BB-8 Star Wars toy set to be Christmas hit

A robotic toy modelled on one of the characters from the forthcoming Star Wars sequel aims to become one of most requested gifts this Christmas.

Sphero's BB-8 droid features a head that stays "balanced" on top of a spinning ball, which can be controlled by a smartphone or tablet and reacts to voice commands.

The character already features prominently in trailers for the much anticipated movie, The Force Awakens, which is released in December.

The toy is smaller than its film counterpart but is priced above several of the other robotic companions being targeted at children, which might affect sales.

Sphero's chief creative officer Rob Maigret tells the BBC's Chris Foxx why the product might herald a wave of other hi-tech toys in the video above.