Sphero's silicone smart rings let kids make music with a tap of their fingers

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Sphero (creator of the BB8 Star Wars bot and the Bolt educational toy) has taken an artistic turn with a new wearable for kids. Launched at CES 2019 in Las Vegas, Specdrums are a pair of app-enabled rings that let kids create music by tapping their fingertips on different colored surfaces.

Sphero recently announced that it was moving away from licensed toys to focus on its own educational bots, which support kids' learning in STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art and maths). 

While the Sphero Bolt range teach essential programming skills, Specdrums are the company's first foray into the arts. Sounds are customizable, allowing youngsters to explore drum beats, piano notes and over 100 other instruments.

Tapping on different colors produces different sounds, and although the rings come with a multi-colored playmat for experimenting, the rings will also work with everyday objects in different colors. 

Ring the changes

“By seeing the world around them as a canvas, kids are able to use Specdrums to create their own songs using coding, which is really exciting for them, their parents and their teachers," said Paul Berberian, CEO of Sphero. "Meanwhile, the creative pattern-making of loops and sounds strengthens their math and problem-solving skills.”

Specdrums were initially made with the classroom in mind, but are affordable enough for home music-making too. A single ring costs £64.99 (about $80, AU$120) for one ring, while a pair are £99.99 (about $130, AU$180). 

• Check out all of TechRadar's CES 2019 coverage. We're live in Las Vegas to bring you all the breaking tech news and launches, plus hands-on reviews of everything from 8K TVs and foldable displays to new phones, laptops and smart home gadgets.

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