Orbotix’s Sphero: Wireless Control-able ball [Review]

The Sphero, by Orbotix, is a wireless toy-ball that is controllable via the many different Sphero applications on the iOS and Android app-store. This is brand new technology that is considered unique and a great toy for kids.

What Exactly Is Sphero:

Sphero is the first robotic ball gaming device that you control with a tilt, touch, or swing from your smartphone or tablet. You can even use Sphero as a controller for on-screen gameplay. Sphero interacts seamlessly with mobile apps, giving you new ways to test your skills, play games with friends, and more. A Bluetooth connection makes Sphero ready to play as fast as you can launch an app. And with single- or multi-player games, Sphero will always surprise you.

Sphero Apps Offer Engaging, Mixed-Reality Gameplay

Sphero immerses you in a new type of gameplay called mixed-reality, in which real and virtual elements are seamlessly merged together. With several free apps available for download (and more continuously being developed), Sphero provides you with plenty of gaming thrills.

Standout apps include Sphero Drive, where you can choose from touchscreen interfaces like joystick, old-school RC control, and tilt mode to give you a variety of ways to test your skills and challenge friends. In a mixed-reality version of golf, you create a hole, then swing your phone to putt Sphero towards the hole. Think Sphero just rolls? Think again. Hold Sphero in your hand, start up Chromo, and move Sphero to match colors and patterns as they appear on your screen.

Durable, Customizable, and Battery Efficient

Roughly the size of a baseball, Sphero is compact enough to slip into a bag or jacket pocket. Sphero’s durable, impact-resistant polycarbonate shell allows for lasting gameplay. And with customizable colored LEDs, you can change Sphero’s color to suit your mood, play in the dark, or create a team color.

For further convenience, Sphero is extremely efficient. A single battery charge delivers over an hour of full-throttle play, thanks to cable-free induction charging.

Compatible with Android and iOS Devices

Sphero is compatible with a variety of mobile platforms, including iOS 4.0 or greater, Android 2.2, Android 2.3.3+, and Android 3.0+.

Some Sphero Applications:

Drive

Drive Sphero with joystick, tilt, or old-school remote controls. Create challenging courses, race against friends and family, or turn out the lights for a little night racing.

Golf

Sphero is the ball and your phone is the club. Create a “hole” then swing your phone or swipe a finger to hit. Challenge friends to a round of office golf, create your own course at home, or venture out and make your own course practically anywhere.

SpheroCam

Have fun with Sphero and never miss a funny moment. Use the built-in camera on your device to record video or take snapshots while you simultaneously drive Sphero. Will your SpheroCam video go viral? Record, upload, and find out!

Draw N’ Drive

Use your finger to trace a shape or path on the screen and Sphero will follow it before your eyes. Just give your smartphone or tablet a shake to clear the slate. Even make Sphero change colors as it rolls by using the integrated color wheel.

Chromo

Get ready to challenge your coordination and memory with the first app that lets you use Sphero as a controller. Move Sphero to match the colors on your screen for an entirely new way to challenge yourself. You can choose from six different game modes.

MacroLab

Create easy, repeatable programs and macros for Sphero. Arrange simple commands and settings in any combination you choose to let Sphero drive autonomously, follow unique patterns, and more, all while learning basic programming. Play your commands, save favorites, and even share them with friends. MacroLab makes programming Sphero easy and fun.

What I Think About Sphero:

The Sphero is a very fun toy at first. Even for an adult, I always find it very amusing to play around with the product. Both my cat and dog simply enjoy watching the Sphero roll around. After around ten to fifteen minutes the Sphero can become boring, but I overall use it a few times a week without getting bored.

At the $130.00 price-point the Sphero is a great choice for consumers. From a gift to a self-purchase, its really up to you. Amazon has it from $110 if you are interested.