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This electronic fairy jar is a charming mix of Pokémon and Tamagotchi
WowWee's new LCD toy lets children amass a collection of colorful fairies in a jar.
The best toys and coding kits for kids
This is the first year that Engadget has included a toy section in its holiday gift guide, and it's already one of the biggest (and in our opinion, best) sections. Here you'll find both coding kits from Lego and others intended to teach little one basic programming skills, as well as toys that just happen to be electronic in nature. And yes, the re-released Tamagotchi pets made the list -- you know, for the nostalgic millennial on your list.
WowWee's MiP revisited: the dance of the robot fairies
You might remember the MiP from such posts as Meet WowWee's MiP: A gesture and app-controlled robot with moves like Jagger and Live from the Engadget CES Stage: WowWee CTO Davin Sufer. Well, if you happened to catch the latter of those two, you might also remember that the demo gremlins made a bit of an appearance while Davin Sufer was on stage. So, we followed the company's CTO back to the WowWee booth where he promised a special treat, and boy did he deliver. Turns out you can control more than one MiP from a single phone. So he connected to six of his little bots, picked out a song from his library and started the charismatic little buggers on an epic synchronized dance. We don't want to bore you by repeating the details we already offered in our previous hands-on, just enjoy the video below.
Live from the Engadget CES Stage: WowWee CTO Davin Sufer
More robots? Don't mind if we do. Davin Sufer is the CTO of WowWee, the company behind toys like Robosapien and Roboraptor. He'll be joining us on stage to discuss what the company has up its sleeve. January 8, 2014 7:00:00 PM EST
Meet WowWee's MiP: A gesture and app-controlled robot with moves like Jagger
They see me rollin', they hatin'...
WowWee's AppGear turns toys into smartphone 'appcessories' (video)
WowWee, the company best known for its endless supply of adorable robot toys, is kicking off 2012 with something a little more virtual than visceral. AppGear combines actual physical toys with iOS and Android apps, like the launch title Foam Fighters. Each collectible, action figure or playset is paired with its own free, downloadable app that offers an augmented reality game or virtual way to interact with the toys. The line will be launching in "early" 2012, for between $9.99 and $19.99 depending on the particular toy. Six products will be available at launch, including Alien Jailbreak, Zombie Burbs, and Elite Commander which you can check out in the videos below alongside some incredibly vague PR. And we'll be gunning for WowWee booth when we land in Vegas to get some hands-on time with this lineup of AR-toys.
WowWee's Light Strike makes laser tag look more like Paper Jamz
WowWee, the same folks who brought you Paper Jamz, are giving yet another American leisure-time institution a makeover, and this time they've set their sights on laser tag. Carrying over the Paper Jamz aesthetic, Light Strike aims to "bring video game action into the real-world" with a set of laser tag guns and accessories that sport fingerprint ID, long-range LED targeting, built-in health and ammo meters, and the ability to play with up to four teams of unlimited size. The game's stable of weapons includes Light Strike's signature gun, the Assault Striker, a machine gun bipod with recoil action, a scope attachment with 100-foot range, and a grenade launcher that can shoot groups of enemies down in a single shot. Now, who's going to lead the campaign to make the Assault Striker the official gun of the 2012 Olympic Pentathalon? Light Strike is set for an August 2011 launch with guns starting at about $40, but you can get a very dramatic preview after the jump.
Gibson wins Paper Jamz injunction, retailers ordered to pull stock
The Paper Jamz, they have jamz-ed their last -- at least for now. Gibson's won that injunction against WowWee for modeling its 2D toy guitars on famous axes like the Flying V and Les Paul without permission, and since retailers like Walmart, Amazon, Best Buy and Target were all named in the lawsuit, they'll have to pull PaperJamz from their shelves. Or maybe not -- the injunction was granted and immediately appealed on the 21st, and we've definitely seen PaperJamz for sale in Best Buy stores here and there since then, so it seems like there's still a chance to grab the super-thin guitars while the lawyers sort it all out. We'd guess WowWee might simply re-think some of the designs to be little less "inspired" by Gibson guitars in the meantime -- could the Flying V PaperJamz one day command the same collector attention as a 1970s lawsuit Ibanez, Tokai, or Greco? For humanity's sake, let's hope not.
Gibson sues WowWee, retailers over Paper Jamz toy guitars; would rather some other company get all that free advertising (video)
It looks like WowWee is learning the implications of that old saw, "imitation is the surest way to get your company sued." That's right, the company's radical looking, fun for about twenty minutes, paper-thin plastic toy guitars have recently drawn legal fire from Gibson, who recognizes a distinct resemblance between some classic axes (like the Flying V and the Les Paul) and the aforementioned Paper Jamz line. Which we could certainly see -- even if WowWee hadn't name dropped Gibson in its product literature (which seems to us to be rather on par with taunting the company outright). And if that weren't bad enough, the company is going after retailers, such as Toys 'R Us and eBay, who it claimed kept selling the things after receiving a cease and desist letter. Of course, this raises a few questions: At which point is a design so ubiquitous that it becomes fair game for companies like WowWee? And wouldn't Gibson want the kiddies (who will be ready to move up to real guitars soon enough) hooked on their brand? And most importantly -- when are we getting a Paper Jamz Rickenbacker? Because there has to be an easier way to be like Paul Weller. Commercial after the break (it adds nothing to the post, but it's kind of a laugh).
WowWee Cinemin Slice takes the pico out of your pocket
We can't say we've ever dreamt of a pico projector / speaker dock combo, but we also can't say the idea doesn't make a bit of sense. Continuing its expansion into the projector space with its Cinemin sub-brand, WowWee's Slice is much more than your usual unitasking pico -- it packs six-watt stereo speakers along with a 854 x 480 resolution, 16 lumens DLP projector. As you can see, it's been designed for your choice of Apple products -- its 30-pin connector is compatible with the iPad, iPhone 3G/3GS/4, etc. -- but the back of the device does hold additional VGA, mini-HDMI and AV ports for hooking up whatever other gadget you've been dying to project on a wall. Speaking of that projection, the maximum image size is 60 inches, though you'll have to set it back quite a bit from the projected surface to achieve that viewing size -- WowWee says the viewable range is anywhere between 11 to 125 inches. We caught a look at the Slice at the CES Press Preview event in NYC, and have to say it's not a bad looking dock -- the glowing red LED buttons give it some pizzazz. Obviously, it was hard for us to judge the image and sound quality from the brief look, but we were able to hear Bolt over the event background noise if that counts for anything. The Slice will be priced around $400 but won't be hitting stores until January -- until then you've got the pictures in the gallery below and some more tech specs at the source link. %Gallery-107130%
WowWee's Roboscooper picks up the stuff too big for your Roomba
WowWee's robots may be fun, lovable companions, but they aren't always exactly the most useful things to have around. That's not the case with the company's new Roboscooper, however, which will gladly pick up stuff off your floor until its six AAA batteries run out. Of course, it will only pick up small, one ounce objects, and its storage capacity is a tad limited -- but hey, every little contribution helps. You can even switch from autonomous to remote-controlled mode if you feel like being slightly less lazy, and you can let Roboscooper have a bit of fun by engaging the "whack" mode, which makes him swat objects out of his way instead of picking them up. Ready to bring one home? You can get your pre-order in now for $70 and look for it to ship at the end of the month.
WowWee's Paper Jamz: fake guitars make the jump to 2D, gain some musicality
Just when we thought Guitar Hero had removed every shred of dignity from the once proud profession of "rocking out," along comes Paper Jamz to do away with all pretense. WowWee, known primarily for its creepy robotic toys, has put some of its technical chops into a new musical line of utterly flat instruments. The "paper" guitar and drum sets use capacitive sensors to pick up on touch, and there's even a fake amp built of cardboard to complete the ensemble. Surprisingly, it all works. Each $25 guitar is packed with three different songs, and pretend rock stars can strum along in three different modes: a fail-safe mode where all you have to do is keep strumming and you'll jam out the appropriate guitar part, a rhythm mode where you have to strum at the right intervals, and a freestyle mode. The last of these is where things actually get interesting, since there's a usable fret board in so-called open E tuning, letting you select actual cords by placing a finger on its respective fret up or down the printed-on fret board. One finger does major, two fingers does minor, and three fingers does a 7th. It's an approximation, sure, but it actually could teach a kid a lot more about how to play a real guitar than Guitar Hero ever will. Prepare to hear more 12-year-olds playing "Smoke on the Water" than you ever supposed the universe was capable of containing. The modes on drums are similar, and you can pair up drums and guitar to play the same song simultaneously. The $15 amp uses a sonic transducer to vibrate its entire, cheap cardboard mass, and is actually rather loud. The "Series 1" selection of guitars and drums will be out in early July, and you can check out a video of this stuff in action after the break. %Gallery-85965% %Gallery-85967%
WowWee Cinemin Swivel iPod and iPhone pico projector review
The first time we saw a pico projector some of us thought: "Err... What's the point?" Slide show presentations from your phone? Doubt it -- not powerful enough for practical use. Cinematic experience in the toilet? Maybe, but you'd want a built-in projector on your PMP instead of a separate brick. Funky dance? Only in Japan. Finally, WowWee took a break from robotics to give us the answer with its foldable Cinemin Swivel pico projector: for watching videos on the ceiling while lying in bed, obviously. Still, we have our doubts about image quality, portability and practicality -- especially for $299. Read on to find out if this little guy is worth it.
WowWee Cinemin Swivel pico projector shocker: available now!
If you're like us, you've been marking the days off until you could get WowWee's Cinemin Swivel -- or, the pico with attitude, as we like to call it. We've been keeping our eyes on it since CES 2009, so we can sympathize. Well, looks like the wait is over -- it's popped up on Amazon and we hear you can grab one up at Brookstone, too. The DLP pico, which boasts a 480 x 360 resolution, an adjustable 90-degree hinge (for projecting your Richard Marx video collection onto the ceiling) will run you around $299.
WowWee Roborover gets friendly with the furniture in our review
See that glowing face? Yep, it's the super-enthusiastic Roborover from WowWee. We won't lie: we were a bit stoked by the arrival of this yellow explorer at Engadget's doorstep. Too bad it didn't exactly walk all the way from its warehouse, forcing us to go through the painful procedure of cutting up the tapes and untangling the ties of its shipping box. Five minutes later we've got a 4-pound robot on our hands, and we'd say overall the build quality is an eight out of ten (the cuts on the plastic parts could do with a finer finish) which is pretty good for a toy. You'll be pleased to know that those treads are for real and supported by a third mini roller at the back, but the friendly manual does say, "For indoor use only." Think we'll skip that page, thank you. Now kids, you might need your daddy's screwdrivers and some extra cash to feed the Roborover three "C" size batteries, and another three "AAAs" for the chunky IR remote. All ready to go? Skip along to learn how the Roborover explores the "ancient tombs of your parents' closet."%Gallery-75825%
WowWee rolls out Roborover, Joebot robot buddies
WowWee may have some new competition, but it should come as no surprise that it's not about to rest on its laurels this holiday season, and it's now rolled out a pair of new "robot buddies" that it hopes will wind up at the top of plenty of kids' (and some adults') wish lists. First announced way back at CES in January, both the WowWee Roborover and WowWee Joebot are now available to order for $79.99 or $99.99, respectively, or in one of WowWee's usual "mini" versions for a mere $15 apiece. While those latter options are basically action figures, the two full-fledged versions should keep you occupied for a little longer than your average toy robot, with each able to be controlled remotely or operate autonomously, play various games and, in the case of the Roborover, traverse "rough terrain" and "inclines."Read - WowWee RoboroverRead - WowWee Joebot[Via SlashGear]
WowWee Cinemin Swivel available for pre-order in U.S. and Europe
Pico projector fans, the wait is over. WowWee -- the company with the wackiest name in the business (or at least the most fun to type) has just announced that the Cinemin Swivel is available for pre-order today -- as in right now -- both Stateside and in Europe. The press for this device sounds a little like wishful thinking (enjoy romantic flicks on the bedroom ceiling! foreign cinema in the backyard! YouTube on a subway wall! psychedelic graphics on the dance floor!) but if you've been in the market for a pocket-sized, iPhone-friendly multimedia projector, your choices just expanded by one. Yours for a song -- and $349.99. Gallery below.
WowWee Cinemin Swivel gets UK launch, pricing info
We first spotted WowWee's Cinemin Swivel pico projector back at CES, when it was announced along with the Stick and Station models. If you forgot, the little DLP guy boasts 480 x 360 resolution, an adjustable 90-degree hinge (so that you can easily project onto the ceiling), and a three-hour battery life. It's just gotten some official release and pricing information for the UK, anyway, where it's going to make its first appearance this September. The Cinemin Swivel will retail for £349 (about $571). There's no word on release or pricing for the Stick or Station yet, but we'll keep you posted. Until then, check out the gallery of shots we got back at CES.%Gallery-40793%
Engadget's recession antidote: win a WowWee Tribot!
This whole global economic crisis, and its resulting massive loss of jobs got us thinking. We here at Engadget didn't want to stand helplessly by, announcing every new round of misery without giving anything back -- so we decided to take the opportunity to spread a little positivity. We'll be handing out a new gadget every day (except for weekends) to lucky readers until we run out of stuff or companies stop sending things. Today we've got a WowWee Tribot on offer. Read the rules below (no skimming -- we're omniscient and can tell when you've skimmed) and get commenting! Hooray for free stuff! Two more shots of the products after the break.The rules: Leave a comment below. Any comment will do, but if you want to share your proposal for "fixing" the world economy, that'd be sweet too. You may only enter this specific giveaway once. If you enter this giveaway more than once you'll be automatically disqualified, etc. (Yes, we have robots that thoroughly check to ensure fairness.) If you enter more than once, only activate one comment. This is pretty self explanatory. Just be careful and you'll be fine. Contest is open to anyone in the 50 States, 18 or older! Sorry, we don't make this rule (we hate excluding anyone), so be mad at our lawyers and contest laws if you have to be mad. Winner will be chosen randomly. The winner will receive one (1) WowWee Tribot. Approximate retail value is $80. If you are chosen, you will be notified by email. Winners must respond within three days of the end of the contest. If you do not respond within that period, another winner will be chosen. Entries can be submitted until Thursday, April 30th, at 11:59PM ET. Good luck! Full rules can be found here.
WowWee's Lightstar flying blade reviewed: a cheap thrill
Looking for something to pass the time, scratch that robotic itch and come in at under a Jackson? Look no further than WowWee's Lightstar, the latest and greatest addition to the outfit's growing FlyTech family. The robot lovers over at RobotsRule were able to get their grimy hands around this here flying blade, and while they weren't expecting much for just $20, they came away delightfully enthralled. Essentially, there's no way to steer the chopper, but you can vary the acceleration and bounce it off of walls in order to keep your brain stimulated and a grin on your face. The real excitement kicked in when all the lights were flipped off and the Pink Floyd was cranked to 11. For a look at what we mean, check out the demonstration vid just past the break -- looks like $20 well spent from here.
