Rolly
(
94)
Sat 2008/01/12 00:47
Receive a few gadgets from time to time which I fling in the cupboard to gather dust but sometimes there are a few which are worth reviewing.
The Sony dancing robot Rolly was something that I thought I was going use as a door stopper but to my surprise I find it has become one of the most used gadgets I own.
The Sony dancing robot Rolly was something that I thought I was going use as a door stopper but to my surprise I find it has become one of the most used gadgets I own.
The Rolly resembles a squashed Haro from Gundam. Has two wings which open and close, rotate and flap about.
Instead of flying about, its got two rubber wheels which wrap around its body.
Music is transfered to the Rolly via USB. The downer is that the software needed (Sonic Stage) is Windows only so a Mac owner has to use a windows machine or run an emulator.
The other downer is that the software only runs on the Japanese version of Windows!
Do a search for "Sonic Stage Region Free" to find a version that runs on any version of Windows.
Instead of flying about, its got two rubber wheels which wrap around its body.
Music is transfered to the Rolly via USB. The downer is that the software needed (Sonic Stage) is Windows only so a Mac owner has to use a windows machine or run an emulator.
The other downer is that the software only runs on the Japanese version of Windows!
Do a search for "Sonic Stage Region Free" to find a version that runs on any version of Windows.
When the Rolly is held upright, one wing closes. The top wheel then becomes the volume control while the bottom wheel becomes the track selector. Flip the Rolly around on the other side and the wing that was open closes while the wing on the other side opens. The controls for volume and track select flip sides.
Some videos of the Rolly in action taken from YouTube. Dancing to Polyrhythm below - the tune will stick in your head - sung by Perfume. Harrasing a cat below.
Some videos of the Rolly in action taken from YouTube. Dancing to Polyrhythm below - the tune will stick in your head - sung by Perfume. Harrasing a cat below.
The battery compartment holds quite a big battery. Lasts about 5 hours.
Wings can be easily re attached in the event that your dog tries to swallow it.
Ah, Fauna in the lounge again. Review of Fauna in this article.
The Rolly comes with software that you can use to program moves for any music of your choice.
For music that the Rolly doesn't recognize, it does its best to dance with the beats.
For music that the Rolly doesn't recognize, it does its best to dance with the beats.
Dance mode is only activated after pressing the button on the top of the unit twice. All other times it would just open its wings and play music.
The volume is adjusted by twisting the unit anti/clockwise. The Rolly will then return to the position that it was on its own after volume adjustment.
Tracks are changed by moving the unit back n forth.
Tracks are changed by moving the unit back n forth.
Pressing the button on the Rolly and then shaking it a few times makes it emit a cute jingle which then turns it into music shuffle mode.
Music is stored on the Rolly in groups. Turning the track select wheel fast changes groups while turning it slowly goes through the tracks.
Neon blur is the default color which pulsates like its breathing.
The Rolly comes with a plastic base which is quite useless. I'm going to buy the rechargeable version. For now the unit can be charged via USB but it cant be used while its charging - clever.
The Rolly has Bluetooth built in so that you can use it as wireless speakers too. Takes an arm and a leg to work with Tiger but works without any configuration with Leopard.
The first Rolly model seems to be more like a market research test. They didn't do any advertising on the TV, posters etc. Most of the promotions were press releases and reviews on blogs.
The Rolly now follows me about the house pumping out music through its very decent speakers. Good amount of bass and treble.
Rolly playing dining music - some more Hokkaido crab.
Rolly while shaving ^^;
Rolly while having a poo ^^;
Rolly while working out.
Rolly while visiting a shrine ^^;
Before I used to do Tokyo Dance Trooper with an iPod and headphones which made it difficult for people to join in dancing. Now that I have the Rolly, people around can listen to the tunes and shake their funky thang.
Thanks to Sony Japan, FeedBurner.jp and EyeVio for the wonderful gift ^^;
Thanks to Sony Japan, FeedBurner.jp and EyeVio for the wonderful gift ^^;
If you are new here, you may want to keep up with more of the same via RSS or Danny's other networks. (dont show again)
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Software Engineer
I want one !!!
(ID #69350) Posted on 2008/01/12 00:22
Working in a supermarket T0T
Ive seen this in action before but was pessimistic, now ive seen it in action im pretty positive about it and the cute movement and light effects make it a real nice thing to have. the only bad thing is its price really, i cant see myself paying that much for it.
(ID #69351) Posted on 2008/01/12 00:29
Video Editor / Sound Designer / DJ
Looks really cool. Would love to play some Drum & Bass or Dubstep through one!
(ID #69352) Posted on 2008/01/12 00:30
CEO MIrai Inc
メタルおたくmetalotaku, Same here. But now that its become so useful, I'd probably buy the Rolly 2 if it has tons of upgrades. Unless Sony decides to give me another one ^^; Having no headphone jack is a downer.
(ID #69354) Posted on 2008/01/12 00:37
Rolly seems pretty cool, I would love to have one, but no way would I buy one! Holy cow those things are expensive. They're still pretty sweet though.
(ID #69355) Posted on 2008/01/12 00:43
hahaha man i can see my self investing in that Just to clarify it does actually work with Leopard if you bluetooth it? It would be great to use this with my macbook, as I don't really use my pc anymore
(ID #69356) Posted on 2008/01/12 00:48
I'm sure this thing would be fun to watch but I guess that I wouldn't use it for listening to music that much. I prefer my stereo and its bass and use my Ipod while I'm not at home :D *cough* typo alert *cough* I'm sure you meant clockwise ^^"
(ID #69357) Posted on 2008/01/12 00:51
CEO MIrai Inc
Asian_Ethics, Works well with Leopard, Tempest, Yikes! Thanks for that (phew) ^^;
(ID #69358) Posted on 2008/01/12 00:56
McMaster Engineering Level I
What's the size of memory's on the rolly? And you should really play some funk music next time you dance Danny. I'd suggest Jamiroquai... maybe his song "Little L"?
(ID #69359) Posted on 2008/01/12 01:24
Rolly follows you everywhere lol, nice; especially into the bathroom. I'm not sure if I really want to get it, it would be fun, but probably lose its favor with me for something else in the future. Pretty cool how you get awesome gifts like this though, wish I did lol.
(ID #69360) Posted on 2008/01/12 01:31
I was about to buy one until I saw the price.. A little too much for me.
(ID #69361) Posted on 2008/01/12 01:41
Student artist
You can attach it to you suit and it actually matches the stormtropperness style.
(ID #69362) Posted on 2008/01/12 01:55
The Rolly is the cutest thing ever. WAAAAAAANT. D:
(ID #69363) Posted on 2008/01/12 01:58
Student, Photographer, Paintballer,
Hey I remember something like this, you showed us a peek right? Didn't one of your friends or colleague create this? I do like how it is though. Over in America we have little animal robots that move around to the music you hook up to it. However, Rolly takes the cake. IMO it's pure win. Rolly get. I'm a Mac user too, I'll find a way..
(ID #69364) Posted on 2008/01/12 02:14
Web Developer/ウェブデベロッパー, Photographer/写真や
Nifty design. Rolly was trying to look up Fauna's pantsu from the underneath ^^; By the way, is that you in your new office?
(ID #69367) Posted on 2008/01/12 02:49
Against my better judgment I picked up a Rolly a few months ago. I agree that it has vastly exceeded my expectations for utility. Mas particularly pleased that it will sync with most of the bluetooth enabled devices I won, including my Logitech Freepulse transmitter dongle. Now I have a battery powered portable speaker system that plugs into anything with a headphone jack (including my ipod!). If I could only keep my Aibo from constantly trying to take a leak onto it tho...
(ID #69368) Posted on 2008/01/12 03:02
Pokemon master
Man, the Rolly looks so cool. I can just imagine the time I'd waste watching it.
(ID #69370) Posted on 2008/01/12 03:10
ok, so when is it coming out in the States? or who do i threaten to make it come out in the states? I want one... would sure make work more interesting...
(ID #69371) Posted on 2008/01/12 03:16
The lighting effect on the Gundams looks good. I remember looking at this one a while back, Interesting to see if it does well. Personally, I like huge speakers, and my whole house is wired for speakers with my remote, so its redundant if I got something like this. I havent used the surround sound in the bedroom in a while though. Does it get loud? Loud enough for a party?
(ID #69372) Posted on 2008/01/12 03:18
Overpaid Computer Nerd
When I first saw this, I just glanced over it and thought it was another dorky gadget. Now that I've seen one in action... Oh heck yea, I want it (^_^)
(ID #69373) Posted on 2008/01/12 03:24
Because he's holding a thermal groovinator! heh^^; But seriously me want, that looks like such an amazing little thing, it's like it's living in the music and showing you the sounds. But that price is a little eek inducing, hmm but maybe if I introduce my father to it, he loves stuff like this. I wonder what kind of attention you'll draw when pulling that from your trooper suit? Is it ok to play your personal music in public? I heard there was some sort of public performance ban there too, or is that just for large crowds of people?
(ID #69374) Posted on 2008/01/12 03:26
The Song!!!... is in my head!!! a can't take it out of my head... burned forever!!! (@.@)
(ID #69375) Posted on 2008/01/12 03:31
An egg on the dancefloor. *laughs* I wonder what happens when some Haro joins the party... Must be quite a team. XD I also LOLed at the video with the cat. However and sadly it was not about some energetic song (wonder what would have happened if it was trance that was played) and the feline was a bit too lazy for my taste. At least no probable damage from the "meow-meow~" uttering creature. Finally, I'd like to comment on the last picture: "Should I report my newest finding to Lord Vader? Nah. I will keep this artifact for myself, which seems to be an advanced music box".
(ID #69376) Posted on 2008/01/12 03:41
ひきこもり/Hikikomori. Suits my current state more than a 大学生/University Student. ^^
D blade, LOL, this stormtroopers is going to get lord vader really angry if words on this.. treason, reach lord vader's ears ^_^
(ID #69378) Posted on 2008/01/12 03:59
@Benjamin Takeyo: Stormtrooper: "My Lord, this was not treason, it was beta-testing. Like servants of the Pharaoh assuring that the food was not poisoned."
(ID #69379) Posted on 2008/01/12 04:03
Ah! Wicked cool Danny. How much did it put a dent in your wallet? I've heard they've announced it to release in the US at the CES. So there is a glimmer of hope for us over here stuck in the state side.
(ID #69380) Posted on 2008/01/12 04:05
Lord Vader: "Your failure is complete!" *choking sounds*
(ID #69381) Posted on 2008/01/12 04:07
That's awesome! LOL @ When you hold it, it looks less like a dancing thingamajig and more like some sort of grenade
(ID #69382) Posted on 2008/01/12 04:20
ChiisaiRamen, link that to the post below... I guess you'd be in real trouble with zealous police officers with that in hand. ^^;
(ID #69383) Posted on 2008/01/12 04:24
Blogger, Figure collector, Baby Photographer?
thats really cute! plus, love how you take pictures with fauna around.
(ID #69384) Posted on 2008/01/12 04:34
I suppose its cool for those who live in Japan, but Amazon has it listed as "Not able to ship outside of Japan". Shame really.
(ID #69385) Posted on 2008/01/12 04:39
Dropping computers, starting all over again at Journalism
While I think it's cute and all, I still can't see Rolly as nothing more than a gimmick... One that will be fun to have for some time, but after some week tops, it'll just go to the back of the drawer... Would be an interesting piece to have on determined ambients though. Also: I still don't know what are it's full capabilities... is it just a MP3 player that makes some movements and blinks some lights?
(ID #69386) Posted on 2008/01/12 05:17
"Ah, Fauna in the lounge again." *snikers* Actually I like the one where she looks like she has her knee on the rolly
(ID #69387) Posted on 2008/01/12 05:30
looks very cool. i'd definately pick it up, but unfortunately i'm a mac user, so i'll probably have to pull it up on my parallels windows XP on here... the video with the cat was funny.
(ID #69389) Posted on 2008/01/12 05:39
Accountant, CPA, CIS, and Gundam Painter
Yeah the Rolly is really cool =) use it all the time. I got it when it first came out i couldn't resist at all! Its really cute too.
(ID #69390) Posted on 2008/01/12 05:53
Animator/ graphic designer
ohhhhhhh. yes please.
(ID #69391) Posted on 2008/01/12 06:27
Hotdog Repairman
I'd have to listen to the sound quality first, but might be a neat gizmo to play around with for a bit. It would need to be a decent portable speaker after all the flashy novelty wears off. Then again, who knows when it'll get here if ever. Filed under maybe.
(ID #69392) Posted on 2008/01/12 07:17
i would only use it as portable speakers
(ID #69393) Posted on 2008/01/12 07:22
.NET/Web Developer
DOes it come with a strap or something so you can bring it around and not hold it all the time? I'd have to hear it first before I'd say a yes but its got potential. Plus side is that it's small.
(ID #69394) Posted on 2008/01/12 07:32
ColdFusion Developer
That'd be a pretty awesome thing to have. Plus for only 39,000 yen that's pretty cheap. Shame it'll only last 5 hours.
(ID #69395) Posted on 2008/01/12 07:44
Part trooper, part -timer, 100% loser...
The Rolly was doing some panchira action on Fauna LOL! It looks really cool, I like how it dances... Me want one...
(ID #69396) Posted on 2008/01/12 07:47
Raven, AMV & MAD maker, Otaku
omg i must have the rolly O[]O i wish there is a black coating for it also lol XD
(ID #69397) Posted on 2008/01/12 07:56
is rolly aware of it's surroundings or if i had it on a table would it jive straight off the edge?
(ID #69399) Posted on 2008/01/12 08:15
I can see any purpose of having Rolly around. Basically, it's an MP3 player ( lousy one apparently as it has crappy software support), that "dances" around while playing music. I was hoping for some extra features but as far as I can see, it has none. Does Rolly only plays music while spinning and glowing in blue? If so, it's nothing that attracts me to buy one. I am sure tho, it was fun to play with it for a little while.
(ID #69400) Posted on 2008/01/12 09:03
@D Blade: haha i suppose, but then again you wont have any much more trouble compared to someone who has this one their backpack and is 1. Wearing a Bandana 2. Has camo pants 3. "Looks Weak" ya get my drift XD
(ID #69403) Posted on 2008/01/12 10:08
yeah its price is way too high. rather get bose for ipod
(ID #69404) Posted on 2008/01/12 10:48
Student
Polyrhythm~~ EARWORM!! OMG. I'm so severely tempted to get a Rolly now! Danny has poisoned us! I'm more intrigued by the way it dances to the beats and stuff!
(ID #69405) Posted on 2008/01/12 10:49
HMMaster (Registered on 2007/09/04 00:52)
I thought the song is sing by Miku o.o
(ID #69406) Posted on 2008/01/12 11:22
Student during the day, otaku at night, and amateur musician ^_^
Cool gadget.. A speaker that dances.. Love the neon lighting.. The video with the cat is cute.. ^_^
(ID #69409) Posted on 2008/01/12 11:52
@XSportSeeker: Are you sure about this? I'll laugh all day with that. Imagine! And egg going night club and freestyling anytime you want it! By the way, they should invent a disco ball version for the nostalgics out there. @ChiisaiRamen: *Tilts head on the side* Hmmm... I dunno. *Wild imagination takes the lead* Officer, upon noticing Rolly: Step 1: Huh? Step 2, outcome 1: "!"... *Gives alert* Step 2, outcome 2: "?"... Oh, that's just an egg. *Walks away* (No that's probably not that) XD
(ID #69410) Posted on 2008/01/12 12:15
Administrative Assistant
A cute little MP3 player. Not really something I would buy myself though. I did like the way the cat was puzzled and then just didn't seem to care. Kinda cute.
(ID #69413) Posted on 2008/01/12 12:59
Cute, the cat too. It seems pretty cool. When I see the Rolly, I think of Segas iFish! But the Rolly is cuter, yeah.
(ID #69414) Posted on 2008/01/12 13:29
Service desk support
Rolly is one of those things you think is really cool, really want one but then forget about it after the novelty wears off or they find something else to do with it. Pretty much like the nintendo wii!
(ID #69415) Posted on 2008/01/12 13:33
Student Engineer
It seems a little bit expensive ($365 USD for me, whoo!) but I bet by the time I am in Japan within the next year or two the price will go down. If the price goes down, for kicks I would totally buy it! Despite my stereo and Ipod being better sound quality (stereo indefinite battery) I would totally buy one. I want!
(ID #69416) Posted on 2008/01/12 13:42
Hobby Store clerk guy thing...
If I ever got one, I'd paint it like Haro... if I ever got one...
(ID #69417) Posted on 2008/01/12 13:48
ひきこもり/Hikikomori. Suits my current state more than a 大学生/University Student. ^^
D Blade, It was just beta testing? LOL! ^_^
(ID #69419) Posted on 2008/01/12 14:31
While that thing is unquestionably cool I don't think I would have that much use for it. But I mean dang, a miniature dancing robot with flashing lights which plays music = cool
(ID #69424) Posted on 2008/01/12 15:05
anime/cosplay events organizer
the first time i saw the Sony Rolly, i never thought it would be more than a robot ^^;;; i want to have one but it is freaking expensive T_T
(ID #69425) Posted on 2008/01/12 15:07
五〇一軍团 TK8316 Singapore Garrison Public Relations Officer
the rolly goes well with the stormtrooper outfit. ('~')
(ID #69431) Posted on 2008/01/12 16:15
marvin (Registered on 2006/12/25 00:54)
looks perfect with yor stormtrooper armor Danny, you can tell people its a thermal detonator or a tiny droid. ^^
(ID #69432) Posted on 2008/01/12 16:41
Student
Something I definitely would like to have as a gift, but over 10,000 Php is is quite a hefty price.
(ID #69437) Posted on 2008/01/12 19:14
dahhhh...i want one so bad, but manh i dont got that kind of money right now i hope of the price of it will drop or have english software if it ever comes to america..lol..nice gift danny looks like u are gona be jamming with that rolly from now on.
(ID #69438) Posted on 2008/01/12 20:09
Web Design & Development
I'd buy it if it were half the price or less.
(ID #69440) Posted on 2008/01/12 20:38
hey... Japanese have remote controls for everything... even the crappers. How many Rollys for an omelet? Crack the egg, boil an egg
(ID #69441) Posted on 2008/01/12 20:44
And here is rolly getting kancho'd for the first time... Oh! And this one, which I love, is when he got soo freakin' drunk on the New Year's party, he threw up all over himself. That's what you sounded like Danny with those pictures. Anyways, I'd love to have one of those!
(ID #69445) Posted on 2008/01/12 22:06
IT Technology
Super Gadget. Nice and very funcionality. I want buy this. But i buy this for more future :D PS. Nice cat :)
(ID #69446) Posted on 2008/01/12 22:52
Ah the Rolly... I remember seeing it in a demonstration in Sony Building, Ginza. It's an interesting robotic toy, and yep it does resemble Haro in a way. But somehow it hasn't managed to grab enough of my attention to want to know more about it... On the other hand, I did remember seeing a Hatsune Miku version of it (not real though), which made me chuckle quite a bit. lol at random IJ on the toilet seat.
(ID #69448) Posted on 2008/01/13 00:15
I'd definatley like to get something like this in the future, really unique.
(ID #69455) Posted on 2008/01/13 01:06
Pseudo-Graphic Designer, 太もも Appreciator
Hmm seeing you as a stormtrooper holding on to the rolly reminds me that it could be mistaken as a thermal grenade hehe.
(ID #69465) Posted on 2008/01/13 02:55
Afro-ed Student
Wow- The wings really help play with the sound. The dancing is cute ^^; BTW- the cat looked like it was shaking it's head at one point.. my imagination?
(ID #69470) Posted on 2008/01/13 03:05
Polytechnic Senior, Bronze Lifesaving Trainee, Mech Designer, Pokemon Indexer.
now the makers of the haro toys we all saw a few days back are hitting their own heads on the wall and wondering why the hell didn't they install such a system on the toy itself ^_^
(ID #69510) Posted on 2008/01/13 06:49
part time illustrationist, doll clothing seamstress
OT that cat is SO CUTE!
(ID #69511) Posted on 2008/01/13 07:39
had a chance to see this in action while i was at CES and it was pretty cool.
(ID #69516) Posted on 2008/01/13 11:29
CEO MIrai Inc
Yep, goes well with the armor ^^; Cat, Nope - it falls off the edge ^^; BeLe, They make you buy a crappy case for it. The sound quality is rather good though. XSportSeeker, Yep. But I find it useful for when Dance Trooper goes around Tokyo. Raz23, I try not to stay in one spot for too long to avoid the boys in blue. DRAGUN, Not for a party... Windbell, Clients office ^^; Laughingman, Forgot to mention that - 1GB.
(ID #69518) Posted on 2008/01/13 11:55
Lol Danny, it really suits with your stormtropper suit.
(ID #69533) Posted on 2008/01/13 15:38
awesome dude!! i could use 1 of those. great review Danny!! Sony's always so cool
(ID #69561) Posted on 2008/01/13 18:55
boring moves...even the cat is yawning..
(ID #69630) Posted on 2008/01/14 12:49
Raven, AMV & MAD maker, Otaku
damn that thing is 39,000 won if that is in korea. and 390$ if in the states. it really is expensive
(ID #69635) Posted on 2008/01/14 16:08
Something to do with cars
$390 in the states??? That means, if converted to Malaysian Ringgit (RM) and then by virtue of our tax system... the Rolly will be almost RM3000! That's expensive! But then again, owning a cool gadget like that will make anyone happy~
(ID #69639) Posted on 2008/01/14 16:41
waaaghh!! a thermal det!!! awesome addition to your costume!!!
(ID #69641) Posted on 2008/01/14 17:10
This device looks so cool, I really want one of those but can't run the SonicStage software on an english machine :(
(ID #69796) Posted on 2008/01/15 19:24
Watch out! He's got a thermal detonator!
(ID #173518) Posted on 2008/04/22 06:07
just picked one up...we got them in canada like three days ago. what can i say, its (sorry he) is awsome. he's got a personality it seems. any ideas for good names?
(ID #197941) Posted on 2008/05/27 13:32
Vampire
oh wow that is one expensive and sick looking piece of equipment, certainly suits the white armor though.
(ID #274744) Posted on 2008/08/23 02:16
College student, Mech programmer and striving photographer.
Does it come in white only? Sure could use a green one so it'll go with the interior of my house.
(ID #439524) Posted on 2009/01/08 05:54
Photographer Wanna-be
It actually resembles something that looks like it should be Stormtrooper kit. Good match.
(ID #510232) Posted on 2009/03/06 01:59
i want this piece of kit so badly but over where i live sony are charging nearly £220 for the thing. so doess anyone know where i can get this cheaper.
(ID #546904) Posted on 2009/04/03 01:51
Otaku Programmer/Gamer/Artist/Photographer
Such an EPIC Gadget. I want one XD hehe
(ID #547893) Posted on 2009/04/03 19:40
Programmer
Sorry for digging out old post, just to inform you that you can do upgrade for your rolly.. refer to here, http://www.faq.sonydrive.jp/faq/1040/app/servlet/qadoc?030976 but the upgrade cost 9000yen.. I just got mine from Hard-Off, now thinking want to get it a upgrade or not. because you can remote control it from PC or phone after upgrade..
(ID #619071) Posted on 2009/05/24 15:25
lol it kidna reminds me of a haro for some reason xD maybe they can make a haro thingy like this xD
(ID #632267) Posted on 2009/06/03 13:17
oops lol they did mention it in the article xD
(ID #632268) Posted on 2009/06/03 13:19
shame it doesnt applies for macs. :(
(ID #633624) Posted on 2009/06/04 16:56
i still haven't bought a rolly T__T shame on me lol
(ID #645367) Posted on 2009/06/15 16:30
Undergraduate student.
First time I see this in some of your stormtrooper gallery, I thought it was a phone, since in some picture I see you take it close to your ear position like you're taking a call. But when I know this is a music robot, I'm pretty surprised! I thought the price's going to be insane, but it was actually lower than I thought. But still expensive...
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