Hasta La Gadget!

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We knew good and well that Sifteo’s Cubits were coming in the year 2011 A.D., but little did we know we’d be seeing an update so soon, and here at CES of all places. The aforementioned company has apparently forged ahead with a name change, officially dubbing the little guys you see above “Cubes.” Those looking to buy in early are certainly in for a treat, as its Early Access Program will bring a discounted rate as well as lots of extra goodies — more for less is hard to beat, you know. At some point in Q1 of this year, $99 will enable eager early adopters to get a trio of the 1.5-inch blocks, 1000 points to purchase games and apps from the online store, a coupon to redeem once the product is launched in earnest, 50 percent off anything in the Sifteo store (up to $200) and a limited edition t-shirt. It’ll be the only chance to snag a set prior to their nationwide release in the fall of this year, and if you’re still wondering just how much fun you could have, head on past the break for the full release. It’s a hoot, we tell ya.

Continue reading Sifteo announces early access details for Cubes: $99, Q1, lots of extras

Sifteo announces early access details for Cubes: $99, Q1, lots of extras originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 05 Jan 2011 08:00:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Radio controlled excavators, long-range snowball launchers and fully-automatic Nerf rifles – 2010 was a great year for people who take their playtime seriously. These are some of the most fun toys we could get our hands on. More »

What you’re looking at above is a real, actual object found in the material world. It’s an Etch-a-Sketch so modified, as to look like a glorious leftover from a bygone era that never was. What era, you ask? Oh, the Victorian era — so named for the United Kingdom’s longest reigning monarch — with a great dash of fancy added into the mix. We’re talking alternate history, people! A history so wonderful, so beautiful, that a lowly red plastic Etch-a-Sketch could end up both complex and inordinately heavy looking. Made by an industrious youth as a Christmas gift for a chum, we couldn’t imagine a better way to make this boring old gadget look so jolly well festive. Hurrah!

We know you didn’t get this Steampunk Etch-a-Sketch for Christmas, but you probably want it now, don’t you? originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 27 Dec 2010 15:28:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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We’ve had exclusive word from Sega Toys that their latest innovation for the popular Homestar series of home planetarium products are two new models set for release in spring next year.

Since these products are on pre-order there aren’t a lot of images around and no official ones yet, but we managed to put together this sneak preview for you.

Regular readers will know we’ve covered a lot of Tokyo Sky Tree trends on this blog: local tie-ins, major new toys, mascots and so on. Sega Toys are now also collaborating with the tower to produce an official branded version of their popular Aqua waterproof planetarium. The Homestar Sky Tree has the now-familiar logo and colors of the east Tokyo landmark, and projects a nightview with the illuminated tower in the foreground.

[Image via Gizmodo.jp]

From giant towers to the mini, the Homestar Travel looks like a tiny suitcase. In fact, that is basically what it is: it has a suitcase handle and can even open up. But can your suitcase project the stars onto the ceiling on your hotel room? It brings a whole new meaning to the idea of seeing the world with just one suitcase! Now you can see the universe.

This funky gadget comes in two slick colors (silver gray or black) and even features an alarm clock, to wake you up after that long night of star-gazing.

It will be a few months before these hit the stores but the JapanTrendShop has the Homestar Tokyo Sky Tree and Homestar Travel on pre-order now.