| Device Compatibility |
We don't have the official compatibility listing yet, but popular Android and iOS devices will be supported. WowWee has a long history developing SmatPhone controlled robots and devices, we work hard to support as many devices as possible. You can refer to the device compatibility for the MiP robot to get a sense of what our products currently support. This list may change as your device operating system gets updated, as new devices come out, and as we develop the CHiP firmware and electronics. |
| How Rugged is CHiP |
CHiP is pretty tough and goes through extensive abuse testing. We do ask that you take reasonable care and avoid hard drops, staircases, water, and other situations that could damage CHiP. |
| Can I throw the SmartBall? |
Despite the fact that we designed the SmartBall to be very resilient to drops and shocks, we don't recommend throwing the SmartBall on to hard surfaces, or subjecting it to severe impacts. Generally speaking, a light toss, or rolling motion is preferred and will result in the best play experience indoors. |
| CHiP has really cool looking wheels, what are those? And why does CHiP have wheels like that? |
CHiP has mecanum wheels which we selected as they allow for some pretty amazing movement. Using these wheels, CHiP can move in any direction and is therefore fully omni-directional. We think this is cool because it means that CHiP can chase a ball, slide sideways to block a ball, follow you very quickly, and generally be very responsive and agile. |
| CHiP wheels look they can be replaced. |
Yes, we decided to future proof CHiPs wheels so that in the future, if we come up with variations on size, performance, etc, it will be really easy to replace the wheels. |
| How fast will CHiP move? |
It's a bit early to clock in CHiP's top speed as we are still tuning the gearboxes, motors, and electronics. CHiP will move very quickly and the video shows the current motion and speed of our existing prototypes. We expect the production CHiPs to be just as fast and possibly faster. |
| What is the range of the BeaconSense™ system? |
The BeaconSense™ system allows CHiP to track its accessories (the SmartBall, SmartWatch, and SmartBand). The range is several meters and this covers most room sizes. It's possible that CHiP may be blocked from seeing its accessories if there are walls or other obstacles in the way. However, the system is very robust and we have launched many products using this type of technology. If CHiP needs to recharge but is really far from the SmartBed, or in a different room, it will alert you via the Bluetooth link and the app and ask for a hand getting back to the SmartBed. |
| Will the BeaconSense™ system work between rooms? |
We are actively improving the BeaconSense™ system and we expect to develop the technology so that we can provide multiple beacons in a pack that can be placed around a home to build a mesh of navigational beacons. That would enable CHiP to truly navigate your home. We are also refining the obstacle avoidance algorithms and any/all improvements will be made available through firmware updates. |
| What is the SmartBand? |
The SmartBand is a sleek, rechargeable, wearable wristband. It is packed with technology (BeaconSense™ and Bluetooth) that lets CHiP know where you are and what you want. When you walk into a room, CHiP will react and come towards you. It also has buttons on it so you can activate CHiPs capabilities or movements with great convenience. For example you can use the SmartBand to have CHiP come, heel, or stay. You can even tell CHiP when you like something by tapping the Like button on the remote, and CHiP will learn your preferences. |
| What is the SmartBall? |
The SmartBall is CHiP's favorite toy. Like the SmartBand, the SmartBall is packed with sensors and wireless abilities. This allows CHiP to know where the SmartBall is, pick it up, bring it to you, or simply play. It enables soccer-type play, fetch and CHiP can play with his toy any time it's in range. |
| What can I do with both of these items? |
You can do countless things with these devices, but here is one example: When you play fetch with CHiP, the SmartBand and the SmartBall work together so that CHiP can find the ball, and bring it back to you. CHiP can also play soccer with you and guard a goal from incoming shots, or simply pass the ball back to you. |
| Does CHiP have voice recognition? |
We want to provide a seamless experience for the user. That being said, we have been exploring several different voice recognition technologies and we are looking for the best solution. Rest assured, that it's one of our major goals to crack by the time the product ships. |
| Can CHiP climb stairs? |
Unfortunately no, CHiP is a one floor pup. |
| Can CHiP walk on carpets? |
CHiP's mecanum wheel design allows him to roll across most floor surfaces - including hardwood floors, tile, and low pile carpeting.
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| Can CHiP be used outside? |
CHiP is pretty good on most floor surfaces, and might work well on a smoothly paved road, but the rollers on his meccanum wheels would not do well on rough pavement or gravel. We did design CHiPs wheels to be removable/swappable, and it's possible that given demand, we will be releasing outdoor wheels.
While CHiP can probably handle the smooth pavement, his BeaconSense system uses infrared light, which operates in the 940nm frequency, and while it can function outdoors (which is why that frequency is used) its range is very limited, no more than a couple feet, and can have interference in strong sunlight. He can be driven using the CHiP App out doors, but his tracking skills would be very limited. Also note that CHiP is not waterproof, and should not get wet. |
| Is Chip rechargeable or it works on same AAA/AA batteries? |
CHiP is rechargeable. The SmartBand is rechargeable.
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| If it is rechargeable than how much time it generally takes and what is play time
on full recharge? |
We are shooting for CHiP to easily get through an active day. But like any Dog CHiP will need a recharge periodically or after significant use. One of our main goals with CHiP is to eliminate the worry and inconvenience of having to charge or change batteries. |
| Where can CHiP play? |
Low-cut carpet, hardwood floor, slippery tile. He’s an indoor dog! |
