MSR-H101 Hexapod kit lets you build your own nightmares

Filed under: Robots

Robot builder Matt Denton apparently first built a one-off Hexapod robot for himself some time ago, but he’s now taken things one big step further and is offering a kit of a similar bot to the general public through Micromagic Systems. In addition to being excessively creepy (just check out the video after the break), the MSR-101 Hexapod also looks to be relatively simple to get going straight out of the box, with it boasting a built-in HexEngine with plenty of pre-loaded settings, and built-in PS2 controller suppport, which’ll let you parade your creation about without having to mess around with it too much beforehand. Of course, there’s also plenty of room for more experienced robot builders to get their hands dirty, and Micromagic is more than happy to sell you a whole slew of optional add-ons for the kit. Those just looking to get started, however, can simply grab the base kit in their choice of black, red, or silver for an entirely reasonable €105, or roughly $168 — just don’t blame us if you never get a good night’s sleep again.

[Thanks, David]

Continue reading MSR-H101 Hexapod kit lets you build your own nightmares

MSR-H101 Hexapod kit lets you build your own nightmares originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 01 Nov 2008 03:11:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Marware’s Game Grip for the iPhone complicates what should be simple

Filed under: Cellphones, Gaming

We’ve seen a few accessories for augmenting the gaming experience on the iPhone which would give the device awesome functions similar to a game controller, such as the elusive and yet-to-materialize iControlPad and the totally fake JoyPod. Well, Marware’s Game Grip is sort of like that — silicone sleeves that your phone fits into — except that it doesn’t actually do anything beyond providing ‘handles’ for your phone while you game. Oh, and it exists. So let’s refer to it as the ‘enjoyment enabler’ of your iPhone 3G or iPod touch 2G which can be used with headphones (just like normal), can be charged while gaming (just like normal), and has a ‘cord management system’ (kind of not normal). If that’s not enough to convince you to reach for your wallet, the “lifetime guarantee” and ludicrously zany look of the thing will probably get you to bite… it’s $49.99 and available for pre-order right now.

Marware’s Game Grip for the iPhone complicates what should be simple originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 01 Nov 2008 01:14:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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RIM’s BlackBerry Curve 8900 gets hands-on treatment, looks mighty good

Filed under: Cellphones

Oh RIM, why must you torture us? Just when we’d moved beyond our nightly dreams of the Javelin and had our sights set on a Bold, here you go reminding us of just how luscious the next-generation Curve looks to be. Sure, the omission of 3G makes us none too happy, but it’s hard to kvetch about the design. The Boy Genius managed to get his paws around one of the forthcoming BlackBerry Curve 8900s, and his initial impressions are almost universally positive. He’s totally digging the size, the screen, the keyboard and even the bezel. That’s right, the bezel. Check the read link to see what the fuss is all about.

RIM’s BlackBerry Curve 8900 gets hands-on treatment, looks mighty good originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 01 Nov 2008 00:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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New MacBook Air hits the streets, actually capable of this whole “computing” thing

Filed under: Laptops

The new MacBook Air has landed, and folks all over are recording their impressions of the slightly-revamped ultraportable. Obviously there’s very little to note externally, with the same packaging and design to the computer — the only real difference is the new mini DisplayPort plug to replace that totally oddball microDVI plug. What’s much more exciting is what’s under the hood, namely integrated graphics (NVIDIA 9400M) with enough juice to, say, play back a YouTube video without overheating the computer to a point of non-usability. Shocking, we know. Booting is a snap (25 seconds in informal testing) with that new 128GB SSD, the computer runs cool and core-shut-down-free, can handle full HD video, and outputs to external monitors without a problem. Apple really hamstrung an otherwise interesting computer in the original Air with a criminal lack of power and cooling, and we’re happy to report that they seem to have righted those wrongs — though MacBook Air 1.0 owners still have little recourse, unless you count a $1,799 “upgrade” as a viable move. Hit the read link some more impressions, or peep the unboxing gallery below, courtesy of Engadget pal Sam.

New MacBook Air hits the streets, actually capable of this whole “computing” thing originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 31 Oct 2008 20:49:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Review: YouTube-Ready Video Camera Gets the Goods

Kodak takes another stab at video with the Zi6. It’s YouTube-ready, handles still shots nicely and USB plug delivers instant upload and edit.

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