We're still a week away from the Star Wars: The Force Awakens premiere, and advertisements for the long-awaited blockbuster are more prevalent than ever. The saga's newest installment is bringing forth a bevy of film merchandise and celebrations, so we picked seven tech companies that chose wisely with their homages (Star Wars mascara not included):
Star Wars-Themed Beer Bash by DialogTech
In preparation for the release of the newest inductee to the series, Chicago-based
The BB-8 Droid by Sphero
How can we not include the bionic ball that has already become the most recognizable piece of The Force Awakens. After participating in the Disney Accelerator, Sphero designed the droid used in the movie and has since released a mini-sized toy. The BB-8, which sells for $149, sold out almost immediately but there's still a chance you can order one in time for Christmas.
The Uncommon Force by Stance Socks & Zambezi
Nothing says Star Wars like a fresh pair of Yoda socks. LA-based creative agency Zambezi helped Stance Socks take it to the next level with "force" controlled e-commerce. With the help of your computer webcam, you can navigate through the different sock options with the flick of the wrist. Just remember to use your newfound powers for good.
Star Wars-themed Built In Brews hosted by PowerReviews
Hour of Code with Disney
It's obvious Disney is pretty invested in this flick. On December 7 they held a Star Wars Hour of Code event to help kids learn how to code as part of Computer Science Education Week. R2-D2, Chewbacca, Disney Execs and several Disney Channel stars were on hand as kids used Code.org's Star Wars tutorial.
Awaken the Force by Google
Do you believe in honesty and mercy or aggression and power? Google is dividing the online universe to either the Light Side or Dark Side with their new profile themes. Once enabled, your Google apps will all have a slight Star Wars twist. But this isn't the only thing Google has done — go to their search bar, type in "A long time ago in a galaxy far far away," and enjoy.
Star Wars Google Cardboard Viewer by Verizon
Adding to their already impressive involvement, Google teamed up with Verizon to give away free Star Wars themed Google Cardboard. Buyers can choose from Kylo Ren, R2-D2, Stormtroopers or BB-8 and view nine different 360 degree video shorts.
Star Wars Premiere Event hosted by IBM
On The Force Awakens’ opening day, IBM is inviting users of its Bluemix service to take an afternoon off from the cloud to visit a galaxy far, far away. The screening takes place at 2 p.m. at AMC River East Theater 21. There’s no way your boss won’t let you go — unless you work for a Sith Lord.
Additional reporting by Patrick Hechinger and Andreas Rekdal.
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