Iconic doll Barbie is being redesigned for the 21st century, with new models coming complete with an internet connection allowing her to chat to children. The new version has been branded “Hello Barbie” and is the result of collaboration between start-up ToyTalk and Barbie manufacturers Mattel. The device will operate via a speech recognition platform that ToyTalk have developed.
Children will be able to engage in two-way conversations with the new Barbie, which was unveiled at the recent New York Toy Fair. Hello Barbie was one of several smart toys launched at the event.
A Mattel spokeswoman said: “The number one request we hear from girls around the world is that they want to have a conversation with Barbie. Now, for the first time ever, Barbie can have a two-way conversation”.
Hello Barbie can play games and tell stories and jokes. Barbie herself was originally launched in the late 1950s before becoming arguably the most famous doll in the world. Experts say that the toy world is being forced to keep up with developments in modern technology, with smart toys predicted to be commonplace in future years.
CogniToy’s Green Dino was also unveiled at the fair. The model is still in development but will remember what children have said to them in order to refer to past conversations.
Read about a Disney-inspired smart toy here.