TDmonthly's Toy Fair 2007 Preview
Category: Electronics

My First LeapPad Learning System by LEAPFROG

With this portable, lightweight system, letters, words and numbers come to life with the touch of a Magic Pen, and interactive learning games, sing-a-longs and word play give kids a full-throttle jump into the exciting world of reading. Children can just snap in a book, pop in a cartridge, and be ready to read and play. 11/8/2006

Digital Camera Watch by DISCOVERY COMMUNICATIONS INC.

This kidult gadget allows future spies to practice their skills by secretly taking photos and uploading them to the computer. The miniature camera watch takes up to 152 pictures and comes with spy cam CD-ROM software. It weighs only 1 pound and measures 2.5" L x 2" W x 4" H. The watch requires two AAA batteries (not included). According to Pamela Rucker, vice president of communications at Discovery Communications, the digital camera watch is unique because of its double function as a Web cam and its inclusion of software that allows the user to add messages and captions. Launch date: September 2006. 11/3/2006 (Price: $24.95)

Kid-Tough FP3 Player by FISHER-PRICE INC.

Preschoolers can be-bop all day long with this digital media player — the first to provide a durable, easy way for youngsters to play downloadable songs and stories. It comes preloaded, but parents can add more files from their own collection or Fisher-Price Song & Story Online Store. The drop-resistant player features a 1.4” LCD screen, an SD card slot, software and more. It requires 2 AA batteries (not included). “We'll continue to develop a variety of toys to answer changing trends that will ultimately help spark imagination and enhance role-play fun,” Mike Sullivan, Fisher-Price marketing manager, shared with TDmonthly. Launch Date: July 2006. 11/3/2006 (Price: $69.99)

Kid-Tough Digital Camera by FISHER-PRICE INC.

This preschool-appropriate digital camera boasts a durable drop-resistant design, a rubberized outer shell, a 1.3” backlit color LCD screen, dual handle grips, two-eye viewing and auto flash. Features include 640 x 480 resolution, memory for more than 50 pictures, an SD card slot, software and more. It requires 4 AA batteries (not included). “Our motivation for product development is always grounded in a consumer need or want,” marketing manager for Fisher-Price Mike Sullivan told TDmonthly. “In this case, it’s 'durable and easy-to-use' preschool electronics. Since preschoolers may drop their toys, we wanted to develop an electronics line that would be tough enough for them to use.” Launch Date: July 2006.
— Steve Levy, owner of Toy City in Keene, N.H., got a lot of requests for the Fisher-Price digital cameras, “which I should have bought,” he said.
— Kidult products continue to grow in popularity, attracting ever younger fans. (VIEW ARTICLE)
— The Kid-Tough Digital Camera made the top-25 best-selling electronics toys for kids on Amazon.com as of December 28, 2006. 11/3/2006 (Price: $69.99)

Miuchiz by MGA ENTERTAINMENT

Miuchiz are digital, interactive companions that children can customize, personalize, and stylize. They can be plugged into a computer and entered into an online community, and feature color screens and voice activation. Varieties include MIUCHIZ Bratz Babyz (fashion play), MIUCHIZ Bratz Pawz (adventure in gaming), and MIUCHIZ Monsterz (battles). This toy includes 3 AAA batteries and was named one of the Top 100 Best Children’s Products of 2006 by Dr. Toy. MGA Entertainment Public Relations Coordinator Reagan Holmes told TDmonthly that “In this interactive online realm, you can meet up with old friends or make new ones while loving and playing with your character.” Launch date:  August 15, 2006. 11/2/2006 (Price: $29.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Zizzle Arcade Floor Pinball Machine by ZIZZLE

Zizzle Arcade Floor Pinball has a stylized look of a real arcade pinball machine. Two players can compete for a high score, playing on a wood cabinet that houses a colorful bold playfield design that includes arcade pinball features, such as pop bumpers, spinners, solenoid controlled flippers, multilevel ramps, led lighting, roll-thru lanes, wire ball guides, backlit LCD scoring, slingshot kickers, targets, tilt and more. The machine truly comes to life with real sound effects and independent flipper buttons that control all the wild pinball fun. 10/24/2006 (Price: $299.99)

Mylo Personal Communicator by SONY ELECTRONICS

This pocket-size communicator uses WiFi (802.11b) so kidults of all ages can instant message via Yahoo! Messenger, Google or Skype; make Skype Internet voice calls, play MP3s ATRACs or WMAs, or browse the web. Mylo (“my life online”) has 1 GB internal memory, plus a Memory Stick Duo slot, and features a slide-out QWERTY keyboard for fast, easy typing. There’s no monthly service fee. Ha Thai at Ruder Finn, representing Sony Electronics, said the Mylo is targeted to “college-age [individuals] and other young techno-socials looking for a fun way to stay connected.” Its uniqueness comes through its status as a WiFi device with numerous functions. 10/4/2006 (Price: $349.95)

Monster Mimobot by MIMOCO INC.

A computer device cleverly disguised as a monster, these limited-edition designer flash drives make collecting data ultra-chic. All mimobots have their own personalities and hobbies. They come in well-designed, attractive packaging along with some fun stuff, such as wallpapers, already stored on the drive. Compatible with Mac and Windows, mimobots come in 256MB, 512MB, 1GB, 2GB and 4GB versions ($44.95, $54.95, $79.95, $119.95 and $169.96, respectively). “You’re getting a piece of art and … something that’s loaded with content,” Evan Blaustein, founder and CEO of mimoco, told TDmonthly. And mimobots are not easily misplaced. “A lot of people lose their flash drives,” he said, but “this is your flash drive and it’s your little friend.” 9/22/2006 (Price: $54.95) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Doraemon Game With Strap-On Helicopter Hat by EPOCH CORP. LTD.

Fans of Doraemon will rejoice knowing that there is a new Doraemon-based game in town that uses the “takekoputa” as a navigation device. The control scheme goes one up on the Nintendo Wii, as players are required to wear the takekoputa on their heads, leaning in all four directions like a traditional D-pad to control Doraemon as he flies through the air. It is powered by four batteries. 9/21/2006 (Price: $40.00)

Ant's Life Studio by BANDAI AMERICA INC.

This handheld electronic ant farm has electronic ants that scurry about, dig holes, feed their queen and do all the “anty” things ants do, like destroying nests, finding yummy caterpillars and — if they’re not careful — getting eaten by passing spiders. Unlike a real ant farm, this thing will never accidentally unleash ants into the wild of a child’s bedroom. 9/21/2006 (Price: $69.00)

Barbie™ "Jam with Me" Electronic Keyboard by KIDdesigns

Strike up the band with Barbie’s electronic guitar and NEW Barbie™ "Jam with Me" Keyboard. This compact keyboard incorporates a ton of top features to rock out. Contains a built in microphone and karaoke style cartridge player, which allows girls to sing along with their favorite pop tunes or their own original tunes. 9/12/2006 (Price: $39.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Mazu Kan by WILD PLANET

Mazu Kan is a two-player non-contact battle game. Strap on the Mazu Kan’s chest-plate and wristbands and punch/power attack away. If one opponent doesn't block, the other scores, and the loser’s chest vibrates with excruciating, humiliating ... vibrations.  Knock the opponent’s life-lights out and be victorious.  Use the energy force unit to fight, heal and shield.  In this game, strategy is essential, and only a true Mazu Kan master can be victorious. Chop, punch, block and dodge: everything a real battle has... without the bloody noses and crying home to mom. 8/28/2006 (Price: $49.95) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Star Party Microphone by INTERNATIONAL PLAYTHINGS LLC

The Star Party headset microphone lets every girl have fun while being the star. This adjustable kid’s headset microphone features an amplifier that clips onto the belt for complete portability, four melodies, eight rhythm styles and an applause button. The other Star Party products are compatible with one another, so a group of friends can sing, record and dance together. When asked for his best sellers, Michael Ziegenhagen, owner of Playmatters in Cleveland, said that this item had done consistently well for three years. "I don't know why!" he told TDmonthly. 8/21/2006 (Price: $19.95)

O ROKR by OAKLEY

Listen to digital music without wires, remotely control your portable music player, create a hands-free link to your mobile phone — and do it all with eyewear that features the best optics on the planet. O ROKR combines patented innovations from Oakley and Motorola and lets you stream digital music from portable players that have Bluetooth adapters, and from music-enabled phones that use Bluetooth wireless technology. When a call comes in, use the integrated controls to answer without digging out your mobile phone. The music pauses automatically. Carry on a phone conversation while up to 33' away from your mobile phone then return to the music automatically. 8/14/2006 (Price: $249.00)

Mini Xmas Lights by CAROLYN FORSMAN CONVERSATION PIECE JEWELRY

Think of them as Christmas lights for electrically challenged Lilliputians. It's a 36" long rainbow on green cord, red on black cord, silver on black cord. Price: $5; 3 for $12, 12 for $45 with free shipping. 8/2/2006 (Price: $5.00) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]