Just came across this in WHSmiths so thought I’d share.
Basically, in this month’s edition of The MagPi magazine (Issue 57) you will get a project kit from Google which contains: a Google Voice Hardware Attached on Top (HAT) accessory board, a stereo microphone Voice HAT board, a large arcade button, and a selection of wires.
Called AIY Projects, the project demonstrates how to get a natural language recognizer up and running and connect it to the Google Assistant. Along with everything the Google Assistant already does, you can add your own question and answer pairs. All in a handy little cardboard cube, powered by a Raspberry Pi.
I picked one up in WH Smith today - I had to ask for mine as it wasn't on display. The lady said that they were too big to have on the shelf, so if you don't see it, ask!
They had three left at Bluewater this afternoon. - itjoe
Top comments
fladda
9 May 173#52
Just picked Issue 57 up at Sainsburys Leicester (Grove Farm Triangle). I'd gone to get a Seagate 2TB drive, and had a look on the magazine shelves just in case. Normally find that anything in Leicester normally disappears almost immediately.
All comments (61)
Solipsist
5 May 17#1
I was just in the process of posting the same deal - you beat me to it.
Some websites are saying that this is a bit like getting a DIY cardboard Google Home on the cheap, but whilst you can make a voice activated smart speaker, I suspect you don't get the full integration with the rest of the Google Home back end. So it might not be so easy to turn your Philips Hue lights on and off with your voice - of course you are _supposed_ to figure out how to do that from your Raspberry Pi once you get the result of the speech command.
tehriddler
5 May 17#2
Any chance you could buy more and post to me? My local are sold out of all five copies!
wonkothesane to tehriddler
5 May 17#3
Try larger branches of Tesco, Asda & Sainsbury's. They should stock it too.
Physical assembly takes approx 30mins if you're not too hamfisted. Then comes playing with the code.
Tools required:-
TINY screwdriver (I used one of those for fixing spectacles)
Some tape to secure the mic board to the box
If you want to add the extra header pins (supplied but not fitted to avoid bending) to the VOICE Hat, you'll need a fine-tip soldering iron & solder.
For Programming:-
SD card reader
USB keyboard & mouse
HDMI cable
Internet connection (Ethernet or Wifi)
You download the magazine for free on there website as well
jamgin
5 May 17#6
How long before the scum put these on eBay for stupid money...
jamgin
5 May 17#7
How long before the scum put these on eBay for stupid money...
heeljames to jamgin
5 May 17#8
Already happening, as a big Raspberry Pi fan it's really annoying to see people putting something that's supposed to be a cheap educational resource on eBay for between £35-100.
B_T
5 May 17#9
The map below shows the locations to which stock has been shipped (please note, though, that this doesn’t indicate live stock):
good luck trying to get hold of one, the last time they put a free pi zero on the front I phoned round all my local stores and each time a single person had bought all the copies, and then they were on eBay. it's really disappointing they don't put max 1 per customer on the special editions.
if you really want it you can subscribe for 12 months, and get a free pi zero with case for £55, so still a good price for a decent mag
RustySpoons
6 May 17#11
Got one from Tesco, Spytty Newport Extra had a few there if anyone is interested.
CraigT
6 May 17#12
Does it have to be a RPi 3?
I have an (unused) 1b and an (in use) 2 that I could use.
kencol to CraigT
6 May 171#14
The instructions that comes with the kit says Pi3, you could risk it.
kencol to CraigT
6 May 171#16
Just watched video from MagPi, you can use a Pi2 or a Zero.
Solipsist to CraigT
6 May 171#19
I think it recommends Pi3 because that what matches the port cutouts on the cardboard box.
Of course you would have to design you own case, or just leave the bits dangling. I wouldn't be surprised to see some case designs for the kit and other Pis appearing on Thingiverse before long.
bluepython to CraigT
2 Jul 17#61
Anything with a 40 pin header works.
kencol
6 May 17#13
Anyone else had trouble installing the bulb assembly into the switch? Mines built, took ten minutes, but for the life of me I can't get the bulb into the switch...thinking about heating up the plastic a little so it will twist into place...
RustySpoons to kencol
6 May 171#15
Yeah mine didn't want to click in, the switch going in to the button? Make sure you are not trying to lock it in the white bits, there are 2 tabs inside the button it locates in, mine was VERY tight.
RustySpoons
6 May 171#17
Now I need to find a way to respond to "Ok Google" Or something, without having to press that button.
RustySpoons
6 May 17#18
Hmmm, no way to link it to the Google Home App in Android, so can't really do that much with it. Was hoping to use it with some devices.
thedon
6 May 17#20
Got mine in WH Smith in Swindon around 4.30 yesterday, was still one left on the shelf.
Took a while to find though as it wasn't with the rest of the computing magazines, It was in a separate stand halfway between the magazines and the tills - I guess because the box is too big to fit on a normal rack/shelf.
eye.will
6 May 17#21
Managed to get one for my kids 9th Birthday in a month (my mum is posting it to me). What do I need to get it to work.
I presume a raspberry p 3i with power supply. Do I need a separate Keyboard or can I programme it on my laptop and put it on an micro SD card. Or do I need a Micro SD card reader to attach to the Rapsberry Pi when I buy it. I don't want to have him open it up on his birthday and find he can't use it.
Thanks for the help in advance.
heat added.
Solipsist to eye.will
6 May 171#28
The idea of Raspberry Pi is that you can largely make use of bits and pieces you probably already have and exactly what you need partly depends on how techy you are.
Recommended minimum in this case is:
RPi 3
Power Supply that will deliver 2.5Amps
MicroSD card and a way to read/write to it from your laptop, so probably wise to get one with a SD card adapter
and an internet connection of course to get the software along with an online guide to getting started - there's plenty
around, try this one - https://www.howtogeek.com/138281/the-htg-guide-to-getting-started-with-raspberry-pi/all/
To get things set up, you will probably also need
a USB keyboard and mouse
HDMI cable and TV/monitor with HDMI inputs
an Ethernet cable to connect directly to your router can be helpful, but the RPi 3 has Wifi built in so it is not essential.
Ordinarily you are also recommended to get a case to avoid electrical mishaps, but if you have this voice kit, you could make do with its cardboard case.
Once you have the RPi is setup, you can configure it so that you can use your laptop as a remote screen and keyboard using RealVNC, after which you don't absolutely need the bits in the second list, but it is not a bad idea to have them so that your child can use the Pi and learn to program whilst you get on with reading HUKD on your laptop.
Technically it is possible to setup an RPi with Wifi from your laptop without a USB Keyboard and mouse - look for guides online - but you would need to be a strong Linux hacker and I wouldn't recommend going that route if you haven't set one up before.
Oneday77
6 May 17#22
Still one copy in Kilmarnock WH Smith. On plastic stand at top beside papers. In an A4 sized box but about 1.25" thick.
Gentatsu
6 May 17#23
None in Bath ):
RustySpoons
6 May 17#24
I think a fair few people will be disappointed with these. Great bit of fun but won't do what most people think it will do.
The site was up when I tried last night. I was able to start my subscription from edition 57 and the 12 months offer suggested I would get a free Pi Zero W too.
I have not seen any later update saying there will be no more kits.
RustySpoons
7 May 17#34
You won't get issue 57 mate.
RustySpoons
7 May 17#35
This is what I read yesterday, it might be worth contacting them and asking.
Wasn't being a killjoy just didn't want you to subscribe and not get this issue.
CraigT
7 May 171#36
Thanks, I appreciate the info. I will look into it and try to contact them.
The kit is the main reason for subscribing (You can download the magazine in PDF form for free) so I will cancel the subscription, if there is no kit.
cheeseHead
7 May 17#37
Just seen two copies in Sainsbury's Marsh Mills, Plymouth
Seems the site they link to for UK subscriptions has been removed it takes me to a 404 page and searching the site doesn't show the magazine exists. Maybe they are removing the issue from it's starting issue libary?
RustySpoons to modmouse
7 May 17#41
Just checked and a 404 here too.
dparr59
7 May 17#42
I picked one up today ( sunday 3.40pm ) in sainburys Monks Cross ( York )
One left still on shelf found behind other computer magazines
Getting an error of "Sorry there has been an error retrieving your postage rate" when trying to purchase the back issue. (Was hoping to get the single issue and cancel the subscription).
notoriouschucky to CraigT
8 May 171#45
thanks dude, I have been trying to order this issue as well after having visited 5 Tesco and Sainsburys stores over the weekend and not found it anywhere, I'm having the same problem you did with not being able to select postage so I am just going to subscribe instead and get the free Pi Zero as well
notoriouschucky
8 May 171#46
Just ordered a 1 year subscription and received a confirmation email saying my subscription will start with this issue 57...fingers crossed...if not I will just cancel
notoriouschucky
8 May 172#47
I've been thinking, because it doesn't allow you to order a single issue (postage problems) but it does allow you to take out a year subscription starting to issue 57...that they are keeping back the remaining issue 57's for subscription customers only....I could be wrong...we'll see
Just a note for anyone, my work colleague has built his with a Pi 2b and it is fully working. The Wi-Fi dongle sticks out but otherwise seems to fit fine.
I wonder if it will work work the Zero W or my old Pi 1b?
doncoop to CraigT
8 May 17#50
youtube video from magpi said it would work with a zero.
I have managed to secure he may and have a pi zero so will be trying that as soon as possible
RustySpoons
9 May 17#51
It works fine on a Pi Zero, I have had it running on a Pi3 and Pi Zero :smiley:
fladda
9 May 173#52
Just picked Issue 57 up at Sainsburys Leicester (Grove Farm Triangle). I'd gone to get a Seagate 2TB drive, and had a look on the magazine shelves just in case. Normally find that anything in Leicester normally disappears almost immediately.
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![[Xbox One] Q. u. b. e: Director's Cut on Deals with Gold](/images/topics/208716_1.jpg)
Opening post
Basically, in this month’s edition of The MagPi magazine (Issue 57) you will get a project kit from Google which contains: a Google Voice Hardware Attached on Top (HAT) accessory board, a stereo microphone Voice HAT board, a large arcade button, and a selection of wires.
Called AIY Projects, the project demonstrates how to get a natural language recognizer up and running and connect it to the Google Assistant. Along with everything the Google Assistant already does, you can add your own question and answer pairs. All in a handy little cardboard cube, powered by a Raspberry Pi.
Note - You will need a Raspberry Pi 3
Full details with video here:
https://www.raspberrypi.org/magpi/issues/57/
https://aiyprojects.withgoogle.com/
Have hours of fun building!
I picked one up in WH Smith today - I had to ask for mine as it wasn't on display. The lady said that they were too big to have on the shelf, so if you don't see it, ask!
They had three left at Bluewater this afternoon.
- itjoe
Top comments
All comments (61)
Some websites are saying that this is a bit like getting a DIY cardboard Google Home on the cheap, but whilst you can make a voice activated smart speaker, I suspect you don't get the full integration with the rest of the Google Home back end. So it might not be so easy to turn your Philips Hue lights on and off with your voice - of course you are _supposed_ to figure out how to do that from your Raspberry Pi once you get the result of the speech command.
Physical assembly takes approx 30mins if you're not too hamfisted. Then comes playing with the code.
Tools required:-
TINY screwdriver (I used one of those for fixing spectacles)
Some tape to secure the mic board to the box
If you want to add the extra header pins (supplied but not fitted to avoid bending) to the VOICE Hat, you'll need a fine-tip soldering iron & solder.
For Programming:-
SD card reader
USB keyboard & mouse
HDMI cable
Internet connection (Ethernet or Wifi)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tt-gOQSYbcQ
https://www.raspberrypi.org/blog/aiy-voice-projects-kit-magpi-57-aftermath/
if you really want it you can subscribe for 12 months, and get a free pi zero with case for £55, so still a good price for a decent mag
I have an (unused) 1b and an (in use) 2 that I could use.
Comments below the RaspberryPiOrg blog post suggest that the VoiceHat works with Raspberry Pis that have a 40 pin GPIO header. So it should work with a Pi2 and Pi Zero, but not Raspberry Pi 1 Model B.
https://www.raspberrypi.org/blog/free-aiy-projects-voice-kit-magpi-57/
Of course you would have to design you own case, or just leave the bits dangling. I wouldn't be surprised to see some case designs for the kit and other Pis appearing on Thingiverse before long.
Took a while to find though as it wasn't with the rest of the computing magazines, It was in a separate stand halfway between the magazines and the tills - I guess because the box is too big to fit on a normal rack/shelf.
I presume a raspberry p 3i with power supply. Do I need a separate Keyboard or can I programme it on my laptop and put it on an micro SD card. Or do I need a Micro SD card reader to attach to the Rapsberry Pi when I buy it. I don't want to have him open it up on his birthday and find he can't use it.
Thanks for the help in advance.
heat added.
Recommended minimum in this case is:
RPi 3
Power Supply that will deliver 2.5Amps
MicroSD card and a way to read/write to it from your laptop, so probably wise to get one with a SD card adapter
and an internet connection of course to get the software along with an online guide to getting started - there's plenty
around, try this one - https://www.howtogeek.com/138281/the-htg-guide-to-getting-started-with-raspberry-pi/all/
To get things set up, you will probably also need
a USB keyboard and mouse
HDMI cable and TV/monitor with HDMI inputs
an Ethernet cable to connect directly to your router can be helpful, but the RPi 3 has Wifi built in so it is not essential.
Ordinarily you are also recommended to get a case to avoid electrical mishaps, but if you have this voice kit, you could make do with its cardboard case.
Once you have the RPi is setup, you can configure it so that you can use your laptop as a remote screen and keyboard using RealVNC, after which you don't absolutely need the bits in the second list, but it is not a bad idea to have them so that your child can use the Pi and learn to program whilst you get on with reading HUKD on your laptop.
Technically it is possible to setup an RPi with Wifi from your laptop without a USB Keyboard and mouse - look for guides online - but you would need to be a strong Linux hacker and I wouldn't recommend going that route if you haven't set one up before.
See:
http://lifehacker.com/how-to-build-your-own-amazon-echo-with-a-raspberry-pi-1787726931
https://github.com/alexa/alexa-avs-sample-app/wiki/Raspberry-Pi
https://github.com/alexa/alexa-avs-sample-app/wiki/Raspberry-Pi
(Easons don't )
This looked promising to me:
See the section titled "Get an AIY Projects kit with new subscriptions" on https://www.raspberrypi.org/magpi/find-the-magpi-57/ (the latest post on the MagPi pages)
The site was up when I tried last night. I was able to start my subscription from edition 57 and the 12 months offer suggested I would get a free Pi Zero W too.
I have not seen any later update saying there will be no more kits.
Wasn't being a killjoy just didn't want you to subscribe and not get this issue.
The kit is the main reason for subscribing (You can download the magazine in PDF form for free) so I will cancel the subscription, if there is no kit.
https://twitter.com/TheMagP1/status/861200598628261892
One left still on shelf found behind other computer magazines
https://www.raspberrypi.org/magpi/subscribe/
https://www.selectmagazines.co.uk/product/the-magpi-magazine/
Note: They also seem to have stock of the issue as a back issue (I have no idea if this includes the kit too)
https://www.selectmagazines.co.uk/product/the-magpi-magazine-issue-57/
I wonder if it will work work the Zero W or my old Pi 1b?
I have managed to secure he may and have a pi zero so will be trying that as soon as possible
I mean if you can get a robot to answer your questions I'm sure you can get one to say 'Ok Poogle' for you.
It's still showing as out of stock if you try ordering just issue 57 by itself at this link here