Apps Toys

Hailed the "Word of The Year" in 2010 by US-based American Dialect Society, there’s no doubt that apps (or app) has become a buzzword in the computer and mobile phone industries. Used as a shortening of the familiar computer ‘applications’ word, Apple were at the forefront of launching this new technology. Their app store provides software developers with a platform on which they can sell their applications to iPhone users, with a resulting explosion of interest and huge sales. One of the most interesting spin-offs has been the creation of a growing number of apps toys that divide into two distinct sections; those inspired by apps or those controlled by apps.

Apps-Inspired Toys
With Moshi Monsters firmly embedded in the minds of most 4-9 year olds, the mobile phone app and computer virtual world have collided head on with the world of toys. A series of Moshi toys have taken the UK and the rest of the world by storm, with Vivid Imaginations snapping up the toy rights to this hot property. This is just one small example of apps toys with plenty more on sale or in the pipeline. The Angry Birds board game was directly inspired from the mobile phone app of the same name, which has achieved over 10 million smart phone downloads.

Apps-Controlled Toys
AppToyz was founded purely with the intention of creating toys that can be controlled by mobile phone apps. Attach the iPhone to the appBlaster, and many exciting possibilities of game play are released by the sophisticated software. Slot an iPhone into the central hub of the appWheel, and the screen reacts to the user’s frenetic attempts to avoid crashing his car during a race. Other toys like the premium priced Parrot AR Drone is controlled exclusively from an iPhone, with movements of the device being transmitted to the flying machine.

The Future
Some parents and grandparents may be excused from understanding the hype and excitement surrounding apps toys. However, they are undoubtedly here to stay, and will increase in sophistication as the designers and manufacturers launch new technology. Whether you select an apps toy inspired or controlled by apps, the future is here right now!