Paper planes get smart makeover with new tech
03 Dec 2013
There is now more to flying paper planes than just folding up a piece of paper in the right sequence and then launching it with your hand.
Researchers have now added controls to let you take charge and make your plane soar, twist, or turn to your cues.
Power Up 3.0, built by US-based designer Shai Goitein, promises to give the basic paper model an upgrade, with a small attachable propeller and rudder for added speed and steering control.
PowerUp 3.0's wireless communication is based on Bluetooth Smart technology, which allows users to control the paper airplane via their smartphone with an accompanying app.
Tilting the phone to the left or right makes the airplane turn as it flies a whopping 60 yards. The app also comes with a compass, controls for thrust and readouts for battery life and range, according to 'Mashable'.
To begin, users fold a piece of copier paper into a paper airplane, then attach the smart module to their paper plane with patented clips under a Smart Module.
When they start the app it connects the Smart Module with their cell phone.
By pushing the throttle to full, users can launch the paper airplane high up into the sky, as described on the product's Kickstarter website.
The device comes with a crash proof fibre frame and precision control for easy flying. It features a Lithium Polymer battery that provides 10 minutes of flight on a single charge.
The Smart Module for now works with iPad Mini, iPhone 5, iPhone 5S, iPhone 5C and iPhone 4S for now, but designers are working to make the app available for iOS and Android soon.
