Summer fun. How to take a geek on vacation?

Rest can be different - for example, it is 10 minutes between the work on the new software platform for IoT. Or is it a Saturday evening when you want to take something interesting, and when you are already tired of cafes or movies. In the end, rest can be a two-week vacation at sea.

But geeks have their own preferences, and more often than not, at such a vacation you want to occupy yourself with something appropriate. For example, play with a robot, or send a plane made of carbon fiber into flight. In the sequel - a whole collection of gadgets that serve for an interesting pastime.

iConTank

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For many years, the online game World of Tanks has been breaking all records. If you want to play something similar in real life, then you can use iConTank. Unfortunately, the tanchik does not shoot, but the sound of shots makes quite plausible sounds.

Reproduces the sound of a running motor, the sound of shots, and more. Managed by such a tank wirelessly, and the device is compatible with both iOS and Android.

Specifications:

• the toy moves - forward, backward, turning left and right, turning on the spot;
• communication standard - Bluetooth;
• 350 ° rotation of the tower;
• communication distance - up to 10 m;
• food - AA batteries 3 pieces;
• continuous operation time - 2-3 hours (depending on the type of batteries);
• length - 24.7 cm;
• width - 8.8 cm;
• height - 7.7 cm;
• weight - 210 g

By the way, iConTank was awarded at CeBIT in 2013 - the most geeky toy, yes.

Sphero 2.0 ball robot

A bright ball with a large number of LEDs can not only become a favorite toy for children and adults. It is also a way to learn how to write programs for such devices. The fact is that the developers have discovered the Sphero software platform, and now anyone with basic programming skills can practice controlling the ball.

In this case, the ball already has a whole catalog of applications, both created by the company, and third-party developers.

Management is done using a smartphone. At the same time, you can control the movement and the change of colors of the ball. In addition, there are programs that allow using the ball to control characters in mobile games.

The social component is also thought out - you can set records when playing with a ball, share them with friends, after which new opportunities open up, hitherto hidden.

Carbon Flyer: carbon fiber powered smartphone

In addition to the carbon fiber body, the Carbon Flyer boasts two screws fixed to the wings. Thanks to them, the airplane can gain quite a lot of speed. In addition to screws, there are no more moving parts, to ensure high reliability of the structure.

Managed by Carbon Flyer from a smartphone, via Bluetooth (Bluetooth 4.0). Communication is maintained at distances up to 75 meters. And on board the plane carries a small video camera that allows you to shoot video while the plane is in the air. You can shoot and photo, if you do not want to write a video.

In addition, the airplane can be launched at night - and in order for a person to see where the device is located, the Carbon Flyer is equipped with a pair of bright LEDs. Of course, at night it is worthwhile to launch your aircraft in an open area - trees and other obstacles will not allow you to enjoy flying at night.

This toy has collected the necessary amount of funds at Indiegogo , and in August the dispatch of the plane to buyers will begin.

iCess Mercedes-Benz SL-65 AMG

This is not a real car, but an exact copy of it. The scale used by the developers is 1:18, and the car can crash into any obstacles without consequences - the case material is very durable.

The device is controlled from a mobile device (iOS and Android). The car flashes headlights, including turn signals and stop signals. Doors, hood and trunk do not open but you can look into the salon through the window.

Management takes place on two different principles. The first is the use of the usual virtual joystick. The second is the use of an accelerometer built into mobile devices.

In general, iCess Mercedes is a radio-controlled car on steroids, for fans of models of existing cars.

IConGolf RC Ball

This ball is suitable for both the usual game of golf (albeit at close distances, without strong blows), and for pampering using remote control. The ball can glow, as well as ride on a given route.

With the help of a new toy, you can play not only golf, but also football or simple races between friends. Adjustable from a smartphone, the ball will exactly repeat all your manipulations, although you can program it for autonomous actions.

In general, a fairly simple toy, but for the office iConGolf can be a great entertainment.

Osmo: kids project for iPad with analogue Leap Motion

Osmo is an educational gaming platform that combines virtual reality and ordinary reality. The project uses the idea of ​​Leap Motion, therefore its possibilities are very wide. If you went on holiday with children, this toy is just what you need. You can play Osmo for hours, and this is an educational interactive program, not a brain-numbing doll dress up.

Osmo comes with a small mirror attached to the tablet and three toys: Tangram, Words, and Newton. The mirror is mounted on the tablet camera, as a result of which the tablet software is able to “see” everything that happens on the table in front of the camera.

More information about this project can be read on Habré .

As a conclusion : wherever the geek goes to rest, wherever he is, the option to have fun can always be found. And, often, this entertainment is not for one person, but immediately for the whole team. There is something to occupy and your office.