Rovio owners have always been able to control their sentry bot from their iPhone using WowWee’s browser-based interface, but someone has apparently found that not good enough, so he built his own iPhone/iPod touch app. It looks pretty neat. It gives you a larger view of the Rovio’s webcam feed and also lets you use the accelerometer to control the bot. The app is free.
When WowWee’s Rovio was first announced we all knew it would be a popular platform for modders. The three-wheeled remote WiFi camera-bot has been available for a few weeks, and the first hacks are now coming in. Rudolph at RoboCommunity has taken it upon himself to add some LED lights to the webcam.
Rovio already has headlights which you can remotely switch on and off, but if you’re peering upward into the darkness then they’re less effective then if you are just looking at the floor. Rudolph’s hack fits two bright white LEDs to either side of the camera lens, wired in with the original lights so they can be switched on and off at command.
A little under a year ago, the Robodance software enabled robot lovers everywhere to control the awesomely tiny i-SOBOT with a Nintendo Wiimote. And now, ou can do the same the same with WowWee’s Rovio. Yep. You can command the latest and coolest robotic sentry as easily as you play Zelda. Easier actually. You can also customize button assignments to suit your needs. Surely an awesome bot on it’s own, this makes Rovio that much cooler. Let’s hope they send me a review unit real soon.
WowWee is hoping to drum up some enthusiasm for the WiFi-enabled remote webcam bot with some new demo videos. The three clips show off various aspects of Rovio so you can get to know the bot. Videos below. Read the rest of this entry »
WowWee’s impressive three-wheel webcam-enabled robot will be hitting e-retailers soon. The Rovio features a Northstar GPS system and can be controlled via the internet, cellphones, and even game consoles. It can be found on Amazon and pre-ordered for $300 on Hammacher Schlemmer. The release date is Sept. 26. This is one awesome robot!
Rovio owners have always been able to control their sentry bot from their iPhone using WowWee’s browser-based interface, but someone has apparently found that not good enough, so he built his own iPhone/iPod touch app. It looks pretty neat. It gives you a larger view of the Rovio’s webcam feed and also lets you use the accelerometer to control the bot. The app is free. 
