Tech Toy Review: Parrot AR.Drone

Polly wants a quadricopter

Tech Toy Review: Parrot AR.Drone

by May Chua

Updated 01:25 PM Feb 25, 2011

NEED a spanking new tech toy to distract yourself until the new Apple iPad lands in your hands? Check out the Parrot AR.Drone ($449).

The AR.Drone is a lightweight quadricopter that you can control with a free app on the iPhone, iPod Touch or iPad. Think of it as a souped-up, remote-controlled helicopter.

The drone creates its own WiFi hotspot. Once you've connected to that using your iOS device, just install the free app and launch it to start playing.

The basics of flight control are easy enough to master. There are two ways to control the drone: Place your thumb over the left button and use your iOS device as a steering wheel, or use the right button as a directional pad. A handy button at the bottom of the screen allows you to instruct the drone to land on its own.

You can fly it indoors and outdoors - we prefer indoors, where the wind is less of a factor.

Once you encounter anything stronger than a light wind, the drone becomes more difficult to control. Here's where the autopilot swoops in to save the day. When the drone is dangerously close to an obstacle, just let go of the button and it will attempt to stabilise itself and hover on the spot. It works most of the time.

We initially expected the 15-minute battery life to be a dampener, but ultimately found it better than expected. Even with constant airtime, it typically lasted longer than 15 minutes.

The quadricopter can soar to a maximum height of 50 metres - an impressive sight. However, beware of flying it too high when you are near a forested area; during one test flight, the toy nearly got stuck in a tree. Oops.

There are two cameras on the AR.Drone, one at its front and another underneath it. The video feeds are streamed back to your iPhone. If you have two drones or more, you can play augmented reality (AR) games. So far, however, only one official game app is available for the AR.Drone: AR Pursuit (US$2.99), which allows you to shoot virtual missiles at other drones. We did not get the chance to play it as we had only one review unit. The YouTube videos and game trailers looked promising, though.

This toy hit the shelves last month and has sold several hundred units so far. No models or updates are planned for now, though an Android app is in the works. It is expected to be out in a few months' time.

Though we would prefer the AR.Drone to be more wind-resistant, it still makes a cool toy for both adults and children past the destructive age. May Chua



Check out our video of the AR.Drone in action on TODAYonline's video gallery: bit.ly/TODAY_quadricopter


Source: www.todayonline.com

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iPad

iPad it up

With cool accessories like these, what's not to like about Apple's new iPad?
by Trevor Tan
05:55 AM Jul 23, 2010

If you haven't already heard, the Apple iPad will be officially launched in Singapore today. If you're queuing up to get one now, we recommend these accessories as well - they'll go a long way in protecting and complementing your prized possession.



1. Speck CandyShell Case ($69; www.distexpress.com)

You'll most likely want to protect the iPad's magnificent-looking aluminum back. The Speck CandyShell Case will do the job with its hard shell and soft rubberised interior lining that protect your iPad from scratches. Even the front bezel lining and button covers are rubberised to offer more shock absorption and protection. Plus, a flip-back panel located at the bottom lets you dock the device on Apple's iPad Dock or Keyboard Dock without having to remove the case. Available in black or purple.



2. Power Support Air Jacket Set for iPad - Clear ($99.90; www.mcbay.com.sg)

If you want to protect your iPad but would like the lovely Apple logo to be visible on the back of the device, use the Power Support Air Jacket Set Clear case. It comes with a screen protector and a great microfiber cloth. The case fits snugly and is easy to install. The thin plastic casing looks as though it's not there but gives you the comfort of knowing that your device is well protected. A black version is available as well.



3. Twelve South BookArc for iPad ($65; www.equestinternational.com)

Twelve South's BookArc for iPad is probably one of the best-looking tabletop iPad stands. Made from a single piece of solid steel and carved into a stylish but sturdy arc with a slot in the middle to house your iPad, the BookArc lets you view your iPad horizontally or vertically while it's still connected to a charging cable. The arc in front of the slot lets you access the iPad's Home button when the iPad is placed vertically. A silicon insert around the slot ensures your iPad remains scratch-free. There's even a second insert to accommodate your iPad if it has a shell-style case. How thoughtful!



4. Gelaskins for iPad (US$29.95; www.gelaskins.com)

Having a case fixed on your iPad might not be everyone's cup of tea as it makes the iPad look bigger than it is. Try the fabulous Gelaskins - removable and customisable covers with a durable anti-scratch and anti-ultraviolet coating that protects your iPad from abrasion. The skins utilise patented 3M adhesive that make Gelaskins easy to apply without air bubbles. If your first application is not perfect, just peel the skin off and reapply it. You can choose from numerous arty designs for the skin and download the accompanying wallpaper to complete the look.



5. Apple iPad Camera Connection Kit (US$29, http://store.apple.com/sg/)

One accessory that you have to get is Apple's very own iPad Camera Connection Kit. It includes two connectors with different interfaces - one with a USB port, the other an SD card reader. Both connectors allow you to download photos from your camera or your SD card onto the iPad. And apparently, you can use USB keyboards and other USB-based audio devices on the USB connector, even though they are not officially supported. This hot entity goes for more than $100 on local online forums. Local pricing was not available at press time. Nonetheless, by the time you read this sentence, the kit's probably sold out in local stores, too.



6. Capdase PrivacyGuard Roamer 360 Degree ($99.90; www.mcbay.com.sg)

Holding your iPad in a cafe or in the MRT might score you some attention but it could attract unwelcome peeks from your neighbours as well. Fret not. Use the Capdase Privacyguard Roamer 360 Degree screen protector. Not only does it protect your iPad screen, it also prevents curious onlookers from peeking at your screen as it reduces the viewing angle to 35 degrees. Be careful when you apply the screen protector. The smallest twitch during application will cause air bubbles.



7. MacAlly BTKeyMini (Pricing TBC; www.macally.com)

If you value practicality over looks, pick up the MacAlly BTKeyMini portable Bluetooth keyboard and stand. The 77-key keyboard has a cover that doubles as a stand, allowing you to place your iPad in landscape or portrait mode. Despite its ordinary looks, the keyboard is small and slim enough (222x103x16mm) for you to slot into your bag. And it works with the iPhone, iPod Touch and any computer with Bluetooth capability. However, worldwide availability and pricing is yet to be confirmed.



8. SwitchEasy TRIG for iPad ($59; www.distexpress.com)

There are tons of iPad sleeves in the market now. You can try the SwitchEasy TRIG. It not only houses your iPad but doubles as a stand. Fold the flaps and snap on the buttons to secure the device. You can then place your iPad on the base grip vertically or horizontally. The reinforced panels offer protection and stability. And the inner lining is so soft you can slide your iPad in and out effortlessly. A screen guard, a microfiber cloth and a handy screen squeegee are bundled in the package. TRIG comes in six colours - black, arctic (white), magnesium, mustard, blue and viola (purple).



9. iHome iB969 (Pricing TBC; www.techventis.com)

The iHome iB969 is a charging station that wants to charge not only your iPad but also almost every other gadget you have. With a built-in iPad stand and dual universal docks, you can charge your iPad, iPhone, iPod, Amazon Kindle and even a Blackberry through USB. There is an expandable rest area that fits almost all eBook readers. According to its local distributor, the iHome iB969 will only be available in Singapore in the last quarter of this year.



Visit Tech Talk at http://blogs.todayonline.com/techtalk/ to read our thoughts on the iPad.

http://www.todayonline.com/Tech/EDC100723-0000050/iPad-it-up

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