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Latest Gear Live Videos
We are thinking that sometimes people have way too much spare time on their hands. However, the Yellow Drum Machine is a clever bot all the same. It moves around, collects data, then finds an isolated object to keep the beat. After sampling this for a “good sound,” it will play along with it. It will also keep time if you decide to make a noise or clap. The robot was created for about $120.00 in about twenty hours and runs on 4 AA batteries. Full instruction and details are on Frits’ site.
Read More 
| Let's Make Robots!
Gallery: DIY Drum Machine
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If you cannot decide between the Light and the Dark Side, you can play Obi Wan one day and Darth Vader the next with the Star Wars Force Unleashed Lightsaber. The Hasbro gadget switches colors from Jedi green to Sith red and spikes come out to show your true intentions. The weapon also features activation hums and battle-like sound effects to complete the effect. The force can be with you sometime in May for about £25 (~$50.00.)
Read More | Toyology
Gallery: Go Light and Dark Side
We never tire of finding remote control toys to challenge your mind
fingers when your inbox is full and your outbox is still empty. The 32cm tall Inflatable Sumo Wrestlers move forward and back in their quest of tabletop domination. Battle your bud to topple her/him over. They also speak, sort of. They will yell “Hakke-yoi!” or “Nokotta!”, depending on their mood. Each wrestler needs one 9V and 4 AA batteries (not included.) Get them at a $73.55 price. As they are not exactly inexpensive, you might want to get that bud to share the expense.
Read More | Latest Buy
Gallery: Play Sumo Wrestler Vicariously
Review: MSN Missile Launcher/Webcam
Posted by Sheila Franklin Categories: Cameras, Microsoft, Misc. Tech, Product Reviews, Toys, Videos, USB,
There is no better way to spend a weekend than by playing with electronic toys. The MSN Missile Launcher/Webcam is no exception. Firebox was kind enough to allow us to get our hands on one. It comes with software that makes it really simple to load and takes only a few seconds. With a toy like this, it is easy to get addicted. We only wish we had two for all out virtual/real warfare. Read our full review and see a short video demo after the jump.
(Thanks, Jen and Kent)
Click to continue reading Review: MSN Missile Launcher/Webcam
Read More | Firebox
Gallery: Review: MSN Missile Launcher/Webcam
Star Trek Communicator, Almost the Real thing
Posted by Sheila Franklin Categories: Misc. Tech, Toys,
We knew someone who was such a Star Trek fan that he bought an original Communicator, at an exorbitant price we might add. While it looked kewl, it didn’t really do anything. This one does. The full size classic gadget features realistic sound and lighting effects with phrases such as “Spock here, Captain.”
It also has the “Hailing” function. Press a button, close the Communicator, and the Enterprise will call you back 5 seconds later. You can find them for $29.99 at ThinkGeek and then ask Scotty to beam you up.
Read More | ThinkGeek
Gallery: Star Trek Communicator, Almost the Real thing
Etch-A-Sketch Doubles as Clock
Posted by Sheila Franklin Categories: Design, Smart Home, Misc. Tech, Toys, Videos,
We have discovered many odd clocks at Gear Live and this prototype is no exception. Made out one of our fave toys, the Etch-A-Sketch Clock, built on the Arduino platform, was designed by the New York mechanical engineer Angela Yuan. When a minute goes by, the device tilts, shakes to remove the current display, and changes it to update the time. We think it is a novel idea and hope Ms.Yuan continues her creative streak.
Read More | Angela Yuan
Gallery: Etch-A-Sketch Doubles as Clock
With all that fuss about the recent Endeavor launch, we just couldn’t resist this ZFlyer Hand Command. This astronaut is no ordinary toy. You can lead it around since it has stabilizing rotors and sensors. It will then recharge on its base unit in 10 minutes for another 7 minute flight. We don’t know if it will make it all the way up to the Space Station, but maybe it will meet the returning paper airplane half way. The ZFlyer will become available March 30 and you can pre-order for £17.99 (~$36.00.)
Read More | Toyology
Gallery: ZFlyer Takes Off
After you tire of your USB Missile Launcher, or if you want to one-up friends who have one, we suggest the Webcam Missile Launcher. Hook it up to MSN Instant Messenger via USB and an on-screen menu helps you to rotate, tilt and fire away. With a range of 10 ft., if you get two, you can use the opposition’s to shoot her/him. The 5 x 7 1/2 x 4 1/4-inch mini-weapon has such sound effects as “boing” and “whoosh” and comes with 3 missiles and a 4 ft. USB cable. Newly arrived, you can get one for $59.95.
(Thanks, Jen)
Read More | Firebox
Gallery: Launch Missiles While You IM
See Bugs Better With Improved EyeClops
Posted by Sheila Franklin Categories: CES, CES 2008, Misc. Tech, Science, Toys,
We aren’t all that crazy about gadgets that have the potential to hurt any living creature under the guise of science, but apparently the JAKKS EyeClops was so well received that they updated the device. It now has 3 lenses for 100x, 200x and 400x magnifications. You can still play back images on your TV so your whole family can be freaked out by spiders. This would be particularly meaningful if you had at least a 42-inch screen. There is now an optional vacuum with detachable lid so that you can suck up the little buggers. The new and improved EyeClops will still be available for $50.00 this fall with the vacuum costing an additional $15.00.
Read More | JAKKS
Gallery: See Bugs Better With Improved EyeClops
i-Buddy Enlivens MSN Messaging
Posted by Sheila Franklin Categories: Internet, Microsoft, Misc. Tech, Toys, USB,
Pay attention, MSN IM addicts. The i-Buddy, who looks darn close to the icon, hooks up to your USB port and responds to incoming MSN messages with his glowing head and wings. The 3-inch figure does more. He will respond to emoticons within the messages and can even be programmed to alert you to one specific bud. How kewl is that? Pre-order for $24.94 from Firebox for a March 28 ship date.
(Thanks, Jen)
Read More | Firebox
