Hasta La Gadget!

A Kickstarter entry has managed to stir the fairness pot by touting a MakerBot Replicator clone called TangiBot — legally copied from the original 3D printer‘s open source plans. The project’s creator, Matt Strong, says that the device will offer “the same performance and features at a roughly 33 percent discount” to Makerbot’s $1,800 price tag, thanks to Chinese manufacturing. That’s inflamed some in the 3D printing fraternity, who take exception to the exact copying of a design without any improvement. The founder is unrepentant, however, saying that “MakerBot’s technology is nothing new” and insists his replica product’s lower price will open up 3D printing to more hobbyists. TangiBot has addressed a trademark gripe from its doppleganger by removing the MakerBot references from Kickstarter — but hey, we know a KIRF when we see one.

Continue reading TangiBot manufactures ethics controversy by replicating open-source Makerbot 3D printer

Filed under: Peripherals, Robots

TangiBot manufactures ethics controversy by replicating open-source Makerbot 3D printer originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 24 Aug 2012 07:01:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Those who were quite amused by the revelation of that Padcaster back at this year’s NAB might want to start prepping their wallets, as the creator’s announced it’s now shipping the filmmaking iPad companion. Notably, during our first encounter with the Padcatser, we were told it’d be selling for “about $200” once it was released — but, as it turns out, the SLR lens-mounting peripheral is being priced at a decent $149, while $40 more gets you the Padcaster / Lenscaster combo. That being said, it’s also worth noting the company’s dubbing this as a “special pricing” and for “a limited time only,” with no word on when such promo will be running out. Either way, you can grab one now at the source link below, though it appears you’ll have to wait between 2-4 weeks for it to show up at your lovely doorstep.

Continue reading Padcaster SLR lens mount for iPad now available: priced at $149 or $189 for Lenscaster combo

Filed under: Digital Cameras, Peripherals, Tablet PCs

Padcaster SLR lens mount for iPad now available: priced at $149 or $189 for Lenscaster combo originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 22 Aug 2012 17:58:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Companies are no strangers to superlatives where new kit is concerned and Mad Catz is definitely no exception. With the release of its newest flagship, the Tritton Warhead 7.1, the outfit’s claiming a novelty in the Xbox 360 space, labeling these cans as the “first… to deliver two-way communication” without the need for wires or controller adapters. Made specifically for Microsoft’s green X gaming platform, the pair of 50mm drivers pump out Dolby 7.1 virtual surround sound over a 5.8GHz channel for up to 33ft of interference-free smack talk. The headset also offers gamers the ability to monitor their in-ear voice levels (SVM), control the volume of other players, as well as select EQ presets for a variety of media playback. And just so you never have to press pause to keep the friendly banter (read: cusses) flowing, the company’s bundled in a dock and pair of of Li-ion batteries for “hot-swappable” recharging. These over-ears are available now for a cool $299 at BestBuy and the company’s own site, so if you take your first-person action seriously, prepare to part with a few Benjamins. Official presser after the break.

Continue reading Tritton Warhead 7.1 two-way headset for Xbox 360 now shipping

Filed under: Gaming, Peripherals

Tritton Warhead 7.1 two-way headset for Xbox 360 now shipping originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 22 Aug 2012 05:48:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Square gets most of the media hype, but without an international presence, would-be competitors have had a chance to carve out their own niches in the mobile commerce market. Sweden’s iZettle has managed to make quite a splash in its homeland, and it’s expanding its mini empire by finally bringing its wares to Android — albeit in an extremely limited form. Unless you’ve got a Galaxy S III, S II or a Note then iZettle still isn’t for you and with availability in a single Nordic country, it might seem more accurate to describe Android support as being in beta, but the company has ditched the testing tag regardless. Rest assured, however, it is actively working to add more handsets and export the app beyond its particle board-loving borders.

Filed under: Cellphones, Peripherals, Software

iZettle comes to Android for a few lucky Swedish Samsung owners originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 21 Aug 2012 16:35:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Google might have already patented some nifty eye-tracking controls, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t considering other sensory input. A recently granted patent hints at a potential glove-based controller, with references to a pair of detectors that record “images” of an environment, and then determine gestures based on the calculated movement between them. The illustrations go on to show a hand drawing out the letter J, indicating it could be used for text input, while another suggests recognition of pinch-to-zoom style gestures. There’s no mention of its fancy glasses in the patent, but we’re thinking a glove to control the Nexus 7 might be a bit overkill.

Filed under: Peripherals

Google grabs glove-based input patent, could spell out gesture control originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 21 Aug 2012 06:52:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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