Opening a beautifully
wrapped Christmas present is a feeling that's hard to match for kids
- and for adults, as well. And among all the ugly Christmas sweaters,
socks, books, and other similar dull but traditional presents, the
most memorable ones were the toys - especially if they were "all
the rage" during the preceding shopping season. The feeling has
not changed for today's kids, but the toys have undergone a serious
evolutionary process over the years. Today's toys are becoming
increasingly interactive and connected - basically, what we dreamed
of playing with back when we were kids.
Toy cars with remote controls were all the rage for a long time - and the more luxurious they were, the better. After all, Lamborghinis are the ultimate toys for those who enjoy super speed and luxury, even as kids. But today, getting a Lambo for Christmas isn't as exciting as getting an unnamed, futuristic speedster that can be controlled through any kid's favourite toy, a smartphone.
App-controlled toys were pretty expensive a few years ago,
but today they have descended from their pedestal to become
accessible to anyone. For example, Anki's Overdrive Guardian
Supercar starter kit costs just $49.99 at Toys'R'Us at the time this
article is written, which makes it one of the more accessible yet
app-controlled, thus exciting toys you can still get for your kids
this Christmas season - or just for the fun of it.
But with all the realistic - and free to play - racing games available today, your kids may not be that excited about an RC car as they would've been a few years ago. Perhaps, a more futuristic option would be a better choice - like a robot, for example. The above-mentioned Anki has some of this, too - Cozmo, the robot. Cozmo is a responsive robot with learning capabilities that makes its personality evolve as your kid interacts with it. It responds to actions and expresses simulated emotions, and is capable of playing a variety of games.
But with all the realistic - and free to play - racing games available today, your kids may not be that excited about an RC car as they would've been a few years ago. Perhaps, a more futuristic option would be a better choice - like a robot, for example. The above-mentioned Anki has some of this, too - Cozmo, the robot. Cozmo is a responsive robot with learning capabilities that makes its personality evolve as your kid interacts with it. It responds to actions and expresses simulated emotions, and is capable of playing a variety of games.
This toy is as much fun
as it is useful, preparing your kid for a future filled with
interactive machines. Come to think of it, the idea is great - just
think of Sophia, the interactive robot that has been granted a
Saudi citizenship this year. And who knows, the fun little machine
that's currently sold for $180 might even determine your kid to
choose robotics as his or her career, actively contributing to
shaping the world of the future. And that's likely a great
investment.