A flying toy safe to play with in the house
(Credit:
WowWee)
When I was a kid, I was almost grounded for life by my parents for nearly breaking a large hanging lamp...while playing with a remote-controlled helicopter. Finally, a flying toy safe to play with in the house. WowWee's latest addition to its Flytech line of remote-controlled flying toys, the Flytech Bladestar, claims to be the first flying toy with sensor-based navigation. The Bladestar flies using two wings that spin (similar to a helicopter), and with its built-in infrared sensors it can detect and avoid ceilings, walls, and other solid obstacles.
Constructed from light and flexible materials, it is designed to be crash resistant. The Bladestar has a three-channel infrared remote control that has two flight modes. In autopilot mode, it will fly autonomously using its sensors to avoid obstacles and ceilings. In RC mode, you have complete control over it using the throttle and directional-pad controls.
If you have a friend that also has a Flytech Bladestar, there is a dogfight option that allows users to duel two Bladestars in aerial combat. The fire button on the controller allows you to fire invisible infrared beams at an opponent's flyer, a total of three hits will knock the player's Bladestar from the air.
The Flytech Bladestar sells for $49.99, and is available online and from major retailers. It comes with two spare wings, two spare propellers, and a protective carrying case for easy storage.
The Bladestar was first shown at CES. You can even watch a video of CNET's Tom Merritt demonstrating it.
