It seems that 2009 has started really good for WowWee, which is very generous in offering products, as it can be seen from its CES lineup for this year. Thus, the devices scheduled for release in 2009 cover four lines, including WowWee Technologies, which features a new category of iPod compatible multimedia pico projectors powered by Texas Instruments' DLP Technology. The other key lines, focusing on cutting-edge entertainment robotics, plush, and flight, are WowWee Robotics, WowWee Alive, and WowWee FlyTech.

From the Robotics line, two playful companions have caught the eye of the public, the Joebot and the Roborover robots. The Joebot is more active than the Roborover, being a content-packed, walking and talking interactive robot, quite a performer, if you can say that.

 

The Joebot robot is capable of responding to key phrases via sound sensors and can also be controlled by its responsive hands or by the Robosapien robot's remote controller. Its special features are beatbox and dance, meaning that you can just tap out a beat and it will repeat it perfectly while grooving along.

 

Unlike other robots of this type, Joebot has fast and fluid movements, being able to avoid obstacles via infrared sensors or detect if it falls over with tilt sensors. It features modes like Wandering, Patrol, Talk, Guard and Battle.

 

The Roborover robot is a talking, tread-based, roving explorer with an inquisitive personality that grows to become more confident as users navigate and play with him. It is operated via remote control and features spoken content, various driving-based games, infrared sensors for obstacle avoidance and tilt sensors, which allow it to perceive when it's fallen over. The truly original feature though is its “Follow Me” function that will make it search for its user, even in the dark, helped by sensor-based LEDs illuminating its path.

 

We are just a few, but there are many of you, Softpedia users, out there. That's why we thought it would be a good idea to create an email address for you to help us a little in finding gadgets we missed. Interesting links are bound to be posted with recognition going mainly to those who submit. The address is .