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My quest to find the perfect rideable at CES
Electric vehicles are a huge part of CES this year. From the Honda NueV to the Faraday Future FF91, everyone's attention is laser-focused on gas-guzzler replacements. Although these are exciting, for me they pale in comparison to another smaller form of transportation: rideables. Spanning skateboards, scooters and bikes, these little machines are perfect for a city-dweller such as myself. With a camera in hand, I've been scouring the show trying to find the very best. My mission: Find my dream rideable.
No car, no problem: 17 of the slickest electric rides
All kinds of personal-sized, eco-minded rides have been popping up on the market ready to propel us through the streets. Whether it's for a quick commute or a casual cruise, these electric rideables help save time and fossil fuels. Not only do they get you from point A to point B quickly, but they're also fun to ride... and you won't sweat up a storm along the way. But which one is right for you? Below, we take a look at all the bikes, scooters, skateboards and everything else in between to serve up some useful personal transport suggestions. You never know, there might be a pair of RocketSkates in your future.
Make your commute an action sport with an electric longboard
#fivemin-widget-blogsmith-image-400236{display:none;} .cke_show_borders #fivemin-widget-blogsmith-image-400236, #postcontentcontainer #fivemin-widget-blogsmith-image-400236{width:570px;display:block;} try{document.getElementById("fivemin-widget-blogsmith-image-400236").style.display="none";}catch(e){} A new breed of personal transportation has been bubbling up from the DIY underground over the last few years and it's called the electric skateboard. That's a bit of an umbrella term, actually, since devices range from your standard four wheels and a deck, a snowboard-focused freeboard and unique offerings like Onewheel's balancing act. We sat down with Sanjay Dastoor, the CEO and co-founder of San Francisco-based Boosted Boards to discuss its own electric longboard cruiser and the roller coaster ride from successful Kickstarter to real-world product. One that, in our estimation, is one of the smoothest and fastest rideables on the around, which is why I chose to showcase it as my editor's choice on the Engadget stage at CES this year. We dig into what makes the Boosted Board tick and chat about pricing, available models and the overall enjoyment potential of this economic and fun commuting alternative.
ZBoard's back in your future with a hoverboard and high top bundle
Remember when we told you about HalloweenCostumes.com's officially-licensed light-up high tops from Back To The Future Part II? We joked that the kicks would have gone great with ZBoard's limited-edition Hoverboard that it produced for the Michael J. Fox foundation last year. Unfortunately, only 50 decks and 25 full boards were created for the auction, so it looks as if that (time-traveling) train has sailed. Well, until now, that is, since the company has now produced a general-sale run of its bright pink electric skateboard, and will even sell you the high tops in a single bundle. The board on its own will set you back $600, while a set with the futuristic kicks is priced at $700, plus one lucky competition winner will win a complete replica of Marty McFly's future outfit from the movie. Be warned, however, as you've only got 14 days to scrounge together the cash, or else you'll be outtatime (geddit?).
Visualized: Marty McFly impersonator shows off ZBoards' hoverboard-inspired creation
It's Back to the Future-inspired, it's for charity and it's an electric freaking skateboard. What's not to like? Oh, and it's at Expand New York, of course, being demoed by one of ZBoard's cofounders, dressed to the nines in the latest 2015 fashion. It's no Pitbull, but it'll do in a pinch.
ZBoard will sell you Marty McFly's hoverboard, minus the hover (video)
It's your kids, Marty! Something has got to be done about your kids! They get to October 21st, 2015, and they don't have any flying cars, hoverboards and, even worse, Jaws 19 still hasn't started production! That's why ZBoard has decided to take our destiny into its own hands to create a limited-edition Back To The Future Part II-inspired version of its electric, weight-sensing skateboard. The ZBoard Hoverboard comes in a delightful shade of Mattel-inspired pink and will travel 20 miles on land, as long as you've got enough jiggawatts. A limited run of 25 boards is being produced, with the profits going to the Michael J. Fox foundation for Parkinson's Research, with each one setting you back $1,500 on Indiegogo -- while 50 more can just pick up the custom deck for a regular ZBoard for $200. There's a video or two after the break, but be warned -- some people may drop the odd expletive when they get their hands on a hoverboard.
ZBoard launches crowdfunding campaign for its San Francisco Special, pre-orders start at $1,199
Remember that snazzy special edition electric skateboard we saw roll out at Expand? It's almost ready for launch: ZBoard has launched a Dragon Innovation crowdfunding campaign for its San Francisco Special. Although the limited edition ZBoard's specs haven't changed since earlier this year (20-mile range at 19 MPH) its facade has been given a few tweaks. In addition to wearing a brighter shade of orange, the San Francisco Special now features LED headlights, working tail lights and digitally printed grip tape with a redesigned skyline of its namesake city. Of course, getting your hands on one of the special boards isn't cheap, pre-orders for the electric-powered maple decks start at $1,199. Current ZBoard owners will be able to upgrade, jumping from a ZBoard Pro to the San Francisco Special for $399, or tuning up a Classic for $699. Looking for a new ride? Check out the team's crowdfunding video after the break, or skip on down to the source link to pitch in.
The Daily Roundup for 03.16.2013
You might say the day is never really done in consumer technology news. Your workday, however, hopefully draws to a close at some point. This is the Daily Roundup on Engadget, a quick peek back at the top headlines for the past 24 hours -- all handpicked by the editors here at the site. Click on through the break, and enjoy.
ZBoard rolls out the San Francisco Special for the hilly city by the bay (video)
The guys at ZBoard made quite the splash at SXSW Interactive earlier this week -- riding an electric skateboard around the streets and conference halls of Austin will get you all sorts of attention, after all. Still, for all the love they got at the event, the startup opted to hold its latest announce until the kickoff of Expand -- for an important reason: this electric skateboard is a tribute to the hills and winding streets of the city by the bay. ZBoard's San Francisco Special ups the game for the Kickstarted company, extending the board's range to 20 highway or 14 city miles. The wheels also got an upgrade to high-traction 110mm models, while the braking system got a nice bump, as well. Of course, with along all those improvements comes a bit more weight -- the already hefty board now clocks in at 32 pounds. Those who were hoping for a lighter-weight solution akin to the Boosted Board will have to keep holding their breath -- according to the ZBoard's creators, its community said it wouldn't mind adding a few pounds to increase range, and as such, there's a four-pound jump from the ZBoard Pro. But, you know, if all goes according to plan, you shouldn't carry this thing around too much. For when you do, however, there's that padded handle.
Engadget's back to school guide 2012: fun stuff!
Welcome to Engadget's back to school guide! The end of summer vacation isn't nearly as much fun as the weeks that come before, but a chance to update your tech tools likely helps to ease the pain. The good news? We're on to the fun stuff, the gear that isn't always practical but will definitely help you let off some steam after a tough mid-term. Be sure to keep checking back -- at the end of the month we'll be giving away a ton of the gear featured in our guides -- and hit up the hub page right here! Laptops, phones and e-readers might be slick pieces of tech, but they'll all be used for business while you're buried in term papers during the semester. We're rounding up a set of gadgets meant purely to lift your spirits -- whether it's zapping fellow froshmates in a game of Lazer Tag or an electric motorbike to blast through the countryside on a long weekend. We've even got a few borderline sensible gadgets, such as a robot that will clean up after a wild party at the dorm. Jump past the break for our full collection of antidotes to the end-of-summer blues.
ZBoard electric skateboard sneakers-on (video)
We spotted the dudes behind the ZBoard at TechCrunch Disrupt earlier this week, but we weren't content to just ride the electric skateboard up and down the halls of Pier 94. We asked them to take a walk with us to Washington Square Park so we could take the board for a spin in a more realistic setting -- also, any excuse to skip out of work a bit earlier to go skating in the park on a sunny Friday afternoon is hard to turn down. We initially asked them to meet us at one of New York City's many skate parks, but they balked at the suggestion -- after all, it's more of a commuting board than anything else. It's big and fairly heavy, so attempting to go vert with the thing is pretty much out -- grinding and kickflips are likely off the table, too. Co-creator Geoff Larson told us he managed to get the thing up on two wheels, but that's about the limit of trickery at the moment -- we're sure that'll change pretty quickly, as soon as more boards make their way into the hands of the public. In the meantime, the ZBoard is all about getting around, giving you about 10 miles on a single charge. Larson added that one skater said he planned to use his ZBoard to make the long trip to the skatepark and back, carrying his manual board along for the ride. Join us after the break for some sneakers-on impressions.%Gallery-156205%
Steelseries introduces new SHIFT key set for MMOs
Steelseries, creators of the SHIFT keyboard (the next generation of the ZBoard), has just announced that it will soon offer a key set specifically for MMO players. We have already seen the Cataclysm-specific licensed product; my impressions from BlizzCon of that keyboard are here. Everything on the keyboard is customizable, which is great and might be a better alternative to the Cataclysm keyboard for people who play multiple MMOs. When I was at BlizzCon, I asked myself a couple of times why Steelseries doesn't actually have a generic MMO key set for the SHIFT -- but then I quickly remembered we were at BlizzCon, mecca for all things Blizzard, and I realized it might not be the ideal place to show it off. Now, however, it is here, and it looks pretty neat. We don't have a date on its availability yet, but the price of the key set should run around $24.99 (SHIFT keyboard sold separately, natch). Check out Steelseries' website for more details. Also, for those curious readers sending me emails about the mechanical Steelseries 6Gv2 that I picked up after BlizzCon, wanting my impressions after using the keyboard for a few weeks? Love it.
SteelSeries debuts customizable Shift gaming keyboard
Looking for some more customization options than your standard gaming keyboard offers? Then you might want to consider the new SteelSeries Shift, which can accommodate various Zboard keysets to tailor the keyboard for specific games. Those looking to take things even further can also record macros (including timed delays) directly on the keyboard itself, and you'll naturally get plenty of gamer-friendly touches all around, including some improved rubber domes that promise a lifecycle of 15 million keystrokes per key, and even some "fine-tuned heat spots" centered around commonly used keys like WASD. Look for the keyboard itself to set you back $89.99, while individual keysets will run you $24.99 apiece.
SteelSeries Aion limited edition Zboard keeps MMO addicts stuck in the basement
You've got to hand it to 'em, SteelSeries knows its market. Following up on its array of WoW-themed gear, the company has just issued a new limited edition Zboard aimed at to-be Aion gamers, which just might be "the most anticipated MMO of 2009." As with most of the outfit's MMORPG-centric keyboards, this one also packs a colorful motif, a swath of dedicated action keys, menus and chat commands, full customization of each key and quick-access "emote keys for greeting, intimidating, or taunting your opponent." In related news, the firm is also dishing out an Aion Asmodian mousepad, which may or may not be superior to the stained napkin you're currently using to raid on. Both units are available for pre-order right now at $19.99 and $14.99, respectively, and we hear that UPS totally delivers to dingy basements for a nominal fee. [Via Coolest-Gadgets]
WoW Insider's Fan Art contest
We here at WoW Insider see every day just how many great artists are out there in the World of Warcraft community. We've interviewed them, we've written about them, and now we want to know if you're one of them so we can give you some sweet prizes.We have in our hands four prizes from SteelSeries to award the best and most creative artists in our audience. All that you need to do to enter is make us a piece of fanart. Draw (or paint or whatever it is you do) a picture of how you imagine the WoW Insider crew would look in the World of Warcraft. One of us, two of us, many of us, whatever you like. You don't get pictures of us to work off of, just let your imagination do as it will. Are we heroes fighting epic battles? Are we just lowly Stormwind commoners? Are we cute little beasts going on zany adventures?You have from this very moment (Noon of April 7th) until 11:59 PM Eastern on April 20th to send your submission to wowinsidercontests@gmail.com for a chance to win one of the following prizes from SteelSeries:
Limited Edition Wrath keyset for Zboard
The inevitable limited edition Wrath of the Lich King keyset for Zboard from Ideazon has showed up on GameStop. Tipster Brad actually gave word on this a few days ago but we were unable to confirm the product's existence. The specially designed keyset, which follows its predecessors the World of Warcraft keyset and The Burning Crusade keyset, retails for $19.99 an is available for Pre-order and likely to be released at around the same time as the expansion.If you joined the BlizzCon sweepstakes, you just might win one of these babies. Elizabeth Harper did a comprehensive review of the Ideazon World of Warcraft keyset, which has custom keys for basic WoW functions such as emotes (in both PvE and PvP), as well as recordable macros, and other specialized features. Note that you'll still need the Zboard keyboard (about $45) on which to attach the keyset. Brad also mentions a new Ideazon mouse custom-themed for World of Warcraft which should retail for a staggering $100. It's not on Ideazon's site or on any of the affiliated retailers', but we'll keep our eyes peeled and update this post if and when it does show up.
SteelSeries and Blizzard partners offer BlizzCon Sweepstakes
A few of Blizzard's partners (including Jinx, Upper Deck, and SteelSeries) have all teamed up to offer you what for many, Blizzard couldn't: two tickets to BlizzCon in October. Yes, in the first of what we're sure will be many contests and sweepstakes for BlizzCon tickets, these guys have set up a giveaway to hook up one lucky winner with passes for two to the event that's a Blizzard fan's dream.All you've got to do to enter is put your info in over on their site -- the Grand Prize winner will pick up an all expenses paid trip to BlizzCon, and ten other winners will get some WoW-related gear from the contest's sponsors (SteelSeries makes the Zboard, and apparently they're releasing one for Wrath, so you might get one of those as well). There is a checklist that you can leave unchecked to supposedly keep the sponsors from contacting you, so even if you don't want your info opt-ed in, it looks like you're in the clear.If you do enter, good luck! (And if you win, we'll see you at BlizzCon!) There are bound to be a few more of these contests showing up before the big event, so even if you don't walk away with a trip from this one, stay tuned.
Breakfast Topic: Controllers R us
The Falcon controller just looks silly, doesn't it? Everything we've heard about it so far says it's pretty underwhelming -- the feedback doesn't work quite right, the controls seem a little less intuitive than a keyboard and mouse, and in general, it just looks strange. Fortunately, I'll be able to know for myself next week -- I've already got an appointment to check out the controller (and how it plays WoW) at E3 next week.But in the meantime, until I can get my firsthand impressions of the Falcon up here, what are some other strange controllers that actually do work with WoW? We've heard a lot about the Zboard, which seems like a pretty good combination of a keyboard and a custom controller for Blizzard's MMO -- anyone used it? A lot of people have posted before that they use the Logitech G15, and that's really just a keyboard, except for the extra display and macros. I've used Switchblade to play with an Xbox 360 controller (and found it not nearly as easy as playing with a mouse and keyboard). And I know some players, multiboxers usually, will even use foot pedals to supplement keyboard and certain macros.Ever played WoW with a weird controller? Is there something out there that you swear by that's not the standard mouse and keyboard? Me, I'm perfectly happy with an Apple Keyboard and my Logitech gaming mouse -- at least until I try the Falcon next week. You never know, maybe I'll fall in love with it and decide that $190 (!) is worth it.Update: I couldn't remember the name of this one, but a lot of people in the comments (and a lot of folks before this post) have mentioned the n52 Speedpad as a good controller option.
LapWorks Gamers Desk enables couch-based PC gaming
Or you could say it enables you to keep your fundament firmly planted for, oh, ever. Yes friends, LapWorks' Gamers Desk essentially eliminates the need to get up and move over to the family PC where a mouse / keyboard combo can guide you to victory in yet another deathmatch. This lapboard (no, not that Lapboard) keeps a keyboard and mouse within reach of couch-based gamers, enabling them to fire up WoW on their HTPC and still maintain the edge afforded to them by using the aforementioned KB / critter tandem. The unit itself measures 11-inches wide by 26.75-inches across, is made from ABS plastic and includes non-skid rubber pads on the underside to keep it from slipping around in that pile of Doritos. It's available now in gun-metal gray for $39.95, but a few more hues should be ready to roll later this year for those patient enough to wait around.
Limited Edition AoC "Zboard" to include in-game present
Owners of Ideazon's Zboard (or those thinking of getting one) will be pleased to hear that a Limited Edition Age of Conan keyset will be available for purchase. The keyset promises 70 labeled game-specific commands, 24 emotes, dedicated chat channel buttons, and of course, some official AoC game graphics included on the board. If this isn't enough to get you to dish out US$19.99 for the keyset (plus $US49.99 if you don't have the base keyboard), then Ideazon is hoping that the inclusion of a free in-game item will tip you over the edge. Every purchase will grant the player an "Enruned Kosalan Ring", which increases all non-physical damage dealt by the wearer. You can pre-order the keyset from GameStop or Amazon.
