News about Remote Control Toys:
RcSuperhero won’t be getting his own movie, but he can fly!
Look, up in the sky, is it a bird, is it a plane? No, it’s the RcSuperhero!
Seriously, if I saw a man-sized figure flying through the sky, I might think that I was looking at a real superhero. This is probably the purpose of this kit, which weighs in at 3 pounds and has a motor with 6 pounds of thrust. Check it out on the video after the jump, with glowing eyes and feet.
Swann Emergency Strike Gyro Balanced R/C Helicopter
I have had a chance to try out remote control toy helicopters before, and the last one was from the Interactive Toy Company, and it was made out of styrofoam.
This particular one is from Swann, who is quite famous for making high quality security cameras. The Emergency Strike is modeled after real search and rescue operation helicopters, and it is pretty cool.
Gyro Stealth Flyer R/C Helicopter
How about spending your spare time with your kid outdoors instead of being cooped up at home, staring at the TV all day long or being fixated on a video game marathon instead? After all, there are benefits of being in the sunlight, and getting your daily dose of vitamin D is one of them (just make sure you use sunblock lest the risk of skin cancer is increased).
Remote Controlled Snake comes from National Geographic
I realize that I am too little too late for April Fool’s Day, but this Remote Controlled Snake would be a good prank to pull for anyone who is afraid of snakes, like Indiana Jones, for example.
Fly like an eagle with Hammacher
Remember the R. Kelly hit song, “Fly like an eagle”? Well, with those living in the northern hemisphere swinging into spring, it makes perfect sense to start planning on how you are going to spend more time outdoors with your loved ones – be it a picnic or just playing catch. Well, Hammacher has a new toy for you to, er, toy around with, where we’re talking about the 9 1/2′ Remote Controlled Bald Eagle.
BMW Culture Book includes RC car
BMW really isn’t about cars, but about culture. In fact, this is why they are putting out this new book with that title.
This book won’t be for sale in bookstores, and will only have 1488 copies. Each one is signed by the author, Stefan Sagmeister. You can watch a video after the jump of them taking out the product from the box, and having him sign it. I’ll bet Stefan is wanting one of those Equipois x-Ar arms that we just talked about.
This 9 1/2 Foot Eagle is Remote Controlled
What you are looking at is something that I would file under “seasonal toy”. Yes, someone did make a remote control toy that is the United States national bird, and didn’t put it out when it would sell the most, around the 4th of July.
Air Swimmers fishes swim through the air
I know that we live in an age where we can buy a cheap-o remote control helicopter for under $50 when it would have cost hundreds a decade ago, but that is really the result of cheaper workmanship.
Scalextric Velodrome Racing Set for Slot Car Bikes
I would imagine that a lot of you remember slot car racing. Normally, it is done with hot tricked-out race cars, but this is done with bicycles.
ZMP City Simulator Experiment
Some of you might remember the last time we covered the RoboCar ZMP, which is essentially the Knight Rider dream of a car with an autopilot.
R/C Micro Metal Gyro Copter
Don’t you just love the wonders of miniaturization? That’s what we have with the R/C Micro Metal Gyro Copter, where this unique little device ought to give you plenty of flying fun as your driveway is covered with snow, meaning you’re stuck at home all day long. Which isn’t necessarily a bad thing, really, since ThinkGeek’s latest $24.99 toy will help you spend your time irritating your other half with frequent buzzing around her in the kitchen. Be careful though, she might be tempted to just end your little piloting project by giving the R/C Micro Metal Gyro Copter a nice, hard whack with a fly swatter as she’s doing her best to prepare a sumptuous dinner. This uniquely tiny copter sports a metal alloy-body, 3-channel control and a built-in gyro, now how about that? The inclusion of the gyro helps it to stay locked in the direction it is facing, and offers a much more precise movement in the air unlike other R/C copters. It takes 10 minutes of charging time to have this be a pest for five minutes – diminishing returns, yes, but its small size more than makes up for it. Read the rest of this entry »
HoverSpy Video Cam R/C Copter
Summer is long gone and now we are experiencing the bitter chill of winter, but that does not mean you cannot have fun outdoors, right? If you’ve got a voyeuristic streak in you, then the HoverSpy Video Cam R/C Copter might be just your cup of tea after forking out $79.99 for this puppy. Sporting a professional metal body, this unique helicopter comes with a 3-channel control and built-in gyro, also carrying along a tiny embedded video camera that can capture amazing video at your bidding. All it takes is a simple press of a button on the remote and you’re good to go, where another press will also stop recording. All recorded video can then be downloaded over to a computer for future viewing. As long as it is under zero wind conditions, the HoverSpy Video Cam R/C Copter is capable of taking to the air at over 150 feet high. All video will be stored on a microSD memory card, and it has a controlling range of a few hundred feet. At least you can check out just what your neighbor is wearing so that you won’t wear the same thing to the town’s Christmas party the same night to avoid a fashion faux pas. Read the rest of this entry »
Remote Controlled Grappler
Wonder what little Jimmy is going to grow up into? Well, perhaps you might want to pique his interest in being a young construction foreman with the Remote Controlled Grappler. This rather cute little superstructure of sorts is capable of rotating 360º (with beeping to boot), extending its arm, raising and lowering it at the same time, coupled with its twin-jawed grapple that opens and closes. All that movement is controlled with a remote which looks like the same kind found in real life large earth moving equipment. As for the grappler itself, it can move forward, backward, left, and right on two treaded tracks. The grapple comes with five interlocking rubber-tipped teeth which can secure small objects including pencils, balls, or action figures. When idle, just give the ignition key button a go and watch it get jolted into action. Interestingly enough, it even comes with a horn that warns other imaginary workers in the vicinity that you’re about to let her rip. Nice to know that all sounds can be muted just in case other adults are irritated by it. Powered by seven AA batteries, the Remote Controlled Grappler is suprisingly affordable at $49.95. Read the rest of this entry »
Prime-8 Action Gorilla from I Love Robots
I had a chance to try out the Prime-8 Action Gorilla toy from I Love Robots, and I can honestly say that I like this one.
I’m not going to say love, as it is too strong of a word. I think I am a little too old to appreciate this toy, but adults will find it enjoyable. The Prime-8 is a toy robot that is shaped like a ball-shaped ape, and travels by way of arms on its sides. It can also stand up by means of retractable legs.
My Review of the Spy Video TRAKR
We have mentioned the Spy Video TRAKR before, and I had a chance to try out the Spy Video Car that Wild Planet put out several years ago. The basic concept is the same: put a camera on a remote control vehicle, and allow the user to see the video feed from a distance.
Hands on with the Anti-Gravity Web Runner from Fantasma Toys
I was fortunate enough to have Fantasma Toys send me the Anti-Gravity Web Runner, but I want to make certain that my wife and kids knew I had it.
Robotic Velociraptor – Steven Spielberg gets no royalties
Remember when you first watched Jurassic Park in the theatres, and was mesmerized at how Steven Spielberg held everything together without that much CGI compared to today? Well, the velociraptor certainly brought chills down my spine, which would make me approach this Robotic Velociraptor with a little bit of apprehension. At least I can always kick this around if it ever goes violent on me, since it is a whole lot smaller compared to the real deal. In the velociraptor’s snout lies an infrared sensor which enables it to detect movement or objects. The moment it is locked onto its “prey,” the dinosaur will then charge forward with feral howls and dervish-like spins. Should you choose to close its jaws by hand, it will remain tames but for a while, and if held closed for too long, it will start to whimper angrily. Want to enrage it like the Hulk? Just double-clicking its jaws and you will see tooth-filled jaws make a menace of itself. Powered by a quartet of AA and a trio of AAA batteries, the Robotic Velociraptor would make for a decent Christmas present for $49.95. Read the rest of this entry »
Baby’s First Ducati R/C Motorcycle
Introduce your little one to the world of remote controlled toys with the Baby’s First Ducati R/C Motorcycle from ThinkGeek. Why is it special to us? Well, for $39.99 a pop, it will not only offer the thrilling experience of an R/C vehicle, but packaged in such a way that even little ones can play without running the risk of choking on small and tiny parts. For your geekling, this model looks like a real motorcycle, boasting an actual rider. Not only that, its remote control also comes with large, easy-to-use buttons which you can use to drive the bike forward or backward, while turning left and right whenever possible. Boasting its own range of sound effects for added ambience, it will work in tandem with the way you accelerate your bike. Being able to handle the stress of a 2-year old’s hands is also another miracle, all going for less than $40. Read the rest of this entry »
Tron Zero G Light Cycle
It seems that expectations of the upcoming Tron Legacy movie is pretty high, especially when you consider what kind of hype it must live up to when compared to the original classic. Needless to say, the chances of making a huge splash in terms of merchandise are pretty high, which is why there is the Tron Zero G Light Cycle which will tie in with the movie. Retailing for £34.99 a pop, this bike will work like the one in the movie, as the Zero G Light Cycles emit trails of light (or ‘jetwalls’ as you call it) which will cause your opponent’s vehicle to fall off the wall or ceiling if crossed. All action can be controlled via a stylish twin toggle infra-red transmitter which doubles up as a charging unit for your Light Cycle’s rechargeable battery. Read the rest of this entry »
Follow Me Puppy has no poop to clean up after
I haven’t met anyone who doesn’t like puppies yet, which is a good thing. After all, who could resist such adorable looking eyes, not to mention their unconditional love for you, especially during heart warming moments when they follow you home? One thing you have to bear in mind though – puppies can be a handful to look after, as you teach them the correct place to poop and pee while letting them know which places are off limits in your home. To avoid all that hassle, go ahead with the Follow Me Puppy from Hammacher. This $49.95 purchase will come with a friendly smile and floppy ears, following its child owner faithfully without having to bribe it with treats (just batteries will do). Attracted by an infrared “bone”, this puppy can also call out the child’s name via a previous recording using the puppy’s built-in microphone. Capable of rolling over smooth surfaces using a couple of wheels and a caster, where infrared sensors can detect the bone’s transmitter up to 12 feet away. Best to get some rechargeable batteries to go along with this if you want to be eco-friendly in the long run. Read the rest of this entry »
Bigtrak Jr offers big fun in small form factor
Here’s something that you might want to check out – the Bigtrak Jr programmable vehicle that allows you to release stress after a particularly long day at work simply by “driving” it around the home. Those who spent their childhood during the 1980s will definitely know of the Bigtrak, as this space rover thrilled kids and adults in their household back then, the Bigtrak Jr intends to bring back those nostalgic memories for their young progeny. Retailing for £29.99 a pop, this desktop version will deliver all the functions of its larger sized predecessor. Not only that, Bigtrak Jr will also be accompanied by a cool ‘memory save’ function that enables you to write programs and save them for use sometime down the road. In addition, its ‘active accessory port’ will accommodate various forthcoming accessories such as a webcam and foam rocket launcher. Read the rest of this entry »
Motion Sensing Remote Controlled Jet
Just because you’re an adult now doesn’t mean you can’t indulge in having toys of your own, right? After all, all work and no play makes Jack a dull boy, and in this case, man. Heck, the Motion Sensing Remote Controlled Jet that you see on the right could prove to be just the tonic required for a healthy father-son bonding time, as it is full well capable of responding to the motion of its master joystick in a similar manner as that of the yoke in an actual cockpit. A slight tilt to the left and right will turn the jet in flight, enabling young pilots to better imagine themselves at the controls of a military aircraft. It might just spark off a lifelong interest and fuel little Johnny’s ambition of joining the Air Force in the long run. Whenever you squeeze the throttle trigger, speed and altitude will increase. Those who are less familiar can always be guided by the traditional manual stick method. Bear in mind that there is a 150 feet range to this, leading us to wonder what happens when the jet flies beyond that range, will it just drop to the ground? Propelling along at a maximum speed of 25 mph, a half hour charge will result in up to 10 minutes of flying time. You can bring home the Motion Sensing Remote Controlled Jet for $69.95. Read the rest of this entry »
Trekbot micro robotic racer
Desk Pets International (HK) Limited might not be a name that most of you out there are familiar with, but they are actually the creator of interactive micro-robotic toys and gadgets that offer big-play value. Well, the company has just announced its latest addition to the market which is known as the Trekbot, a special hubless micro-robotic racer. This unique toy will be accompanied by a signature patent pending 5-function USB remote control that basically enables racers to perform sharp turns, headstands, and full flips without compromising on the speed at which it zips around. Features include a built-in USB charger for the Trekbot to get juiced up just about anytime, anywhere without having to rely on a specific type of power outlet.
Dave the Funky Monkey Toy
Every Christmas has the one item that will be red hot like the Cabbage Patch Kids or Tickle Me Elmo. This year, it could easily be the Dave the Funky Shoulder Monkey.
Hot Wheels make pocket-sized RC cars now
I’m sure that you all remember Hot Wheels, and how you can race them on flat surfaces and specially made tracks, with the occasional loop-de-loop.
Voice Control Helicopter
Are you frustrated that whatever you tell your kids seem to fall on deaf ears? Then the Voice Control Helicopter might come in handy, although it is rather sad that you will need to fork out £39.99 to have a mechanical contraption obey your commands. This ingenious Voice Control Helicopter is smart enough to respond to your commands, and will be able to obey five pre-loaded commands. All you need to do is wear the microphone set (which somewhat resembles a Bluetooth headset) and start sending out commands to show who’s boss. You will be able to tell it to start its engines, head up higher or go lower, to hover in mid-air or even move forwards and backwards. Not only that, there are LED lights that make it look all the more cooler, while juicing up the Voice Control Helicopter is a snap. Folks who speak in French or Spanish will also be able to have a go at it, making this a truly intercontinental flight. Read the rest of this entry »
Remote Controlled Football Boots
Whether you call it soccer or football, this is one strange way to burn up some time. You can’t help but love the occasional remote control gadget, but this is probably the strangest I’ve seen. Instead of knocking in those balls with mini players, it uses oversized shoes. I guess either way it’ll do the trick and keep you occupied for a couple of hours.
Panther offers you remote controlled fun
If you’re looking to have some remote controlled fun, then might we suggest the £99.99 Panther? This is touted to be an “amazing, madcap, fearlessly insane remote control buggy” that is extremely nimble, and it is pretty rare to see an RC buggy move along at 45kmh (yes, it is that fast) without losing any of its control in the hands of a true master. Equally at home in both outdoors or large indoor spaces, the Panther would perform best in stylish rally skids and homemade assault courses. Assuming you have a large carpeted area, then the Panther will stick to the floor like a dream and respond to even the lightest touch. Relying on a trigger-style throttle and steering wheel, getting the Panther to respond to your commands is a snap, and it doesn’t matter if you’re a southpaw or not. Two hours of battery charging ought to give you plenty of fun before the next round of charging. Read the rest of this entry »
LEGO TECHNIC Motorized Excavator
Love building stuff of your own? The LEGO TECHNIC Motorized Excavator should not only be able to satisfy you, but your child as well. Of course, for something as complex as this, we would not expect him or her to be that young, but rather, at least 12 years old and above. After all, making a $199.99 purchase decision is never going to be easy for anyone especially in this day and age. When completed, what you get would be a fully remote controlled excavator that features double remote controls tracks which are able to run back and forth, alongside an arm which can be raised and lowered, carrying a shovel to dig. The cabin also works like the real deal, spinning a cool 360 degrees. The entire set comes with 1,123 LEGO pieces, so make sure you have a decent sized container to store everything. For more bang for your buck, it can also be rebuilt into a Tracked Loader. Read the rest of this entry »
Intersecting Slot Car And Train Set
Buses and trains, cars and trucks. These are all favorite playthings for children, so why not get your holiday shopping done earlier this year with the Intersecting Slot Car And Train Set? It isn’t going to be cheap, mind you, burning a cool $299.95 in your pocket in the process, but at least this racing toy will bring together the throttle-happy thrill of a slot car set alongside the steady lumbering of a train set. Thanks to the track’s single intersection, it enables racers to replay that ever tense situation of beating the train to avoid high-velocity impacts, and it will require an innate sense of timing for your competitor to remain stranded at the crossing until the train passes. Hand-trigger controllers will be used to tear around the track’s seven curves, where one of them even includes a 180º hairpin turn for added challenge. The train itself comprises of a locomotive with a working headlight, four freight cars, and a caboose, and it can also move forward and reverse using the included transformer/controller. Each purchase comes with 11 pieces of track for slot car set, 15 pieces for the train set. Looks like kids aren’t the only ones to have fun with this… Read the rest of this entry »
Racing video game meets R/C car, with corrugated cardboard
Once I saw this set-up, I knew that I had to report on it.
After all, it is a sit-down arcade racing game that uses a real car! Granted, it is a small, remote controlled car that goes around a corrugated cardboard track, but the R/C car has a camera so you can see as you are driving!
GRASP Labs creates quad copters to pick up things
This isn’t the first time we have covered flying drone robots such as the Parrot Ar.Drone, or the voice-controlled one at MIT.
