Toy helicopter for techies to race in the living room

A remote-controlled helicopter which allows users to race around their living room on virtual circuits was launched today in what is heralded as one of the most advanced toys ever made.

The AR.Drone is a four-bladed helicopter controlled via an iPhone which allows players to create their own race circuits.

Users construct circuits based around their immediate surroundings, such as their living room or garden, which are shown on the phone's screen.

Two video cameras on the helicopter beam live pictures back to the phone which are superimposed on to the virtual circuits.

This allows players to race around their own tracks and also to "see" virtual monsters and obstacles that appear on screen.

The helicopter has a mini computer to control its blades and a wi-fi chip to connect it wirelessly to an iPhone.

The helicopter, which is set to go on sale this spring, was unveiled at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas.

Its maker, Parrot, claims it is one of the most advanced toys yet made. Although no price has been set, makers say it will be "affordable".

Henri Seydoux, from Parrot, said: "Players will be able to fly around their living room and avoid monsters, or race with friends. Eventually they could even race against other owners anywhere in the world by flying around virtual tracks."