9 Crazy-Cool Toys You Can Control With Your Smartphone

Who says that toys are made for children only? Although we may have outgrown the toys we grew up with, some of the toys you can find in the market these days can really make you want to let out your inner child. So, to heck with age recommendations, let’s check out some of the new, innovative toys that you can play with your iOS or Android device.

In this list, you will find 9 toys that you can maneuver with your smartphone or tablet. They include airplanes, tanks, robots and more. These toys can fly, drive, turn, flip and rotate, avoid obstacles and even take pictures and record videos. See if these toys can make you feel like you want to be a kid again.

Recommended Reading: High-Tech Toys & Gadgets Designed For Kids

1. Ollie

Ollie is a toy you can maneuver with your iOS or Android device. It can reach up to speeds of 14mph. It has a durable colored shell with built-in LEDs, and they can spin, flip and do plenty of tricks while you control them from your smartphone. Ollie is connected to your smartphone in a 30 meter range, via Bluetooth. Watch it in action here. [.99-149.99]

2. Smart Plane

Smart Plane is touted as the "R/V aircraft imagined" – a slow-flying durable plane that can withstand flying both indoors and outdoors. The app, available for iOS and Android, is built to simulate a fly-from-the-cockpit atmosphere complete with FlightAssist technology. The plane is powered by a 1g lithium-polymer battery which can last up to 30 mins of "airtime". When you’re done, charge it up in 15 minutes and go again. [.99]

3. TankBot

Tankbot is a maze master – it navigates around obstacles with ease, and help from infrared sensors. You can also let it roam free, or control it from your smartphone. Just tap it with your iOS or Android device to connect, then race your Tankbot or battle against other Tankbots. It is available in seven colors and can be charged via USB. Its dimensions are 13.5 × 23.5 × 7.5 cm. [.95]

4. Wireless Spy Tank

Need to run a little espionage? This Wireless Spy Tank is the perfect tool for the job. Equipped with a camera to stream and record live videos and still images, the tank can travel up to 200 ft unobstructed, half of that distance around walls. The visual feed comes with night vision plus you can not only hear what it hears, but also "speak" on its behalf, using its speakers. Avaialble for iOS and Android devices. [6]

5. Romo

Romo is a robot which can be controlled by an iOS device, and is primed to teach kids about robotics, mobile and game programming. It can detect faces, chase a moving target, and serve as a moving video chat platform. Users can give Romo missions to carry out and upgrade Romo to become more expressive along the way. Its company, Romotive hopes to be able to make Romo compatible with Android soon. [9]

6. MOTO TC Rally

The MOTO TC Rally is rechargeable via USB and can be driven with your smartphone. Tilt your iOS device (iOS 6 and above) to steer your rally car or use the steering wheel on your touchscreen. The fun part about this is should you race your rally car with another, you can inflict virtual damage and change the way the car handles. The rally car comes with bonuses and attacks that you can earn as you drive. [.99]

7. Petcube

Hate leaving your pets at home when you go to work? With Petcube you can watch your pet, talk to it and even play with it remotely using your iOS or Android device. Petcube has a built-in camera, microphone and a laser pointer to help you do that. This interactive wireless camera lets you watch your pets pet even when you’re not home, and you can also get your friends to join in and play remotely. [9]

8. Power 3.0 Paper Plane Conversion Kit

Always wanted your paper airplane to fly longer and go further? Maybe what you need is some help from Powerup 3.0, a conversion kit that turns a regular paper airplane into a flying drone! The kit comes with paper plane templates (they have 8) which is available on their site as well. Charge up the smart module, attach your folded plane design to the Powerup 3.0 and use your iOS or Android device to fly your plane into the horizon. [.99]

9. iPhone-Controlled Bug

Yes, this is a bug you can control with your iPhone. It is designed to look like an insect, although I’m not sure what kind. Anyways, it can work up to a distance of 6 meters, and it is powered with a USB-rechargeable battery. You can "steer" it with a transmitter that you can plug into your headphone jack. It moves pretty fast and can really creep your friends out; just make sure they don’t step on it! [.95]

9 Crazy-Cool Toys You Can Control With Your Smartphone