PowerUp 3.0 takes paper airplane to high-tech heights

A step too far for smart devices?

PowerUp 3.0: $50
PowerUp 3.0: $50

There are some things that make you wonder if there is an actual point to making them "smart". Like this paper plane, for example. The PowerUp 3.0 is a smartphone controlled paper airplane. Yes, paper. But you can't predict how popular these things will be. It's got a carbon-fibre frame and is apparently crashproof by design, which is probably a good thing considering that's what paper planes do. Back in the good old days you needed some skill to aim your plane. Now all you need is an app, which turns your phone into a remote control. In the box you get three templates: one for beginners, one for advanced pilots and a waterproof template. Given Irish weather, that last addition is a welcome one. You get spare propellers and rudders for when you crash it into a tree. http://www.poweruptoys.com/

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Ciara O'Brien

Ciara O'Brien

Ciara O'Brien is an Irish Times business and technology journalist