Brookstone To Sell The iOS-Controlled Rover Wireless Spy Tank Starting Next Month
September 24, 2011
We see plenty of nifty apps come along with addictive potential, but a number of companies are going beyond software. Instead of just releasing the next best game, more ambitious retailers are combining apps with hardware, in this case, toys. Specifically, we'd like to share a new offering by Brookstone, the Rover, a RC tank with some secret agent gadgets.
The Rover is a spy tank controlled by a free app installable on your iPad, iPhone, or iPod touch. Brookstone calls it a spy tank because the Rover has a built-in camera and microphone. The on-board camera does more than take pictures, it also sends live video and has an infrared feature for night conditions. That's pretty cool, right?
Some may be thinking this is essentially the ground vehicle version of Parrot's AR.Drone. Well, it really isn't far off. In fact, the Rover connects to your iDevice by means of a self-made Wi-Fi network, just like the AR.Drone. This method eliminates the need to keep track of and maintain a dongle that attaches to your iOS device, plus provides plenty of bandwidth for the video feed.
The iOS app contains a number of features not found on most other RC toys. Foremost, the live video streamed right to your iPad, iPhone, or iPod touch, including zoom and the ability to capture single frames. Another advantage is being able to control by tapping on arrows or moving your iDevice like a steering wheel using the G-Drive option. Of course, there are buttons for the infrared cam and more within easy reach.
The Rover app-controlled spy tank will be available beginning next month for $149.99, plus applicable taxes and shipping fees. The Rover Wireless Spy Tank by Brookstone app is compatible with iPad, iPhone, and iPod touch running iOS 3.0, and available in the App Store as a free download.
