science, and artificially intelligent and capable products for kids and adults, brought 3-D robots and intelligent systems to life. WowWee, Vex IQ, PlayI, Ozobot, and Tosy Robotics were just some of the companies that showed off amazing new toys in this particular arena. The new 3-D Printing TechZone launched the latest in hardware and software products that bring the future of printing and 3-D layering to life. Though still relatively young, 3-D printing capabilities have already impacted the toy industry by making the process of creating samples more efficient and cost effective, and possible at earlier stages in the product development cycle. At International CES 2014, MakerBot offered software packages for as low as $1.99 for a single design download, while the hardware is currently priced at less than $1,500 per unit. As prices decrease, additional commercial uses will likely be implemented. It’s fascinating to imagine where 3-D printing could lead retailers as far as in-store demos, classes, and paid development for both the makers and do-it-yourself consumers within their local communities. Other new TechZones included FashionWare, Wrist Revolution, and Fitness Tech. All three highlighted the newest trends in fashionable mobile technology and fitness and activity trackers. Wearable technology is consistently moving toward more compact and portable form factors, and new applications that make sense from a consumer useability perspective. Currently, these include tech-infused fashion clothing, rechargeable and solar-powered backpacks and carry cases, and embedded technology in smart eyewear, wristwatches, and jewelry. But flexible and curved screens and other lightweight and portable connected form factors will soon be reflected in children’s toy products as well. In addition, there were more than 30 tablet computers— mostly targeted to kids ages 3 to 9—on display. Boasting age-appropriate content, Wi-Fi connectivity, and powerful parental controls, most include both educational and entertainment content preloaded onto the devices. Look for our annual round-up of the latest tablets and technology devices for kids, focusing on the newest versions of kids’ tablets, smartphones for kids, smart-watches, and wearable forms of technology, in an upcoming issue of The Toy Book. By staying abreast of these new advancements in technology, retailers can keep their product mixes fresh and timely, and appeal to tech-enthusiast parents and their curious, digitally adept children. n
FEBRUARY 2014
“Last year, it is estimated that more than 10 billion physical objects—from traffic signals to in-vehicle technologies, from health and wellness tracking devices to ingestible monitoring medications—were connected to one another.” Reyne Rice is an industry professional with 30 years of experience in marketing, researching, and analyzing the toy industry and youth marketplace. She advises clients, consumers, broadcast and print media, and trade associations on the hottest trends in toys, games, technology, entertainment, and licensing as it affects the youth marketplace. She can be contacted at www.reynerice.com.
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