We put the Erector Spykee versus the WowWee Rovio in a fight to to see who will claim the Crown of Mobile web cam Champion!

We put the Erector Spykee versus the WowWee Rovio in a fight to to see who will claim the Crown of Mobile web cam Champion!

Spykee vs. Rovio

Who will WIN??  Read on for some shocking information!!

     If you have been waiting for a detailed side-by-side comparison, look no further!!  I have gone into great detail answering these questions so you can use this information to make a wise purchase depending on your need(s).

1)   How much do they cost?

ROVIO:   ~$297.00*

SPYKEE:  ~$286.00*

WINNER: As of now, Spykee!!

*(Prices were taken from Amazon. Price may vary due to retailer, coupons, specials, etc.)

Granted, being cheaper doesn’t amount up to being the ‘Best’ Choice.

2)   How do they drive (Response time, use of navigation screen, etc.)?

ROVIO: Rovio drives very well.  I like the layout of the navigation screen. Video is large enough, resolution is good (Depending on lighting) and buttons are easy to understand.  Rovio responds to commands well over an external connection (Mileage will vary due to one’s internet connection).

SPYKEE: Spykee drives ok.  The navigation buttons didn’t work right off the bat. I had to toggle the Turbo button before they worked.  Once you press the forward button, it stays ‘on’ which you have to click again to turn off.  You can only navigate it in 4 directions.  Response time is good via ad-hoc.  Video screen is small, and resolution is sub-par.

WINNER: Rovio.

3)   How easy is it to upgrade firmware on the Robot?

ROVIO:  Rovio is fairly easy to upgrade via their navigation screen.  Unfortunately, I noticed that Rovio lost all configuration, and I had to reconfigure to access Rovio again.  Other than that, it is very straight forward in upgrading firmware.

SPYKEE: Spykee looks easy to upgrade via their navigation screen.  There is no firmware update as of now, so I don’t know if Spykee loses configuration after update.

WINNER: I would say both win.

4)   Is it easy to understand the Owner’s Manual?

ROVIO: It is very easy to understand and follow the Owner’s Manual.  The Quick Guide is useless, due to the fact it points the user to the CD, in which a pamphlet was added stating that the user not use the CD. It instructed them to go to their website for the latest software/firmware.

SPYKEE: The printed activation manual is very small, and points you to the online .PDF.  The Owner’s Manual illustrates the instructions in building one of the 3 robots.  The .PDF explains how to configure Spykee.  Information regarding setting up for remote connection is very vague.  I couldn’t connect Spykee to my wireless firewall at all.  I attempted to use WEP, as well as WPA to no avail. Spykee connected via ad-hoc.

WINNER: Rovio.

5)   How long does the battery last*?

ROVIO: Rovio claims their battery can last 2 hours.  I see about 80-100 minutes on one charge in my environment. 

SPYKEE: The spykee battery lasts roughly 60 minutes the first time.

WINNER: Rovio.

*Times will vary due to different users.  Driving more/less frequent, playing mp3’s, turning on the headlight, taking pictures, etc. will have an overall effect on the battery time.

6)   How easy is it to setup on a wireless network?

ROVIO: Rovio wasn’t easy to set up on a wireless network due to it only working in WEP (Current Firmware).  *Most* users are running WPA, or WPA2.  They will need to downgrade their current wireless setup, or purchase an additional wireless appliance to keep their network safe from outsiders.  If your network is currently running WEP, it is very easy to setup Rovio.

SPYKEE: Spykee is easy to access via ad-hoc.  Spykee can’t connect to my wireless firewall with many attempts. I am knowledgeable about wireless settings.  Setting up Spykee is very difficult on my firewall.

WINNER: Rovio.

7)   What is the recommended age for both?

ROVIO:  The recommended age for Rovio is 8+.  Rovio doesn’t contain any small parts which a child can swallow.  The smallest part is the antenna on the Rovio, which a child ‘might’ be able to break off and swallow.  That is the only small part on the Rovio.

SPYKEE: The recommended age for Spykee is 8+.  One has to remember that the Spykee doesn’t come assembled. One has to assemble Spykee, which contains small parts that a child can easily swallow, and choke on.  Even if a parent were to assemble the Spykee, one has to remember that a child can break off, or separate a small part, and still choke on them.

WINNER: I would have to say the safest Robot would be Rovio, due to having the fewest small parts (Antenna is attached, but might be able to be broken off).

8)   What is your preference, and why?

I choose Rovio hands down.  Rovio has more features, and doesn’t resemble a ‘toy’. Granted, one can do more with the Spykee, like video filtering, special effect sounds, and dancing lights, but those don’t add value to the robot. That entices children.  Granted, both do have their share of issues, but most of Rovio’s issues can be fixed via firmware.  Even if I could get Spykee connected to my network, it is harder to navigate Spykee around, and one can’t adjust the camera angle at all.