This RC car is a laptop controlled drifter project created by Chris over at PyroElectro. The aim of the project was to make an ordinary RC car have the ability to be controlled by a laptop. By using the laptop and a small box attached to a COM port, full control of the car is made possible and of course, automated control is also available too. By using Windows scripting, commands can be sent to the remote control device at the end of the COM port which in turn, sends those signals to the RC car. The car it’s self is untouched and standard.

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Guess thin is in, and so are the general sizes of gadgets and gizmos to come. Toys aren’t exempt from this effect too, with the PicoZ MX-1 Extreme being a much smaller version of its big brother and prides itself in being the smallest remote control helicopter in the world.

Currently touted as the world’s smallest remote control chopper, this marvel of micro technology will flatter even the crummiest of pilots thanks to an auto stability system that makes woka-woka-ing around in tiddly rooms a doddle. Just like its bigger PicoZ siblings, the twin-channel Extreme has a crash-resistant polypropylene foam body and features super-wide infra-red control, a built-in lithium polymer battery and adjustable trim control - all this yet it weighs just 7 grams. It really is squintingly small. As ever, the transmitter doubles up as a charger and a normal charge of 20-25 minutes should give flight times of up to 10 minutes.

The PicoZ MX-1 Extreme can be yours (or your child’s, you big little boy, you) for £24.95.

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Sure, it doesn’t have a widescreen multi touch interface or an accelerometer that can change the image depending on which way you turn it, but it looks like a LEGO, man! Can an MP3 player be any cooler? At least in the “shuffle variety?”

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Remember the Meccano Spykee that was seen at CES last year? Well, it still hasn’t been perfected just yet, but a micro version is already ready to rock and roll.

The RC unit controls his forward and spin motion, as well as firing off his three sound effect features, and lighting up his head and base (which looks well cool at night of course). He’s basically your very own pet mini robot and driving him about is curiously addictive. The great thing about his tracks is that his movement is highly effective on any surface, whether it’s a slippery desktop, or a deep pile carpet, he’s really not fussed. His arms and head are articulated, so you can position them into a multitude of anthropomorphic gestures, and his beeping, sirens and various wooshing sound effects are, we imagine, the equivalent of futuristic cyber chatter. Maybe one day all pets will look like this.

Funny how big brother Spykee has not been launched yet while its Mini Me is already rolling about to stores for £19.99.

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PicoZ has come up with a fair bit of micro helicopters in the past, but this time we have the Apache version to relive war stories from the comfort of your home.

The Apache’s potent micro motors are powered by a lightweight lithium polymer battery, giving flight times of up to 10 minutes from a 30 minute charge. Once you get the hang of the controls you’ll be shocked and awed by this khaki-colored contraption. Speaking of which, you control the airborne action via a twin channel, wide-beam infra-red transmitter that doubles up as a charger. Old-style petrol-driven monsters? No thanks!

Would you purchase a toy for your kid knowing that this will actually end up annoying you? Well, if you think so, then be prepared to part with £19.95.

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I remember back in the heydays where Pokemon really took off, and there were a slew of other “monster” franchises that made an appearance as well. Digimon was one of them which actually hung around long enough to become a respectable brand of its own while picking up a fair bit of followers in the process, although I never really found that “brand” of monsters appealing. Many years later, it looks as though Digimon is here to stay with Bandai America releasing a whole new line of action figures and role-play toys that target boys in the age group of 4 to 8. You will also be able to catch hold of popular toys such as the new Digivice Data Link and DNA metal chip-laced action figures.

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Mention flying monkeys and you’ll probably think of a circus - and here we have a plastic launcher of equally plastic monkeys, but just like their real world counterpart, they generally make a nuisance of themselves.

While flying monkeys were introduced to the public many, many years ago, this is the world’s first authentic flying monkey launcher. Just load one of the 1″ long plastic winged, fez-wearing monkeys into the 5-3/4″ long plastic catapult device and pull the trigger to propel the primate! Four plastic monkeys included.

This cute little playtime tool can be Junior’s for $5.49, only if his miserly dad has the heart to part with such money.

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If you’re a big fan of the Disney Fairies franchise, it is time to rejoice as the House of Mouse aims to make that franchise fly to new heights this year. Disney has introduced a breakthrough concept when it comes to the next-generation Internet-connectivity with Disney Fairies toys that boast Clickables technology. This is an exclusive toy courtesy of Disney and Techno Source teaming up, where Clickables technology allow girls to extend their virtual playtime in Disney Fairies Pixie Hollow. For parents who have no idea what the Disney Fairies Pixie Hollow is all about, it is actually Disney’s latest online virtual world where you will be able to keep in touch with offline friends in the real world. Playtime is all about magic, and it seems that this latest line of toys isn’t short of its charms and wiles.

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