National Instruments and the LEGO Group today announced the latest software update for the popular LEGO MINDSTORMS NXT robotics invention system. Powered by the National Instruments LabVIEW graphical programming environment, LEGO MINDSTORMS NXT software Version 1.1 now provides support for Intel-based Macintosh computers and the Windows Vista operating system in addition to improving memory usage on the NXT Intelligent Brick.
“The new LEGO MINDSTORMS NXT software gives users the opportunity to take advantage of the latest operating systems while improving the functionality of the product,” said Steven Canvin, business development manager at the LEGO Group, in the press release. “We are proud to continue bringing innovation to the LEGO MINDSTORMS NXT product, one of the most popular robotics platforms ever launched.”
With the software’s improved memory usage, LEGO MINDSTORMS NXT includes smaller compiled programs and compressed sound files. These improvements provide users with increased system performance, especially when creating more complex programs.
“These software enhancements and compiler improvements are a direct result of our close collaboration with LEGO Group,” said Andy Bell, academic product manager at National Instruments, in the press release. “It is exciting to provide continual innovations to LEGO MINDSTORMS NXT users and we look forward to aligning our products with leading technologies.”
The updated software remains compatible with the NI LabVIEW Toolkit for LEGO MINDSTORMS NXT. Through the toolkit, LabVIEW users can create and download VIs to operate and control the robotics platform. Also, third-party software and hardware users can create native blocks using the toolkit for development on LEGO MINDSTORMS NXT.
For more information: http://www.ni.com/mindstorms
To purchase LEGO MINDSTORMS NXT: http://www.lego.com/shop
YESSSSSSSSSSSSS!
“These software enhancements and compiler improvements are a direct result of our close collaboration with LEGO Group,” said Andy Bell”
Andy Bell’s solo work has been top notch since the days of Erasure. I can only imagine his work for National Instruments, together with LEGO, will break those Chains of Love.
Speaking of Chains of Love….
I Love to be wrapped up in chains, have barbecue sauce poured all over me and get worked like a rib.
@ The prior post (and fake ChrissyOne)
You are an idiot. Everyone knows I prefer syrup.
-c
MW: ‘cases’ (of fraud run rampant)
mmmmm… syrup.
Cool
Gotta Love robots!
Gotta Love Lego
Gotta Love Apple
Check out http://www.usfirst.org and the FIRST Lego League
I though you said you like honey mustard dressing?
*thought
That ‘worked like a rib’ line is getting a little old. Why not try something with baking goods? One trick ponys get put down young.
MW: ‘window’ (to a crappier tomorrow)
LEGO: we want an OS X-based Intelligent Brick!!
If OS X can run inside a cell phone & is rumored to run in the next iPods, it’d be sweeeet to have it running inside Mindstorms.
I can’t seem to find where to order this from the lego shop link listed above. Can anyone else find it?
Thanks!
Chris