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Engadget Daily: Apple's dev conference, Samsung's VR headset and more!
Today, we watched Samsung announce it's building a VR headset with Oculus VR, dissected rumors surrounding WWDC 2014, took Samsung's Chromebook 2 for a test run and investigated the technology behind holograms. Read on for Engadget's news highlights from the last 24 hours.
Azeroth Choppers episode 3 now available
In the third episode of Azeroth Choppers, we get a little bit of background into the members of Team Alliance and Team Horde. It's understandably less in depth than the interview that went up on the WoW official blog last week, considering the episode's time limit, but it's nice to get some face time with a few of Blizzard's developers. We also get a glimpse of the engineering process behind the bike design--the builders touch upon some of the logistical problems they face in trying to bring the Horde and Alliance chopper visions to life. Personally, I always find that stuff to be the most interesting, so I'm glad it's there. As for the bikes themselves, Team Horde had a wrench thrown into things when one of their builders, Mel, had to bow out of the competition for a family emergency. The situation seems to have left the teams somewhat behind schedule, and to Mel: we hope everything is well with your family.
Meet the teams behind Azeroth Choppers
You're probably already familiar with the two main faces of Azeroth Choppers -- Alliance-side captain Chris Metzen and Horde-side captain Samwise Didier are both well-known faces of Blizzard Entertainment. However, you may not be so well acquainted with the other two members of each team: Terran Justice Gregory and Monte Krol of the Alliance, and Gary Platner and Jason Hutchins of the Horde. To help rectify this situation, Blizzard recently put up an official blog post about the teams, including mini-interviews with the team members about the show itself. Terran, Monte, Gary, and Jason all answer questions about their connection to the factions they're representing in the bike build-off, and their answers may surprise and delight you! They also detail the artistic process behind consolidating designs for the bikes. There's encouragement for fans of both factions, and an interesting discussion about how the winning bike will be implemented into the game. There is also, of course, some tongue-in-cheek trash talking on both sides. The whole interview is a neat behind-the-scenes glimpse into the folks behind Azeroth Choppers, and a good bit of fun.
Elite soldiers will soon ride into battle on stealthy hybrid motorcycles
The US' special operations forces frequently can't rely on conventional ground transportation for their covert ops -- a loud engine is guaranteed to blow their cover. To tackle this problem, DARPA has just awarded Logos Technologies a contract to build a stealthy hybrid motorcycle for the military. The design modifies BRD's all-electric RedShift MX (pictured here) with a quiet hybrid power system that can run on multiple fuel types. The overhaul lets soldiers travel long distances while keeping a relatively low profile, and they can run solely on electric power for shorter periods if silence is absolutely vital. It's too soon to say when the bike will go into service or just how well it will perform, but it could be a lifesaver for troops that need both speed and secrecy.
Ducati's new bike jacket turns you into a human airbag
We love using motorcycle gear with built-in airbags, but not the extra heft of carrying the sensors that make the thing work. Ducati knows this, and has teamed up with Dainese to develop a system that spares our shoulders the added burden. The new Ducati Multistrada D-Air has sensors attached through the bike's electronic system that monitor the vehicle's acceleration, breaking and orientation. If it detects that you're about to crash, it'll send a signal over WiFi to your jacket, so that the internal airbags will deploy before you hit the asphalt. The first version of both bike and outfit will launch in Europe from May, just in time for a safe summer jaunt through the Transfagarasan Highway.
Trials Frontier rides to iOS on April 10
Trials Frontier, one of the two upcoming games in the motorcycle-flipping series from developer RedLynx, will launch April 10 on iOS. The mobile entry in the series will roll to Android at a later, undisclosed date. Being the first Trials game on iOS and Android isn't Frontier's only departure for RedLynx, as the game is also set in a futuristic wild-west environment "after the fall of the Trials Fusion universe." Players unlock small villages that are all that remain of civilization in Frontier as well as new motorcycles, characters and upgrades for their bikes. Those that connect the game with Trials Fusion will receive bonus gear as well. Trials Frontier was first announced during publisher Ubisoft's E3 2013 press conference alongside Trials Fusion. Fusion is slated to launch April 16 on PC and entered a closed beta phase late last week. [Image: Ubisoft]
Nether's January update introduces dirt bikes and group options
The survival horror world of Nether continues to take form and shape as the devs are introducing the year's first update this week. The big addition that will come in this patch is the dirt bike, which gives players a faster means of navigating the post-apocalyptic landscape. Of course, when you do so you'll be making an awful racket and since the enemies are very sensitive to all sound, any riders will probably enjoy a few breezy minutes of transportation followed by a few painful minutes of being disembowled. The patch is also including group features such as group chat, invites, nametags, and locations on the map. There are also some new cosmetic items to check out (Russian hat, anyone?) and plenty of fixes for various bugs. We've got the video of the dirt bike in action after the break.
Yamaha outs lightweight PES1 electric motorcycle concept ahead of Tokyo Motor Show
A few days before the start of the Tokyo Motor Show, Yamaha rolled out a number of two-wheeled concepts of both the electric- and gasoline-powered kind. First, the PES1 is a 200-pound (!) road bike that touts a middle-mounted battery pack, brushless DC motor and is sure to weigh in at less than a number of its riders. It also has the ability to go from fully automatic to manual transmission with the flip of a toggle switch. This is a concept, of course, so there's no indication of range or how much the slim down will impact those Sunday rides. The outfit also unveiled the PED1: the off-road sibling of the PES1 with similar internals. So similar in fact that Yahama says that you'll be able to swap batteries between the two should you opt for both the on-road and dirt-bound versions (if and when they are ever available). For the scooter enthusiasts, there's also the EVINO in all its classically aesthetic glory. Here, a lithium-ion battery powers the electric version of the Vino from underneath the seat alongside the motor which are both in plain view for showing off those green sensibilities. Naturally, there's no word on pricing just yet, but you can rest assured that we're keeping an eye out for more on this trio. For a look at the PED1 and EVINO, jump down past the break.
Zero Motorcycles unveils 2014 e-bike lineup, including the high-powered Zero SR (video)
Fall is well underway, which means it's time for Zero Motorcycles to give its e-motorbike range a tune-up. The highlight for many will be the Zero SR: the red-hued, $16,995 flagship produces both 24 percent more power and 56 percent more torque than the Zero S, which takes it to 60MPH in a brisk 3.3 seconds. There's a little something for everyone, however. All 2014 bikes can use a $2,495 Z-Force Power Tank that extends the range up to 171 miles in city travel, and the company has refined the brakes, handling and suspension on the Zero S, Zero DS and Zero FX. Eco-friendly riders can request price quotes for the new bikes today, or at least whet their appetites through a promo video after the break.
Skully P-1 helmet packs a heads-up display, rear-facing camera and Android to keep motorcyclists safe
Motorcycle helmets are a simple safety measure -- they keep your noggin safe from objects and falls that would otherwise do it harm. But what if your helmet could help prevent you from getting into an accident in the first place? Marcus Weller, founder of Skully, asked just that question, and the answer he came up with is the P-1 helmet. It's a brain bucket that packs a 180-degree FOV rear-facing camera and a micro-controller running a customized version of Android to deliver navigation and video information to a custom-constructed HUD (similar to Google Glass). And, it takes voice commands so that riders can see where they're going or what's behind them, all in hands-free fashion. To provide such functionality, the P-1 has a fin mounted atop the DOT-approved helmet that houses the aforementioned hardware, plus GPS, Bluetooth, an accelerometer, gyro, compass and a rechargeable battery. The plan is for the P-1 to become available for purchase next spring in matte black or gloss white, and it'll be marketed as an ultra-premium helmet (translation: expect it to cost over $1,000). Skully is currently still in the process of developing apps for the thing, but there will be a handful of finely tuned software available at launch. We can say for sure that means the P-1 will provide wearers with navigation and the ability to view the camera feed, with perhaps an SOS function (should the helmet sense an accident) and other apps to come. The company will be opening up the platform so that third parties can code for it as well. We got to speak with Weller about the process of producing the P-1, so join us after the break for more.
Lightning electric motorcycle bests gas-powered bikes at Pikes Peak
With 156 turns over its 12.42-mile (19.99 km) course and elevation changes ranging from 4,720 ft (1,440 m) to 14,110 ft (4,300 m), Pikes Peak International Hill Climb is one of the most grueling races in the world for both humans and machines. It's particularly challenging for gas-powered vehicles, since the air contains less oxygen at higher altitudes. As a result, electric cars and motorcycles have gained popularity at the event in recent years. In fact, 2013 marks the first time an electric bike's beaten its gas-powered rivals, with Carlin Dunne and Lightning Motorcycles finishing the race in 10 minutes and 0.694 seconds -- ahead of Bruno Langlois who managed 10 minutes and 21.323 seconds on a Ducati Multistrada 1200 S. While electric vehicles are expected to dominate Pikes Peak in the near future, it's going to take a few more years before autonomous cars win the event. [Image Credit: Jensen Beeler / Asphalt & Rubber]
Mission Motorcycles launches Mission R and RS e-bikes this summer, starting at $29,999
When Mission Motors unveiled its Mission R electric motorbike, it garnered a lot of attention -- enough that the company created a Mission Motorcycles group to handle its new darling. That division now has something to show for its work, as it's detailing the launches for both the Mission R and a limited edition Mission RS. The regular R will cost $29,999 (after a $2,500 tax credit), which nets a 163HP motor, a basic 105-mile battery and an information system with a camera, HUD and navigation. Upgrading to the $56,499 Mission RS (again, post-credit) brings lighter BST carbon fiber wheels, Öhlins FGRT forks and a 140-mile battery. The company begins deliveries this summer, although eco-friendly riders will need to pony up for one of 40 RS bikes to be part of the first batch -- the ordinary R comes later.
Zero Motorcycle releases app for iOS and Android with customizable dashboard
If you're a loyal Zero Motorcycle owner -- even after a few unfortunate recalls by the electric bike maker -- you're about to be rewarded for your dedication. The Santa Cruz-based firm has just released an app for both iOS and Android that provides a customizable riding dashboard along with valuable statistical data about your vehicle. You can change the dashboard so it displays percentage state of charge, torque, drivetrain component temperatures, battery amps and more during Riding Mode, and after the ride's over you can flip over to Statistics Mode to get stats like how much gas money you might've wasted if you weren't riding a Zero. If you don't have one, you can still play with the app in Demo mode just to see how it works. The app pairs with the bike over Bluetooth and is available for free from both the App Store and Google Play.
TomTom Rider motorcycle GPS gets refresh, for those born to be guided
It seems a safe bet that any contemporary Easy Rider reboot would be vastly different from its predecessor. For one thing, there's the whole GPS thing to contend with -- and surely there'd be a little friendly product placement in the form of the TomTom Rider (New Orleans isn't gonna find itself, after all). The company has updated its long-running motorcycle GPS line to feature a new 4.3-inch "glove-friendly" weatherproof display and the ability to create, upload and share routes via Bluetooth. Bluetooth functionality also makes it possible to get in-helmet audio directions, so you don't have to stare down at that screen the whole time (when you should be looking at the, you know, road). And for those who don't like the straight and narrow path, there's the Winding Roads to help you find routes with more bends. The Rider is currently listed at £329.99 ($511) for pre-order.
City of Steam hits support goal, revamps hotbars
The fanbase has rallied around City of Steam, sending its "Steam-o-Meter" shooting straight to the top. Mechanist Games announced that the community topped the meter with four million points, which means that the company is making good on its promise to include more content for the developing title. The new content that's coming to the game includes a Marshpuggle pet, a steampunk motorcycle, the Dwarf race, and an as-of-yet-unspecified way of shaming developers. There are pictures for several of these, including a couple teasing a special reward. The team also overhauled the game's hotbar, saying that while the old design was functional and aesthetically pleasing, the devs thought they could do better. The new hotbar not only has more of that gear-happy look but has a convenient button for emotes.
Apple snagged partial rights for 'Lightning' trademark from Harley Davidson
Who says big companies can't be bros when it comes to trademarks? Since Apple had no need for its Lightning connector to appear on "motorcycle parts, slot machines or tachometers," it buddied up with Harley Davidson to secure partial use of the cycle maker's IP for its new iDevice interface, according to recent info from the European trademark office. That allowed it to use a name that's sympatico with its Thunderbolt moniker, while presumably letting Harley retain the rights for its heavier metal accessories. Also, should Cook & co. run up against a mid-life crisis, at least they'll have quick relief on speed-dial.
Zero Motorcycles reveals its 2013 models: Zero X dropped, FX drafted in
The failing weather reminds us we're fast approaching the end of another year, but Zero Motorcycles wants to brighten our day with the announcement of its 2013 all-electric line-up. Immediately noticeable are the harder lines and healthy dose of matt black on the frames of the Zero S, DS, XU and MX refreshes. New to the team is the FX "Stealth Fighter" (pictured above), touting the fastest acceleration of any Zero moto to date and taking design cues from the late Zero X, which has been removed from the roster. As well as aesthetic improvements to the bikes, each Z-Force motor should produce up to 125% more power than previous iterations, and an optional CHAdeMO charging accessory will juice you up in around an hour. Companion iPhone and Android apps will also be available, allowing you to customize your ride's performance and review other info. The class of 2013 will be hitting retailers throughout January and February, with MSRPs of the basic spec models running from $7,995 to $13,995, depending on your wants and needs. Head over to the source link to review your hardware options and, more importantly, choose your color scheme.
Twisted Pixel's LocoCycle takes inspiration from some crazy places
You may think, after watching the initial trailer, that Twisted Pixel pulled LocoCycle (in which you control a renegade robotic motorcycle that shoots and karate-chops its way across the country) out of some loony creative cauldron of its own making. But that's not quite true, says studio director Michael Wilford, showing the game for the first time at PAX Prime 2012. There is a very clear inspiration, he says, and it's Ice Cube's 2004 motorcycle racing movie, Torque."It's a really shitty movie," Wilford tells us. "It tries to be Fast and the Furious on motorcycles." Twisted Pixel's art director gave a copy of Torque to the company's chief creative officer, Josh Bear, one day as a joke, and Bear was directly influenced by a viewing, especially a scene where two women battle with motorcycles. "Josh had a nightmare that night," says Wilford with complete sincerity, "and woke up the next day and said, 'We have to make a game about a fighting motorcycle.'"
All-weather motorcycle helmet heats and cools your face, protects grey matter (video)
Bob Averill, who introduced us to the world of underwater hamster care, had a couple of other projects to show us during our visit to Portland, Oregon, including the All-Weather Motorcycle Helmet. What, you ask, makes a motorcycle helmet "all-weather?" Why, built-in heating and cooling, of course. Averill started with a standard Vega modular helmet, adding an evaporative cooler powered by a solar panel on top. The cooler pulls air from an intake on the helmet's side, sucking up more air at higher speeds and blowing it through a sponge, across the wearer's face. When things get too cold, there's a heater built into the liner, created from a heated mouse pad and powered by a lithium battery. Averill is looking to get the project mass-produced, but that's easier said than done, when it comes to a safety products like this -- and Kickstarter, apparently, isn't playing ball. Check out a video of the helmet after the break.
Battlefield 3's End Game to include deadly motorcycles, vs. Armored Kill's tanks
Battlefield 3's End Game DLC, due out March 2013, will have players take out enemies while looking studly on motorcycles, as demonstrated by the above image taken from EA's Summer Showcase. End Game is slated to contain new maps, vehicles and more, and is the final of three announced DLC packs for BF3, following Armored Kill in September and Aftermath in December. First up, fans will get their hands on Armored Kill, which features manic vehicular manslaughter in the form of ATVs, mobile artillery and most lethally of all tanks, as shown in the following gallery.%Gallery-161679%
