The music player in its current form is a humongoid set of headphones that can do things like adjust the volume based on what direction you roll your eyes, or change the track by moving your eyes from side to side. The telephone is a ball-shaped ring that sits on your finger and uses bone conduction to transmit the sound of the caller to your ear. And theyre also working on a wristwatch that can interpret taps between the thumb and forefinger as remote control commands, like a modern day Morse code. But this is all R&D stuff, of course. Don't expect it in stores anytime soon. [AP]

The ultimate goal for Intel researchers is to give robots the sense of pre-touch, which they describe as having a range longer than touch, but shorter than vision (kinda vague, no?). Anyways, the video is worth watching, just to see the claw adjust to objects placed within its proximity. [Wired Science]

If you want a bigger challenge, you can take the vector-based PDF plans to print in a large format plotter to build your own life-sized, completely useless but absolutely awesome astromech. And if you do, please send me pics. [R2-D2 Plans via Star Wars Blog]

[redbubble via boingboing]

Macheads and Windows fanboys can now proclaim their love for their respective platforms through sign language...and oh damn! Is that a Linux Lover encroaching on your turf? Turn that mother out! All you nerds should be careful using these on the street though, since you could come across someone who might mistake them for their real-life gangsta counterparts. 7H|_|G L1F3. [Joey DeVilla]

While the R2-D2 wedding cake is not as advanced as the stunningly-accurate Maker Faire R2-D2, Charlene told us that she "bastardized an old camera for the lenses, with blue Halloween lights flashing behind throughout the whole wedding" for added realism.

The cake was the centerpiece in the wedding of two members of a Star Wars fan group in Alabama, which had all the guests dressed up as Star Wars characters, included the minister, who probably was wearing an R2-D2 beanie like mine. I've got to admit that it looks yummy, but seeing people eating R2's dome disturbs the Force out of me. [Thanks Charlene]

Jesús Díaz: Have you tried to give your astromech droid actual "droid" powers? You know, like some complex sensory input and artificial intelligence, at least at the AIBO level.
Chris James: One of the top questions we get is, are they autonomous or can they be retrofitted with the electronics from the little interactive R2 from Hasbro. The simple answer is yes they can be or could be done, but (and it's a big but) would you want a 200lb aluminum droid running around bumping into things? At a convention or show full of kids it would be incredibly dangerous.

Even something small like the holo projector eye twitching could poke an eye out as kids look into them all the time. I've been at events where we've had frequency issues and it's incredible scary when a droid starts tearing off when you're not expecting it.

Having said that, there are a number of people working on AI R2's, mostly powered by Leaf.

JD: Are you planning to add them yourself in the future, though?
CJ: My droid is powered by a bunch of small PIC micro processors, so not a huge amount of processing power but I may add some sensor/intelligence, like rotation dome/tracking, and syncing sound to people talking to him. But I'd make it optional and under my control when I want it to be autonomous. So if people were at a distance he could track movement and respond with sounds.

JD: Seeing your R2-D2—and looking at current toy robotics—actually makes me believe that there's a possibility of having a Maybe not capable of calculating hyperspace jumps, but good enough to order him things using speech, rather than a remote. Do you think we will see multifunction droids in the spirit of R2 coming from companies any time soon?
CJ: I'm really not a robotics expert by any stretch of the imagination, but from what I see we're there right now in some area, but I can't see people owning cheap AI droids like C3PO or Artoo in our lifetime. It would be nice, but I just can't see Asimo gaining enough intelligence at a price we can all afford.

I would be quite happy to have this one combined with an HD projector, all speech controlled. [Artoo Detoo—Video by Brian Lam]

Most big fans of the series and Star Wars know that both R2-D2 and C-3PO appear in several occasions in Raiders of the Lost Ark. In the Well of Souls, which is the moment portrayed by this set, they appear in a post on Indy's right as him and Sallah remove the Ark.

Great detail from LEGO and good catch by Lindsay. [Thanks Lindsay]

The detail on the model is really what makes this project stand out. It clearly had loads of work put into it, with the tiny valves on the front, pneumatic legs and grating on the top of the dome.

The creator doesn't quite know what he's going to do with it, as he doesn't just want to shill it on eBay. He's considering a raffle of some kind with proceeds going to charity, so if this is the kind of thing you'd like to decorate your apartment with, be sure to check on the deviantART thread to see if you've got a shot. [Deviant Art]

Master LEGO builder Dan Steinenger built the droid at the LEGO Store in Orlando as part of the Festival of Masters event. But he wasn't alone in his quest, as he had a handful of visiting children helping him piece R2-D2 together. Maybe Jesus could find a way to bend child labor laws and get the same help piecing his Millenium Falcon together. [Technabob]

The camera might not scream great picture quality at 628x528 resolution, but there are so many reasons why this R2D2 rendition kicks geek gadget butt. The obligatory beeping sounds are all preset, along with the Star Wars soundtrack. Digital photos and voice recorder functions are also included. Further, the device is wireless meaning it will not need to be on a leash connected to your laptop. The supplied remote control, which is kick-ass because it is shaped as a light saber, allows you to control R2D2's movements. Yes it moves, in four glorious planes! If that kind of control is not remote enough for you, there is also an option to manage the righteous robot via the web. Worried it may take a tumble from the great heights off your desk? Don't; Hammacher Schlemmer has managed to incorporate a sensor to protect your $349.95 investments from such tumbling travesties. The light saber remote can also be packed with you on your journeys away from R2D2, as it doubles up as a sweet Skype handset.

If you are a little wet in the pants from reading all this you are probably not too fussed about the $349.95 price tag, but we think it is a little steep. Unless, of course, you intend on marrying and having some kids with R/C R2D2. Lets face it, no one this side of the human species is going to consider you as a potential procreation partner, certainly not for a measly $349.95, anyway. Set for a release date of 21/09/07, pre-orders are being taken now. [Product Page via Oh Gizmo!].

These R2-D2 speakers aren't shipping until December, but you don't have to be Yoda to work out that they'll sell out like gâteaux chauds once the galaxies and their girlfriends get to know about them. Sound quality isn't great and the 4.7-inch droid connects via a 3.5-mm audio cable (USB connection is, as yet, unconfirmed). Each speaker costs $20 (so order two if you want a pair) and it comes in red or blue. – Ad Dugdale

Product Page [Seamless Tech via Slashgear]

Logically speaking, the rest kind of explains itself. We especially like that the R2-D2 hoodies and tees by Pleb because they tell of a more world-weary version of our favorite robot. He's loved, he's lost, he's hung out with the types who adorn their cars with fuzzy dice.

Prices start at $40. – Mark Wilson

Product Page [via ShinyShiny]

It's smaller than it seems in pictures. I'd say its about perfect scale to the old Star Wars action figures. I would have killed for one of these back in the day. Not sure if it'll fit in the X Wing from Hasbro, but I'm guessing a yes. The Japanese import has an IR lightsaber remote which controls the action.

When operating, the lightsaber can make R2D2 move forward and back but when it moves back, he spins. That's how the little guy turns. While on the move, his dome pivots a little bit side to side, and an a red LED goes off, as if he's looking around for trouble or a terminal interface to jack into. The whistling and purring R2 does while moving is emitted from the lightsaber.

Overall, its a fine piece of gear. At $30 bucks, it might make a good gift, cat toy, or a good friend to have when you're trying to get the Hyperdrive working.–Brian Lam

VIDEO: R/C R2D2 [Thinkgeek]

Seriously, keep making these. I can't get enough of em.–Brian Lam

Mini R2D2 [Thinkgeek]

No announcement has been made as yet, but these R2D2-themed mailboxes will be in post offices throughout the US later this year to celebrate the 30th anniversary of Star Wars. They are not, however, being placed on the streets in case any enterprising Jawas spot them and steal them for scrap (or put them on eBay). Might we be seeing a whole host of SW-themed products? The boxes have uspsjedimaster.com emblazoned on the front, but there's nothing on the site as yet. And still no confirmation as to whether the mailman will be dressing up as Chewie. – Ad Dugdale

R2D2-themed mailboxes - Not So Long Ago At A Post Office Not So Far Away [OhGizmo!]

And who could forget all those other, wildly entertaining Star Wars gadgets, like the Yoda backpack and full-size StormTrooper suits? Don't forget my personal favorite, the MacBook Pro turned into a light saber. – Nicholas Deleon

Product Page [ThinkGeek via I4U News]

Overkill, or just enough kill? Consider this scenario:

Jack has a PhD in economics out of Harvard, anxious to score "the big deal". Threatened by your naturally gregarious disposition, Jack decides it's time to unveil his other PhD...in nuclear physics. He plants a small, nuclear bomb under your desk, and sets it to detonate 5 minutes before the "big meeting". While all of your building and most of your city is decimated—but—no, the Iron Drive is pretty much a goner too. Maybe if he used biological warfare and your body could actually fit inside the Iron Drive...– Mark Wilson

Product Page [via everythingusb]

CES 2007 [Gizmodo]

R2 pumps an 800 by 600 resolution image, is as bright as 1000 lumens with a 500:1 contrast ratio. Next up: C3PO surround sound system that does 21.1 channels of jibbajabba in millions of languages. –Brian Lam

The robot has a sensor that helps it detect objects so as to prevent it from smashing into your expensive, non-Ikea furniture. The best part may be that it can be set up as sentry, guarding a room from trespassers. Should one appear, its alarm will sound.

The voice-activated R2-D2 is available now for $120. Let's see, an R2-D2 that obeys my commands and swivels like the real thing? Oh, yeah, I'm down for that. – Nicholas Deleon

Product Page [Hammacher Schlemmer]

"This transaction provides Motorola with another highly skilled R&D team and high-tech facility with a proven product track record," said Ron Garriques, president of Motorola Mobile Devices. He said the buy will enhance Motorola's capabilities in mobile phone development, software application development and antenna technology.

Motorola to buy BenQ R&D center [BusinessWeek]

Epson R D1s [LetsGoDigital]

Best prices on Epson cameras [Shopping.com]

I know you've been waiting for this—don't deny it. Finally, R2-D2 can be yours, in your own home, and for only $119.95. Fully functional, R2 can roam around and obeys over 40 voice commands (please refrain from asking him to project Obi-Wan please). He also plays children's games like tag with an IR sensor that can be set to detect motion (which can also be set to sound an alarm for a watchdog effect). Available at Hammacher Schlemmer.

Star Wars R2-D2 Robot Replica On Sale [i4u]

R2-D2 Robot Product Page [Hammacher Schlemmer]