Remote-Controlled Helicopter Brings Fun to Phones

A new remote-controlled helicopter shows how smartphone apps are not only changing the way people work, but also how they play.

Griffin's new remote control helicopter, the Helo TC, gets its power from apps on the iPhone, iPod touch or iPad. The Helo TC is controlled with various on-screen controls and even tilts to fly, which means the chopper can be moved depending on how the Apple device is held.

The helicopter comes with a flight deck module, and a dock for the iPhone or other device that converts the app's output to control the helicopter. It can buzz around a room for about eight minutes, and is only for indoor use.

The Helo TC is recharged by USB, but the flight deck uses AAA batteries, so it doesn't drain the iPhone's power when it's connected to it. Griffin says its helicopter costs about $50 and will be out just in time for the holiday season.

The Helo TC isn't the first time Apple devices were used to control a flying toy. Most smartphones are equipped with Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, which lets them be used as remote controls for toys that are similarly equipped.

Just last year, Parrot, a French technology company, developed the A.R. Drone. It comes with four propellers, its own Wi-Fi network, and a much higher price tag of $300. Also, the Drone, developed with military technology, takes off for flight both indoors and outside.

People who don't like the idea of their children flying (and crashing) helicopters in their homes may appreciate earthbound, smartphone-powered toys even better. For example, Tankbots work on four different frequencies, so four people can play together. Each of the tanks comes with an attachment for a smartphone that turns it into a remote. At a wallet-friendly $20 each, everybody in the family can join in a tank war.

With the number of people who own smartphones continuing to climb, development of toys controlled by smartphones may grow as well -- which could lend itself to some very interesting requests for Santa this holiday season.

Remote-Controlled Helicopter Brings Fun to Phones originally appeared at Mobiledia on Fri Jul 15, 2011 4:37 pm.