I first read the reviews on amazon (French website) before you buy, and I was two fingers to give up my purchase.
Then I went for a ride on the US amazon site, and I soon changed my mind (because more and more detailed).
As one of my previous comments (for another product), I regret being so hard on this because of the non-compatibility with older versions of smartphones / tablets because it focuses only on this point, and not on the product itself (that's my opinion).
Here is a décompo the strengths / weaknesses of this product:
Most:
+ It's super fun for kids (in my opinion from 7/8 years) and adults.
+ The app is not required to operate the robot. Turning the wheel, it can trigger mini games or features (free ride, jail etc ...) and thanks to sensors on the robot, it ride avoiding bumping into furniture.
+ Otherwise, the app is very nice (even in English). Especially the free guide, like a remote control car. This is great!
+ The color on the robot belly indicates which function is switched on or if the app is connected via Bluetooth (green).
+ The connection (smartphone / tablet) is ultra fast
+ The robot is very endearing. Full of sound effects are pre-programmed. On the app, you can give him "cans" that represent moods. (Sad = sad, grumpy grumpy = ... etc). You can put its own mp3 and the robot starts to dance to it (depending on the tempo) and you can choose styles in different dances.
+ The integrated gyroscope is just impressive. The app offers a great game to play alone or with your child. Indeed, the MIP has a tray that can hang in there. Each turn, you can stack objects on the tray and the internal gyroscope robot finds itself the balance. And every object placed, the app indicates a record "weight" to beat. It's really fun to 2 with her child, because we use our imagination to find objects both heavy (but not too) and not too big (which can remain on the shelf).
+ The robot comes with quick instructions (in French) for understanding the functionality very quickly by turning the wheel.
Cons:
- Indeed, the MIP app is not running on my iPad 2 is from iPad 3 and iPhone 5 and beyond. (Unfortunately I do not know the android-compatible versions, I guess it is compatible with models released around 2013).
- It must indeed provide rechargeable batteries. The batteries wear out quickly enough. Apparently, there is a deluxe version (more expensive) which has a lithium battery. Personally, I expected 2 x 4 AAA batteries. And I juggle between charges. To replace, unscrew with a screwdriver each time (it's a bit painful to strength I admit).
- The app is indeed English. It is not wrong in itself, it helps to arouse the curiosity of your child on English, and each game or function are provided with explanatory drawings instead. By quickly translating their words (especially moods) I see especially the educational aspect of the thing and useful for later in this connected world where English is essential.
And that's by fiddling and trying to be discovered functions. A translation of the app can be done quickly by wowwee, this is not a major element that allows to criticize the product as a whole in my opinion.
- It would lack a camera on the head which guide him through the smartphone, take pictures, film or even play augmented reality games.
Final verdict:
It is because of a lack of lithium battery and a camera on the head as I pull a star.
I certainly do not withdraw of stars because of compatibility issues (as many comments). This robot is of great technical complexity requiring superior technology to be compatible. And this is normal, technology evolves. And I prefer that wowwee has chosen to make a super robot leaves unfortunately sacrificed to a certain number of users, rather than a means robot (or even mediocre) which everyone can use.
Not to be confused with snobbery because I myself was a "victim" of this with my ipad 2 (my son has to use my iphone 5s each).
Allow rechargeable batteries, ask in advance about the compatibility of your smartphone or tablet. If these two things are present and you like robots, go ahead and have some fun !!
