Smartphone-controlled paper airplanes now crowdfunding on Kickstarter

A new Kickstarter project called PowerUp 3.0 turns paper airplanes into smartphone-controlled flying machines.

PowerUp 3.0 is a small electronic module that works by attaching onto a paper airplane that users fold themselves. A small box at the front of the module stores the gadget’s battery and also keeps in contact with users’ smartphones. Meanwhile, at the back of the toy there is a propeller and rudder that make the device go in whatever direction a user wants.

“PowerUp 3.0 turns your embarrassing paper plane into a lean, mean flying machine,� says a video for the project, claims to be the world’s first ever smartphone controlled paper airplane.

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Users will be able to control the device by downloading the PowerUp 3.0 app onto their smartphone and connecting to the device through Bluetooth. Once the connection is made, users can direct their paper airplane left and right by tilting their smartphone in either direction. There’s also an on-screen lever in the app that users can move up and down to make the paper airplane ascend and descend.

The PowerUp 3.0 can fly in the air for up to 10 minutes before its battery runs out. The device recharges using a micro-USB cable, like any Android smartphone or tablet. The device has a 180-feet range and its frame and front bumper are both crash proof.

The Kickstarter project was posted Tuesday and already it has surpassed its goal of raising $50,000. Currently, the project has raised more than $222,000 and it still has about two months left on Kickstarter.

User can pledge $30 to the project to receive a PowerUp 3.0 device.

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