WowWee Rovio Mobile Webcam Review

A Detailed Look at the Outside

The Rovio is wrapped independently from the other accessories to ensure nothing gets bent or breaks during shipping. I think it’s mainly just for scratches and dings, but you get the picture.

The WowWee Rovio is a mobile wireless IP camera with a three-wheeled drive system. It is equipped with an IR sensor on the front for basic obstacle avoidance. Rovio also has a NorthStar II sensor (also known as the TrueTrackTM sensor in WowWee terms). This sensor enables Rovio to self-navigate as it follows pre-programmed paths. The NSII (NorthStar II) system reads the two IR spots projected onto the ceiling by the TrueTrack Beacon integrated into the Rovio docking base or projected by a Rovio TrueTrack standalone beacon (these standalone beacons can be purchased separately). 

There are only three wheels on this unit, but each “omni-directional” wheel actually has 10 smaller wheels to help it move in any direction the user wants to take the Rovio. This is very innovative and as you’ll see during performance testing, they actually work very well for their intended purpose.

The head of the Rovio consists of a USB connector, power button, TrueTrack sensor, microphone, and camera. It can be moved into three different positions – floor level, mid-level (moves up a little over an inch but same angle as floor level, and at a 45-degree angle to see people’s faces and other higher objects.

Here’s a quick shot of the Rovio with its antenna up. The Rovio uses this antenna to communicate with your home or office wireless networking equipment to send video signals as well as receive movement commands.

The left side of the Rovio gives us a good profile shot of the device to see how low it sits to the ground. This photo also shows you how the three-wheel configuration is aligned. You’ll also notice a couple small lights on top of the unit. These lights glow and pulse when the unit is charging or in use.

The right side of the unit is exactly the same as the left side except for the antenna shown above.

Here’s a close-up shot of the TrueTrack sensor, power button, and mini USB connector.

The underbelly of the Rovio includes the 6 volt rechargable battery compartment and two metal strips for charging the battery while it is docked. 

Rovio’s built-in LED headlight will help you navigate the unique in lower-light conditions. The LEDs are pretty bright too and should definitely help brighten the landscape when you are navigating the unit from your smartphone or PC.