Everyones favourite droid from the Star Wars : The Force Awakens, BB-8, can now be controlled using the force (aka a bluetooth wristband – but a really cool bluetooth wristband).
Without doubt one of the coolest gadgets (I wont call it a toy due to the complexity of the device) to emerge from the Star Wars merchandise blitz is Sphero’s Star Wars BB-8 droid. Controlling the loveable droid from your smartphone is just out and out fun. And it is about to get a whole lot more fun with the release of a BB-8 wearable.
If you haven’t seen the film yet and don’t know anything about BB-8 well then I have no words for you. Pick up the car keys and get down to your local cinema now and then come back to us.
Sphero’s BB-8 app-enabled Droid was first released in September 2015. It’s movements and personality are as authentic as any Star Wars fans could ever imagine. Based on user interactions, BB-8 will deliver a range of expressions and perk up when you give out voice commands. Features include autonomous exploration in patrol mode, drive mode where you drive BB-8 yourself, and the ability to create and view holographic recordings.
Later this year Sphero will release the new wearable “Force Band” that will let you control the droid using hand gestures to the public.
Thats right, the force is actually bluetooth, NOT midi-chlorians. In your face Qui-Gon Jinn!
While wearing the “Force Band”, users will be able to control the droid’s movement, speed and direction using their hands movements alone. Removing the need to have the app installed on thier iPhone or Android powered device to control the droid.
Sphero hasn’t confirmed pricing for the Force Band however expect a release date around September 2016 just in time for Christmas and the next Star Wars film, Rogue One.
Watch the Sphero BB-8 in action here