Bug Labs five new modules

At CES, user-programmable electronics hardware maker BUGLabs introduced five new BUGmodules to expand on its hardware offerings and allow users to create more applications. Each of the new modules, including the BUGprojector, BUGsound, BUG3g GSM, BUGwifi and BUGbee, can snap onto the four-port BUGbase that is a programmable Linux-based computer. The BUGprojector is a DLP Pico projector good for 480x320 resolution and rated at a brightness of 9 lumens. It has stereo sound playback capabilities and is the first BUGmodule to be created in conjunction with a major electronics company, in this case Texas Instruments.

Users can turn their Bugs into cellphones thanks to the BUG3g GSM module which is a 3G mobile radio with a SIM card slot. They can then add Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connections to their phones with the BUGwifi module that adds a dual-function 802.11b/g and Bluetooth 2.0 + EDR radios.

The BUGsound module includes a flush-mount 20mm speaker and omnidirectional microphone with hardware stereo codecs, letting users turn their Bug device into a music player, speakerphone, recorder or for other applications. There are four 3.5mm stereo jacks for additional inputs and outputs.

For home automation purposes, sensors and automotive applications, among others, the BUGbee is a low-powered 802.15.4 radio that allows users to build short-range personal area networks (PAN).

At the same time, the Bug Labs team showed off a prototype QWERTY keyboard to allow for a user interface. While the release date for the keyboard was not announced, the five other new modules shipping by April. Pricing has not yet been announced.

BUG3g GSM

BUGbee

BUGsound

BUGwifi

BUGLabs prototype keyboard

By Electronista Staff