Top Toy: Control a Robot Tank With Your iPhone

Megalomaniacs and super villains alike will assuredly appreciate TankBot, a sub-$20 robotic tank toy shipping in June that you can control with your iPhone, iPad or iPod Touch. World domination proves a bit much for the USB-chargeable unit, which plugs via dongle into a headphone jack, but the automaton can be controlled just by tilting your Apple device. A natural first step for evildoers hoping to practice building an android army, units can freely roam, dodge obstacles, respond to hand gestures or be instructed to navigate mazes. Powered by accelerometer and IR sensor, the device even features goofy tank sounds, flashing heartbeat “eyes” and comes in a variety of empire-friendly shades including orange, black, blue and green. Pitting it against a friend’s model in battle or race games may not improve your budding nation’s bank account or territorial holdings, but will do wonders in terms of fueling dreams of grandeur.

www.mydeskpets.com, Under $20