Also showing off handhelds at the toy fair was LeapFrog Enterprises, which has expanded its Quantum Leap line to fit the needs of high school students.
The iQuest Interactive Talking Handheld helps students study for their math, science or social studies tests as well as prepare for the ACT or SAT with special practice drills.
The company has not forgotten about its popular line of LeapPads, the interactive learning platform that helps children to read. The company is expanding its software selection, with a 10-book phonics line coming out this year.
"All of our items are about learning, but learning in a fun way," said spokesman Tom Prichard.
That's not to say that all high-tech toys displayed an educational bent. Indeed there were plenty of robotic creatures in the spotlight this week as well.
One of the most talked-about toys at the toy fair was from Tiger Electronics, the same company that introduced the world to Furby, the cuddly noisemaker with the microchip heart.
Furreal Friends is a line of electronic cats infused with sensors and animated from the tops of their heads to the tips of their tails. They mimic the movements of real cats when touched, even becoming agitated when you pull their tail. Available in the fall, the cats will retail for US$34.99.
Much more menacing are Hasbro's new AI Dragons, a twist on last year's BIO Bugs. Boasting what Hasbro calls "nervous network technology," the bugs reacted like real bugs whenever they bumped up against a wall or other obstacle.
Operated by remote control, the lifelike dragons are even more advanced. If they hit a wall, they will automatically back up. And they display scary-looking infrared eyes and the ability to fight one another.
"If put in guard mode, they'll just creep around your house," said Josslynne Lingard, a Hasbro spokeswoman.
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