Consumer robots are getting smarter all of the time and with any luck, they’ll start getting a bit cheaper too. A few days ago we heard about three new Meccano robots on the way and today, WowWee has introduced Rovio, a new “telepresence” robot sporting the latest in micro-GPS technology from Evolution Robotics.
Rovio features a Wi-Fi-enabled Web-cam that allows you to patrol your home when you’re away from an Internet-enabled PC, console or mobile phone.
With the new GPS system in place, the Rovio can:
- let you drive the robot with shortcut "go-to" commands, (i.e. go to the kids' room) to make it easy to control the robot remotely over the Web or from your mobile phone
- operate in "patrol mode" and automatically send you pictures of specific locations you want to check.
- autonomously guide itself back on course if your kids pick it up and move it
- navigate to its charging station from anywhere in the house, and dock with pinpoint accuracy, when its batteries run low
This nosey little tyke is expected to launch in the second half of this year with a price tag of around £150.-Martin Lynch
If World Of Warcraft is just sooo old hat and kicking goblin butt in Lord Of The Rings Online no longer tickles your axe, then maybe news of a new MMORG (Massively multiplayer online role-playing game) based on the Stargate universe will be of some interest.
Above you can see the short, first official trailer – too short, really – for the forthcoming Stargate Worlds. According to the makers, it shuns swords and sorcery for “tactical modern combat vs. science fiction weapons, non-combat advancement and instant travel across the galaxy in a story-driven MMORPG.”
Stargate Worlds is based on Stargate SG-1 and the show’s spin off Stargate Atlantis and uses the Unreal 3 engine.
Game development veteran Rod Nakamoto said: “The trailer will give gamers and fans a glimpse at what they can expect to find in Stargate Worlds. It’s a mix of old and new elements that hint at the direction we are taking the franchise.”
Production is underway but with a launch date tentatively put at “Q4 2008”, there’s still plenty of time for hacking up orcs and other beasties.-Martin Lynch
The CES 2008 Show is well underway and you’re going to see a lot of new skinny TVs from all the major players. Not too many though will have an integrated iPod dock like the new JVC P-Series.
The new sets include the TeleDock, a flip-down iPod dock at the front of the set. Once you slot it in a menu appears on the TV screen asking what you want to access and the whole process can be controlled from the TV remote which boasts a circular wheel that mimics the iPod wheel.
During music playback, the song and artist's name are displayed on screen. For video playback, low resolution video files are shown in a small screen mode while higher-res videos can be shown in 9-aspect modes in full screen. The dock will also charge the iPod, even in stand-by.
All sets come with 3 x HDMI slots and will deliver 10Watts per channel to some exclusive JVC oblique cone speakers.
The news models are the 32in LT-32P679, 42in LT-42P789, 47in LT-47P789 and the 52in LT-52P789, All but the 32in model are Full HD [1080p] TVs. They will launch in March & April with the 52in model expected in the summer.-Martin Lynch
Microsoft just announced that UK Xbox 360 users will be the first to be able to access the BT Vision download service via their consoles.
Gamers that use BT Broadband will be able to access BT Vision’s TV content, hundreds of movies, ‘near-live FA Premier League matches and more, essentially turning the Xbox 360 into a set-top box. The service will work with existing Xbox 360s.
BT Vision is based on Microsoft’s Mediaroom Internet Protocol TV (IPTV) platform and a deal like this had been rumoured. The new service will go live in mid-2008 and will integrate ‘seamlessly’ with Xbox LIVE. In other words, while you’re watching your movie from BT Vision, your gaming friends online will still be able to interrupt you with messages.
"We are pleased to partner with Microsoft to deliver a truly compelling connected entertainment experience to our customers," said Dan Marks, CEO of BT Vision. "For the first time consumers in the U.K. will be able to experience the advantages of an advanced TV service together with the benefits of next-generation gaming. Our aim is to provide BT Vision on multiple platforms - giving customers greater convenience, control and flexibility over what they watch, when they watch and how they watch TV. It also means that we are able to potentially expand our BT Vision customer base by tapping into the popularity of Xbox 360.”
BT will also start flogging the console.-Martin Lynch
Bill Gates has left the building. Again. The Microsoft chairman gave his last CES Show speech - his 12th – reconfirming his plans to stay out of the day-to day running of the company, instead concentrating on making predictions for the future, playing guitar with U2, starring in Speilberg movies and throwing down some rap. Scary, I know.
Soft-spoken Steve Ballmer has been the point man for some time now, while geeky Bill has been doing lots of worthwhile charity work.
Not renowned for his snappy wit or hilarious drink & drugs escapade stories with fellow IT wild men, Gates nonetheless bowed out with an amusing video of Bill Gates’ Last Day, peppered with celebrities aplenty, from Bono, Jay Z and George Clooney to bicep-building with Matthew McConaughey.-Martin Lynch
Editor and Contributor | Martin Lynch
Contributor | Tamlin Magee
