Something on the Side: Spy by tank

In this issue of Something on the Side, SEAN BACHER highlights the app-controlled SPY-C Tank, the Logitech PowerShell Controller and Battery, the Razer Kraken 7.1 Surroud Sound USB gaming headset, Garmin’s VIRB Elite Action Camera and the Western Digital My Passport Slim 2TB hard drive.

App controlled SPY-C Tank

The app controlled SPY-C Tank is designed to work with any iOS or Android device. It connects via Wi-Fi and, when connected, gives users a heads-up view for easy controlling. The tank’s camera can be rotated a full 360 degrees and can also record footage. The tank is able to memorise a certain path it has travelled for self-navigation.

Stockists: www.Mantality.co.za

Expect to pay: R2 300

Logitech PowerShell Controller and Battery

The Logitech PowerShell Controller and Battery is compatible with any iPhone 5 or 5th generation iPod running iOS7. The phone is slipped into the shell like a normal protective case but, once inserted, it gives users additional analogue controls. This means users get to see the entire screen when playing a game. The Logitech PowerShell Controller and Battery also charges the phone when docked.

Stockists: www.gaming.logitech.com

Expect to pay: R1 700

Razer Kraken 7.1 Surroud Sound USB gaming headset

The Kraken headphones create a virual surround sound gaming experience, thanks to the Synapse 2.0 configuration software. Although they can be used straight out of the box, the software allows users to customise the surround sound experience to their liking. For instance, bass boost levels and individual sound channels can be tweeked. Users can even tweek voices for greater hearing precision.

Stockists: Most electronic retail outlets nationwide.

Expect to pay: R1 200

Garmin VIRB Elite Action Camera

The Garmin VIRB Elite Action camera features a rugged and waterproof housing, so there is no extra case necessary to withstand the elements. The 1.4‚” colour display makes setup and playback easy and uses minimal battery power. The camera can record over three hours of true HD (1080p) video on one charge and on-board video enhancement features such as digital image stabilisation and lens distortion correction ensure that footage recorded with the VIRB will look professional, even before editing. The camera also incorporates Wi-Fi and GPS connectivity.

Stockists: Most electronic retail outlets nationwide.

Expect to pay: R5 199

Western Digital My Passport Slim 2TB hard drive

The 2TB Slim unit Is the latest in the My Passport hard drive range. The drive features a metal enclosure and offers 256-bit encryption to keep data secure. Included with the drive is WD SmartWare Pro data protection software, which lets users back up their data to their My Passport Slim and keep an extra copy in their Dropbox account. The software also lets users back up their Dropbox account to the My Passport Slim. The drive measures 4.33 x 3.14 x 0.7 inches and is also available in a 1TB capacity.

Stockists: www.wdstore.com

Expect to pay: R1 500

• Sean Bacher is editor of Gadget.co.za. Follow him on Twitter on @SeanBacher