Tomy -- Engadget

Tomy's printer-equipped Xiao digital camera hits Japan

by Donald Melanson posted Nov 26th 2008 at 6:02PM

We already caught a brief glimpse of Tomy's Zink printer-equipped Xiao digital camera earlier this month, but with the Friday release date now upon us, we finally have a few more details about the would-be Polaroid successor. That includes word of a price for both the camera (¥34,800, or just under $370), and the paper you'll need to actually print photos which, at ¥880 (or about $9) for 20 sheets, likely won't have you plastering your walls with the 2x3-inch shots, even though they do actually have adhesive backs. Interestingly, you can also use the camera to print photos from any IrDA-equipped cellphone, but unfortunately not via WiFi or Bluetooth, which would be a tad more welcome. If that's got you intrigued, you should have a slightly easier time picking one up when it launches internationally next spring, although by then it'll likely also be competing with Polaroid's own Zink-equipped camera.

Tomy xiao digital camera has built in Zink printer, the spirit of Polaroids

by Samuel Axon posted Nov 6th 2008 at 2:26PM

Like just about everyone else, we miss the Polaroid film format; maybe it's just nostalgia, but we enjoyed having something we could hold on to (and shake) after taking a picture. Polaroids may be dead, but the basic concept lives on -- remember Zink, that company whose technology prints digital photos on the spot without ink? It's joined forces with toy-maker Tomy to make the xiao TIP-521, a digital camera with a printer built in. The xiao has a modest five megapixel resolution, so we might wait and see how Polaroid's own Zink camera turns out, but in either case we're stoked the tactile experience is back.

[Via Market Watch]

Takara Tomy's wall-climbing AeroSpider RC car ships this month

by Darren Murph posted Oct 1st 2008 at 6:25PM

We came for the car, we stayed for the promoter. Takara Tomy's previously announced AeroSpider RC car, which mystically scales walls and cruises upside-down, is finally shipping this month in Japan. Cool though that may be, the real news here is the overgrown 4-year old used to show off just how amazing this minuscule vehicle truly is. Head on past the break to see what we mean -- trust us, we wouldn't lead you on like this for nothing.

[Thanks, Clyde]

Continue reading Takara Tomy's wall-climbing AeroSpider RC car ships this month

Takara Tomy's RPG Piggy Bank: level up by saving up

by Darren Murph posted Jun 21st 2008 at 7:05AM

Now here's a novel concept. Takara Tomy's BankQuest is half piggy bank, half old school RPG. Essentially, gamers / penny pinchers can purchase items to help them fend off pixelated ogres and the like by saving more money. The more coinage that gets deposited, the better the journey becomes. So, do you get some kind of prize when you cash it all out to buy your mum something nice, or what?

Tomy Hi-Kara karaoke cube is world's smallest

by Joshua Fruhlinger posted Jun 17th 2008 at 12:59PM

Sometimes it's best to not ask why. In the case of the Tomy Hi-Kara, which they claim is the world's smallest karaoke machine (unless others have something to say about it), we will simply list off some specifications and dimensions then allow you to judge amongst yourselves, because, really, yeah. The Hi-Kara measures just 2.75 x 2.75 x 2.75-inches in a cube format with a 2.4-inch screen that displays lyrics and happy fun animations. You have to download songs onto a proprietary cartridge from the Hi-Kara website. Finally, a headset / microphone serves microphone and listening duties for up to two people. It comes in white and pink. There you have it. We'll be over here.

Pictures galore from ROBO-ONE 13 competition in Japan

by Darren Murph posted Mar 27th 2008 at 9:11AM

The always jam-packed ROBO-ONE competition in Japan was more heated than ever this year, with bi-ped robots tackling others and ripping them limb from limb. Okay, so maybe that's somewhat of a stretch, but you can rest assured some serious throw downs, um, went down. Interestingly enough, we heard that an i-SOBOT competition was also included (infighting, anyone?), and that the Maru family's King Kizer took home the gold. That's all well, fine and good, but we know what you're after -- take a (long) look at the hundreds of photos waiting in the read link below.

[Via MAKE]

Hands-on with battling i-SOBOTs

by Darren Murph posted Jan 8th 2008 at 5:51PM

While browsing the monstrosity that is CES 2008, we happened upon a pair of i-SOBOTs attempting to utterly demolish each other. Was there really any other choice but to stop and snap a gallery's worth of pics to prove it?

Gallery: Hands-on with battling i-SOBOTs

Takara Tomy's Rhythmbits do a little dance

by Darren Murph posted Oct 1st 2007 at 9:03PM

Takara Tomy's Walkiebits sure caused quite a stir when they first landed a few years back, and now the firm is cranking out another variation that's sure to be a holiday favorite. The slew of new Rhythmbits arrive in a variety of vivid colors, measure in at just 1.85-inches in length, sport interchangeable shells and bust a plethora of moves when they hear music. These little bundles of fun are set to take Japan by storm later this week for ¥1,575 ($14) apiece.

[Via NewLaunches]

Takara Tomy's i-SOBOT gets reviewed, videoed

by Darren Murph posted Sep 28th 2007 at 9:50AM

If you thought an introductory video was enthralling, wait till you check this out. Waziwazi was able to get some time alone with Takara Tomy's i-SOBOT, and while a thorough review would've certainly been enough, those folks went the extra mile and videoed quite a bit of the creature acting up. Reviewers found the bot to be "hilarious and easy to operate," and while they weren't exactly keen on the infrared remote, it was said to be "awesome fun" nonetheless. Of course, we aren't asking you to take our word for it, so head on over to the read link for a fairly in-depth review complete with box shots and lots of in-action video.

Introductory video shows off i-SOBOT's features

by Darren Murph posted Sep 25th 2007 at 8:02AM

We know, you're actively looking for ways to stay calm and patiently await the arrival of your US-bound i-SOBOT, so we're thrilled to pass along an introductory video to tide you over. The clip goes through and lists everything that comes bundled in with the bot itself, and the animated creature also shows off a few moves, phrases and modes. Granted, we hold a special place in our heart for any miniature mech designed to handle full-fledged somersaults and shamelessly rock out with an air guitar, but we're pretty sure you'll enjoy the vid, too. Go on, it's waiting after the break.

Continue reading Introductory video shows off i-SOBOT's features

Takara Tomy's i-SOBOT available for pre-order in US

by Darren Murph posted Sep 17th 2007 at 9:28PM

We knew it wouldn't be long, but we weren't counting on being able to pre-order Takara Tomy's i-SOBOT in America today. Of course, we aren't kvetching or anything, but Amazon is now accepting orders for the creature here in the US of A, and the asking price is at the low end of what we were bracing for. So go on, secure your place in line for $299.99 -- it ought to ship real soon.

[Via I4U News, thanks Luigi]

Takara Tomy's i-SOBOT headed stateside?

by Darren Murph posted Sep 17th 2007 at 6:31AM

We're not exactly sure how much we trust i-SOBOT's MySpace page, but if you're a believer, this creature will be headed to America real soon. Interestingly, it purports that the primary reason for making the leap to the US is to "study our culture," which is likely a suave way of suggesting that its totally scoping out our defenses as the clan back home develops a sufficient takeover strategy. Nevertheless, word on the street has this bad boy landing stateside before Christmas for $300 - $350, so there's still a few months left to prepare for the seemingly inevitable invasion.

[Via Gearlog]

Takara Tomy's Transformers MP3 player gets photographed

by Darren Murph posted Aug 21st 2007 at 12:14PM

Yeah, we've got a soft spot for all things Transformers, and while Takara Tomy's Transformers MP3 player isn't the most advanced DAP on the block, the fun factor is undeniable. Thankfully, the folks over at PrimeDiary were able to wrangle one of these bad boys up for themselves and snap a few photographs. Needless to say, we're envious, but go on and click through for a couple more shots of the MP3 player fanboys just have to have.

Continue reading Takara Tomy's Transformers MP3 player gets photographed

Takara Tomy's Transformers earphones

by Darren Murph posted Apr 25th 2007 at 10:23PM

The same folks that brought you the Optimus Prime iPod speaker dock are lobbying for your head-earned dollars once more, as Takara Tomy is betting that you just can't resist yet another Transformers gizmo to stack in your collection. This time it's throwing down a nifty set of morphing earphones, dubbed the Music Label Frenzy & Rumble, which boast a clip-on design coupled with a fold-out robot. Of course, we have sincere doubts about the sheer sound quality of these things, but let's be honest, you'll be listening a lot more intently to geeky comments as you stroll by than the LCD Soundsystem track quietly playing in the background. Start saving those pennies, fanboys and girls, as this treasure should land in the July timeframe for just ¥3,950 ($33).

[Via TokyoMango]

TakaraTomy's Issho Ni Nenne puts baby to sleep, forever

by Thomas Ricker posted Mar 19th 2007 at 9:48AM

TakaraTomy won't be happy until their robots can ~~raze~~ raise our children. Their latest is the ¥5,229 ($45) Issho Ni Nenne (pictured on the left) manufactured in collaboration with Disney. The plush toy features a digital audio player loaded with womb sounds. That's right, apparently an internal microphone was stuffed into a living womb while music played in the room. Just put baby on a bender of sloshing fluids, heartbeat, and muffled music and he'll be out faster than you can say "pass the Thunderbird." And what happens when baby wakes to find he's been duped by a giant mouse? No worries, a "baby mood switch" will sense the babies cries and generate an audible "curiosity trigger" to make baby forget why he was crying in the first place. Another cocktail of womb music and he's back to sleep. Feed, cuddle, repeat. Magic.

[Via Digital World Tokyo]