of the wireless adapters like WiFi and 3G go without saying, but the possibilities of having a projector in your pocket with sound could really lead to something. And last but not least, who wouldn't want the Swiss Army Knife of input and output on their custom gadget? %Gallery-41188%
BUG Labs throws down five new BUGmodules, including pico-projector and 3G radio
After about a year of working with its original kit, BUG Labs is going next-gen with five new modules to mix-and-match with its Lego-style DIY BUGbase kit. Most of it is connectivity, with BUG3g for 3G phone / data connectivity; BUGwifi, which does 802.11b/g WiFi and Bluetooth 2.0 + EDR; and BUGbee, a 802.15.4 radio for ZigBee home automation and other "personal area network" fun. On the output front, BUGsound (pictured) provides a 20mm speaker, omnidirectional microphone and four 3.5mm jacks for audio in and out, but we're most stoked about BUGprojector, which uses Texas Instruments' DLP Pico tech to pump out a 480 x 320 image. All of these new modules work with the existing BUGmodules and that recently introduced BUGvonHippel breadboard. No word on price yet, but they should all ship this quarter. We'll have hands-on with all these goodies later this week.%Gallery-40859%
BUG Labs intros BUGvonHippel, talks up big plans for CES
BUG Labs has a special place in our hearts, so it's actually kind of astounding to look back and realize that we haven't heard anything substantial from the outfit since March. Big things are in store for the new year, however, and it's getting things rolling right away with the introduction of the $79 BUGvonHippel. Named after Professor Eric von Hippel at MIT who inspired its creation, the device "further enables developers to create new and interesting 'hardware mashups' by connecting their BUG to a universe of other devices and interfaces." Also of note, there's a new community portal opening up for eager developers, and the BUG Labs team will be bringing a so-called Test Kitchen to the CES floor in Vegas to show off some of the developments we've been missing out on.
Engadget's NYC reader meetup / holiday party is tonight!
This is it! The Engadget reader meetup / holiday party is happening tonight in New York City! All of the information you need is below, but we'd like to stress a few points: The venue capacity has a limit, so make sure you get there early, and plan to wait in a bit of a line. It is snowing like crazy in New York -- so please bundle up and come prepared for the elements! We'll do everything we can to move people inside as quickly as possible, and there's a coat check at the venue for your heavier gear. Bring your ID! Without it, you can't get in! And the rest of the details about the event: We're giving away tens of thousands of dollars in gear! Including... SanDisk 2GB, 4GB, or 8GB microSD cards for the first 200 people through the door! Free food, and free drink tickets for the first 500 people Live Q&A session with Engadget editors Music for the evening will be provided by Justin VanDerVolgen (of !!! and Outhud) The event is 18 TO ENTER / 21 TO DRINK, AND YOU MUST BRING AN ID. ADMISSION IS FREE. Sorry younger readers, but we'll do a follow-up all ages event soon! The venue capacity tops out at a tiny bit over 1000, so you if you're coming, be sure to get there early! When: Friday, December 19th, 7:00PM to 12:00AMWhere: Hiro Ballroom, 371 W. 16th St., New York, NY. 10011You can discuss plans for the event on Facebook here. View Larger Map For media interested in attending, please ping us at: nycreadermeetup [at] gmail [dot] comNote: space for media is very limited as this is a reader event. Readers, you're all set -- no need to email us.
Engadget NYC reader meetup, December 19th: new giveaways, more info
By now you should have heard about the Engadget NYC reader meetup / holiday party taking place TOMORROW, Friday, December 19th. If you're not clued in to all the happenings, this should bring you up to speed. We'll have participation (and giveaways) from the following companies: Nokia, Microsoft (Zune and Xbox), T-Mobile, Palm, HP, SanDisk, Peek, VIA, Sling, Bug Labs, Neat Receipts, Panasonic, Livescribe, Rhapsody, and Make.Some new additions (to the already large stack of items): VIA has just handed over an Artigo A2000, Peek is going to be flooding the event with a whopping 12 handhelds to give out (celebrating its 12 days of Peekmas), Bug Labs is offering a BUGBundle, and Livescribe has provided us with a Pulse (courtesy of Target)! And remember, those are just a few of the goods on offer.Remember, feel free to bring any hacks, mods, or other generally awesome tech you want to show off to us and other Engadget readers -- you don't get the chance too often!Here are some super-important details about the event: We're giving away tens of thousands of dollars in gear! Including... SanDisk 2GB, 4GB, or 8GB microSD cards for the first 200 people through the door! Free food, and free drink tickets for the first 500 people Live Q&A session with Engadget editors Music for the evening will be provided by Justin VanDerVolgen (of !!! and Outhud) The event is 18 TO ENTER / 21 TO DRINK, AND YOU MUST BRING AN ID. ADMISSION IS FREE. Sorry younger readers, but we'll do a follow-up all ages event soon! The venue capacity tops out at a tiny bit over 1000, so you if you're coming, be sure to get there early! When: Friday, December 19th, 7:00PM to 12:00AMWhere: Hiro Ballroom, 371 W. 16th St., New York, NY. 10011You can discuss plans for the event on Facebook here. View Larger Map For media interested in attending, please ping us at: nycreadermeetup [at] gmail [dot] comNote: space for media is very limited as this is a reader event. Readers, you're all set -- no need to email us.
Bug Labs' Hiro P edition BUGbase kit gets unboxed
You may not be able to get your hands on one at the moment, but those that missed out on the initial shipment of Bug Labs' open source BUGbase Hiro P edition kit can now at least make believe like one arrived on their own doorstep, thanks to the set of unboxing photos kindly provided by Flickr user finsprings. That set also helpfully includes size comparisons to a Blackberry and a first gen iPod nano (the base is bigger than both, but not by as much as you may think), and of course plenty of shots of the packing itself. Check all that out at the read link below.[Thanks, Dave]
BUG+EDU educational discounts unveiled for little hackers
Bug Labs announced in January that it'd be busting out a BUG+EDU program for getting units into the hands of impressionable youngsters, and now that they've sold out of the first crop of units they're getting those educational discounts off the ground. Students (with relevant ID) can now purchase modules at a 10% discount, while K-12 schools and secondary education institutions can buy Bug for 25% off. K-12 schools can also participate in Bug giveaways, while undergrad and postgrad programs can develop coursework in conjunction with Bug -- long story short, some kids out there are going to get themselves some fun edumicatin'.
