G-Bound is the name of this new amphibious remote-controlled car by the Japanese company CCP, a sub-brand to the large toy manufacturer Bandai.

The G-Bound was recently revealed during the popular annual Tokyo Toy Show. Thanks to its waterproof body and and the four huge inflatable tires, the car can be driven upside down and on almost any kind of surface – even on the water.

Here’s a video clip on the G-Bound in action:

The car is powered by a rechargble battery pack and the 27MHz remote control lets you move the tires forward and backward individually, making it possible to spin around on one spot. You can also go forward, and then hit back, to flip the car around.

The exact release date for the G-Bound R/C Car has not yet been conformed, but sales will start in autumn 2009 and the car will cost 12,800 YEN (about $140 USD).

Thanks to Francesco at Hobbymedia!

These radio-controlled mini tanks – a camouflage model and a gray one – are designed to look like the Tiger I battle tank that were used by the Germans during World War II.

You can control it in your hand and play with each others in your desktop. The full-set package comes with barriers to form your preferred scene. The tank can fight and bombard with up to 4 tanks at the same time.

Features:

• 120-degree Range of Remote Controller
• 1:70 Infrared Battle Tank
• Tank Dimension: 8.5 x 5.0 x 4.0 cm
• Batteries: 6 x AAA Batteries (Not Included)

Different Modes of Tank:

• Bombard and Rebound mode: body bouncing bank with sound
• Maneuver mode: body knocking when hit by an enemy
• Capturing mode: turning around when hit by an enemy with the forward function stopping

The radio-controlled desktop tanks are available from the Toys Brando website for $25 a pop. Choose between the Tiger I (Gray) and the Tiger I (Camouflage) model.

If you didn’t win the bidding on the Airwolf Pilot Helmet Replica, don’t worry. You can now get your hands on a fully-licensed R/C version of the Airwolf supersonic military helicopter.

It can fly up, down, backwards, forwards, left and right and it features an infra-red control, tri-band technology and counter-rotating rotors.

Features:

• 3 channel RC Helicopter.
• Full control: up, down, left, right, forward and backwards movements.
• Super wide infrared control
• Tri-band technology.
• Dual counter rotation rotors for superb stability.
• Highly detailed and crash resistant hard body shell.
• Trimmer to eliminate spin.
• Built-in 3.7v li-po battery with charging protection.
• Charges in 20 to 30 minutes and runs for 6 to 9 minutes.

The Airwolf R/C Helicopter is available from Firebox.com for £39.95 (about $56 USD).

The Japanese R/C model car company KYOSHO is about to release the dNaNo series in USA and Europe. These micro cars are super realistic 1:43 scale replicas and they’ve got the same level of details as the Die-cast models do.

Here’s a video clip showing the Kyosho dNaNo cars in action:

What makes dNaNo really outstanding, beside its impressive performance, is the USB compatible control unit. It allows the user to setup the car via the Kyosho web server.

By registering the car and entering the special circuit, the dedicated ID assigned to the IC tag on each car during production links to the circuit and starts measuring lap times. While displaying your data on the circuit display, all circuits are networked to the dNaNo Server, which automatically gets updated with your lap times.

You can access this webpage from your PC. This amazing system made possible with the dNaNo provides you with a deeper involvement with your racing machine and its performance, bringing you closer to the racing experience than ever before.

Head on over to the kyosho.com and dnanoshop.com websites for prices and more information about the dNaNo USB R/C micro cars from Kyosho.

Thanks to Francesco at Hobbymedia.it!

MegaStealth Mantis is the name of the latest model to join Insecta, HeliBug, Flying Bee, Mosquito and the other insect inspired radio-controlled toys out there.

Super superior to other insects (RC and not), the Mantis employs both electronic and mechanical gyroscopic stabilization for rock-steady hovering. The tail-rotor is also controlled by a micro motor for true yaw-axis stability. Move forward, turn left, and turn right – this bug can fly anywhere indoors.

Power is supplied by an on-board Lithium Polymer battery pack, which is charged via a quick charger built into the Mantis two-stick transmitter.

The MegaStealth Mantis 2-Channel Electric R/C Insect is currently available for $49.95 over at the Edmund Scientific website.

(Via 7Gadgets)

The radio-controlled Spyfire blaster is like an upgraded version of the Wireless USB Missile Launcher – now allowing you to fire it from up to 25 feet away instead of 15.

Not only is it a powerful, battery powered, 4 shot blaster capable of blasting up to 25 feet away – but the handle can separate from the rest of the blaster. You can set the blaster up with its integrated, folding tripod and set it to cover your escape path.

Here’s a video demonstration of the R/C toy in action:

Features:

• Powerful 4 dart blaster
• Stores extra ammo in handle
• Flip-up sight and fold down tripod
• Electronic power-up and firing sound effects with each shot
• R/C range: up to 50 feet
• Shoots up to 25 feet

The Spyfire R/C Blaster measures 3 x 12 x 10 inches and requires 5 x AAA batteries. The product is available from the ThinkGeek website for $29.99.

(Via Geeky Gadgets)

According to LatestBuy, this is “the world’s first water-resistant remote control duckie”. If you’ve been following GeekAlerts for a while, you know that this is not true. There was another model that was released about a year ago.

However, it is probably the first one that comes with twin propellers and standard batteries, so you won’t have to recharge the toy every third minute.

Product Specifications

• Product dimensions (duck): 3(H) x 2.5(W) x 3.5(D) inches.
• Product dimensions (controller): 1.2(H) x 3.5(W) x 2.2(D) inches.
• Requires 2 x AAA batteries for the duck and the same for the controller.
• Controller allows you to steer the duck forwards & backwards, and left & right.

You can get he R/C Bathtime Duckie from the latestbuy.com.au website for $26 USD.

The Silverlit company is continuing to come up with fun new ideas for their steadily growing stream of radio-controlled toys. The latest example is the Planet Protector.

This futuristic helicopter features a brave pilot who is “defending the Earth against invaders by attacking their spy satellite station with his infra-red laser beam”.

You can fly the Planet Protector on a mission to defeat the satellite station and when you score a direct hit it’ll explode in a blast of light and noise! But the fun’s not over there, as it can be re-assembled for another round of battle!

Here’s a video demonstration of the Planet Protecto in action:

Featuring Silverlit’s famous super-wide infrared control system and fast charging through the transmitter unit, together with sturdy construction that means it can handle bumpy landings or crashes and get right back into the air again afterwards, the Planet Protector is an awesome ground-attack challenge! Auto-stability and precision controls mean it’s easy to learn to fly too.

The Silverlit Planet Protecto will soon be available from the Thumbs Up UK website. The suggested retail price has been set to £34.99 (about $52 USD).

For some reason, the manufacturers of this radio-controlled indoor toy thought Santa was better suited in a helicopter, rather than the traditional sleigh and reindeer team.

R/C flying Santa micro helicopter with a handheld 3-channel remote. This lightweight toy has a single fixed rotor and stabilizer bar for fun short range flight.

The remote controller allows the helicopter to be flown and landed, hover in midair, and turn left or right. There is also a stabilizer bar on the helicopter that is controlled by the remote, so you can trim the flight and prevent flips and spins.

Here’s a video demonstration of the radio-controlled Santa:

Specifications

• Materials: Carbon fiber
• Flying Time: 8 minutes
• Flying Range: 6 meters
• Power: Internal rechargeable Li-ion polymer battery
• Dimension: Helicopter 160(L) x 72(H) x 28(W) mm, Blade=135 mm
• Flight Control: up/down, forward/backward, left/right, left/right trim
• Power: 6 x AA battery (not included)

The Santa R/C Helicopter is available from Chinavision for 11.72 EUR (about $15 USD).

If you enjoy golf themed gadgets like the Chip Shotz Desktop Golf and the Golfing Mario and Luigi Mini Figures, this radio-controlled toy should be right up your alley.

Test your skills with the remote control golfer as you position him, choose his club (from a driver, an iron, or a putter) and swing away!

Variable power swing control allows you to apply just the right amount of power to your shots whether you’re driving or putting. Address the ball after each show with your fully directional remote control which also serves as a golf bag to store your clubs when not in use.

The R/C Golfer is available from the Perpetual Kid website for $34.99.

(Via The Red Ferret Journal)

Here we have yet another radio-controlled creation that definitely would have made it into the Top 13 Strangest R/C Toys list if it would have been around when the article was published. Say hello the R/C skunk.

Authentic-looking skunk mimics like the real thing–minus the spray, of course! Moves backward, forward, and flicks its tail at your push-button command.

The R/C Skunk is available from Things You Never Knew Existed for $39.98.

(Via Nerd Approved)

Here is the latest addition to the growing line of radio-controlled Micro Bladez mini choppers – an indoor R/C toy inspired by the military Apache attack helicopter.

The Apache benefits from three-channel control and the advanced auto-balance system and adjustable speed control for the most advanced mini-RC flight experience available.

This is probably the most precise, controllable and easy-to-fly remote controlled helicopters available. After just a little practice you’ll be able to take off, fly smooth and controlled circuits – even around obstacles – and bring it down to a bump-free landing, even in the palm of your hand.

The Micro Bladez R/C Apache Helicopter is distributed by Thumbs Up UK with the suggested retail price set to £24.99 (about $39 USD).

This radio-controlled car features a built-in digital video camera that transmits a live feed to the controller and its 2.4-inch color TFT LCD video monitor. And to top it enough, they have also managed to squeeze in an interactive laser game.

The car has a remote control with an extra long range (up to 30 meters) and can control the cars movement by eyesight or via the LCD monitor. Maneuvering the car could not be simpler, the controller has sensitive left/right and forward/backward stick controls, while the controller itself is handheld and feels similar in function and use to a modern video game control pad.

Here’s a video showing the video-equipped R/C car in action:

This sports car has a laser function and can be used to play lasertag with your friends. And the fun isn’t even over yet! You can also use the cars video transmission function to view what the neighbors are doing.

The Deluxe R/C Sportscar with Video Camera measures 39(L) x 23(W) x 13(H) cm and it is powered with a rechargeable 9.6V battery pack. The controller requires 8 x AA batteries. The product is available from Chinavision for 71.35 EUR (about $89 USD).

Speaking of submersible Bluetooth keyboards, here’s a radio-controlled replica of the USS Seawolf SSN-21 submarine, featuring a cool looking sub-style controller.

There is a propeller at the rear and various hydrodynamic control fins as well as ballast tanks. Smaller, deep diving and specialty submarines may deviate significantly from this traditional layout.

Features:

• RC USS Seawolf SSN-21 Submarine
• Radio Control all directions, DIVE, ASCEND, FORWARD, REVERSE, RIGHT and LEFT
• Radio Range: 5 meters
• 3-motor system
• Age: 8+
• HxWxD(approx.): 55mm x 60mm x 345mm (RC Submarine)

The R/C USS Seawolf SSN-21 Submarine is available from Toys Brando for $55.

The fun and cool little Hover-Q toy is said to be the smallest indoor infrared-controlled hovercraft in the world with its 10.5 cm (4.1 inches) in length.

Blowing up a bottom of hovercraft flexible skirt in a second! Easy to control and simple to charge the battery up.

Here’s a video clip showing the Hover-Q in action:

Product Features:

• The World Smallest Indoor Infrared Control Hovercraft
• IR Control: FORWARD, RIGHT and LEFT
• Indoor usage
• Simple charging system
• Length: 10.5 cm

The Hover-Q R/C hovercraft is available in four colors: blue, red, black and orange. You can get the product from the Toys Brando website for $34.

(The Red Ferret Journal via OhGizmo)

This radio-controlled car allows you to “paint” its path using a handheld infrared tracker – a feature that brought a lot of attention when the toy was displayed at the Hong Kong Toy Fair earlier this year.

The remote aims an infrared beam “dot” on the floor, and you can aim it anywhere. The IR Tracker race car instantly recognizes and “follows” the red dot.

Features Overview

• Handheld controller sends infrared light beam to the ground “magic dot”
• Vehicle seeks out the infrared light beam and redirects itself and chases the “magic dot”
• The “magic dot” can be as much as 5 feet ahead of car and car will still follow
• Complete with rechargeable batteries with up to 20 minutes running time
• Assembled easily and quickly (a full set of assembly and operating instructions are included)
• 90-day warranty from RichardSolo.com

Technical Specifications

• Car power source: Supplied with 7.2V rechargeable battery and compatible charging unit
• Remote control power source: 2 AA batteries (not included)
• Car measures: 9″ x 7″ x 3.5″
• Remote control measures: 6.5″ x 4″ x 6.5″

The Infrared Tracker Remote Control Car is available from RichardSolo.com for $49.95.

(GadgetGrid via OhGizmo)

The Taiwanese company Thunder Tiger has come up with an advanced radio-controlled helicopter for those looking for something more than the average indoor choppers.

A built-in USB connector allows you to read warnings and control settings such as throttle curve, pitch curve, servo travel and gyro gain from your own computer.

Here’s a cheesy video demonstration of the Innovator R/C helicopter:

There are two main versions of the Innovator Series- Innovator MD530 and Innovator EXP. Both models have similar dimension and basic structure. Only few parts are different between the two.

Innovator MD530 features with stability, smoothly, and graceful flying performance to make it is suitable for the scale lovers or beginner. Innovator EXP, utilizes a high performance power system to make it fully aerobatic.

Both models are available in ARF (almost ready to fly) super combo form and with or without a 2.4 GHz transmitter.

More information about the Innovator High Performance USB R/C Helicopter can be found at innovator-rc.com. There is word on pricing or availability.

(Via Hobbymedia.it)

The Hong Kong-based WowWee company has announced the launch of their FlyTech Bladestar, a radio-controilled indoor flying machine that is said to “change helicopter flight as we know it today”.

The first flying toy with sensor-based navigation, the FlyTech Bladestar flyer glides through the air using two wings that spin with helicopter-like movement.

Built-in infrared sensors allow the flyer to detect and avoid ceilings, walls, and other obstacles autonomously. Innovative design coupled with infrared technology also allow for dueling capabilities, enabling two FlyTech Bladestar flyers to faceoff in aerial combat.

Here’s a video clip of the WowWee FlyTech Bladestar in action:

Made from ultra-light, flexible materials, the FlyTech Bladestar flyer is designed to be crash resistant. The flyer features a three-channel digital infrared controller that can be set to two different flight modes: autopilot mode, and RC (remote controller) mode. In autopilot mode, it will fly autonomously using its sensor-based navigation to avoid obstacles and ceilings, and users can even guide the flyer down a hallway or around a room using their hands. In RC mode, the user has complete control of the flyer via the throttle to control height and power and the directional pad to navigate.

The WowWee FlyTech Bladestar is available from Amazon for $46.72 . You will also find more information about this cool new toy in the official news release.

(Via Engadget)

The Japanese toy manufacturer Tomy has announced its QFO – a small radio-controlled flying toy that was recently displayed at the 2008 Tokyo Toy Show in Japan.

There isn’t much info available about this new little gizmo, but Andrew Liszewski over at the great OhGizmo gadgets and design blog managed to find this video shot by DigInfo, showing the flying R/C “helicopter” in action and giving some info:

Four types of Tomy QFO R/C toys are scheduled to be released at the end of September. There is no word on pricing yet.

(Akihabara News via OhGizmo)

Two guys from the Czech Republic, 18 year old Josef Průša and his brother, has come up with a cool way to control an R/C car using the iPhone and its built-in accelerometer.

It has five buttons, four of them you can use for traditional driving and when you press the last one, it unlocks the accelerometer control in the same way as in many driving games available on AppStore.

Here’s a video showing the iPhone-controlled car in action:

Read more about the iPhone R/C Car Project at the DJ Josef Průša blog.

(The iPhone Blog via Apple iPhone Apps)