Sphero

Sphero may have gotten out of the business of making licensed robots, particularly for Disney, but it hasn't turned away from its core spirit: making programmable robots that appeal to both kids and adults alike. It seems, though, that it is taking a break from robot balls but not from things that roll. After a highly successful turn at Kickstarter, Sphero is bringing its latest RVR to consumers, educators, and students around the world to give them the chance to experience what it may feel like to control and program a space rover.

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This morning Sphero revealed a project called Sphero RVR, a do-it-yourself robot. This robot works with simple-to-use software and 3rd-party hardware, and is part of a Kickstarter right out the gate. In less than 12 hours, the project reached $145k of its $150k goal (with 30 days left to go).

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Sphero already earned a reputation among tech-savvy consumers early on but its name really went mainstream when it came out with the official BB-8 robot. It was, after all, a match that seemed destined by the Force. The success of that deal with Disney saw other characters come to robotic life, including Lightning McQueen and even Spider-man. Unfortunately, that profitable partnership is coming to an end because these toys have cost the company more than they’re worth.

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Sphero's licensed products have received the lion's share of attention in recent years, but today, the company is making something of a return to form. Today, Sphero announced the BOLT, a round robot that immediately brings to mind images of the SPRK and the original Sphero for those who remember the company's roots. With the BOLT, the focus is back on education, as this new little robot is all about STEAM learning.

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Sphero's R2-D2 is getting an Imperial counterpart, with a limited-edition R2-Q5 joining the remote-control lineup. Expected to be a hit at NY Comic Con when it goes on sale from today, the R2-Q5 is not only a standalone toy but will interact with other Sphero-powered Star Wars figures the company has already launched.

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Sphero's attentions may have been on Star Wars lately, and its incredible R2-D2 robot, but the company still found time to make a new 'bot of its own, Sphero Mini. Condensing much of what makes its smartphone-controlled spherical robot great into a roughly billiard ball size, it's the new entry-level model in the company's range. Best of all is the price.

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We may only be heading into September, but I'm calling it: you're looking at Sphero's R2-D2, and it's going to be the must-have toy of the 2017 holidays. Revealed today as part of the Star Wars "Force Friday" event, the remote-control R2-D2 - and its cousin from the Dark Side, Sphero's new BB-9E droid - looks set to be a must-have for fans of the movie, whether they're kids or otherwise. Indeed, it could well end up being Sphero's most popular robot to-date.

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In cast you missed the news, there's a brand new Spider-Man movie coming out next month. That means all sorts of Spider-Man merchandise and toys, starting with this new interactive Spider-Man from Sphero. Sphero, of course, made that adorable BB-8 toy that arrived near the launch of The Force Awakens, so hopes are certainly high for the company's take on Spider-Man.

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Swift Playgrounds, Apple's software developing toolkit intended to encourage kids to learn code, is breaking out of the iPad and connecting with educational toys from LEGO, Parrot, and more. Launched at WWDC 2016 a year ago, Swift Playgrounds took Apple's programming language and wrapped it up in an iPad app that aimed to be equal parts education and entertainment. Now, the fruits of Swift Playgrounds will be able to engage with devices in the real-world.

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This week the folks at Sphero have revealed that they're continuing their high-five of a relationship with Disney with a CARS 3 vehicle. They worked with the folks at Lucasfilm and Disney to make a real-deal BB-8 a reality - and in the process made the best Star Wars toy we've ever experienced. Now they turn their attention to the Pixar mega-franchise Cars for a slightly more traditional endeavor with Lightning McQueen.

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Earlier this year, toy-maker Sphero debuted the Star Wars Force Band wearable, making the previously released robotic BB-8 even cooler than it already was. Basically, the wristband allowed the small droid to be controlled with hand movements. Now Sphero has one-upped itself once again, introducing the ability to pair the Force Band with various smart home apps and appliances, all powered by IFTTT.

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Sphero's Force Band for BB-8 is the best example of going above-and-beyond the call of duty I've ever seen in a Star Wars toy. And I've seen a lot of Star Wars toys. While there are some mightily impressive action figures out there - some with details so striking, I can barely tell model from real life - this Force Band for the BB-8 by Sphero amplifies the Star Wars magic already present in BB-8 by Sphero, a device we maintain is the Best Star Wars Toy Ever Made.

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