WowWee Rovio is I4U Top 100 Gift Tip #30

Sep 17 2008, 12:00pm CDT | by Luigi Lugmayr

The WowWee Rovio is the first WowWee robot that is more than just a fun toy. The Rovio can actually do something useful. You can monitor your home from anywhere in the world over the net.
Besides the Elmo Live, the WowWee Rovio is the hottest gadget gift this coming Holidays.

The Rovio robot streams audio and high-resolution (640 x 480px) video in MPEG4 format, and it can take still pictures and e-mail them to you. Rovio has a two-way microphone and speaker that enables real-time interaction with subjects - for instance your cat.
The Rovio robot is also the first to feature the NorthStar smart navigation and positioning system, which represents a major breakthrough in robotics. Working like a micro-GPS system, the NorthStar system enables the Rovio robot to know where it is, locate the position of other objects, and navigate from place to place with pinpoint accuracy, entirely under its own control.
You can set the Rovio with up to 10 paths for a customized patrol; it will move along a path, detecting and avoiding obstacles with its infrared sensor, and repeat the sequence until issued new orders. The roaming robot operates for two hours from its rechargeable battery which draws power from the included recharging base.

For Whom:
The Rovio is for anyone interested in remotely monitoring their home or just keeping the pets off the couch while they're away.

The Good:
Video over Wi-Fi

2-way microphone
Northstar navigation

The Bad:
Stairs are a problem

Where to Buy:
WowWee Rovio is on sale on Hammacher Schlemmer for $299.95. Buying on Hammacher has the advantage of their lifetime guarantee.

See all our top 10 gift tips in the Gadget and Toy Category. Explore all our Top 100 Holiday Gift Tips 2008.

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where to buy

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Luigi Lugmayr
Luigi is the founding chief Editor of I4U News and brings over 15 years experience in the technology field to the ever evolving and exciting world of gadgets. He started I4U News back in 2000 and evolved it into vibrant technology magazine.
Luigi can be contacted directly at ml@i4u.com. Luigi posts regularly on LuigiMe.com about his experience running I4U.