Looking for the hottest high-tech toys? Toy Insider Mom Laurie Schacht stopped by stopped by ABC’s World News Now to show off the year’s coolest tech toys. For more on the items featured in this segment, check out the product notes below, and for our complete rundown of the best gifts for the holidays, check out our complete holiday gift guide.
LIGHTSEEKERS STARTER KIT (TOMY INTERNATIONAL)
- Lightseekers is an action-adventure role playing game built for mobile devices that fuses together fantasy and reality, integrating video games and smart action figures with the latest in artificial intelligence, augmented reality, interactive trading cards and more.
- The mini-computer, known as the FusionCore, is embedded within each action figure and is the “brains” behind the smart connected toys.
- Players can take their experience to another level, adding physical accessories to their figures and scanning trading cards with the Lightseekers game app to customize their gameplay.
- Add smart action figures with interchangeable weapons you can level-up.
- Scan augmented reality trading cards that give you special in-game abilities.
- Connect motion-controlled flight packs that turn your figure into a game controller.
- Ages: 8+
- MSRP: $69.99
- Available: Toys “R” Us
LUVABELLA/LUVABEAU (SPIN MASTER)
- Luvabella is a loveable, life-like baby doll that comes in a variety of girl and boy doll options in different ethnicities.
- Children can care, nurture and play with Luvabella and Luvabeau using the doll’s interactive accessories and pacifier.
- From feeding time with her spoon, play time with her Lamby, to nap time with her bottle, Luvabella will respond with natural reactions in a fraction of a second. Kids can watch her laugh, blink, purse her lips, and more.
- Feed her with her spoon and she’ll begin to chew and learn new food words.
- Luvabella features AI technology to learn as kids play with her, plus realistic facial expressions and sounds.
- Ages: 3+
- MSRP: $99.99
- Available: Amazon, Target, Toys “R” Us, Walmart
- Communicate on the go with Kidibuzz. Kids can send texts, voice messages, photos, drawings and animated stickers over Wi-Fi to a parent-approved list of contacts such as family and friends.
- This kid-tough messenger features bumpers and a shatter-resistant screen, so it’s great for on-the-go fun. The device is preloaded with more than 40 learning games that cover a variety of subjects including math, spelling, science, problem solving and music, and a kid-safe web browser with parental controls.
- With its Android-based operating system, this messenger is compatible with popular Android apps and games that parents can choose to download and make available to their children.
- Ages: 4+
- MSRP: $99.99
- Available: Amazon, Target, Toys “R” Us, Walmart
- VRSE is an all-in-one VR gaming platform for kids.
- Kids can play Jurassic World VRSE and fight off hungry T-Rex and Velociraptors, or play Batman VRSE and head to Gotham City to become Batman and defeat the Joker’s evil plot to take over the city.
- Kids can download an app on their smartphone, which is then inserted into the headset to begin the VR experience.
- Includes VR headset and controller.
- Ages: 7+
- MSRP: $59.99
- Available: Amazon, Target, Toys “R” Us, Walmart
Nikko Air Race Vision 220 FPV Pro (Toy State)
- Nikko Air has teamed up with DRL (Drone Racing League) to deliver the ultimate drone racing experience leveraging elite drone racing technology, developed by drone racers, designed for future pilots.
- Race Vision 220 uses 5.8 GHz analog frequency allowing the pilot to see real-time video transmission without delay or interruptions. It includes a full color LCD screen and FPV goggles that provide and immersive flight experience from the cockpit of the drone.
- Designed for pilots of all skill levels with 3 variable flight modes, multiple speed settings, and 16 one touch stunts, this racing drone is sure to take you from beginner to pro in no time.
- Take training to the next level with the DRL Racing Simulator designed to transform rookies into pilots. This digital gaming platform provides new pilots the ability to learn how to fly a racing drone, compete in actual DRL courses, and master their skills before taking to flight in real life.
- Ages: 14+
- MSRP: $169.99
- Available: Amazon, Target.com, Toys “R” Us, Walmart.com
