January 2011 Notable Toys — Electronics

This TankBot is a mini-robot that fits on your desk. Each TankBot features a dongle that plugs into the headphone jack of your iPhone, iPad, or iPod Touch. Utilizing Apple’s accelerometer technology, Desk Pets developed a program that enables TankBot to be controlled by simply tilting your mobile device. Tilt the iPhone, iPad, or iPod Touch forward and TankBot rolls forward, angle the phone right and TankBot instantly makes a right turn. Switch to autonomous mode and using built-in IR sensors, TankBot can navigate a maze, avoid obstacles and interact with the users hand motions, all on its own. "Just waving your hands in front of the robot almost becomes addictive as it moves and reacts to what you do. You wait for it to slip up and it doesn’t, it consistently acts with a military precision,” said Michael Trzecieski, managing director of Desk Pets International. The TankBot comes in four different colors, which can race against one another, and charges via USB.
– An ASTRA Top 30 Toy at Toy Fair 2010.

The Kid’Sleep My First Alarm Clock teaches young children how to tell time and gives them the independence of their own alarm clock. My First Alarm Clock shows the time in both digital and analog. The hour and minute hand colors match the hour and minute numbers. The alarm arm is inverted so that children can see how long it is until they have to wake up. There are three possible alarm sounds; chirping birds, a cuckoo or a train sound. The alarm sounds progressively louder until the child turns the alarm off or pushes the top button to snooze for another two minutes. Pushing the top button also provides a short glowing light so that the child can see the time during the night. There is also a small Kid’Sleep feature – when the sleeping child is lit, kids know to stay in bed and sleep a while longer. When the awake child is lit, kids know it is time to wake up. The mini night light emits a reassuring glow. My First Alarm Clock comes in blue or pink. Launch date: September 2011.

This electronic plush puppy makes cute puppy sounds, wags his tail and loves going on walks with you.  He comes with a remote control leash so you can guide him wherever you want to go.  Dimensions: Length: 18.51"; Height: 12.99"; Depth: 9.02".  Product Weight: 4.69 Lb.
 — As of 10.25.10, this product was listed in the top 30 best-selling toys and games on Target.com.

Create your own art by sticking the LEDs into the rubber pad and watch them light up. Use the 50 LEDs of 8 colors to create personal designs.

Create your own art by sticking the LEDs into the rubber pad and watch them light up. Use the 50 LEDs of 8 colors to create personal designs.

Vibe IT is a fun way to listen to your favorite music, movie or play a game on your portable device. Vibe IT turns almost anything into a speaker, just remove the acoustic generator from the Vibe IT cube and place it on any hollow or an object that can vibrate. With the reusable sticky material found on the acoustic generator, it will stick to any object and turn that object into a speaker.

TamaTown is a revamped version of the Tamagotchi virtual pet. It includes the original nurturing play pattern and character customization, along with additional features including a larger egg, and interchangeable design sheet and a more detailed display. TamaTown is a base for Tama characters, sold separately. Tama characters can be attached to activate character-specific new games.