Griffin announce the Helo TC iOS app controlled helicopter
Griffin is set to unleash a remote controlled helicopter called the Helo TC. The Helo TC will be controlled by an app which will be available for iPhone, iPad or iPod touch. We have seen one of these before but where this helicopter differs to the already available Parrot AR Drone is in the price. The Helo TC will be available later this year for just £34.99 which is approximately $56.
To be fair, it is a totally different bit of technology compared to the Parrot AR Drone. The Helo TC is only suitable for indoor use, has a maximum flying time of just 8 minutes and has no on-board video capturing devices.
Control of the helicopter will be done by a dedicated app which will be available for free in the App Store. The app will utilize the built in accelerometer; which will allow any budding pilots to navigate by simply tilting the iPhone in the direction they want it to go. There is also the option to use an onscreen joystick too. The Helo TC app can record and store up to 3 flight plans, perfect for annoying friends and family!
Look for this one popping up in Apple Stores later in the year. I don’t know about you but I am all over this when it becomes available.
[T3]
UK editor at iMore, mobile technology lover and air conditioning design engineer.
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This is effectively a 100% premium because you control it with your phone. Last Christmas these helicopters were everywhere for ~$25 each. Current price at Think Geek is $25 or $30 if you want on board video. Cool toy, but the price is just silly.
We're inching closer to full-sized remote controlled helicopters with passengers. Like in "The Sixth Day" (Arnold Schwartzenegger, Robert Duvall, 2000.)
this one is for android, but you control via bluetooth right from your phone (no IR transmitter)
http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1756214656/bluedrone-android-controlled-r-c-car
This heli is actually crap, it looks like any other cheap 3 channels toy. These kind of helis are unstable in the air and hard to maneuver, don't expect it to come anywhere close to the AR Drone.
This is basically just the Syma 107 resold with a new controller (your iPhone).
Actually, it is surprisingly very stable and easy to control (at least with the traditional controller). No wonder it won Toy of the Year last year.