(Hasbro's big announcement)
Guess who's back?
Furby was an innovative toy when it first appeared in the late 90’s. Like most technology from that time, it was quickly overshadowed by new gadgets. But Furby has returned, finally incorporating more of today's technology to deliver more capabilities than ever before.
This friendly bot is a bit bigger than its predecessor, but nothing stands out as much as its new glowing LCD screen eyes. These eyes can communicate far more emotion and personality than Furby could in the past. Apart from emotions, other pictures and videos will let you know just how your Furby feels when you interact with it.
This new iteration, like before, is equipped with an internal mic. This time it likes to listen to music and dances and even sings along with your favorite tunes. When dancing, Furby shows off new moves and a wider range of motion due to a new neck joint (or hip joint, do Furbys have necks or hips?) and increased mobility of its base and oversized plastic ears.
This new Furby has not forgotten its native Furbish tongue, but the 21st century Furby is also compatible with 21st century devices. The Furby iOS app helps kids learn Furbish and can even listen to Furby to translate what it is saying. Furby loves to chat and the more you talk to it, the more it begins to incorporate English into its speech. Of course, they love to interact with others of their own kind by having conversations and even dancing together.
Kids can use the app to feed their Furbys and watch it react as it eats a wide variety of foods. Like the old one, it can also be fed by pressing the familiar red tongue in its mouth. It will never die from not eating, but its mood will be affected.
One of the most compelling features is how its personality changes based on its experiences. This new Furby uses capacitance sensors on its head, back, tummy and sides to know when it is being petted, tickled or hit and accelerometers keep track of its orientation so it knows when you are tossing it around. Its personality does not change randomly, rather it remembers how you were treating it and reacts accordingly. So if you were roughing it up, it might become evil Furby or it could take on its valley girl persona if you would not stop talking to it and petting it. Depending on its personality it might like being tickled, having its tail played with or listening to heavy metal etc.
Its eyelids, just like old Furby, only play a role in sleeping or waking up. The dark upside down triangle serves no purpose this time, it simply keeps the traditional look. Also, there is no “OFF” button on this new guy; it falls asleep when there is no interaction. Remove the two not included AA batteries in case you get seriously fed up.
Initially, this furry friend will be sold in six colors, but 10 colors will be available before this year’s holiday shopping season. It can be yours for just around $60. Some will again justify the need for a Furby. Some will renew their hate. Either side brace yourself, this is happening.
(Thanks Children's Tech)
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