In the world of games, there is a new type of solution emerging, in the shape of the quadricopter called AR.Drone. Built by Parrot, the flying device is controlled only through an iPod touch, iPad or iPhone through a dedicated application in the App Store. The best is yet to come, as the open-source software has allowed for a few gameplay modes to be developed until now and more are yet to come. The way you play it is with visuals on the screen of your Apple gadget, and the AR.Drone buzzing around you.

The AR.Drone is equipped with a front-camera, which transmits video to the controlling handheld and the dedicated software will add visual effects to the image the player sees on the screen. There's a second camera as well, connected to an Intertial Measurement Unit, for precise movements of the quadricopter. This is a new type of augmented reality gaming that I'm sure every gadgeteer will love. I mean, besides the fact that you get an iPhone controlled flying toy, you will also have the games for it, pretty cool.

There are two versions of the AR.Drone, meaning one for indoor and the other for outdoor operation. The one with the extra foam bumpers is for indoor piloting, of course, so that you don't destroy your mother's favorite vase and the other is the helicopter-like model you can see pictured here. Aside from this, the core of the gadget is its MEMS, or Micro Electro Mechanical Systems. The cool flying patterns of the AR.Drone are achieved thanks to a three-axe accelerometer and two gyrometers. It also has an ultrasound sensor.

In other great news, the AR.Drone-Pilot Academy will be Parrot's website dedicated to the future owners of such a gimmick. There, they will be able to share experiences, plan gaming meetings and talk about what they expect from future games. Engadget has more details, but before I let you go, I'd like to take some of the enthusiasm of this gadget's launch away from you: it will cost $299. Presentation video after the break.



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