The iSpy Helicopter flies using an iOS device as its controller while also shooting video. The helicopter comes with a small transmitter that plugs into the headphone port on an iOS device and transmits controls wirelessly. A micro-SD card slot records pictures and video while the user flies. It seems like it would entertain iPilots for hours, but do to frustrations it failed to live up to our hopes.
We downloaded the free iOS app for the iPhone, iPad or iPod Touch and tested it with an iPad mini and an iPhone. There's also an Android app, but we struggled to make it work and gave up in favor of the iOS app.
Difficult iSpy Helicopter Setup
Connecting the iSpy Helicopter ($69.95) to the transmitter on the phone or tablet took some work. It should connect simply and quickly, but instead the process took multiple attempts. Then, it suddenly worked for no obvious reason. The instructions didn't help much, thanks to poorly translated broken English. The connection problems need fixing or else the iSpy will frustrate customers.
Flying the Helicopter Takes Practice
Once we paired the iSpy and phone, the fun began, almost. We struggled to control the helicopter in the basement, so we moved to a large meeting room at church. There it worked better. The makers recommend against using it outside due to wind and the lightweight helicopter not playing well together. Parents will need to consider this before buying their child this toy.
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