NXT-G v1.1 Available August 07

LEGO Mindstorms has announced that an updated version of NXT-G will become available in August 2007. This version includes many great new features, such as memory compression (the new software is said to free up 30kb of space on the NXT and cut memory use on programs and sound files by 40%!) faster speed, and support for Windows Vista. People who already have the NXT will be able to upgrade to this software for 19.99 USD.

Read the entire press release from LEGO here.

-Jonathan

Comments

Anonymous said…
Wow.. when I started reading it I thought it's going to be for free .. but I won't pay 20$ for that, not when I have NBC and other languages around.
Yeah I guess if you like programming in a third-party language there isn't much use in upgrading NXT-G. For NXT-G users, though, I think it'd be worth it - I know it would be worth it to me.

-Jonathan
David Levy said…
hmmm. I wonder how this affects the FLL registration for fall. That is, if one orders a NXT kit when registering, will the software include the upgrade?
Andy said…
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Andy said…
Thanks a million for letting me know about this (via Jonathan's post)!! I got to have that upgrade! In the post on the LEGO site about it stood following: The LEGO MINDSTORMS NXT software version 1.1 will be available in the LEGO MINDSTORMS NXT #8527 robotics toolset from August 2007. I wonder if there will be any extra parts in that toolset. There was a set like this for RIS with a IR control, some pneumatics, software upgrade, some extra sensors/lights and some parts. I hope this set will be something like that, I'll buy that instead if there is some extra/cool parts in it and if it is not to expensive. I will get that upgrade whatever it takes, mainly because it frees up more space, is faster, compitable with more OS's etc.
David: I ask the same question. It is a officially LEGO software so it should be okay but it is an upgrade and the FLL rules says nothing about it. We'll probably have to wait until the official FLL rules for the Power Puzzle Challenge 2007. Thanks again!

Andy
Eric D. Burdo said…
Andy, if you google on the phrase "LEGO MINDSTORMS NXT #8527" you see that it's the robotics kit.

My guess is that LEGO will just upgrade the NXT-G software. Everything else will be the same.

In the past (with the RCX) LEGO assigned a new kit # when it made parts changes (1.0 -> 1.5 -> 2.0)
Andy said…
Eric, I knew that about the set, I understood it but forgot it again while writing the post. (Yes, I am not good in remembering things!)
The previous RIS sets did have a small "recourse" set with the parts I explained earlier. Like a add-on set for the RIS sets (1.0, 1.5 and 2.0). That extra set had software v1.5 in it (it was for those who had v1.0 if they wanted a new FW and SW).

Andy

PS. The post that stands it is removed is a post I deleted cause I forgot to write something in it so I copyed it, edited it and posted it again before I deleted it.
Tony Buser said…
Finally Intel Mac support... but $20? NXT-G is crippled on the intel macs, did they really have to make us pay for functional software?

I was thinking of getting another NXT anyway, I guess I'll just wait until I can get the updated software with the new one.
aaron said…
+3 for Lego in having the clue to open up development on the platform, encourage experimentation, foster the user community.

-1 for being so clueless as to _sell_ an incremental upgrade to the users.

Do they realize they just canceled out a good bit of goodwill with their existing users?!! If it really was a leap, then ok. But improved compression and a few blinks and bobbles for $20 leaves a slightly sour taste in my mouth.

I suppose Lego is, just like all companies, going to make good decisions and bone-headed ones. Hopefully their good decisions will continue to outweigh the bad.

I still love 'em.

(thankfully, though I occasionally make bone headed decisions, my wife and kids still love me, too)

-aaron
Anonymous said…
As an NXT-G user I think this is good news. There are plenty of (niggling) bugs in the present software and it would be a good thing to be free of them. Of course I'd rather not have to pay for these improvements, but $20 is not so bad providing the V1.1 is not just a bundle of existing add-ons. (e.g., the 30% saving in memory, sounds like the already (freely) available miniblocks). I'm surprised the press release talks of the update being available as a CD and not as a download.
Andy said…
Aaron, I think it still is worth the money for the improvements though.
Tony, I agree, you Intel based Mac guys hould be able to get it for free or atleast cheaper then the other ones.

Andy
Andy said…
Andrew, thats true (all of it).
With 100+ updates it should be worth the money. The good thing about the new version beeing on CD instead of download cause it is easier to install it on multiple computers (for private use in home, YOUR work computer etc.). It could also be easier/better if your computer crashes etc.

Andy
Anonymous said…
If they are shipping the FLL kits in May (as shown on the FLL season schedule on the USFIRST website), but the 1.1 upgrade is not available until August, how will they be able to include the upgrade to FLL purchasers?

Doreen
I'm trying to get a list of the 100+ improvements (changes/updates) from LEGO - hopefully the list may justify the $20.

Until I know what is being provided, I'm holding my opinion :)
Anonymous said…
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Anonymous said…
I don't understand why everyone is upset. You can still use your NXT with version 1 of the software. It's not like this new version makes your robots stop working. Buy version 1.1 or don't buy it, but don't blame Lego for trying to recoup its costs for ongoing development. I work for a software company and when we release an upgrade we charge for it. If we didn't, we would not and could not continue to put manpower into improving existing software. Sorry to be so blunt, but deal with it.

Cam
Andy said…
I agree with you there Cam! Good said, it isn't a big deal if you don't want to pay for it, just don't buy it then! If you want it, buy it, it isn't harder then that.
Jim: I hope you get that list! I would really like to see the improvements! I hope they include a zoom-in/zoom-out function too.

Andy
David Levy said…
from Doreen (12:09pm est)
"If they are shipping the FLL kits in May...."

FIRST will be sending an email about this to all of the FLL coaches later today that will hopefully answer some of these questions for everyone.
Anonymous said…
Im glad they decided to fix there software. I just want to say, enhancements and add ons may be worth money but fixing problems with existing software should be a patch for the software and free.

Thats my opinion, of course.
Nicthegr
Anonymous said…
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Anonymous said…
I'm waiting for a normal OSX Intel Version...
AND now I have to pay for it ?
NO!

I'm searching for another OS like pbLua or NXJ!

Sorry! That's too much.
Anonymous said…
wah wah wah

anyone else sick of the whining?

fine. quit your whining and don't buy it.
Unknown said…
I think Lego has to reconsider this. It's not the money. It's the feeling of beeing conned and the trouble to get the fix, that make me upset. Just because I bought NXT early, I have to pay for the fix. Those who buy NXT after August 2007 will have the fix for free.
Anonymous said…
maybe, but I bought my 2007 Toyota last November. I see that the 2008 Toyota coming out at the end of this year will have Satellite radio included. I think I should get the Satellite radio for free because it's better than the CD player I got.

I'm siding with those on here who say buy it or don't buy it, but don't blame Lego for trying to recoup its investment in the upgrade. It's $20. If you don't want to buy it then keep using 1.0
Right... it's not like this update is a "fix" - the current version works fine. It's just some extra advantages you can get if you'd like to pay $20.00 for it.

-Jonathan
Anonymous said…
I will hold my decision until Lego publish the full list of what is fixed and what the enhancements are.
How ever I think that if there are too many bug fixes there should be a patch for free (not including new enhancements)
Tony Buser said…
I have to disagree. At least for Intel Mac users. NXT-G on an Intel Mac is painfully slow and unresponsive, not to mention the fact that it can't use the bluetooth connection. I would say this update is a "fix". Its more like buying a 2007 Toyota which can't go above 30mph and the radio doesn't work. :)
Unknown said…
" At 12:21 PM, Jonathan Daudelin said...

Right... it's not like this update is a "fix" - the current version works fine. It's just some extra advantages you can get if you'd like to pay $20.00 for it."

Just ask any Intel Mac owner if he agree...
There's lots of software that don't work on Macs - why should NXT-G be any different for free? It would be one thing if LEGO said the old software worked with Intel Macs when you bought it and it didn't. Then I would agree that they should give out a free update that makes it work on them. But if they haven't said it works, why should they make it work for free?

You might say it would be good business for LEGO to make their software work with Intel Macs for free, but they are certainly not entitled to.

-Jonathan
Tony Buser said…
Don't get my wrong, I'm very grateful that they took the effort to make a universal version that works with Intel Macs and $20 isn't that much, but its very annoying.
Andy said…
Tony and Jonathan, I think that you two guys have cleared this "mess" up for many people now, I say thank you because I have gotten very tired of seeing so many peoples complaint about it. I use Windows XP so I will only buy the upgrade to get the features though.

Andy
John Doe said…
I believe the main benefit of NXT sw v1.1 is full VISTA support. All commercial software manufacturers charge big $$$ for VISTA compatible software upgrades, so $20 is a fair deal from LEGO! Especially if the only alternative was NO special upgrade for us!

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