Xiaomi x Transformers Cyberverse Optimus Prime Revealed
Wednesday, May 13th, 2020 11:31AM CDT
Category: Toy NewsPosted by: D-Maximal_Primal Views: 29,143
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This new Cyberverse product is a version of Optimus Prime, but it is entirely made out of buildable blocks. The figure itself is a collaboration between Transformers and Xiaomi, and as some of you might remember, it was a similar collaboration that brought us the Tablet Soundwave a few years back that ended up as a San Diego Comic Con exclusive. This figure is different than Soundwave in that it is made out of lego-like building blocks, which Xiaomi has produced in the past as the "Mi Tu" building blocks, which is basically Lego Technic Builds.
While we have no word on availability or price yet, we do have images of the Optimus Prime, which can be built into either mode, but does not transform. Check it out below, and let us know what you think in the comments section below!
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Posted by D-Maximal_Primal on May 13th, 2020 @ 11:32am CDT
I wonder if this was going to be an SDCC exclusive this year
Posted by LinaNui on May 13th, 2020 @ 1:29pm CDT
Posted by Jelze Bunnycat on May 13th, 2020 @ 2:20pm CDT
LinaNui wrote:Sigh, another knockoff appears. I wonder if Lego will take action against this company since this is just a knockoff of there part designs. It is cool, but I will not be getting it. If instructions get out, I may build it out of real Lego.
They can't. The patent on some basic building blocks expired years ago and is now public domain. Companies can use those designs and derive their own compatible pieces from them, all legally.
If you're wondering when... I think around 2002 when Hasbro's Built-To-Rule was released. Other companies and brands have since popped up, including Hasbro's Kre-O in 2011, and really, Lego only intervenes when exact sets (especially those of licensed properties) are copied. Lepin especially got in trouble for that, and not just from Lego; they've been known to market custom builds by fans, effectively stealing their designs.
Anywho... Optimus Prime actually looks pretty good, especially compared to the skeletal Lego Technic sets.
Posted by D-Maximal_Primal on May 13th, 2020 @ 3:21pm CDT
JelZe GoldRabbit wrote:LinaNui wrote:Sigh, another knockoff appears. I wonder if Lego will take action against this company since this is just a knockoff of there part designs. It is cool, but I will not be getting it. If instructions get out, I may build it out of real Lego.
They can't. The patent on some basic building blocks expired years ago and is now public domain. Companies can use those designs and derive their own compatible pieces from them, all legally.
If you're wondering when... I think around 2002 when Hasbro's Built-To-Rule was released. Other companies and brands have since popped up, including Hasbro's Kre-O in 2011, and really, Lego only intervenes when exact sets (especially those of licensed properties) are copied. Lepin especially got in trouble for that, and not just from Lego; they've been known to market custom builds by fans, effectively stealing their designs.
Anywho... Optimus Prime actually looks pretty good, especially compared to the skeletal Lego Technic sets.
this company I'm guessing also has the Transformers license since they put out that Soundwave back a few years ago
Posted by TulioDude on May 13th, 2020 @ 3:37pm CDT
Posted by YRQRM0 on May 13th, 2020 @ 6:06pm CDT
Posted by Emerje on May 13th, 2020 @ 6:19pm CDT
JelZe GoldRabbit wrote:LinaNui wrote:Sigh, another knockoff appears. I wonder if Lego will take action against this company since this is just a knockoff of there part designs. It is cool, but I will not be getting it. If instructions get out, I may build it out of real Lego.
They can't. The patent on some basic building blocks expired years ago and is now public domain. Companies can use those designs and derive their own compatible pieces from them, all legally.
If you're wondering when... I think around 2002 when Hasbro's Built-To-Rule was released. Other companies and brands have since popped up, including Hasbro's Kre-O in 2011, and really, Lego only intervenes when exact sets (especially those of licensed properties) are copied. Lepin especially got in trouble for that, and not just from Lego; they've been known to market custom builds by fans, effectively stealing their designs.
Anywho... Optimus Prime actually looks pretty good, especially compared to the skeletal Lego Technic sets.
I had to look up dates, but this was all detailed in the Toys that Made Us. It was in 1989 that their patent to locking blocks expired. Anyone can make Lego-compatible blocks now, but the problems come when companies basically copy a Lego block in its entirety with just the logos removed. As long as these blocks are wholly unique in form there are no issues. I imagine this company has been making these blocks for a while anyway, it would be strange if they made all these blocks just for this one figure.
Emerje
Posted by Jelze Bunnycat on May 13th, 2020 @ 6:46pm CDT
Also, as a fan base we really like to jump the gun it seems. The set isn't Lego-like per se as no traditional building blocks are used like in Kre-O, rather a few parts are based on those from the Technic sets while the rest is all new. I don't know the legal status of Technic pieces, haven't seen them in any "Lego-compatible" off-brand sets.
Posted by william-james88 on June 30th, 2022 @ 2:59pm CDT
They can be purchased on Ali Express. Fans were saying that this would effect a partnership with actual Lego, but as we now know, this is not the case, since after Kre-O and while these technic style sets are being released, Lego still partnered with Hasbro to make a Lego Optimus Prime. All these sets can be disassembled and rebuilt into the alt modes.
The Technic style sets range between $60-$100 USD, here are the purchase links:
Optimus Prime: https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005004 ... 31d92jbuiN
Megatron: https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005004 ... 31d92jbuiN
Bumblebee: https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005004 ... 31d9mEg5SU
Starscream: https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005004 ... 31d92jbuiN
Posted by D-Maximal_Primal on July 5th, 2022 @ 7:45pm CDT