A while back, Lockwood Publishing introduced the Midnight Glade personal space along with a whole array of fireworks that could be used in any space. This week, Lockwood has outdone itself. To shed light on this very cool new item for PS Home we asked Charles, a Lead Developer at Lockwood Publishing to join us for a quick intro. YPSH: Hi Charles, thanks for taking the time to tell us about your exciting new item this week! Charles: That’s no problem, thanks for having me. YPSH: So tell us exactly what PODI is. Charles: After the release of the first set of fireworks we read all the feedback then saw the photos and videos of how many of you used the fireworks to create interesting effects. It’s always nice to see items being used in ways we didn’t expect so we decided that we could help take it one step further. Over the years we’ve made a few visual effects innovations for Home and we thought you guys would like the ability to control them for yourselves. PODI (Pyrotechnic Overhead Display Interface) has one of the most advanced visual effects system we've ever made and it’s been quite a challenge getting it to fit into an active item memory. YPSH: You call PODI a high definition fireworks system. Does that mean the fireworks look better than ever? Charles: Yes it does. We’re pleased with the results and we’re looking forward to seeing how the community uses it. YPSH: So is PODI is a little robot we can program? Can we save our shows? Charles: Originally no. But after some of testing we decided it had to have the ability to save. Now you can save one sequence for each PODI that gets placed in an apartment. YPSH: What if we want to just let PODI do his thing? Charles: PODI intelligently responds to its owners emotes so all you have to do is look at it, give it a little wave and it'll be more than happy to dazzle you with a unique firework display of its own design. It loves creating and the more you interact with it the happier and more generous it gets. YPSH: Is there anything else PODI does, like wave to us or make faces at us? Charles: PODI can be pretty cute at times, it gets excited if you pick it up and it can recognize who its owner is. PODI doesn’t have feet, so at times it has a bit of an obsession with checking out shoe designs of people standing nearby. If it could rebuild itself, it would have shoes. YPSH: Does he have rewards? What do we have to do to get them and what are they? Charles: If he’s in a good mood he gives a variety of coloured firework lighters and eye protectors. Some rewards are given when he’s happy and others if he notices a party is going on. To top that if it gets really happy it can reward the owner with a bonus box of fireworks. YPSH: Everyone loved the Midnight Glade fireworks. The only thing everyone wanted was the noise. Do the new fireworks make noise? Charles: Oh yes. YPSH: Awesome! Does PODI come pre-loaded with fireworks? Can we buy additional ones? Charles: Yes and yes. The basic package comes with a set of outdoor fireworks and the bonus box. Each box usually contains about 6 different types of firework that can be fired as many times as you like. If you love fireworks as much as we do you may want to get the extra “4th of July” and “midnight” boxes. It’s possible that more will be available in the future. (See packages below) YPSH: I assume PODI is an active item that can be used in any space? Charles: Yes any personal space. It does work in light spaces but looks better in dark spaces. YPSH: Having the ability to program our displays and save them is definitely a cool development. Does this mean we can expect to see other cool ideas like this from Lockwood in the future? Charles: Indeed it does and don’t forget that the community’s ideas are important to us so we always look at what people want. YPSH: Thanks Charles! It’s been a pleasure. Can't wait to play with PODI! Charles: Thanks and take care. Be sure to check our Lockwood Forum here for reviews and more details after PODI is released on Wednesday! You can also check out PODI in action in the special limited time Midnight Glade Public space starting Wednesday. Pricing and bundles : PODI Starter Pack $4.99 PODI Independence Day Pack $5.99 PODI Ultimate Pack $6.99 Red, White and Blue PODI Fireworks $2.99 Midnight Magic PODI Fireworks $2.99 DON'T FORGET : If you own PODI, he will give you a gift of an additional box of fireworks if you make him happy
Wow this looks awesome! Thx for the interview Karen and Charles. I can't wait to summon my inner pyro and see what I can do with this thing. :explode::explode::explode::explode:
Definitely looks interesting and promising. The graphic interface looks like it took a lot of time and effort. These also seem more realistic respectfully than the first generation of fireworks. A bundle that includes all the possible sets of fireworks would be nice at a discounted bundle. Thanks for sharing and showcasing the product.
Interesting... not a single question as to whether there's a discount to us consumers (suckers) who bought the Midnight Glade, NOR did Charles bother to mention how much we'll likely have stolen from us should we choose to purchase this... :ham14:
great interview Karen. Wow podi looks great, I can imagine some very creative displays being made. I look forward to seeing them. XD
omg ... I've gone to virtual Fireworks heaven ... so getting this. Thanks for making my month, Lockwood. Can't wait for 22.8.12, as well as Mercia!!! :dnc5:
Lovely interview and i have to say PODI look's great, best of all I'm looking forward to seeing what displays people come up with.
I'll be on US Home first thing on wednesday morning in my midnight glade if anyone would like a look before purchasing. :smile:
Oooh, can't wait to get it. Now I have to get the glade. Then I can play PODI while listening to LODI.
