Asus Eeebot to Take Android for a Stroll?

By Geoff Duncan December 17, 2009

Image used with permission by copyright holder

As part of a Taiwanese government project to promote development with Google’s Android platform, computer maker Asus is reportedly planning to build an educational robot for children based on the Android platform.

As outlined on a Taiwanese government Web site—and first noted by PC World—Asus would develop both the hardware and software for the bot; the concept envisions the educational robots as a platform that don’t so much earn money through hardware sales—the cost will be subsidized to make them more affordable to schools and families—but generate revenue through services and content designed specifically for the devices. There’s no timetable on the device, except that Asus expects to begin trial production on the systems in about two years, and believes the the program will generate about $120 million USD within four years.

The project plan has not been finalized, but could be another step in Asus’s efforts to extend its Eee brand of netbook and nettop computers to other areas of consumer electronics. It’s not clear what kind of content and services the company (or the Taiwanese government) plans to offer to accompany a robot: after all, it’s one thing to have a gizmo that can waddle around and bump into wall, but quite another for that device to be a significant educational tool.

Although a robot is a new direction for the Android platform, developers have already been pushing the operating system into devices other than phones, including devices like the Nook e-reader and netbooks.

Editors' Recommendations

Topics

Former Digital Trends Contributor

Geoff Duncan writes, programs, edits, plays music, and delights in making software misbehave. He's probably the only member…

Mobile

How to undo reposts on TikTok (and why you should)

Undo Repost button on the TIkTok app.

TikTok, like many other social media apps, including Threads, allows its users to repost the content they enjoy to share it with their followers. However, unlike apps such as X, formerly Twitter, which provide clear instructions on how to undo a repost and indicate when it has been successfully undone, TikTok’s process is not as straightforward.

Mobile

The best Android tablets in 2024: the 11 best ones you can buy

OnePlus Pad with official Stylo pencil stylus on a wooden table.

Tablets may not be the hot new thing in 2024, but they're still excellent machines for streaming movies, playing games, or getting work done on the go. And while it seems like the best iPads dominate most of the tablet market, there are still plenty of excellent Android tablet options for consideration if you don't want to be locked in Apple's walled garden.

Whether you want an ultra-premium and superpowerful option, or something more affordable and compact, the Android tablet market has something for everyone. No matter your budget or spec preferences, here are the best Android tablets you can buy in 2024.

Mobile

Save $200 on this Android phone and get free Bose earbuds

Motorola Edge Plus (2023) lying on a bench.

For those who are looking to buy a new Android phone, you may want to go for this offer from Motorola -- the third-generation Motorola Edge Plus for only $600 following a $200 discount on its original price of $800, and it comes with the Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II, which are worth $299, for free. That's unbelievable value that will be tough to get from other phone deals, but you'll have to hurry with your purchase if you want to take advantage of this bargain because there's no telling when it ends.

Why you should buy the Motorola Edge Plus (2023)
We reviewed the third-generation Motorola Edge Plus, released just last year, as a worthy competitor to the Google Pixel 7 Pro and the Samsung Galaxy S23. The smartphone features a 6.7-inch curved OLED display with Full HD+ resolution and a 165Hz refresh rate, and it's protected by Corning Gorilla Glass Victus to prevent scratches from daily wear and tear. The Motorola Edge Plus is also pretty fast with its Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor and 8GB of RAM, and while it ships with Android 13, you can upgrade it to the latest Android 14 as soon as you unbox the device.