life-size
Latest
Valve taunts us with prospect of official Portal 2 sentry turret replica (video)
A Holy Grail of gamer memorabilia is the Portal turret replica -- as much a tech toy as proof that you can sing "Want You Gone" from memory. It's already been coveted when made in small batches by fans, so you can imagine the hysteria when Valve Software itself posts a teaser video (found after the break) at its store's Facebook page showing what looks to be a near life-size, computer-linked version of Aperture Science's typical sentry from Portal 2, minus the laser targeting and live machine guns. After that, however, we're left to guess whether or not it's just a decoration for Valve's offices or a commercial product to buy alongside a Companion Cube plushie. We've asked Valve about providing more details in the near future and will let you know if the developer is any more talkative than its robot guards.
Customer service avatars coming to JFK, La Guardia, Newark airports (video)
When you're running late, you're weighed-down with DIY in-flight entertainment and your gate number gets switched at the last minute, the last thing you need is a real-life human trying to be helpful. The Port Authority knows that, which is why it's promising to install "computerized, hologram-like avatars" in La Guardia, Newark and JFK terminal buildings by early July. The virtual assistants aren't actually holographic -- judging from the video after the break (courtesy of Transportation Nation), they appear to consist of either projected or LCD video displayed on a vaguely human-shaped static board, although given their reported $250,000 price tag we might (hopefully) be missing something. Oh, and they aren't even interactive, unless you try to push them over. [Photo Credit: Jim O'Grady/WNYC]
Gundam robot statue returns to Japan, looking worse for wear
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.
Ohhhh Canada, you could win a giant Link
People of Canada, you can win a giant life-sized link to roam the plains of Saskatchewan ... or just have it sit in your room, staring at you with those deep blue eyes. Nintendo of Canada is having a contest between now and Jan. 31, the grand prize is a "limited edition life-size collectible statue of the character Link from the Legend of Zelda." Approx. value is $500 CDN ($425 USD). Three second prize winners get a Link "statuette." Here's a weak part for the grand winner: "Delivery charges are the sole responsibility of each winner." So, not only do you have to win Link, but you've got to ship his "life-size" self. No details on Link's height or weight. We wish there was a bigger photo to show, but that's all we've got. Beware the pointy ears though, you'll poke your eye out.[Thanks Cody]
