Join Prime-8 Action Gorilla from I Love Robots
I had a chance to try out the Prime-8 Action Gorilla toy from I Love Robots, and I can honestly say that I like this one.
I’m not going to say love, as it is too strong of a word. I think I am a little too old to appreciate this toy, but adults will find it enjoyable. The Prime-8 is a toy robot that is shaped like a ball-shaped ape, and travels by way of arms on its sides. It can also stand up by means of retractable legs.
The remote control for this guy has a lot more buttons than most remote control toys. Besides sending the Prime-8 in the right or left direction, the user can shoot plastic rockets thanks to its detachable launchers. He or she can also make it Go Bananas, growl, and play games.
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My Review of the Spy Video TRAKR
We have mentioned the Spy Video TRAKR before, and I had a chance to try out the Spy Video Car that Wild Planet put out several years ago. The basic concept is the same: put a camera on a remote control vehicle, and allow the user to see the video feed from a distance.
The Spy Video Car had four wheels and a hands-free glasses display that was black-and-white. The Spy Video TRAKR has two treads and the display is on the controller.
The TRAKR also has some other updates. It can actually record video with 8MB of onboard RAM or on an SD card. The camera is also able to see in the dark, and the user can transmit their voice from the controller to the rover like a walkie-talkie. Another bonus is the “Cyber mode”, allowing the TRAKR to “memorize and retrace mission routes”.
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Hands on with the Anti-Gravity Web Runner from Fantasma Toys
I was fortunate enough to have Fantasma Toys send me the Anti-Gravity Web Runner, but I want to make certain that my wife and kids knew I had it.
Why? Have you ever seen a spider scurry across your floors, walls, or ceilings? Now imagine that spider about 10 times its normal size. I would hate to have my wife or kids have a panic attack at the sight of the big arachnid that you see in the photo.
The Web Runner is a remote control spider that can not only go across the floor, but up the walls and even on the ceiling with 360 degrees of motion. It does so with its own patented air suction technology. Its legs will move in a creepy way, and its eyes glow an eerie red.
Continue reading » Hands on with the Anti-Gravity Web Runner from Fantasma Toys
Robotic Velociraptor – Steven Spielberg gets no royalties
Remember when you first watched Jurassic Park in the theatres, and was mesmerized at how Steven Spielberg held everything together without that much CGI compared to today? Well, the velociraptor certainly brought chills down my spine, which would make me approach this Robotic Velociraptor with a little bit of apprehension. At least I can always kick this around if it ever goes violent on me, since it is a whole lot smaller compared to the real deal. In the velociraptor’s snout lies an infrared sensor which enables it to detect movement or objects. The moment it is locked onto its “prey,” the dinosaur will then charge forward with feral howls and dervish-like spins. Should you choose to close its jaws by hand, it will remain tames but for a while, and if held closed for too long, it will start to whimper angrily. Want to enrage it like the Hulk? Just double-clicking its jaws and you will see tooth-filled jaws make a menace of itself. Powered by a quartet of AA and a trio of AAA batteries, the Robotic Velociraptor would make for a decent Christmas present for $49.95.
Baby’s First Ducati R/C Motorcycle
Introduce your little one to the world of remote controlled toys with the Baby’s First Ducati R/C Motorcycle from ThinkGeek. Why is it special to us? Well, for $39.99 a pop, it will not only offer the thrilling experience of an R/C vehicle, but packaged in such a way that even little ones can play without running the risk of choking on small and tiny parts. For your geekling, this model looks like a real motorcycle, boasting an actual rider. Not only that, its remote control also comes with large, easy-to-use buttons which you can use to drive the bike forward or backward, while turning left and right whenever possible. Boasting its own range of sound effects for added ambience, it will work in tandem with the way you accelerate your bike. Being able to handle the stress of a 2-year old’s hands is also another miracle, all going for less than $40.
Tron Zero G Light Cycle
It seems that expectations of the upcoming Tron Legacy movie is pretty high, especially when you consider what kind of hype it must live up to when compared to the original classic. Needless to say, the chances of making a huge splash in terms of merchandise are pretty high, which is why there is the Tron Zero G Light Cycle which will tie in with the movie. Retailing for £34.99 a pop, this bike will work like the one in the movie, as the Zero G Light Cycles emit trails of light (or ‘jetwalls’ as you call it) which will cause your opponent’s vehicle to fall off the wall or ceiling if crossed. All action can be controlled via a stylish twin toggle infra-red transmitter which doubles up as a charging unit for your Light Cycle’s rechargeable battery.
Follow Me Puppy has no poop to clean up after
I haven’t met anyone who doesn’t like puppies yet, which is a good thing. After all, who could resist such adorable looking eyes, not to mention their unconditional love for you, especially during heart warming moments when they follow you home? One thing you have to bear in mind though – puppies can be a handful to look after, as you teach them the correct place to poop and pee while letting them know which places are off limits in your home. To avoid all that hassle, go ahead with the Follow Me Puppy from Hammacher. This $49.95 purchase will come with a friendly smile and floppy ears, following its child owner faithfully without having to bribe it with treats (just batteries will do). Attracted by an infrared “bone”, this puppy can also call out the child’s name via a previous recording using the puppy’s built-in microphone. Capable of rolling over smooth surfaces using a couple of wheels and a caster, where infrared sensors can detect the bone’s transmitter up to 12 feet away. Best to get some rechargeable batteries to go along with this if you want to be eco-friendly in the long run.
Bigtrak Jr offers big fun in small form factor
Here’s something that you might want to check out – the Bigtrak Jr programmable vehicle that allows you to release stress after a particularly long day at work simply by “driving” it around the home. Those who spent their childhood during the 1980s will definitely know of the Bigtrak, as this space rover thrilled kids and adults in their household back then, the Bigtrak Jr intends to bring back those nostalgic memories for their young progeny. Retailing for £29.99 a pop, this desktop version will deliver all the functions of its larger sized predecessor. Not only that, Bigtrak Jr will also be accompanied by a cool ‘memory save’ function that enables you to write programs and save them for use sometime down the road. In addition, its ‘active accessory port’ will accommodate various forthcoming accessories such as a webcam and foam rocket launcher.
