Big tech companies are starting to tap the possible potential of selling their products in local toy shops. The idea was recently presented at the 2016 Toy Fair in New York City. Soon, customers can purchase drones, simulated art farms and virtual reality headsets on their local toy shops.
The idea to sell tech products in local toy shops is part of the ongoing transition of Internet of Things devices to be integrated on a more common marketplace rather than just on high-end tech stores.
In the 2016 Toy Fair, a handful of iconic and widely-loved toys received some major tech makeover. Cabbage Patch Kids dolls now has a high-tech makeover, as well as the Barbie dream house. Both toys are now Wi-Fi enabled and has support voice recognition so that kids can directly interact with tech.
The classic game of Monopoly is also receiving a major tech makeover. The classic board game now has a cashless version where players instead will use toy credit cards which are battery operated and can keep track of all the players' money. This type of technology makes it harder for people to cheat on the game.
As for drones, Barbie is getting one as well. The iconic toy brand is also getting a hoverboard. The Barbie drone has a joystick and sliding lever in order to adjust its flight height. The drone has four propellers that lift it into the air. The Barbie drone will hit the stores in fall and will cost $59.99.
In a statement acquired by Market Watch, Amelia Dronehart group founder Rhianna Lakin said, "This will certainly attract young girls, but also parents who want to buy a toy for their daughters that would interest them in the STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) realm but aren't sure what type of toy would inspire that."
As for virtual reality headsets, top tech companies like Oculus and Samsung are planning to release their VR products into the market this year. While these devices are geared towards adult users, companies like Fisher-Price and Google are also planning to create virtual reality devices aimed for kids which are cheaper and child-friendly, according toMashable.