The Daily Engadget: Game Boy Turns 20, Robot Theater, Jawbone Prime
Our friends over at Engadget obsessively cover everything new in gadgets and consumer electronics, which is why we've decided to compile a daily roundup of their top stuff (or, at least, what we think is tops). For more details on any of these stories, click on the Engadget links. Meet Probo, the Huggable, Trauma(tic) Robot
Probo (pictured above) is a huggable Belgian robot designed to comfort children who have been through traumatic experiences. Unfortunately, this android (backed by Bill Gates and developed at the University of Brussels) might end up doing the opposite, especially when he's missing his skin. What's more, we can't decide if Probo looks drunk or deeply depressed when he's turned on. Neither seem to be of much use for cheering up kids. Check out the creepily awesome video here.
AT&T Hanging Up on CallVantage Phone Service
Sorry, AT&T CallVantage users, it looks like you're going to have to find another VoiP (Voice Over Internet) provider to convert those pretty voices to zeroes and ones (maybe Skype?). Yesterday, AT&T announced that it will discontinue its Internet phone service, and subscribers will have until the end of the year to switch to another AT&T service or find a new provider.
Nintendo Game Boy Turns 20
Boy, does it make us feel old to announce that Nintendo's Game Boy handheld game system just celebrated its 20th birthday. It seems like just yesterday we were jamming AA batteries into it and struggling through level after level of 'Tetris' on family road trips. In celebration of 20 great years of Nintendo handheld tradition (all the way up to last week's launch of the Nintendo DSi), Engadget dug up this great commercial for the original.
'Robots' Play Starring Robots
What would happen in this twenty-first century if Hollywood actors decide go on strike? They might just find themselves replaced by robots. That's because three autonomous robots will be starring in a new musical, called 'Robots,' in Servion, Switzerland. The story follows a lonely man living alone with his robots, whose life is turned upside-down when an actual human female threatens to visit him. A more classic story has never been told, so be sure to dust off those opera glasses and get thee to the Alps for the May 1st premiere.
Fishing Fun Without Boat, Fish
Having trouble reeling in the fish with your Xbox 360 controller? Then, have no fear; Griffin International has you covered. The company is developing a fishing video game with mega-retailer Bass Pro Shops that will make use of a special, motion-sensing fishing rod controller. Just think, all the fun and control of real fishing, without the hangover or sunburned neck! The game (with controller) will set you back $70, and you'll be able to hit the digital lakes on your Xbox 360, Wii or PC in late 2009. Yee-haw!
Jawbone's Newest Headset Rocks the Bright Colors
Laws making it illegal to talk on cell phones while driving are hitting the books across the U.S. every day, so there's no better time than the present to pick up a Bluetooth headset. Aliph's Jawbone was one of the best headsets around, and, now, the company has just introduced its newest unit -- the Jawbone Prime. Although the Prime is expensive ($130), it does offer some serious technology under the hood: multi-point connections, easier pairing, and much improved noise reduction. Oh yeah, it also comes in a bunch of funky colors, in addition to the classic black, brown, and silver.
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