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Toyota unveils violin-playing, personal transport robots
We can't say we totally understand the reason for unveiling a violin-playing robot alongside one that assists in personal mobility, but nevertheless, the aforementioned duo is indeed being trumpeted today by Toyota. The two bots are the newest members of the firm's Partner Robots, which are being developed "to support people's everyday life." As for the mobility machine, it enables individuals to take a seat while it rolls along uneven ground and navigates around obstacles, while the musician in the bunch is apparently being created to stroll into nursing homes / medical facilities in order to soothe and entertain patients. Reportedly, the outfit is hoping to have both of these units put to "practical use" by 2010, so if you're tired of overpaying that disgruntled pianist to sit around and play for your guests, unpaid help is on the way.[Via Yahoo / Reuters]
Toyota makes vehicles communicate with surroundings to prevent collisions
We've already seen Intelligent Transport Systems discussed ad nauseum when referring to Nissan, but now Toyota is taking the time to demonstrate its latest advancements in vehicle-infrastructure cooperative systems. Put simply, the aforementioned ITS technologies are being tapped to "enable communication between cars and elements of their surroundings in an effort to reduce collisions." Complementing the massive simulator also on display, the automaker was demonstrating its strides in implementing road-to-vehicle, vehicle-to-vehicle and pedestrian-to-vehicle communications, which can warn drivers via audio / visual cues and even slow the vehicle's speed in order to prevent an accident. Sadly, Toyota failed to mention when we'd see these newfangled safety features integrated into civilian rides, but we can't wait to wave such niceties in the face of our insurance companies as we campaign for lower rates.[Via FarEastGizmos]
Toyota demos massive driving simulator, aims to nix traffic deaths
Simulators similar to the one recently unveiled to the world by Toyota aren't all that uncommon, but this 4.5-meter high pod is "the first to move laterally and has the longest range of 35-meters front to back and 20-meters from right to left." Reportedly, the automaker plans to use its newest toy to "analyze driving characteristics under various conditions such as drunkenness and drowsiness" and subsequently decide what new safety features should be added to its fleet of motorcars. More specifically, the device enables researchers to "conduct driving tests that would be too dangerous to perform in the real world or that require specific driving conditions," and we're pretty sure the 360-degree concave video screen is quite the draw, too. Unfortunately, we have little faith that you'll ever see a tamed version of this here simulator at your local arcade, but one can hope, we suppose.[Via Yahoo / Reuters, image courtesy of Tech.co.uk]
Toyota details research plans for plug-in Prius, won't lease batteries
Earlier this year, we got word that Toyota was likely to test the waters with a plug-in version of its oh-so-trendy Prius, and now the auto maker has stepped forward and doled out a laundry list of details about the plan. Reportedly, the outfit will be delivering a single "modified Prius" to the University of California, Berkeley and University of California, Irvine for a three-year study designed to "speed up development of plug-in versions of the hybrid." The Golden Bears will be focusing on consumer behavior / lifestyles, while the Anteaters will research technical issues, such as how much juice will be sucked from the power grid when thousands of drivers plug-in their rides for the evening. On another interesting note, Toyota also mentioned that it had "no intention of leasing more expensive batteries for next-generation hybrids separate from the vehicle," which contrasts the view of several competitors (like GM) who are least mulling the idea. Unfortunately, we've no idea if the still-elusive plug-in Prius will land before / after the Volt, but we're sure folks at Toyota won't sit idly while Chevy cashes in for too long.
Breakfast Topic: Primetime WoW
First the Toyota ad, then Judge Judy and How I Met Your Mother. Lately, WoW has been appearing all over the place. It's been popular before, of course (we've seen the Office Space commercial, and of course the South Park episode), but World of Warcraft has been popping up all over pop culture lately, and I've been wondering: it's been showing up in primetime, but has World of Warcraft hit its prime?It's been the top online roleplaying game for quite a while now, and The Burning Crusade was actually released as the biggest PC game sequel ever. But as popular as videogames are, they're still a niche market in the terms of popular culture. Every gamer may know what Warcraft is, but that doesn't mean your parents or grandparents do (unless they play, but that's another Breakfast Topic).Until now. Is World of Warcraft finally breaking out of the gamer barrier and moving into the mainstream? There are more WoW players in America than farmers, and while I was kind of joking about seeing realm outage news on the local TV station, maybe it really will happen-- the game's already appeared on the sitcoms before the news. Are all these mentions just a coincidence, or has WoW finally hit its mainstream tipping point?
Toyota's i-Real: wrap yourself in a killer whale
Yes, it is possible for your lazy boss to intensify his slack. This automatic chair is on display at the Tokyo Motor Show 2007 under the "abnormal vehicle" classification. Who knew that Orcas could be so comfy and high tech? Details are nil at the moment so by all means, give us a clue if you know more dear readers. Another picture after the break.Update: Ah ha! We figured it out. It's the Toyota i-REAL concept. Video added after the break -- this baby cooks!
NFL Rush Zone: Is it a MMOG?
Whoa, wait a minute. Exactly why am I covering this on Massively? This looks like an overrated cartoon avatar enabled chat room with a few mini-games thrown into the mix. Oh look, it is -- but what makes it stand out from the crowd is that the game has an area for each NFL team (visual chat rooms), mini-games, customizable avatars! Oh snap, that's not all but players can "collect Gameballs, meet Rusherz, and check out cartoons in the theater." Lolz, I can't wait guys. Looking at the graphics leads me to believe NFL Rush Zone totally ripped off the graphics from World of Warcraft. I kid, but seriously this is for the kids because I'm having a hard time imagining the typical 25 year old beer-guzzling NFL fanatic playing this and meeting their favorite Rusherz. ("Learn 2 pass the ball nub, I am the Law Giver!") I recently wrote about the Virtual World Boom and how these types of games will become more popular than traditional MMORPGS. The problem with calling this a Virtual World is that web games like NFL Rush Zone that employ avatar chat rooms with some mini-games, more advanced than their predecessors which were called avatar chat rooms in their heyday, will diminish what a MMOG / Virtual World really is if they get lumped into the same category. I don't think it's fair that these types of "webby games" are getting labeled as Virtual Worlds, maybe Virtual Spaces and yes, there is a difference. If we label NFL Rush Zone a Virtual World we might as well label MySpace one and every other chat room. Should NFL Rush Zone be classified as a Virtual World or should we write-it-off and never talk about this particular web game ever again? I vote for the latter. [via: Virtual World News]
Joystiq review: Yaris (Xbox 360)
Chris Grant, playing the Danny Trip to my Matthew Albie, and I concocted a rather novel concept for Joystiq's Yaris review on Tuesday, wherein Toyota's old marketing slogans would be littered throughout the text. Phrases such as "Moving forward advert gaming" or "Oh what a feeling we get when playing Yaris" would have been the inopportune solid object collision with your funny bone. Unfortunately, to chase the laughs and satirize the release of the Xbox Live Arcade game would be doing a disservice. Crafted in a circle of Hell even Dante didn't believe existed, the developers of Castaway Entertainment created Yaris with an objective I can only believe is to cultivate anger in those who play it. I know an allusion to Dante's Inferno seems passé, the standard go-to reference for the sophomore year English Lit major, but forgive me because I feel that this accurately conveys what a truly diabolical creation this game is. Rosemary's baby's got jack on Yaris.
Reminder: WoW Insider Show live tomorrow afternoon
Yes, it's almost Saturday again, and you know what that means-- the WoW Insider Show is set to take to the airwaves of WoW Radio once more. Episode 7 kicks off at 3:30pm EST (8:30pm GMT), and you can listen live over on our site, as well as chat with us in IRC at irc.wowirc.com in channel #wowradio. Our email address is theshow@wow.com, so if you've got feedback for us before or after the show, we're all ears.On the menu tomorrow, we'll be talking even more about 2.3 (duh-- it's huge!), what's up with Dalaran after it moves to Northrend, how much fun Brewfest was, and that Toyota ad everyone's talking about. I'll be hosting, Matthew Rossi will be aboard (so we'll definitely have to get some good tanking discussion in-- if you're a tank or have ever been protected by one, make sure to listen), and WoW Radio's Turpster should be there as well, so you know it'll be a great show.Should be, as always, a great time. Hit us up on WoW Radio tomorrow afternoon at 3:30 pm EST for Episode lucky number 7 of the WoW Insider Show. See you there!
Toyota takes another stab at personal mobility with the i-REAL
Just in case the i-unit and i-swing concepts weren't enough to satisfy your imagination, Toyota is giving the whole personal mobility gig one more go with the i-REAL. Granted, we aren't sure if the name is insinuating that this thing is anywhere near commercialization, but nevertheless, this body mover sports three wheels, one of which can extend upwards and back depending on speed. Additionally, it employs "perimeter monitoring sensors to detect when a collision with a person or object is imminent and alerts the driver by emitting a noise and vibrating." Still, we're not exactly sure there's a market for Segway-wheelchair mashups just yet, but feel free to check out lots more pictures over at AutoblogGreen if you're digging the design.[Via AutoblogGreen]
Puzzle Quest and Yaris now on XBLA
Today is an interesting day for Xbox Live Arcade. We have two new games available, both of which have someting unique to bring to the service. First, there's Puzzle Quest, which is a combination of a role playing game and a puzzle game. Every time players do battle with a monster, they do so by playing a round of Bejeweled. See? Interesting, no? Yaris, on the other hand, presents XBLA with its first advergame. If you're not hip to the latest cars, a Yaris is a vehicle from Toyota. If a free game featuring said vehicle is enough to make you consider purchasing one, then we suppose those marketers will be getting a hefty Christmas bonus this year. You should probably know that a real Yaris won't drive up walls and on ceilings though. Puzzle Quest may be had for the always controversial price of 1200 MS Points. Yaris, as we mentioned above, is free.
Today's future-of-advertising-video: Yaris game
Remember that Yaris XBLA game to be released free on Wednesday? Gametrailers user, warchiefgrim, uploaded a clip. We hope this video convinces you to save the precious bandwidth of the internet and pass on the game; even "free" costs too much. Things we learned: The 4-Door Sedan Yaris comes in such focus-group-approved colors as "Jade Sea Metallic," and "Flint Mica." Northbound on 101 goes straight up (and straight down) as often as it goes north. The Yaris is powered by the constant desire to catch a cat toy mounted on its roof. Sadly, the toy is always just out of reach. See the video, and add your own observations after the break.
Puzzle Quest and Yaris are XBLA bound
Even though we were tipped off about one XBLA release this week Microsoft decided to surprise us with another. Releasing to the XBLA this Wednesday, October 10th are two new Arcade offerings including the puzzle adventure Puzzle Quest: Challenge of the Warlords which is priced at 1200 Microsoft points and a racing game sponsored by Toyota called Yaris which, to US and Canadian Live members, will be absolutely free. We're sure Puzzle Quest fans are already frothing at the mouth in anticipation for this Wednesday and already purchased their Microsoft points cards, but where the heck did this Toyota Yaris game come from? Total left field here, but a free corporate sponsored game and some free Gamerscore is something we won't question.
WoW Moviewatch: Four wheels of FURY!
I have to admit, when I saw this particular video come up on the WoW LJ community, I couldn't believe my eyes. But sure enough, it appears that Toyota has figured out that World of Warcraft is a good way to attract the attention of tons of folks. Anyone who has ever seen the original Leeroy Jenkins video knows what they're trying to draw a correlation to. I'd also be willing to bet whoever designed this plays WoW themselves.In any case, I would bet that it won't be long before we hear "Four wheels of FURY!" and "I am the LAWGIVER!" all over the place. Previously, on Moviewatch...
Today's resold meme video: WoW Toyota commercial
Clearly an homage to Leeroy Jenkins, this Toyota commercial shows that World of Warcraft players can charge into battle as long as they have the right mount. The ad is apparently legitimate, although the only version we could find clips the tagline.Toyota may be a follower to showing how it can save the World ... of Warcraft, but this spot hits several in-jokes in a short amount of time. See the ad after the break.[Thanks, Mal F4cti0n and raffleski]
Toyota shows off fuel cell car with 480-mile range
While we've yet to hear any more about Toyota's planned tests of its plug-in hybrid, the company has apparently made quite a bit of progress with its fuel cell vehicles, two of which recently made a non-stop 350 mile trip from Osaka to Tokyo (with the air conditioning on, no less). What's more, according to MSNBC, the vehicles still had 30 percent of their fuel remaining, giving them a total potential range of 480 miles. That's apparently more than double the range of Toyota's earlier fuel cell vehicles, a feat due in no small part to this model's ability to hold twice as much hydrogen as its predecessor (it's also 25% more efficient). While there's no word as to when any of this might actually make it into a commercially available vehicle, Toyota is apparently (slowly) headed in that direction, with it now working to boost the range even further, improve durability and, most importantly, get the cost down.[Via Straightline, photo courtesy of Robert Gilhooly / EPA]
TomTom to provide embedded PND for Toyota's Yaris
While we've certainly heard quite a lot about Toyota and its purported partnerships of late, the most recent one looks to be fairly set in stone. Reportedly, TomTom announced at the Frankfurt auto show that "the latest Toyota Yaris will come with the option to include a TomTom portable navigation device (PND) as part of the vehicle's built-in radio system." Apparently, the device will be "embedded into the radio system" itself and will provide "full radio integration with the car's speakers." Not a bad option for a low-end ride, we say.[Via Stuff]
Toyota looking to develop recharging points for plug-in hybrids?
There's been no shortage of news surrounding Toyota and its hybrid plans of late, so it makes perfect sense to hear that the automaker may be on the verge of inking a deal to "develop recharging points for plug-in hybrid electric cars." Reportedly, Toyota and Electricite de France are set to "announce a deal next week to develop electricity infrastructure for the plug-in cars Toyota plans to launch in a few years." Notably, the agreement is only expected to cover France initially, but neighboring countries could be pursued shortly thereafter.[Via AutoblogGreen]
Toyota released iPod integration kit
I guess this is the weekend of Apple car news. Leftlanenews is reporting that Toyota is finally shipping the iPod integration kit they announced earlier this year for current Toyota and Lexus cars. Much like the kits from VW, BMW, and others, it allows you to plug your iPod into your car via a Dock connector cable in the glovebox. Naturally you can control your tunes from the head unit (or steering wheel) and track information is displayed on the head unit display. It runs $300, presumably from dealers, and it takes about an hour for it to be installed.
Toyota turns to Sony for help with "intelligent" new vehicle
While it doesn't look like there will be AIBOs scampering around Toyota offices anytime soon, it appears that the company has in fact turned to Sony for some of their robotics-related expertise. According to the AP, the two companies will be working together to develop an "innovative, intelligent, single-seat vehicle" as part of a deal that stems from Toyota's acquisition of various Sony technology and patents earlier this year. Under the new partnership, seven Sony researchers have started to work temporarily in Toyota's robot research unit, helping Toyota make sense of the technology. While details on the vehicle itself are light, as the AP points out, Toyota's i-swing "personal mobility vehicle" does seem to meet the general description. In related news, Toyota also officially unveiled its TPR-Robina showroom guide robot today, which we're guessing has already given those visiting Sony researchers a suitably creepy welcoming.
