Sphero (photos)

Before CES 2011 started, we wrote about Sphero, a robotic ball developed by Boulder, Colo., start-up Orbotix. The idea is to control the ball with your smartphone for games and other applications. It looked like a fun idea, so we decided to stop by the company's booth to have a look.

On display was an early prototype of the Sphero.

Here is what the Sphero looks like today, along with the remote control displayed on the iPhone.

An employee explains how the Sphero works to CES goers.

The control interface on the iPad. The Sphero is designed to be used with iOS and Android games, and the API is open to developers.

Two Sphero balls rolling around on the CES floor. One example given by Orbotix of the Sphero's use was solving a maze by rolling the Sphero around on the floor. One idea overheard at CES was developing a Bocci ball game.