Newsletter 11/2009
Here comes Blobo
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It has been possible to make an online order for Blobo, which was developed by the Finnish company Ball-IT Oy, since October. The package, which costs somewhat more than 50 euros, includes six action-packed fun&fit PC games developed by the Finnish company Red Lynx Oy as well as the game console.
CEO Juha Rytky says that there are a surprisingly high number of advanced orders. The public at large was able to test the ball for the first time at the DigiExpo Fair held in Helsinki in November. The feedback from there was extremely favourable.
“Expectations for Blobo’s future are high. We’ve already opened up important discussions with international players. During 2010 the aim is to start deliveries to large game markets such as Japan, the United States, Korea, China, German and Great Britain,” Rytky says.
Having brought products onto the market, Ball-IT will focus not only on international operations but also on offering as good a base as possible for bringing out new Blobo games and small Blobo applications. It will also be possible to download new products from Blobo’s website.
Superior multi-purpose ball
Blobo is a small and soft spherical game console that senses even the smallest movement and hardest blow.
“Blobo’s predecessor was designed in its time to be a wireless mouse that would operate simply on MEMS sensor technology, without the mechanical or optical components of a mouse. In the early stages we noticed that because of its shape, durability and properties a spherical device is a superior game console,” Rytky says.
In a wireless device there is not a single button. It communicates with the computer via bluetooth technology and programs supplied on a disc. The device, which charges on the mains current, measures movement, pressing, turning, air pressure and magnetic fields. The ball also operates as a pedometer when kept in a pocket and calorie meter when you are playing.
Blobo games are, in general, simple and easy to assimilate. However, they do include difficulty grades that award higher points, and to succeed with these you have to practise and develop skills. You can form your own shape and transport it with its records in Blobo.
For example, basketball is played by throwing Blobo into the air. In archery you try to keep Blobo as balanced as possible in order to hit the bull’s eye. In the Finnish national sport, ski jumping, in addition to the approach and balance, the power of the jump and descent are important.
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