R/C 360? UFOx

Friday, February 15, 2013

Don’t get me wrong. This is a super fun toy for the kids. So I don’t want to be “that guy” who goes and ruins all the fun by being too literal.

But even though it hovers like a helicopter and has built-in gyroscopic stabilization, I still take issue with it being called a “UFO.”

Here’s the thing. UFO stands for “unidentified flying object.” Over the years, however, “UFO” has become synonymous with “alien space craft” the same way “Kleenex” has with “facial tissue” and “Ping Pong” with “table tennis.”

I would argue that the genericizing of “UFO” is even more pervasive in this instance because, quite simply, it’s being used incorrectly.

Is this toy a flying object with exceptional maneuverability and amazing agility? Indeed it is. Is it unidentified, however? No, it is not. In fact, its LED lights not only make it easily identifiable, but also great for night flying and putting on a show.

So in conclusion, should you buy this toy for your kids? Absolutely. Its crash resistant caging make it ideal for novice flyers. But as a society, we have a responsibility to call a spade a spade, or in this case, a radio-controlled flying machine a radio-controlled flying machine.

In the Box:

(1) MOTA Toys R/C 360? UFOx also includes:

• (1) Infrared Remote Control
• (1) USB Charging Cable
• (2) Extra Tail Blades
• (2) Extra Main Rotor Blades
• (1) Screw Driver

Woot