Following in the footsteps of the iconic Teddy Ruxpin talking animatronic toy from the 80s comes the Cocolo Bear -- a stuffed animal with a smartphone dock built right into its chest.
Developed by Japanese product manufacturer Cube-Works, this teddy bear is made with tech-savy toddlers in mind. As soon as you place an Android or iOS phone into the integrated smartphone dock, the bear comes to life.
Sound activated technology causes the teddy bear to move in sync with the voice coming from the phone. Although there's a cute app that accompanies the toy, parents will likely enjoy entertaining/terrifying their children with custom pre-recorded messages.
The Cocolo bear is expected to hit store shelves just in time for Christmas 2012 and will retail for around $60.
Tech-Integrating Teddies
The Cocolo Bear Interacts with Children Using a Built-in Smartphone Dock
Trend Themes
1. Smart Toy Integration - The integration of smartphones into stuffed animals provides a new way for children to interact with their toys.
2. Sound-activated Technology - The use of sound-activated technology in toys allows for a more immersive and interactive play experience.
3. Customization and Personalization - The ability to record and play custom messages on the teddy bear allows parents to personalize the toy for their children.
Industry Implications
1. Toy Manufacturing - Toy manufacturers can explore opportunities to incorporate smartphone integration into their products, creating a new category of tech-infused toys.
2. Mobile Technology - The rise of smart toys opens up possibilities for mobile technology companies to develop specialized apps and software for interactive toy experiences.
3. Childcare and Education - The Cocolo Bear presents opportunities for childcare and education professionals to utilize interactive toys as teaching tools, enhancing learning experiences for young children.