Sphero built a smartphone controlled version of Star Wars’ BB-8 droid

Connected toy manufactured Sphero has teamed up with Disney to make a smartphone controlled version of Star Wars: The Force Awakens'  BB-8 droid.

While Sphero BB-8's body is essentially a reskinned Sphero, the head is an all new part connected with magnets. This means it will stay upright while staying attached to Sphero BB-8's spinning body.

As with the original Sphero, Sphero BB-8 connects to Android and iOS devices via a Bluetooth connection and is driven using an app. The Star Wars themed app also allows users to record augmented reality holographic messages, a la Princess Leia in A New Hope. Sphero BB-8's battery is said to last 60 minutes.

Sphero BB-8 retails for AUD$249.95 and is available from JB Hi-Fi, Apple and Harvey Norman from today.