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Toys

Furby Boom

A toy is

  • anything that can be used for handheld or imaginative play
  • typically a model replica of something, such as a cartoon character or any other object
  • generally played with by children or pets which can vary from the simplest to the most complex object

A toy can be from the rock selected by a child and imagined to be a car, to a sophisticated and complex manufactured device. They are very useful and they can be used to learn more about the world. Toys can help children discover their identity, learn about their body, and practice skills for adulthood. As our world moves closer towards a digital explosion. Toy manufacturers are struggling to adapt to the new trends; launching innovations that would have seemed unthinkable. Video games were initially created to stimulate. Now in the 21st-century video games have become the new “toy” in children’s eyes. The new video games gradually increase in sophistication and complexity, which can be played through a large device or it can be played on a handheld device. In today's society, children are given iPads, smartphones, and tablets to play with before they can even crawl. This causes children to prefer these devices over physical toys. Not only does the light and colors draw in the attention of children where they can watch movies and videos, but the touchscreen technology allows them to interact with the screen as well. "The touchscreen has overtaken every other toy for children, new research has found...They have overtaken dolls, action figures, board games, and other traditional toys - and experts say their popularity is still rocketing" [1].

New Media Impact on Toys

Apptivity Hot Wheels

Hot Wheels Apptivity by Mattel
You can now use Apptivity Hot wheels car on the iPad screen and race. Children can place the Apptivity Hot Wheels vehicle on the iPad screen for the app to detect its presence. Special contact points located on the bottom of the hot wheel car allow the app to identify the car that is being used. Then the app can enable custom features that are unique to that car.[2]


Apptivity WWE Rumblers

Apptivity WWE Rumblers
Toy meets tablets with the Apptivity WWE Rumblers Simply, open the app, and place the base of your Apptivity WWE Rumblers figure on your tablet. Contact points on the bottom of each figure's base allow the app to identify your Rumbler figure and enable his signature moves. In the digital world, you can make explosive entrances to your superstar's theme music. You can jump from the ropes and turnbuckles while unleashing your wrestler's signature moves. You can battle in TLC Matches and use tables, ladders, and chairs as weapons. Also, in the digital world, you can collect foreign objects to do more damage. You can upgrade your wrestler's abilities and earn many game center achievements.[3]

Furby Boom

Furby Boom by Hasbro
Furby Boom you can download a free app with the purchase of a Furby. The Furby app is an optional feature and it works with the iPod touch, iPad and iPhone with iOS 5.0 or later. On the app, you can collect and hatch virtual fumblings to fill your virtual city. Moreover, you can try to get the golden Furblings egg in the app. You can hatch and raise virtual Furblings and play games with multiple people using the Furby Boom app. You can use the app to virtually feed and groom your Furby Boom.[4]

AR.Drone Parrot



AR. Drone Parrot 2.0 by Parrot Inc
AR. Drone Parrot 2.0 can be controlled by the iPad, iPhone, iPod Touch, and Android Devices. Drone Parrot 2.0 receives 720p High definition live video streaming to smartphone or tablet while flying. You can see a clean, sharp image just as if you were in the pilot seat. AR.FreeFlight is the application that is used to fly and pilot the AR. Drone. Pilot with or without the accelerometer and switch from the frontal camera to the vertical camera. Record pictures, navigation data and videos and upload them instantly right from the application.[5]



Xbox Live

Xbox Live
Xbox Live is an online service offered by Microsoft that operates under its online virtual market, the Xbox Live Marketplace, which allows users to purchase and download games and other types of media. The service was first offered worldwide in November of 2002 and is still growing and active to this date, with over 40 million users across the globe.[6] The Xbox Live service is a perfect example of how new media has affected game technology. One feature of the service is the ability to watch movies and TV shows from Netflix through the Xbox 360. Users are also able to watch movies and shows with up to 8 friends online. Another feature is the option to create Avatars. Players can customize avatars to look like themselves by changing body shape, facial features, hair, and clothes. Most importantly, the Xbox platforms allow players to interact with one another online. Players are not only able to view friends and chat, but can also look at their friend's collection of games.[7][8]

iRemoco

iRemoco
iRemoco is a helicopter that uses the iPhone's accelerometer to navigate. With the app, users can control the helicopter with 3-D touch screen joysticks. An iPhone can steer up to three helicopters at one time. If set to the same channel, all three can be thrown in synchronization. The helicopters have a range of about 30 feet (10 meters) from the iPhone that's flying them.[9]

Fidget Spinner

Fidget Spinners
Fidget spinners was a fidget toy that gained popularity by social media in the summer of 2017. They are small devices that allow a user to rotate 3 rings between his/her fingers. Originally, these toys served as a tool to help with attention deficit disorders. For example, fidget spinners were advised for people that could not pay attention so easily. However, there is little evidence that supports this claim. Fidget spinners allowed one to keep their hands occupied but the trend quickly changed the original concept. Schools started to ban the fidget spinner in classrooms because teachers found it as a distraction rather than a tool. Fidget spinners turned out to be the distracting tool that mainly adults did not condone or appreciate. In August 2017, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission released a statement that stated children under 3 should not play with fidget spinners due to a choking hazard from the smaller parts of the toy if it is broken. [10]

Webkinz Symbol

Webkinz
In an unprecedented move, the toy company Ganz created a stuffed animal that was not only a physical toy but also has a virtual component to it. The toy not only allows you to have a stuffed animal companion but also creates a virtual world that allows the user to play games, create a home for their Webkinz, and talk to other Webkinz owners. Each toy comes with a Webkinz code that allows access to the online portion of the toy when inputted into the Webkinz website. The user then plays games to earn KinzCash that can then be used to buy decorations, accessories, and furniture for their home. The site does, however, have restrictions on how long a child can play on it and a certain number of times a game can be played in a single day to ensure that the child spends time offline playing with the actual toy. After the introduction of Webkinz, multiple other companies, such as Barbie, launched similar platforms to connect the worlds of physical and virtual games. [11]

Consoles

Playstation 4

PSNYNA-PS490005 main v786.png

[1] Playstation 4 also know as PS4 is a home video game produced by Sony Computer Entertainment. PS4 allows game players to share their view of the game. It also allows players to play live with other gamers such as family or friends. PS4 offers online streaming of video game content. Moreover, to incorporate the advanced technologies, PS4 is accessible through smartphones, tablets, PlayStation Vitas, and wireless remote play. Some popular games for the PS4 included Call of Duty, Assassin’s Creed, and Grand Theft Auto. Moreover, the platform also allows the individual to stream movies online. It acts as a limited version of a computer considering you can go on the browser with it with the use of Wifi.

The Playstation 4 allows for users to be very connected with other users of the PS4. Playstation does this in many different ways. One thing they do is allow members of the Playstation Network to message each other via their Playstation account and even make group chats with each other on their PS4's. This allows individuals who play the same game to talk about that game and build lasting relationships. [12]. Individuals can also create a "party". This is where (like a Facebook group), you can group together a bunch of your Playstation friends and be able to speak to them all at the same time (via a microphone). Instead of speaking to one person at a time, an individual could theoretically have a conversation with 4 different people (like a group call) [13]. Playstation also introduced something called Share Play. Share Play is a perk PS4 users get in which they can not only watch their PS4 friends play a game through their own PS4, but also join those friends in that game (even if you personally don't own the game)[14]. This allows individuals who don't earn certain games to still be able to experience those games through friends. An example would be if you didn't own a fighting game like Street Fighter, but your friend did (both of you have a PS4). All they have to do is Share Play with you when they play and give you control too and you guys can 1v1 each other in no time.

Nintendo

Nintendo Switch

Switch.jpg

The Nintendo Switch is a multi-purpose video game console that was released by Nintendo on March 7th, 2017. This system is unique in that it can be used as a handheld/portable device as well as a stationary device, and can be used on televisions once connected. This console integrates some of Nintendo's features on previous systems such as being able to connect and play with other nearby devices, playing offline, or connecting to the Internet to play with other people around the world.

Some of the most notable games that have come out for the Nintendo Switch are The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, Super Mario Odyssey.



Nintendo Store

Users can buy physical copies of games to be played or they can access the Nintendo store where they can access previous purchased items and games and purchase new digital copies. On the Nintendo Store, users can also purchase additions to their games, which parallel the in-app purchases you can see on mobile applications to unlock more parts of games. The Nintendo Store also offers other applications such as Hulu or music streaming services to be used on the device.

Nintendo DS

Ds-top.jpg

Nintendo DS is a handheld game console with a dual-screen released by Nintendo. To compete with other gaming systems such as Xbox, PlayStation, and online games, the Nintendo DS features a built-in microphone with a support wireless connectivity. Gamers can interact with each other through the Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection. Nintendo DS is a newer and more innovative version of Game Boy Advance, therefore, some of the earlier DS have been made so that Gameboy games can be played on the DS. Some of the popular games played on the Nintendo DS are Pokémon and Mario Cart. When the PS4, as well as the XBOX One Nintendo, has to compete with them. The Nintendo Switch was the product that was created to compete with Sony and Microsoft's gaming systems. The Nintendo Switch is a gaming device that acts as a console when connected to the base and able to be a handheld gaming device when disconnected. It provides convenience by allowing you to play in the comfort of your own home and be able to play on the go.


Oculus Rift

Oculus.jpg

Oculus burst into the scene in July 2012 that is a first virtual reality hardware called Oculus rift that related to gaming console. This virtual reality headset designed for video gaming, and launched a Kickstarter campaign in August to make virtual reality headsets available to developers. Moreover, Oculus rift is build-in 3D panels in the goggle overhead with two handheld console that make a player to move and click in the play. This headset was mainly focused or targeted for gamers that giving new content of playing video games. However, on 28 March 2016, the company released the first consumer headset, Oculus Rift CV1, with an all-new design incorporating specialized Virtual Reality displays, positional audio, and tracking system. In August 2020, Oculus Connect was renamed "Facebook Connect" and Facebook's Virtual Reality and account receivable team were renamed "Facebook Reality Labs".[15]





Smart toys and networking

Internet Connected Smart Toys

Web-Connected-toy

Internet-Connected smart toys are internet-enabled toys with Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or other capabilities build in. These toys provide a more personalized experience for children through embedded software that includes speech recognition and web searching functions. A connected toy usually collects information about the users which helps it better adapt to the user. Internet-connected smart toys open up new possibilities for toys. [16]The smart toy has its own intelligence that features internal computers or wifi connections to connect to the World Wide Web. These enable it to learn, teach, behave according to a pattern, and alter its actions depending on environmental stimuli. Typically, it can adjust to the abilities of the child. It may be networked together with other smart toys or a smartphone to enhance its play value or educational features. [17] [18] Generally, the smart toy may be controlled by software. Beginning versions of smart toys started with Furby. Today they have advanced to connected toys like Cogni Toys which connects to the internet to use the power of IBM Watson in its toy dino. Players gain both educational experiences, cool experiences. But like any other device, smart toys are at risk from criminal hackers or misuse of their data.

Types of Smart Toys

Teksta Robot Dog by Teksta

Teksta Robot Dog


The Teksta Robot Dog has an app," Tekno/ Teksta app" which is free for Apple and Android tablets and has extra bonus features and programs for Teskta. You can connect to Teksta via a wireless device and use the facetime option and watch as Teksta mimics and communicates with his cyber friends. With the app, you can train Teksta to play with his friends. Also, you can program how often the puppy will bark and control Teksta’s dance moves to your own music library. You can also program the robot dog's eye patterns. When you use the app to pair the device with the puppy you can control the robotic dog’s actions by choosing the commands on the screen. [19][20]





Amazon Echo Dot

Amazon Echo Dot

Amazon's Alexa is a kid-friendly DJ, comedian, and story-telling smart tech. When a user asks a question, Alexa plays music, answers questions, reads stories, tells jokes, and more. This amazon echo dot uses artificial intelligence to keep children happy. The toy is also easy to use with the online amazon parental dashboard, which is controlled by parents, allowing parents to set daily time limits, censor activities, or pause Alexa playback devices. Children can also use this toy to control lights, plugs, switches, etc., with compatible connected devices, which makes them safer and easier to use as switches. When music is played, the toy automatically filters out songs from amazon music so children can hear the right music. Parents can remotely control this toy, like tell them it's time to go to bed, via a compatible echo machine anywhere in the home.[21] This means that parents can communicate with their children anytime, anywhere using the device connected to the toy. This toy is convenient for parents and fun for children.


CogniToys Dino

Dino CogniToys


Dino is a toy Dinosaur that uses cloud-connected technology to give it the power of IBM Watson’s computing ability. [22] The toy which is marketed for educational purposes can have a unique conversation and answer all the same questions the jeopardy winning IBM Watson can. Some features of the toy include telling stories, games, jokes, and answering fun facts. The toy teaches children math, vocabulary, science and geography. As the child continues to play with the Dino it grows with children by listening to their questions and in turn, adapting to their personal preferences and unique educational skill set. The toy explores favorite colors, animals, and more to customize engagement as well. [23] the toy questions and stories become more complex with age. Lastly, The toy provides parents a smartphone app that gives them insight on what their child has learned.

OBI Octopus S520



OBI Octopus S520 Compatible Q50 Watch Tracker Smart Wrist Watch with GPS & GSM

Obi Octopus S520 Compatible Q50 Watch Tracker Smart Wrist Watch with GPS & GSM is a smartwatch phone for children. This watch supports micro SIM card, two-way call, SOS emergency call, GPS positioning and Setracker App + to realize real-time location tracking, security fence, fitness tracker, pedometer, voice chat App, takeoff alarm and other functions. This toy brings double safety to children. Achieve real-time location tracking throughout the day, at any time anywhere to view the location. You can track your location via text messages, websites, and iOS or Android apps. Synchronize the date and clock on the watch. Parents can call the smartwatch, or your child can call the parent (press "SOS" for 3 seconds to make the first reservation); It can also set up a monitoring number so that parents can learn about their children on the mobile terminal and listen to the voices of the children around them without disturbing them.[24] It looks like an ordinary model toy but it is very useful.

Advantages of Internet Connected Smart Toys

These smart toys and devices bring a lot of benefits to young people. Toys with built-in cameras allow parents to spy on their children from anywhere, and GPS trackers can help parents find lost children. Some smart toys are more than just interactive toys. They have a vital signs sensor that allows parents to check a child's temperature in seconds. In addition, parents who want to turn their children's interest In electronics into learning opportunities may turn to toys that promote STEM(science, technology, engineering, and math). Toy robots like Dash and Dot allow children to program how robots move, and Nancy Drew's Codes & Clues and Harry Potter's Coding Kit teach the basics of Coding, a skill sometimes considered important for high-paying jobs in the tech industry. With smart toys and fitness trackers, internet-of-things devices could help keep kids healthy. There are even smart toothbrushes, like Grush, that can turn seemingly mundane everyday activities into games.[25] In today's technology-obsessed world, whether it's social media, self-driving cars or smart appliances, it's increasingly important to stay connected. So connectivity is already emerging among children in the form of smart toys that can be connected to mobile apps to make it easier for parents to communicate with their children. Such toys help children increase their social skills and verbal skills.

The Dangers of Internet-Connected Smart Toys

The Dangers of Internet-Connected Smart Toys

More and more vendors are equipping toys with technology, and we're seeing kids become more interactive because of those Internet-Connected Smart Toys. We've also seen how kids can get educational benefits from connected toys instead of playing with a set of blocks. While the smart toy market may push parents to buy for their children, not all entertainment and games are safe. Parents need to be aware that connected toys can make children's privacy and families' privacy vulnerable. All personal data may be at risk, such as last name, date of birth, photograph, home address, records, or private conversations. [26]Toy manufacturers only make toys but they are not safety experts. The internet-connected smart toys typically include sensors, microphones, cameras, data storage components, and other multimedia capabilities, including voice recognition and GPS options. But these technologies allow users to disclose large amounts of personal information without their knowledge, and these features can compromise the privacy and security of children.

In some cases, toys with microphones can record and collect conversations the device hears from the child. The hacker can hear the child's normal conversation through the toy. This gives hackers access to information such as children's names, schools, and activities. The ability to collect children's personal information and toys to connect to the Internet or other devices has raised concerns about privacy and personal security. When a user account is created, it is common to provide personal information (such as name, date of birth, photo, address).In addition, the company collects a large amount of other data, such as voice messages, conversation records, past and real-time physical locations, Internet usage history, and Internet addresses /IP. Access to this information can create opportunities for identity fraud in children.[27]Hackers are difficult for us to prevent, they can use a variety of ways to access our personal information. As long as there is a network, hackers have a way to connect to our network.

There were some cases that Hackers use connected toys to get information. In February 2016, connected toys made by Fisher-Price and HereO were found to be susceptible, making them easily accessible to hackers. The other case occurred in February when it was discovered that Spiral Toys Inc. 's data had been exposed and downloaded by hackers. Germany also banned the popular My Friend Cayla doll, made by Genesis Toys of us, on privacy and espionage grounds.[28] V-tech admitted that nearly 5 million of its clients' "Learning Lodge", "Kid Connect" and other accounts had been hacked. These accounts allow children to download games on v-tech devices or communicate with their parents. Hackers can access a child's photo, name, date of birth, address, and chat history. The main site Shared hacked family photos and a recording of a child to prove the threat was real.[29]Therefore, connected smart toys are not entirely safe. Hackers may use internet-connected smart toys to steal information about children and family members for criminal purposes. The company itself also collects large amounts of additional data, such as voice messages, conversation records, past and real-time physical locations, Internet usage history, and Internet addresses /IP. As a result, they can also be targeted by hackers.

In addition, some smart toys have a negative effect on children's development. Studies have confirmed that children who have a digital tablet before they got a book can hinder a child's development. Doctors advise children under two to five not to spend too much time in front of a screen because it can damage their memory, language development, and reading ability. At that age, your child's screen time should be very limited, such as video chatting with family and parents. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends limiting high-quality television to one hour a day for children ages 2 to 5. It's a good idea to talk to children about the media they use so they can relate to their real lives. As they get older, make a plan to differentiate between different types of media use, including limiting screen time and making sure your child USES smart toys in a healthy state.[30].Parents should not allow their children to play with internet-connected smart toys in order to have more fun. Parents need to limit their children's use of internet-connected smart toys.

Tips to buy Internet-Connected Smart Toys

FTC Approved

Due to the insecurity of connected smart toys, we should pay attention to the following points when purchasing such toys. The first step is to understand what kind of smart toys might go wrong. When we buy a smart toy, we need to pay attention to whether it connects directly to the Internet through WiFi.Connect to the device via Bluetooth, and then connect to the Internet. Does the toy contain speakers, microphones, recording equipment, cameras, wireless transmitters, and receivers? Does the toy have voice recognition, GPS capability? Whether you can connect to a mobile application. Ask for name, address, date of birth, or other personal information when using a toy.[31]If a smart toy has one of these characteristics, we should pay attention when we buy it. Such toys are likely to be targeted by hackers. So when we buy smart toys, we need to pay attention to a few things. For example, look for internet-connected toys that have been certified by FTC approved groups and have been shown to protect children's privacy. Before you buy a smart toy, do an online search to see if there are negative reports or reviews. Read the company's user agreements and privacy practices and make sure you are satisfied with them. Pay special attention to where data is stored or sent, including third-party services, and study its reputation. Connect the toy only to a secure WiFi access point. [32]We need to be constantly on the lookout for things that can compromise our privacy.





Electronic Intelligent Toy Companies

Furby

Furby-logo.png

Furby is an American electronic robotic toy released in 1998 by Tiger Electronics. Over 40 million Furbies were sold during its production.Furbies were the first successful to which included smart robot technology [33]
A newly purchased Furby started out speaking entirely Furbish, the unique language that all Furbies use, but it was programmed to start using English words and phrases in place of Furbish over time. [34] The process was intended to resemble the process of learning English.[1] The updated Emoto-Tronic Furby, with voice-recognition and more complex facial movements, was sold by Hasbro between 2005-2007. They released another updated Furby with LCD eyes and a mobile app for the holiday season in 2012.

KidRobot Toys

KidRobot.jpeg KicRobotLogo.jpg

Kidrobot, founded in 2002 by Paul Budnitz is best known for its designs and productions of toys, clothing, accessories, and more. They are mostly known, however, for their toys; they specialize in a certain style when creating their toys and there are different artists that are involved in the design process as well. Graffiti artists and people with a unique sense of style are the inspiration behind the design of the toys. KidRobot is imported from Japan, Hong Kong, and Europe and there are currently only 5 stores in the United States. They sell collectible figures, mystery packs, and limited-edition toys. KidRobot hosts special events where fans can have their toys signed by the artist that designed it; the wait time for events like this usually last anywhere between 3 to 4 hours. I am a huge fan myself, and I truly enjoy collecting all the different toys. Apart from their toys, there are many celebrities that wear items of KidRobot's clothing line. These celebrities include Pharrell Williams, Lil Wayne, T.I., Drake, and many more.

Funko

Funko-logo-white.jpg

Funko Pop of Carl from UP

Funko Inc. is a company founded in 1998 by Mike Becker in his Snohomish, Washington home. Funko is best known for producing licensed vinyl figurines and bobble-heads. In addition, Funko produces licensed plush, action figures, and licensed electronic items such as USB drives, lamps, and headphones. Founded in 1998 by Mike Becker, the company was originally conceived as a small project to create various low-tech, nostalgia-themed toys. Funko's first manufactured bobble-head was of the restaurant advertising icon Big Boy.

Becker sold Funko to its current CEO, Brain Mariotti, in 2005 when he moved the offices to Lynnwood, Washington. Since 2005, the company has signed licensing deals with companies such as Marvel, DC Comics, WWE, Lucasfilm, Sony Pictures Entertainment, Paramount Pictures, Nickelodeon, DreamWorks, Hasbro, CBS, Fox, Warner Bros, Disney, HBO, Peanuts Worldwide, BBC, MLB, NFL, Ubisoft, NBCUniversal, Cartoon Network, Netflix, Mattel, 2K Games, Bethesda Games, The Pokémon Company, Sega, Activision, Capcom, The Jim Henson Company, and Sesame Workshop. Funko products now have a worldwide distribution.

In 2015 ACON Investments, LLC announced it had acquired Funko, LLC.

The most notable product of Funko would be Funko's Pop! Vinyl line which is often depicting licensed characters from a myriad of franchises.

Technology's Impact on Toy Manufacturers

Many toy manufacturers are struggling to adapt to the constant technological changes as technology now plays a huge factor in the toy industry. During the 1980s, toy products were very much successful only if they were advertised on television. Which causes children who are watching the advertisement wanting that toy that is being presented. In the future, this will continue to be the case, but there will be more opportunities for the use of the Internet and other forms of advertisement like magazines, newspapers, etc. Many toy manufacturers are losing customers to video game manufacturers and other online gaming websites. Due to this shift in technology, toymakers are entering the field of electronic gaming. Many toy manufacturers are inventing toys based that revolve on the popularity of computers, cell phones, and tablets. Currently, some toys are made to function with today's handheld devices such as mobile devices, tablets, and computers. An example of this is the Fisher-Price Laugh & Learn Apptivity Puppy; it's a toy designed to help children learn their alphabet, how to count, and more. But the only thing different about this toy is that it designed to house your phone within the toy itself; all you have to do after that is download the Fisher-Price Learning Letters Puppy app and your toy is ready to use. This is certainly a different approach to a toy considering it can only be played with when your phone is connected to it. Although toys were much sought after by children in the past, cell phones and tablets are what most children would rather play within today's technological world.

New Ways to Market Toys

Technology has not only impacted the toys themselves but also how manufacturers market their products. Instead of using traditional media outlets such as television to market their toys, more companies are turning to YouTube personalities to promote their products. Children are spending more time watching videos of other kids opening and promoting with toys on YouTube. By sending these YouTube personalities a set of toys for free, they're able to reach more potential customers than ever before. [2]

Traditional to Online Shopping for Toys

There are many ways to purchase toys. In the past, the typical way to purchase a toy was from a retail store. However, today there are numerous ways to purchase them. One way is to purchase it on the internet. Websites such as ToysRUS, KBtoys, Walmart, Target, FAO and many others sell toys. It is more convenient to purchase and compare the prices of toys without waiting in a retail store. People can also purchase or sell new, pre-owned, antique or rare toys online on websites such as Ebay or Amazon. Moreover, people can purchase and search for toys on apps. On the app, "Toys R US Shopping", people can search for the newest toys and make purchases from your device. You can also find store hours and directions. The app also has a built-in barcode scanner makes it easy to find information and videos and reviews from a product's barcode. In addition, toy purchasers can share feedback, thanks to the convenient links for Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest. [35]


Trading Card Games/Collectibles

Most items are produced in limited numbers and therefore become collector's items. Retail stores feature a gallery of designer toys and related artwork. Retailers often host artist signings to commemorate the release of limited-edition items, such as the Bondage Labbit by Frank Kozik or The Charizard Base Set Pokemon Card illustrated by Mitsuhiro Arita.

Pokemon Trading Card Game

Pokemon

The Pokemon Company Incorporated is the largest media franchise in the world, and its trading card game is a large segment of the franchises' popularity. Starting back in 1995, the Pokemon Trading Card Game started in Japan and has expanded all over the world in various languages, predominantly popular in English. The cards were first printed with a company called Wizards of the Coast. This company created the first era of Pokemon Trading Cards globally from 1995-2003, and are seen as the most sought after cards in the TCG as The Pokemon Company Incorporated now prints their Trading Cards with Nintendo. There are many cards that are iconic from that era, but the most popular one being the 1st Edition Base Set Charizard, which very recently sold on auction on November 25th, 2020 for $295,300 plus shipping and taxes. [36] There are many more sought after cards in the TCG, but this one holds the trophy as the most iconic and sought after card in the game, from the pure appreciation for the artwork and nostalgia collectors have from once owning this coveted card as a kid. [37]




Yu-Gi-Oh! Trading Card Game

Yu-Gi-Oh!

The Yu-Gi-Oh! Trading Card Game is a card game created in Japan by Konami in 1999 and then came to North America in 2002. The TCG is based off of the Duel Monsters game created by Kazuki Takahashi, which is showcased in the manga Franchise of Yu-Gi-Oh! In 2009, It was named the top selling trading card game in the world by the Guiness Book of World Records having been sold 22 billion cards worldwide. Some iconic names in the hobby include the Dark Magician, Dark Magician Girl, and the Red-Eyes Black Dragon cards. However the most iconic and popular card is the Blue Eyes White Dragon card, which in it's original version in perfect condition has sold for $47,200 plus shipping and taxes [38]. There are several other cards in the TCG that are highly sought after, but the popularity for the TCG is built upon the legacy of this card, as it was one of the most iconic characters in the manga.




KidRobot

As a producer of designer toys, KidRobot is known for its proprietary Dunny and Munny figures and their soft vinyl figurines which resemble cartoon animals based on urban graffiti and stencil art. Artists and designers are commissioned to create Dunnys, while Munnys are released as unpainted, to resemble a "blank canvas"; Munnys are referred to as do-it-yourself pieces. Contributing artists include Tara McPherson, Swizz Beatz, Ed Templeton, Mike Shinoda (Linkin Park, Fort Minor), Shepard Fairey (Obey Giant), Joe Doucet, Futura 2000 (Mo'Wax), Devisu, Jamie Hewlett (Tank Girl, Gorillaz), MF DOOM (Madvillain), Huck Gee, JK5 (Joseph Aloi), Clutter Magazine, and Mark Hoppus (blink-182, Atticus). "Kidrobot toys retail anywhere from $5 to $25,000, and many appreciate in value over time." [1] Many older Dunnys are very rare and can only be found online, through websites such as eBay or Amazon, usually marked at a price that's greater than retail.



Fingerlings

Fingerlings Monkey.jpeg

A technical robot in monkey shape. It can react to all players’ reactions based on how players treated the monkey. It has over 40 reactions toward the player. Also, the finger monkey can hook on the player or player’s belongings to stay in contact. Also, Fingerlings Monkey will turn sleep mood once it is almost run out of battery. Fingerlings are no bigger than the palm of your hand.



References

  1. http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-2565061/How-iPad-replaced-toy-chest-Researchers-children-play-touchscreens-traditional-toys.html
  2. https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/apptivity-hot-wheels/id513292721?mt=8
  3. https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/apptivity-wwe-rumblers/id531810505
  4. , Velasco, Schuyler (November 26, 2013). "Furby is back. Sorry, parents. (+video". http://www.csmonitor.com/Business/2013/1126/Furby-is-back.-Sorry-parents.-video. The Christian Science Monitor. Retrieved December 3, 2013.
  5. http://ardrone2.parrot.com/
  6. Goldfarb, Andrew (January 10, 2012). "CES: Microsoft Reveals Xbox 360 Sales To Date". http://www.ign.com/articles/2012/01/10/ces-microsoft-reveals-xbox-360-sales-to-date. IGN Entertainment. Retrieved December 3, 2013.
  7. http://www.microsoftcasualgames.msn.com/developers_xla.htm
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  12. https://manuals.playstation.net/document/en/ps4/messages/send.html
  13. https://manuals.playstation.net/document/gb/ps4/party/about_party.html
  14. https://www.playstation.com/en-gb/explore/ps4/features/share-play/
  15. https://www.uctoday.com/collaboration/facebook-enhances-oculus-business-vr-capabilities/
  16. https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/blog/2018/12/buying-internet-connected-smart-toy-read
  17. http://ericpaulrose.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/History_of_the_Smart_Toy_Lab_and_Intel_Play_Toys.pdf
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  26. https://www.fosi.org/good-digital-parenting/smart-toys-please-play-responsibly/
  27. https://www.ic3.gov/media/2017/170717.aspx
  28. https://www.thewindowsclub.com/dangers-of-smart-or-internet-connected-toys
  29. https://www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/on-parenting/giving-your-child-internet-connected-smart-toys-could-be-dumb/2017/09/29/a168218a-a241-11e7-8cfe-d5b912fabc99_story.html
  30. https://us.norton.com/internetsecurity-iot-connected-toys-and-what-you-need-to-know-about-them.html
  31. https://www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/on-parenting/giving-your-child-internet-connected-smart-toys-could-be-dumb/2017/09/29/a168218a-a241-11e7-8cfe-d5b912fabc99_story.html
  32. https://www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/on-parenting/giving-your-child-internet-connected-smart-toys-could-be-dumb/2017/09/29/a168218a-a241-11e7-8cfe-d5b912fabc99_story.html
  33. http://www.cnn.com/TECH/computing/9811/24/furby.idg/
  34. https://www.reference.com/hobbies-games/train-furby-dce10af0d53978bf
  35. https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.skava.toysrus.toysrusUS&feature=search_result#?t=W251bGwsMSwxLDEsImNvbS5za2F2YS50b3lzcnVzLnRveXNydXNVUyJd
  36. $295,300 + shipping and taxes
  37. https://bulbapedia.bulbagarden.net/wiki/Pok%C3%A9mon
  38. LOB Blue Eyes White Dragon 1st Ed PSA 10