Sphero's BB-8 is a cool toy replicating the Star Wars' BB-8 droid, which proved to be a scene-stealer in "Star Wars: The Force Awakens." The company made the robotic toy even cooler with a wearable Force Band that will control it using hand gestures.
The Force Band will not be available until later this year, according to Mac Rumors. However, Sphero has a prototype available for the Consumers Electronics Show (CES) 2016, which will be held in Las Vegas this week.
The Verge was able to try the Force Band and shared some insights on how it works. The speed of BB-8 is being controlled by hand elevation while the direction depends on the orientation of the hand.
This is how the Force Band works, according to The Verge:
"Resting your hand to your side enters driving mode. With your palm down, Sphero looks away from you; with your palm up it looks toward you. Spin in place, and BB-8 spins with you. The direction also dictates where it drives, and the rolling speed is at least somewhat affected by your hand's elevation. Waving your hand in place will enter a gesture mode -- the only one that worked for me was a nod "yes" when we did a quick right jab -- and then putting your hand back down re-engages driving mode."
Mashable stated that unlike the iPhone control that's basically the same as using a joystick, the Force Band creates a richer connection between the user and the droid. It seems "force" is actually flowing between the user and the BB-8.
The BB-8 will come in a new version once the Sphero ship the Force Band later this year. It will be called "Battle-Worn BB-8." It is basically the same droid but with a different skin that closely resembles the BB-8 in "Star Wars: The Force Awakens." Force Bands can still control the existing BB-8s.
Pricing is yet to be announced until Sphero finalizes the designs, materials and battery life.
