When playing around with Sphero’s BB-8 toy , the miniature version of the personality-filled droid from the upcoming movie ‘Star Wars: The Force Awakens,’ it’s hard to not feel like it’s made with a little bit of magic. His little head floats atop his body, and he maintains his ability to be upright shockingly well.
But it’s not magic — it’s well-developed science.
There’s been plenty of speculation , based on Sphero’s patents, on how the big robotic BB-8 is able to wobble and look around. So, it’s safe to assume analogous tech is used without pulverizing the miniature.
After all, Sphero was instrumentally involved in creating the tech behind the life-size version of the droid.
But the teardown experts at uBreakiFix decided to dig in to see little BB-8’s skeleton for themselves, and see how close the droid’s insides match with Sphero’s other robots.
Unfortunately, it didn’t happen without significant carnage: BB-8 has no easily accessible seams, meaning that they took a rotary tool to break the little guy apart. While it appears torturous on the bot, it should be reassuring for those with small kids or pets: it’s a $150 bot that has very sealed-up mechanics, so he won’t be breaking very easily.
See the video below:
BB-8’s anatomy falls within what they generally expected, based on Sphero’s previous work. He is outfitted with a gyroscope and a counterweight to detect which way is up and to maintain that upright look. He also has wheels that are in constant contact with his shell, which allows him to move around. As for the head, a little magnetized stem that is attached to the base keeps it on and looking around.
While we know now how little BB8’s guts look, it’s unclear if it’s directly analogous to the tech used to make the big BB-8 perform serious movie magic. But we can start making better-educated guesses — and admire Sphero’s work in creating the droid.
You can pick one up to perform surgery on yourself, but that might be a little difficult: BB-8 is sold-out on Amazon , and only available for in-store pick-up only through Best Buy .
➤ uBreakiFix [Youtube]
Easily turn your 4G data into a personal Wi-Fi signal with the Karma Go Hotspot
Need a strong Wi-Fi signal on the go? Skip the trip to Starbucks, and get connected with the Karma Go Hotspot .
For a limited time, you can pick one up with 33 percent off from TNW Deals .
This pocket-sized device works by converting your 4G data into your very own Wi-Fi signal. It’s great for working on location or remote projects, eliminating any connectivity concerns on the go. And you won’t have to worry about running up a huge bill on your data usage.
You can enable access to it for up to eight devices at once, as well as create a private network so that only individuals you trust can access your signal.
https://www.youtubeom/watch?v=bnnQ9X7FTmA
To sweeten the deal: You’ll get an additional 50 GB of high speed LTE data for your first month. And thanks to an included felt pouch, you can take your Karma Go anywhere in your pocket or bag without getting scratched.
Get your own personal mobile hotspot with the Karma Go , now just $199 on TNW Deals for a limited time only.
Logitech’s iPad Pro keyboard never needs charging
Logitech has announced Create , a new physical keyboard for Apple’s upcoming 12.9-inch iPad Pro that the company says will never require charging.
The keyboard hooks up to the iPad Pro via the tablet’s Smart Connector and draws power from the tablet. That removes the need for charging the Create as well as pairing it wirelessly.
It shares these features with Apple’s official Smart Keyboard , which doubles as a cover and will sell for $169.
Logitech says it worked closely with Apple on the keyboard’s design to make sure it complemented the iPad Pro. It will reveal more details about pricing and availability on the same day that the tablet launches in November.
➤ The Create line for iPad Pro [Logitech via The Verge ]