Sphero has launched two amazing two products to coincide with Force Friday II – the app-enabled droid R2D2 and BB9E – the all new character from latest Star Wars film The Last Jedi.
Apple Stores are also joining Force Friday II from today and over the weekend with coding sessions to control the Star Wars droids and create your own trailer.
The big surprise for Star Wars fans is the all-new BB9E droid – a similar astromech droid as the lovable BB8 – except this one has an affiliation with the First Order.
It has a black ball section and a more angular dome.
And just like BB8 you can steer it around the room with the mobile app or watch it patrol on its own.
In The Last Jedi, BB9E’s role is to keep starships and machinery fully operational.
R2D2 is the astromech droid we all know and love and Sphero has created a version that looks like it has stepped right off the screen for you to control with your mobile device.
It has all of the sounds from the films and his movements can be controlled using the Sphero app.
And the sounds don’t come from the app, they come from R2D2 itself which has integrated speakers.
It also has authentic LEDs so Artoo’s front and rear lights are fully functional.
Sphero’s R2D2 also has a retractable third leg like he does in the film for added stability.
His tracks can also work whether you’re on a flat surface or on carpet.
Players can also use an augmented reality trainer for R2D2 and BB9E as well as explore holographic simulations which can place the droids into memorable Star Wars locations whether it’s the Mega Star Destroyer from The Last Jedi or a Resistance ship.
Each has authentic movements so they look and act like they do on the screen.
All of Sphero’s app-enabled droids also provide a droid-to-droid experience so they can interact with each other and provide another level of enjoyment.
They also have Watch With Me mode so you can watch the Star Wars movies with them right by your side while they react to what’s on the screen.
R2D2 and BB9E are available from today and are priced at $299.99 and $249.99 respectively
from EB Games, Tech 2 Go, JB Hi-Fi, Zing, Apple Stores and Harvey Norman.
Apple Stores will kick off Star Wars Today at Apple sessions from today.
These sessions will include:
Kids Hour: Coding the Droids from Star Wars
Join an exciting Kids Hour starring the galaxy’s favourite droids. Using the same code developers use every day, kids will bring Star Wars droids to life by programming simple movements, loops, and more.
Then they’ll design a maze and navigate their droids through the obstacles. Kids can bring their own iPad and Sphero robot, or we’ll provide them. Recommended for ages 6 to 12.
How To: Build Your Own Star Wars Trailer
Explore how to create a Star Wars trailer with authentic footage from the films. You’ll discover signature Star Wars trailer-making techniques in an exclusive video from The Last Jedi director, Rian Johnson.
Then you’ll create your own trailer complete with titles, transitions, sound effects, and official Star Wars music using iPad and iMovie.
