NEW YORK -- Anyone who’s caught an episode of PBS' "Antiques Road Show" knows a toy from the turn of the century (the 20th century, that is) could net hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars. But what is the value of the toys introduced at the turn of this century?
The American International Toy Fair, which opens Sunday in New York, will preview future collectibles that are learning to play nice with computers and the Internet.
For the first time in its 97-year history, the 2,000 exhibitor show is extending beyond its home in the toy district showroom in midtown Manhattan to the Jacob Javits Center.
Two pavilions also make their Toy Fair debut -– GameZone, which highlights board game classics, and TechnoPLAY@TOYFAIR, covering the convergence of technology and toys.
"Never in my nearly 30 years in the toy industry have I seen educational toys considered hot, or a best-seller," said Tom Kalinske, president of Knowledge Universe, during a pre-conference state of the industry address on Saturday. "We saw it in 1999."
Toy Manufacturers of America set up the section, which includes education and edutainment, handheld electronic games, and console games, to attract software companies that previously focused on other tech trade shows.
That’s a good idea, considering the role the ubiquitous computer chip continues to play at the show. For example, Balktalkin’ Crushers from Jakks Pacific are WWF action figures with a brain.
Well, sort of.
Each figure contains a memory chip that stores up to 30 of the wrestler’s most famous phrases. As you tear him limb from limb, he shouts his most threatening epithets at you.
On the more charming side are Playmates Toys’ Amazing Babies. Using infrared technology, the doll can turn its head toward a child when he or she speaks, responding verbally to the child’s comments. As they get "older," Amazing Babies learn words and improve their speech.
Also on display will be the EWriter Computerized Flying Disk from GCDC Marketing, a Frisbee for people who have longed to see their names up in lights. Pre-load the disk with a message, and when it is tossed in the air, the message lights. It may not be the Goodyear blimp, but it’s a start.
Abject.com is one of the many companies tying new products to the Net, with its Lost Li'l Alien. The plush space creature has a unique code to access their Web site and game, and after registering your companion, you can try and locate its 10 brothers and sisters that have been adopted by other people around the world.
The keynote speech by Don Tapscott, chairman of the Alliance for Converging Technologies, will focus on how the toy industry can capitalize on extending products to the Internet.
US toy sales last year hit $16.9 billion, an 8.8 percent increase over 1998. Action figures posted the largest increase -- 23.8 percent -- led by Star Wars Phantom Menace figures and Power Rangers.
