# App-Controlled Smart Toys The Sphero 2.0 is a New Concept in Augmented Reality Toys By Jana Pijak | Published 2015-01-28 | Life-Stages Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sphero-smart-toys References: [gosphero](http://www.gosphero.com/sphero-2-0/) & [newtech.about](http://newtech.about.com/od/consolesystems/tp/5-Augmented-Reality-Toys.htm) Sphero 2.0 is an app-controlled robot that changes the way we look at smart toys. Modern technology has made traditional toys a thing of the past and has resulted in children's early exposure to computers, tablets and smartphones. While many of us grew up playing with [LEGOs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/lego2) or [Barbie's](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/aienhanced-play-experiences), today's kids are already well-versed in online language and mobile apps that make play-time all the more interactive. Sphero 2.0 embraces this new direction in toy manufacturing and is an [app-controlled ball that changes colors](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sphere-vehicle), plays games and even learns tricks much like a household pet. The versatile sphere is waterproof and pet-proof making it the perfect accessory for kids of all ages. Whether used to make playtime more fun or for educational purposes, smart toys like Sphero 2.0 are illustrating the power of app-controlled tech and augmented reality toys. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 1.0/10 - Popularity: 13% | Activity: 9% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe, Asia ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Life-Stages](https://www.trendhunter.com/life-stages) > [Toys](https://www.trendhunter.com/toys) ## Key Themes ### What's Driving This Trend - **App-controlled Toys:** The rise of app-controlled toys presents opportunities for companies to leverage technology to create interactive and engaging play experiences. - **Augmented Reality Toys:** The growing popularity of augmented reality toys opens up possibilities for companies to combine physical toys with digital elements, creating immersive and interactive playtime. - **Educational Smart Toys:** The demand for educational smart toys highlights the potential for companies to develop toys that combine play and learning, helping children develop important skills. ### Who This Affects Most - **Toy Manufacturing:** Toy manufacturers can embrace the trend of app-controlled toys to create innovative and engaging play experiences for children. - **Technology:** The technology industry has the opportunity to develop new augmented reality toys that combine physical play with digital elements, opening up a new market for interactive toys. - **Education:** The education industry can incorporate educational smart toys into classrooms to enhance learning experiences and engage students in hands-on activities. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [STEM Education Classroom Robots](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/the-sphero-bolt.md) - [Programmable Robot Toys](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mini-robots.md) - [AI-Backed Family Toys](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/2xl-cobot.md) - [Programming Code-Powered Toy Cars](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/zerone-2.md) - [AI-Powered Toy Cars](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/rocar.md) - [Interactive Toy Experiences](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/toypal.md) - [AI-Powered Toy Attachments](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/toypal-one.md) - [Self-Moving Smart Dog Balls](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/wicked-ball-rolly.md) - [Rolling Pet Connectivity Robots](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/freshrobot-rollbot.md)