Powered Up motors: first look
Posted by Huw,
LEGO has uploaded images for 76112 App-Controlled Batmobile to its server today. The image of the back of the box gives us what I believe is our first look at the motors that will form part of the new power functions platform.
They are not new, as you will learn below.
Externally they are identical to 45303 WeDo 2.0 Medium Motor so I think it's fairly safe to assume that they are the same.
I guess it was inevitable that this would be the case: after all there's no point reinventing the wheel, plus it does mean that all current technology platforms -- WeDo, Boost and Powered Up -- share many of the same components and connectors so are, presumably, compatible. We can expect the next version of Mindstorms to follow suit.
The battery and Bluetooth receiver box is the same as that in the new City trains. We have both of them in hand but have not had an opportunity to test and review them yet. In the meantime, check out the videos about the system on the HispaBrick Facebook page.
The set itself is unattractive and prohibitively expensive but it will give those who buy it an opportunity to try them out for themselves.
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30 comments on this article
Not interested on this however a motorized AT-ACT......
I sense a new motorized AT-AT in the midst...
Yikes! Prohibitively expensive indeed! I have no context when it comes to motorized LEGO, though.
That's a cool Batman fig. The Batmobile is reminiscent of the one from the Dark Knight Returns
I like it but not for that much! Are they trying to rip us off? Also the wheels don’t turn!
I really really really hope this doesn't lead to a discontinuation of the current motors. They're expensive enough now, image if they were only available on the secondary market
Not that it's a massive redeeming feature, but @TheLegoFan hopefully it'll turn by inverting the drive on opposite sides, like the recent Technic RC tracked vehicle. Depends how the motors are configured.
If you can't use more than one bluetooth hub with the app at once or there isn't a new hub with more ports, this system is completely useless.
Cool, still can't afford it though lol.
So this thing is still using crappy AA-Batteries instead of an integrated Li-Battery?
This is absolutely not for me, both in design and pricing, but I am glad to see LEGO attempting to diversify their offerings and further incorporating apps into sets.
Regardless of whether AFOLs like it, phones and tablets are becoming ever more prevalent in kids' lives, and adapting to this will make or break toy companies.
I'm the only one who digs this. Gonna' pick this up and test it out.
I think it'll be alot of fun.
Brothers Brick has a video of it driving around.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yjeugloGCLA
And From Bricks To Bothans.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M88yMjpOIrY
For that much money, is the phone at least included? :)
I don't see why not, when a cheap smartphone these days is like $30 from prepaid carriers at dollar stores. I'll likely be going that route if I get this set cheap.
I hope this does well, as Lego's "system" has an advantage over other app controlled, programmable toys. Thames and Kosmos has their semi-Technic copy sets, but finding parts to add on to them is tough (Gigo makes the parts for T&K, but doesn't sell them in the US), as the sets with the parts are expensive. Most kids already have a ton of Lego.
I'm holding out until this gets discontinued. I bought Dimensions and Life of George t at Walmart s on clearance for less than $10--and I'm sure on clearance, this will be $50 or less.
@wasn I really prefer crappy AA-batteries over an integrated rechargeable. AA or AAA batteries can be replaced easily, but when an integrated rechargeable battery wears out you have to replace the controller, which may be out of production. Rechargeable battery boxes like 9798 are much better than an integrated battery, because you can still use standard batteries when the rechargeable battery fails.
Pricing on this is crazy, but I'll pick one up when they hit the thrift stores in a year or two.
I think ‘unattractive’ is very kind. It’s hideous!
“We can expect the next version of Mindstorms to follow suit.”
With Boost, WeDo 2.0, and EV3, is there even going to be a new Mindstorms version?
Nice, and another batsuit, but Ill be waiting until this gets down to about 50-60 dollars somewhere
Geez. Lots of green and red lights. I guess Lego will never care that many people have difficulty distinguishing between green and red. Well, I've been dealing with it my whole life and will continue to do so. Glad for the trains we don't need to use a crappy Apple or Android app. Fearful for Mindstorms and Technic that we will. Will be great to no longer worry about line of sight.
Somone tell Lego is not 2000 anymore and they can get their Motors smaller AND cheaper....
+1 (or -1) regarding the use of red and green.
Something that impacts ~1 in 10 of us.
(Even though I’m only mildly effected, so I’ll get by).
I really only want this set for the minifig and the batarangs. It's probably fun to control around, but the price at $100 doesn't feel justifiable. Not to mention that it looks like the front and the back got all squished up.
Geez...the battery thing.....what d’ya reckon Lepin?
Looks like something that's just barely gonna be worth it when it goes on sale, I'd like to pick it up and try it out by then. (yes it looks really hideous but it can always be customized or just turned into something else entirely)
with this new PF system working with Boost I feel like we have a lot of new opportunities with MOCs, it almost makes me wish I didn't get the EV3 so I could justify getting the Boost now.
Is this new system going to be sold separately, like 1.0?
"The set itself is unattractive..."
Where is Rogal Dorn when you need an "I DISAGREE?"
100 Dollars for this?
LOL, that'll sell like hotcakes then, just like many of the other recent overpriced sets. TLG really doesn't get it. Well, their sales numbers reports next year will show them how "successfull" their strategy is.
At half the price this "thing" or whatever it is supposed to be would still be too expensive, but at least a bit more reasonable. As it is, forget it.
So now we have trains and one other set. It'll be interesting to see what the next motorised Technic set offers. Hopefully a hub with four ports and a way to create your own setup in the app.
And of course the next Mindstorms generation, but that's probably more than a year away.
That exclusive fig though...
I think its worth the 100$ I can make my own custom Arkham Knight batmobile and use the pieces for remote control, (I dont really like the design if the Batmobile.)