As well as keeping up with all the serious news and usual points of interest this week, we’ve also been keeping an eye on the happenings of the London Toy Fair 2012. We’ve put together a selection of some of the best tech related toy announcements from the show which ran from January 24th to 26th. These are based on things we discuss here on the blog, ranging from Tablets, Apps and Augmented Reality and popular franchises such as Gears of War and Star Wars. Here’s the Gadget Helpline’s Toy Fair 2012 Round-Up!
Gears of War Meccano:
The current Gears of War story arc came to a close in 2011 with a much-anticipated third instalment becoming one of the year’s top releases on Xbox 360. The franchise has become so influential to Microsoft console players that the game itself can no longer contain the action! We’ve seen adult-aimed action figures and a role-playing board game come from the series featuring the battles between the evil Locusts invaders and the heroic Delta Squad engaging in violent armed combat.
At the Toy Fair 2012 in London, classic construction toy-makers Meccano have got involved by unveiling a kiddy-aimed line of GOW3 themed vehicles based on those seen in the game. Appearing at the trade show were the Armadillo APC, Centaur Tank and King Raven chopper – these ranging in price from £25 to £40 with a large scale diorama yet to be revealed. The Gears of War 3 Meccano sets will become available in August.
Kurio Kid’s Tablet Computer:
Inspiration Works took to the ToyFair to show off its child-friendly, rubbery tablet computer called the Kurio. The tablet’s many features and apps resemble that of a “grown-up” slab but are tailored to electronic learning and fun games for playtime. Usage duration, internet option and volume can all be moderated by a parent meaning kids won’t be able to spend hours on the web listening to black metal and going deaf, for example..
Kurio’s creator says “We are confident that whilst the Kurio meets key parental requirements for safety and security, it is also appealing to children as the most sophisticated tablet offering in the category.”
The gadget will become available in July and in three varying size versions: The 7” model costing £150, 8” costing £180, and the big boy – a 9.7” model costing £200.
Thundercats & Power Ranger Augmented Reality Packs:
Bandai has unveiled an awesome new packaging concept for several of its action figure lines which in partnership with app maker Aurasma brings the toys from the new Thundercats, Power Rangers and Ben 10 ranges literally come to life through action-packed 3D Augmented Reality.
Hovering an iPhone or Android gadget over the back of the figures box will make appear a 3D rendering of the toy becomes animated on the gadget’s screen as music and sound are played. For example, scan a Thundercats pack and leader Lion-O will give his famous “Thundercats Ho!” line while slashing his Sword of Omens. The intention it that this will be used before you buy a toy, giving an accurate representation of what the figure will look like out of the box. But really, we think this is probably cooler than the toy itself!
And just like the action figures of our childhood, whose packaging showed other toys in the range the AR app will bring up a visual video checklist to make sure kids can keep their collections up to date with the latest cool characters!
Star Wars Scalextric:
Most boys of a certain age grew up with or new friends who had a Scalextric set. And most boys of a certain age were well into Star Wars. If you still love both, you’ll really love Hornby’s offering at the London Toy Fair 2012 – Star Wars Scalextric!
Bolstering the arsenal for another marketing assault during a year which sees the Saga start again in cinemas, the X-Wing vs Tie Fighter racing set features the same electronically powered track as the 70s and 80s classic toy, this micro version lets those imaginative enough to recreate the Death Star trench run as seen in the original Star Wars, A New Hope and complimented by the glow in the dark track, as well as sound and light effects emitted from each of the spacey rides. Because the ships are to scale and the track too narrow for both, they can clash mid race – knocking each one another into collision just like in the movie!
This is the first of two sets to be released the year and will cost £69.99. A recently revealed Battle of Endor set which features Speeder Bikes and forest scenery will appear shortly after.
Doctor Who TARDIS SmartSafe:
Gadget packed sci-fi show Doctor Who has become one of the most merchandised franchises on the telly and for us it’s even cooler when the stuff they’re selling us is terrific tech like the TARDIS Smartsafe – a faithful scale replica of the familiar time traveling blue box which is used as a mini locker, only unlockable by using an iPhone or Android gadget with dedicated app.
Zeon Tech are the company behind this clever little one, and replace a traditional combination lock with an app and four digit pin code system. Attaching the gadget to dock on the TARDIS’ exterior which will bring up the app and then you tap in the code, which appears as a sequence of lights. A sensor in the dock registers the combination and if correct unlocks the SmartSafe and lets you grab your valuables – Geronimo!
Android Plush Doll:
Worth an honourable Toy Fair mention is not strictly gadgety but is based on one of techs most recognisable mascots – it’s the upcoming line of Android plush dolls part of the App Plush range from Character Options. These five inch high soft toys resemble the Google OS bot in a range of colours including classic green, as well as blue and red. The app-ealling little fellow is a must own for any Android aficionado!
Let us know your thoughts on our comments below or via our @Gadget_Helpline Twitter page or Official Facebook group.
Some images used: Pocket-Lint
Tags: 3d, Action Figure, Android, App, Application, Augmented Reality, Aurasma, Bandai, Battle of Endor, Ben 10, Character Options, computer, construction, death star, Doctor Who, doll, Gears of War, Hornby, Inspiration Works, iPhone, Kurio, london, Meccano, plush, Power Rangers, Scalextric, Smartsafe, star wars, Tablet, TARDIS, Thundercats, Tie Fighter, Toy Fair, X-Wing, Zeon Tech
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