Capitalizing on their successful Alphie, Playskool has two smaller units designed for those ages 3 and up. The Deci-Bot teaches counting and numbers in both Explore and Find It Modes. Maestro-Bot is for playing tunes and has three song modes and colorful keys to teach its humans one of three songs. They are bright, cheerful and come with AAA batteries.
Kid Galaxy's RC Data Robot is almost too cute and designed for ages 3 and above because we all know that toddlers love robots, too. With blinking lights and moving eyes, he spouts out botty noises and his remote lets him go forward, back or turn around. He also comes in apple green.
Everyone needs a Super Galactic Space Robot that walks, turns and has eyes and gun that lights up and makes shooting noises. Here comes the best part. The 15" classic toy plays evil empire music and a chest that displays Robot Battles. He needs 4 AA batteries (not included) to do his thing.
Robot Snob Gift Picks - BIG Power Hand, Accessories
We suppose no one really needs a BIG Power Hand but it looks pretty kewl nonetheless. The company says that they were made for kids but they seem large enough for small adults. The form-fitting glove has spring loaded joints, an opposable thumb and "works like a real hand." We suppose one could consider it one small step hand towards bionics.
If oversaturation can make for a successful product, then mission accomplished for the Fijit, a soft creature that has voice recognition and can sing and dance. You cannot look in any catalogue or toy commercial without noticing Willa or one of the other little buggers that come in various colors and have 100 built-in phrases and jokes.
Toys 'R Us figured the Fijit prominently on this year's catalogue (upper right corner, front page.) We guess that Mattel figured that if the original was hot, then Friends Newbies could extend their bankability. Tika is one of those friends and can sing. Put two together and you get a duet.
No kibble or newspaper needed. Hasbro continues to pump out the Furreal Friends and their latest it a King Charles Spaniel Puppy. Place him on the floor and he moves in a circle then comes back to you. Pet him and he barks and makes other puppy noises. For feline lovers, the Black and White Kitten also walks towards you. She can meow, purr and knead her paws in that annoying way that real cats do.
Robot Snob Holiday Gift Picks - Buzz and Nightlight
Look what Santa found. This Toy Story's Buzz Lightyear Dancer can not only talk in his original Tim Allen voice, you can hook up your iPod or MP3 player and he becomes a dancing fool while his external speaker plays the tunes. Looking for a night light to brighten up the darkness and save you from the evil ones? This Atomic Robot has glowing eyes and mouth and each is individually created by Katsu Designs.
UCSD's Coordinated Robotics Lab is working on their latest generation of the iFling, an R/C robot they call a "self-righting Segway-like vehicle." It picks up a ping pong ball, rolling over it and wedging it between body and wheel, then tosses. Its makers are hoping to get several to play catch and make them different sizes for larger balls. Look for the iFling in a toy store near you sometime in the future next to their other creations iHop and iceCube.
Looking for a handy R/C vehicle for holiday gift giving? How about this Boeing AH-61A Apache helicopter that you can control with your Adroid or iOS device? The IR dongle goes into your 3.5 mm jack and the app lets you control its movement. Gyros help it stay level as you control its movements and special tricks like pitching and rolling. Both vehicle and remote can be charged via USB and copter carries a $39.90 price.
The holidays have snuck in upon us when we weren't looking so we have decided to scout around for some Gift Picks and here is our first suggestion:
If your ZhuZhu Pets are getting dusty or hanging out in the closet these days, there is a new group in town hoping to become as popular. XiaXia (pronounced 'sha-sha') are 4 small hermit crabs that toddle around when their claws are pressed. And with habitats and removable shells, we expect these plastic crustaceans to make quite an impact this year. Choose between
If they are the big hit that the company expects, there will not only be more of them in the future, there will probably be more accessories to go with them. We wonder what would happen if they started hanging out with hexbugs?
Their commercial may talk down to the average human, but it seems that
UNO has almost become high tech with its Roboto Game. Each player's name is recorded and players can include customized "house rules." The bot picks a name to begin. As soon as you think you are getting somewhere, the bot calls out a random rule or comment and changes your play. A deck of 108 cards and 3 AAA batteries are also included.
Plan Toys feels it can help your 3 year old learn about emotions while building tactile skills with its Planpreschool Build A Robot. The 7.9" toy is made with chemical free, recycled rubber and wood in non-toxic coloring. It has 4 interchangeable heads and arms and legs are movable.
Recommended for children over 5, the 11" tall Alex Build and Roll Kit comes with 7 heavy duty cardboard pieces, 8 bolts, 4 wheels, 2 eyes, 6 markers, 30 stickers and plastic screwdrivers.
You would think that there would finally be an end to the ways R2-D2 can be exploited licensed, but at the Christmas Toy Fair 2011 in London, Sega introduced the 3.9 x 8.3 x 3.5" Home Star R2-D2 Planetarium. It will project about 10,000 stars out of his head and onto your wall or ceiling. Four AA batteries are needed to light up the LED (not included) and look for a price of $104.00.
That didn't take long. There is already an authorized Real Steel WRB Built For Battle Set. It includes a 12 x 12" Ring, Atom, Zeus, light up controls and sound effects from the film. Recommended for those over 6 years old. A Rock 'em Sock 'em by any other name...
Must Have: Deci-Bot and Maestro-Bot
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