The Carbon Flyer is a nifty remote-controlled airplane that can be controlled via a smartphone app. This plane looks like a paper plane but boasts carbon fiber construction, LED running lights and a video camera to capture video during its flight.
The Carbon Flyer is controlled by an app -- compatible with both iOS and Android -- that relays commands to the aircraft from as far away as 73 meters. Users can control direction by tilting the phone and the throttle via an on-screen slide control.
Trident Design, the creators of the Carbon Flyer, are currently operating an Indiegogo campaign to raise funds for its production. A pledge of $89 will get you a unit if and when it becomes available, with the planned retail price closer to $150.
What's Driving This Trend
- App-controlled Toys
- App-controlled toys are becoming more popular and offer opportunities for companies to create new toys and applications.
- Smartphone Integrated Devices
- Smartphone integrated devices, like the Carbon Flyer paper plane, allow for a more connected and seamless user experience.
- Crowdfunding Launchpad
- Crowdfunding campaigns serve as a viable option for product launches and gaining a community of supporters.
Who This Affects Most
- Toy Industry
- The toy industry has the opportunity to create innovative, app-controlled toys that will appeal to both children and adults.
- Gadget Industry
- The gadget industry can capitalize on the trend of smartphone integrated devices to create unique and advanced products.
- Crowdfunding Industry
- The crowdfunding industry can continue to serve as a launchpad for innovative products, like the Carbon Flyer paper plane, that may have difficulty receiving traditional funding.
