PowerUp 3.0 Review, the smart health connected paper plane smart health innovation

PowerUp 3.0 is a smart health connected paper plane which is controlled via a dedicated mobile application. The principle is simple, you have to create the paper wings yourself and then install the device that includes the head of the aircraft and the propeller. Already available across the Atlantic, the PowerUp 3.0 arrives in France from today at an attractive price. We were able to meet the inventor of this product! But what is this smart health connected paper plane really worth? The editorial team could try it out in preview.

PowerUp 3.0, the low-cost smart health connected paper plane

(embed) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AilpPr-Bsa0 (/ embed) 

Mark : Power Up

Category : smart health connected toy

Price : 45.99 euros (39.99 euros in launch offer at bisly.co)

availability date : available

Tested with a Nexus 5

Unboxing

The box lets see the plane, protected by a plastic cover. For the rest, we will be satisfied with cardboard. The idea of ​​paper is therefore present to the end. No frills, but enough to protect all of the content during transport. And let's talk about the content. So we find the plane, but also 4 sheets of paper including a waterproof, a USB cable to recharge the device, a spare propeller and an important notice which details step by step the various stages of construction, but also of preparation for the flight. No particular criticisms to be made of this box.

Design and Ergonomics

Extremely light, the aircraft mount has two separate parts. At the front head with the Bluetooth transmitter, the socket for recharging and the various components. The builder decided to leave a transparent shell revealing the inside of the head. It’s a choice that is justified, but it didn’t convince us since it feels like you have a prototype in your hands, or at least something that is not finished. Besides this, the product design is nice, especially after you’ve installed the wings. It looks like a paper plane, but with a more finished side. In addition, the papers supplied in the box are of good quality and offer a super nice rendering. Special mention for the waterproof paper which gives a real look to the device. In any case, when we tested it in a large Parisian park, several people stopped, intrigued by this small plane "which looks nice" to quote a passerby.

Application

As we explained, the plane is controlled via a mobile application. This is available on Android and iOS and of course for free. Then just turn on your Bluetooth and turn on the plane for the connection to be made. Nothing's easier. Using the app is also extremely simple. It gives various information such as the battery level or the percentage of power that we put on the plane. Using your phone’s gyro, you’ll control the direction of the aircraft, right or left. We have not encountered any particular problems with it. Still, we would have liked more features, like the ability to manage the device with a virtual joystick, or even wind information where you are. The plane being very light it is very sensitive to the wind, but we will see that a little later.

Getting started

Installation

PowerUp 3.0 is one of those objects whose installation of components, in this case wings, is an integral part of the amusement process. Having never practiced origami, we had to be worried when the notion of manual work was invited in the Review. Fortunately, making the wings is relatively easy.. Everything is explained in the instructions, but also on video. With all that, impossible not to get there. During the first few times, it may take a little time, but all this will not exceed ten minutes.

Flight preparation

Once your craft is properly assembled, it remains to prepare for the flight. Remember, this is a paper plane that will be sensitive to wind. So it is very strongly recommended to do a flight Review without starting the engine. The goal, to see the direction that the plane takes in order to be able to adapt the ailerons of the craft according For example if it leaves to the right, orient the wing so that the plane tries to the left. It should go straight this way. This operation is valid with all directions. Again, all of this is detailed on the PowerUp YouTube channel. It's a fairly tedious and not very fun step. Without counting the wind which can change and modify all your parameters. This is the downside of paper.

The flight

You're ready to fly ! It will take a large space (the equivalent of at least half a football pitch) to be able to do so in the best possible conditions. The paper plane has a very large amplitude, hence the large space required. Might as well warn you right away, it's going to take you a while to master this. First, because the plane reacts a lot to wind, but also because the application is very sensitive and piloting with a gyroscope is not very easy. You have to tilt the phone right or left to steer the machine. And it's rather difficult. Your first flights will often end in a crash. We regret the fact that the application does not include a virtual joystick for management, which would perhaps be more reassuring for neophytes.

Disadvantage, a crash damages the paper a little and may require you to redo the settings for everything to work well ! PowerUp says it itself in its videos, you have to try again, again and again. You have been warned, the PowerUp 3.0 is not a toy that can be controlled directly and with which the pleasure is immediate. You will have to be patient. However, once the basics are acquired and the piloting more mastered, you should spend good, see very good moments. Just watch the videos of those who master well to salivate!

However, for all those who have already done model making, also don't expect to be able to do tricks all over the place or extremely long flights. Since we are talking about autonomy, it is announced around 10 min and it is. The accuracy of the battery status on the phone is however to be reviewed. It lacks precision and often goes back close to 100% before going back to the actual figure.

Compatibility

iPhone 4S or newer

All terminals running Android 4.3 or newer with Bluetooth 4.0

Against competition

The little guys at PowerUp are not the only ones who have felt the wind turn when it comes to paper planes. The 2.4 GHz Wireless Remote Control Paper Airplane also offers an incredible free flight show, but consists of a roll bar and two propellers, unlike its competitor. Sold around $ 60, it is available in France on electronic commerce platforms.

(embed) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MghSBJnJcpE (/ embed) 

Conclusion

What we liked : The fun aspect of building your own wings out of paper, the possibility of making with all the leaves you want, a small plane that has it under the hood, the price.

What we didn't like : sensitive to the wind, the transparent front shell, taken a little long before being able to take advantage of it.

The bet was risky. Make a paper plane smart health connected with all the paper faults in terms of wind resistance, weight or even piloting precision. So of course, these drawbacks have not been entirely eliminated, but with training, there is really a way to have fun with PowerUp 3.0. If the product is not free from defects, it must be put into perspective. The price displayed is very attractive: only 45 euros.

Overview

Design : In addition to the small transparent shell that we did not really appreciate, the PowerUp 3.0 is light, discreet and gives a real cachet to any paper plane.Application : The control application works well even if we regret certain measurement inaccuracies for the battery and the absence of a virtual joystick to control the product.use : The main drawback of the plane is the rather long adaptation time. Once mastered, it provides several fun sessions. However, the beginnings are difficult and the calibration, which is rather tedious, could discourage more than one, especially the youngest.Value for money : This is the great strength of PowerUp 3.0. Offer a complete product, but nevertheless accessible in terms of price.

3.7

 3.7 out of 5 

In the average

PowerUp 3.0 Review, the smart health connected paper plane 

Reviewed by Jessica M  

we 2015-05-05

   Design : In addition to the small transparent shell that we did not really appreciate, the PowerUp 3.0 is light, discreet and gives a real cachet to any paper plane.Application : The control application works well even if we regret certain measurement inaccuracies for the battery and the absence of a virtual joystick to control the product.use : The main drawback of the plane is the rather long adaptation time. Once mastered, it provides several fun sessions. However, the beginnings are difficult and calibration, which is rather tedious, could discourage more than one, especially the youngest.Value for money : This is the great strength of PowerUp 3.0. Offer a complete product, but nevertheless accessible in terms of price.

Rating: 3.7 

AB SMART HEALTH REVIEW