AppleInsider Staff
Sphero, maker of iOS-connected robot toys, is bringing The Force to Apple Stores this Friday when it introduces BB-8, a rolling ball model named after the astromech droid from Disney's upcoming film Star Wars: The Force Awakens.
At $150, the miniature BB-8, complete with magnetically-attached head and gyroscopic drive system, is one of the most expensive products to launch as part of today's massive Star Wars merchandising blitz dubbed "Force Friday." However, in marketing the "toy" as a premium device with iPhone and iPad control capabilities, Sphero nabbed coveted Apple Store shelf space.
BB-8 is basically an upgraded version of the Sphero 2.0 rolling robot, which encases a small electric drive system with wheels, motor and circuitry in a tough plastic shell. Adding a magnetically attached head to the mix, along with some unique Star Wars graphics, imbues a certain amount of personality, but with BB-8, software is the real star.
Sphero uses clever behaviors to convey emotion, like tilting BB-8's head using the internal gyroscopic drive system, or illuminating a red LED, wobbling and producing beeping noises to express anger after hitting a wall. The device feigns artificial intelligence with a Patrol mode and limited voice control, while the accompanying app includes a nifty augmented reality feature that simulates holographic video chats onscreen. Users can create, send and view messages in-app as though BB-8 is projecting the video on a nearby object.
Sphero claims BB-8's behavior will adapt as users interact with it, though the extent to which the device changes is unknown. It is possible that future software updates will unlock even greater autonomy and a more varied set of responses.
On the hardware side, BB-8's battery is good for about an hour before it needs to be set back into its inductive charging cradle. Bluetooth Smart connectivity offers remote controlled rolling up to 30 meters for iOS and compatible Android devices.
Sphero's BB-8 droid is available today at the Apple Store, Best Buy and Sphero's website.
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Sphero, maker of iOS-connected robot toys, is bringing The Force to Apple Stores this Friday when it introduces BB-8, a rolling ball model named after the astromech droid from Disney's upcoming film Star Wars: The Force Awakens.
Sphero's BB-9 droid is available today at the Apple Store, Best Buy and Sphero's website.
I'm not a fan of spoilers, but this new Star Wars character is a perfect match for Sphero. They've had the tech to make this work for some time, now I think it's going to pay off. I does feel strange, however, to be selling the toys before the movie debuts, as if the toy is going to help sell the movie. Shouldn't it be the other way around? (Whether it's called BB-8 or BB-9).
Clever design. I hope iFixit plans on tearing it to shreds so I can see how its designed.
[quote name="Suddenly Newton" url="/t/188017/spheros-bb-8-droid-from-star-wars-rolls-into-apple-stores-on-friday/0_100#post_2770687"]I does feel strange, however, to be selling the toys before the movie debuts, as if the toy is going to help sell the movie. Shouldn't it be the other way around? (Whether it's called BB-8 or BB-9). [/quote] This is Star Wars we're talking about here. They could make a brown pile of goo and call it "Bantha Shit" and fans (in the interest of full disclosure I am as die-hard as you can get) would buy it in droves, irregardless of any movies coming out. That and the fact that people will be lining up in droves for months ahead of the release ala Apple products so I don't think either one if going to help/hurt the other.
This is like printing money.
I'd love to get this. It is a real neat toy!
I really don't know what to expect from the new Star Wars movie and whether it is a good thing or a bad thing that Lucas is not involved. I am not too happy with Disney's involvement, not am I a fan of what J.J. has done to Star Trek.
The trailer was ok, nothing too great. Kylo Ren's lightsaber with laser cross-guard does not make any sense to me. Still, I'll be watching this on the first weekend.