Posted by Adam on August 31, 2017 at 10:01 PM CST
We've received the press release for Sphero's Force Friday II offerings, and we think you're going to like what it says!

Sphero's Got The Droids You’re Looking For

Boulder, COLO. August 31, 2017 - Sphero, the leaders in Connected Play, announced today its global launch of two new app-enabled droids to their expanding
Star Wars product line: R2-D2™ App-Enabled Droid™ and BB-9E™ App-Enabled Droid™.

Fans will once again capture the
Star Wars movie magic through a play experience that is as authentic as it is advanced. Complementing Sphero's flagship Star Wars product, BB-8™ by Sphero, launched in 2015, the droids span decades of adventure from the Star Wars saga: the iconic R2-D2 is a veteran of the Rebel Alliance, BB-8 is a trusty astromech droid of the Resistance, and BB-9E is the First Order's rolling menace.

Users can travel to a galaxy far, far away by connecting the droids to the corresponding
Star Wars App-Enabled Droids by Sphero app (available on iOS and Android devices) and watch them respond to commands. Controlled with a smart device, users can drive R2-D2™ and BB-9E™, watch Star Wars films together, explore holographic simulations and more.

R2-D2™ App-Enabled Droid™ Performance Specs:
• Authentic Movement - Drive Artoo, go from bipod to tripod stances, or trigger emotive waddles.
• Holographic Simulation - Explore the Star Wars™ galaxy, roam iconic ship interiors, and more.
• Authentic LEDs - Artoo's signature front and rear lights are fully functional.
• Integrated Speaker - The beeps and boops come right from R2-D2 itself.

BB-9E™ App-Enabled Droid™ Performance Specs:
• Authentic Movement - Whether you're driving or on Patrol, BB-9E rolls just like on-screen.
• Holographic Simulation - Explore the
Star Wars galaxy with the app and the Droid Trainer.
• Signature LEDs - BB-9E's dome is equipped with vibrant LED lights.

"Our new BB-9E™ and R2-D2™ come alive in a way we've never seen before with the advancements we've made with our own robot animation technology," said Paul Berberian, CEO. "By fusing physical, digital, and entertainment experiences, we unlock the true potential of play and provide an experience that is authentic to the entertainment you see on the screen."

The launch is part of Disney and Lucasfilm's Force Friday II, the global event celebrating the launch of the products from
Star Wars: The Last Jedi.

BB-8™, BB-9E™, and R2-D2™ will be available for retail in Canada starting at 12:01am EST on Friday September 1, at Best Buy Canada and Apple Stores.

BB-9E w/Trainer: $199.99 CDN, $149.99 USD
R2-D2: $239.99 CDN, $179.99 USD


Droid Family

BB-8™, BB-9E™, and R2-D2™ are astromech droids from a galaxy far, far away.... Powered by the new Sphero App-Enabled Droids app, drive your droids, send them on patrol together, and more. Roam iconic ship interiors and memorable locations from the Star Wars™ saga through augmented reality and the Droid Trainer accessory. Each droid has different holographic environments to explore.

These droids span decades of adventure from Star Wars saga – iconic R2-D2 is a veteran of the Rebel Alliance, BB-8 is a trusty astromech droid of the Resistance, and BB-9E is the First Order's rolling menace. The specialized tech in these droids make them unlike any other. Watch them interact together and view films from the Star Wars saga with BB-8, BB-9E, and R2-D2 reacting by your side. Immerse yourself in the Star Wars galaxy. These are the droids you're looking for.


Droid Trainer

Explore the Star Wars™ galaxy through holographic simulations with the new Sphero App-Enabled Droids app and new accessory – the Droid Trainer. Place your BB-8 or BB-9E droid in the trainer, open the app, point your device at the droid and begin the adventure.

Roam iconic ship interiors and memorable locations from the Star Wars saga. Help BB-9E patrol the interiors of the Mega Star Destroyer from Star Wars: The Last Jedi™ or watch BB-8 explore a Resistance ship. Don't worry, R2-D2 doesn't miss out on the experience. This astromech droid's body allows you to start your journey simply with the app.

Each droid has different holographic environments to enjoy. Now you can experience what it's like to be in the Millennium Falcon, a Star Destroyer, or a Resistance Cruiser. Immerse yourself in the Star Wars galaxy.


Get a closer look at the Droid Family in the image gallery and animated gifs, and learn about the Droid Trainer app and technical features.



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