VTech has recently rolled out its 2008 product line that features an eclectic mix of high-tech learning toys that feature updated technologies, providing young children with gadgets and gaming systems which are suitable for their age range. Some of these include the widely talked about toys such as the motion-activated V-Motion gaming system, the KidiCreative line of high-tech creative fun, and the new V.Smile Cyber Pocket handheld system that offers portable educational gaming. I’d settle for Brain Age if I want to educate myself, but I digress.

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Everyone knows Sesame Street’s Elmo, and that red colored furry creature has seen his fair share of (monster, pardon the pun) sales in the past especially during the holiday seasons of yore where parents were frenzied enough to line up outside toy stores just to pick up a Tickle Me Elmo for their kids. This year, Elmo is back with a vengeance from Fisher-Price, whom the latter touts the former to being the most engaging and entertaining Elmo to day. Known as Elmo Live, this feature plush ups the ante where realistic, interactive play is concerned.

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Being on time is something more and more people take for granted these days, which is why it is always important to get your kids started off on the right footing. The Time Tracker is one interesting device that helps a child learn about time management without being chided by an adult. It features three seconds that can be programmed to light up after specific time intervals, with half a dozen sound effects to choose from when it comes to indicating just when is time running out. At least it makes lives easier for parents as kids who have not yet learnt numbers can’t defend themselves, claiming that they lost track of time for the umpteenth…er, time. Fancy dropping $38.95 on this?

Product Page via OhGizmo!

If you want to rear a dog without having to clean up after it, then you ought to consider the SEGATOY robotic dog which is capable of responding to various stimuli like touch, voice commands and even boasts the ability to track you as you move around it. This robotic pooch can move various parts of its body such as eyes, mouth and head, tail and even shake its paw while responding to voice commands just like a real dog would. Too bad it can’t be trained/programmed to fetch my morning newspaper - maybe future versions will see it come with an LCD display on its body that downloads the latest RSS news feeds via a WiFi network. This nifty little toy retails for $270 a pop.

Source: Technabob

I suppose that the only way the next generation is going to learn is in electronic interactive formats. Fortunately, ViewPlus is prepared for this educational era as the company unveiled the IVEO Hands-on Learning System.

The basic kit comes with an IVEO touchpad, a touch-sensitive pad that the student interacts with using raised and embossed templates. Touching pictures and diagrams on the pad turns on the software for descriptions including sound, music, or even links to websites.

It sounds a lot like the Leap Frog LeapPad, true, but it is based on scientific studies that have shown that students today learn more with the interaction of sound, light, and touch. All of this learning system works with the software options of the IVEO Viewer, the IVEO Creator, and the IVEO Creator Pro.

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LeapFrog Enterprises have just dropped an announcement for a couple of new web-connected video game systems which are connected to the proprietary LeapFrog Learning Path. The Leapster2 Learning Game System is the latest addition to the Leapster family, further expanding gameplay online whilst enabling parents to check up on what their child is learning (definitely better than being “taught” by MTV) and sharing in their accomplishments. You will find that the online capabilities in the all-new Didj Custom Gaming System is able to hook up gameplay with schoolwork, enabling kids to pick and choose the game they like with spelling lists, math problems and more.

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Learning, when made fun, is one exciting journey, especially for kids who seem to possess brains that are like sponges - absorbing everything around them effortlessly. The Remote Control Morphibian Land Shark is capable of exploring elements on either land or in water without breaking a sweat. Some features are :-

• Runs on land and water
• Full function radio control
• 4 wheel drive
• Features working head lights
• Cool metallic finish
• Power through the backyard, plow through puddles and test your driving skills with this high-powered R/C four-wheel drive

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Homer Simpson is one of the quirkier cartoon characters who have endeared himself to millions of people, and it is no surprise that the Simpsons marketing juggernaut does not stop at just home video releases (or should I say, home Blu-ray releases to keep up with the times?). This Etch-A-Sketch takes the form of Homer’s head - at least a portion of it. His brow area contains a screen for your kid to explore his/her imagination, while turning Homer’s eyes will let you strat off on a clean slate. $14.99 sounds like a pretty decent price for Simpsons material.

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