Wednesday, February 8, 2012

Google Android Mascot Merchandise -- Own Your Own Tiny Robot (ContributorNetwork)

COMMENTARY | Say what you will about the relative merits of Android smartphones vs. the iPhone, but the Android mascot wins against the iPhone's hands-down. This is largely because the iPhone doesn't have a mascot, but that's not the point. The point is that the cute little green robot seen all over Android phone commercials (and depicted in Google branding) can be yours, and can sit on your desk or even do useful things for you. And yes, he comes in more colors than just green.

Here's a look at some of the ways you can have (or make) your own little Android:

Dyzplastic Figurines

Remember the Android miniatures that were launched into space by Google? You can, in fact, buy your own. Not just if you're a Google employee, and have access to the kinds of toys that they do in the Googleplex, but also if you buy them online.

How? The Dyzplastic site has more info, along with photos of (most of the) cute little Androids. There are the standard green Androids, two series of randomized collectible designs, and even special edition Androids for the holidays. The only problem is that they sell out so quickly, it's tough to get your hands on them.

Fortunately, Dyzplastic has a page listing the stores that officially sell its wares, and there's also the secondary market (like eBay). Just be careful of counterfeits.

Andru USB phone charger

This Android mini's a lot like the Dyzplastic ones. It's not as detailed, but the arms articulate and the eyes light up. The biggest difference (besides the $25 price tag)? The legs have a power plug built into them, and you can plug it into a wall socket and then open a cap on the head to plug in your gadgets' USB chargers. There's even a stand to put it on when it's not charging things, so that you can stand it up on your desk and conceal the power plug feet.

Make your own

How? Well, first, Dyzplastic makes blank Android minis. These come in plain white, so that you can use paints or markers to color them however you like.

Second, the Dyzplastic minis can be modified. (Especially the transparent ones whose heads come off.) Carsten Avenhaus mechanized his, and posted instructions for how he did it.

Finally, Google has made the Android mascot available under a Creative Commons Attribution license. That means you can do anything that you want with it, including fanart or even cookies or crafts you can sell at a fair, as long as you credit Google for creating the character. Detailed guidelines for how to do so are available on Google's website.

Source: http://us.rd.yahoo.com/dailynews/rss/tech/*http%3A//news.yahoo.com/s/ac/20120207/tc_ac/10933164_google_android_mascot_merchandise__own_your_own_tiny_robot

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