[September 22, 2011] Hype: A car you can control with your phone and the perfect pair of winter boots Tweet Sep 22, 2011 (McClatchy-Tribune - McClatchy-Tribune News Service via COMTEX) -- PHONE IT IN. TankBots from Desk Pets are remote-controlled robot vehicles that can move through obstacles, rocks, even mazes, thanks to an infrared sensor. Even cooler is the remote is your phone. The app for your iOS or Android smartphone tells your TankBot not only where to move, but also to make growling and honking noises. The TankBot has a retractable USB charger built in and carries a 30-minute charge. It comes in orange, blue, black and green and costs $20. It is available at www.robotshop.com, Radio Shack and Toys R Us. You can get the app at http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/deskpets/id427154684?mt=8 WINTER WEAR. If you walk to work or school throughout the fall rains and winter snows, you have probably been searching for this unicorn of a boot - the Merrell Tetra Launch Waterproof Boot is where performance meets style. It is waterproof, with antimicrobial fleece lining. It is easy to put on and take off and has a rubber sole that grips in all directions. It comes in black or cherry brown and is $160 at www.merrell.com or www.zappos.com. ___ Merrie Leininger writes Hype for McClatchy-Tribune News Service. You can write to her at [email protected]. --- McClatchy-Tribune Information Services. Distributed by MCT Information Services ----- TO SUBSCRIBE TO KIDS & TEENS ELEMENTS Items in the KIDS & TEENS ELEMENTS package are not included in your MCT News Service subscription. You can subscribe to the KIDS & TEENS ELEMENTS package or purchase the items a la carte on MCT Direct at www.mctdirect.com. To subscribe, please call Rick DeChantal at Tribune Media Services at (800) 245-6536 or [email protected]. Outside the United States, call Tribune Media Services International at +1-213-237-7987 or e-mail [email protected]. ----- PHOTO (from MCT Photo Service, 202-383-6099): [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ]