Gizmodo: silverlit

Silverlit Kazoo Electric Indoor "Kite" Completely Misses The Point

Sean Fallon — Wed, 27 May 2009 11:40:00 EDT

Isn't flying a kite about skillfully utilizing the wind to keep a cloth contraption aloft? Sure, there are high tech indoor kites, but the Silverlit Kazoo completely breaks with convention by using an electric motor.

In fact, the only justification for calling this thing a "kite" and not an R/C aircraft is the fact that the remote control is tethered to the propeller engine with a cord. Still, if you want to simulate kite flying indoors without paying for fancy ultralight, windless versions—$15 for the Kazoo is an attractive option. [Hobbytron via GadgetGrid via OhGizmo]

Silverlit V-Beat Air Drums—Motion-Sensor Sticks for Schmucks

AddyDugdale — Thu, 06 Mar 2008 06:31:23 EST

Silverlit, purveyors of remote-controlled things that fly, have come up trumps with their V-Beat Air Drums. Containing motion sensors (but, sadly, no neon tips like you see in the picture) they are the beans to the toast that is the V-Beat air guitar. Plug your iPod into the control box and drum along to whatever you fancy. There's even some kind of pedal thingy that lets you drum with your feet, although the protruding wires made me think "shoe bomb." Video of the $60 friend-isolator after the jump.

Is it just me, or did the air guitarist just do something really redolent of rudeness a minute into the video? [Thumbs Up (UK) via Boing Boing Gadgets]

iBird R/C Toy Looks Like Flapping Good Fun

Kit Eaton — Tue, 04 Mar 2008 05:55:46 EST

The new iBird comes from the same makers as our favourite R/C microcopters, but this time takes a leaf from Mother Nature's design book. Controlled with the same kind of infrared remote and charging system as the Picoo Z's, the flapping wonder is supposed to look and fly like a real bird. Real, hey? I'd say really cybernetic, but what the heck: check out its "realistic flapping motion" in the video.

It looks easier to control than the choppers, but is apparently made to be "ultra tough" in case you still manage some high-speed collisions when playing with it. Available in three color schemes, it's out now for around $50. [Geekalerts]

Torment the Dog, Kids, and Wife with the Palm Z RC Airplane

Mark Wilson — Sat, 27 Oct 2007 14:45:22 EDT

I have an unnatural obsession with all things remote controlled, probably stems from the need to control the things around me. The new Palm Z Silverlit Mini RC Airplane is the Picco Z for this year and these things are every bit as fun as the Picco Z, minus the vertical takeoff and landing bit.

The Palm Z charges from the controller, but unlike the Picco Z, there is no cable to connect to recharge the plane. The Palm Z connects to an adapter built into the controller, which is much easier than fiddling about with a cord. The plane is full function with climb, descend, left and right controls. With impact-resistant foam, construction crashes won't automatically destroy the plane. I crashed it several times into walls,
doors, the dog, my wife and a few other things. The plane was really no worse for the wear. Piloting the 8-inch wingspan plane is easy thanks to a slow flight speed and you can even pull some loops. Three Palm Z's can be flown at once thanks to multiple controller frequencies. The Palm Z retails for $39.50. [product]

- Shane McGlaun

- video by Richard Blakeley