Parrot S.A is no stranger in delivering unique wireless devices to market from its motorcycle hands-free kits to its bluetooth hi-fi stereo systems. With such expertise under its belt, there was no doubt they were able to produce the AR.Drone, a four (or quad) rotor aircraft that delivers a unique experience. The device offers an enhanced view (an augmented reality or AR) of the world where the physical environment is merged with virtual computer-generated imagery. At first glance this device is clearly a 21^st century remote-controlled toy but it has features that will take your gaming experience to a whole new level.

Four rotors power the flight of the device while an internal computer works with accelerometers, gyroscopes, sound sensors and a bottom mounted camera to stabilize itself during flight. The Linux-run computer additionally can switch to an autonomous mode for unmanned flight. A front-facing camera coupled with an on-board Wi-Fi module lets you see what the Drone sees through an iPhone or iPod Touch. It also comes with a selection of games and a patented gaming system that takes advantage of the camera and lets you play an AR flight simulation.

There is also room for upgrades via a USB interface and Parrot plans to provide the control libraries to developers so that they can build apps for the device. The retail launch is slated to be sometime this year but no price is announced yet.