Engadget http://www.engadget.com Engadget http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.engadget.com/media/feedlogo.gif Engadget http://www.engadget.com en-us Copyright 2012 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Switched On: Tablets are toys. No, really.]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/25/tablets-are-toys-no-really/http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/25/tablets-are-toys-no-really/http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/25/tablets-are-toys-no-really/#commentsEach week Ross Rubin contributes Switched On, a column about consumer technology.
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Ever since the tablet market exploded, we've seen a wide range of designs find both success and failure. But most of the tablets on the market have something in common: they are primarily designed for adults or at least children old enough to be responsible for a fragile device. Particularly for the popular iPad, we have seen a number of specialized cases design to protect the tablet for use with young ones. But a small cadre of tablets aimed specifically at kids -- including preschoolers -- begs several questions. Are tablets good tools for kids? Is there value in optimizing them for kids? And if so, how should they be optimized?

Continue reading Switched On: Tablets are toys. No, really.

Switched On: Tablets are toys. No, really. originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 25 Mar 2012 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>childrenchildrens tabletsChildrensTabletsdiscovery bayDiscoveryBaydisneyiPadkidsmattelNabioregon scientificOregonScientificsmartphonesswitched onswitchedontabletVinciSun, 25 Mar 2012 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Mattel's hoverboard keeps McFly planted on terra firma, away from water]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/14/back-to-the-future-mattel-hoverboard-replica/http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/14/back-to-the-future-mattel-hoverboard-replica/http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/14/back-to-the-future-mattel-hoverboard-replica/#comments Mattel's hover board replica keeps you firmly planted on terra firmaThere's no need to worry: your eyes aren't deceiving you, and the year most certainly isn't 2015. Still, that isn't stopping Mattel from teasing the iconic hoverboard at the New York Toy Fair. First made famous by Marty McFly in Back to the Future Part II, the product became something of Hollywood lore when the movie's director, Robert Zemeckis, insisted the contraption was real. While the claim later proved to be a prank, the desire for a genuine hoverboard has lived on. Now, following in the footsteps of McFly's MAG shoes from Nike, Mattel suggests it'll begin accepting preorders for the hoverboard replica next month. While the toy doesn't actually fly (but rather glides), it's said to emit a whooshing sound so that riders can pretend they're surfing through the air. Should Mattel solicit enough interest, the product will ship by year's end -- otherwise the company will merely scrap the idea and return to churning out Barbies.

Mattel's hoverboard keeps McFly planted on terra firma, away from water originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 14 Feb 2012 06:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>back to the futureback to the future iiback to the future part IIBackToTheFutureBackToTheFutureIiBackToTheFuturePartIihover boardHoverBoardmatteltoy fairtoy fair 2012ToyFairToyFair2012Tue, 14 Feb 2012 06:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Mattel Apptivity hands-on (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/10/mattel-apptivity-hands-on-video/http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/10/mattel-apptivity-hands-on-video/http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/10/mattel-apptivity-hands-on-video/#comments ApptivityMattel thinks it has the secret to succeeding where so many others have failed in bridging that divide between the virtual and the physical -- and it might be right. While plenty of other toy companies have tried pairing hunks of plastic with apps in the past, Mattel has gone the extra mile, incorporating its recognizable brands and partnering with top tier developers. Later this year the company will launch Apptivity, a line of toys made from conductive plastic that interact with iPad games -- some which you're already quite familiar with, like Cut the Rope, Fruit Ninja and, of course, Angry Birds. The games will get an update when the toys hit the market with new features and play modes specifically designed to utilize the physical pieces. Other brands, including WWE, Batman and Hot Wheels will also be part of the first batch of toys designed to be played with on your iPad screen.

None of the apps or the toys themselves were quite ready for prime time yet, but Hot Wheels, WWE, Fruit Ninja and Cut the Rope were all at least playable. The Apptivity mode in Cut the Rope and Fruit Ninja are pretty intuitive, but it took a bit of practice to get the hang of Hot Wheels. We had trouble finding the sweet spot on the screen that kept our car speeding along while leaving room to see upcoming obstacles. The line of toys will launch exclusively in Apple Stores in May with Hot Wheels (which will cost $20), followed by the rest in July. Check out the gallery below and the video after the break for a few more impressions.

Gallery: Mattel Apptivity hands-on


Edgar Alvarez contributed to this report.

Continue reading Mattel Apptivity hands-on (video)

Mattel Apptivity hands-on (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 10 Feb 2012 18:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>angry birdsAngryBirdsapptivitycut the ropeCutTheRopehands-onhot wheelsHotWheelsmatteltoy fairtoy fair 2012ToyFairToyFair2012videoworld wrestling entertainmentWorldWrestlingEntertainmentwweFri, 10 Feb 2012 18:10:00 EST<![CDATA[Barbie gets a camera implant to snap photos in style, we go hands-on]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/10/barbie-gets-a-camera-implant-to-snap-photos-in-style-we-go-hand/http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/10/barbie-gets-a-camera-implant-to-snap-photos-in-style-we-go-hand/http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/10/barbie-gets-a-camera-implant-to-snap-photos-in-style-we-go-hand/#comments
Speechless? We can't blame you and, although this fashionable shooter might not be up your alley, we're willing to bet your kids -- or any other young member of the fam -- would snatch her up in a heartbeat. Dubbed Barbie Photo Fashion, she might not be too computer savvy or a filmmaker, but this stylish doll's got traits of her own to flaunt. Photo Barbie's carrying a 5-megapixel camera between her shoulder blades and a thumb-size LCD in her synthetic guts. She's got 15 built-in effects to give your pics a little sweet spice too. Speaking of, the $50 Barbie holds up to 100 shots and is powered by a rechargeable battery that should give you enough juice to get through a few sessions. When it's time to charge up or unload your images, just jack into her tramp stamp mini USB port. Barbie was kind enough to join our photoshoot, so hit up the gallery below to check out the rest of the shots.

Gallery: Barbie gets a camera implant to snap photos in style, we go hands-on


Terrence O'Brien contributed to this report.

Barbie gets a camera implant to snap photos in style, we go hands-on originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 10 Feb 2012 17:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>barbiebarbie dollbarbie photo fashionbarbie photos fashionBarbieDollBarbiePhotoFashionBarbiePhotosFashioncameradigital cameraDigitalCamerahands-onmatteltoy fairtoy fair 2012ToyFairToyFair2012Fri, 10 Feb 2012 17:28:00 EST<![CDATA[Master Moves Mickey hands-on: challenges Bieber and TOSY to dance-off (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/10/master-moves-mickey-hands-on-challenges-bieber-and-tosy-to-danc/http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/10/master-moves-mickey-hands-on-challenges-bieber-and-tosy-to-danc/http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/10/master-moves-mickey-hands-on-challenges-bieber-and-tosy-to-danc/#comments Master Moves MickeyBeethoven's Fifth or Michelangelo's Pietà it's not but, while Master Moves Mickey can't stand as a cornerstone of civilization, it can certainly throw down on the dance floor. The b-boy bot has a speaker hidden under its garb that kicks out the jams while this mechanical mouse break dances its little Disney trademarked heart out. He's got 15 different signature moves, carefully choreographed to eight different built-in tunes and loads of personality thanks to a collection of self-depreciating one-liners ready in case he loses his balance. And all this legendary performer needs to keep earning his urban cred is a six AA batteries, oh, and your money -- $70 of it to be specific. Master Moves Mickey should be hitting shelves in August. Check out the video after the break.

Edgar Alvarez contributed to this report.

Continue reading Master Moves Mickey hands-on: challenges Bieber and TOSY to dance-off (video)

Master Moves Mickey hands-on: challenges Bieber and TOSY to dance-off (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 10 Feb 2012 14:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dancing robotDancingRobotdisneyfisher priceFisherPricehands-onmaster moves mickeyMasterMovesMickeymattelmickey mouseMickeyMouserobottoy fairtoy fair 2012ToyFairToyFair2012videoFri, 10 Feb 2012 14:59:00 EST<![CDATA[Hot Wheels RC iNitro Speeders hands-on (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/31/hot-wheels-rc-initro-speeders-hands-on/http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/31/hot-wheels-rc-initro-speeders-hands-on/http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/31/hot-wheels-rc-initro-speeders-hands-on/#comments Hot Wheels iNitro hands-oniPhone-controlled RC vehicles are a dime a dozen these days. But, ones as tiny as a standard Hot Wheels car? Those are little more rare. In fact, we only know of one such product -- iNitro Speeders from Mattel. The radio-controlled Hot Wheels racers won't hit 100MPH, but it also won't decimate your bank account. The itty-bitty Mustang GT we tried out is, after all, just a toy -- and not the kind that bored rich men buy themselves. It's plastic, relatively cheap ($33) and designed to work with every kid's favorite touchscreen device, the iPhone. So, how is one of the premiere brands of die cast cars keeping up in the smartphone age? Keep reading after the break to find out.

Gallery: Hot Wheels iNitro Speeders hands-on

Continue reading Hot Wheels RC iNitro Speeders hands-on (video)

Hot Wheels RC iNitro Speeders hands-on (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 31 Jan 2012 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>apphands-onhot wheelshot wheels initro speederHot Wheels RC iNitro SpeedersHotWheelsHotWheelsInitroSpeederHotWheelsRcInitroSpeedersinitro speederInitroSpeederiosmattelmobilepostcrossradio controlledRadioControlledrc racerRcRacerremote controlledRemoteControlledvideoTue, 31 Jan 2012 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Hot Wheels Video Racer has a VGA camera under its hood, confirms that kids have it all]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/01/21/hot-wheels-video-racer-has-a-vga-camera-under-its-hood-confirms/http://www.engadget.com/2011/01/21/hot-wheels-video-racer-has-a-vga-camera-under-its-hood-confirms/http://www.engadget.com/2011/01/21/hot-wheels-video-racer-has-a-vga-camera-under-its-hood-confirms/#comments
 Damn kids these days and their cool tech toys! We know we sound cranky, jealous, and old, but how are we supposed to react to Mattel's new Hot Wheels Video Racer? Yep, just as the headline reveals, everybody's favorite matchbox car is now home to a VGA video camera that can capture 30 to 60 frames per second and a .95-inch LCD that allows you to play back that recorded footage right on the belly of the tiny vehicle. While a short clip of the Video Racer flying off a self-made jump may be pretty awesome, Mattel will also include protective cases so those wild and crazy kids can mount the cam to a skateboard or helmet. Disappointingly, the small car only houses 512MB of storage, which can only hold 12 minutes of video, but at $60, Mattel also includes a rubberized mini USB to USB cord for connecting the cam to a Mac or PC and child-friendly editing software. The Video Racer won't actually peel out until the fall, but we managed to take a few shots of the little thing this week and nab some video of it while at CES. Hit the break for that video and start saving that allowance!

Gallery: Hot Wheels Video Racer hands-on

Continue reading Hot Wheels Video Racer has a VGA camera under its hood, confirms that kids have it all

Hot Wheels Video Racer has a VGA camera under its hood, confirms that kids have it all originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 21 Jan 2011 16:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>camerahands-onhot wheelsHot Wheels Video RacerHotWheelsHotWheelsVideoRacermattelToy Fairtoy fair 2011ToyFairToyFair2011toysvga cameraVgaCameravideovideo cameraVideo RacerVideoCameraVideoRacerFri, 21 Jan 2011 16:25:00 EST<![CDATA[Mattel's Mindflex Duel in the works, allows true test of wills]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/01/12/mattels-mindflex-duel-in-the-works-allows-true-test-of-wills/http://www.engadget.com/2011/01/12/mattels-mindflex-duel-in-the-works-allows-true-test-of-wills/http://www.engadget.com/2011/01/12/mattels-mindflex-duel-in-the-works-allows-true-test-of-wills/#comments Disguised as a mere toy, the original Mindflex is actually a kind of limited telekinesis simulator in that it allows you to control the up and down movements of a ball suspended in air by, well, flexing your brain. With the release of the Mindflex Duel, you can now test your telekinetic prowess against that of your closest friends. That's right, Mattel's latest offering allows you to play what amounts to tug-of-war (with a tiny foam ball) using only the power of your mind. The Duel also lets people play cooperatively, but that doesn't sound like nearly as much fun as hooking this to a stim unit for a little friendly competition and some elevated stakes for the loser. We're not sure why, but the mind games won't start until August, though the device is currently available for pre-order on Amazon for $99.99.

Mattel's Mindflex Duel in the works, allows true test of wills originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 12 Jan 2011 11:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>braingamemattelMattel mindflexmattel mindflex duelMattelMindflexMattelMindflexDuelmentalmindmindflex duelMindflexDuelToytoysWed, 12 Jan 2011 11:04:00 EST<![CDATA[Engadget giveaway: win a Computer Engineer Barbie!]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/12/16/engadget-giveaway-win-a-computer-engineer-barbie/http://www.engadget.com/2010/12/16/engadget-giveaway-win-a-computer-engineer-barbie/http://www.engadget.com/2010/12/16/engadget-giveaway-win-a-computer-engineer-barbie/#comments You probably already know this, but here at Engadget, we love our readers. And, whenever we get the chance, we love to give a little back. Today, we're happy to have a brand new Computer Engineer Barbie to offer up to one random, lucky commenter. This Barbie has a new career and a new attitude to match it, and we think she's pretty cool. All you'll need to do to win her is to leave a comment below -- after reading the rules, of course.

Thanks to Mattel for providing us with the doll.

The rules:
  • Leave a comment below. Any comment will do.
  • You may only enter this specific giveaway once. If you enter this giveaway more than once you'll be automatically disqualified, etc. (Yes, we have robots that thoroughly check to ensure fairness.)
  • If you enter more than once, only activate one comment. This is pretty self explanatory. Just be careful and you'll be fine.
  • Contest is open to all residents of the 50 States, the District of Columbia, and Canada (excluding Quebec), 18 or older! Sorry, we don't make this rule (we hate excluding anyone), so be mad at our lawyers and contest laws if you have to be mad.
  • Winners will be chosen randomly. Four winners will receive one Computer Engineer Barbie.
  • If you are chosen, you will be notified by email. Winners must respond within three days of the end of the contest. If you do not respond within that period, another winner will be chosen.
  • Entries can be submitted until Wednesday, December 22, 2010, at 11:59PM ET. Good luck!
  • Full rules can be found here.

Engadget giveaway: win a Computer Engineer Barbie! originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 16 Dec 2010 14:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>barbiecomputer engineer barbieComputerEngineerBarbiecontestfeaturegiveawaymattelswagThu, 16 Dec 2010 14:20:00 EST<![CDATA[Mattel Puppy Tweets review]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/12/08/mattel-puppy-tweets-review/http://www.engadget.com/2010/12/08/mattel-puppy-tweets-review/http://www.engadget.com/2010/12/08/mattel-puppy-tweets-review/#comments

Though Twitter has become a greater professional tool than we'd imagine anyone ever intended it's still hard to take the service too seriously. We like silly twitterers, whether they be offering pretend writing advice, charting the reclusive tendencies of Hollywood's leading men, or just threatening to force choke any troll who gets in their way. Wouldn't it be fun if your pooch could get in on those antics? No, as it turns out, it isn't that fun at all.

Gallery: Mattel Puppy Tweets

Continue reading Mattel Puppy Tweets review

Mattel Puppy Tweets review originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 08 Dec 2010 12:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dogdogsfeaturefeaturedfeaturesmattelpuppypuppy tweetsPuppyTweetsreviewtwittervideowirelessWed, 08 Dec 2010 12:05:00 EST<![CDATA[Computer Engineer Barbie now available, and her phone has been upgraded since we last saw her]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/12/01/computer-engineer-barbie-now-available-and-her-phones-been-upg/http://www.engadget.com/2010/12/01/computer-engineer-barbie-now-available-and-her-phones-been-upg/http://www.engadget.com/2010/12/01/computer-engineer-barbie-now-available-and-her-phones-been-upg/#comments We were fairly impressed with Computer Engineer Barbie's Linux laptop and cellphone when we last saw her at the Toy Fair in New York City. Well, the doll is available now, and her gear has gotten an upgrade for the retail version. The pink laptop now boasts some kind of custom Barbie operating system, and yes, she seems to be sporting an iPhone these days. We assume this is a tie in with Mattel's Barbie 'I Can Be' iPhone app, but we also remember from our childhood that Barbie is an intense tech geek who always has to have the latest gear, so we can't say that we're surprised. Computer Engineer Barbie is available now for $12.99. A shot of the first Computer Engineer Barbie we met is after the break.

Continue reading Computer Engineer Barbie now available, and her phone has been upgraded since we last saw her

Computer Engineer Barbie now available, and her phone has been upgraded since we last saw her originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 01 Dec 2010 17:07:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>applebarbiechildrencomputer engineer barbieComputerEngineerBarbiedollsiphonekidsmatteltoytoysWed, 01 Dec 2010 17:07:00 EST<![CDATA[Qualcomm launches augmented reality SDK in beta form, ready to rock your Android devices]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/10/05/qualcomm-launches-augmented-reality-sdk-in-beta-form-ready-to-r/http://www.engadget.com/2010/10/05/qualcomm-launches-augmented-reality-sdk-in-beta-form-ready-to-r/http://www.engadget.com/2010/10/05/qualcomm-launches-augmented-reality-sdk-in-beta-form-ready-to-r/#comments By now you would've come across at least a handful of inspiring augmented reality apps (with a few exceptions, perhaps), and if you fancy having a go at coding one yourself, Qualcomm may be able to assist. Today, the giant chip maker is pushing out a beta release of its Android AR SDK, which has produced interesting demos like the digital photo frame concept showcased in London last month, as well as the Rock 'Em Sock 'Em Robots game pictured above. In fact, Mattel's so confident with the latter app that it's planning on commercializing it, so who knows -- you could be the next Peter Molyneux of the AR scene, or at least a winner of up to $125,000 from Qualcomm's AR Developer Challenge. More details in the press release after the break.

Continue reading Qualcomm launches augmented reality SDK in beta form, ready to rock your Android devices

Qualcomm launches augmented reality SDK in beta form, ready to rock your Android devices originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 05 Oct 2010 06:41:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidapparar sdkArSdkaugmented realityaugmented reality sdkAugmentedRealityAugmentedRealitySdkbetacodingdeveloperdevelopmentMattelprogrammingQDevNetqualcommqualcomm developer networkQualcommDeveloperNetworksdkTue, 05 Oct 2010 06:41:00 EST<![CDATA[Apples In Stereo man controls his Moog... with his mind! (and you can too)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/09/07/apples-in-stereo-man-controls-his-moog-with-his-mind-and-yo/http://www.engadget.com/2010/09/07/apples-in-stereo-man-controls-his-moog-with-his-mind-and-yo/http://www.engadget.com/2010/09/07/apples-in-stereo-man-controls-his-moog-with-his-mind-and-yo/#comments
We thought that our homemade Theremin was difficult to control, but this one is in a different league altogether! The, ahem, brainchild of Apples In Stereo's Robert Schneider, the Teletron takes a Mattel Mindflex game and uses it as a control voltage source for... well, any piece of musical equipment that has a CV input. In the video below, the musician / producer plugs it into a Moog analog synth and increases / decreases the pitch solely with his mind. At least the thing doesn't give you an electric shock when you hit the wrong note! But enough jabberjaw out of us -- see / hear it in action (and get some instructions, if you'd like to build your own) after the break.

Continue reading Apples In Stereo man controls his Moog... with his mind! (and you can too)

Apples In Stereo man controls his Moog... with his mind! (and you can too) originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 07 Sep 2010 18:23:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>apples in stereoApplesInStereobiofeedbackbraincontrollerhackkidkidsmattelMattel mindflexMattelMindflexmentalmindmindflexmodmoogmusic makingMusicMakingRobert SchneiderRobertSchneidersynthsynthesizerteletrontoytoysTue, 07 Sep 2010 18:23:00 EST<![CDATA[Qualcomm demos augmented reality and peer-to-peer tech, tries to punch cellular gaming's block off (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/07/06/qualcomm-demos-augmented-reality-and-peer-to-peer-tech-tries-to/http://www.engadget.com/2010/07/06/qualcomm-demos-augmented-reality-and-peer-to-peer-tech-tries-to/http://www.engadget.com/2010/07/06/qualcomm-demos-augmented-reality-and-peer-to-peer-tech-tries-to/#comments It's just a tablecloth and a piece of paper, until you pull out a Nexus One, at which point it magically becomes an arena where toy robots fire off punches. Augmented reality isn't anything new, of course, but Qualcomm seems determined to bring it to cell phones in a big way -- launching an AR game studio, sponsoring a $200,000 developer challenge, and announcing a free software development kit (which will see open beta this fall) all on the same day. The company partnered with Mattel to build the Rock 'Em Sock 'Em Robots proof-of-concept you see above using that very SDK, and you'll find a hilarious video of grown men pretending to have the time of their lives with it right after the break.

However, augmented reality is only half of Qualcomm's mobile gaming plan -- a rep told Pocket-lint games like Rock 'Em Sock 'Em Robots are only financially viable if they can work across platforms. To that end, the company also demonstrated a simple three-player peer-to-peer title, but with -- get this -- a Nexus One (over Bluetooth), a Nokia N900 (over WiFi) and a Dell Latitude laptop all playing the same synchronous game. To commemorate this mishmash of awesome, the company funded another video; listen to an individual with a ludicrously bad accent give you the play-by-play after the break. Oh, and find some press releases, too.

Continue reading Qualcomm demos augmented reality and peer-to-peer tech, tries to punch cellular gaming's block off (video)

Qualcomm demos augmented reality and peer-to-peer tech, tries to punch cellular gaming's block off (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 06 Jul 2010 02:18:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ARaugmented realityAugmentedRealityBluetoothcross platformcross-platformCrossPlatformgamegamesmattelNexus OneNexusOnepeer to peerPeerToPeerQualcommRock Em Sock Emrock em sock em robotsRockEmSockEmRockEmSockEmRobotssnapdragonUplinqUplinq 2010Uplinq2010videoWiFiTue, 06 Jul 2010 02:18:00 EST<![CDATA[Mattel Mindflex hack shocks you into serenity]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/03/04/mattel-mindflex-hack-shocks-you-into-serenity/http://www.engadget.com/2010/03/04/mattel-mindflex-hack-shocks-you-into-serenity/http://www.engadget.com/2010/03/04/mattel-mindflex-hack-shocks-you-into-serenity/#comments Okay, we're in love with this delightfully evil Mattel Mindflex hack, which delivers an electric shock if you don't remain calm, but we have to wonder: wouldn't this thing be amazing if you hooked it up in reverse and punished not thinking enough? Video after the break.

Continue reading Mattel Mindflex hack shocks you into serenity

Mattel Mindflex hack shocks you into serenity originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 04 Mar 2010 17:11:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>electric shockElectricShockelectrocuteelectrocutionhackhacksharcosharcos laboratoriesharcos labsHarcosLaboratoriesHarcosLabsmattelmattel mindflexMattelMindflexmindflexshockThu, 04 Mar 2010 17:11:00 EST<![CDATA[Puppy Tweets will turn your Pooper into a world-class twitterer (Updated: with hands-on pictures!)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/02/13/puppy-tweets-will-turn-your-pooper-into-a-world-class-twitterer/http://www.engadget.com/2010/02/13/puppy-tweets-will-turn-your-pooper-into-a-world-class-twitterer/http://www.engadget.com/2010/02/13/puppy-tweets-will-turn-your-pooper-into-a-world-class-twitterer/#comments If you thought the downfall of Twitter began when Oprah said it was the best thing ever, well, you're probably right, but this latest toy from Mattel won't help to improve the situation. It's called Puppy Tweets, a little clasp that hangs from your pooch's collar and detects what it's up to -- presumably making wild guesses based on accelerometer and microphone readings. It was announced last month and is being shown off at the NY Toy Fair, where Mattel is pledging it can detect 500 different activities and turn them into 140-character witticisms, like: "It's not the catching of the tail, it's the chase," and "Guess what I'm licking right now." Yep, a real product, and $30 will get you yours in either pink or blue.

Update: We had to check this thing out for ourselves at the Toy Fair today. Unfortunately, there wasn't a real pup on hand to demo, but we did confirm that this lightweight plastic collar can, as previously mentioned, tweet everything from licks to resulting carpet stains. Included in the box is a matching USB dongle which contains software that works with the collar to enable the Wi-Fi updates. It won't hit shelves until June, but check the gallery below.

Gallery: Mattel Puppy Tweets

Puppy Tweets will turn your Pooper into a world-class twitterer (Updated: with hands-on pictures!) originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 13 Feb 2010 15:48:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dogdogshands-onmattelnew york toy fairNewYorkToyFairpetspuppy tweetpuppy tweetsPuppyTweetPuppyTweetstoytoy fairtoy fair 2010ToyFairToyFair2010Sat, 13 Feb 2010 15:48:00 EST<![CDATA[Mattel rolls out foldable Stealth Rides R/C cars]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/01/30/mattel-rolls-out-foldable-stealth-rides-r-c-cars/http://www.engadget.com/2010/01/30/mattel-rolls-out-foldable-stealth-rides-r-c-cars/http://www.engadget.com/2010/01/30/mattel-rolls-out-foldable-stealth-rides-r-c-cars/#comments
We haven't seen too many notable R/C cars since Takara Tomy's wall-climbing AeroSpider RC turned our world upside down way back in late 2008, but it looks like Mattel thinks it might just have the next big thing with its new foldable Stealth Rides cars. Like a Transformer that turn into a box, these promise to spring into life at the push of a button, and should give you about 30 hours of playtime on a single charge. Naturally, Mattel also seems to have a number of licensing deals lined up, with a Batmobile Tumbler being one of the five models that will debut at next month's Toy Fair in New York. You'll have to wait until August to actually get your hands on them, however, when they'll run you $25 apiece.

Mattel rolls out foldable Stealth Rides R/C cars originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 30 Jan 2010 03:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>carmattelmattel stealth ridesMattelStealthRidesrc carrc carsRcCarRcCarsstealth ridesStealthRidestoytoy carToyCartoysSat, 30 Jan 2010 03:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Puppy Tweets lets your puppy... tweet]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/01/26/puppy-tweets-lets-your-puppy-tweet/http://www.engadget.com/2010/01/26/puppy-tweets-lets-your-puppy-tweet/http://www.engadget.com/2010/01/26/puppy-tweets-lets-your-puppy-tweet/#commentsApple might think it's going to change the world tomorrow with some sort of crazy tablet, but we're here to tell you that the world has already changed. American humans will soon be able to buy a product called "Puppy Tweets," a product actually designed, tested, and released by the Mattel corporation. First, you need a dog with a Twitter account. (Who doesn't have one of those?) Then, you need to use $30 of your actual money to buy Puppy Tweets, a plastic sound-and-motion sensor that clips onto your dog's collar and sends out several pre-written tweets that have extreme amounts of dignity, like "YAHOOOOOOO! Somedays you just gotta get your bark on." Then you have to weep gently for the future of our society.

Puppy Tweets lets your puppy... tweet originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 26 Jan 2010 23:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>awesomedogdogsmattelpuppy tweetsPuppyTweetssocial networkingSocialNetworkingtwitterTue, 26 Jan 2010 23:03:00 EST<![CDATA[Mattel's Mindflex: now stressing brain muscles for $80]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/09/18/mattels-mindflex-now-stressing-brain-muscles-for-80/http://www.engadget.com/2009/09/18/mattels-mindflex-now-stressing-brain-muscles-for-80/http://www.engadget.com/2009/09/18/mattels-mindflex-now-stressing-brain-muscles-for-80/#commentsIt's taken nine whole months for this mental-stresser to go from CES show-stopper to household mainstay, but at long last, the only Mattel product we could ever recommend (with a straight face) to those with an age larger than 12 is finally shipping. In short, the Mindflex forces your brain -- as in, that hunk of meat between your ears -- to keep a ball suspended in the air, and if you're thinking Matrix, you're thinking correctly. Sort of. Hit the read link to get your own for $79.99, and make sure you do so before these things sell out and break the $1,000 mark on eBay. It's almost the holidays, don'tcha know?

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Mattel's Mindflex: now stressing brain muscles for $80 originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 18 Sep 2009 08:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>braingamekidkidsMattelMattel mindflexMattelMindflexmentalmindmind flexMindflexon saleOnSalepre-orderrelease dateReleaseDatetoytoysFri, 18 Sep 2009 08:10:00 EST<![CDATA[Mattel's Mindflex coming October 1st for $99.99]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/05/24/mattels-mindflex-coming-october-1st-for-99-99/http://www.engadget.com/2009/05/24/mattels-mindflex-coming-october-1st-for-99-99/http://www.engadget.com/2009/05/24/mattels-mindflex-coming-october-1st-for-99-99/#comments
It's not often that a Mattel toy targets the 18 - 128 demographic, but we'll be frank -- the Mindflex has us all sorts of intrigued. Originally introduced at this year's CES, said game is a brain-powered fun-fest that relies on intense mental activity to control the height of a ball suspended in a column of air. Early on, we heard that it would land sometime during this year for $80, but it seems as if only one of those factoids will prove true. Indeed, Amazon has it listed to ship on October 1st, which gives proactive parents plenty of time to stock up for the holidays. Unfortunately, the price seems to have inched up by a Jackson, as it's currently up for pre-order at $99.99. Rest assured, however, that said price is far less than what you'll pay on eBay if you're empty-handed come December 20th.

[Via I4U News]

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Mattel's Mindflex coming October 1st for $99.99 originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 24 May 2009 00:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>braingamekidkidsMattelMattel mindflexMattelMindflexmentalmindmind flexMindflexon saleOnSalepre-orderrelease dateReleaseDatetoytoysSun, 24 May 2009 00:57:00 EST<![CDATA[Star Wars Force Trainer teaches children to kill... with their minds]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/01/13/star-wars-force-trainer-teaches-children-to-kill-with-their-m/http://www.engadget.com/2009/01/13/star-wars-force-trainer-teaches-children-to-kill-with-their-m/http://www.engadget.com/2009/01/13/star-wars-force-trainer-teaches-children-to-kill-with-their-m/#comments
Toy maker Uncle Milton has introduced Force Trainer, a game that utilizes NeuroSky's brainwave-controlled gaming technology. In a manner similar to the Mindflex we got our heads on at CES, the young Jedi dons a wireless headset that communicates with a simplified EEG. If you focus well enough, the "training sphere" rises in a 10-inch tube. Seems pretty harmless, no? At least until your humble child starts lifting rocks and choking people by simply furrowing their brow and gesturing menacingly. If you find this an acceptable risk (or you feel the need to work on your own mental prowess) the thing should be available this fall for just under $100.

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Star Wars Force Trainer teaches children to kill... with their minds originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 13 Jan 2009 10:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eegforce trainerForceTrainermattelmind flexMindFlexneuroskystar warsstar wars force trainerStarWarsStarWarsForceTraineruncle miltonUncleMiltonTue, 13 Jan 2009 10:26:00 EST<![CDATA[Video: Mattel Mindflex hands (and heads) on]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/01/09/video-mattel-mind-flex-hands-and-heads-on/http://www.engadget.com/2009/01/09/video-mattel-mind-flex-hands-and-heads-on/http://www.engadget.com/2009/01/09/video-mattel-mind-flex-hands-and-heads-on/#commentsVideo: Mattel Mind Flex hands (and heads) on Gamers have largely gotten a bad rep for being lazy, slothful people who spend their hours mindlessly pressing buttons. The Wii changed that a bit by getting kids (and their parents... and their parents) up off the couch, but what about giving their brains a workout too? For your family's little mind freak to-be Mattel is introducing the Mindflex, a brain-powered game that relies on your mental activity to control the height of a ball suspended in a column of air. Don the headset then start concentrating to make the purple orb rise; relax and it lowers. There are six total game types but all entail getting a ball over, under, and through a variety of hoops and the like, sometimes against a clock so that you can challenge your friends. Sadly you have to actually reach up and turn the dial to move the ball around the course, but in our heads on trial we found the thing to be impressively responsive, gently sinking down when we thought about getting some sleep -- then shooting back up again when we pondered the number of posts left to write tonight. It was challenging for sure, and definitely turned a lot of heads, but we're a little concerned that extended sessions could be headache inducing. Its $80 price tag might cause some temple pain too when the thing releases this fall, but we've certainly spent more money on things that were less fun -- and mentally stimulating. Video of floaty balls and squinting players below.

Gallery: Mattel Mind Flex

Mattel Mind FlexMattel Mind FlexMattel Mind FlexMattel Mind FlexMattel Mind Flex

Continue reading Video: Mattel Mindflex hands (and heads) on

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Video: Mattel Mindflex hands (and heads) on originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 09 Jan 2009 00:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cesces 2009ces 2009 videoCes2009Ces2009Videomattelmattel mind flexMattel mindflexMattelMindFlexmind flexMindFlexFri, 09 Jan 2009 00:03:00 EST<![CDATA[Mattel's Mindflex teaches kids fake telekinesis]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/01/05/mattels-mind-flex-teaches-kids-fake-telepathy/http://www.engadget.com/2009/01/05/mattels-mind-flex-teaches-kids-fake-telepathy/http://www.engadget.com/2009/01/05/mattels-mind-flex-teaches-kids-fake-telepathy/#comments Add one more contender to the list of mind control games vying for our attention this year alongside NeuroSky and Emotiv. Set to debut this week at CES, Mattel's Mindflex requires players to concentrate really hard in order to power a fan that'll float a ball through the hoops. Sure, it's not nearly as complex as what the other two are proposing, but we could totally see ourselves wearing this headset all day while we work -- just to find out how much brain power we're really using. It's expected to hit US retail channels later this year for $80, and if we may be so candid, our only wish is that the headset was small enough to hide under a hat. You know, so we could fool our family members into thinking we had superpowers.

[Thanks, Christen]

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Mattel's Mindflex teaches kids fake telekinesis originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 05 Jan 2009 23:21:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cesces 2009Ces2009mattelmattel mind flexMattel mindflexMattelMindflexmind controlmind flexMindControlMindFlextoytoysMon, 05 Jan 2009 23:21:00 EST<![CDATA[Amazon takes a stand to eliminate wasteful, hard-to-open gadget packaging]]>http://www.engadget.com/2008/11/03/amazon-takes-a-stand-to-eliminate-wasteful-hard-to-open-gadget/http://www.engadget.com/2008/11/03/amazon-takes-a-stand-to-eliminate-wasteful-hard-to-open-gadget/http://www.engadget.com/2008/11/03/amazon-takes-a-stand-to-eliminate-wasteful-hard-to-open-gadget/#comments
Come on folks, say it in unison with us: "Finally!" At long last, a company with a little clout has stood up and questioned the necessity of those ridiculous hard plastic containers that hold minuscule flash cards and the like (along with plastic twist-ties), and better still, it's already doing something about it. Beginning today, consumers who are tired of borrowing the fire department's Jaws of Life to rescue their new USB drive can opt for products in Amazon's "Frustration-Free Packaging," which utilizes streamlined packaging that often includes recyclable cardboard. 19 products from the likes of Fisher-Price, Mattel, Microsoft and Transcend are currently available in the new containers, and the firm's CEO has a vision of offering its "entire catalog of products in Frustration-Free Packaging" within a few years. Hey, everyone else in the gadget world -- care to hop on a meaningful bandwagon for once?

Read - Frustration-Free Packaging initiative
Read - Frustration-Free Packaging storefront

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Amazon takes a stand to eliminate wasteful, hard-to-open gadget packaging originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 03 Nov 2008 08:47:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Amazonbreaking newsBreakingNewsclamshellseco-friendlyenvironmentFisher-PriceFrustration-Free PackagingFrustration-freePackaginggreenMattelMicrosoftpackagingpackingplastictoytoysTranscendwire tiesWireTiesMon, 03 Nov 2008 08:47:00 EST<![CDATA[Back to the Future hoverboard up for auction: $30k to play]]>http://www.engadget.com/2008/07/25/back-to-the-future-hoverboard-up-for-auction-30k-to-play/http://www.engadget.com/2008/07/25/back-to-the-future-hoverboard-up-for-auction-30k-to-play/http://www.engadget.com/2008/07/25/back-to-the-future-hoverboard-up-for-auction-30k-to-play/#comments
Tired of waiting for scientists to crack the secrets of levitation in order to purchase a bona fide hoverboard? Look, life's short -- why not take matters into your own hands? A genuine wooden Mattel hoverboard used by Michael J. Fox (or Marty McFly, as we prefer to call him) in Back to the Future II and III is up for auction, though the barrier to entry is rather substantial. Of course, this is considered the "best example of all wood hoverboards to have survived the rigors of filming," but whether or not it's worth the $30,000+ asking price is entirely up to you.

[Via CrunchGear]

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Back to the Future hoverboard up for auction: $30k to play originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 25 Jul 2008 08:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>auctionback to the futureBackToTheFutureebayhoverhoverboardMatteltoyFri, 25 Jul 2008 08:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Mattel's D-Rex wants a piece of Pleo, your leg]]>http://www.engadget.com/2008/02/21/mattels-d-rex-wants-a-piece-of-pleo-your-leg/http://www.engadget.com/2008/02/21/mattels-d-rex-wants-a-piece-of-pleo-your-leg/http://www.engadget.com/2008/02/21/mattels-d-rex-wants-a-piece-of-pleo-your-leg/#commentsIf you're content with letting time pass you by, you may not realize that this year's holiday shopping season is but ten months away, and apparently, Mattel thinks it's got the whole hottest toy thing figured out already. Granted, we'd place our bets on that wildly animated Elmo Live fellow (and yeah, Kota is a legitimate dark horse), but the $150 D-Rex dinosaur is still pretty slick. Aimed at kids ages six and (way) up, the interactive dino reportedly features 100 different roars, "lifelike" skin (saywha?) and the ability to respond to a variety of commands or simply take a chunk out of your ankle if he prefers. Looks like Pleo's got its work cut out, eh?

[Thanks, Braden R.]

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Mattel's D-Rex wants a piece of Pleo, your leg originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 21 Feb 2008 03:22:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>d-rexdinodinosaurmatteltoytoy fair 2008ToyFair2008Thu, 21 Feb 2008 03:22:00 EST<![CDATA[When good toys go bad VII: Mattel facing lawsuit from recalled cars]]>http://www.engadget.com/2007/08/21/when-good-toys-go-bad-vii-mattel-facing-lawsuit-from-recalled-c/http://www.engadget.com/2007/08/21/when-good-toys-go-bad-vii-mattel-facing-lawsuit-from-recalled-c/http://www.engadget.com/2007/08/21/when-good-toys-go-bad-vii-mattel-facing-lawsuit-from-recalled-c/#commentsWhile Mattel has been on a roll of late with swank new toys, the firm has apparently hit a rough patch after being forced to recall "millions of toys including 436,000 die-cast cars." The wee roadsters purportedly "contained excessive amounts of lead," and now a class action lawsuit has been filed that aims to force the firm to "pay for the testing of children who might have gotten lead poisoning from the toys." Reportedly, representatives from Mattel were unavailable to comment, but the outfit's CEO has stated that "the company's more aggressive testing methods to uncover tainted toys may lead to more recalls" in the future.

When good toys go bad VII: Mattel facing lawsuit from recalled cars originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 21 Aug 2007 03:06:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>carshealthlawsuitlead paintLeadPaintmattelrecallsuesuitwhen good toys go badWhenGoodToysGoBadTue, 21 Aug 2007 03:06:00 EST<![CDATA[Fisher-Price Easy Link controls kids' access to online thrills]]>http://www.engadget.com/2007/08/07/fisher-price-easy-link-controls-kids-access-to-online-thrills/http://www.engadget.com/2007/08/07/fisher-price-easy-link-controls-kids-access-to-online-thrills/http://www.engadget.com/2007/08/07/fisher-price-easy-link-controls-kids-access-to-online-thrills/#commentsLimiting your kids' access to the treacherous internet isn't exactly a terrible idea, and while we highly doubt your three-year old would put itself in the path of a MySpace stalker, the Easy Link makes absolutely sure. This kid-friendly gaming platform aims to provide "a safe internet experience that locks kids into age-appropriate sites and won't let them click into files on the computer," and enables the youngster to launch select web portals depending on the character key they place into the "launch pad." Of note, you will need a Windows-based computer with a spare USB port, a connection to the 'net, and Internet Explorer 6.0+ in order to get things running properly, and while this will probably just teach your kid how to circumvent adult-instituted boundaries sooner than usual, it doesn't look like a bad option for just $30.

[Via USAToday, thanks Aaron]

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Fisher-Price Easy Link controls kids' access to online thrills originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 07 Aug 2007 22:17:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>childeasy linkEasyLinkfisher-pricekidmatteloffspringtoyyoungsterTue, 07 Aug 2007 22:17:00 EST<![CDATA[Mattel drops new details on I Can Play educational guitar]]>http://www.engadget.com/2007/07/28/mattel-drops-new-details-on-i-can-play-educational-guitar/http://www.engadget.com/2007/07/28/mattel-drops-new-details-on-i-can-play-educational-guitar/http://www.engadget.com/2007/07/28/mattel-drops-new-details-on-i-can-play-educational-guitar/#comments
While the most of us get our shred on via one version of Guitar Hero or another, Mattel is trying to preserve our offsprings' minds a little while longer with a more educationally-inclined toy axe. Originally mentioned at the International Toy Fair, the I Can Play instrument is slated to land this August for $99.99 and will boast the Allegro Multimedia Guitar Wizard Method for learning licks. Furthermore, the guitar will come bundled with a cartridge featuring "six popular songs" to play along with (additional ones will be $14.99 apiece), and rather than just single buttons being placed on the fretboard, the more complex sensor layout is said to be more akin to a real-world six-string. Notably, Mattel and Allegro both assert that this device can be used by kiddos as young as six years old, but we see no reason why those struggling through a mid-life crisis can't relive their own rock fantasies once the children head off to bed.

[Via Electronista]

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Mattel drops new details on I Can Play educational guitar originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 28 Jul 2007 15:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Alright, so it's not quite Azeroth, but girls who log onto Mattel's new Barbie Girls online community can play games, chat and "hang out" with other tween-ish participants, which sounds just as good preparation as any for the chaos that they'll soon be able to experience (as in, as soon as the parents' credit card gives the green light) in more "mature" communities such as WoW, Second Life and the upcoming PlayStation Home. Girls can naturally customize and accessorize their avatars, with up to 2.64 quadrillion combinations available, and "B Chat" with one another in a moderated and as-safe-as-reasonably-possible environment. In July, Mattel will launch a companion Barbie Girl MP3 player, which will allow girls who have met in person and synced the player with each other's computer to participate in "Secret B Chat," which allows more privacy and more open conversation. The $60 device includes 512MB of memory and a miniSD expansion slot, and unlocks additional content for the girls, alongside $10 accessory packs that we're sure will make similar methods of extortion, such as the Oblivion "horse armor" incident, seem positively generous in comparison.

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Barbie Girls MMO and Barbie Girl MP3 player, for little nerds in training originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 26 Apr 2007 17:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>barbiebarbie girlbarbie girlsBarbieGirlBarbieGirlsmattelmmomp3 playerMp3Playerportable videoportablevideoThu, 26 Apr 2007 17:55:00 EST<![CDATA[Mattel's IM-Me offers up lame-o messaging, guards against predators]]>http://www.engadget.com/2007/02/16/mattels-im-me-offers-up-lame-o-messaging-guards-against-predat/http://www.engadget.com/2007/02/16/mattels-im-me-offers-up-lame-o-messaging-guards-against-predat/http://www.engadget.com/2007/02/16/mattels-im-me-offers-up-lame-o-messaging-guards-against-predat/#commentsBrand new toys sure have been popping up everywhere of late, and now Mattel's hitting us up with another gizmo being showcased at the International Toy Fair. Presumably designed to latch onto the hard-earned dollars of paranoid mums who watch entirely too many of those "internet predator" spots, the Girl Tech IM-Me is a very restrictive wireless instant messaging system that relies on parental okays in order to operate. Aside from only allowing texts to be sent and received from parent-approved usernames, the gal can only use her purple and pink IM machine within range (read: in the house) of the USB dongle, which must be plugged into an internet connected PC. So while we still prefer PictoChat, we imagine this $64.99 device will sell like hotcakes when it lands this summer -- only to never be used by any halfway sane (and understandably rebellious) teenage daughter.

[Via Gadgets-Weblog]

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Mattel's IM-Me offers up lame-o messaging, guards against predators originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 16 Feb 2007 17:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>im-meinstant messageinstant messagingInstantMessageInstantMessagingmattelmessagingsmstexttextingtoyFri, 16 Feb 2007 17:25:00 EST<![CDATA[Smart Cycle from Fisher-Price corrupts our youth, must be stopped]]>http://www.engadget.com/2007/02/12/smart-cycle-from-fisher-price-corrupts-our-youth-must-be-stoppe/http://www.engadget.com/2007/02/12/smart-cycle-from-fisher-price-corrupts-our-youth-must-be-stoppe/http://www.engadget.com/2007/02/12/smart-cycle-from-fisher-price-corrupts-our-youth-must-be-stoppe/#comments
Alright Mattel, we see what you're trying to do here, and we don't like it one bit. Sure, cram a few "edutainment" titles down kids throats now and then, maybe even sneak some learning into an innocuous-seeming video game, but if you're going to make children go through all the trouble of freakin' exercise to obtain your sinister educational wares, we say you've gone too far. The new $100 Fisher-Price Smart Cycle, which we briefly mentioned other the day, plugs directly into a television and allows its unwitting pupils to hop aboard the bike, fire away at the pedals, and attempt to steer into items on screen such as letters or numbers in an arcade-style racing game. Mattel even trotted out Richard Simmons to show off the wares and encourage the children who were demonstrating the device: "There's an M!" Simmons said. "Get it! Get it!" The word on the street is that the Cycle did quite well for Mattel at the Toy Fair, and might even be an Elmo-esque success for them this holiday season, but at least our friend on the right in the picture above seems to be on to their game. It's alright, little man, we're on your side. Peep a press shot of the bike after the break.

[Via The Raw Feed]

Continue reading Smart Cycle from Fisher-Price corrupts our youth, must be stopped

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Smart Cycle from Fisher-Price corrupts our youth, must be stopped originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 12 Feb 2007 10:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>fisher-pricemattelrichard simmonsRichardSimmonssmart cycleSmartCycleMon, 12 Feb 2007 10:10:00 EST<![CDATA[Mattel at the International Toy Fair]]>http://www.engadget.com/2007/02/09/mattel-at-the-international-toy-fair/http://www.engadget.com/2007/02/09/mattel-at-the-international-toy-fair/http://www.engadget.com/2007/02/09/mattel-at-the-international-toy-fair/#commentsHave no fear, worried parent, Mattel knows what's best for your kid. Riding high after a holiday season with T.M.X. Elmo and Barbie at the top of the most wanted list, Mattel is unveiling an incredible amount of toys at the American International Toy Fair 2007 in New York. Quite a few of those happen to be technology infused, which is only natural as your children attempt to keep up with the lil' Joneses. Notables include the Chat Divas Barbie Doll, which can plug into your iPod, bob to the music and talk on her fake cellphone; Pixel Chix Roomies, a sort of MTV's "The Real World" interactive game for dolls; Hot Wheels Maniacs vehicles with "a hilarious animated driver" stuck in an LCD windshield; Funkeys collectibles which unlock portions of a computer game which allows you earn coins and decorate your "crib" for friends to see; Easy Link Internet Launchpad, which plugs into your PC for internet and provides a safe and simple browsing experience for the kiddies; T.M.X. friends, with Ernie and Cookie Monster versions to keep Elmo company in the asylum; I Can Play Guitar System, a Guitar Hero-ish system designed to teach kids the guitar, not just make them think they can melt faces; and a Digital Arts & Crafts Studio which includes stylus for drawing on the computer. Other creations by Mattel include some Wii-esque one-off games designed to get your kids moving: Play TV MLB Baseball, Play TV Football 2, and the Smart Cycle stationary bike that lets pedal and steer through video games while burning those carbs.

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Mattel at the International Toy Fair originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 09 Feb 2007 02:21:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>international toy fairInternationalToyFairmatteltoy fairToyFairtoysFri, 09 Feb 2007 02:21:00 EST<![CDATA[Hands-on with Mattel's kiddie lineup]]>http://www.engadget.com/2006/09/21/hands-on-with-mattels-kiddie-lineup/http://www.engadget.com/2006/09/21/hands-on-with-mattels-kiddie-lineup/http://www.engadget.com/2006/09/21/hands-on-with-mattels-kiddie-lineup/#comments Mattel's booth had all sorts of goodies for the children and the childish, including their Kid-Tough FP3 Player, Hyper Scan console, Pixel Chix doodads, and Kid-Tough digital camera. The Hyper Scan console is an unabashed bid for the Pokemon set, mixing cheap 32-bit gaming CD-ROMs with RFID-based extortion collectable cards that extend the game functionality. The rest we've seen, but it all seemed to work as advertised. Peter was sort of digging on the FP3 player, but unfortunately Rhapsody sync is a no-go. Better luck next time, eh? To peep the rest of the pics, well, you know the drill: keep reading.

Continue reading Hands-on with Mattel's kiddie lineup

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Hands-on with Mattel's kiddie lineup originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 21 Sep 2006 13:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>digital cameraDigitalCamerafp3hands onHandsOnhyper scanHyperScankid-toughmattelpepcompixel chixPixelChixportable audioportableaudioThu, 21 Sep 2006 13:40:00 EST