We've all grown to know and love WowWee for their robotics creations, but their most recent announcement focuses on a brand new line of electronic toy products called PaperJamz. WowWee is no stranger to the toy market, and this latest entry holds lots of promise.

Lance Ulanoff at PCMag.com got a chance to play hands on with the PaperJamz, and you can take a peep at this excellent video documenting his experience.  If you're familiar with Guitar Hero, you can get an idea of the appeal here.  The electric guitars are literally made out of cardboard and are played via a touch capacitive panel, to simulate the strumming of strings.  The sound is impressively loud and clear, and you can even amplify the guitar with an additional cardboard amp, which utilizes a flat panel loudspeaker to project your chords.  If you have a friend who's willing to jump in, PaperJamz also has a realistic sounding drum kit for you to pound out some rhythm.

Words can barely describe how much we love this!  There's been a lot of chatter lately about augmented reality (AR), usually in the world of cellphones.  Apple's iPhone 3GS, for example, is starting to gather a decent library of games that blend the real world with the digital world, such as Gunman.

So, what if you could also pilot Rovio in a virtual world?  LinceoVR, an innovative product by seac02, allows you to do just that.   Dubbed the "WowWee Rovio gaming platform," LinceoVR can pilot your Rovio where he's never gone before. 

Judging by their description on the Rovio page, it sounds like the possibilities for this are endless; LinceoVR artists can create their augmented reality application and "export it" for viewing with the Rovio.  Honestly, we're not entirely sure how it works, but it looks awesome.  Check out the video to see what we mean!

Awesome... for an unannounced, limited time, get Rovio's headlight attachment for a whopping 50% off at the WowWee Store.  All you have to do is use the coupon code "shine."  You'll also receive free shipping!

Head on over to the WowWee Store to pick one up now, before it's too late!

The iParenting Media Awards aim to recognize products that are outstanding for children, through a thorough and fair evaluation process.  WowWee products have won many of these awards, the latest of which is our buddy Roborover!

With the entertaining Roborover, WowWee continues its tradition of creating robotic toys that are perfect for kids and adults alike.  Join us in helping Roborover celebrate his award!

[For more information on Roborover, click here.]

[For more information on the iParenting Awards, click here.]

Whether you're the type to break out the tree and candy canes early, or the all-your-shopping-is-done-on-Christmas-Eve kind, who doesn't love a little robot dancing action?  Especially when done to the tune of some of your favorite holiday tracks.

[Via Engadget]

Remember a decade ago when carrying around a boombox on your shoulder was considered "portable" and "car phones" were the size of bricks? Bigger isn't always better, particularly when it comes to technology. With the new Cinemin Swivel pico projector, you can have the best of both worlds - a tiny gadget that delivers one big picture. Packed into the size of a candy bar, the Cinemin Swivel harnesses the same DLP® technology commonly found in high-definition TVs. The Cinemin Swivel is available this month at Brookstone stores and Amazon.com for the retail price of $299.99.

Connect to your favorite mobile device - iPhone(TM), iPod, video game console, digital camera, portable DVD player - and share media with anyone, any time, anywhere, including TV shows on the bedroom ceiling, foreign cinema in the backyard, YouTube on a subway wall, vacation photos on an airplane tray table, or psychedelic graphics on the dance floor. Designed by WowWee Technologies(TM) and powered by

We've always been intrigued by aquatic 'bots; it seems they don't get a lot of time in the spotlight.  Truthfully, a lot of the Earth's secrets are in the water, and we love to see when new machines are created to explore the deep blue.

Which, of course, is exactly what the University of Bath's "Gymnobot" is designed to do.  Apparently, the design of this torpedo-shaped swimmer was inspired by the Amazonian knifefish, which has an undulating fin that covers the length of its underside.  This fin helps Gymnobot be more efficient and avoid propeller-based mishaps.

[Read More at Science Daily]

All of you who have been patiently awaiting the final release of the Cinemin Swivel from WowWee Technologies... wait no further.  The Cinemin Swivel is now available for purchase from the official site - get yours while they're hot!

In addition, we have a special coupon to offer you!  Type in the coupon code "robocommunity" when you place your order at cinemin.tv, and save $50!  The coupon is good through Tuesday, October 27th, so don't delay!

[Purchase Now via cinemin.tv]

The WowWee Roborover is a fun, shy robot who learns to love exploring across the globe!  Did you know that proud Roborover lovers are doing this right now?  Want to see pictures of Roborover traveling the globe?

Now you can with WowWee's Roborover Adventures.  Click, drag, and zoom on the interactive map to see where Roborover has been.

Click on any one of the Roborover markers on the map to see real, user-submitted pictures of Roborover in exotic locations!

You can also print out your own Roborover cutout to bring with you on your travels, and easily submit your own picture to share with the world.

[Roborover Adventures Official Site at WowWee.com]

WowWee, an Optimal Group company, has announced a new headlight accessory and several upgrades now available for the Rovio(TM) mobile webcam, a revolution in home exploration and telepresence. Rovio, a wireless Internet-controlled device, streams two-way audio and video via an easy-to-use web browser interface while its users direct it about a home or office environment remotely. The Rovio headlight, which enhances the ability to explore in dimly lit environments, snaps onto the device and is powered by Rovio's rechargeable battery pack. Several software and security updates, including a setup tutorial video series, are also now available just in time for the holiday season, making Rovio and its new retail price of $229 a unique, yet affordable gift choice.

Rovio's software suite has been updated, and now includes a new setup process for Macs, in addition to an enhanced setup process for PCs - both of which feature an installation wizard and easy-to-install software that automatically detects computer settings and guides users through the set-up process. The Rovio Software for PC now supports Windows Vista and includes automatic updates, an updated GUI, and general enhancements to the software. Rovio's firmware has also been updated to include WPA and WPA2 password support, Universal Plug-and-Play (UPnP), an online status indicator, faster loading time, and general enhancements. Requiring no subscription fees or professional installation, Rovio features USB connectivity, runs off users' existing wireless Internet connection, and can be set up to be protected by a login and password that the user creates, providing a more secure remote access to the home or office.

HONG KONG – September 2, 2009 – This fall, the hottest new remote-controlled toys can be spotted gliding through the air – or across the floor.  WowWee, an Optimal Group company (NASDAQ:OPMRD), has announced the retail launch of its newest FlyTech™ innovations, the FlyTech Lightstar™ flyer and FlyTech Hoverpod™ racer.  Innovative design and affordable prices allow users to take to the skies with friends or race one another on the ground without breaking the bank. The FlyTech Lightstar indoor flyer features a propulsion-based design and built-in LED lights that create mesmerizing light patterns when soaring through the air.  The FlyTech Hoverpod indoor racer is a mini-hovercraft that can jet across most smooth surfaces and is the first to conquer low-pile carpet.

 
The FlyTech Lightstar flyer turns any living room into a dazzling light show, casting a cool glow and halo-effect over objects in its path.  Made from flexible, lightweight materials, the crash resistant flyer is easy-to-use and requires little time to master its controls.

At the 2009 Teen Choice Awards, hosted by the Jonas Brothers, famous teen celebs were invitied to an exclusive backstage showing of the hottest new toys and games - including Jordan Sparks, Shawn Johnson, Frankie Jonas (of the Jonas Brothers,) Jennifer Stone (from Wizards of Waverly Place) and more.  Even Britney Spears was there; her son Jayden wanted to take home a WowWee Baby Animal of his own!

[See more photos of the famous guests playing with the WowWee Alive Baby Animals and Cubs at DisneySociety.com!]

Oh my... we just can't take all this cuteness at once!  The WowWee Alive series has some exciting new cuddly friends coming out soon!

First up are the irrestible Alive Minis.  You can fall in love with one of four unique species: the Mini Panda Cub, Mini Lion Cub, Mini White Tiger Cub, and Mini Leopard Cub.  Any one of them will react to your every touch with realistic sounds, blinking eyes, and an animated mouth.  They're available for pre-order from WowWee's official site now for $19.99 USD.

Next up are the adorable WowWee Alive Baby Animals (the "full size" Cubs.)  The Alive Cubs have been available for a while now, but WowWee has announced some adorable new species: the Seal Pup, Koala Joey, Leopard Cub, and Husky Puppy. Each of these lovable pets will come alive at your touch, snoring when they sleep and reacting to your attention.

The moment you've all been waiting for is here - the Cinemin Swivel is now available for pre-order from WowWee Technologies' official site, Cinemin.tv.

There's free shipping on all orders from the WowWee Store until August 31, 2009.  What a sweet deal!

[Click here to learn more about the Cinemin multimedia pico projector!]

[Pre-Order Your Own Cinemin Swivel at Cinemin.tv!]

That's right... the official WowWee website is offering free shipping on ALL orders placed there, until August 31st, 2009.  This applies to US and Canadian orders only.

Why don't you check out the official WowWee website and take advantage of this great offer while you have the chance?  The store is now integrated into each page on the site in the form of a shopping cart - so now your shopping and learning experiences are seamless!

[WowWee Official Site]

Ahh... the lifestyles of the rich and famous.  By invitation only, of course, certain lucky members of the upper class not only get to grace the ESPY awards ceremony with their presence, but as if they needed it, also get to take home a sweet gift bag of cool stuff.

If we were attending the ESPY's, we know what we'd be doing... digging to the bottom of the bag, past the spa tickets, clothes, and perfume right to the good stuff, the only stuff that matters - the tech swag.  This year, already-rich recipients of the wondrous sack of luxury will be the proud parents of a new Cinemin Swivel - the pico projector that promises to revolutionize mobile entertainment.

Stay tuned to the community for more news on the Cinemin Swivel as it becomes available... you won't have to be envious of the stars forever!

[Via ESPN]

[Learn more about the Cinemin Swivel at Cinemin.tv!]

WowWee has partnered with Kidscom.com to provide a virtual room where you can feed, watch, and take care of your favorite Alive Cubs in their natural habitats.

All you have to do is take a few quick minutes to sign up for the Kidscom.com online community (kids, make sure to ask your parent's permission first) and head over to the Alive Cubs room (click here.)

There are also games that you can play, including Concentration and "Who am I?"

Have fun learning about animals and nurturing your virtual cubs!  You can learn more about the real WowWee Alive Cubs here.

No longer are T-Mobile G1 and other Android cellphone users envious of iPhoners - now that AndRovio is available. 

This application by Poignant Projects, available from the Android App Store for a measly $.99, allows users of Google's mobile OS to join their iPhone brethren in mobile Rovio controlling bliss.

[Via SlashGear]

Rovio is featured in an exclusive interview at WowWee's Hong Kong offices with Davin Sufer, WowWee's CTO.

Watch CNN’s Hong Kong correspondent, Kristie Lu Stout, as she tours WowWee's offices and gets the full scoop on Rovio!

[via CNN]

Here at RoboCommunity, we hope that you're enjoying all of your robots and have no issues getting them set up.  I mean, you're all robot experts, right?

Well... OK, so not *all* of us are experts.  In fact, MOST of us are just starting out in the world of robotics, don't know a servo from a solar cell, and couldn't program our way out of a paper bag.

The Rovio has helped introduce thousands of new entrants into the field of robotics and telepresence, and WowWee themselves knows that sometimes getting things set up correctly can be a bit tricky.  Now, you'll not only have our community Rovio Resources, but also official tutorial videos to help you get up and running.

Check them out and let us know how your Rovio setup experience is going!