# Interactive Digital Playmats Microsoft's Project Zanzibar Brings All Objects into a Digital Space By Justin Lam | Published 2018-04-11 | Life-Stages Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/project-zanzibar References: [engadget](https://www.engadget.com/2018/04/09/microsoft-s-object-detecting-playmat-brings-toys-to-life/) & [slashgear](https://www.slashgear.com/microsofts-project-zanzibar-could-do-for-toys-what-multitouch-did-for-smartphones-09526655/) The "toys to life" craze has been noted as a big push in [technological toys](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/tokidos-playcubes), but [Microsoft's](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/microsoft-mesh) Project Zanzibar is looking to take it a step further with its prototype playmat. While toys like Amiibos and Skylanders require built-in tech and are often proprietary, the Project Zanzibar playmat can scan everyday items and create a digital version of them. In addition to reading any item, the mat can also detect the placement on the mat, which could prove interesting as a tool for interacting with video games. The importance of Project Zanzibar stretches beyond its ability as a novelty item, as the system could inherently be used as a form of edutainment. The mat and its digital rendering abilities could see use in modeling and could be integrated with [educational platforms](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/educational-toy-line) regarding architecture, modeling and civic planning. While Project Zanzibar is quite a ways away from being a consumer product, the team at Microsoft will be showing off the tech at the ACM CHI Conference in Montreal. Image Credit: Microsoft ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 4.2/10 - Popularity: 36% | Activity: 82% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Gen Alpha, Millennial - Top markets: North America, Europe, Asia ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Life-Stages](https://www.trendhunter.com/life-stages) > [Toys](https://www.trendhunter.com/toys) ## Key Themes ### Key Themes Behind This Trend - **Interactive Playmat:** Opportunity for toy companies to incorporate interactive digital features into their products, and for educational companies to utilize the technology for modeling and education purposes. - **Real World Scanning:** Potential for the technology to expand beyond playmats and be incorporated into other devices for real world scanning and digitization. - **Edutainment:** Opportunity for educational companies to create engaging and interactive learning experiences through the integration of Project Zanzibar's technology. ### Where This Applies - **Toys and Games:** Toy companies can utilize the technology to create new interactive experiences for their customers, and potentially reinvigorate the 'toys to life' trend. - **Education and Training:** Opportunity for educational companies to integrate the technology into their platforms for modeling and education purposes. - **Consumer Electronics:** Potential for the technology to be incorporated into other devices beyond playmats, such as smartphones or tablets, for real world scanning and digitization. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Phygital Kids Board Games](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/tacto.md) - [Kid-Envisioned Urban Environments](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/the-little-big-playmat.md) - [Sensor-Driven Play Blocks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/lego-smart-bricks.md) - [Phygital Fairy Toys](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/holobrite-pixie-lantern.md) - [Tech-Driven Building Toys](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/lego-9.md) - [Multifunctional Game Sets](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/the-lego-group.md) - [Interactive Toy Experiences](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/toypal.md) - [AI-Enhanced Play Experiences](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/aienhanced-play-experiences.md) - [Tactile Digital Pets](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/punirunes-touchable-digital-pet.md)