GeekDad

High Tech Treats in { Device Diary } Vol. 12

December 22, 2017December 30, 2017Michael Kaufman

The { DeviceDiary } is our place to share some of the devices and accessories that rank high in the “cool, I need that” category.

The Smart and Social Ozobot Evo

December 9, 2017December 28, 2017Michael Kaufman

The updated Evo robot from Ozobot teaches coding to kids of all ages with new tricks, games, and more.

The Giant Robot Duel Was Underwhelming… And That’s Okay

October 19, 2017John "Hex" Carter

On Tuesday, October 17th, two giant robots squared off for the first Giant Robot Duel in history, and it was… slow, but cool.

Spin Master BB-8 Hero Droid.Image Credit: Michael Kaufman

REVIEW: Spin Master’s BB-8 Really IS Quite a Popular Droid

October 14, 2017Michael Kaufman

You (and your Rey and Poe) can have your own BB-8, the iconic droid from the ‘Star Wars’ films. Nearly the same size as the on-screen version, Spin Master’s interactive droid is 16 inches tall with authentic lights and sounds.

Mabot Kickstarter Now Live

September 29, 2017Jonathan H. Liu

Just a quick reminder: the Mabot Kickstarter campaign is live, so if you were interested in backing it or finding out more, now’s your chance!

Wonder Workshop Introduces Cue, Updates Dot

September 19, 2017Jonathan H. Liu2

Wonder Workshop, the makers of Dash and Dot, announced two new products yesterday: Cue and the Dot Creativity Kit.

Kickstarter Alert: Mabot Modular Robot

August 11, 2017December 13, 2017Jonathan H. Liu2

Mabot is a modular robot kit from Bell Robot that lets your kids (and you) assemble all sorts of cool robots, vehicles, and more.

KOOV Coding and Robotics Kit Creates Innovators

June 21, 2017Michael Kaufman

A new coding and robotics kit for the innovators of tomorrow from Sony, KOOV comes with everything needed to start creating unique robotic creations.

Epson Moverio Smart Glasses provide an augmented reality view for drone pilots.

CES Report – Epson Moverio AR Glasses for DJI Drones

January 5, 2017December 13, 2017Michael Kaufman1

The newest version of the Moverio smart eyewear from Epson are specially designed for enhancing the capabilities of aerial drones, especially those from industry leader DJI.

Just Announced: LEGO BOOST Unveiled at CES

January 4, 2017Rory Bristol

Today at CES, the LEGO Group announced BOOST—the latest in building and coding for kids. CES attendees can spot BOOST from January 5th through 8th.

Review: Ecocvacs DeeBot M88 Might Get Your Kid Cleaning Without Being Asked

December 28, 2016December 16, 2017Mordechai Luchins

And then, one day, I got an email asking “would you like to review a robot vacuum?” That’s the day I did a tiny little dance of joy. Little did I know just how it would change my household.

Flybrix: LEGO Drones You’ll Want to Crash

September 22, 2016December 13, 2017Derrick Schneider4

Flybrix has announced their new drones made from LEGO. Get ready to fly fantastic designs.

Megabots Update: Shipping a Weaponized Mech Is Hard

August 19, 2016March 19, 2018Ryan Hiller

So whatever happened to the Megabot versus Kuratas duel of mechs?

Robot Review: Making Wonder With Dash and Dot

August 3, 2016Robin Brooks

Dash and Dot—Morse code for excellent robotics? Possibly so. Read my thoughts on this engaging duo that will inspire your children to code.

‘Cozmo’ Is Wall-E in Miniature Fully Working Toy Form

June 29, 2016Andy Robertson

Anki has just announced Cozmo, a fully free-to-roam robot with Kinect-like vision and app upgrades.

‘BattleBots’ Season 2 Premiere Recap – Robots Activate!

June 27, 2016December 8, 2017Kishore Hari

The Bots are back with a bigger competition than ever. We review the first episode with bout by bout reviews of the action.

‘Star Trek: Exploring New Worlds’ at EMP Museum

May 19, 2016Will James4

I previously mentioned the upcoming Star Trek: Exploring New Worlds exhibit at EMP Museum, but yesterday I actually got to check it out ahead of its opening this weekend, May 21st.

Kickstarter Alert: My Two Weeks With Codeybot

May 9, 2016December 16, 2017Robin Brooks

The Codeybot Kickstarter is coming to an end. I spent two weeks with one and learned these robots aren’t just for laser battles.

Your Next Great R/C: Odyssey Drones

April 19, 2016December 13, 2017Rory Bristol

The rise of the drones is upon us, and more remote control (R/C) air vehicles are on the market all the time. With this deluge of personal aircraft, the FAA has placed new restrictions on personal drones, and even requires registration of all units over 0.55 pounds. So how does one get started, without having to register with a federal agency, and without too much cost?

Smart Chef, Smarter Kitchen

April 3, 2016Michael Kaufman

Could the smart kitchen be the smartest room in the house?

8 Excellent New Gadget Projects on Kickstarter This Week

April 3, 2016December 13, 2017Ken Denmead

From a robot that teaches coding to getting your window blinds on the Internet of Things, these new gadget projects on Kickstarter this week are excellent!

Meet Cubetto: Programming for Preschoolers

March 15, 2016March 31, 2018Jonathan H. Liu2

Cubetto is the latest entry in the trend of games and toys designed to teach programming concepts to young kids, and it’s a good one. Pick commands to make Cubetto turn right or left or move forward … all without a screen or words!

‘Tio’ Breathes New (Robotic) Life Into Old Toys

March 12, 2016Andy Robertson

Tio is a new Kickstarter-funded robotic gadget that can be attached to old toys to add lights, motion, and even animatronics.

Southwest Maker Fest Happening This Weekend

March 10, 2016Chris Wickersham

Mesa, Arizona, will once again host the Southwest Maker Fest, a collaborative one-day festival and gathering for a community of makers seeking to achieve the “vision of a connected community, empowered by creativity.” The event will take place on Saturday, March 12, 2016, in the heart of downtown Mesa from 12pm to 7pm and is free to the public.