More NXT 2.0 Information

Flickr user no_onions has displayed addtional pictures and information from the 2009 Toy Fair. The new NXT system will be $279.99 USD, and includes these features:

• 32-bit processor with 8-bit memory
• FLASH memory
• 6 wire system
• matrix display
• sound speaker
• 4 input, 3 output
• USB 2.0
• NEW color sensor
• 1 ultrasonic sensor
• 3 touch sensors
• 3 motors with rotation sensor built in
• Bluetooth
• PC/Mac
• 6 AA batteries
• 619 pieces

The new features are more pieces, a color sensor, and two more touch sensors than the previous version. More pictures here. It will be available in August.

Area and Volume Calculator

nxtprograms.com has posted several pictures and videos of its new project, the NXT Area and Volume Calculator. 

This device acts like measuring tape, rolling on the side of an object to determine its length, then width, then area, and so on. The robot is simply a motor with a standard balloon wheel attached to the NXT brick, but the program can display in different units depending on nationality or what you need to measure in. 

The video shows the robot being used to measure a packaging box:

New Technic Sets for late 2009

Four preliminary technic sets have been found to release in the second half of 2009. The numbers are 8265, 8063, 8258, and 8263,  shown here: 

via Technicbricks.

New NXTLog Challenge

Today, the new NXTlog challenge was announced, after over a month since the last contest. The theme is Video, and you have until March 31st to enter. Entries must have an NXT-G .rbt file and a video showcasing your robot. The NXTlog Video challenge is here.

NXT 2.0

The rumored NXT 2.0 is going to be available sometime in 2009, as proved by Kris Abel's blog. The new version includes four new models, including an upgraded version of Alpha Rex. It also features a new light sensor. Credit goes to Kris Abel and their pictures at the Toy Fair, and Stuart Miles for the picture. 

Mountain St.

Sorry it has been a while, but here are the pictures to my first Power Functions powered studded MOC. The only thing electrical about it, however, is the PF lights on the streetlamps. Because I am always short of pieces, things may not seem very realistic... but I still included some details.

I used the SNOT technique to build the road, but the mountain/stream/grassy area is not, connected to the street by a 1x4 bracket-like piece and a small baseplate. More pics on Brickshelf.

Also look at my first house MOC, built from the pieces of 4996 Beach House. 

These studded non-electrical MOCs will be used for a bigger NXT project that I am working on.

NXT-G 2.0 Software Released

The new NXT-G 2.0 Software is now on sale in many stores globally. In the United States, Lego Education has the new software for $79.99 here. Some people have started to document the new features, such as the datalogging feature.

In addition, an NXT Temperature Sensor will be compatible with NXT-G 2.0. At the Lego Education store, the new sensor is available for sale for $39.99. It can measure in fareinheit and celcius.