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.
Continue reading Sphero gets an improved, multifunction Drive app, we go hands-on
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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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Do you remember the character Linus in the Peanuts strip? He had this particular comfort blanket that he needed in order to remain sane, and there are some kids, no doubt about it, who do need a favorite soft toy or pillow beside them before they are able to get some shuteye. Well, the Japanese have come up with the Hug & Dream Minnie Mouse doll which stimulates slow, gentle breaths, helping relax (hopefully, anyways) the would-be sleeper which eventually should send him or her to bed.
