Rovio is a 3-wheeled remote roving webcam with a built-in web server and WiFi connectivity.
It is capable of driving back and forward but also sideways thanks to lateral mini-wheels embedded in each wheel.
WowWee's designer Mark Tilden presents its main features:
The Rovio demoed above was a pre-production prototype.
Control of Rovio is achieved through its web page, relayed by your home WiFi router, such as this:
This looks like tough competition...
An infrared beacon behind Rovio's charging station is used by Rovio's IR "eye" to go back to its station if the station is in the same room.
Rovio can be programmed to learn the topology of an apartment.
Its web server automatically adapts mobile browser such as smartphones running Pocket Internet Explorer from Windows Mobile. Set up your home router to let Rovio's access the web and you are ready to control it from any WiFi access point in the world.
Rovio can also be controlled by an iPhone or an iPod Touch via the Rovio Driver 3rd party app.
Rovio Driver replicates Rovio's camera in full screen on the iPhone but also permits using the iPhone accelerometers as inputs for controlling Rovio!