Spykee and Rovio are both wi-fi robots, and are both due to be released about August 2008, so we predict a robot war between the two rivals. Here is how they compare...

• Both robots will cost a similar amount.
• Both robots can be controlled from any internet connected computer, allowing you to spy on your home while away, or converse with someone remotely.
• Both robots will automatically retreat to their base station to recharge when low on power.
• Rovio uses a special "Northstar" navigation technique to identify it's own position. It does this by projecting light onto the ceiling from the base station, which Rovio uses to identify it's position. This allows it to navigate itself to any pre-programmed position. However, it is fair to assume that this system only works in the same room as the base station.
• Spykee requires the user to navigate it.
• Rovio has a motorised camera, allowing the user to look up and down.
• Spykee is made by Meccano...Spykee can be built into different configurations, and is compatible with other Meccano parts.
• Rovio is made by Wowwee (the creators of Robosapien).
• Spykee is PC or Mac compatible. Rovio is only compatible with Windows.
• Meccano are making the source code to the software open-source (Microsoft .Net framework), allowing developers to innovate. There has been no mention of anything similar for Rovio yet.