Startup Set To Brick $800 Kids Robot Is Trying To Open Source It First (arstechnica.com) 6
Last week, startup Embodied announced it was closing down, and its product, an $800 robot for kids ages 5 to 10, would soon be bricked. Now, in a blog post published on Friday, CEO Paolo Pirjanian shared that Embodied's technical team is working on a way to open-source the robot, ensuring it can continue operating indefinitely. Ars Technica reports: The notice says that after releasing OpenMoxie, Embodied plans to release "all necessary code and documentation" for developers and users. Pirjanian said that an over-the-air (OTA) update is now available for download that will allow previously purchased Moxies to support OpenMoxie. The executive noted that Embodied is still "seeking long-term answers" but claimed that the update is a "vital first step" to "keep the door open" for the robot's continued functionality.
At this time, OpenMoxie isn't available and doesn't have a release date. Embodied's wording also seems careful to leave an opening for OpenMoxie to not actually release; although, the company seems optimistic. However, there's also a risk of users failing to update their robots in time and properly. Embodied noted that it won't be able to support users who have trouble with the update or with OpenMoxie post-release. Updating the robot includes connecting to Wi-Fi and leaving it on for at least an hour. "It is extremely important that you update your Moxie with this OTA as soon as possible because once the cloud servers stop working you will not be able to update your robot," the document reads. Embodied hasn't said when exactly its cloud servers still stop working.
At this time, OpenMoxie isn't available and doesn't have a release date. Embodied's wording also seems careful to leave an opening for OpenMoxie to not actually release; although, the company seems optimistic. However, there's also a risk of users failing to update their robots in time and properly. Embodied noted that it won't be able to support users who have trouble with the update or with OpenMoxie post-release. Updating the robot includes connecting to Wi-Fi and leaving it on for at least an hour. "It is extremely important that you update your Moxie with this OTA as soon as possible because once the cloud servers stop working you will not be able to update your robot," the document reads. Embodied hasn't said when exactly its cloud servers still stop working.
Soon to be bricked (Score:5, Funny)
They should sell it to LEGO
Those in the EU/UK ... (Score:3)
might be able to get a refund from the retailer [thisismoney.co.uk] for two, or maybe up to six, years after purchase. These regulations are aimed at faults in the device, I do not know how this will be interpreted by the courts for a fault in something that the device connects to (ie servers going away). The retailers will fight this tooth and nail as at $800 each they will be on the hook for a lot of money for something that is really not their fault.
A good solution is open sourcing of Embodied's code but this might be hard if it depends on licensed components. An update allowing them to be updated from a non Embodied server would be a good start as that would give time for an Open Moxie to be developed.
Kids these days (Score:2)
Re: (Score:2)
The kids these toys are for are more ofthe "secluded" type,
in your days they would have often been institutionalized and left to rott.
Re: (Score:2)
And cigarrettes. That's what made you cool.
Things have changed in the last 40 years. Not just the parents, but society in general.
You let your 8-10 year old kids out to play for 6 hours on a Saturday and they wander off to the mall and you get arrested for abandonment.
Meanwhile, while your kids are out playing on their skateboards and such, the neighbor's kids are watching YouTube videos that are 90% entertainment but 10% educational. That 10% educational adds up over the hundred of hours and suddenly th
A very good and nice decision! (Score:2)
And a great example for others to follow.