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GoSpeak! Pro fold-out speakers give on-the-go presenters plenty of joy
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.
G4 Cube given wheels, automation, the will to race Woz's Segway
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.
Lego safe is made from robot parts, will guard your mint condish Robocop figurines just nicely
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]
LEGO Mindstorms ready for Tuesday space launch
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
Mustek readies 9.5-inch digiframe with integrated NXT flat-panel speaker
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.
KEF unveils new Instant Theater systems
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]
How to build a toilet-flushing Lego robot
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"...
Q Acoustics' decor-friendly QAV HT speakers
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]
XOUNT's illuminated, wireless speaker system
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]
Brighton's 2.1 kitty cat speaker setup
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]
TEAC's CD-X10i makes your CDs and iPods erect
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]
Logitec cranks out six new iPod speaker stations
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]
LEGO Johnny Five is (kinda) alive; needs input
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]
The 2006 Engadget Awards: Vote for Robot of the Year
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. %Poll-259%
WiigoBot melds Lego with Wii bowling, knocks down all 10 pins in our hearts
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]
LEGO Autopilot takes to the skies autonomously
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]
Lego Mindstorms NXTway-G much cooler than Segway
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 NXTlogRead - NXTway-G in action
TDK's Xa-10 mini flat panel speakers
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]
LEGO car is better at parallel parking than you are
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]
Art Lebedev Studios' unveils artsy Sonicum 2.1 speaker set
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.
