Griffin preps Helo TC helicopter with iOS remote control
updated 05:20 pm EDT, Thu July 14, 2011
Griffin Helo TC chopper uses iOS remote control
Griffin has just introduced a product that will end the monopoly enjoyed by Parrot and its AR.Drone quadrocopter. Like the original product, the Helo TC helicopter can be flown by a free app for iPhones, iPads or iPod touch devices. The form factor of the two crafts is slightly different, but either is an airborne toy.
The Helo TC joins the ColorStudio HD drawing toy for kids in its new range of AppPowered Accessories. The chopper communicates with iOS devices using infrared signals and can be recharged using a USB port. The built-in battery is said to last eight minutes.
Users can fly the helicopter using touch controls that include a virtual joystick or a Tilt-to-Fly mode that uses the accelerometer for more intuitive inputs. Users can save up to three flights and the chopper will recreate them perfectly.
When it launches in time for the winter holidays, the Helo TC will cost £35 (about $56). [via Gizmodo]
