Molouk Y. Ba-Isa Saudi Gazette Play these days often includes technology and not just in a computer or a video game. Loads of toys are “smart” in some way. Often the use of technology is clear. Take for example, the Touch Magic toys from LeapFrog. Designed for preschoolers, the toys encourage learning and exploration through touch technology. These toys have colorful graphics and exciting themes that make them fun to try from the first moment. Take a look at the Touch Magic Learning Bus. With a tap or swipe, the bus takes children on a musical journey. The Touch Magic Learning Bus helps kids learn about letter names and the relationship between letters and sounds. Kids hear three different audio responses for each of the 26 letters to learn letter names, sounds and words that begin with the selected letter. Preschoolers can also tap the six piano keys and two drum pads to play along with three different songs. Other toys in this new collection include the Touch Magic Rockin' Guitar, Touch Magic Counting Train and Touch Magic Discovery Town. All these toys are reasonably priced at just $25. The social gaming company Zynga has joined with Hasbro to create a new line of board games to play offline with family or friends. Eight games are available including “Words with Friends,” FarmVille, CityVille and Draw Something. Many of Hasbro's Zynga games also include digital rewards to help enhance players' online or mobile game play. The games are priced between $20 and $25. Technology can also be used in toys in subtle ways. VTech's Switch & Go Dinos offer a 2-in-1 play experience, as all seven toys transform back and forth between dinosaur and vehicle. Each toy has a customizable LCD screen that allows kids to choose dinosaur eyes when in dinosaur mode and driver faces when in vehicle mode. The toys also have over 50 dinosaur and vehicle sound effects. They cost $16 to $50. Finally, take a look at a lovely way that technology can enter the world of make-believe. Children can play high tech dress up with CDI's Light Up Cinderella Dress ($35). The blue dress features silver trim and motion-activated lights that illuminate the gown, creating a twinkling or glowing effect as the wearer skips, twirls or dances with delight. It's sure to excite little princesses everywhere.
