# Internet-Connected Dolls My Friend Cayla is a Toy That Has Smart Conversations with Kids By Laura McQuarrie | Published 2015-02-04 | Life-Stages Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/my-friend-cayla References: [myfriendcayla](http://myfriendcayla.co.uk/) & [play.google](https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.toyquest.Cayla.en_uk) Backed by [speech recognition software](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sunny-ai-companion) and the tech behind Google Translate, My Friend Cayla is one [smart doll](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/interactive-companion). While there are tons of toys that are pre-programmed to have one-sided conversations, this dialogue can get old really fast and it's no surprise that kids quickly lose interest—but conversation with Cayla is always interesting. In addition to having a personality of her own, this doll is able to answer any question that kids throw her way. While this search engine in the form of a doll might cause some parents to be wary, Cayla is backed by a number of security features, including Google SafeSearch. So, if a child was to say an bad word, Cayla acknowledges it as an inappropriate one. Similarly, when it comes to touchy subjects, such as where babies come from, Cayla advises asking a parent instead. Cayla is powered by three AA batteries and works alongside an app for [interactive stories and games](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/aienhanced-play-experiences). ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 5.3/10 - Popularity: 59% | Activity: 93% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 10% men, 90% women - Primary generations: Gen Alpha - Top markets: North America ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Life-Stages](https://www.trendhunter.com/life-stages) > [Youth](https://www.trendhunter.com/youth) ## Key Themes ### Why This Trend Is Growing - **Internet-connected Toys:** There is a market opportunity for interactive toys that go beyond one-sided conversations, utilizing speech recognition technology and personalized responses. - **Child Safety Tech:** There is a disruptive innovation opportunity in the development of child-oriented smart toys that prioritize safety concerns over technology advancement. - **Virtual Personal Assistants for Kids:** There is a growing demand for virtual assistants that are tailored for children, and can provide educational and interactive experiences. ### Industries Being Reshaped - **Toy Industry:** Toy companies have the opportunity to incorporate interactive technologies and create dynamic, internet-ready toys that engage children in new ways. - **Tech Industry:** Tech companies can explore the potential of child-oriented speech recognition and AI technology to develop personalized and interactive smart toys that prioritize safety concerns. - **Education Industry:** Educational institutions can develop interactive learning tools that use child-friendly virtual assistants to provide personalized and gamified educational experiences. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Conversational AI Companions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cati.md) - [AI-Powered Plush Teddies](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ai-teddy-kumma.md) - [AI-Powered Toy Attachments](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/toypal-one.md) - [Adorable AI Conversational Toys](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/folotoys.md) - [Interactive Toy Experiences](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/toypal.md) - [AI-Powered Plushies](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/curio-and-grimes.md) - [AI-Backed Family Toys](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/2xl-cobot.md) - [Interactive AI-Connected Flower Toys](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/folotoy-ai-sunflower.md) - [AI Kids Companion](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/toontalk.md)