The modern versions of classic toys as well as several interesting new ones were featured in this year's New York Toy Fair 2015, held from February 14 to 17.
One of the featured toys during the annual toy convention is the updated version of the View-Master, which collaborated with Google Cardboard to come up with the new Virtual Reality View-Master. The classic View Master featured 3D images that can be scanned with the help of a mechanical switch. Today, the visual toy is planned to come out with 4D images to keep up with the times, while allowing the viewers to have a 360-degree view.
Another buzz-worthy toy that was featured during the Toy Fair this year is the "intelligent" Barbie who can hold simple conversations with anyone. Dubbed as "Hello Barbie," the web-connected edition of Mattel's popular doll can answer simple questions and give out practical advices based on the age group of the user. Hello Barbie can also store several Wi-Fi sign in addresses among other basic information.
Toy manufacturer Lionel also displayed a Batman-themed subway train that features amazingly realistic details, including a state-of-the-art interior lightning and an artistic graffiti paint job, among others.
The products on display during the toy exhibit are meant for retail distribution. Most of them will head to stores during the holiday season. Toy Industry Association's vice president of marketing communications Ken Seiter shared the contents of the exhibit, saying that the event venue was filled with "a lot of robotics and a lot of hybridization between traditional toys and the online world."
Toy Industry Association expert Adrienne Appell also mentioned in a press release that there seems to be a theme in this year's Toy Fair, saying, "We are also seeing aquatic- and dinosaur-themed toys popping up in just about every category, while pint-sized collectibles are sure to bring kids countless hours of affordable fun!"
