Meet Swapbots, An Augmented-Reality Toy That Pairs With The iPad

These cute robot toys are unique on their own, but they pack a secret.

- Leah Yamshon

With so many kid-friendly games, apps, and programs these days, it can be hard for parents to pry their kids away from the screen—but not all screen time has to be passive.

SwapBots (go.macworld.com/swapb) is a new line of physical toys that spring to life when paired with a smartphone or tablet, thanks to augmented reality. The toy itself is made up of various blocks that you stack up, three pieces high, to make a character—pick between different feet, torsos, and heads. The blocks are lightweight, and are easier to stack than your standard Lego bricks.