A Delicious aNb Media Dispatch from Dallas
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Razor Products Feature Microsoft Tag Technology
As a first in the toy industry, Razor is introducing Microsoft Tag technology to shopping aisles of all major national retailers including Target, Toys “R” Us, Modell’s, Sports Authority, Wal-Mart, and Sears. Razor products now feature the Microsoft Tag directly on product packaging, inviting consumers to “Snap Me! See Me Live,” for a video of the product being used. Each custom Microsoft Tag will send users to that product’s television commercial, hosted on the Razor YouTube Channel. Shoppers need to download the free Tag Reader on their web-enabled camera phone and then they can start scanning.
MGA Sued for Infringing on Hexbug Nano
A lawsuit asserting claims for common law misappropriation and unjust enrichment was filed last week against MGA Entertainment, Inc, by Innovation First, the maker of the Hexbug Nano. In accordance with the Texas common law of misappropriation, the lawsuit alleges that MGA has copied the Hexbug Nano motor assembly, components, housing, and legs and is using them in the Legend of Nara Battling Bugs toy in competition with Innovation First. The lawsuit seeks to recover any profits MGA has made, or may make, from the sale of the Legend of Nara Battling Bugs products that incorporate these misappropriated elements of the Hexbug Nano and may also seek to prevent MGA and those acting in concert with MGA from selling such products.
MGA did not return a request to comment on the case.
Bandai Launches TamaTown Tama-Go
Bandai America announced the hatching of its new, next-generation TamaTown Tama-Go by Tamagotchi. TamaTown Tama-Go offers kids the chance to act as young caregivers by nurturing and raising their own virtual pet through feeding, playing games, and checking statistics of happiness, hunger, and discipline while also connecting with other friends and their Tama-Gos. Kids can now enhance the play on www.tamatown.com, which offers visitors the chance to play games and nurture their Gotchi characters in the three simulated worlds.
Available now at major retailers, the redesigned TamaTown Tama-Go features a new high-contrast, four gray-scale display screen; a changeable design face plate; and the choice of Gotchi figure.
WBCP Taps Pressman for Green Lantern
Warner Bros. Consumer Products, on behalf of DC Entertainment, announced a deal with Pressman Toy Corporation to develop games based on Warner Bros. Pictures’ upcoming 2011 film Green Lantern. The movie will make its theatrical debut on June 17, 2011. Pressman Toy’s games based on the movie will be available at mass and specialty retailers nationwide in May 2011.
Pressman Toy plans to introduce a range of Green Lantern skill, action, and strategy games based on the movie for kids of all ages, each retailing for under $20. The Green Lantern Quickshot Game will allow kids to put their dexterity to the test as they load up their shooters with marbles and try to pop out the Green Lanterns. Additional games are currently in development.
The Anti-Gravity Web Runner Debuts
Straight from the planet Arachnos, Fantasma Toys’ Anti-Gravity Web Runner made its debut at the Fall Toy Preview. The Anti-Gravity Web Runner, a remote-control black widow spider that uses patent-pending air suction technology to allow it to operate on the floor, walls, and even upside-down, is the first product developed based on the comic book called A.G. Arachnids, also created by Fantasma Toys.
MEGA Bloks Launches iPhone and iPad App for Preschoolers
MEGA Brands brings the realms of children’s toys and virtual reality together with the release of its first iPhone and iPad application, MEGA Bloks Playground. Budge Studios, the developer and publisher of the MEGA Bloks app, specializes in creating children interactive products for touch devices and tablet computers.