# Upgraded Play Classic toy designs are brought into the tech-obsessed age with digital enhancements. By [Michael Hemsworth](https://www.trendhunter.com/Michael.Hemsworth), Contributing Researcher | Published May 26, 2014 | Category: [Life-Stages](https://www.trendhunter.com/pro/category/life-stages) Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/upgraded-play ## Key Figures - Trend score: 4.3/10 - Evidence articles: 6 ## What is the Upgraded Play trend? **Upgraded Play:** Although the incorporation of technology in playthings is becoming commonplace, a rising number of innovations that give classic designs a modern overhaul are creating parental nostalgia. Wanting to provide children with the same experiences they had, but in a more 21st-century way, the designs also satisfy a child's need for constant electronic stimulation. ## At a Glance - Evidence: 6 featured examples - Articles from: Oct 31, 2013 to May 8, 2014 - Published: May 26, 2014 - Patterns: [Cyclicality](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/cyclicality), [Redirection](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/redirection) - Megatrends: [Gamification](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/gamification), [Nostalgia](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/nostalgia), [Artificial Intelligence](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/artificial-intelligence) ## Audience - Gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Alpha, Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America ## Themes within the Upgraded Play trend ### Retrofuturism Modernizing classic designs satisfy both nostalgia and electronic stimulation. ### Digitalization of Analog Toys Digital upgrades to traditional toys enhance experience and create new gaming possibilities. ### App-Connected Toys Toys that connect to apps provide new experiences, learning opportunities and stimulation. ## What the Upgraded Play trend means for industry ### For Toy Manufacturing Manufacturing companies can create new products to satisfy changing needs of electronic and non-electronic users through improved designs and upgrade concepts. ### For Technology Toys with digital capabilities and app connectivity tap into the constantly-growing tech industry, bridging the gap between physical and digital, and creating new solutions for everyday material culture. ### For Cloud Computing Capturing and storing data on the cloud platform solves data storage problems and allows playback on any device, creating new potential for cloud computing and innovation. ## Trend signals for Upgraded Play Trend score 4.3 out of 10, from popularity 70%, activity 52%, freshness 8%. - Popularity: 70% - Activity: 52% - Freshness: 8% ## Examples of the Upgraded Play trend 6 featured examples from Oct 31, 2013 to May 8, 2014. - [App-Controlled Paper Airplanes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/powerup-30): The PowerUp 3.0 by Shai Gaitan Digitizes a Traditional Toy (Category: Life-Stages) Implication: Disruptive innovation opportunity: Innovate traditional toy manufacturing processes by incorporating digital components for enhanced play value. - [Sensational Sound Effect Bracelets](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/moff): The Moff Bracelet Makes Anything a Toy (Category: Life-Stages) Implication: The toy industry can disrupt traditional offerings by incorporating smart wearable technology and interactive play experiences. - [Analog Counting Covers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/abacus-iphone-case): The Abacus iPhone Case Encourages Tactile and Virtual Interaction (Category: Life-Stages) Implication: The Abacus iPhone Case is disrupting the smartphone accessories industry by offering a unique and interactive case design. - [Kinetic Desktop Toys](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/desktop-toys): The Kinetic Light Newton’s Cradle is a Luminescent Version of the Class (Category: Eco) Implication: The creation of LED desktop toys creates innovation opportunities in the office supplies and decor industry. - [Informative App-Connected Teddy Bears](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/wikibear): Kids Can Get Answers to Their Questions From the Wikibear (Category: Life-Stages) Implication: The connected toy trend offers opportunities for toy manufacturers to incorporate technology into their products and enhance the overall play experience for children. - [Video Exploration Toys](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/video-toy): The Moment Magnifier Video Toy Captures the World Through a Kid's Eyes (Category: Life-Stages) Implication: The Moment Magnifier presents disruptive innovation opportunities in the toy manufacturing industry, particularly in the realm of video exploration toys. ## 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)