The Anki Drive game first demonstrated during Apple's WWDC keynote address in June is now available exclusively on the Apple Online Store and at Apple's retail outlets, in line with last week's announcement.
The game, described by Anki as a "video game in the real world", is somewhat similar to slot car racing, but uses artificial intelligence, machine learning, and iPhone-based controls.
The Anki Drive starter kit includes the vinyl "track" and two cars for $200. Two additional cars are available for $70 each, the red RHO, and the blue and gold KATAL.
Each Anki Drive car has its own unique name, personality, and statistics, with some offering greater acceleration speeds while others having more energy. There are multiple gameplay modes, including multiplayer and single player modes, with cars lacking a human controller using a proprietary AI system.
Anki will also be holding a series of special events at prominent Apple Retail Store locations around North America over the next few weeks, hitting San Francisco, New York, Chicago, Boston, and Montreal.
The Anki Drive app can be downloaded from the App Store for free. [Direct Link]
Top Rated Comments
I can see it in the USA Apple store but nowhere else. Looks like a USA exclusive for the time being .... doesn't quite feel right when you join in a global presentation from Apple and then limit your market - they will lose a lot of International Momentum after Xmas
I emailed them about the app not being available in non-US AppStores and they replied thusly:
Unfortunately, Anki DRIVE will not be available outside of the US and Canada this holiday season.
We do plan to expand internationally, but at this time we don't have any dates to announce. Please stay informed of product updates by signing up to our email list at http://www.anki.com or just check the website frequently.