Sphero: A Robotic Smartphone Controlled Ball Begins Shipping, Apps Now Available in the Android Market

December 20, 2011

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Ever heard of Sphero? Up until today I sure hadn't. Sphero is a robotic ball made by Orbotix that rolls around at your command through the use of apps on your Android smartphone. I really didn't understand the whole concept and fascination of this gadget until I watched a promo video of the device in action. This thing looks pretty sweet. Not only can you control the balls movement, you can alter the color of its internal LED and much more. To help explain Sphero better you should probably check out this short video below.

How cool is that!? According to Sphero's blog, today the Orbotix team sent out the first units to lucky folks who got their pre orders in early. Sphero sells for $139.99 shipped, and if you order now you might just receive shipment in January.

Once you get your new toy your going to need something to control it and thankfully Orbotix has got you covered. Today, they also released the 5 accompanying apps that control Sphero and can already be found in the Android Market. This is what apps are available for Sphero:

Sphero is the main app and has the important function of allowing you to update Sphero’s firmware automatically as new updates become available. It has basic driving functionality, basic draw n’ drive functionality and other cool commands. You can also track your driving stats and achievements with Sphero World – an online gaming community for Sphero fans that is still in the works. Expect a lot more from Sphero World in the near future!
Sphero Drive is the app that gives you total control of driving with customizable features. Three speeds and driving methods are available – joystick, tilt, and RC.
Sphero Draw N’ Drive allows you to draw on your screen and watch Sphero trace out your drawing on the floor. Simply shake your phone to erase!
Sphero Golf brings out a whole new side of Sphero. Swing your phone or flick your finger to move Sphero down the course you create in your living room or office.
SpheroCam allows you to record Sphero while you drive so that you never miss a moment.

To top things off, Orbotix has also released the sdk and sample code for any developer who wants to get in on the action. Who knows what this thing will be able to do in the near future!

The whole thing is completely new to me and I am not quite sure what to think as of yet. Is $140 for a robotic rolling ball really worth it? I must admit, it does look fun but I think I will wait until I can check it out at CES before I go too ball crazy. What do you guys think about Sphero? A ball, or a bust?

Hit the source link below to head to Sphero's website for more videos and information. Head to the Android Market to check out the aforementioned apps.

[via Sphero Blog]

Stacy Bruce Author

Stacy Bruce was born and raised in Spokane Washington. He attended the University of Washington to study pre-med only to change his course study a year later to forensic science. Although currently not a doctor or a scientist, some believe he posseses the knowledge of both. He was a resident of San Diego California for ten years, lived beachside and sometimes wonders why the hell he moved back to Spokane. A multi-talented man, Stacy is a fabricator, an artist, a gear head, a tech junkie and at most, the disciple of Casanova. Growing up, he was always enthralled with electronics, gadgets and gizmos. Throughout his life he has had one, if not two, of every cool and new electronic device available. He began his smartphone experience with the original iPhone. After realizing it was more like theirPhone, he decided he wanted the ability to customize, so Stacy moved to the OG Droid and has been a loyal Android fanatic ever since. Moving through all of the top tier Verizon phones, he recently retired his Droid Charge in favor of the Galaxy Nexus, only to wonder what great device Samsung will come out with next. Stacy is a busy new homeowner in where he lives with his beautiful girlfriend and two dogs.