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# App-Controlled Paper Airplanes
The PowerUp 3.0 by Shai Gaitan Digitizes a Traditional Toy

By Meghan Young | Published 2013-11-27 | Life-Stages
Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/powerup-30
References: [psfk](http://www.psfk.com/2013/11/app-controlled-paper-plane.html) & [kickstarter](http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/393053146/powerup-30-smartphone-controlled-paper-airplane)

PowerUp 3.0 is a device that attaches to traditional paper airplanes to ensure they never crash. This little gadget would have come in mighty handy in the animated short '[Paperman](http://www.trendhunter.com/trends/paperman-by-disney).' At least, for the protagonists, not necessarily the creators. Yet some people might feel that PowerUp 3.0 takes the fun out of such a classic game. Those people simply need to look at teary-eyed toddlers who can't create a proper paper airplane to change their minds.

Designed by pilot, industrial designer and TailorToys CEO Shai Gaitan, PowerUp 3.0 is a long device that sports a [tiny propeller, rudder](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/microsmall-drone) and rechargeable battery. It connects to an accompanying app in order to let the user control the plane. PowerUp 3.0 is made out of a [crash-proof carbon fiber frame](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/epic-aircraft-e1000-ax).

## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter)

- Score: 6.9/10
- Popularity: 99% | Activity: 100% | Freshness: 8%
- Audience gender: 70% men, 30% women
- Primary generations: Gen Z, Gen Alpha, Millennial
- Top markets: North America

## Categories

[Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Life-Stages](https://www.trendhunter.com/life-stages) > [Toys](https://www.trendhunter.com/toys)

## Key Themes

### Key Themes Behind This Trend

- **App-controlled Toys:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Develop new app-controlled toys that enhance traditional play experiences.
- **Iot Gadgets:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Create internet-connected gadgets that add digital functionality to everyday objects.
- **Smartphone-enabled Hobbies:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Integrate smartphone technology into hobbies to provide new levels of control and interactivity.

### Where This Applies

- **Toy Manufacturing:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Innovate traditional toy manufacturing processes by incorporating digital components for enhanced play value.
- **Consumer Electronics:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Develop new consumer electronics devices that bridge the gap between physical and digital experiences.
- **App Development:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Create apps that enable users to control and interact with physical objects for enhanced functionality.

## Related on Trend Hunter

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- [Ultrasonic Balloon-Borne Drones](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/blimp-drone.md)
- [Interactive Toy Experiences](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/toypal.md)
- [Gaming-Style Drone Controllers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/orqa-fpvctrl.md)