You Can Own an Official Auto-Converting Programmable Optimus Prime for $699

I'll be honest, I could not care less for this. My favourite part of Transformers toys is the puzzle aspect and for $700 I have that removed. But hey, for anyone who wants it, I am happy it's there.

When I opened up Unicron this week, I said to myself, at least this is the most expensive Transformer I will ever own. That thought hasn't aged well.

william-james88 wrote:I'll be honest, I could not care less for this. My favourite part of Transformers toys is the puzzle aspect and for $700 I have that removed. But hey, for anyone who wants it, I am happy it's there.

Ditto. It doesn't even look that good. It's great that the technology is leaping forward like this, but I look at this the same way I look at MP-01 after almost 20 years: it was awesome at the time, but it will be improved soon enough.

Wow, that is expensive. But a programmable, voice-activated, auto-transforming Optimus is an amazing thing.

Food for thought, Hasbro is releasing a $700 before shipping Optimus Prime at "Mass" retail, while the $600 before shipping Unicron had to be crowdfunded with almost three extensions.

My first real car cost close to that price . Of course it was 15 years old when I got it but still ....

chuckdawg1999 wrote:Food for thought, Hasbro is releasing a $700 before shipping Optimus Prime at "Mass" retail, while the $600 before shipping Unicron had to be crowdfunded with almost three extensions.

Not quite, this is an officially licensed product made by Robosen, with hasbro helping distribute, as opposed to unicron which was hastak to the bone. If it flops, it's Robosen taking the fall.

If only it were a Megatron, I could conceivably have a lot of evil fun with it. Though that price is ouch, not bueno for me.

I might be going blind in my old age, as I couldn't see the video link for the advert, so here it is, if it hasn't been linked to yet:

- https://youtu.be/GSc0JTanOnQ


Didn't Robosen also make their own transforming robot toys before, including a an unofficial, "KO/3P" Optimus Prime figure, unless this was just a custom version of their regular, grey bot?

- https://youtu.be/iC5uXxwuR3A

I believe this bot below is a prototype of the new, official version?

- https://youtu.be/0mCp7PHpw0Q

Also, here's how their previous bot is controlled by the app:

- https://youtu.be/tgSAX_ouYDw

I'm a bit concerned about apps, as they aren't always supported for the future, meaning that, unless a hardware controller of some sort is also included (or can be bought separately to use with it), then the functionality of this rather expensive toy will become limited.

Greetings Seibertronians! As you may have heard already, Robosen (officially licensed by Hasbro, who are helping to distribute the figure) have revealed their Auto-Converting Programmable Optimus Prime to the world at todays Hasbro Pulse Fan Fest. Thanks to site owner, Seibertron, we now have a video showing off the toys transformation:



The toy is amongst the highest in the murky depths of the officially licensed third party area, along with ThreeZero's output, and Flame Toys Kuro Kara Kuri line.

Would you like to see more of what the toy can do?

Shout our in the Energon Pub and stay tuned to Seibertron for all the latest news and reviews!

I have honestly never wanted a transformer toy as badly as I want this. sadly, I am trying to move, and with the housing market broken as it is, I just cant afford the $700 to have this very OP optimus.

primalxconvoy wrote:I might be going blind in my old age, as I couldn't see the video link for the advert, so here it is, if it hasn't been linked to yet:

- https://youtu.be/GSc0JTanOnQ


Didn't Robosen also make their own transforming robot toys before, including a an unofficial, "KO/3P" Optimus Prime figure, unless this was just a custom version of their regular, grey bot?

- https://youtu.be/iC5uXxwuR3A

I believe this bot below is a prototype of the new, official version?

- https://youtu.be/0mCp7PHpw0Q

Also, here's how their previous bot is controlled by the app:

- https://youtu.be/tgSAX_ouYDw

I'm a bit concerned about apps, as they aren't always supported for the future, meaning that, unless a hardware controller of some sort is also included (or can be bought separately to use with it), then the functionality of this rather expensive toy will become limited.

Excellent point, how many OS updates will this be supported for; 2,3? Is that Deadpool head app still around?

primalxconvoy wrote:I'm a bit concerned about apps, as they aren't always supported for the future, meaning that, unless a hardware controller of some sort is also included (or can be bought separately to use with it), then the functionality of this rather expensive toy will become limited.

These type of IoT app most likely controls the bot by Bluetooth. The solution is probably install the app in an old phone that you don't use anymore. With so many people upgrading their phone every 2~3 years, they're easy to find among friends even if you don't have one laying under the couch/drawers.

Whoa, dude! They're REAL! I mean, LOOK AT IT! We can make dis stuff now, imagine a thousand years we'll be makin' the real deal. I mean, maybe Earth will become Cybertron, and we're the creators. Mind freakin' blown.

cloudballoon wrote:

primalxconvoy wrote:I'm a bit concerned about apps, as they aren't always supported for the future, meaning that, unless a hardware controller of some sort is also included (or can be bought separately to use with it), then the functionality of this rather expensive toy will become limited.

These type of IoT app most likely controls the bot by Bluetooth. The solution is probably install the app in an old phone that you don't use anymore. With so many people upgrading their phone every 2~3 years, they're easy to find among friends even if you don't have one laying under the couch/drawers.

That's one way, but not everyone keeps their phones, or has a working phone. Also, the app itself might be pulled from Google Play or Apple's shop. Updates could also be made to the app that breaks it and/or makes it a subscription service, etc (which has happened with other "smart" devices). Finally, part of the system this toy relies upon might be cloud-based, meaning that if the servers are turned-off, full or part functionality is lost (again,, which has happened to other smart/connected devices).

I don't want to take such a gamble on such an expensive product.

primalxconvoy wrote:

cloudballoon wrote:

primalxconvoy wrote:I'm a bit concerned about apps, as they aren't always supported for the future, meaning that, unless a hardware controller of some sort is also included (or can be bought separately to use with it), then the functionality of this rather expensive toy will become limited.

These type of IoT app most likely controls the bot by Bluetooth. The solution is probably install the app in an old phone that you don't use anymore. With so many people upgrading their phone every 2~3 years, they're easy to find among friends even if you don't have one laying under the couch/drawers.

That's one way, but not everyone keeps their phones, or has a working phone. Also, the app itself might be pulled from Google Play or Apple's shop. Updates could also be made to the app that breaks it and/or makes it a subscription service, etc (which has happened with other "smart" devices). Finally, part of the system this toy relies upon might be cloud-based, meaning that if the servers are turned-off, full or part functionality is lost (again,, which has happened to other smart/connected devices).

I don't want to take such a gamble on such an expensive product.

I agree that an old phone is very easy to get ahold of, but I share the sentiment about a hardware controller being better. It looked like from the other demo video thought that a lot could be done without the app? If you can voice command/transform him without the app, assuming he's not actively getting firmware updates that break him, he could still be worth it for me. Maybe.

In some shots his head is attached to a flap a la Powermaster Prime and in some it's not; I wonder what that situation actually is.

I'm not too worried about the app concerns. Seems unlikely a physical controller could even begin to offer all the features he's got, and I can always get hold of an old phone and sideload an old version of the app.

Man, I don't need this and it would probably just stand on a shelf doing nothing, but I also give in to temptation pretty easily when it comes to Transformers. I watched the CNET video and I'm starting to wish my credit card didn't bump up my limit...





These have come a long ways since the spindly, brick-footed, thin paneled bots that looked like they'd shake apart just walking. This Prime looks as good as any Optimus Prime figure on the market, looks great in both modes, has lights and sounds with Peter Cullen's voice, and can both walk and drive around. At 19" tall, to me, this is a $700 item. The Robosen T9 came out at $500 (they're about $400 now), and has a lot of the same features as Optimus, but is quite a bit smaller and doesn't come with accessories, and doesn't talk (and certainly isn't Optimus Prime). I'm undecided.

Emerje

Another problem with the app is that it isn't available for everyone's (Android) device, not is it available in every geographical region. For example, in Japan, many of the TF apps and games available to Americans are not available here, it of they are, they're usually much later. In some cases with apps, such as the AWFUL Japanese version of Disney+, the app has limited content and Japanese language only GUIs.

Yes, I understand that this is primarily available in the US, but as fans, we live in an age of importing things from online. With digital products, there are then extra (unneeded) obstacles, seemingly added artificially IMO, which hinders value.

In the picture below, you can see that the app is available at Google Play (as a beta), via the website, but it's not available at the Google Play app for my phone in Japan.

primalxconvoy wrote:Yes, I understand that this is primarily available in the US, but as fans, we live in an age of importing things from online. With digital products, there are then extra (unneeded) obstacles, seemingly added artificially IMO, which hinders value.

You'll have to take that up with Takara Tomy. Hasbro has nothing to do with the Japanese market so there's little in it for them to fund a Japanese version of the app while they do sell toys in the rest of the world. If TT decides to offer this as well (and they would be crazy not to!) then you'll get your Japanese app. It does have preloaded voice commands so it isn't completely useless without the app.

Emerje

My point isn't with Hasbro or Takara per sec, but rather the limitations in place for what is a rather expensive product. We need to be careful before buying products like these, due to the problems relating to geological, software availability, hardware ,language, etc.

These problems aren't such an issue with an "analogue" or regular TF toy, but with digital products, there are more barriers to entry. As for Japan, of it was available, I fear it would have Japanese language only GUI and voice samples, thus limiting the appeal of both the American and Japanese versions for me.

Also, if the app isn't compatible with my Android device/OS (as Android is rather fragmented), that would also limit this product's relevance. I'm not going to pay 500 dollars for a toy that I can only talk to. I want to hold a physical controller and speak to it through that, whilst also using physical joysticks to control it like a real RC car/robot.

I can only hope that Hasbro and Takara work to make truly international products, such as their existing analogue range.

Just curious, am I the only one who's friends have been sending the video of this same toy for years now?



This definitely explains my lack of excitement over this release, it felt so passé.

I suspect it was their prototype.

william-james88 wrote:Just curious, am I the only one who's friends have been sending the video of this same toy for years now?



This definitely explains my lack of excitement over this release, it felt so passé.

No you're not. There have been versions of this shown off for years now. The difference is, that it looks like Hasbro now actually gave them an official licence to actually sell it. Before it was just something to show off their tech and was never intended to be an actual product.

This is cool, but I'm not going to go check out what it costs because I'm sure it's not in my budget.

I remember that one, but the new one does everything much better. The head lights fold into the arms instead of sitting on his back, the front wheels stay on the hips rather than hanging off the arms, the working lights and sounds, and the overall fit of everything looks much more solid like I would expect from a finished product. If pre-orders are still open in few months I seriously might go for it, just need to do some financial juggling first (which I'm already doing, it has nothing to do with this).

Emerje

I would just like to add for people concerned about the life expectancy of the app, but I'm certain once this guy gets released that there will be some hobbyist robotics groups that would jump at the chance to hack one of these guys. I know the one I was apart of, before they fell apart due to some strong personalities, would probably already be pre-ordering two or three apiece to take one apart, one to hack, and one to keep as original, but still functioning, as possible. The good thing about most of these groups is that the steps and software used to hack this OP will be available for free.

GeekyGamer Gal wrote:I would just like to add for people concerned about the life expectancy of the app, but I'm certain once this guy gets released that there will be some hobbyist robotics groups that would jump at the chance to hack one of these guys. I know the one I was apart of, before they fell apart due to some strong personalities, would probably already be pre-ordering two or three apiece to take one apart, one to hack, and one to keep as original, but still functioning, as possible. The good thing about most of these groups is that the steps and software used to hack this OP will be available for free.

That's great, but I'm not sure if it's an option for everyone. Of course, we cannot say for certain about any of these possible problems, as it's not known if it is cloud based, but regardless, here's an article about the "death" of a cloud-based robot:

- https://www.kinvert.com/anki-robotics-c ... ting-down/

And let's not forget about the original Aibo:

- https://www.digitaltrends.com/cool-tech ... -in-japan/

Pretty neat. But 'walking Optimus' looks more like 'shuffling/wobbling Optimus'. The walking action doesn't seem any more advanced than the old wind-up toys of yesteryear. They just set the figure wobbling, and hope that some of it somehow carries the figure in a vaguely forward-ish direction.

Ah well. Neat figure, anyway. I share the concern voiced by others about how well the app will be supported in the future. Sure it's brand new NOW - but many apps become defunct and unsupported in less than a year. Before plunking down any of your mortal 'skretch', we'd want some pretty solid promises that the app will REMAIN supported indefinitely.

Apparently it has pre-order sold out.

chuckdawg1999 wrote:Apparently it has pre-order sold out.

Still showing up as available to pre-order for me.

Emerje

Does anyone have any idea if it will be available outside of America? Im trying to get it to the UK, but the official site doesn't allow you to preorder outside of America or Canada. doesn't look like the usual suspects have it available to either. Not even BBTS which I usually use.

John.

JohnHope wrote:Does anyone have any idea if it will be available outside of America? Im trying to get it to the UK, but the official site doesn't allow you to preorder outside of America or Canada. doesn't look like the usual suspects have it available to either. Not even BBTS which I usually use.

John.

At the moment, I think you're sadly out of luck at the moment (seemingly it's the one thing that was revealed that you can't preorder on the UK site). Might be best to wait a little bit and see if any thing changes

I believe the reopened preorders are for a later batch. Originally the page said they ship in August, but now it says October.

Uhm... I think this kind of TFs will be a line of its own in few years: at this moment, the project is good but not eanough to worth all' the money it will cost fo sure.

Anyway: in the video, for few istants, OP has a plate behind his head which is not shown in the other images. How will He look in the end?

Seems the October batch is now sold out, as well.

$700 & I would get bored with it in a week. lol

Any idea what the warranty is like?

dunno where to post Robosen things but grimlockis neaaaattttt

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=swIiwo0kKIc


Pricey as hell but neat. also people were complaining about the voice but it is the original voice actor in the final product.

Amazing.

blackeyedprime wrote:dunno where to post Robosen things but grimlockis neaaaattttt

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=swIiwo0kKIc


Pricey as hell but neat. also people were complaining about the voice but it is the original voice actor in the final product.

Grimlock already beats Prime

Me Grimlock awesome!, but that price.... oh m y god that price.....

So... Accurate! And even the original voice actor? Wow... The ultimate status piece.

Hasbro and Robosen have revealed their second character to get the auto transforming and interactive treatment, none other than Grimlock! This is Robosen's first robot to take two bipedal forms meaning he's still fully functional in both bot and dino modes making him look every bit as animated as he is in the cartoon. With a kingly stature of 15" in both modes he's definitely an impressive sight! He also sounds impressive being voiced by original G1 actor Gregg Berger producing 150+ lines for Robosen. He also features programable RGB lighting in his heads and light up weapons, 34 motors, 42 voice commands and a number of other features you can read about below or over on Hasbro Pulse.

Now, here's the down side: $1,499. That's right, not only is he more than twice the prices of the previous Optimus Prime releases but also costs more than Robosen Elite Optimus Prime and the trailer together! It's a big ask that will certainly price out the majority of fans. But those that can justify the price are going to receive a very impressive bit of robotics.

Thanks to fellow Seibertronian blackeyedprime for the heads up!































































Via Hasbro Pulse:

Introducing the world's first dual-form, bidpedal walking robot. This is the most articulated robot engineered by Robosen with 34 small, yet, high-torque and high-efficient servo motors that activates seamless conversion, while ensuring stable and smooth movements. The 6-axis IMU sensors constantly monitor the robot's balance, delivering even greater stability.

Built in rechargeable Lithium-Ion Battery (2500mAh)

Authentic G1 Sounds
Grimlock has built-in 150+ original Generation 1 Transformers audio lines, recorded exclusively for Robosen by Gregg Berger, original voice of G1 Grimlock. These iconic soundy bytes are paired with robotic actions, providing an immersive entertainment experience. It can recognize 42 voice commands, allowing a hands-free interaction with the robot for conversion, walking, and other various stunning stunts.

Elevate Grimlock's Playability
Control Grimlock in both dino mode and robot mode simply from the app. Enjoy quick responses with Bluetooth BLE 5.0 as you remote control the robot's auto-conversion, movements, and impressive actions from any mobile device.
MiniTheater

With the app's "MiniTheater" feature, enjoy captivating solo performances in SoloPlay mode and thrilling coordinated displays in MultiPlay mode. Join forces with Optimus Prime and defeat the Decepticons in epic battle reenactments. Stay tuned for more immersive adventures with other Robosen Transformers robots.

Programmable Robot Share and Download Actions
We offer four programming modes, making it easy to program new actions for Grimlock. We also provide cloud sharing functionality, allowing Robosen users from around the world to freely create, share, and download other custom actions, enabling Grimlock to do so much more!

Block-base Programming
where you can drag modules to set the angles and speeds of the robot's movements, and create a segment of robot movements to reproduce classic scenes from the movies.

Manual Programming
Intelligent manual manipulation, where you can directly adjust the joints to suitable angles and positions to quickly create robot movements.

Voice Programming
say "start programming" to the robot, and then say multiple command words in the order you want, and then say "execute" after completion, and you can easily create a robot performance according to the order of the voice commands.

Computer-based programming
When you want to unleash the full potential of Grimlock robot, we recommend using computer-based 3D programming software.

More excitement awaits you on the Robosen APP

Sweet ever loving mother of Primus. That is incredible.

Sooooo expensive though....

Imagine showing this to someone in the early 80’s. I hope we get a Con next (not like I’d be able to afford it!).

Stormshot_Prime wrote:Imagine showing this to someone in the early 80’s. I hope we get a Con next (not like I’d be able to afford it!).

I considered it. I realized that I could liquidate more of my collection and pay for it, and since Grimlock is my favorite, it might be worth it. Take up less space to.

But if one of my hundreds of figures falls off a shelf and bursts into a thousand pieces, it would make me sad. If I dropped this with my fantastically undexterous fingers, I would be heartbroken.

He may be pricier than Prime and Bee, but I'd say he is better and cooler than either of them.

Sweet Mary, mother of God . . . .

Color me legit impressed.

I submitted this "News" as soon as I got the notification from Hasbro Pulse today in the early afternoon. Yet I don't see credit for the info.

Regardless, It is an impressive piece of engineering.

Cheers!