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7 Best Robots for Kids in 2017

Posted: 31 Jan 2017 10:29 AM PST

Gone are the day when kids used to play with building blocks. The new generation of kids are introduced to the world of technology at a very young age and this makes them extremely receptive to new ideas and thoughts. 2017 will see a lot of new tech and toys, and this is the best time for you to buy one of these robots for kids. They are generally easy to operate and will surely be a new experience for your kids. Once they start playing with these, it might take you some effort to get them off of it.

Zoomer Dino

If you've seen Jurassic World, then the Indominus Rex might've left a strong impression. The genetically modified dinosaur is fearsome and kills everything in sight. Zoomer Dino is one among the best robots for kids because of a few reasons. For starters, it comes with an infrared sensor that can sense the movements of your hands. There is also a very intuitive remote control that can be used to move your Indominus Rex, record combo moves and more. Make sure that you have three AAA batteries ready with you because the controller requires them.

MiP Robot

This one looks much more like an actual robot. The MiP Robot turns out to be one of the coolest robots for kids because of its ability to connect and interact with smart devices. It can react to gestures like swipes, claps, touch and a lot more. It can even react to noises in the environment thanks to the sound detection system that is built-in. You can download their free app to have an enhanced control over your MiP robot and this will be a life-changing experience for your kids as well.

WowWee CHiP Robot Toy Dog

The first one was a dinosaur, and now we have a dog. If your kid is scared of an actual dog, then better buy the CHiP robot toy dog. Robots for kids have come a long way and this toy dog is not a mere toy. It responds to your commands and even has the ability to follow you. There are a few 'Smart' accessories that come with the CHiP robot toy dog which includes the SmartBand, SmartBall, and SmartBed which can be used for tons of additional features.

Cozmo

Cozmo is one of the best robots for kids and is the closest that you can get to an actual robot. It learns you as you hang out with it more and responds with real emotions. The only downside to Cozmo is that you need a compatible phone/tablet for installing the free app. This free app is a must if you need to tap into the high-level robotic functions that Cozmo is meant for. For hobbyists, researchers and educators, there is the Cozmo SDK Beta connected robotics platform.

Sphero Star Wars BB-8 App Controlled Robot

Star Wars toys are all-time favorites of kids and if it is a robot that can actually do stuff, you needn't say more. The BB-8 app controlled robot from Sphero works via Bluetooth. It is pretty compact, but don't let the looks fool you. The tough polycarbonate shell of the BB-8 is waterproof and will survive the occasional spills. You can control the robot through your smartphone and execute the gyroscopic propulsion up to a range of 30 meters. Another that I really liked about the BB-8 is the induction charging stand that comes with it.

Wonder Workshop WB12 Dash and Dot Robot Pack

Dash and Dot might look like the cutest bunch of robots for kids. But they have in-built sensors that can detect objects, sounds and know if and when you move them. Dash and Dot come pre-assembled and all you need to do is take them out and let your kids have fun with them. You need an iPad or an Android tablet which will give access to their apps that can control Dash and Dot.

OWI 14-in-1 Solar Robot

Lastly, we have the 14-in-1 solar robot dubbed OWI. The best thing about it is the fact that it doesn't require any batteries. It runs off of solar power which is quite brilliant. It not only saves money but presents a great message to kids about using sustainable energy sources. The OWI solar robot is one of the best robots for kids mainly because it can be used by beginners as well as experienced robot builders alike. There are two building skill levels to test your knowledge in robot building.

16 Best Science Fiction Books to Read in 2017

Posted: 30 Jan 2017 02:11 PM PST

For those who can’t go on a long time without reading a new and fantastic sci-fi novel, don’t worry: There’s a terrific lineup of books coming out in 2017 to get you through the year.

From Star Wars prequels and universe expanding novels, to witty, funny and quirky space travel stories, and some of your more classic space operas that blend in with a more rigid sci-fi approach, 2017 is going to be an incredible year for science fiction novels.

Aftermath: Empire’s End by Chuck Wendig

The book that closes the trilogy that kicks off the cinematic Star Wars universe, filling in the gaps between Return of the Jedi and The Force Awakens, including how a massive star destroyer ended up on Jakku. Star Wars isn’t Science Fiction exactly, but we included Space Operas on our list.

Autonomous by Annalee Newitz

Autonomous, going by the preview summary, is going to be one wild ride: An agent and robot from the military who just happen to be in love are on the trail of an anti-patent pirate named Jack, bringing pharmaceuticals to the poor, leaving them addicted to work. Sounds like another home run by Annalee Newitz.

Avengers of the Moon by Allen Steele

Allen Steele won himself a lot of fans with Arkwright, and is going in another interesting direction with Avengers of the Moon, resurrecting an old pulp fiction character for what should be a very interesting experience. The cover alone looks retro and fun, and I believe the writing and story will be too. Refreshing to have in 2017.

Barbary Station by R.E. Stearns

The debut novel by R.E. Stearns will tell the story of a pair of engineers who turn to space piracy, only to find out that the ship they hijacked is controlled by one bonkers A.I., which sounds like one fun space opera to read, especially if you don’t mind writers twisting the principles of genres from time to time. Not that rare in 2017 to break tropes.

Dark Sky by Mike Brooks

Dark Sky is the sequel to the terrific Dark Run, telling the story of the Keiko crew. This time Mike Brooks takes the group on a data retrieval job that becomes a lot more, as they get involved in a revolution on a mining planet. The book is already out in the UK, and will be coming out in the US in August.

Luna: Wolf Moon by Ian McDonald

The second novel in Ian McDonald’s Luna series, depicting the vicious family struggle over control of the moon. Luna: Wolf Moon picks up with the remaining children trying to regain control they lost in the first book. McDonald rarely disappoints, and Wolf Moon should be part of that equation going by the first book.

New York 2140 by Kim Stanley Robinson

One of the best hard sci-fi novelists alive brings us New York 2140, a story about how the residents of New York cope with rising sea levels and living in a semi-submerged metropolis. Turns out living in a time of melting ice caps might not be that bad, at least in a fictional universe.

Radiate by C.A. Huggins

The closing chapter of the Lightless trilogy, Radiate puts the awoken A.I. spaceship on a path to find the person who created it, who is also on a journey, one of his own. The first two books were mind opening to say the least, and this one should give us that kind of experience as well. Like Robinson, Higgins is a master of bringing across thought provoking hard sci-fi stories.

Raven Strategem by Yoon Ha Lee

Yoon Ha Lee delivers the sequel to Ninefox Gambit, in what should be another exciting and slightly different take on the Space Opera and military Science Fiction genre.

The Collapsing Empire by John Scalzi

John Scalzi of Old Man’s War fame comes out with ‘The Collapsing Empire‘, a story about a future where humanity has discovered interstellar travel, colonized thousands of new stars, and battles to avoid a mega disaster in the making. There’s a bit of Mass Effect to it, especially the beginning, but it changes very quickly into something different.

The Stars are Legion by Kameron Hurley

After two terrific trilogies, Kameron Hurley is coming out with the massive looking ‘Stars Are Legion‘, a story about a battle for control over a fleet of Worldships travelling the galaxy, fought over for centuries.

The Wanderers by Meg Howrey

Meg Howrey presents a story about the a private company sending the first astronauts to Mars and the trials they go through in order to get there, faced with a 17-month mission that challenges their perception of reality.

Thrawn by Timothy Zahn

Timothy Zahn, him of the Thrawn trilogy fame, returns with the character that is wreaking havoc in Star Wars Rebels, telling his initial story and how he came to be the Empire’s Grand Admiral. Does this make the Grand Admiral canon? Rebels does, and it might be a way for Disney and Lucasfilm to build up his character for an upcoming movie. Their slate is full, but as fans constantly show, you can never have enough Star Wars material on movie screens, and good books are a great way to set the next one up.

Waking Gods by Sylvain Neuvel

The second book in Sylvain Neuvel’s Themis Files, ‘Waking Gods‘ deals with Rose Franklin and her team trying to stop an invasion after the completion of the mech.

Two more very interesting books worth mentioning: An untitled Ancillary novel by Ann Leckie, which should come out in October. It’ll be the next in the intriguing world we were introduced to in Ancillary Justice. She did promise another book in the Ancillary world in 2017.

Another book worth waiting for is Persepolis Rising by James S.A. Corey, which is actually Ty Franck and Daniel Abraham. The 7th book of the Expanse series, beginning the closing trilogy (or story arc) of the massive story. They do put out on novel per year, and 2017 should be no different, with the previous one coming out on December 2016.

21 Starlicious Items Every Star Wars Fan Wants In Their Home

Posted: 30 Jan 2017 12:45 PM PST

When it comes to Star Wars items, you can find so many cool stuff that even a non-fan would love to get. From cooking tools up to bedroom items, the selection is huge and glorious.

Star Wars established itself as one of the most beloved pop culture phenomenons a long time ago. It has huge and super loyal following which stand in lines for days to see any new movie that comes out, and goes crazy for any good, new Star Wars item that comes out.

AT-AT on a leash StarWars Bookends

Image via: MokuShop

This AT-AT was captured during the Rebellion and re-purposed to hold all of your books and magazines in place. Let this AT-AT also serve as a reminder that somewhere in this galaxy the Imperial army is still operating.

Millennium Falcon Bean Bag

Image via: woouf

Made by Woouf!, a unique and cool brand for bean bagging. This Millennium Falcon bean bag is totally every Star Wars fan a dream come true.

Star Wars Death Star Popcorn Maker

Image via: thinkgeek

You don’t need the force or even butter to create yummy popcorn. Pretty much all you need is this Star Wars Death Star Popcorn Maker. What makes this popcorn maker even cooler is that top half of Death Star detaches as a bowl.

 Star Wars Millennium Falcon Acrylic Light

Image via: CraftyPics

Let some light in all of this darkness with an out-of-this-world Star Wars Millennium Falcon acrylic lamp light.

Darth Vader Handheld Shower Head

Your showers are going to be a lot more fun with this super cool Darth Vader Handheld Shower Head, washing both your light and dark side.

Star Wars Medal Hanger

Image via: StrutYourStuffSignCo

This Medal display is super cute and smart, May the course be with you!

Star Wars “I Love you I Know” – Key Holder

Image via: SolPixieDust

Let the force help you keep your keys in place, or better yet let this very romantic key holder help you.

Star Wars Engraved Rolling pin – Darth Vader Pattern

Image via: VisitingCINDERELLA

Take some flour, butter, sugar and make me star wars cookies!! This creative rolling pin will embed a star wars Darth Vader pattern onto your dough, then you can cut some cookies of off it, and you’ll get your very own Star Wars Darth Vader cookies. Looks delicious!

Star Wars Darth Vader Luke Skywalker Stand

Image via: WoodYouLikeIt1

Let this Darth Vader Luke Skywalker Stand organize your life. All you need in one stand.

Star Wars Death Star Bean Bag Chair Cover

Image via: thinkgeek
Sitting on the Death Star is probably the best way to fight back against the Empire.

Star Wars (Light/Dark Side) Light Switch Cover

After finding this little switcher panel, I’m pretty sure I want to change all of my old panels to this!

Lightsaber Room Light – Darth Vader

You are never too old to have a Lightsaber hanging off your bedroom wall.

Star Wars Rogue One Imperial Trooper Beddings

May the Empire be with you even when you are sleeping.You can never go wrong with a classic. Yes, Rogue One is so good it’s already a classic.

Star Wars R2-D2 Teapot

Forget Gamma’s old teapot. Next time it’s tea time you’ll pull this cutie out and make some delicious tea in unique Star Wars droid style.

Darth Vader Waffle Maker

Start off your Sunday mornings with a waffle shaped like Darth Vader. Don’t worry, this Darth Vader snack will not harm you.

 Star Wars Salt & Pepper Shakers

This is a basic yes useful item to have. Each time you spice something up, you’ll think of Star Wars.

Star Wars Step Stool

Image via: TheStarfishHouse

Stools are cool, but Star Wars stools are super awesome.

Star Wars Inspired Welcome Doormat

Image via: EngravedLaboratory

There’s no place like home. This mat will instantly put a smile on your face each time you are home, perfect for a true fan.

Star Wars R2-D2 Screwdriver

Image via: ThinkGeek
Let the best droid in the galaxy help you in fixing all kinds of stuff around the house.

 Handmade Star Wars Soaps

Image via: JamesWalfordRichards

With the Handheld Shower Head and these super cool handmade soap creations, you are in for one epic bath! 

Star Wars BB-8 Measuring Cup Set

BB-8  is ready to help you cook like a true Jedi. Jedis know how to cook, right?

Star Wars Darth Vader Talking Cookie Jar

After all that cooking with BB-8 it’s time to stack all of those yummy cookies you just made in this Darth Vader cookie jar. Sweet!

Star Wars Jewelry box

Image via: ColorAndBoxes

Place your blings and valuables in this magical jewelry box.

For more cool Star Wars articles check out our 10 Cool Star Wars Pillow Cases and 11 Star Wars Bed Sheets For the Perfect Geeky Bedroom.

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