Tech We LOVE: Sphero 2

A new generation of the Sphero is finally out and its amazing! With the latest release the humble robotic ball has finally rolled up to the top of the androidbloke’s Christmas list.

Another sunny weekend here in London town and we were on our way to our local London park to soak up the sun rays.  While the family were enjoying the hot weather- I parked off on the picnic mat and thought I would open up the box of a brand spanking new Sphero 2.0.

What’s better with Sphero 2

In a word, everything has been given an upgrade. Its faster, brighter and even the software has been given a massive overhaul. Finally the software also gives you a much improved tutorial to get you started and even lets you name your Sphero ( the review model we have is called “Dave” )  It also comes equipped with a better sleep mode to make sure you can maximize the charge if you take the Sphero out for the day.

The new software is gaming marvelous

Once the new sphero app is installed you can see straight away what a massive overhaul the Sphero peeps have done. The new app has borrows heavily from the likes of other games like “World of Warcraft” to allow users to “Level up” their Sphero” to give it better “powers” including faster speed or brighter lights. My Level 8 Sphero completed races rings round anything that moves!   But that’s not all:

Shields UP

You heard it right…. your Sphero now has a shield.  Don’t worry Mr Spock has no need to get jealous just yet as its only a “software” shield.  If your precious Sphero bumps into too many obstacles ( due to your bad driving) you will need to “re-charge” the shields which means that suddenly you are caring which obstacles and bumps you are running into.   Spinning the Sphero round on the spot recharges the shield in a few seconds so you are good to go.  Plus the recharging effect looks amazing.

Special Moves and Cool Tricks

All about the AccessoriesThe longer you use the sphero – the more moves points you earn.  And we all know what points mean…. in this case more points mean more special moves and cool tricks.  My favourite special move has to be “Rainbow” which make the ball glow in a multitude of colours and plays a dance-inspired beat in the background.  Pride of place has to be the “Freak Out” special Move which causes the Sphero to Pop and Squeak like its having a massive short-circuit( One move to definitely surprise the people trying to touch the robotic ball. )

In the box, the Sphero ball comes with a charger as standard and in an ingenious packaging move comes equipped with 2 bright green ramps which add a new depth to the moves and tricks you can play.

I setup an extremely cool obstacle course in a few seconds using the ramps and spare piece of wood right on the path in the park and was soon attracting a whooping audience whilst the Sphero sprinted and jumping over the ramps.

The Sphero also has a new accessory in the form of a “Nubby” cover which now protects the ball when its being used outside.  It has a really cool effect of exaggerating the lighting effect creating a cool UFO like effect in the dark.

Apps Apps Apps

Despite being a new overhaul the new Sphero is still compatible with all the previous Sphero games ( all 40+ of them) So there is always a new challenge whether it be Augmented reality Zombies of “Rolling Dead” or the challenge of Sphero Golf.

For those of you looking to get your own cool Sphero plaything