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Sphero gets an improved, multifunction Drive app, we go hands-on

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Sphero gets an improved, multifunction Drive app, we go handson

Just about a year ago we got to review Orbotix's Sphero, and while it was an amusing little remote control orb, its controls left a lot to be desired. A couple months ago, the company gave Sphero some new firmware that included the "Vector Drive" feature, which eliminated Sphero's meandering ways and gave it far more precise steering. Now, the company has improved its Drive app and combined it with the old Sphero and Cam apps. This new version of Drive has a tool that lets users aim the ball with a single finger -- a small, but welcome improvement over the old, fidgety two-finger method. Additionally, the app has a new Auto Heading function that keeps Sphero aware of the orientation of its controller to provide a much more intuitive driving experience. After giving it a go ourselves, we can attest that it's a marked improvement over the prior iterations of Drive. We no longer had to plan out Sphero's routes, and we could drive feeling confident that the ball would roll as directed. Check out how the refreshed controls work in our video after the break.

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Sphero gets an improved, multifunction Drive app, we go hands-on originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 15 Oct 2012 21:49:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Sphero gets a firmware upgrade and new apps, we get another look at its Augmented Reality Engine (video)

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Sphero gets a firmware upgrade and new apps, we get another look at its Augmented Reality Engine video

You remember Sphero, right? Last we checked in with its creators from Orbotix at E3, the $130 robotic ball was getting ready to act as a 3D controller and the guide point for an Augmented Reality Engine. This week, along with the release of a firmware upgrade, a few new free apps have been released, including two that'll let you use that 3D controller functionality. Better yet, Orbotix has given us a sneak peek at the progress it's made on the AGR since we last checked it out. Join us past the break if you're curious to find out more.

Continue reading Sphero gets a firmware upgrade and new apps, we get another look at its Augmented Reality Engine (video)

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Sphero gets a firmware upgrade and new apps, we get another look at its Augmented Reality Engine (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 28 Aug 2012 13:12:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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How would you change the Orbotix Sphero?

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How would you change Orbotix Sphero

Orbotix's novelty smartphone-controlled robotic cue ball is so fun, even The President has been snapped playing with one. It's a toy, and as such doesn't really serve a function beyond chasing your pets around the kitchen. When we reviewed it, we found that the steering was sluggish and frankly, the novelty wore off pretty quickly. But how about you out there? What have you spent your time doing with the thing, or has it sat untouched on a shelf for the past few months? We wanna know, and the moment for you to tell us is in the comments below.

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How would you change the Orbotix Sphero? originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 17 Jun 2012 22:36:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Orbotix pits Sphero as advanced 3D controller, details upcoming Augmented Reality Engine (hands-on)

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During the wind down of E3, we were able to spend a few fleeting moments with the folks from Orbotix to talk about its latest batch of upcoming software for Sphero. If you're unfamiliar with the gizmo, it's essentially a Bluetooth-enabled robotic ball that can be controlled using your Android or iOS device. While Sphero is certainly a unique toy, we grew bored of it quickly -- it ended up best serving us as spendy dog toy during our review. The toy does have constant app development in its favor however, and the company insists that it will continue to offer free apps that open up the roller's capabilities. Head past the break where we'll detail two new advancements on the platform: augmented reality and advanced 3D control support.

Gallery: Sphero Exile and Augmented Reality Engine (hands-on)

Sphero Exile and Augmented Reality Engine (hands-on)

Continue reading Orbotix pits Sphero as advanced 3D controller, details upcoming Augmented Reality Engine (hands-on)

Orbotix pits Sphero as advanced 3D controller, details upcoming Augmented Reality Engine (hands-on) originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 10 Jun 2012 18:22:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Orbotix update proves that six Spheros are better than one (video)

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It's far more than a pricey cat toy, but should you really shell out 130 bucks of a color-changing robotic sphere? Well, if you make it to the video after the break, you might just be buying six. Sphero's latest app pairing adds some pretty spiffy interactive games, that could prompt early adopters to make yet another impulse purchase. MacroLab lets you design programs for your flashy mechanical ball, enabling the device to roll every which way while also shifting speed and color. And the Android version supports multiple Spheros, letting you create a routine for an entire set to follow simultaneously. The second app, Chromo, tests memory and coordination, prompting you to move the ball every which way to match colors displayed on your iOS device. Both apps, while excellent video fodder, are likely to grow old just as quickly as the gadget's initial offering. So, if your wallet's not as big as your curiosity, the promo vids waiting just past the break should entertain you almost as much as a proper Sphero can.

Continue reading Orbotix update proves that six Spheros are better than one (video)

Orbotix update proves that six Spheros are better than one (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 03 Apr 2012 20:25:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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