![]() ![]() To say nothing of some long overdue help and documentation to be added to the program. There are a few more initiatives that are on the horizon – including a Powered Up Virtual Machine, Behaviour Building, and an imminent round of AFOL Consultation. There will be a new skin for the canvas that improves the contrast and makes it easier for use by people with visual impairment. ![]() The primary goal is to imporve its overall usability and accessibility. The Coding Canvas is due to get a bit of an overhaul, ostensibly due for release around the end of the year. There will also be a number of new themed controllers, at least one of which will provide an interface more akin to an electric, rather than setting out to emulate the experience of a petrol powered one. Used with PermissionĪnother role for the app is to provide longevity to the hardware, after support for a set’s native app has been dropped, for example – that with the Boost Creative Tool Box or Droid Commander App: in the future, we might expect that the content of those apps is dropped into powered up, or at the very least, the software continues to support the hardware components in those sets.Īfter covering the reasoning behind the App, Flemming went on to discuss the plans currently underway:įirst up: the third iteration of the custom controller is on the way: I have not really spoken about this previously, as it felt relatively incomplete, but it looks like this is about to really hit its straps, with a more customisable experience, including the colour and rotations of control widgets on screen, the ability to add custom backgrounds, as well as a new widget set, designed to give a classic LEGO Look and Feel. These typically belong to franchises/themes where there is not sufficient demand for an independent app (such as we see with Boost, or Control +) Images provided by the LEGO Group. This is in conjunction with a number of other play experiences, including the App controlled Batmobile and the Disney Train. We have seen a number of connected play experiences added in the last year or so: the 10273 ‘Creator Expert’ Haunted House – with the Drop ride controlled by the powered up app the 21323 LEGO Ideas Grand Piano – where different tunes can be played in response to pressing keys on the piano itself, and the 10277 Crocodile Train Controller. The coding allows to set a predetermined set of behaviours, reading sensors and activiating motors, while the control panel allows you to set up controls for your creation, so that you can control it in real time. The App currently provides two ways that you can control your custom creations: Visual coding, as well as a Plug and Play control panel. There are three main pillars of the app: Code and Control Enable Connected LEGO play experiences and to provide longevity to the hardware system when individual systems apps might no longer be supported. Used with Permission What advantages does using a ‘unified app’ provide? This is the end goal… the challenge facing consumers is that the system is not quite there yet. ![]() The goal is that all of the systems with upgradeable firmware will be able to be programmed/controlled via the Powered Up App, and access all sensors. At least, it is available if there is stock available.Īll of these systems, with the exception of the Duplo Train Hub are plug compatible. This battery box was due to be released with the aborted Technic Osprey set, but is available as a standalone component through Shop at home. In the past 12 months, we saw the arrival of 51515 Mindstorms Robot Inventor, and the ‘Dumb’ Battery Box. From a hardware point of view, in includes all of the hubs, controllers and sensors sold in sets labelled: Powered Up (eg LEGO City Trains) Mindstorms (51515) Spike Prime Boost Control+ WeDo as well as Duplo trains. We started with a reminder of the Powered Up system – this is the ‘Grand United Ecosystem’ that encompasses all of the electronics used in current LEGO Models. We had the opportunity to hear an update from Gaute Munch, Director of the Creative Play Lab, and Flemming Bjørn Jessen, a Senior Producer in the Digital Technology Department. One of the presentations I have been looking forward to is an update on the LEGO® Powered Up system. Previously, this has involved a trip to Denmark, but this year the event is being held online. I am currently attending the Recognised LEGO Fan Media Days from the comfort of my own home.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |