Kano has announced a partnership with Warner Bros. Consumer Products to launch the Harry Potter Kano Coding Kit, the first-ever Harry Potter STEM product.

Kano has been doing great things but don’t think that they have simply stamped Harry’s lightning mark on a Raspberry Pi.

The new kit is actually a build-it-yourself wireless wand! Furthermore, it will show fans of all ages how to code and create.

Soon you (or your kids) will be able to flick and swish through more than 70 challenges inspired by the Wizarding World.

Kano Harry Potter wand STEM kit

The wand works with software and a connected app to capture movements and turn them into rich effects. Expect it to make serpents slither, toads transfigure, fires flow, feathers float, goblets duplicate, Bertie Bott’s Every-Flavour Beans enlarge, you get the idea.

By following the step-by-step coding manual, you build a wand, and learn about sensors, data and code along the way.

The wand combines a gyroscope, accelerometer and magnetometer to detect its own location and speed in tridimensional space. Basically, all that makes it capable of tracking your hand movement.

These sensors allow it to place a cursor on screen exactly where you point it. Additionally, it will also recognise the motions of some signature spells. You can also code the wand’s light and rumble pack.

Kano app

Once the wand has been assembled you just need the Kano app. This enables you to start unlocking challenges across six iconic Wizarding World settings. Naturally, you get to explore Hogwarts, Diagon Alley, Hogsmeade and The Forbidden Forest.

The creative challenges teach the fundamentals of coding and introduce the basic concepts of real-world programming thanks to a block-based interface and a JavaScript inspector. These are all tackled using simple steps.

Alex Klein, Co-Founder and CEO of Kano told us:

We’re surrounded by technology in our homes, workplaces and pockets, yet only a small percent of people, less than 1% of 1%, understand the happenings behind the screen. We are thrilled to partner with Warner Bros Consumer Products to inspire people of all ages, all over the world to make their own code, and see how easy it can be to understand, play and create with it.”

Price and availability

The Harry Potter Kano Coding Kit is now available for pre-order for £99 at Kano.me.

The kit will go on sale worldwide at Kano.me and retailers in the United States, Canada, the UK, Australia and New Zealand starting October 1st, 2018. Yup, get your pre-orders in now for Christmas

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Archery usually needs plenty of space and pesky safety guidelines. But, what if you could loose a quiver of arrows whenever you felt like it? Well, now you can thanks to the Orb Virtual Archer.

Archery is an old and still much respected sport. However, practicing such can prove tricky, let alone risky, in a small London flat or in the office. What if I could tell you that you could twang your bow wherever and whenever you wanted?

Strap on your green tights and prepare to want.

Orb Virtual Archer

Archery hits the 21st century with the Virtual Archer. This rather impressive bit of kit takes the classic bow (although crafted in plastic and packed with technology rather than carved from walnut) and string buts adds a smartphone holder.

All you need is to download the free app to access some fab games. Next, pop in 2 x AAA batteries (not included) and connect your phone to the bow using Bluetooth. Now, you’re set up with up to 15 hours of game playing fun. Naturally, should you feel the need to wear green tights, feel free. Don’t let me stop you!

Whether you’re looking to slay some dastardly dragons or become an ace at target shooting, the Virtual Archer will keep you happy for hours, both indoors and out.

Price and availability

The Orb Gaming Virtual Archer costs £31.95 from Genie Gadgets.

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LEGO and Bugatti have joined forces to bring you the chance to own a Chiron.

Finally, the hotly anticipated release of the Bugatti Chiron LEGO Technic model has happened!

This could well be the closest that many of will get to owning a Bugatti. At least we’ll be able to enjoy the attention to detail that LEGO puts in to all of its Technic kits.

LEGO Bugatti Chiron

This latest addition to the LEGO Technic range follows the success of the Porsche 911 GT3 RS which sold out in record time in 2016.

The Bugatti Chiron super-car model measures over 5-inches (14cm) high, 22-inches (56cm) long and 9-inches (25cm) wide. Furthermore, it features an incredible 3,600 pieces.

That’s not all. The LEGO model has aerodynamic bodywork with an active rear wing, spoked rims with low-profile tires, detailed cockpit with movable paddle gearshift, and detailed W16 engine with moving pistons. What’s not to love?

Price and availability

Car and LEGO fans can get their hands on an exclusive set at LEGO stores and shop.LEGO.com for £329.99 from 1st June, 2018.

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UBTECH has launched one of the most adorable Stormtroopers. Ever. Their Star Wars First Order Stormtrooper robot looks almost adorable.

The UBTECH Star Wars First Order Stormtrooper robot works with a companion app. The app includes a pair of augmented reality modes for fighting against the Resistance.

Additionally, the First Order Stormtrooper bot boasts facial recognition capabilities, as well as support for voice commands, a sentry patrolling feature, and more.

UBTECH Star Wars First Order Stormtrooper

The First Order Stormtrooper Robot features both first and third-person augmented reality modes in its app. Using these you can launch attacks against the Resistance, issue verbal commands, and more as part of an interactive game.

The robot itself has voice command support, so you can talk directly to it just as you would an Amazon Echo.

[youtube id=”PBCxZ5DLpe0″]

Like Cozmo, this droid also has facial recognition abilities. In fact, it can store biometric data for up to three faces. This allows for customised interactions between human and robot.

Moreover, UBTECH says that the Stormtrooper bot doesn’t connect to the Internet and therefore the facial data it acquires isn’t at risk of being hacked.

The robot uses a closed network, including a platform in which the user connects over secured WiFi. This secured platform includes, at least, AES-128 encryption. Furthermore, there’s no personal info or data being saved in either the companion app or the robot itself.

The Star Wars Stormtrooper robot features a camera through which it is able to provide that first-person experience.

Other features include integrated gyroscope and accelerometer sensors, various mission modes plus the ability to create your own in-app, a triple-array microphone, an infrared sensor, plus that aforementioned sentry mode for having the robot patrol your home.

Price and availability

The Star Wars First Order Stormtrooper Robot by UBTECH retails for £299.99 and is available for purchase at starwars.ubtrobot.com, Amazon and MenKind.

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MERGE has just announced its newest product, the MERGE Cube.

It might unnervingly look like the ‘Box of Delights’ from Hellraiser, but the MERGE Cube merges the physical and digital worlds. Also, I can pretty much guarantee that no Cenobites will be sneaking in to your kids’ room. Not via this cube any how.

MERGE Cube

Using augmented reality (AR) tech and the camera and sensors in your mobile device, this Cube enables you to physically hold and interact with 3D digital objects like never before.

There are already dozens of games and experiences built for it.

So, do you fancy holding a galaxy in the palm of your hand? Let’s face it, who doesn’t? Then you can also add in to the mix examining ancient artifacts, watching a volcano erupt before your eyes, and more.

Miniverse

[amazon_link asins=’B0741FNH18′ template=’ProductAd’ store=’gadgnews-21′ marketplace=’UK’ link_id=”]MERGE also offers the MERGE Miniverse. This is a curated portal to virtual and augmented worlds.
 
You see, the company not only creates physical products and apps – its team of VR experts also curates a library of high quality, family-friendly experiences. The list includes 360º videos, and virtual and augmented reality apps and games.
 
All of the content on MERGE Miniverse is tested and rated for age appropriateness, quality, and motion intensity.
 

Words

MERGE founder, Franklin Lyons, stated:

We’re excited to bring the MERGE Cube to the UK and put this technology into people’s hands. With this first-of-its-kind product, people can experience the wonder and amazement of interacting with holographic, 3D content in a natural and intuitive way. Our MERGE Cube and Goggles allow users to interact with more than just a screen – now they can build worlds, explore the human brain, visit foreign lands and more through the power of VR/AR.”

Price and availability

The MERGE Cube is affordably priced at just £19.99 and is available now in the UK on Amazon.

To learn how the MERGE Cube works, visit MERGECube.com/start.

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You had to be in it to win it. A few of you took the chance and now we have a winner.

Thanks to all who entered the competition to win the replica of Deckard’s  M2019 PKD blaster. The lucky winner has been contacted.

The winner is…

Well done and congratulations to Adam!

Soon, his brand new, still packaged, M2019 PKD blaster water-pistol will be winging its way to SW11.

I have to admit to being a little bit jealous, but it is better to give than receive. Apparently.

Super thanks again to Roy who kindly donated this prize. He is truly a hero.

Win Deckard’s Blade Runner M2019 PKD blaster

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Following the recent launch of Sphero Mini, app-enabled robotic ball and the Star Wars App-Enabled Droids R2-D2, BB-8, and BB-9E a new droid has been announced. R2-Q5 will soon be with us.

Sphero has announced updates to its Sphero Edu app as well as going over to the dark side.

Sphero Edu app update

The new app update will support R2-D2, BB-9E and Sphero Mini.

This update also brings with it custom droid animations and sounds for each Star Wars droid. Additionally, you will get Force robot picker for new programs, enabling bot-specific blocks, and omni-robot program.

Sphero Edu will also support the brand new and exclusive R2-Q5 App-Enabled Droid.

Sphero R2-Q5

This little Astromech droid looks like R2-D2 has gone all bad-ass on us.

However, this particular R2 droid worked on the Death Star II as seen in Return of the Jedi.

The little droid is a skilled starship mechanic, as well as being an intimidating Imperial spy.

Sphero’s R2-Q5 comes packing many features to interact with and explore – you can even watch R2-Q5 interact with other Star Wars App-enabled droids!

R2-Q5 has functional lights, a rotating dome, retractable third foot, on-board speakers.

You can drive it around using the same Sphero app that controls the other Star Wars droids, or have it patrol on its own.

The app has augmented reality features that place R2-Q5 in settings within the Star Wars universe, including the Death Star.

You can watch Star Wars movies with the droid and have it react to certain moments within the film as well.

Price and availability

The new droid will be available for pre-order from 10th October, and on UK shelves exclusive to John Lewis from 27th October for £199.99.

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Sphero has done really well with its robotic balls. It also has had tie-ins with Star Wars, Marvel and Pixar. Now, there’s a new little Sphero, the Mini.

The Sphero Mini is basically a shrunken down version of the Sphero 2.0. The new globe weighs just 46 grams and measures 44mm – the same as a standard ping-pong ball.

The Mini has most of its larger sibling’s features too. You can use a smartphone app to drive it around, use it as a controller for Sphero smartphone games and even program it using the Sphero Edu app.

However, some sacrifices have had to be made. The Sphero Mini is said to be slightly less durable than its larger sibling and has also lost its water resistance. Wireless charging has also been binned for the Mini.

Face Drive

The Mini does pack new skills though.

The new Face Drive feature enables you to guide the toy using facial expressions.

Sphero Mini scans your face and then interprets your scowls, smiles and such as directions.

Additionally, there’s also tech inside that allows a Mini to detect when it’s close to another Mini. However, there are no features currently that take advantage of this.

Play time

To fully charge the Sphero Mini you use the Micro USB cable. As I said earlier, no wireless charging here.

A full charge takes around an hour and hands you 45 mins of play time.

Price and availability

The Sphero Mini is available now for £49.99 from Amazon.

Mini bowling pins and cones are included, and if you want to mix up your Mini’s look, you can also buy shells of different colours.

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UBTECH has just let us know about their new First Order Stormtrooper Robot and companion app for iOS and Android. Oh, and it looks frikken  awesome.

UBTECH certainly know what they’re doing with robots. This latest addition to their range is certain to be a Christmas hit.

The First Order Stormtrooper features augmented reality (AR) capabilities, voice command, facial recognition, and sentry patrolling.

Furthermore, the interactive robot allows you to control your own personal ‘rooper and interact like never before.

I told you it was awesome! Check out the video for more:
[youtube id=”PBCxZ5DLpe0″]

UBTECH First Order Stormtrooper

It might look a little short to be a Stormtrooper, however it will keep things secure.

The robot hooks up using Wi-Fi but keeps everything locked down.

Moreover, it uses a platform encrypted to meet at least the minimum Advanced Encryption Standard of 128 bits.

Additionally, no data or personal information is saved to the robot or the companion app.

Here are some of the robot’s features in a little more detail.

First and Third Person AR (Augmented Reality) App Modes

Protect the First Order against the Resistance in your own room, issuing direct verbal orders, and launch attacks via the app interface in first and third person views.

Voice Commands

Speak directly to your Stormtrooper to interact in new ways.

Facial Recognition

Create a database of up to three faces. Note that the robot does not connect to the internet and stays within a closed network.

Sentry Patrolling

Order your Stormtrooper to patrol the designated area to detect and respond to intruders.

Price and availability

The Star Wars First Order Stormtrooper Robot by UBTECH retails for £299.95 and is available for pre-order at starwars.ubtrobot.com.

You can also order from: Amazon, Argos, Dixons, Very, Toys R Us, and Menkind.

The post Amass a Stormtrooper robot army with UBTECH appeared first on GadgetyNews.

You may remember my article about the replica of Rick Deckard’s blaster in water-pistol form. Well, as the release of Blade Runner: 2049 is imminent, here is a very special competition.

Through the extreme kindness of my friend, Roy, we have a still packaged, unopened, M2019 PKD blaster to give away to one lucky winner.

The only downside to this competition is that I am unable to enter.

Booooooooo!

This is an actual photo of the other replica M2019 PKD Roy bought and opened. Just how good does it look?

Furthermore, the competition question answer is super simple, if you like your comic book anti-heroes.

Blade Runner blaster competition

All you have to do is name who uses a weapon that looks like this:

Easy, huh?

This competition is open to all UK residents and closes on October 6th, which is the cinematic release date of the new film, Blade Runner: 2049. The winner will be announced during the following week.

If you are still reading this, you will probably know that Harrison Ford returns as Deckard alongside Ryan Gosling in the new Blade Runner film. The teaser trailers have already got me counting down the days.

Win Deckard’s Blade Runner M2019 PKD blaster

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