Gaming: Sphero by Orbotix
Sphero (by Orbotix) is one of my favorite tech toys for pranking someone or tormenting my dogs. (I'm sending one to Ellen, in hopes that it will be the next Taylor Swift prank) The size of a tennis ball with a robot inside, Sphero is controlled by your Android, iPhone, iPad, or if you want to get really nerdy, you can run it from KidsRuby with the Artoo plugin. Similar to a remote controlled car, you can control Sphero with the Sphero app or gaming apps made specifically for the Sphero.
The actual ball itself is surprisingly durable. You can roll it through water, step on it, shoot it with a rifle, and let your dogs attack the heck out of it - it rolls with whatever situation you throw at it.
Even President Obama is a fan!
Not a dog person? That's okay - check out Sphero and Nyan Cat!
In addition to the Sphero is the Peacekeeper, which is my personal favorite. Think, Sphero x 500. Fun for crushing things, scaring people, and playing with wild cats. Really really big wild cats.
If you get the chance to catch Sphero on tour, you'll likely be lucky enough to meet the hunky Ross Ingram. We met up for E3 this last month and then played 3 very intense games of pool. (I won all.) Perhaps if he had been using the Sphero, he might have been spared my pool sharking. :)
(Ross and I after said sharking.)
(post by Ami Lum)