# High-Tech Reboot Classic toys get a high-tech update to appeal parents' nostalgia. By [Courtney Scharf](https://www.trendhunter.com/Courtney), Chief Client Officer | Published Jan 23, 2017 | Category: [Life-Stages](https://www.trendhunter.com/pro/category/life-stages) Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/hightech-reboot ## Key Figures - Trend score: 5.0/10 - Evidence articles: 4 ## What is the High-Tech Reboot trend? **High-Tech Reboot:** Toy brands are updating classic toys with high-tech features like VR integration and connectivity. Tapping into existing fan bases, and giving Millennial and Gen X parents to share their beloved toys from their childhood with their own children, this shift is a "best of both worlds" convergence of the past and the future. ## At a Glance - Evidence: 4 featured examples - Articles from: Feb 18, 2016 to Jan 20, 2017 - Published: Jan 23, 2017 - Patterns: [Convergence](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/convergence), [Cyclicality](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/cyclicality) - Megatrends: [Gamification](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/gamification), [Experience](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/experience), [Nostalgia](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/nostalgia) ## Audience - Gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Alpha, Gen Z - Top markets: North America ## Themes within the High-Tech Reboot trend ### High-Tech Toys Toy brands are updating classic toys with high-tech features like VR integration and connectivity. ### AI-Assisted Play Hot Wheels AI brings classic toys up to speed with an increasingly video game-dependent young generation by creating a digitized racing game. ### DIY Maker Culture Maker culture has exploded in recent years, giving rise to products like the Kitables DIY Mini LEGO Drone Kit that allow people to create their own products rather than purchasing outright ## What the High-Tech Reboot trend means for industry ### For Toys & Games The integration of higher technologies and AI is a novel selling point for toy makers dealing with a increasingly technology-friendly market. ### For Consumer Electronics Convergence of classic toys and consumer electronics presents opportunities for companies to tap into nostalgia and bring in added revenue. ### For Maker Movement The DIY trend is creating a sub-industry of products that cater to people who want to create their own projects and products. ## Workshop question What demographics have influence over your consumer group and how can you acknowledge those peripheral demographics in your messaging? ## Trend signals for High-Tech Reboot Trend score 5.0 out of 10, from popularity 76%, activity 66%, freshness 8%. - Popularity: 76% - Activity: 66% - Freshness: 8% ## Examples of the High-Tech Reboot trend 4 featured examples from Feb 18, 2016 to Jan 20, 2017. - [AI-Assisted Racing Toys](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/hot-wheels-ai): 'Hot Wheels AI' is a Modernized Version of the Classic Race Car Toys (Category: Life-Stages) Implication: Disruptive innovation opportunity: Incorporating advanced technologies, such as artificial intelligence, into traditional toy manufacturing processes to create innovative and imme… - [Bright Eyed Teddy Bears](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/teddy-ruxpin): The Classic Teddy Ruxpin Stuffy is Getting a Modern Update (Category: Life-Stages) Implication: The traditional toy industry can look to advanced animatronics and interactive toys to update and innovate their products. - [DIY Building Block Drones](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/lego-drone): The Kitables DIY Mini LEGO Drone Kit Comes with All Necessary Components (Category: Tech) Implication: The drone industry can capitalize on the DIY drone trend by offering more affordable and customizable drone kits. - [Smart-Connected Dollhouses](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/hello-barbie-dreamhouse): The 'Hello Barbie Dreamhouse' Features Wi-Fi and Voice Recognition (Category: Life-Stages) Implication: The toy industry can capitalize on the trend of smart-connected dollhouses by developing innovative and technologically advanced playsets. ## Recent trend clusters - [Constructible Franchises](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/constructible-franchises) (Life-Stages) - [Assisted Choices](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/weight-loss-medication-support) (Lifestyle) - [Storyline Sips](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/themed-drink-menus) (Lifestyle) - [Bedtime Cocoon](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/sleep-sensory-blocking) (Lifestyle) ## Trending in Life-Stages - [Retro Graphic Tees](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/nostalgic-graphic-tees) - [Screen-Free Kids Phones](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/screen-free-kids-phones) - [Edible Oil-Based Lubes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/coco-lube) - [Women's Health-Focused Probiotic Supplements](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/womens-health-probiotic-capsules) All articles: [Life-Stages](https://www.trendhunter.com/life-stages)