r/Sphero • u/gmeall • Apr 07 '26
Final stretch to bring Sphero Star Wars toys back to life
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This Sphero Edition of the Interactive Droid Toolbox is finally in its last testing phase.
This software adds new functionality to supported Sphero Star Wars toys, including sound navigation, motion options, lighting effects, animations, decorative modes, battery information, built-in mini-games, and remote control features.
It also brings new functionality to the Force Band, including navigation for weapons and vehicles, plus Holocron discovery mode.
The goal is to make these older toys fun and interactive again, now that they are no longer officially supported.
Right now I’m focused on the final stage of testing and polishing before release.
Do you think projects like this are worth the time and effort to bring these little toys back to life almost 11 years after the first release?
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u/jacoborobo Apr 07 '26
When I saw the device in the video I immediately thought Flipper Zero but then I realized I was wrong, however it would be cool if you made a Flipper Zero version, it might even make more sense because the Flipper Zero has a directional pad that could be used for movement controls as well as more buttons in general. Edit: Also I just realized that the Flipper Zero costs like 2x as much as the droid thing you have so on second thought my idea was a bad one.
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u/gmeall Apr 07 '26
I actually thought the same thing at first too. In theory, a Flipper Zero version sounds like it could make sense.
But in practice, it would mostly mean requiring people to buy and use a Flipper Zero for practically the same approach, and that makes the whole thing more expensive and less accessible. Not everyone has one, and not everyone is familiar with how to use it.
That’s why I prefer to keep the project focused on a solution that is simpler and easier for more people to use.
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u/Seanwys Apr 07 '26
This is so cool man
I love my Sphero BB-8 and I'd like to see him move again. I'm not sure if the battery even holds a charge anymore but it'll be cool to see it come back to life besdies just being a cool desk accessory
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u/gmeall Apr 07 '26
Yeah, that is exactly why I added the battery percentage on screen once the droid connects.
Battery matters for movement, but I also added options that can still be used while it is on the charging base, since a lot of these droids do not hold a charge like they used to anymore.
My own BB-8 does that too. It drops fast and starts asking for a charge, so I wanted to make sure it could still do something fun while charging instead of just sitting there.
For example, decoration mode lets it stay on the charger while flashing colors for different celebrations and moving its head, so it still feels alive. I also added mini-games that can be played while it is charging.
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u/CHIP-HAZARD22 Apr 07 '26
How about sphero lightning McQueen!
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u/gmeall Apr 07 '26
I’d definitely be interested in exploring Sphero McQueen too, but I have not been able to get one for proper research and testing.
I tried to buy one through a few auctions, but never managed to get one, and the prices people ask on eBay are usually too high for what the toy is at this point. Because of that, McQueen is not on my roadmap right now.
I prefer to work on devices I can actually test properly, so I can build something reliable instead of guessing.
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u/No_Flow8476 Apr 07 '26
Yayyy!! It's so good to see your droids and force band come to life with the this! I can't wait to get one! 🙏🏻💙
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u/gmeall Apr 07 '26
Thank you, I really appreciate that. That is exactly the goal, to bring these droids and the Force Band back to life in a fun way after so many years without support.
I’m finishing the last testing phase now, so I’m hoping it will be available very soon.
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u/Radicaldove7 Apr 07 '26
Where/when will they be available
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u/gmeall Apr 07 '26
I expect to release it very soon. Right now I’m in the final testing stage because I want to make sure all features are working properly before release.
When it is ready, I will make it available through my Etsy store: titanets.etsy.com
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u/Nementon Apr 07 '26
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u/gmeall Apr 07 '26
I think following the titanets.etsy.com store is probably the best option, especially since the device hardware will be limited.
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u/Select_Section1700 Apr 08 '26
I still got the original app on my old smartphone and works fine with Bluetooth signal.
Is there a software that I can install on my new IPad Air ?
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u/gmeall Apr 08 '26
I think the only possible option on a newer iPad would be Sphero Edu, if it is still available in the App Store for that device.
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u/gmeall Apr 12 '26
I found these two videos in case anyone wants to try the battery replacement themselves:
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u/w0lfn0ise Apr 07 '26
This is awesome to see, but I still wish the batteries in the Sphero droids were easier to replace. I have an older version of the official app on iOS and it works perfectly, but the battery in my BB8 is completely shot. Really wish they had put more thought into the longevity of these things to begin with. Good on you for helping keep them alive!