TDmonthly's ToyFair 2006 Preview--Electronics Product Category

ATC-2K Waterproof Hands Free Action Cam by OREGON SCIENTIFIC

Dirt, Snow, Rain or Shine…..Capture all the action with the ultimate all-terrain digital video camera! This hands-free, wireless designed camera is both shock resistant and waterproof for use in challenging conditions. Wipeouts in a white-out or an unexpected barrel roll? No worries, the ATC-2K is waterproof up to 10 feet! Designed for skating, BMX, water sports, mountain biking, climbing, skiing, snowboarding, motor sports, paintball and more! This compact camera goes with you, yet stays out of your way, quietly capturing all your best moves. Weighing in at half a pound (with batteries), this hands-free action cam delivers full color digital video in 640 x 480 VGA at 30 frames per second. The ATC-2K works seamlessly with most video editing software and the SD card slot supports card sizes up to 2GB for 60 minutes of full 30 fps VGA resolution. The ATC-2K has a simple three-button design and LCD display control recording start/stop, shooting modes and resolution, date/time, file deletion and microphone. The ATC-2K mounts easily onto helmets, bikes, and a wide range of sports equipment. Package includes: camera, handlebar mount, helmet mount, silicon rubber helmet strap, quick-release clip, short and long hook-and-loop straps, USB cable, AV cable, and rubber adhesive patches, silicon grease for O-rings. The camera operates on only two AA batteries. 5/16/2007 [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Hello Kitty Fender Stratocaster Guitar, Pink by SANRIO

This Fender Squier is a Sanrio best-seller.  The 21-fret electronic guitar features a Hello Kitty face pickguard, a pink dot inlay, a hard maple neck, an Agathis wood body, die-cast chrome machine heads, a fixed bridge, and a single Humbucking pickup. The guitar measures 25.5” in scale length and is available in either a pink or black gloss body. 5/4/2007 (Price: $229.00) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Illuminated Sudoku Mega Screen by TECHNO SOURCE

This product tests logic skills with more than 2 million accessible puzzles. It features a puzzle input option that allows players to input any Sudoku puzzle from their favorite newspaper or book and solve it with ease on the Mega Screen. It even provides the answers. Full illumination and an extra-large screen make the game easy to read and ready to play anytime, anywhere. In January 2007, this product was announced as 2006 Best Toy of the Year in the Parent to Parent Adding Wisdom Awards. Launch date: April 2006. 5/2/2007 (Price: $24.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Barbie Girls MP3 Player by MATTEL INC.

This doll-shaped music player can hold as many as 120 MP3 or 240 WMA-file songs and links up to the Barbie Girls website, a virtual world in which the player acts as a real character. The site gives girls the opportunity to tailor their characters' styles, shop for clothing, decorate their online room and adopt a pet. For safety purposes, the website features information filters and only allows a 2,000-word limited vocabulary. 4/30/2007 (Price: $59.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Tamagotchi Connection V4 by BANDAI AMERICA INC.

Tamagotchi Connection is the world’s first and most popular virtual pet toy, and the V4 lets kids “live the Tamagotchi life 24/7.” Children can guide their Tamagotchi characters through life’s daily adventures by playing games, going to school, and choosing a fun career, such as rock star, fashion designer, scientist or doctor. V4 also offers fans the ability to continue visiting the interactive online world of Tamagotchi Town, where kids can shop at the mall and go to school and work. Launch date: January 2007. 4/18/2007 (Price: $14.99)

Tri-Link Alarm System by WILD PLANET

This system features three wireless traps connected by radio frequency to form one infallible alarm system. It includes one touch-sensor sound and light alarm, one motion-detecting dual dart launcher, one invisible-beam siren and four foam darts. When trap number one (the sound and light alarm) is triggered, it arms the other two traps. Enemies entering a protected room will not set off any alarms on their way in, but will be bombarded during their attempt to escape. Launch date: Fall 2007. 3/16/2007 (Price: $44.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

What's Your Destiny? by WILD PLANET

This electronic version of the popular fortune-telling game often referred to as MASH (Mansion, Apartment, Shack, House) or Cootie Catcher is shaped like a palm-sized make-up compact and opens to reveal a scrolling LCD screen and entry keys. The screen prompts players to select information in nine categories, including desired city of residence, type of housing, species of pet and future profession. There are nine options within each category, plus a bonus feature in the LOVE fortune that allows players to type in the names of current crushes. Once selections are complete, the game automatically eliminates all but one choice in each category. Launch date: July 2007. 3/15/2007 (Price: $9.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Whiz Kid Learning System by VTECH

VTech’s new portable Whiz Kid Learning System lets kids choose from 40 activity pages, place the page into the Whiz Pad, and it comes to life with more than 120 activities. The Whiz Kid grows with young readers through a series of learning curriculum that meets the user’s skill level. The “Story Bytes” activity, for instance, encourages beginning readers to read along with the story and sound out words.  Kids can also connect the Whiz Pad to their computer to play activities, track their progress or replace lost or damaged activity pages by printing out new ones.  Whiz Kid includes the Wondertown Whizware™ (software) title, which features a focused reading program and activities that help teach counting and encourage creativity.  Older kids can even transform the Whiz Pad into a piano keyboard or typing keyboard. Additional Whizware titles include character favorites such as Bob the Builder, Dora the Explorer, Spider-Man and Friends, Scooby-Doo, and Thomas & Friends (ERP: $19.99 each).  Launch date: Fall 2007. ( Watch Video) 3/6/2007 (Price: $49.99)

Juba Clownfish by GOLDFISH GUITARS LLC

This wonderful 22-1/2" scale Juba Clownfish guitar with a built-in speaker and volume control knob requires a 9-volt battery.  It also can be plugged into an amplifier (sold separately).  Perfect for children and adults alike, it has 20 frets, a rosewood fretboard and quality tuners.  Goldfish kids’ guitars are twice the quality of toy-store guitars at the same price.  This guitar may also be enjoyed by teens and adults as a travel instrument. ( Watch Video) 3/5/2007 (Price: $139.99)

The NS-1200 Translating Bear by NEWTALK, INC.

The NS-1200 (Translating Bear) integrates flexible, multilingual (English, Spanish, and French) content with speech recognition technology in a child-friendly design. The language content (vocabulary) programmed into the NS-1200 is aligned with pre-kindergarten and kindergarten curriculum guidelines. Briefly, the product translates spoken words from one language to another, pronounces the translated speech, and shows the correct spelling in both languages. There is no other solution remotely similar to this groundbreaking product. 3/1/2007 (Price: $69.99)

The NS-1100 Counting Bear by NEWTALK, INC.

The NS-1100 (Counting Bear) is an electronic multilingual tool that supports development of math skills and math-related language acquisition by early childhood users. The NS-1100 teaches and reinforces the counting process from 1 to 100. It allows sequential counting, as well as skip counting by 2’s, 5’s and 10’s. The NS-1100 also teaches written and symbolic representation of numbers. The NS-1100 allows users to select English, Spanish, or French as the language for the audio output. . 3/1/2007 (Price: $24.99)

Disney USB Drives by BUFFALO TECHNOLOGY

Computers, cameras, game consoles and USB flash drives have become part of a kid’s life. Now Disney (another part of a kid’s life) has licensed some of their classic (and soon-to-be classic) characters including Mickey Mouse and Winnie the Pooh to digital/computer wiz Buffalo Technology, resulting in the cutest, most cartoonable flash drives ever. Storing 512 MBs per animated character, they can be collected, traded, or just used happily on the desk. According to Morikazu Sano of Buffalo Technology Inc., their “deal with Disney is limited to Japan at the moment.” But this could be in the process of change, according to sources at Disney Marketing. 2/27/2007 (Price: $27.00)

Frightened Grasshopper Mini Solar Robot Kit by OWI INC.

Eyes jiggle, legs wiggle and antennae sway to-and-fro in the combo tango-jitterbug-Frightened Grasshopper dance. This little kit is an attention-grabber. Pint-sized and powered to pack a punch, this enticing amusing solar bug will capture kids’ hearts while demonstrating an alternative energy principle. No batteries or tools are required, and there are fewer than 10 parts to assemble. This product received a 2007 Seal of Excellence from Creative Child Magazine. Launch date: February 2007.
— For promoting the use of solar energy in a hoppin’ way, this cute, little grasshopper received a TDmonthly Innovations 2007 award. It is simple to assemble and reacts immediately when placed under sunlight, clicking its legs across the ground as it rattles around, shivering with fear. ( Watch Video) 2/27/2007 (Price: $9.95) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

ClickStart™ My First Computer by LEAPFROG

This product turns any TV into a child’s first computer, featuring a desktop experience that looks and works like a grown-up PC. It delivers a safe, age-appropriate computing experience through engaging games that help children build important preschool and basic computing skills. The system features a cartridge console that plugs into the TV and a working desktop, as well as a child-sized, wireless keyboard and convertible mouse for righties and lefties. Friendly green puppy Scout guides children through leveled-learning activities involving keyboard navigation, mousing, phonics skills, simple math, shapes and more. “The ClickStart system is a welcome tool for parents who want their children to benefit from using a computer, but would rather spare their high-end desktops the task,” Erin Nelson of LeapFrog told TDmonthly. Launch date: Fall 2007. 2/27/2007 (Price: $59.99)

Girlz Connect Destiny by BANDAI AMERICA INC.

This toy features touch-screen technology that puts personality quizzes at kids’ fingertips, and can also connect to a computer with its USB drive. Tweens can log onto the Girlz Connect web community to create, share and download their own quizzes. Destiny comes in various colors and can be attached to purses, backpacks or belt loops, or worn around the neck. Cliff Jin of The Rogers Group said the youth electronics category grew 22 percent in 2006, according to NPD Group. “Bandai America is leveraging its success in the category — with the top selling “virtual pet” Tamagotchi Connection — to launch the new Girlz Connect brand,” he added. Launch date: July 2007. 2/27/2007 (Price: $19.99)

Tangle Tronics DNA Sound Portable Speaker System by TANGLE INC.

This omni-directional stereo speaker set features “flex and shape” design and is compatible with iPod or other MP3 players. Curvy white tubes lead the two round speakers in opposite directions, and the shape and flexibility can make for a fun listening experience. “The Tangle Tronics speakers' unique shape and flexibility allow them to stand out from all other speakers on the market. [They] allow you to express your own creativity and make your music look as good as it sounds!” Scott Masline, senior vice president of marketing at Tangle Toys, told TDmonthly. Launch date: February 2007. 2/27/2007 (Price: $49.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Xtreme Micro Copter by THUNDER ELECTRONICS

The palm-size Xtreme Micro Copter is the smallest and lightest RC helicopter in the world. It charges directly from the controller for up to 12 minutes of flight on a single charge. It’s made of lightweight but durable polypropylene foam and features an auto-stability system for indoor flying. It comes ready to operate. The Xtreme Micro Copter has been a best seller for Michelle Deutschmann since she brought it into Kaleidoscope Toys in Falmouth, Mass., in November 2006.
― Thunder Electronics is “special and different, and price points are really good,” Owner Susan Pruett of Kilmarnock Toy Store in Kilmarnock, Va., told TDmonthly in spring 2007. 2/26/2007 [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

MINO™ Fully Interactive Robotic Bear by KITTRICH CORPORATION

The large brown plush bear responds to a wireless wand that is used for interaction and decision-making. A child simply holds the wand, which detects speed and the positioning of the hand, to activate the bear. The teddy bear dances to music and laughs when his stomach is tickled. The product is based on platform technology to later support learning games and an interactive storybook through software. “Mino is the first robotic toy developed with this technology. [It’s] a robotic bear that actually plays with you, and learns with you as time progresses,” Rhoel Abraham, product manager for the specialty division at Kittrich, told TDmonthly. Launch date: September 2007. 2/23/2007 (Price: $300.00)

Spykee Spy Robot Erector Set by MECCANO

This spy robot, equipped with a video camera, microphone, loudspeaker and two motors, can be controlled from a computer through WiFi connection, and from anywhere via the Internet. Able to move, take photos and record video and sound, the robot acts as a telephone, digital music player and video surveillance device, whereby it sends email alerts upon detecting movement. Spykee returns to his charging station when his battery is running low. Spykee “is not only an erector set, in which you can build three different models, but also a high-tech electronic toy with practical use — fun for both kids and adults!” Marsha Cannonie of Nikko America told TDmonthly. Launch date: September 2007. 2/23/2007 (Price: $299.00)

Kidizoom Camera by VTECH

This kid-friendly digital and movie camera hooks up to the computer or TV for photo and video playback. This multimedia device has 16MB of built-in memory, which is enough to store more than 120 photos or five minutes of digital video. It also features an editing tool with wacky effects, preschool games, two interchangeable face plates and headphones. Launch date: Fall 2007. 2/21/2007 (Price: $59.99)

Rubik's Revolution by TECHNO SOURCE

The Rubik's® Cube is an icon recognized around the world, selling over 350 million units. Now there's an all new spin on the world's #1 Cube—the Rubik's Revolution™. Packed with speed games and brainteasers everyone can play, the award-winning Rubik's Revolution is an all new spin on the world's #1 Cube. Six addictive, fast paced electronic games are easy to learn, but will push your skills to the limit with multiple challenging levels to unlock. Fun for ages 5 or 105, play by yourself or compete against your friends in both single and multiplayer games to become master of the Cube. “Rubik’s Revolution was designed as the electronic sequel to one of the best-selling toys in history ... It provides a whole new take on cubing. It is about speed. It is about smarts,” said Eric Levin, executive vice president of Techno Source. “Techno Source is also offering a Professor Rubik’s Signature Edition for the specialty market.” Winner of 10 Awards including the TIA 2008 T.O.T.Y. Game of the Year, Rubik's Revolution won a 2008 iParenting Media Award, a 2007 National Parenting Center Seal of Approval Award, a Dr. Toy Summer 2007 Best Products Award and a 2007 NAPPA Gold Award. Launch date: Summer 2007.
― “I think it will do very well,” Debbie Wurzburger, owner of Toy Chest in Pikesville, Md., told TDmonthly.
— Four out of 58 retailers who spoke with TDmonthly cited Rubik’s Revolution as their most popular “big-kid” item.
— When asked what he would most recommend for older kids and adults, Bill DeFusco, owner of Toyz Toy Store in Chesire, Conn., told TDmonthly, “The first one that comes to my mind [is] Rubik’s Revolution.” ( Watch Video) 2/21/2007 (Price: $19.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Radica Video Journal by MATTEL INC.

This digital journal includes a camera and docking station so girls can record their lives both verbally and visually. Included software allows them to create a custom digital journal that can also be printed out to make a physical journal. 2/9/2007 (Price: $29.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Squawkers McCaw Furreal Friends Parrot by HASBRO INC.

Cover the cage: Real parrots will develop an inferiority complex when they see this new interactive toy. Squawkers not only repeats the words it hears, but responds when kids touch it and even dances! ... All without losing its feathers. Launch date: Fall 2007.
— At Toy Fair 2007, “there was a talking parrot by Hasbro Tiger Electronics that was pretty cool,” Shanna Frieling, owner of Giggles Toys & More in Bozeman, Mt., told TDmonthly. 2/9/2007 (Price: $69.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Gadget by VTECH

It's a digital camera, movie camera, MP3 player and FM radio in one small, well, gadget. It can also be used to send and receive both voice and text messages, download from the Internet and play games. It features a color hi-res screen and storage space for 100 photos, 26 songs or 20 minutes of digital video. After kids have used Gadget to create their latest masterpieces, they can attach the gadget to a printer or the TV for instant viewing of photos and movies. Launch date: August 2007. 2/9/2007 (Price: $99.99)

Optimus Prime Voice-Changer Helmet by HASBRO INC.

Little prattlers can sound as tough as a Transformer robot with this new voice-changing helmet. They'll look pretty intimidating, too. It's based on a Transformer character from the Dreamworks Pictures/Paramount Pictures movie debuting in July. Launch date: June 2007. 2/9/2007 (Price: $29.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]