New HiTechnic Sensor Multiplexer

I know a lot of you have been waiting for this product to release for some time, especially after HiTechnic themselves teased us with a few prototype pictures of the sensor. They did release a touch sensor multiplexer a few months ago, but what most NXT enthusiasts dream for is an easy way to connect multiple sensors and motors to the NXT brick at once.
It's now available for purchase at the HiTechnic website for $57.95 USD. The sensor allows up to 4 sensors to be connected to the robot while just using one port on the NXT. Go here to see the product page.

HiTechnic has also released a new version of the IR sensor, named the "IRReciever", which can be viewed here.

8063 Tractor w/Trailer now on TRU website

Set No. 8063
Pieces: 1100
link

EDIT: Now available on the Lego website.

nxtprograms.com Update

Prior to the release of the new Mindstorms NXT 2.0 kit (now available), nxtprograms has added a new section specifically for those who own the NXT 2.0 kit. More info here.

NXT Console w/Car game

This is an arcade game built for the NXTLOG Arcade Game challenge.

The NXT Console is a simple device that has 3 sensors and inputs for more. It basically plays simple games with the two touch sensors, but a joystick can be built seperately to play those other games.

It's really easy to play the racing game. To beat the opponenent's car to the end of the track, you must repeatedly tap the touch sensor to move. The program was the hardest part in making this simple game, because of how challenging games are to program in the NXT-G programming language.

You can see more pictures and video on Flickr.

NXT Arcade Game Building Challenge

The winners of the People's Choice building challenge were users NXTSTORMER and mindstorms-teen, both of which who submitted an arcade game theme to the previous contest. Here is the link to the competition page.

Mindstorms NXT 2.0

Lego has officially released Mindstorms NXT 2.0, and is available for preorder now.

The specific details and other information about the new set is posted on the Mindstorms website, under "news". You can view that information here.

There are four main models that you can build:

(quoted from the website)

"Shooterbot, a moving vehicle robot that can guard your room and will shoot balls at intruders!

Robogator is an animal robot that acts and moves like an alligator. It will protect its area and jumps forward and snap at anything that comes too near. Watch out!

Colour Sorter is a robotic sorting machine that can sort different coloured objects and dispense them as you please. It can easily be modified with a catapult mechanism that can precisely shoot the different colours where you like.

Alpha Rex is your ultimate robot. It is a humanoid robot, easy to assemble and with multiple functions; it walks and turns, dances, talks, can see and avoid obstacles, can grab and distinguish between different coloured objects.

Note: 10 extra bonus models with building instructions will be made available on this website after the launch of the NXT 2.0!"

There are also new software features:

"Sound Editor: is a new application that makes it possible to customize and personalize your robot by importing sound files – or record your own via a PC microphone (not included in set) and loading them onto the NXT micro-controller, making the robot speak with your own voice or a funny sound.

Picture Editor: is a new application that makes it possible to import picture files – or for you to draw your own and load them onto your NXT, to be shown in the display when you want!

Remote Control: allows for instant and direct control of your robot without any special programming needed. Just create a model that can move and you have direct control over it.

Pack and Go: the Pack and Go function makes it easy for you to share your programs with other users, as it packs the program with the images and sounds used in the program, so you do not have to think about it!
(Requires that the other users to have NXT 2.0 software).

Bluetooth Contact Block: Now you can get your NXT to connect and dis-connect to multiple NXTs while running a program
The block allows the NXT to choose between many different NXTs, making it possible to make complex machines. Your NXT can be connected to up to 3 other NXTs at any given time.

Over the coming weeks more features will be shown and stories from users will be told here on mindstorms.com!"

Summer Lego Sets Now Available!

New Lego sets are now available for order and backorder:

Among the new summer sets just released at Shop@Home are the new Star Wars: The Clone Wars sets, as well as the classic Endor and Echo Base playsets.

Also notable sets are the new Space Police III sets, with the theme's initial release just a few months ago.

Mindstorms NXT 2.0 is now available for pre-order, which will ship by August. At $279.99, it's a bit more expensive than its predecessor, but it comes with many new features.

We also have the new exclusive, the 10196 Grand Carousel at $249.99. The set comes with over 3,200 essential and rare pieces, some new minifigures, and can even move like the real thing (with the help of Power Functions).

Four new Technic sets are available, including the 8256 Go-Kart that wasn't released to the US in the first half of 2009. The others are: 8263 Snow Groomer ($49.99), 8265 Front Loader ($79.99), and the highly anticipated 8258 Crane Truck ($149.99).

Three new Creator sets, as well as another released in the spring, are all available now for order.

And finally, we have the Lamborghini Gallardo LP560-4, an accurate model with a sleek design and a very realistic interior. It can be backordered for $59.99.

Also, for a limited time, you can get a gold minifigure keychain with orders of $75 or more.