PowerUp 3.0 brings Paper Airplanes to a new Level

I have very fond memories of folding countless sheets of paper into airplanes and throwing them across the house and yard. I even used to have a “howto” book to make more insane looking and flying sheets of paper. It was always a quick and inexpensive way to have some good fun. While I still fold some up for my 3 year old son, I have since moved on. Thanks to the innovation of Shai Goitein, we are soon going to be able to mix the fun of paper airplanes with the power of our devices.

Meet the PowerUp 3.0. A smartphone controlled paper airplane. Yes, we said smartphone controlled paper airplane. Simply grab yourself a sheet of copy paper, fold it up into your plane, attach the PowerUp 3.0, connect it to your phone and throw it into the sky. That is it. Watch –

Cool right? While it will only fly for 10 minutes, it charges via a micro USB port. Take one of your portable battery banks and a few sheets of paper outside with you and you are set for an afternoon of flying and magical discovery.

The PowerUp 3.0 uses Bluetooth smart technology for ultra low power consumption with a range of about 180 feet/60 yards. That is more than enough distance for some paper airplane flying action. There is a companion app that you will install for the ultimate flight experience. It gives you an onscreen read out of battery life remaining, signal, throttle and a fancy gyroscope.

The PowerUp 3.0 reached its first stretch goal to bring it from an iOS only app and make it Android 4.3 compatible. That goal also allows you to control two PowerUp 3.0’s at the same time. Be it two separate planes flying together or just one supped up dual prop super plane.  It is VERY close to making the next stretch goal that will bring in some dogfighting sensor action. That would make for an even more interesting afternoon at the park.

The early bird package has long since been sold out, which was $30. There is still plenty of basic packages space left at $40 or one of the other options. Head over to the PowerUp 3.0 Kickstarter page to take a closer look and jump in on the backing.

The PowerUp 3.0 will be flying around in Las Vegas for CES 2014, we will be sure to get in on that action and let you guys know whats up.