UPDATE: We’ve added a new State of Decay 2 bundle deal from JB Hi-Fi and a Rise of the Tomb Raider bundle from Harvey Norman below.

At E3 2017, Microsoft officially unveiled what was formerly known as Project Scorpio — the Xbox One X. This is the full 4K HDR upgrade from Microsoft that fans of the original Xbox One consoles have been waiting for, not to mention newcomers to the platform.

This is the place where we answer any questions you may have about what exactly the new Xbox One X is capable of – its specs, price, and release date have all been covered here – and ultimately, whether or not you should buy it.

Often, the best place to order your console is from the Microsoft store directly for $649, as most retailers are offering it for that same RRP, but aren’t likely to have as much stock as the company’s own store.

We’ll also be keeping track of any deals and bundles that pop up, so be sure to come back and visit every now and then if you’re waiting for a bargain — we’re sure to have one if there is one to be had. 

And, of course, if you’re wondering what to play on this new beast, we’ve had a thorough look at the best Xbox One X games available, and which ones will really shine with Microsoft’s latest powerhouse.

The best Xbox One X bundles:

The latest Xbox One X deals:

Here’s our list of the best Xbox One X prices and deals out at the moment, updated live.

Why should I buy an Xbox One X?

While not technically a ‘next-gen’ console, the Xbox One X is still a powerful upgrade over the current Xbox One lineup. To simplify things, it’s more aligned with Sony’s PS4 Pro than it is anything else. The target audience of both consoles are gamers with a 4K HDR TV who want to squeeze the best graphical performance possible out of their favoured console. For those gamers without a 4K TV, there will be modest performance boosts although it’s likely not worth the upgrade if you don’t have a 4K HDR TV.

We’re told that the Xbox One X won’t necessarily have any exclusive games released for it, and as far as we know all Xbox One titles will still work with it, so exclusivity and compatbility and reason enough alone to ditch your Xbox One S.

The Xbox One X is making bold claims about true native 4K gaming though with its upcoming titles and if you have a 4K TV with High Dynamic Range (HDR) technology, the Xbox One X is ready to seriously impress with the likes of Forza Motorsport 7, Metro: Exodus and Anthem set to be true jaw-droppers in the graphics department.

What is the Xbox One X price?

Although it’s steep, the price conversion from the US didn’t hit us nearly as hard as it normally would. The Xbox One X will cost $649 in Australia while the US will pay $499. 

Where can I order an Xbox One X?

As is to be expected, all the usual suspects in the gaming retail business have the console in stock, although each and every one is offering the new Xbox One X for the same price.

With that in mind, you may as well order your console from The Microsoft Store for $649 as there’s a better chance they’ll have a bigger stock allocation, given it’s the company’s own store.

What if I don’t care about 4K or want to save money?

Well, the good news is that the standard Xbox One S is a fantastic games console and you’ll likely be able to get one with a few games for less than $300 over at our Xbox One deals page.

http://www.techradar.com/news/the-best-australian-xbox-one-x-deals-this-month

Windows Mixed Reality (MR) can be a confusing concept. Is it virtual reality (VR), like the Oculus Rift, or it is more like augmented reality (AR), which Microsoft has already dabbled in with its HoloLens?

The answer is that it’s a bit of both – though far more like the former than the latter.

Microsoft’s blended version of VR and AR is a new platform that’s designed to immerse more users in the digital experience with lower-priced and less graphically-intensive headsets. To this end, the software maker has worked with leading computer manufacturers like Acer, Asus, HP, Lenovo and Samsung to develop a more accessible head-mounted display (HMD) standard with a fewer ground rules.

Similar to high-end VR headsets like the Oculus Rift, you wear a head-mounted display with two built-in screens to peer into a virtual world. And – especially now that Windows Mixed Reality for Steam VR has released – you can interact with your virtual world using handheld controllers or an Xbox One controller. And, even if games aren’t your thing, Mixed Reality on SharePoint will make life for professionals way more interesting.

Instead of HTC Vive Lighthouses, Oculus Waypoints or other infrared beacons, however, Windows Mixed Reality headsets use integrated headsets to scan the surrounding environment. Mixed Reality headsets can also run at low-end graphical settings, so that even the best Ultrabooks can generate digital worlds for users to enjoy.

More recently, the Windows 10 April 2018 Update (which you can download and install right now) has beefed up Microsoft’s support for Windows Mixed Reality devices. 

Cut to the chase

• What is Mixed Reality? Microsoft’s blended VR/AR standard
• When is Mixed Reality out? October 17
• What will Mixed Reality cost? Headsets start at $299 or AU$599 (about £225)

Windows Mixed Reality release date

Windows Mixed Reality has been a top priority for Microsoft since last October, and the upcoming release of the Fall Creators Update on October 17 will cement Mixed Reality as a standard feature of Windows 10.

This is when Windows 10 will officially add support for Mixed Reality headsets. As we mentioned above, the Fall Creators update is now available to download and install, so follow our guide if you want to experience Mixed Reality right now.

Windows Mixed Reality price

The biggest differentiator between headsets for Windows Mixed Reality and those designed for VR is that the former can cost half as much. With prices for Mixed Reality headsets starting at $224/AU$638/£225), Microsoft’s new platform competes more closely with mobile VR devices – like the Samsung Gear VR and Google Daydream View – than with the Oculus Rift and HTC Vive.

Adding motion controllers doesn’t dramatically up the cost – a few manufacturers, like Acer, are bundling a complete headset package for $399 in the US. For a full price breakdown, let’s look at all the headsets currently available.

Acer Windows Mixed Reality HMD

Acer was one of the first companies to come out of the gate with a Windows Mixed Reality headset. It offers a display resolution of 1440 x 1440 per eye. Users can flip up the screen to quickly return to the real world – this is a regular feature of most, if not all, headsets in its class. Acer’s headset is also among the cheapest, at $399 (£400, AU$638) with a pair of wireless motion controllers.

Dell Visor

The Dell Visor (and all Mixed Reality headsets, really) have a lot in common with Acer’s, but we’ll go over the specs nonetheless. It boasts two 2.89-inch, 1440 x 1440-resolution LCD displays that you can, once again, flip up for a quick exit from the virtual world. There are a few extra creature comforts in the shape of removable foam inserts, cable management loops and an easily adjustable headband for a comfy and tight fit. The Dell Visor is available worldwide for $449/£430/AU$799, all of which include motion controllers.

HP Windows Mixed Reality Headset Developer Edition

HP’s take on the Windows 10 MR headset looks much more Tron-like than the others. It keeps up with its rivals thanks to a 2880 x 1440 combined resolution and 90Hz display, but its field of view is a narrower 95 degrees. HP’s Mixed Reality headset is available now for $224 in the US, in the UK at £380 and for AU$799 in Australia. 

Lenovo Explorer

The Lenovo Explorer features all the same specs and comforts as the other Mixed Reality headsets. Its field of view also runs smack in the middle of the pack at 105 degrees. The good news is it’s more affordable than Acer’s at $299 (£400, about AU$398) with motion controllers included. 

Asus Windows Mixed Reality Headset

Asus differentiates its MR headset with a futuristic geometric front facade. Looks aside, it has all the same specs as its rivals, although its field of view is on the low side at 95 degrees. Asus has only revealed European pricing for its headset at €449, which means it’ll cost about $530, £400 or AU$670. You can register now for pre-order info. 

Samsung HMD Odyssey

The Samsung HMD Odyssey is the latest Windows MR headset on the block, and it’s both the most advanced as well as the most expensive device of its class. For starters, it packs larger 3.5-inch AMOLED displays for more vibrant, lifelike images. Built-in AKG headphones also add in the immersive soundscape of 360-degree spatial sound. Costing a cool $499 (about £377, AU$638) with controllers included, the Samsung HMD Odyssey shipped later than the other Windows Mixed Reality Headsets on November 6, 2017. 

Windows Mixed Reality requirements

Unlike virtual reality, you won’t need a killer rig to jump into virtual worlds. The minimum specs required for a Windows Mixed Reality PC are lightweight enough for most modern Ultrabooks to power a headset.

At the very least, you will need the Windows 10 Fall Creators Update, an Intel Core i5-7200U processor or better, 8GB of DDR3 dual channel RAM or better, 10GB of free disk space, an Intel HD Graphics 620 or DX12-capable GPU, and HDMI 1.4 or DisplayPort 1.2 as well as USB 3.0 Type-A or Type-C.

Keep in mind that the above specs are only good enough for a 60-frames-per-second (fps) experience. To get to 90fps, Microsoft suggests a system specced with at least a desktop-grade Intel Core i5-4590 or AMD Ryzen 5 1400 3.4Ghz – or another quad-core processor. You’ll also need a discrete GPU at least on the level of an Nvidia GTX 1050.

http://www.techradar.com/news/windows-mixed-reality-everything-you-need-to-know

When searching for the best toys 2018, it can be easy to feel overwhelmed. Lucky for you, we’ve spent hours playing with some of the best smart toys on the market, all in an effort to help you make the right decisions for play time. 

Testing toys is a hard job, but someone’s got to do it.

While we could spend all day diving into the most advanced, very grown-up tech out there, there’s something special about covering technology that exists for one purpose: to have fun. 

Tech and toys are mingling in ways never before imagined, which boils down to a whole lot of fun, no matter how old you are. 

But what’s the best toy out there? We’ve created a list of the best toys you can buy in 2018, all fantastic connected contraptions that have brought out our inner child.

[LEGO blocks, you probably had some when you were growing up, right? We doubt you had LEGO sets like the ones coming out later this year, however. 

We got an early look at the new LEGO kits you’ll find on store shelves beginning in August, with many featuring connected smarts that take the staid plastic blocks to a whole new level. Keep a careful eye out for the new LEGO Batman App-Controlled Batmobile that you can maneuver with your phone.]  

Just like a toy box, there are tons of great toys to choose from on the market, with many growing smarter by the day. 

There are RC drones that you can pit head-to-head against each other, awesome Star Wars drones that you can control remotely, and even robots that you can build on your own and hold a conversation with. There really has never been a better time to let your inner child take control.

If you’re feeling a bit lost with all the choices and unsure which toys are really the best out there, don’t worry, because TechRadar has you covered. 

We’ve taken the time to put together this list of the best connected toys you can buy in 2018, each one tested and used extensively by us, in-house. 

Click the video below to watch our review of the Anki Overdrive: Fast & Furious Edition

So, if you’re looking for a gift for those younger family members, or even if you want to treat yourself to something special – do yourself a favor and check out this list of the best connected toys for 2018.

Sphero R2-Q5

Connectivity: Bluetooth connection (with up 100 foot range) | Battery: USB charging (once charged you should get 1 hour of play) | Dimensions: H17cm/ W10.8 cm/Weight 370g

Everywhere you look there is something Star Wars and that is a trend that is set to continue, thanks to Disney making sure that there will be a new Star Wars movie every single year. With this comes some toy tie-ins. Usually they are of something that’s found in the movies, but the Sphero R2-Q5 is an anomaly and because of this limited edition. 

The Sphero R2-Q5 isn’t a droid that’s been in any recent Star Wars film but it is canon – it can be seen, if you squint, in the background of some scenes of Return of the Jedi and was also present in deleted scenes. 

In short: it’s an evil version of Artoo. It has the same look, albeit with a black and gold makeover, and does similar bleeps with an added sinister twist. Those who have played with Sphero’s R2-D2 will be right at home here and maybe that’s an issue for some. This is definitely a droid that’s for collectors, those who want to complete a collection rather than start it. We loved our time with Q5, but if you are after something a little bit more recognisable to watch the Star Wars movies with, then look elsewhere. If you already have those, then this is for you.

Merge Cube

App: iOS and Android compatible | Connectivity: Merge VR headset is optional | Other information: games and apps available from the Miniverse platform

The Merge Cube is the latest gadget from Merge, a company fully invested in VR and AR. It’s a soft spongy cube that transforms into a fantastic AR accessory when you load up a compatible app and view the content through a smartphone or Merge VR headset. It’s been out in the US for a while now and there’s a very good reason it’s been flying off the shelves in the US: it’s cheap and really does open up AR, making the experience malleable.

When Oculus brought its controllers to the Rift, it completely changed the way you interacted with VR. The Merge’s AR Cube does the same thing for AR –
it enhances the augmented reality experience, giving both adults and children alike to come back to AR time and time again. 

Here’s hoping that Merge’s app push will bring some fantastic new ways to use the Cube because, at the moment, as fun as it is there’s not enough content. But at this price, we have little to complain about.

•  This product is only available in the US and UK at the time of this writing. Australian readers: check out a fine alternative in the Sphero Mini 

Sphero Mini

What’s in the Box: Sphero Mini Robot, Micro USB Cord, 3 Mini Traffic Cones, 6 Mini Bowling Pins | Tech Specs: iOS 10+ & Android 5.0+ compatible, Gyroscope & Accelerometer, LED Lights, Bluetooth connection, Micro USB charging (almost 1 hour of play on a full charge) | Dimensions: Height: 42mm / Width: 42mm / Weight 46g

The Sphero Mini seriously impressed us when we got it into the office to test. It may not be a known character as some of the other Sphero products, but it more than makes up for it in terms of how fun it is to play with. It’s easy to control, and moves at a satisfyingly fast speed.

The sheers scope of driving modes, games and educational elements make this a far more multi-faceted device than you’d assume it to be, and for the price, we highly recommend the Sphero Mini. 

Mekamon AR fighting robot

Smartphone Compatibility: iOS and Android compatible | Weight and dimensions: 2.2lb, is 11.8in x 11.8in x 5.9in | Connectivity: Bluetooth and infrared

Let’s get straight to the point: Mekamon is one of the best robots we’ve ever played with. It’s that good. The way it moves feels a little Metal Gear Solid, a little spider-like, and genuinely gives the impression that there is life in those robotic limbs. 

However, and this could be an issue for some, it’s sold as an AR robot, but the AR element doesn’t feel as developed as the robot itself, which means it’s at its best when fighting in a pair. And if you were to buy a pair then this could become a pricey present indeed. Brilliant, mind, but oh-so pricey.

•  This product is only available in the US and UK at the time of this writing. Australian readers: check out a fine alternative in the Star Wars Droid Inventor Kit 

Star Wars Droid Inventor Kit

Item Weight: 1.8 Kg | Product Dimensions: 30 x 15 x 40 cm | Manufacturer recommended age: 8 – 18 years

In the Star Wars universe it was always C-3P0 that was being dismantled and put back together again. Now it’s the turn of R2-D2, thanks to the incredible connected toy from littleBits. The Star Wars Droid Inventor Kit is a fantastic 3D jigsaw puzzle of a toy, that comes with its own moving parts. Comprising 23 Droid parts, 6 Bits (the connectors that make everything work) and a whole host of stickers, the idea is that you build your very own R2-D2 and then code it to do things, thanks to the accompanying app. 

Much like the Sphero R2-D2, this is very much official Star Wars merchandise, so the droid – once you put the thing together – has more than 20 Artoo sounds and will roam around your house self navigating itself. You can also control it to do a number of missions and activities. And while it plays like a toy, there’s a decent amount of education hidden within the fun. This is a full-on masterclass in teaching electronics without feeling like you are at school. In our tests, it was fun and not fiddly to put together, thanks to the little magnets that mean the blocks snap together effortlessly, and the little Star Wars flourishes are a joy. 

With a new coding feature based on the Scratch Books platform launching in mid-April, there will be even more ways to customize and play with the Droid Inventor Kit than ever before. If you’ve been holding off buying a DIY droid, consider this Artoo to end your search. 

DropMix

Product Dimensions: 2.6 x 23.5 x 10.2 inches | Includes: 60 DropMix cards featuring music from top artists and popular songs | Mobile app: The mobile app controls the game and makes any mix sound incredible

DropMix is one of the most original games to grace this Best Toys list. It’s made by Harmonix, the folks behind Rock Band, and is a card game of sorts where you can make music with your friends. The DropMix Bluetooth-equipped board consists of five color-coded spaces (similar to the fret on a Rock Band guitar) and the idea is that you ‘drop’ NFC-enabled cards onto the relevant slot to make sweet music. The only thing you need to do this is your phone and the accompanying app. 

DropMix comes equipped with 60 cards and depending on how you put the cards down, you can mashup myriad songs or remix hits. It’s good, addictive fun and the best thing about it is that it’s been designed so you can’t really make a bum note, regardless of how tone deaf you actually are. There’s three modes on offer. There is a freestyle section of the game where you can play on your own but it’s much better with two playing, where the game turns into a competitive musical version of snap. If you do grow bored of the mix of cards – to be honest, we haven’t yet – more packs are on offer but if you go down that road, you may end up paying princely sum for the game. 

• This product is only available in the US and UK at the time of this writing. Australian readers: check out a fine alternative in the Sphero Mini 

Nintendo amiibo

Compatible platforms: Switch, Wii U, New Nintendo 3DS (older models require separate NFC reader) | Size: 20 cm (7.9 in) | Connectivity: NFC

Nintendo’s inevitable reaction to the astronomical triumph of Activision’s Skylanders franchise and the now defunct Disney Infinity franchise, Amiibo have become some of the most popular NFC toys on the market. Often launched to support major titles (such as Super Mario Odyssey or Mario + Rabbids: Kingdom Battle), these small toys work with built-in NFC readers in the Nintendo Switch, Wii U and later editions of the 3DS/2DS and can be used and reused daily to add more content to certain games. And while they’re usually not as expensive as Skylander toys, collecting the entire set can be a headache as Nintendo notably failed to make enough units for prior releases. 

Star Wars Propel Battle Drones

Top speed: 35Mph | Size: 19 x 5.5 x 33.5 cm | Speed Settings: 3 (Plus T-Mode training mode) | Ages: 14+ | Battery: 6-8 minutes | Charge Time: 15 minutes | Connectivity: Bluetooth

Beginning in 2015 when the series returned to cinemas, a plethora of Star Wars drones have launched, but it’s the line from Propel that’s reliably been one of the best. From the extraordinary packaging (where a model of the vehicle itself as used as clasp to seal it tight), to the phenomenal attention to detail, these toys are great for collectors and hopeful star pilots. The series includes a 74-Z Speeder Bike, a Star Wars T-65 X-Wing – which we reviewed for this very list –and the TIE Advanced X1. Each comes with a user friendly controller, one button 360-degree tricks and a selection of three speeds.  

• This product is only available in the US and UK at the time of this writing. Australian readers: check out a fine alternative in the Star Wars Droid Inventor Kit 

Skylanders Imaginators

Platforms: PS4, Xbox One, Switch, Wii U, PS3, Xbox 360

The sixth and most recent version of the influential ‘Toys to Life’ series, Skylanders Imaginators is all about allowing its young players the tools to build their very own swashbuckling hero via an remarkably deep customization feature. These heroes can then be stored in NFC-compatible ‘crystals’ and transferred into the series’ Portal Of Power peripheral (which reads the models or crystals placed on it and generates them on-screen.) While it may not be the most innovative idea of the series (2013’s Swap Force still has that claim), Imaginators still offers a level of creativity that’s unheard of in the genre.  

Anki Overdrive

Starter Pack contents: Two robotic supercars, six curved track pieces, four straight track pieces, a four-car charging platform, two riser pieces and one tyre cleaner | Dimensions: Size H30.4, W60.2, D15.3cm (Starter Pack)

With the newest version of Anki’s smart toy racing concept, Anki Overdrive, they boast one of the most original connected toy experiences on the market. The idea is super simple – build a physical track (full of sharp turns, elevations and quick straights), place your connected Anki cars on the track and let the Anki Overdrive app do the rest for you. With nine AI personalities that change with how you play, it’s just like a racing video game you can customize, Scalextric style in your living room. Thanks to a regular flow of updates, the game is now better than ever with the need the scan the track before every race now eliminated if you’ve made no changes to it since the last race.

We’re going to get the Fast & Furious edition of Overdrive reviewed soon, too. Once we do, we’ll update this list with our thoughts.

Anki Overdrive Fast & Furious Edition

Pack contents: 1 Dom’s Ice Charger, 1 Hobbs’ MXT3 straight pieces, 1 NEW Power Zone track piece, 6 90-dgree curved track pieces, 12 guardrails, 2 riser pieces, 1 4-car charging platform, 1 tire cleaner.

Well, this is a lot of fun. Even if you’re not a fan of the Fast & Furious franchise, there is a lot to like about Anki’s latest release. The cars are fantastic, the effects and track are superb and there is a real ‘game’ feeling to the whole thing. Be warned, though: it’s a little fiddly to setup. 

There were three tech journalists scratching their heads at some points of the setup but this was mainly due to connecting up the cars with the accompanying app. It eventually worked but we did have to follow the ‘reset’ instructions to get the cars moving. Once done, though, it’s an exhilarating ride, one you can have on your own (competing against and AI driver) or with friends.

The pack comes with two cars, Dom’s Ice Charger and Hobbs’ MXT3 but you do get the choice of upgrades, as well as weaponry that will put even the hardiest driver into a spin. In fact, it’s when the virtual weapons come in that you can have a lot of fun – it really adds to the drive and takes away the ‘car that’s on the inside will always win’ problem that you sometimes get with racers.

As for track, there are eight to choose from out of the box (all easy to set up, with magnets clicking everything into place) and there is the option to shift things up a gear and expand the track and cars – but this will cost you extra. As movie tie-ins go, though, this is an absolute blast.

Star Wars Sphero BB-8 + Force Band

Charge: USB charging | Wristband Weight: 23g | Size: | Battery: 60 mins | Dimensions: H11.4 cm/W7.3 cm/Weight 200g | Connectivity: Bluetooth

Sphero brought the ultra cute BB-8 to life back in 2015, but back then we had to use our smartphones or tablets to control the little droid dude. Thankfully, you can now buy a special wristband that uses hand gestures to send him rolling around your home, and it’s proved to be one of the best and most responsive control designs we’ve ever used. Throwing your hand forwards like a real-life Force Push will send BB rolling forwards, while moving it side to will change direction, and up and down for speed. It takes around an hour to set up, which is annoying at best, but thankfully you only have to endure it once.

Recently, an alternative to Sphero BB-8 was released – the Sphero BB-9E, a bad droid that’s set to make its debut in The Last Jedi. It’s equally a lot of fun to use!

•  This product is only available in the US and UK at the time of this writing. Australian readers: check out a fine alternative in the Star Wars Droid Inventor Kit 

Mass Effect: Andromeda RC Nomad ND1

Scale: 1:18 | Charging: Built-in rechargeable battery with USB charge cable | Connectivity: Bluetooth, app enabled

It might be a little disappointing that the Nomad ND1 doesn’t actually contain a copy of Mass Effect: Andromeda – even if it was marketed as a collector’s edition of that game – however, that shouldn’t distract you from how great this RC car is even on its own. With a special six-wheel drive, the Nomad ND1 offers extremely fine control, thanks to a flexible pair of front and rear axles, a robust suspension that allows it to hit small jumps and built-in LEDs so you don’t lose it in the dark. It also comes with its own in-built camera, which you can use while controlling it from your phone/tablet. Even if you’re not a fan of the game, this RC car is one of the best licensed products that we have seen in a long time. 

•  This product is only available in the US and UK at the time of this writing. Australian readers: check out a fine alternative in the Anki Overdrive 

Star Wars Sphero R2-D2

Connectivity: Bluetooth connection (100 foot range) | Battery: USB charging (over 1 hour of play on a full charge) | Dimensions: H17cm/ W10.8 cm/Weight 370 g

The Sphero R2-D2 is an impressive, most impressive, connected toy. It is a superb replica of the best-loved Star Wars droid and one that comes to life with the more droids you have. 

Whether you are controlling it through its easy to use app, watching Star Wars with it (you can watch all the prequels, Rogue One and A New Hope and it will interact) or admiring it on your shelf, you’ll enjoy the company of Sphero’s latest droid.  While we would like to have seen a bit more interactivity when we weren’t actually using the droid, it’s the smartest Star Wars toy we’ve ever played with.

•  This product is only available in the US and UK at the time of this writing. Australian readers: check out a fine alternative in the Star Wars Droid Inventor Kit 

Anki Cozmo

Included in the box: Self-aware Cozmo Robot, Charger, Interactive Power Cubes | Battery: 30 minutes for 1.5 hours of play time

You will laugh, smile and fist-bump along to Anki Cozmo and the ‘bot will follow you every step of the way. Cozmo is an intelligent, fun toy – one you can program and play with – that may look simple but its cute exterior hides a complex AI brain that you tap into thanks to the updated and easy to use app. 

All of this fun does come at a price, though. But this is one toy that’s only going to get better with age – and if the latest app update is anything to go by, Anki will be making significant upgrades as and when it can. 

Although the box says from 8 years and up, Cozmo had this 30-something smiling time and time again – it’s a connected toy that truly connects.

Ubtech Jimu Robot TankBot Kit

What’s in the box: Six Robotic servo motors, Intuitive programming via an app, 190 snap-together pieces | Connectivity: Bluetooth, iPhone or iPad app

The Jimu Robot TankBot Kit is part toy, part coding king. It comes in the box ready to assemble and while this will take some time, it’s worth the wait. Yes, the instructions seem a bit daunting at first – it’s more like a CAD file than a LEGO set – but once you get the hang of clicking all the 190 bits into place, the installation process of Jimu Robot TankBot is a lot of fun. While you are creating your TankBot, an accompanying app shows your progress through a 3D model of the thing you are creating. We recommend you using the app on a tablet rather than a phone, though, as the bigger screen lets you more easily see and manipulate the interactive instructions. 

Once construction is completed, there’s an array of pre-programs you can use to control Jimu, ranging from making it lift things to it following a set path. It’s also endlessly programmable, too, which means you’ll have a lot of fun with what is essentially an educational tool.

Sphero Ultimate Lightning McQueen

Connectivity: Bluetooth, OS, Android, Kindle & Chrome App compatible | Battery: 40 minutes per charge (1 hour charge time) **Speed:** 6Mph | Dimensions: L8.2cm/W25.1cm/Weight: 916g

Taking advantage of another Disney license, Sphero’s Ultimate Lightning McQueen toy, based on the star of Pixar’s Cars franchise, is a fantastic connected toy and one of the techiest we’ve seen. Designed by a team of 40 people (with help from key Pixar staff), it’s a perfect recreation of the character. McQueen isn’t just a remote controlled car (though he’s a very good one at that), but an animated, speaking, expressive one as well. 

Squeezing a respectable 40 minutes of play time out of a two hour charge, he’s got a 30 meter range and a top speed of 6Mph. Controls take the form of a digital thumbstick through your phone or tablet’s touchscreen, meaning he’ll be easy to steer for anyone that’s picked up a console game pad before. Yes it’s pricey, but you can see where every penny goes. 

•  This product is only available in the US and UK at the time of this writing. Australian readers: check out a fine alternative in the Anki Overdrive 

Mover Kit

In The Box: Rechargeable battery, LED unit, case, micro controller, strap | Battery: 5 hours on a single charge

Part wearable, part coding platform, Mover Kit is a fun device from the folks that helped designed the BBC micro:bit. Mover Kit comes in parts and takes around 15 minutes to assemble, then the real fun starts. The idea is that you can program the wearable to do a number of things – with the hope that it will get kids up and active. On board are LED lights, an accelerometer and a compass – and the ability to program these features any which way you want. All you have to do is plug Mover Kit into a computer, install Bolt, and start the achingly simple process of coding.  

It would be good if there was Wi-Fi/Bluetooth on board, so you don’t have to use a computer but an app for a smartphone or tablet instead, but this niggle aside (and we know that would ramp up the costs) it’s a fun and inventive device that makes it cool to code. It’s all a little DIY but don’t let this put you off – it all adds to the entertainment.

http://www.techradar.com/news/best-toys