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Takara Tomy's i-SOBOT headed stateside?
We're not exactly sure how much we trust i-SOBOT's MySpace page, but if you're a believer, this creature will be headed to America real soon. Interestingly, it purports that the primary reason for making the leap to the US is to "study our culture," which is likely a suave way of suggesting that its totally scoping out our defenses as the clan back home develops a sufficient takeover strategy. Nevertheless, word on the street has this bad boy landing stateside before Christmas for $300 - $350, so there's still a few months left to prepare for the seemingly inevitable invasion.[Via Gearlog]
Hasbro's Power Tour guitar finally launches
It's been a long time comin', but the Power Tour guitar we peeped back in January is nearly ready for your youngster's hands. Modeled after a Gibson SG, this axe enables your little ones (or you, it's alright) to plug in any source and rock right along with it, and the built-in learning mode should do a decent job in creating the Guitar Zeros of tomorrow. Ships on the 15th for just under $70.[Via OhGizmo, image courtesy of Popular Science]
Disney-themed USB keys lock kids into childish environments
While we've seen USB-based peripherals that aim to keep your youngsters in a safe and innocent PC environment, Bandai and Buffalo have teamed up to make kid-friendly computing a bit more bearable. The duo has crafted a unique USB key, which is slated to be available in Mickey Mouse and Winnie the Pooh versions, that simultaneously locks the PC into "Kid Mode," password protects the parent's session in the background, and opens up a world of mom-approved fun for the little ones to enjoy. The software that resides on the key includes a dedicated browser for safe surfing, a time regulator to keep them from growing addicted, and options for parents to select precisely what apps their offspring can / can't access. Reportedly, the units are expected to land in mid-September over in Japan, and while pricing has yet to be confirmed, we're hearing it'll run you around ¥3,480 ($30).
Loopwing toy car runs on wind power
We're big fans of both alt-power and silly toys, so Tamiya's latest kitcar, the Loopwing, pushes all our geek buttons. The build-it-yourself kit car comes with its own windmill, and five minutes of charging in a five mile wind powers the three-wheeled racer for three and a half minutes. We have fond memories of building a Tamiya RC10 kit when we were kids -- hopefully the $30 Loopwing will inspire kids to think about windpower the same way our kit inspired us to think about taking apart everything we owned.[Via TokyoMango]
Takara Tomy's Transformers MP3 player gets photographed
Yeah, we've got a soft spot for all things Transformers, and while Takara Tomy's Transformers MP3 player isn't the most advanced DAP on the block, the fun factor is undeniable. Thankfully, the folks over at PrimeDiary were able to wrangle one of these bad boys up for themselves and snap a few photographs. Needless to say, we're envious, but go on and click through for a couple more shots of the MP3 player fanboys just have to have.
Fisher-Price Easy Link controls kids' access to online thrills
Limiting 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]
Petit missions in Petit Copter
Famitsu's got some much clearer screens of Arc System Works and Sonic Powered's Petit Copter, and it looks great! But we love the aesthetic of Dreamcast games. Those of you expecting next-gen may be less enthused about the visuals. We're pretty sure, for example, that those rings are supposed to be ring-shaped.As low-key as the graphics may be, we think the mission types are even more so. The article reveals three kinds of missions: Taking off, flying somewhere, and landing Picking up something with a suction cup and dropping it off Shooting at some targets with a puff of air Combined, these three activities could make for some really interesting missions! Alone ... no. Outside of tutorial missions, we have to believe they'll mix it up. The article mentions shooting at switches to manipulate things in the level, which sounds like it opens up all kinds of missions around the house!
Here's your chance at a private (Wii) helicopter
Do you sometimes get the urge to fly a tiny helicopter all around the house and yard? Y'know, just for kicks. Don't worry, folks -- soon you'll be able to do just that. In Japan, that is, but perhaps the Petit Copter simulation will make its way to English-speaking gamers as well. Arc System Works, the force behind the minicopter, also announced Super Dodge Ball DS recently. If the name Petit Copter seems familiar, it's because it's an existing franchise; it seems Arc System Works is taking over publishing duties on the Aquasystem-developed games that have turned up on Xbox, PC, and PS2. Let's hope that means there's a slightly increased chance of a non-Japanese release in the future for this one! Head past the break to check out a couple of scans that are much, much bigger than the tiniest of toy helicopters.
Mattel drops new details on I Can Play educational guitar
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]
Halo Covenant plasma rifle has overheat built in
Jasman Toys unveiled at Comic-Con their line of Halo laser tag toys based on the Covenant plasma rifle, pistol and energy sword. Now all we need is a Covenant Elite costume and we'd be all set for Halloween. The guns even come with an "overheat" where the sides pop open to give them just that little extra bit of authenticity. The rifle is $120 and the pistol is $89, they'll be available in October.These weapons are full-size replicas, not like the mini versions being created by Master Replicas -- but that's probably why they cost between four and eight times more. But we won't deny the joy possibility of playing laser tag with authentic looking Halo weapons.[Via X3F]
Tech-savvy iTeddy puts other bears to shame
If you thought your childhood favorite Teddy Ruxpin was hot stuff, it ain't got nothing on the MP3-playing iTeddy. Reportedly, the UK-based critter is all set to launch today, and will be available in the Argos catalog for a respectable £59.99 ($123). The bear itself comes with a built-in LCD, integrated speakers, 512MB of internal memory, a rechargeable battery, detachable media player, an SD expansion slot, and a USB cable to load 'er up. Call us crazy, but this thing has the makings of a Tickle Me Elmo written all over it, so we'd get those orders placed as soon as humanly possible if you know your youngster(s) will be begging. Click on for a few more shots.
UGOBE's Pleo stock all dried up
After the months on end of waiting anxiously for UGOBE to actually announce that the Pleo was more than a very lovable piece of vaporware, you'll now be forced to seek other vendors or wait even longer before receiving one of your own. Nary a month after pre-orders went live here in the US, UGOBE is now stating that it is all sold out of its own cash cow dino. Regrettably, we've no idea how long it'll be before the next batch hatches, but if yours is currently on backorder, give us a heads-up when the line starts rolling again, wouldya?[Thanks, Robert]
Plush Pac-Man headgear munches on ghosts
We've seen some pretty off-kilter headwear in our day, but this plush Pac-Man helmet apparatus is begging for a top slot. This uber-retro head hides no secret in-ear headphones, Bluetooth chip, or whispering voice that alerts you of colored ghosts approaching from the rear, but you're sure to be the life of the party if you roll up with this on your noggin. Reportedly, this spectacular blast from the not-too-distant past is available in both child and adult sizes, but considering that quantities "are limited," we'd suggest coughing up that $29.99 real quick like if this just skyrocketed to the top of your must-have list.[Via Core77]
i-Sing MP3 microphone replaces vocals with your own
Looking for that perfect Christmas in July gift for your favorite kiddo? The exorbitantly-named "It's Outrageous!" company has dolled out just the thing with its laughable, albeit well-featured i-Sing microphone. This device may sport all of the tell-tale signs of a good toy gone bad, but this karaoke enabler actually plays back MP3s and digitally removes the vocalist in order for you, er, your child to belt out the lyrics without being forced to out-sing the professional. Additionally, users can insert lyrics via the built-in software so they can read them back on the integrated LCD, and while you won't stuff too many jams onto 512MB of internal storage, parents can shove in an SD card for extra space if necessary. Hey, for $120, this seems to be a no brainer for your little diva. Check the video after the break.[Via PlayerBites]
Hello Kitty Robot pre-orders start for 50% more moolah
Remember that Hello Kitty Robot we wrote about back in 2004? Of course, you do, you Hello Kitty obsessed soul you! Well, it looks like the makers are finally getting ready to sell the thing, for 50% more money than they were originally asking. If you want to pick up one of these interactive cuties, it'll set you back $6,300: then again, you do get stereo cameras, voice recognition, ultrasonic and "lift-up" sensors as part of the deal. Money can't buy you love, but apparently it can buy you a whole lot of simulated affection.
RC2 unveils V_Bot three-in-one toy robot
Sure, you could throw down for a robotic car, Transformer, and speaker station whenever you well please, but how's about snatching all three in one fell swoop? RC2 is sure hoping that the aforementioned trio goes well blended together in a remote-controlled creature, as the V_Bot brings together all of those elements for what it dubs "the ultimate remote control robotic experience." The device can morph from vehicle to robotic beast in a matter of seconds via the handheld remote, and if digital driving controls and a host of built-in dance moves weren't enough to satisfy you, you can throw it in park and enjoy some tunes when you've had your fill of burnin' linoleum and breaking it down. Not too shabby at all for £129.99 ($267).
Lite Table brings back illuminated childhood memories
While some things may take you back, the Lite Table manages to warp you way back. Upon first glance, there's absolutely no doubt where this masterpiece of a table got its inspiration, and for those who wasted hours on end moving pegs and devising new Lite Bright creations as a wee lad (or dame), any price would seem reasonable for this. Granted, this piece has been spotted before, but thanks to Jellio, what appears to be a fanboy's creation is actually available for purchase. What's it gonna take? A mere $600, a whole lot of patience, and a prime spot in the living room to show your youngsters that grown-ups can still relate.[Via UberReview]
WowWee's Roboquad gets reviewed
Although you may expect all of WowWee's creations to start to bleed together at some point, reviewers over at PC Mag would be quick to deny such a claim, as it deemed the Roboquad a creature "unlike any toy or robot it had seen before." In a few hours of at-home testing (you know, with rambunctious children), it managed to get everyone involved and keep them from bouncing off the walls, and while controlling the critter wasn't always simple, it's "Autonomy" mode proved most exciting anyway. Overall, the Roboquad fits best into families where unusual and unique are commonplace occurrences, and if you think your offspring (or yourself, it's okay) could spend hours on end tinkering with a robot akin to a "drunken crab," WowWee's latest just might be worth your $99.
To build them out of Lego is my real test
... to avoid stepping on them is my cause I will travel across the landsearching far and wideFor a 1x2 blue pieceto finish Piplup's sideThis gallery of Lego Pokemon brings up two questions (for us, at least): first, why are Lego bricks so inherently awesome? And second, why is the Pokemon cartoon's theme song so inherently hilarious?We find the idea of building our own little Pokemon very appealing. Why go through the trouble of catching them in-game to make them fight, when you can build these guys and smash them against whatever you want? Who needs your rules, anyway?[Via GoNintendo]
When good toys go bad VI: baby monitor swipes NASA shuttle feed
Looks like Summer Infant has a whole lot of explaining to do after one of its baby monitors has reportedly been able to "pick up black-and-white video from inside the space shuttle Atlantis." A Chicago-based mother probably had uncomfortable flashbacks to Signs after her newly purchased monitoring system chose to broadcast video of the mission right on the screen, but a NASA spokeswoman has already deflated hope that it was somehow coming directly from the shuttle. Apparently, a live feed is also available on NASA's website, which is leading investigators to focus on more earthly origins -- the mom, however, will probably just cancel her cable and keep on watching intently "to see what happens next."[Thanks, Joe]
