Just a few weeks ago Sphero was back at it with two new droids straight out of a galaxy far far away. But now the company has unveiled yet another addition to its popular smartphone-enabled robots. In its most affordable and smallest form-factor to date, Sphero’s new Mini packs the features you know and love into a delightfully small package.
Sphero has continued to expand its lineup of app-enabled robots since releasing its original model a few years ago. Adding popular characters like Lightning McQueen and most recently R2-D2, Sphero has also focused on revamping its non-licensed products as well. Now the company has released its latest model in the form of the more affordable Mini.
The Sphero Mini stacks up to the size of a ping pong ball but still packs many of the same features you’ve come to expect. In essence, you can think of Mini as a slimmed down version of the Sphero 2.0. Due to its size some functionality did have to be removed, so you won’t find wireless charging this time around. The Mini is also said to not be as waterproof as its larger predecessor.
Aside from the new form-factor, not much has changed with the Sphero Mini. You can still drive it around to your heart’s content, program it and play games all through its companion iOS and Android application. The Mini includes 4 different driving modes; Tilt, Slingshot, Joystick, and Face Drive. While the first three may be familiar, the last of these is an all new way to control the robot.
The new mode Face Drive allows the Mini to scan your face and react based on your expressions. So if you’ve ever wanted to control a little spherical robot just by smiling, frowning and tilting your head, the Sphero Mini is the way to make that happen.
Sphero’s latest model also sports the ability to change its exterior appearance with swappable shells. This lets your new robotic pal take on a variety of styles to suit whichever mood you may be feeling. You’ll find the Mini gets about an hour or so of play time before needing to be recharged.
The new Sphero Mini is currently available for purchase at $49.99. You’ll get your pick from 5 different color options and each Mini includes a charging cable alongside 3 traffic cones and 6 bowling pins for added fun with the robot. At less than half the price of other models, the Mini should be a big hit this holiday.
Buy the new Sphero Mini App-Controlled Robot
Sphero Mini packs tons of fun into a tiny, app-enabled robot about the size of a ping pong ball. Drive Mini using different modes with the Sphero Mini app, or just by using your face. Yes, you read that right. Face Drive is a hilarious new feature that uses your facial expressions to drive the ball.
Mini’s games are just as addicting – use the ball as a controller to shoot your way through space, race a ship through a tunnel, or rotate your ball to destroy a polygon of bricks. Thanks to the beauty of app updates, there’s always more on the way. If you’re feeling extra clever, download the Sphero Edu app and program your robot using JavaScript.
Packed with teeny tiny tech, Sphero Mini has a little gyroscope, accelerometer, and LED lights. Colorful, interchangeable shells are available, so you can easily switch one out to suit your mood. With almost an hour of play time, Sphero Mini is the next big thing.
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