Children
Appropriately enough called the Origami, the new baby product from 4moms is billed as “the world’s first power-folding stroller.” This means that it will fold itself down into a compact car-trunkable bundle, at the press of a button – another press gets it to open back up again. Evidently, however, that one feature just isn’t enough. It also has running lights and headlights, plus it will charge your cell phone. There’s no word yet on whether or not in can perform diaper changes. Read More
Crossbow Snow Launcher goes one up in 'cold war' arms race
With winter fast approaching in the northern hemisphere and snowbound hostilities due to recommence in neighborhoods across the globe it might be worth updating your arsenal with this Crossbow Snow Launcher from The Sharper Image. With the ability to shoot snowballs distances of up to 60 feet (18 m) the device is sure to give you the upper hand in any Hoth-like conflict without the risk of tearing a rotator cuff. Read More
Lazer Stunt Chasers pursue a spot of light across your floor
If you have both a laser pointer and either a cat or a dog in your home, you probably know how much fun it can be to watch your critter chasing after the laser light point on the floor. If you don’t have any pets, however, now there’s something else that will chase a laser for you – a toy car. Thinkway Toys’ Lazer Stunt Chaser is a remote-control vehicle that goes wherever its user shines its laser light controller. Oh yeah, and its wheels light up, too. Read More
Crayola Trace and Draw case lets kids create art with an iPad 2
While a tablet can be a great toy for kids, it's best to give little Johnny the likes of a VINCI Tab or a LeapPad, instead of your precious iPad 2. Otherwise, a kid-resistant tablet case may prove useful. The Crayola Trace & Draw case not only protects the iPad from children, but actually encourages toddlers to treat the tablet as a coloring book or a drawing board. Read More
TankBot - smartphone-controlled toy tank keeps itself out of trouble
Exhibited during Toy Fair 2011 in New York, TankBot has joined the likes of the HELO TC, Sphere and AR Drone in the growing ranks of smartphone-controlled gizmos. In addition to smartphone control, the US$25 bot has individually powered tiny tank-tracks and infrared sensors for free-roaming and maze solving modes. Read More
Ah, the ant farm. It's somehow nice to know that in the age of apps and iPods, kids still like to watch colonies of ants fastidiously going about their daily business. The humble ant farm hasn't remained unchanged by technology, however. For some time now, instead of dirt or sand, commercially-available kits have instead come with a clear green gel. The ants are not only able to tunnel through this goop, but it also serves as their source of food and water. Educational toy company Uncle Milton is now taking the concept a step farther, with its Ant Farm Revolution. It's a cylindrical gel ant farm, with a built-in LED lamp that casts giant silhouettes of its ants on the user's ceiling ... or presumably onto the outside wall of a neighbor's house. Read More
It seems like only yesterday, but Lego Technic has been with us now since 1977, and in that third of a century, the technical building blocks have no doubt stimulated the young minds of hundreds of thousands of would-be engineers. Off-road trucking manufacturer Unimog (Universal Motor Gerät) celebrates its 60th anniversary this year, so the two companies got together and produced a functioning (with pneumatic crane with working gripper arm) 1:12-scale model. You can buy the 2,048 piece kit for GBP155 (US$255). Great detailed images inside. Read More
iDevices seem to be the control interface of choice for increasing numbers of remote controlled devices - just look at Parrot's AR.Drone and the iPhly app. Now Griffin, a company well known for its range of iPhone, iPod and iPad accessories, has joined the growing number of iPhone controlled flying gizmos with its HELO TC Helicopter. The pint-sized, twin-rotored helicopter works in conjunction with the accompanying HELO TC app that transforms the multi-touch display of an iOS device into a remote control. Read More
Air Swimmers give a new meaning to 'flying fish'
Should someone tell you “Last night, I saw a great white shark swimming through my living room,” don’t assume that they’re crazy. It could be that what they saw was an Air Swimmer. The remote-control toys (which are available as a shark or a clown fish) are able to swim through the air, turning, diving and climbing on command. Now all we need is an RC model penguin, that flies underwater. Read More
Feeling reluctant to hand that shiny new iPad over to junior? The VINCI Tab might be the answer - it's an Android 2.3-based 7-inch tablet with a tempered-glass display and soft edges that's been designed specifically for children of up to four years. The device is relatively well spec'd with a 1GHz ARM Cortex A8 CPU and 512MB of RAM, offers a range of built-in apps and games for kids and is fully wireless-disabled, with no 3G and WiFi on-board ... which will help keep kids safe from inappropriate content and your wallet safe from unexpected data charges. Read More
