World of Toys : When Technology Takes Over 

Christmas is almost here and all children are eagerly waiting for Santa Claus to deliver their most-wished for gifts under the beautifully twinkling Christmas tree. This year, especially high-tech toys and gadgets are the trendiest and most in demand amongst all age groups. News on Sunday brings to you the most popular toys on the market this season. 

The most awaited time for festive season is here and we are all getting ready to celebrate with our family and friends. The happiest and most eager ones during this holiday are the children, who have prepared their list of gifts they wished for Santa to bring to them. This year, however, we notice that toys and gadgets are more and more inspired by technology. Kids and teens, in fact, are fond of technology and often look out for toys and gadgets that are IT related. News on Sunday paid a visit to Santa Claus and he shared with us the trendiest high-tech toys and gadgets children have wished for this year. It should be noted that the toys are available from different stores but mainly available at Lotus d’Or, Meem Trading, Orchestra, and some others. 

High-tech dolls and plush

There is no age to enjoy high-tech nowadays. In fact, even dolls and plushes are now high-tech and can perform amazing actions, produce sounds, and make real-like facial expressions and much more. 

The trendiest one is the Baby Alive dolls ‘Real as can be’ from Hasbro. The baby sleeps, turns, giggles, sucks her thumb, naps, cries, drinks, can be sad or happy. It can have over 80 reactions. There are also the Little Love dolls from Vtech. The doll crawls and learns to walk as your child plays with her. The Little Love doll takes special care of her puppy friend with care tips and they interact with each other as they sing and learn together. It includes four modes of play, encouraging nurturing role play and a basic understanding of pet care. These dolls are suitable for kids aged 2 and up. The price range starts as from Rs 4,000. 

In terms of plush this year, there is the Furreal plush toy. You have various animals such as Torch My Blazing Dragon, Show-Coco My Star Parrot, and even Chewie from “Star Wars,” including a host of others. The plushes can all make sounds and motion combo. The Dragon, for example, can breathe flame-coloured mist, the parrot records and repeats what he is told in several tones and is equipped with numerous sensors: Beak, cheek, chest, and light detector. These are suitable for kids aged 4 and up. There is also a craze for Hatchimals. These colourful animals live inside an egg. The Hatchimal needs to be taken care of in order for it to come out of its egg. Once hatched, it’s time to raise your Hatchimal by teaching it how to walk, talk, dance, play games and more!  The price range for these toys starts as from Rs 2,500/Rs 3,000. 

STEM learning toys 

STEM Learning toys, such as robots, are new on the market. These robots from the brand LEGO are meant for boys and girls aged as from 7 to 12, who love to tinker and learn about science and the creative world of coding, which help to foster their curiosities. The LEGO Boost Creative Toolbox 17101 Fun Robot Building Set and Educational Coding Kit for Kids includes 847 LEGO pieces that kids can build and rebuild into 5 cool multifunctional models. By downloading the free LEGO Boost App and following the step-by-step instructions, kids can learn how to master programming robots all by themselves. A tablet or mobile phone is required.

Clementoni, on its side, proposes the Evolution Robot suitable for kids aged 8 and above. Once the robot has been built, children can programme it to pick up and transport objects thanks to its moving arms, torso and crawler tracks. Clementoni has developed a free App compatible with tablets and smartphones, which allows five different play modes: Programming, Real time, Self-learning, Dancing and Memo. The robot can also be manually programmed using the keyboard on its back. For these toys, plan a budget of around Rs 3,500/Rs 4,000 and above.

Technological novelties 

A brand new educative high-tech toy this year is the Tiptoi ‘The Pen’ from Ravensburger. Tiptoi is a digital audio learning system where children use an electronic pen when interacting with Tiptoi books, games, puzzles, or even a globe. The pen has a built-in microphone and children can use it to touch different elements printed on the pages of a book and then listen to sounds or a story that is being read aloud. Your child can easily learn different languages with Tiptoi. For kids as from 4 years and up. 

High-tech laser guns are new this year. You will find the Nerf Laser Ops Pro Alphapoint. Besides classic laser battles, the AlphaPoint blaster features light and sound effects, and more. You can also amp up your play with the Nerf Laser Ops Pro application to customize the blasters, track your performance, and detect other players. For this, you can connect via Bluetooth from your smartphone and hold them on your arms with the armbands while you’re battling. 

On the other hand, the Silverlit Lazer tag MAD 2.0 Infrared Battle Ops is a complete set that’s ready for a two-player action. The set comes with two laser tag Guns and a pair of high-tech glasses/headsets that allow you to locate and keep track of your opponent and has an integrated alert indicator. These guns are suitable for kids aged 8 and up. Moreover, the Silverlit Robots still attract many. You have Pupbo A Lifelike Robotic Puppy, which can learn 12 different tricks via your voice commands. The robot OP ONE also has intelligent functions such as LED Eyes, Lively Motion, Live Broadcast, Motorized Arms, Code Tracker, Spy, and so on and so forth. For 8-year-olds and above. 

If your child is a fan of “Star Wars”, the Force Link Starter Set is a must. The novelty in this game is that the Starter Set includes Force Link wearable technology, which is compatible with over 30 Force Link products. Wear Force Link wearable technology to activate lights, sounds, and phrases in Force Link-activated figures, accessories, vehicles, and playsets! With Force Link, kids can bring their favourite “Star Wars” adventures to life! 
Beyblade remains famous among boys. The Beyblade Burst Digital Control Kit uses the Bluetooth technology. Digitally connect the Bluetooth technology enabled Beyblade Burst Genesis Valtryek V3 top to the Beyblade Burst app. You have to position a smart device on the Battle Platform and prepare to launch an attack with the Command Launcher. You can take control of the battle by commanding top to spin left, spin right, execute a speed boost or activate attack mode all through Bluetooth wireless technology. 

Interactive tablets, mini laptops or messaging devices similar to adults’ smartphones remain popular this year also. Vtech has several tablets and others devices which are suitable for kids as from one- and a half-years-old. The interactive tablets in the Storio Max series helps babies and kids to learn, play and discover new things. They can also safely browse the internet, listen to music, take pictures, play educative games and much more. 

For these high-tech toys, you must plan a budget starting from Rs 2,500 and above.

Augmented reality game

Augmented reality has invaded the world of adults and now, that of children, too. Today, some toys also use the augmented reality technology to embark children on unique gaming experiences. Discover the Marvel Avengers: Infinity War Hero Vision Iron Man Augmented Reality Experience which combines traditional role play with Augmented Reality (AR) technology.

To play, download the Hero Vision App, place a compatible device (namely a smartphone) inside the AR goggles, place AR markers around the play area, put on the AR mask, and then get ready to see digital images from the hero’s world. You can collect Infinity Stones sold separately to unlock power-ups in the Application.

Note that Hero Vision Supported Devices are: iOS 10+, iPhone 6, iPhone 6s iPhone 7, iPhone 8, iPhone X. Due to size restrictions with the Hero Vision mask, any ‘Plus,’ iPad & iPad mini devices cannot be supported. Android 7+, Google Pixel 1, Samsung S7, Samsung S7 edge. Due to size restrictions with the Hero Vision mask, any “Plus”, “Notes” & Samsung S6 devices cannot be supported. This is for kids aged 8 and up. For this type of toy, plan a budget as from Rs 2,500/3,000.

Drone craze ranks at the top

Drones still keep the top position when it comes to the most demanded toy and gadget by children and teens. A variety of robots for all age groups are available in the Silverlit brand. For kids aged 4 and above, there is the Silverlit My First RC Drone, which is simple and easy to fly. It is built to last with durable construction with crash resistance built to absorb any hits and bumps. The remote controller comes with speakers and awesome sound effects bringing this drone to life. If your kid is fond of helicopters, you can also opt for My First RC Helicopter. It features contra rotating rotors for superb stability, plus protective rings and an emergency stop. It is also made of impact resistant plastic and features LED lights and realistic sound. 

For those aged 6 and above, you can opt for the Air Hogs DR1 Micro Drone. This nimble flyer is perfect for agility in small spaces. It is equipped with flight assist technology with automatic take-off, height-lock and landing makes taking to the air and racing back to base a cinch for even first-time flyers. 

The Hyper Drone Racing Champion Kit, for those aged 14 and up, is an exciting RC drone racing game with two unique play features: Racing Battle and Shooting Battle. With the 2.4Ghz technology, you can invite up to 8 players to battle simultaneously in your own customized track. It is also equipped with intelligent station to record your best laps and also serve as a shooting target in Shooting Battle!
The price of the drones starts as from Rs 3,000 and above. 

What have they asked Santa Claus?

They have been very good this year and fully deserve a wonderful gift from Santa Claus. They have already sent written requests to Santa Claus concerning what they want this year. Let’s hear from these children what they have asked for. 

Geshna Ram : “I want an IPAD” 

9-year-old Geshna Ram has asked for an IPAD. She says, “I can play my preferred games, watch my favourite cartoons and use my IPad for my school research projects. I know Santa will be very nice to me this year, as I have been a good girl, so I would also ask for one guitar. I like music and singing. I will use my guitar to sing for Santa first and practice at home so that I can win music competitions at school.”

Vansh Pulton : “I want an animal encyclopedia” 

Vansh Pulton, 8-years-old, has a special wish for this Christmas - that all stray dogs have a house to live in. “I have asked for Lego, PlayMobile, board game, spinosaurus figurine, an animal encyclopedia. I love animals, dogs and dinosaurs.” 

Shuayb and Ubayd : Airplane and Transformers for the brothers 

The brothers Shuayb and Ubayd shared that they are excitedly waiting for Christmas and especially for Santa to bring them the gifts they’ve wished for. Shuayb, aged 11, said that he is wishing for a remote control car this year. “I love remote control cars. I have also wished for an airplane.” On his side, Ubayd, aged 8, utters that he is a fan of Transformers. “I have asked for a Transformer action figure. I love action figures,” he explained.

Darsh Ram : “A long list for Santa Claus” 

Darsh Ram, 6-years-old, has a long list for Santa Claus. First, he has asked for a car, laser gun and PS4. “I have been a very good boy and got very good grades, so Santa should be kind to me. I want a big toy car so that I can drive. I want to race with my father and drive faster than him. I want a laser gun so that I can kill thieves by being a good police officer. I also want a PlayStation 4 to be able to play GTA5 where I can drive my own car and fly my own planes. I will also defeat my father in FIFA football game.” 

Arshiya Aubeeluck  : “I want a bicycle” 

Arshiya Aubeeluck, 9-years-old, has asked for a bicycle. “This time I want a bicycle with only two wheels. I love riding a bicycle.”  

Nidhi Jooty : “A Mermaid Barbie Doll and unicorn plush”

Nidhi Jooty, 6-years-old, is waiting impatiently for Santa to bring her Mermaid Barbie Doll, a unicorn plush which lights up in the dark. “I really like Barbie dolls, so I want a new one. With the Unicorn Plush, I will be no more afraid in the dark.”