Welcome nabaztag
I recently bought a Nabaztag, I find it quite nice with its glowing lights and very simple design. What I appreciated:
- extra easy set-up (no pb with the wifi)
- a very calm ambient display
- the package is quite empy but the website is full of information with informative pdf files (like color meaning, usage situations…)
- the API is available so that people can create their own services
- there is already a lively community of users, tinkerers
- at first I was disappointed that the nabaztag was more a recipient of messages (showed through light, sounds and ear movements) but it seems that it can perceive certain inputs (like if you move its ear, it can send a message to the server).
What I found less good:
- even though it’s their business model, I am reluctant to pay for messages services and subscriptions
- to me, there should be more emphasis on the openness of the device (more than the API) and I miss a social software dimension on the Nabaztag website. Chris has already used Ning to create a Nabaztag social platform.
- the pictures on the box and on the website are quite weird, a large majority of people do not have a so cold home with empty tables… (of course the targeted group may have this but…). For me, Nabaztag is in a more messy environment: my office at home:
Ok, now let’s take some time to understand the API.
As a user experience researcher, I am very intrigued by possible user interactions with nabaztag; currently there are more outputs than inputs but using the ear could be a good way to interact with it (and consequently with other rabbits). Of course I would have be happy of having proximity-detections of objects and people in the vicinity but I guess it’s a matter of time (next version of the rabbit).
More about it later.
April 6th, 2006 at 10:12 am
demoing coComment
April 6th, 2006 at 2:50 pm
You might remember me telling you about my project with technologies for homework - well coincidentally, one of the technologies I’m planning to give families soon is going to be the Nabaztag. Any good links for helpful uses of the API will be gratefully received :0). And I’m going to admit to ignorance about Ning - what on earth IS a social app in this context?
April 6th, 2006 at 3:10 pm
Yes of course Katie (btw I’ll be in Nottingham in july for a mobile learning workshop).
As for the Nabaztag API, you shoudl have a glance at:
http://www.nabaztag.com/vl/FR/gfx/2/Documentation%20API-revA001_uk.pdf
http://del.icio.us/search/?all=nabaztag
http://nabaztools.sourceforge.net/
and googling around API+nabaztag which I still have to take care of (I havent modified it yet)
About Ning, the idea is to have a much more effective way of finding other people’s nabaztag and have some social network capabilities (liek group of bunnies)
April 10th, 2006 at 3:28 pm
Oh, you’re part of Kaleidoscope? Me too! The event’s being organised by my research group, and I’ve been wondering whether I should apply to attend or not. Even if I’m not, I’m only two buildings down, so we’ll have to meet up and have a chat…
Thanks for the links. On my own searches, the homepage has recently been updated with a section for sending delayed messages and the French only Plan My Rabbit site looks great as well.
May 9th, 2006 at 5:51 pm
Hello,
Just so i let you know that pretty soon our site will be much more competent as far as helping Nabaztag owners to find other Nabaztag in their area. Also, the official Nabaztag blog will be online, in french, and english (and other languages to follow) where you’ll find all you need whether it be for API or new services, or the community of Nabaztag owners (that you can allready check out on Google earth). Oh and sometimes soon, too, the messages service will be all free. It took a little time but we’re getting there.
If you have, any questions feel free to ask.
My Nabaztag’s name is Marvel, he creates little Nabcasts here and there.
Beautiful day to you all,
y