Parrot AR.Drone pre-orders now available through Brookstone

The Parrot AR. Drone was one of the neatest gadgets showcased at E3 this year. It is a fully functioning quadricopter that is controlled by an iPhone, iPod Touch or iPad. The AR. Drone uses its own Wi-Fi signal to connect with the accelerometer on the iPod Touch, iPhone or iPad. It also houses an on-board camera that streams video back to your iDevice. The Parrot AR.Drone will sell for $299.99 on September 3, 2010. You can pre-order it now exclusively from Brookstone.

Here are the basic components that come with the Parrot AR. Drone.

• AR.Drone with internal hull
• 1 external hull
• 1 battery
• 1 battery charger and 4-pin mains adapter
• 1 set of stickers
• 1 quick start guide

There’s accessories available too. For $49.99 you’ll get a multi-colored outside hull that is recognized by the AR. Drone’s camera. This hull is designed to let the AR. Drone know who it’s competition against in multiplayer matches. Brookstone will also throw in a rechargeable Li-ion battery, and a case for the iPhone 3G or 3GS.

The best thing about this machine isn’t just the fact that it can fly. One of the AR. Drone’s primary functions is to display alternate reality games. An ARG is a game that is half virtual and half reality. The AR.Drone will simulate enemies such as hostile planes over the enviornment it captures on its camera. You can then steer the AR. Drone while your movements are mimicked on your iDevice. It’s like having a dog fight in your living room. Developers can also create their own ARG games and share them with the rest of the community.

Pre-Order [Brookstone] Site [AR. Drone]

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