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Trend Recap from CES 2018

By Reyne Rice, Global Trend Hunter, Reporter/ Analyst, New York, New York Leave a Comment Feb 18

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(First appeared in ToyBook, USA,  Feb 2018 issue.)

CES 208 Article TOYBOOK Feb 2018 issue page 1
CES 2018 Article TOYBOOK Feb 2018 issue pg 2

2017 Back to School Essentials

By Reyne Rice, Global Trend Hunter, Reporter/ Analyst, New York, New York Leave a Comment Aug 18

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Check out the latest news for families and kids on back to school toys and supplies!

Why Tech Toys are Here to Stay

By Reyne Rice, Global Trend Hunter, Reporter/ Analyst, New York, New York Leave a Comment Nov 14

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Originally posted on Spielwarenmesse.com

Besides being fun, and incredibly engaging, tech toys and games have evolved into amazing new categories of play that offer thrills and tap into new skills for kids and adults. These new segments include robots and RC drones, electronic pets, 3D printing, virtual play, and also incorporate new technologies such as virtual reality, augmented reality, and even artificial intelligence.

The most exciting premise of these new technological toys is that they encourage kids to be active creators of their play experiences. By inspiring kids to embrace an active creator playstyle, instead of a passive consumer mindset, we are evolving kids into being vested in the process of building, making, creating and customizing their toys. This has developed a whole generation of kids that take more risks and are becoming more confident “Do-It-Yourself” kids. When kids start to ask “What if?”, then we have got them thinking. Encouraging experimentation and curiosity are important, active life skills.

Here is a review of the top new segments that are emerging, and some of the players that are leading the charge. Get excited, and get in on the fun.  The best way to learn new technology is to place it into the hands of kids you know, and play right alongside them.

Electronic Pets

Spin Master: Zoomer Chimp
Spin Master: Zoomer Chimp
Wowwee: CHiP
Wowwee: CHiP

As kids become more sophisticated and adept at technology, their toy electronic pets have also become more interactive. The CogniToy Dino, is a cloud-based WiFi Connected Toy that allows kids to engage in intelligent conversations. C.H.I.P is an electronic puppy who is trained by their owner to follow a child, to learn tricks and even to play with an object that uses beacon sense smart technology (Wow-Wee).

Spin Master has created a variety of smart technology pets in multiple play iterations.  Their Meccano Meccasaur uses sensors and touch-points that are built into the creature, so that kids just need to activate the touchpoints to get reactions such as roars, speech, attack mode and other playful sounds.  Hatchimals, (Spin Master) offer a new form of nurturing play, to evolve new characters that actually hatch from their inner eggshell over time, to become unique, functioning, interactive pets. Zoomer Chimp is a playful chimpanzee that uses smart technology to sense its owner and to respond to tricks and commands.

Robot Toys

Sphero: BB-8 Star Wars Droid
Sphero: BB-8 Star Wars Droid

So many new iterations here engage kids to teach and control their robots. Coji Emoticon Robot by Wow-Wee uses emoticons as the social and emotional intelligence programming language. Dash and Dot (Wonder Workshop) teach coding to preschoolers and older kids can create more sophisticated programs, such as devising obstacle courses, or building with accessories, to create more complicated stunts and actions. OzoBot mini one-inch robots and the Sphero BB-8 robot have both encouraged character-based play with coding sequences that surprise and delight kids as users.

RC Drones

DJI: Phantom 4
DJI: Phantom 4

From the smallest portable Pocket Drone, by Odyssey Toys that folds as flat as a credit card to the most sophisticated DJI Phantom 4K camera flying drones, there is a wide spectrum of flying RC drones to choose from. Horizon Hobby has launched their First-Person-View (FPV) drones to experience the thrill of racing, as seen through the pilot’s eyeglasses. Other key stand-out manufacturers in this segment include SilverLit, SkyRocket Toys, Revell, Carrera, and AuldeyToys.

Virtual Play

1. Augmented Reality

More companies are using augmented reality technology in ways that are more elegant and playful, for the end user. AirHogs Connect: Mission Drone Augmented Reality RC, by Spin Master incorporates drone technology, and uses an augmented reality controller as a viewing device. The built-in play pattern is all about initiating and completing missions, while actively playing, and flying your drone.

Reach Robotics MekaMon battling Robots, Anki OverDrive Racing vehicles, and WowWee R.E.V vehicles and R.E.V Air drones all encourage kids to drive their air and land vehicles, with dexterity and purpose.

R.E.V. : Robotic Enhanced Vehicles by WowWee Extended Version
 
2. Electronic Learning

With a continued emphasis on STEM Learning, more manufacturers are adding coding, programming and logic-building into toys and games. The Fisher-Price Think N Learn Code-A-Pillar teaches the basics of computer programming to preschoolers  who add segments to a caterpillar-shaped toy. Each connectable segment represents a coded command which the caterpillar will execute in sequence, such as turning, moving forward or reverse, adding sound components and more. 

Vtech Go Go Smart toys, little Bits Gadgets & Gizmos, Sphero S.P.R.K Edition, Kosmos Verlag Kosmo Bits (CodeMaker in the USA), Happy Atoms by Thames & Kosmos, LEGO Education WeDo Version 2, HexBugs VEX Robotics, Marbotics alphabet blocks, Tiggly Learning, Edwin the Duck (pi labs), and OSMO (Tangible Play), are all new manufacturers who are joining this STEM to STREAM (Science, Technology, Robotics, Engineering, Art and Mathematics) movement.

Think & Learn Code-a-pillar™ | Fisher-Price

3. Virtual Reality

Google and Mattel partnered to re-invent the ViewMaster adding new 360 degree viewing capabilities to an old classic. Mel-Science has developed Science Kits that incorporate VR viewing in the final experiment stages, to make the learning even more relevant. Zing Toys has added a Green Screen Stage to their StikBots products, to encourage kids to create and share their digital movies and scenes, via an immensely popular social media gallery website.

View-Master® Virtual Reality 360° Experience

 

3D Printing

3D ImagiPen
3D ImagiPen

These products bring concepts to life in a very tangible way, using 3D and 4D modeling. Whether kids use a 3D printer to create their toys, or a 3D doodling pen, to build products with filaments in the air, the excitement is in building something unique in the colors and combinations of the kids choosing.

Some examples include: Mattel ThingMaker 3D printer, XYZ Printing Robot Building Systems, 3D Magic ImagiPen (Tech 4 Kids), The original 3D Doodler Pen, and their newer 3D doodler Starter Kit, SkyRocket Toys 3D Chocolate Pen, and Redwood Ventures 3D Drawing Pen.

Make Learning Fun

By Reyne Rice, Global Trend Hunter, Reporter/ Analyst, New York, New York Leave a Comment Aug 1

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Originally posted on DailyLounge.com.

Schools have increased their focus on STEM subjects (science, technology, engineering, and math) and in many schools they are broadening that focus to STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, and math). But the learning is not just happening in the classroom, it’s happening at home too! Companies in the education space are making fun and engaging products that are capturing boys’ and girls’ imaginations and simplifying what used to be considered difficult subjects. Toy and game expert, Reyne Rice, shares a few products & services that are getting kids excited about learning!

Youth Digital

Youth Digital has a goal to create active creators and not passive consumers, with tangible, hands-on digital learning-by-doing for kids ages 8 to 14. Their Youth Digital technology tools provide relevant examples of STEM and coding practice to teach kids about Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math with real, concrete examples AND with topics they are interested in, like Minecraft! They also teach kids around the world about creating digital animated movies, developing apps, using 3D programming and printing, learning fashion design tools and more! Founded in 2010, Youth Digital has empowered more than 55,000 students to become digital creators through summer camps, after-school programs and through an expanding portfolio of introductory and advanced online courses. How do they do this and make it fun? Youth Digital provides kids with a comprehensive learning experience that includes watching video tutorials, responding to questions, earning badges, completing interactive quizzes, and by attempting challenging assignments as they step toward mastering critical technology skills and professional-level software. As you can see, there is so much to learn … and it’s fun! Visit Youth Digital to learn more.

Trade More. Save More.

With GameStop’s Trade More, Save More program, parents are teaching their kids about the financial life skills that are important – with real life education that uses relevant examples about choices and money management. Do you have a gaming console or video games that are just sitting there collecting dust? Well, dust them off and bring them to GameStop! Trade in what you have at any GameStop location and put the value towards the purchase of the newest educational video games for your kids, or even the newest tech – such as tablets! Once your kids outgrow their educational game, upgrade to a new one through the trade-in process. GameStop will be offering a guaranteed $30 value on select titles releasing through the end of the year. So, trade more to save more! Did you know you can even keep up to date with what’s new, available and more via their apps? Get it at the app store on iOS and Android! So check out GameStop.com/trade to see how your old games and consoles can save you some cash!

Casio CGP-700 Compact Grand Piano

Great for back-to-school and ideal for a variety of skill levels, Casio’s new Compact Grand Piano delivers groundbreaking technology, a sensational sound system and a world class keyboard action that is perfect for aspiring and professional pianists alike. The CGP-700 is equipped with Casio’s Color Touch Interface(TM) which features a premium icon-based 5.3″ touch display. It also features Casio’s Tri-Sensor 88-note scaled hammer action keyboard with simulated ebony and ivory keys, as well as a unique 3-way sound system with 40 watts of total amplification, 550 built-in tones, 200 rythms, two headphone jacks and more! Visit www.casiomusicgear.com to learn more!

Toy Fair New York 2015

By Reyne Rice, Global Trend Hunter, Reporter/ Analyst, New York, New York Leave a Comment Feb 17

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Originally posted on DailyLounge.com.

Our Toy Trend Expert Reyne Rice is at the New York Toy Fair showing us some of her favorite finds this year. 

Large LEGO Creative Brick Box

Celebrating imagination, LEGO offers a creative building experience for the entire family. This Large LEGO Creative Brick Box features bricks in 33 different colos, along with doors, windows, wheels, eyes and more to create anything a child can imagine. There are six sets available, no instructions, but lots of visuals to get kids started with building, right out of the box! The package provides built-in storage, making cleanup easy. Learn more at www.shop.lego.com and follow them on Facebook & Twitter!

Disney Imagicademy

From Disney Imagicademy, we have Mickey’s Magical Arts World. With five inter-connected apps, children use learning-based tools to create their own Disney-inspired neighborhood. Kids can explore drawing, music, drama, cartooning and building skills. The Disney Imagicademy Parents companion app lets parents take an active part in their children’s progess. By year-end, Apps for Math, Science, Reading and Social Skills will be included; for kids ages 3 – 8. Learn more at www.DisneyImagicademy.com and be sure to follow them on Facebook!

Princess Power: Super Sparkle Barbie

Mattel found that 9 out of 10 girls wanted to be BOTH a SuperHero and a Princess, so they combined the two! The Barbie in Princess Power: Super Sparkle easily transforms from her pink princess gown to her Hero alter-ego. The DVD introduces Barbie as Kara the Princess that turns frenemies into friends using her magical SuperHero powers, special gadgets and everyday acts of “Being Super”! Visit www.BeSuper.com to learn more and definitely visit their Facebook and Twitter pages for more info!

Ozobot

Ozobot is the world’s smallest programmable robot and makes learning fun! Kids can program Ozobot to move and play on any surface. Using thick markers, kids can draw paths and instructions for this mini robot to follow on paper, OR use a tablet to unlock additional free apps. Using the new OzoGroove App, kids can teach their robot to dance and play other games as well! Visit www.Ozobot.com to learn more. Want one? Click here to get it at Brookstone right now! Visit them on Facebook and Twitter too!

Carrera Digital 1:32 Hybrid Power Race Set

Let’s put the pedal to the metal with the Carrera Digital 1:32 Hybrid Power Race Set! It includes 27 feet of reconfigurable track with two exclusive cars, the retro-look Porsche RS Spyder and the sleek LaFerrari by Ferrari. With a 50-year heritage, the retro Carrera racing system adds digital technology by combining physical race-cars with a unique digital wireless 2.4 GHz controller system. Beginners and more advanced driving enthusiasts can enjoy racing together! Learn more here. Check them out on Facebook and Twitter too!

Black Friday Toys 2014

By Reyne Rice, Global Trend Hunter, Reporter/ Analyst, New York, New York Leave a Comment Nov 1

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Originally posted on DailyLounge.com.

Written and Produced By: Amelia Floyd

As we all know, Black Friday is right around the corner! Do you have kids on your holiday shopping lists? Sure you do! We have picked some of the best toys and tech for kids this holiday season to make shopping a little easier for you!

LEGO Friends Jungle Rescue Base

The popular LEGO Friends collection takes kids on an adventure into the jungle with the LEGO Friends Jungle Rescue Base. This deluxe set includes living quarters, a boat, zip line, slide, 2 mini figures and 4 animals. They combine building, imagination and storytelling adventures for hours of fun! Compatible with sets from the jungle series, or even existing LEGO pieces, based on the freinds from Heartlake City. Available at the LEGO shop.

VTech Bronco the RC Triceratops

For younger kids, VTech has Bronco the RC Triceratops, their first remote control dino, a new addition to their Switch & Go Turbo line. See how it easily transforms from a fierce dinosaur to a sleek race car with the push of a button! Using the remote, you can move it around and charge the turbo boost lever to give it a burst of speed! Learn dino facts and hear wild sound effects too! Get it at VtechKids.com!

Moff Band

Get your kids off the couch and active with the Moff Band, a smart wearable toy! Powered by motion sensors and kids’ creativity, everyday objects can be made into a toy – a stick becomes a knight’s sword, a banana turns into a laser, the broom is an air guitar, and a whisk becomes a magic wand – and their imagination is the only thing a kid needs to play. With regular free app updates, there are always new sounds and activities so kids will never get bored. Simple to set up and easy to play with, grab 2 bands and kids can play together for even more fun! Watch a video and learn more about this awesome toy here. 

Tiggly Counts

Kids love playing with tablets, and from the makers of Tiggly Shapes, we introduce Tiggly Counts. It is the first hands-on math toy that interacts with your tablet to make learning math fun! By physically moving the Tiggly Counts pieces, children can see, touch and connect with the math concepts. It comes with three award winning apps that help teach counting, addition and number lines in a fun and engaging way. Perfect for children aged 3 and up. Learn more and order yours here.

Back to School 2014

By Reyne Rice, Global Trend Hunter, Reporter/ Analyst, New York, New York Leave a Comment Aug 1

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Originally posted on DailyLounge.com.

It’s that time of year again, those dreaded words, BACK TO SCHOOL! That doesn’t mean the fun has to stop, kids can learn AND have fun with these neat items our Toy Trend Expert Reyne Rice has found.

LEGO DUPLO Deluxe Box of Fun

Give your pre-schooler hours of entertainment with the LEGO DUPLO Deluxe Box of Fun! This set makes the perfect introduction to building with pieces designed specifically for little hands and can be built by the kids themselves. With 95 pieces of classic and special DUPLO bricks, this set can teach counting with the decorated number blocks and inspire role play with the DUPLO figures, opening up a world of imagination and creativity for your child. Learn more about LEGO DUPLO here.

LEGO Juniors

LEGO Juniors are tailor-made to transition young builders to classic LEGO brick building. This Easy to Build set, LEGO Junior Batman: Defend the Batcave, includes modular pieces such as walls and archways for quick brick builds, a vehicle and three mini-figures: Batman, Robin and the Joker. Kids develop math and logic learning PLUS storytelling for developing language skills. Step-by-step storybook instructions and photo inspiration get young builders started. Learn more about LEGO Juniors here.

ABCmouse.com

Kids love being active and keeping their brains engaged also prevents them from getting bored. ABCmouse.com Early Learning Academy is an award-winning educational website for kids ages 2 to 6. Developed by teachers and learning experts, this site has over 5,000 skill-building activities to provide hundreds of hours of fun .. that means kids will actually WANT to use it! The Step by Step Learning Path customizes the experience for each child, allowing them to build self confidence by learning at their own pace. It can be accessed from computers and most mobile devices, anytime – anywhere. It’s a 100% educational and safe online environment, with no advertising or links to other websites. Find out more about enrolling your child at ABCmouse.com! 

Oregon Scientific SmartGlobe Infinity

Becoming a global citizen is important and Oregon Scientific is a leader in creating global learning tools. The SmartGlobe Infinity opens up the world with the touch of the Smart Pen. Kids will learn history, fascinating facts and global knowledge using the Bluetooth wireless talking Smart Pen to guide their experiences with dozens of fun interactive games and challenges. This SmartGlobe is constantly updated online, providing an ever current view of world content. Learn more about the SmartGlobe Infinity here.

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