The Sphero 2.0 ($129.99, gosphero.com) is a tech toy the whole family can enjoy. To put it very simply, Sphero is a ball. But it’s not just any ball…it’s a robot ball that can be played with in many different ways. My family just got one of these cool toys and took it outside for family night fun.
Who knew that rolling a ball around could be so entertaining?!? The Sphero can roll in any direction, change colors, turn on a dime and even flip in the air! A glowing Sphero looks especially cool once it starts to get dark outside. The colorful lights show up really well.
Mom Always Finds Out is a Sphero Blogger Ambassador and received the products mentioned in this blog post and compensation in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed are my own. The giveaway Sponsor is responsible for prize fulfillment. This blog post may contain affiliate links.
We are still getting to know our Sphero and figuring out everything it can do. The GoSphero.com website has been a great resource to tell me about all the different ways my family can use it for entertainment and educational purposes. Kids ages 8 and up are able to control the Sphero from a smartphone, tablet or iPod.
What’s in the package:
Every Sphero 2.0 comes with a Quick Start guide, 2 ramps, charging base, and information on how to download dozens of free apps at iTunes and the Google Play store. Our robot ball arrived with about half an hour’s worth of charge in it. It was fun to be able to play with it immediately instead of having to wait a couple of hours for it to charge.
Charge the Sphero by setting it heavy-side down on the charger. The battery takes about 3 hours to fully recharge. The battery lasts for about an hour of play time.
There are more than 30 free apps for Sphero. (Sphero is compatible with iOS and Android devices.) A Sphero can be played with by one person or multiple players. My family found that an easy way to have fun with our smart ball is to set up a homemade obstacle course. The apps include augmented reality games that make playing with Sphero like an interactive video game.
Controlling the Sphero with his iPod
My 10-year-old is very interested in technology and gaming. This robotic ball combines both of those interests. My son pretty much took over the Sphero from the get-go and figures out new things every day. He showed me how the Sphero can go on missions to level up and earn points. You can use the points to buy things like color upgrades and tricks for your ball. He has already spent hours rolling and playing around. I’m glad he likes teaching me how to play with it, too!
The Sphero is a way for kids to play and learn computer programming skills at the same time. Sphero’s mission is to make learning fun for kids and inspire the innovators of tomorrow. Parents and teachers can check out the SPRK (Schools, Parents, Robots, Kids) program that helps kids learn basics of programming, robotics and math at http://www.gosphero.com/education
Sphero can also be used as a 3D handheld mouse to play on screen games like Nyan Cat Space Party and Exile.
The Sphero is very durable. And waterproof! I did not believe an electronic toy could be waterproof. I double and triple checked that Sphero could be put into water before we finally decided to fill the pool and toss it in for a swim!
The custom Nubby Cover is a must have for the Sphero. It easily slips on and off to give the ball better traction on carpet and grass. Plus, it protects the ball and keeps it cleaner. We roll our Sphero on the road, and the Nubby Cover keeps it from gettting scratches and nicks from the asphalt. The Nubby Cover ($14.99, gosphero.com) is available in 4 cool colors.
Connect with Go Sphero!
Be sure to follow @GoSphero on Twitter and Like Go Sphero on Facebook
Thomas Murphy says
I learned it is capable of rolling at speeds of up to 7 feet per second.
Roe Clark says
I like that it can go in water
Anne Marie Carter says
I learned that you can use both your iPad and your iPhone to control the movements.
Candie L says
I love that you can create racecourse. Thank you
RICHARD HICKS says
I learned that you can control from either the smart phone or a tablet.
Amanda Sakovitz says
i learned that it has over ten different programming environments
Bobbie Smith says
I have never heard of the Sphero Robot Ball, and think it is totally awesome! I learned that you can control this with your phone or ipad…and there are so many neat things you can make it do! I absolutely LOVE this!
Fiona N says
They also have a lot of fun games on the website!
Sonya says
I love that it’s waterproof and pet proof!
Jill Myrick says
I learned that Sphero is a robotic ball that you pair with and control with your bluetooth device.
It is waterproof, pet proof and ready for adventure.
jweezie43[at]gmail[dot]com
Dede says
They have an education initiative. As a middle school teacher, I can say that this gadget would definitely be engaging for kids!
Melissa Teears says
Works with mobiles and tablets. Perfect!
Taylor Closet says
This is awesome! It can be controlled by your iphone… It can change color, roll in water, does tricks…This is amazing.
Thomas Fuhrman says
I like how it can move at 7 mph.
Lilly says
I learned that Sphero 2.0 is capable of rolling at speeds of up to 7 feet per second.
Jennifer Rogers says
I am an IT teacher and I learned that Sphero can be used to teach basic coding to students using the Macrolab app!
Nicole says
Your IT students would love this! Be sure to check out the Sphero site for free downloadable lessons. (Let me know if you need the link). Thank you for stopping by. -Nicole
Laura J says
I learned that you can upgrade family game night with multiplayer fun!
Natalie Brown says
Hi! I learned that it lights up in different colors and that it can be used as a dog toy too. This is so cool! Thank-you for the awesome chance!
joni says
I learned that this can go in water also.
Sindy Murray says
They created the SPRK program which will teach kids the basic concepts of programming, robotic and math.
Helga says
I like the games selections. I would love this for my nephew.
Linda Manns Linneman says
This is so neat for the whole family. Our pets would even like it. I like that it lights up and is waterproof. Oh the games you can play with this. Thank you for this giveaway
Marci Wright says
I love that it’s waterproof! My son watched the video with me & he is wanting one really badly now!
Eva says
I would love to win this! It would be such fun to play with our grandsons!!
Patrycja Chudziak says
I learned that the new engine makes the Sphero be able to roll at speeds of up to 7 feet per second
Ann Fantom says
I like that you can drive the Sphero through homemade obstacle courses.
Cynthia C says
I learned that it can be controlled with an iPad.
Karen Cochrane says
My 7 yr old son would love this he’s always looking for newer things to do and if it includes technology he’s all for it
Diane Cooper says
I like that it is waterproof.
Florence C says
Powered with a new engine, Sphero 2.0 is capable of rolling at speeds of up to 7 feet per second, This looks like a great toy for all ages, I like that you can play it with an Ipad.
Margaret Smith says
I learned that kids as young as eight can learn how to program
Rita Spratlen says
It can travel at 7 feet per second. Amazing what this can do.
Amber Edwards says
I seriously love that you can control it with the smartphone or ipod. And I especially love the waterproof feature. With my kids…that’s a must have.
Nicole says
The waterproof feature is great! It’s a super durable toy. We have had it on the road, grass, sidewalk, rocks, you name it. It just keeps on rolling. My son is always wanting new games on his iPad, so he’s got about 30+ Sphero free apps to keep him busy this summer. It’s been fun for me to have a common interest with him. He is now wanting to make Sphero videos to put on his YouTube channel. 🙂
jan says
there are a whole bunch of games to purchase online as well
Andrea W. says
I think it rocks that you can control it with your iphone or ipod. This would be so much fun to play with a kitten with!
Nicole says
I have heard about lots of people using the Sphero as a pet toy with their cats and dogs. That’s a great observation, thanks for leaving your comment. The Sphero is designed to be “pet proof”. -Nicole