Rovio
The basics
If all dogs had cameras attached to them and were as obedient as a Crufts best of show winner the Rovio would be the closest thing to them. This robotic half dog half sentry unit can be programmed to go along any route you wish and thanks to a webcam atop its head you can see what it sees, even when abroad. Simply log into Rovio via Wi-Fi and see what it's up to. Use it to check on the home while away or better yet spy on the neighbours. It's the ultimate plaything and security tool in one.
The good
You probably can’t afford a Mars rover but here’s the next best thing – a self-sufficient robotic rover that you can direct and program online. Its three-wheeled tracks are ideal for bumping over rugs and cables, allowing its adjustable camera to search for signs of humanoid life at home while you’re hundreds or even thousands of miles away. A tiny infrared illuminator shoots invisible beams on to the ceiling, which the Rovio uses to negotiate its way around obstacles and back to its charging station when it runs low on juice. It’s easy to programme patrols, with the Rovio automatically e-mailing you photos of doors and windows.
The bad
Like old-school Daleks, the Rovio can’t climb stairs, and it’s audio and video quality aren’t great (best to schedule patrols for daylight hours). If you want the Rovio to move through more than one room (or beyond about 25 feet from the dock), you’ll need extra infrared Room Beacons, costing about £25 each.
The bottom line
The Rovio is halfway between a toy and a Terminator. It’s far too sophisticated (and far too much fun) to let the kids near but lacks the laser-powered weaponry to subjugate intruders. In fact, in our house it would probably be the first thing they’d nick.
User comments (17)
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chelsea196017 October 2009
sounds like fun i wanna play with it .......
Report as inappropriateFireyStuff27 October 2009
It's a hell of as life When you've not got a wife and the man next door's got three!
Report as inappropriatereeceboyd30 November 2009
wot do thy actually do r thy toys or something
Report as inappropriateangus08 December 2009
how much is it in £
Report as inappropriatesam 09 December 2009
on amazon £173
Report as inappropriateRichard22b10 December 2009
Just got one of these today. So far great fun chasing the dog with it :) only thing I can't seem to do is get it talking to the Internet over sky broadband.
Report as inappropriateRichard22b10 December 2009
An update. Have now managed to connect to the internet and run it from my Iphone over 3G. Works very well. Am now looking for the room beacons to extend it's range. Anyone know where?
Report as inappropriatekieran14 December 2009
if you are after a rovio you should get a spykey its got a better camera faster and i got it for £99 on amazon last christmas
Report as inappropriateTyler01 January 2010
you dont need extra room becons to move around just for autopolite
Report as inappropriatecheets04 February 2010
oO there down to £169.99 now, thats an £80 quid saving! as of 4/2/2010 Wonder if major reductions mean a new improved model is on the horizon. Maybe it will include UV water pistol to tag intruders, well if I designed it anyway!
Report as inappropriateSarah15 March 2010
I`ve seen it for £149.99 from Menkind cool
Report as inappropriateSydthequeen12112 April 2010
Ha cool babes i like it xxxx i want it
Report as inappropriatearticman24 May 2010
it looks cool
Report as inappropriatekyle h r18 June 2010
who do you get more becons
Report as inappropriateSsseee223312 September 2010
im gettin it Whats better Rovio o spykee
Report as inappropriatebarney977918 September 2010
i want one
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