Bug Blogger

The PopSci Build-a-BUG challenge is on

In the run up to releasing the BUG SDK last week, we've been working with the kind folks at Popular Science to launch our "Build a BUG" challenge. The basic premise is this: if you can wow the Bug Labs and PopSci teams by building an awesome virtual BUG device with Dragonfly, the BUG SDK, you can win the grand prize of a BUGbase and the first batch of BUGmodules (GPS, camera, touchscreen LCD, and motion sensor / accelerometer).

We want everyone to participate in the contest, programmers and non-programmers alike, so we're also opening up a second-prize challenge. Think up a great BUGmodule that we haven't thought of yet and send us a detailed use case. The best entry will receive a special BUG shirt, a PopSci shirt, and a one-year subscription to Popular Science magazine.

The contest ends on February 15, 2008, and winners will be announced on March 30, 2008. For full contest rules and regulations, head over to the official Build-a-BUG challenge website. We're looking forward to seeing what comes in!

Happiness is a boy named Gavin

Last week we received a couple visitors in our NYC office.  A boy around age 12 and, what I assumed was his father.  They had come to take us up on our standing offer to drop by the office and say hello. As it turns out, the boy, named Gavin, had read about BUG in the latest issue of Popular Science.   Though reserved at first, his shyness disappeared once he got his hands on the hardware.  He smiled and laughed and asked questions.  He confessed to wanting one.

There are picture perfect moments that become instantly emblazoned in your memory.  This was one.  And, for me, it was a great way to end what has been a terrific, eventful and demanding year.   To have all our efforts result in a visit and a smile from a boy who took it upon himself to look us up simply made me feel great.   Maybe because I saw some of myself in him - a kid who wants to have fun with technology. If we can inspire that feeling in everyone who uses BUG I don't think I could ask for more. 

Here's to 2008!  Happy New Year everyone.