Tag Archives: Tech

• , , , ,

Get a New and Improved Sphero, for Free

Get ready to roll with Sphero like never before. We have released a brand new firmware update with some big changes to make sure Sphero is the quickest, smartest robotic ball around.

Wait a second, what’s firmware? You are probably already familiar with updating the operating system on your iOS or Android device to get the latest features and capabilities. That’s exactly what you’ll need to do to get the coolest new features for Sphero. Sphero’s firmware is an incredibly sophisticated program that makes Sphero what he is. Everything from how he rolls and communicates to how he functions is wrapped into this program.

So what features does this firmware update provide? Vector Drive, Auto-Leveling, and Fast Aiming for starters. Vector Drive enables you to get Sphero off walls and out of corners by letting you change directions instantly instead of driving in an arc. Not only that, but with the help of his accelerometer, Sphero now auto-levels in his inductive charger when going to sleep. This optimizes Sphero’s charging, allowing you to get rolling again more quickly. And just in case you want to aim Sphero with lightening-speed, you can now do so 10x faster than before. In total, there are 43 distinct improvements included in this firmware update. Watch the video below to see these updates in action.

http://vimeo.com/47199219

To install the new firmware, follow the steps below.

1. Connect to Wi-Fi with your device.
2. Turn on your Sphero by giving it a hard double shake.
3. (iOS) Be sure your Sphero is connected in the Bluetooth settings or (Android) make sure your Sphero is paired.
4. Launch the main “Sphero” app and it will prompt you to update the firmware. The firmware update should take about 20-30 seconds to complete.
5. Go have a ball!

• , , ,

Free Sphero Giveaway: Week 19 Winner

EVERY DAY WE’RE SPHEROIN’*. Especially on Fridays, when we get to pick our favorite entry for this week’s Sphero Giveaway. This week, we enjoyed everything from a video of Sphero rolling around a ski-slope in New Zealand to a Sphero fish-tail contraption we’re still trying to figure out (how’d you attach that tail, Muchen?). The most impressive entry, though, came from Gabrijel, who actually hand-built a Sphero along with full packaging. Just check out his attention to detail and craftsmanship.

Congratulations, Gabrijel! Send us your address in a Facebook message and we’ll have Sphero rolling your way in time for your birthday.

Thank you to everyone else who submitted this week. Don’t worry, there will be plenty of opportunities to win a Sphero. As always, you can send in your creations and ideas to either our Facebook or Twitter (@gosphero) accounts. Remember that right now, you can also win limited edition Sphero ramps and t-shirts by retweeting or sharing this blog post. And if you don’t have a Sphero already, you can pick one up today at Apple or Brookstone (and even win an iPad 3).

*Thanks to Juan for our new favorite catch-phrase.

 

• , , ,

Orbotix Engineering Spud Gun Day

A lot goes on behind-the-scenes at Orbotix. When we’re not hacking on robots or developing apps, we can be found playing Broomball, having typing contests, and among other activities, eating snakes. Don’t get us wrong – the majority of the time, office life revolves around a little white robot called Sphero. But every now and then, it’s great to let loose and build something bigger. Stronger. Spuddier.

A few weekends ago, the engineering team headed into the sticks of Eastern Colorado with a few tools and a lot of PVC pipe. The goal was to get outside the office for a new type of challenge and focus on team building in an entirely different setting. Oh, and to launch potatoes across an open field. What happens when you put together a bunch of Orbotix engineers and some potatoes? Two words: spud guns. Really, really powerful spud guns.

The team experimented with two different types of guns. First, they built one that utilized compressed air and a valve which would successfully launch the spud an impressive distance. Met with success but eager for a slightly more aggressive rendition, the engineers put together a propellant-based gun. Experimenting with several types of propellants, they quickly found that Static Guard was the most effective. Soon, the team was launching spuds clear across the field with the help of the built-in sparker.

Between the power tools and team building, the day was a success that the engineering team hopes to soon recreate. An in case you were wondering just what sort of distance the Orbotix engineers are capable of, check it out.

• , , , ,

Sphero goes to E3: All Your Balls Are Belong To Us

 

For all the game-enthusiasts out there, Sphero will be making an appearance at the upcoming E3 Expo at the Los Angeles Convention Center June 5th-7th. If you’ll be there for the biggest gaming conference in the nation, be sure to keep an eye out for Sphero.

Let us know if you’re around by posting to Facebook or Twitter at @GoSphero. And if you find us at the convention, you just might be able to get your hands on an All Your Balls Are Belong To Us limited edition t-shirt. Hint: you’ll also get a sweet discount on Sphero if you happen to see us around!

On Wednesday night, you can also party with us at Shifted2Reality. Our marketing manager, Chuck, will be doing the opening DJ set – and word on the street is that DJ Sphero will be making his debut and headlining the night. Stop by to catch some robotic beats.