Dexim’s AppSpeed Monster Truck – Holiday Gift Guide 2011

Remote control cars are fun and have always been a popular toy of choice for our boys. Now that one of our boys is almost a teen (yikes!) he’s more into his tech gadgets than anything else.

So, how do you kick the R/C world up a notch and make it appeal to his age? By creating a car, or Monster Truck I should say, that he can operate from his iPod Touch. That’s right. Check out Dexim’s AppSpeed Monster Truck which you operate using your iPod Touch, iPhone or iPad.

AppSpeed Monster Truck Description:

Using the free iTunes download, the AppSpeed Monster Truck can be controlled through multiple functions. The traditional touch sensor mode controls the truck from the Apple devices’ touch screen, while the gravity sensor allows the user to direct the Monster Truck by simply gyrating their device, taking advantage of the built-in accelerometer. Each function gives complete, 360 degree control over the truck’s movement and speed for up to 50 feet (15 meters) whether indoors or out. The AppSpeed is also equipped with three pre-set modes that allow the user to automatically zigzag, spin or dance their vehicle to music.

It comes in red or black.

AppSpeed Monster Truck ToyXplosion Video:

Here are a few of the features:

·Wirelessly control the dexim RC vehicle from your Apple device
·Includes a custom-built RF Transmitter, placing 360 degrees of excitement in the user’s     palm.
·Choose between a traditional touch sensor and the revolutionary gravity sensor.
·Tilt your device forward, backwards, right, or left to control in gravity sensor mode)
·Multiplayer mode provides users with the option to race their RC vehicles with friends.
·Three (3) preset stations allow you to automatically ZigZag, Spin or Dance your vehicle to     music
·Control the speed of your device
·Easy to use and fun to drive indoors and outdoors.

Not only do we absolutely love the features, but it was super easy for Josiah (our 12 year old) to set up. In fact, I handed him the car in the package and said “Here. Get it working and then tell me what you think.” Within minutes, he was up and running and I heard “This is cool!” from the other room. And yes, he gave me a turn.

Both Josiah and I are impressed with this little truck. This would make a fantastic gift for your gadget crazed child for the Holidays. I think my all time favorite mode is the dance mode. It dances to the music it comes with!

Note: The truck must be charged from your computer, but I noticed the charge lasted a long time and it only takes about 15 to 20 minutes to charge it. It also comes with a little attachment for your Apple product in order for you to be able to operate the truck.

Extras: Just download the free app from the iTunes store and you are good to go.

Ages: I didn’t see any ages listed anywhere, but we recommend if they’re old enough for an iPod or iPhone, they’re old enough to operate this. Our 7 year old was able to operate it, although he’s very sad he doesn’t have his own iPod Touch for his own AppSpeed. He has to borrow his brother’s.

Price: $69.99

Available online at Amazon.com. Coming to Best Buy stores this fall.