There’s a flurry of app-enabled toys being announced at this year’s Consumer Electronics Show that’s currently underway in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Cody already told you about Orbotix’s second-generation Sphero 2B and I myself did a quick post on a smart electric toothbrush that wants to game-fy your dental care.
That’s just scratching the surface as Parrot, the maker of the famous app-controled AR.Drone, has announced an expansion of its product lineup with two new gadgets, the MiniDrone and Jumping Sumo. Read on for the full reveal…
The MiniDrone is a miniaturized version of the AR.Drone – it fits in the palm of your hand – that talks to your iOS or Android smartphone or a tablet using power-eficient Bluetooth 4.0 technology.
It flies and rolls from floor to ceiling, but unfortunately won’t record anything because there’s no on-board cameras. But hey, the wheels are removable!
The Jumping Sumo, pitched as the first robot-insect, is controlled in via dual-band 5GHz 802.11ac Wi-Fi networking which allows for much greater distances compared to Bluetooth.
By comparison, the MiniDrone’s Bluetooth allows for a maximum range in clear air of about 160 feet. As the name implies, the Sumo jumps up to 80 cm and takes 90-degree turns.
Check out the promo vid.
Yes, the Sumo has a front-facing QVGA camera so you can remotely spy on your pets.
According to The Verge, the MiniDrone incorporates an accelerometer, ultrasonic sensor, gyroscope and downwards-facing camera to give the drone all it needs to stay aloft.
Again, there’s no usable camera on board and no video output.
Both toys have nice headlights and LEDs.
Release date and pricing is yet to be announced.