Sphero extended its Disney partnership with its first Marvel-licensed connected toy, the wisecracking Spider-Man.
Unlike Sphero’s other robotic playthings, the 8.5-inch tall Spider-Man is completely stationary. It does, however, contain an accelerometer and can detect when it’s picked up or tossed around. A motion detector registers someone walking by, triggering the toy’s interactive LCD eyes, while speech recognition and a built-in mic enables voice commands.
Spidey, which also features Bluetooth, can tell 20 different stories and 100 jokes, and the accompanying iOS and Android app lets users play games and “go on missions.” Its built-in Wi-Fi lets Sphero update the connected toy with additional content going forward.
For privacy-minded parents, the company noted that a user’s voice is never stored or shared in his or her account, and the device only detects pre-programmed phrases when the button on Spidey’s chest is pressed.
Sphero’s Spider-Man is currently available for a $149 suggested retail, just in time for the release of “Spider-Man Homecoming.” A charging base is included; battery life is listed at over two hours on a full charge.
