This funky looking sphere is the newly announced WowWee Spyball spy-cam – a remote-controlled, Wi-Fi enabled, transforming robotic ball capable of capturing videos and still images. Think of the Spyball as a Transformer – able to transform from ball to camera and back again. Capable of rolling on wheels and performing 360 degree turns, the Spyball can move from place to place with ease and stealth – allowing you to spy on your friends, family, and pets.

The Spyball can also connect to ad-hoc wireless networks created by Wi-Fi enabled devices such as PCs, laptops, video game consoles, and even cell phones. The Spyball also includes a USB cable which you’ll use to setup the home network. Once setup, you can control the Spyball remotely over the Internet.

Technorati Tags: WowWee, Spyball, webcam, CES 2009

Fans of the WowWee Alive Cubs will be thrilled to hear that the company will be expanding their Alive lineup for 2009. Four new variations will join the lineup including the Alive Seal Pup, Alive Husky Puppy, Alive Koala Joey, and Alive Leopard Cub. Here are their pictures:

Features include:

• Animated facial and vocal expressions triggered by users’ touch
• Comes with adoption papers and a family portrait

If you’re looking for something a wee bit smaller, WowWee will be introducing a smaller Alive lineup called the 8 inch WowWee Alive Minis. Features include:

• Feeding bottle the cubs can sense
• Touch and tilt sensors which trigger soft sounds from snoring to gurgling which indicate moods

Finally, if you want a stuffed robotic animal/pet to snuggle up against when you sleep, then the WowWee Alive Sleeping Cuties are right for you. These pets are “perfect to cuddle up with for a nap” and feature:

• Cuties make gentle slumbering sounds
• Have animated eyes
• Curl up in a cozy napping position when you pet them
• Available in four varieties – Labradoodle Puppy, Beagle Puppy, Cinnamon Persian Kitten, and White Persian Kitten

Technorati Tags: WowWee Alive Cubs, WowWee Alive Minis, WowWee Alive Sleeping Cuties, CES 2009

When you think of WowWee, you probably think of their successful robotic toy lineup. However, the company announced that they would be expanding their product line in 2009 with the announcement of the new Cinemin suite of ultra-portable multimedia micro projectors. Powered by Texas Instruments DLP technology, the Cinemin lineup consist of three products – the Cinemin Swivel, the Cinemin Stick, and the Cinemin Station.

I had the chance to check out these small pico projectors and they’re certainly a sight to behold. The Cinemin Stick even comes with an SD card slot allowing you to place PowerPoint presentations, movies, images on the projector without needing a PC.

Here are the highlights for each of the three products.

Cinemin Swivel:

• Affordable lightweight microprojector
• Roughly the size of a candy bar
• 3 hour battery life
• Full volume control
• Adjustable 90 degree hunge for ceiling projection

Cinemin Stick:

• Compact micro projector
• Internal memory and expandable SD card memory slot

Cinemin Station:

• Alarm clock sized convenient media center
• iPod docking station

Expect the Cinemin products in the Spring of 2009.

Technorati Tags: Cinemin, Cinemin Swivel, Cinemin Stick, Cinemin Station. WowWee