Vital stats Sphero R2-D2
Buoyed by a droid with AR smarts
Sphero’s app-controlled R2-D2 is an upgrade on your current housemate O Beepy buddy Perfect paintwork and fully functional LEDS mean this mini version of the galaxy’s favourite droid (sorry, C-3PO) looks the part, so Sphero made damned sure he sounds it too. Note-perfect audio effects from the Star Wars archive emerge from R2-D2’S speaker.
O Falcon fancier Augmented reality tech unleashed by the app allows you to explore a holographic simulation of the Millennium Falcon – accompanied, of course, by your new droid mate, who will respond to your movements. The app will throw you tidbits of information as you move through the corridors of Solo’s ship, so you’re not going to walk past the AG-2G quad laser cannon without noticing.
Room roamer
O When you’re tired of exploring the Falcon, it’s time to set Artoo loose on your own planet. He has four motors – two for the rotating dome, and the other two for each of his shoulders, allowing for authentic transitions between bipedal and tripod stances. Mastering the manual controls is easy enough, but you can also use the app to sketch a path for him to navigate.
Popcorn pal
O Unsurprisingly, Sphero’s R2-D2 is programmed to love the Star Wars movies as much as you do. He’ll react appropriately to important scenes in both movement and sound. Right now, the compatible films are The Force Awakens, Rogue One and A New Hope, but Sphero says its looking to add the rest before The Last Jedi comes out. There’s no word on whether the droid actually likes the prequels.