Archive for February 16th, 2009

We got a look at the new Mindstorms NXT robotics kits from Lego. And a new sensor for the 2.0 version can, amazingly, detect the difference between colors. Cool.

Robotics nuts can do amazing things with the NXT ‘bots, so I’m excited to see what kind of projects evolve from the new kits’ color-sensing eyes. Also new in 2.0 is the ability to load images and sounds into your robots memory, for displaying on the LCD screen or, more importantly, allowing it to speak with the sound sample of your choice.

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I’m counting down the minutes until the first Christian Bale Mindstorms (he likes black) hits YouTube. [Toy Fair 2009]

Now when junior complains that one of the evil neighborhood kids has stolen his favorite toy, hand him this Lil’ CSI kit, complete with UV light, and get him dusting for prints.

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There’s even an ID card and ink pad so anyone that enters said playroom can get their prints on file, in case any funny business should happen later, and some evidence sacks to bag up incriminating fibers. What every kid needs is their own high-security, civil-rights-violating border crossing station in his room. I had my prints lifted off a water bottle, so this thing works. It’s $16 and available this fall. [Toy Fair 2009]

The new Indiana Jones Lego sets are awesome. Not only do they adorably recreate several classic scenes from the three non-retarded Indy flicks, they’ve evolved the minifig to new heights: Short Round heights.

That’s Short Round there on the right in the top photo, next to the beefy Egyptian Luftwaffe Nazi that gets diced up by the propellers at the end of Raiders.

And here’s Connery, in the back of the biplane, before haplessly shredding the rudder with his machine gun. Oh Dad.

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You can recreate all of those scenes, along with the heart-removal from Temple of Doom (KALI-MA), the Venice Canal chase with the fez-wearing Brotherhood of Grail protectors, and the old-timey Shanghai car chase from the beginning of Temple of Doom, where you can find the aforementioned Short Round (note the half-length legs).

All of them are being released in August, and they are 100% cooler than Lego Star Wars. [Toy Fair 2009]

If you were planning on selling your mind-blowing Android app for profit, be forewarned: your Google overlords will only let you charge $200 for it.

It’s really inconvenient I know, because you were totally working on the greatest app ever, and were going to charge $500 for it, but you’ll have to find another way to survive. And apparently you can’t charge less than $0.99 for an app either, unless you wanna give it away for free. ZOMG! Android is soooooo not open source anymore with all these oppressive rules! [Ars Technica via AndroidCentral via IntoMobile]

By architect Eric Vergne, Dystopian Farm is a biomorphic skyscraper concept, taking design cues from the cell structure of a fern to create a stunning, multi-functional space.

The tower is designed to provide housing while simultaneously offering a place to grow and sell food. Through a combination of airoponics and managed lighting/CO2 levels, this giant polygonal web could become a leafy, green habitat. Is it bad of me to say I prefer the design before the influx of natural vegetation?

Dystopian Farm recently took third place in the Evolo Skyscraper Competition. I’m guessing the building was a bit too drafty to take first, at least in the winter. [Dystopian Farm via Inhabitant]

Baldwin’s display of Wiimote ambidexterity is pretty much why I refuse to play the Wii with another guy in the room. Well, that, and the Xbox 360. [Kotaku]

Whether you have yellow teeth or yellow sheets, boy do we have the deals for you.

Home Entertainment
• Pioneer KURO 50″ 1080p Plasma HDTV for $1,949.99 plus free shipping (normally $2,399.99).
• Zenith 32″ 720p LCD HDTV for $449 plus free shipping (normally $699).
• Sylvania NB500SL9 1080p Blu-ray Player for $l89.98 plus free shipping (normally $229).

Computing
• AOC 22″ Widescreen LCD Monitor for $149.99 (normally $199.99).

Gaming
• Fallout 3: Collector’s Edition for $49.90 (normally $69.99).
• Xbox 360 Pro 20GB Refurbished for $169.99 (normally $199.99).

Movies
• The Godfather Trilogy – The Coppola Restoration [Blu-Ray] for $58.99 plus free shipping (normally $99.99).
• The Woody Allen Collection, Sets 1-3 for $89.99 plus free shipping (normally $104.99).
• Lost In Space, Seasons 1-3 for $94.99 plus free shipping (normally $129.99).

Home Accessories
• Omnitech 8.5″ Digital Picture Frame for $49.99 (normally $69.99. Use rebate form).

Portable Devices
• Samsung Omnia for $99.99 (normally $169.99. Must sign 2-year contract.)
• Nokia N95 Unlocked Smartphone for $339 plus free shipping (normally $399.99. Use coupon code EMCLNML25. Valid through 2/16.)
• Pentax Optio E60 10MP Digital Camera for $89.99 (normally $139.99. Valid today only.)
• CENTON moVex 2GB MP3 player for $14.99 plus free shipping (normally $29.99).

Hobomodo
• “Great American Presidents” Audiobook for $0
• Blackberry Ringtones and Wallpapers for $0
• Crest Whitestrips for $0
• Movie On Demand for $0 (Must be a DISH Network subscriber. Valid through 4/30).
• UnderJams Nightwear for Boys for $0

Save $300 on a Sony® BRAVIA® HDTV. Turn your 1040 into 1080p from Sony.

The concept of integrating speakers into shelving units is nothing new, but this Soundshelf design is easily the most elegant application of the idea to date.

In fact, Soundshelf goes beyond bookshelves into other areas—like DVD storage towers. Again, its still a concept, but there is no reason why it can’t become a reality. In the meantime, we have ceiling fans with built-in speakers to look forward to. Maybe someday we could even achieve the holy grail of simple surround sound solutions—the speaker light bulb. [Designboom via GearCrave via Freshome]

Bandai is bringing this Japanese pocket toy, 5 Second Stadium—the first of many, like Mugen Pop Pop—over here. You try to click precisely at the 5-second mark. I’m premature, as always. [Giz @ Toy Fair]

The OK to Wake! alarm clock teaches your hellions when it’s okay to leave the confines of their bed by glowing green when you’re ready to deal with them. I’m sure it works perfectly.