Customizable gadgets are all the rage right now in Japan and here's another fantastic example. With the Tsuku Raji ("build a RC car") you construct your own sports car or van RC toy that you then drive via your iPhone or iPad. There are four great vehicles to choose from and each set comes with blocks for budding mechanics to create their own racing toy.
An infrared transmitter is included along with the blocks (which vary per car), so you can slot it into your handset to work with the app to control the vehicle.
It charges up by USB and will be just perfect for kids (young and old!). The vehicles can go forward and back, as well as right and left. Just build on top of the base unit with the blocks (or add your own) and create the RC car of your dreams.
The Tsuku Raji RC Toy features:
- Versions: Sports Car (red), Sports Car (black), Van (blue), Van (red)
- OS: iPad2 / iPad 3rd / iPad Retina 4th; iPad mini; iPhone 3GS / 4/ 4S / 5; iPod touch 3rd / 4th / 5th
- Android compatibility not confirmed)
- App required
- Base unit size (not including added blocks): around 95 x 47 x 20mm (3.7 x 1.9 x 0.8")
- Power: internal Li-ion battery (charges up by USB)
- Includes transmitter that connects with your phone, USB cable
- Instructions: Japanese only (but easy enough to work out how to use)