Wednesday, February 25, 2015

Hello Barbie

Hello Barbie, Barbie, Barbie that talk

A Barbie that interacts with your kids. Mattel's "Hello Barbie" is the latest version of the popular doll that is connected to the internet which enable it to converse with children using Wi-Fi and an app. This toy is similar to CogniToy, but the technology used is not as sophisticated.

The Barbie doll connects through Wi-Fi and uses speech recognition technology to recognize voice. It can also remember what you are saying like, your name or your favorite color. Unlike CogniToy which uses Watson servers, to get an answer Barbie has about 10,000 canned responses. It can also play interactive games with the kids and can tell jokes and stories.

Mattel is also developing a parental portal in which they will be able to record and listen to their kid’s conversations with the doll.

The doll is expected to be available this fall at $74.99.

Tuesday, February 17, 2015

Smart Dino Toy

Rex the Dinosaur from Toy Story

Remember Rex the Dinosaur from Toy Story? this talking Dino is way smarter. Fledgling startup Element Path presented at the New York Toy Fair on Monday, CogniToy a cute talking dinosaur toy which uses IBM’s Watson cognitive computing system.
Smart Dino Toy, CogniToy

The cognitive toy is for 7 years old and below, it is equipped with voice recognition software that enable it to have conversation with children. It can also remembers their names, asks and answers questions, and tell jokes. 

Children can interact with the CogniToy by pressing a button on its belly and talking to it. The toy connects through Wi-Fi to the Watson servers, to get an answer.