We have four days of school left and I am dreading the “I’m bored” comments all summer long from the kids. They are signed up for sport camps and a summer parks program, but I know there will be those days where they just need to chill in the house. That’s why, when I was asked if I would like review the new Sphero Robot ball, I knew I had to try it out. It sounded exactly like something my kids would like to play with.
**I received one Sphero Robot Ball and a nubby cover for the purpose of this review. All opinions are 100% my own.
What Is the sphero robot ball?
Sphero is the FIRST robotic ball that kids have the ability to control using their smartphone or tablet! Using your smartphone or tablet, you have the ability to drive Sphero any direction, turn on a dime, flip in the air and change colors. Kids love technology. I don’t think there’s a kid out there that doesn’t now more about the different technological devices in their home than their parents do! Sphero allows children to engage with technology like never before by uniquely mixing the virtual world with reality. For instance, take a look at this Zombie game for Sphero:
This game is pretty neat. You play it on your tablet or smartphone, but what you see is whatever you are aiming the phone/tablet at. It will automatically pick up Sphero. There are over 30 FREE apps that kids can play independently or with friends and family. You can come up with homemade obstacle courses to steer Sphero through or you can turn your family room into a video game with augmented reality!
Another game we liked is called Flappy Ball. With this game you set your smartphone or tablet on your lap or the table and you hold Sphero in your hand to control the on-screen games. I was NOT good at this one. Zachary, on the other hand, was very good at it!
Each Sphero comes with a Quick Start guide, two ramps, a charging base, and information on how to download dozens of apps. Sphero is compatible with both iOS and Android devices. You can find Sphero at GoSphero.com and it retails for $129.99. However…from now until June 15, 2014 you can pick up your very own Sphero for just $99!!
My Thoughts
It’s pretty neat and very easy to use (though, I’m not all that good at maneuvering it…my kids are though)! It paired with my phone very quickly and I had no problems with it whatsoever. However, the one thing that I found a little irritating is that the battery did not seem to last very long at all. My kids played with it for about 30 mins and then once they were in bed, my husband went to try it and Sphero was moving VERY slowly, like it needed to be charged. Other than the battery, this is a great toy for 8 year old children and older!
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