September 2009 New Specialty Toys — Electronics

Designed for learning and fun, this electronic preschool toy harnesses the power of a computer and utilizes Interactive Voice Recognition Technology so that the on-screen Comfy characters respond to a child's voice as he or she plays the 36 educational games and activities. The multilingual product easily switches among 20 different languages. "During the past 80+ years, different versions of toy telephones have traditionally been among the top-selling preschool toys on the market," Ron Cantor, president of Comfy, Inc., told TDmonthly. "The Plug ‘n Play Phone is a preschool child's phone for the 21st century!" Two AA batteries are required (not included). Launch date: 2009.

Prime-8 is a fast and agile gorilla robot that does everything from play laser tag to run with your kids down hallways. He explores his own surroundings or responds to remote control. He is silly, occasionally rude, and goes crazy when disturbed in his sleep! Prime-8’s intense interactivity is powered by a battery of sensors that allow him to respond to people and to his environment. Internal sensors measure his orientation constantly, and prompt him to right himself should he fall down. Outbound sight and sound sensors help Prime-8 maneuver around obstacles, respond to questions with grunts and growls, and express himself. Finally, motion detection sensors keep Prime-8 alert so that he can chase away intruders by firing rockets!

Penbo is a lovable interactive penguin that sings, talks, dances and plays games with you and her surprise Bebe. She responds to touch and sound and communicates with her Bebe through infrared sensors. Penbo also plays five games with you and Bebe; the more you play, the happier she becomes! Penbo is an autonomous robot designed to move like a penguin and interact with you and her Bebe through an array of sensors. She is aware of her surroundings, loves to dance, plays games and talks with Bebe in Penguish, her own language. Press Penbo’s heart to reveal a surprise egg with her Bebe inside; each color Bebe interacts differently with Penbo.

This 3" designer mini speaker has a lot of attitude. Featuring artwork by Jeremiah Ketner, it hosts a built-in hi-fi amplifier, internal rechargeable battery and can play for four to eight hours. It comes with an audio cable, a USB charging cable and a keyring clip for attachment to bags or other accessories. Headphonies can work with MP3 players, portable DVD players, computers and most mobile devices. Launch date: August 2009.

This Silver Ion HEPA Air Filter is designed for homes with kids seeking to reduce airborne viruses that cause the flu. The HEPA air filter is coated with silver, an eco-friendly and non-toxic substance naturally occurring in nature that provides anti-bacterial, anti-fungal and anti-viral protection. The Silver Ion HEPA filter is more affordable than other air sterilization methods and is designed to be extremely efficient when compared to ultraviolet technology alone. The Silver Ion HEPA filter reduces up to 50 percent of airborne viruses that cause the flu after 24 hours of use, and eliminates 99 percent of airborne allergens, 98 percent of bacteria, and up to 50 percent of the viruses that cause influenza. It's "perfect for a child's room or common high-traffic areas in the home," Akiko Tanaka, PR coordinator for Alen Corp., told TDmonthly. Launch date: September 15, 2009.

Named Respiratory Management Magazine's "New Product of the Year" for 2009, Paralda is an eco-friendly, RoHS compliant, Energy Star rated HEPA UV air purifier with 99.97-percent air cleaning efficiency. It is designed for babies and children's rooms because it contains zero lead components and is quiet. Its UV lamp is designed to last up to five years and sterilizes airborne viruses that cause the flu. It is available in the following colors: Bamboo Green, Twilight or Espresso. "Paralda was the first HEPA UV air purifier in the U.S. market to meet strict green standards — it is environmentally friendly by meeting all RoHS requirements and is Energy Star rated — using less energy than a standard light bulb," Ria Romano, PR manager for Alen Corp., told TDmonthly. Launch date: January 15, 2009.

This monkey-faced bank eats and saves coins. The size is approximately 10 cm x 10 cm x 10 cm. Launch date: June 6, 2009.

This TV-based gaming system for preschoolers combines full-body movement, music, education and fun. Combining LeapFrog’s learning products expertise with Disney’s storytelling heritage and preschool TV programs, the system lets kids bring the fun of Playhouse Disney to life at their house. As they groove and play, kids can gain a greater understanding of core preschool skills such as math, language and music. The Zippity system leads kids through eight lively learning games that use an interactive mat for lower-body movement, such as running, dancing, jumping and marching, and a tummy-high joystick, or “bopper,” for upper-body action, such as moving left, right, forward and back. The easy-to-use system with eight learning activities pre-loaded—comes with a foldable mat and bopper, which interacts wirelessly with the Zippity console. Launch date: August 2009.

Got It Reading & Math Game is a two-sided electronic game with two arcade-style joysticks. Word and math questions appear on the screen and players move their cursors to “grab” the correct answers before they are eaten up by the opponent or the friendly monster (also offers solo play). It features bonus rounds, volume control, automatic shut-off and two headphone jacks that allow quiet play. It includes Activity Guide and an AC adapter is available separately. "This game provides the option of either a reading or a math game, providing immediate feedback and play for one or two players," Nancy Davies, group account director for Salmon Borre Group, told TDmonthly. Launch date: May 15, 2009.

An electronic dice roll gives players a target number, and kids (or parents) race to add or subtract the light-up numbers one through 9 at their station. Once a player has used all of his numbers, he's scored a knockout. Players can also train for matches in solo mode. The announcer’s voice, starting bell and roaring crowd send fighters into the ring ready to rumble. It features volume control and automatic shut-off, and includes an Activity Guide. An AC adapter is available separately. Launch date: April 2, 2009.

This could be a first guitar for kids and a travel guitar for players of all ages. It includes eight dot position inlays, 1/4 pin pickup, and a silkscreen logo. No assembly is required. Launch date: August 2009.

Whenever there is an awkward pause, individuals can push the button on the key chain-sized theCRICKETtoy™ to hear "Chirp. Chirp." (crickets chirping). "There really is no other item out there like this designed for those awkward moments. It's a great conversation piece and it gets people asking, "Hey, where did you get that?" That's GREAT marketing and branding with multiple impressions throughout the week!" Jeff Anderson, owner of Kardandak Enterprises LLC, told TDmonthly. Launch date: November 5, 2008.

Mark-my-time digital bookmarks in neon blue, green and purple are fun and easy to use. A simple and easy way to monitor reading times for either a countdown session with alarm or cumulative sessions monitoring and storing up to 100 hours of achieved reading time.