Hasbro Treats Toy Fair Participants to New Fun
In New York City, one of the most "fun" and frenetic trade shows presents all of the analog entertainments one could ever hope to see. This is the Toy Fair 2001, and Hasbro has quite a presence at the show. First, in the world of robots, the company is showing their BattleBots, their version of the hit Comedy Central TV show. From Hasbro’s Tiger subsidiary comes their own version of BattleBots that youngsters can build, customize, and then enter BattleBox combat. Also on display is Poo–Chi and Meow–Chi, robotic pets that interact, with even more foul and flower robots: Dino–Chi (a walking T–Rex), Robo–Baby (crawling, cooing and the like), and Petal–Chi (better water it to maintain that happy LED face). Then there’s OttoBot, also from Tiger, who reacts to light, sound and touch, and at seven inches tall, you’d be surprised to find out he has a vocabulary of more than 300 words. For those who appreciate the scaly things in life, there’s Mutsu, and interactive fish in his own aquatic home... all you have to do is add the water and watch him evolve through four stages of development! Packing some 16 individual motors, there’s also i–Cybie,a fully articulated pooch that speaks, barks, walks, lies down, shakes hands and performs other tricks. And of course we cannot forget the Transformers, actually robots in disguise. This classic theme returns and users will enjoy the car–to–robot transformations. They’re arriving just in time for the Fox Kids new "Transformers Robots in Disguise" show that’ll air six days a week.
For Tweeners, Hasbro is presenting Shoezies, the first–ever line of collectible, miniature shoes, and girls can collect versions of the trendiest and funkiest styles inspired by 7th Avenue, all for wearing on their fingers. A Pox on gamers, literally, with a new, portable, electronic game that challenges you to build and collect Pox characters with the object being to become a Pox master (hmmmmmm, does Pokemon know about this?) For the more digitally–inclined youngster, there’s the Yahoo! Web Cam for Internet video chat that also allows users to select an on–screen "mask" which moves with facial expressions when they chat. Tiger’s recently released HitClips Micro Music System is also on display.
Within the music arena, from Hasbro Games comes M.A.G.S. (Music Activated Game System) that has you connect the device to a disc player or other music source and watch the music beats drive game play. When a specific frequency has been reached, point bars appear at the center of the game, and gamers must shoot these point bars to score points. For those with voices supreme, i–Karaoke is available, the first consumer–targeted portable karaoke system using technology only found previously in high–end systems. You can download your songs from an Internet library of thousands of tunes.
Classics such as G.I. Joe, Tonka brand trucks and their new My Talking Toolbench and Chomper My Talking Truckbot, are also at the show. In the board games arena, not only is Hasbro showing their classics (such as The Game of Life, Monopoly and Scrabble, but also new offerings such as Wheels on the Bus, Hang In There, Moods, Harry Potter, NFL, NBA and the classic and new releases from Wizards of the Coast (Magic: The Gathering and Pokemon trading card games). Also from Wizards comes their Dungeons & Dragon Adventure Game and their brand new Star Wars Invasion of Theed title.
Tiger’s handheld games library now also includes Harry Potter Book of Spells, Electronic Quidditch Game, Bertie Botts Every Flavor Beans. With Universal Pictures’ and Amblin Entertainment’s Jurassic Park III set to release in mid–July, rest assured Hasbro will present a variety of electronic games, robotic but very life–like dinosaurs, and vehicles with tons of sfx, all based on the feature film. Other licensed games will revolve around the Disney/Pixar film Monsters, Inc., the HIT Entertainment preschool TV offering Bob the Builder, and more. ...back to newsletter index.
The Mummy Returns with Toys
JAKKS Pacific, Inc. inked a toy deal with Universal Pictures and Alphaville Productions. Under the agreement, JAKKS will create a line of action figures play–sets and accessories based on the characters and story lines from the upcoming film The Mummy Returns. The line is expected to include Sword Fighting Rick O’Connell, Rick O’Connell with pygmy mummy, Imhotep (The Mummy), and Mortal Scorpion King. In the Mummy Returns, Brendan Fraser is back as adventurer Rick O’Connell and is joined by returning co–stars Rachel Weisz, John Hannah, Arnold Vosloo, Oded Fehr and Patricia Velasquez. They are all joined by newcomer Freddie Boath and WWF superstar The Rock as The Scorpion King. Written and directed by Stephen Sommers, the film is scheduled for release on May 4, 2001.
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LEGO’s Largest Product Introduction Ever!
LEGO Systems, Inc. will introduce more than 170 new products for 2001 in all of its categories, including LEGO Baby, LEGO Duplo, LEGO Kids, LEGO, LEGO Star Wars, LEGO Technic,
LEGO Mindstorms, LEGO Software and LEGO Lifestyle Center. This years new line, LEGO Technic, features quick–build, collectible action heroes called Bionicle. For children two– to four–years, LEGO will introduce a line of LEGO Duplo products based on the world of Bob the Builder, a construction–themed television show. The company will also introduce eight space–themed sets in the new LEGO Life on Mars line; action–packed vehicles and rescue scenarios for kids to build and explore in the LEGO Jack Stone line; all–new LEGO Studios accessory sets that further kids’ LEGO moviemaking possibilities and a new line of 11 LEGO sets based on the magical world of Harry Potter and his friends. Demand for LEGO products rose significantly in 2000 when one of the hottest holiday "must–have" toys came from the mid–year launch of their LEGO Soccer line. All of these products will be introduced during this year’s American International Toy Fair, February 11-15. ...back to newsletter index.
MGA Entertainment’s Top Toys
The curtain has opened and some of this year’s upcoming toys are secrets no more. From MGA, known for their robotic dog this last year, comes Bratz, which are ’fun mky, hip, fully articulate female fashion dolls that are dressed in alternative fashion culture. (Great! A Gothic doll with black lipstick and on anti–depressants!) Then there are more robotic puppies with Palm Puppies, described as six interactive newborn puppies that imitate real puppies. (Great again! Get out the newspapers and carpet cleaners!) Get out the bug spray cuz Insecto–Bots are coming. These creepy crawly robotic insects respond to environmental changes in light, sound, touch (who wants to touch them?) and infrared. They also come with in three behavioral modes. Lookout, Scooter Samantha will knock you off the sidewalk when she comes barreling down the street on her scooter. You’re in charge with her radio–controller. ...back to newsletter index.
Mac–based Listening From Audible.Com
Audible, Inc. announced the first phase of compatibility for streaming and downloading using Macintosh computers. Users will be able to access any of the 28,000 hours of digital audio content from audible.com. The items available consist of audiobooks including recent short stories, fiction and non–fiction best sellers and e–audiobook titles from Random House Audible, audio digests of newspapers and magazines, speeches and lectures, public radio programs, and an AudibleOriginal series from Robin Williams, Greg Proops, Steve Marmel and Susie Bright. At the mid–February launch, the requirements for listening to audible.com content using a Mac computer will be, Mac OS 8.6 or higher and RealPlayer version 7 or higher. Mac users will be directed from the audible.com site, to download a self-installing plug–in that enables the playback of digital audio content.
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Diablo II 1.05 Fixes and Enhances Game
Just the fix that you need if you’re a Diablo II fan. Blizzard has released their latest bug fixes, version 1.05, as well as enhancing several characters. As an example, the Paladin’s Concentration skill improves the damage of Blessed Hammer, just like the 1.03 version, and the damage displayed on the Character screen is accurate. You’ll also find improvements in the Amazon’s skills. Version 1.05 also takes care of some of the bugs that occurred in the versions of 1.04, and to the online realms. Character skill sets have been realigned, offering better game play between the five classes. Just a few of the other bug fixes include: the Barbarians that have two potions can now enter games, there’s fixed copy protection for CD, DVD, and CD–R drives, all the spell’s ranges are fixed, you can now delete some characters, no more duplication of ladder entries and they scroll properly when there are fewer than 999 entries, realm characters won’t wear robes, and much more can be found at. ...back to newsletter index.
Web Based Tutorial Development Boosted
With the new ScreenWatch from OPTX International, developers responsible for creating web–based tutorials may now have a new accomplice to help them with their tasks. ScreenWatch v.3.0 allows you to record and stream Windows apps in 65,000 colors. When used in low color mode, the app records computer screen and mouse activity. Plus, it streams live or archived content at, or below, 28.8 Kbps bandwidth. Multiple, concurrent streams in RealNetworks RealPlayer are also provided, so you can webcast screen capture and presentations simultaneously. The app also supports unicast and multicast live streaming as well as combining audio or video using SMIL. There’s an optional utility available that can convert ScreenWatch files into Windows Media Version 7 Screen Code Files, which also creates a stand–alone playback with Windows Media Player. More info. ...back to newsletter index.
Children as Film Directors?
The LEGO Company has inked a deal to launch two Jurassic Park–themed LEGO products in conjunction with the release of Jurassic Park III on July 18, 2001. Marking the fifth property licensed by the LEGO Company, the three–year agreement gives the company rights to produce two construction toys based on Universal Pictures’ and Amblin Entertainment’s Jurassic Park III which will join the LEGO Studios line thatlaunched in November 2000. Using the LEGO & Steven Spielberg MovieMaker Set complete with a PC movie camera, kid–friendly editing software, and LEGO elements, children eight–years and older have the ability to re–create their favorite scenes from Jurassic Park III. In the first set youngsters have the ability to resurrect the menacing Spinosaurus dinosaur featured in the movie as he attacks a plane in a tree, which can als be built into a boat. The set includes one cameraman, a pilot mini–figure and a crane. While with the second set’s unique elements, these youngsters can build two Raptors and one Pteranodon dinosaur. This set comes complete with three mini–figures, including male and female "actors" and one cameraman. Both sets are expected to be on store shelves in May prior to the release of the film. ...back to newsletter index.
Stay tuned...
Logitech Furthers Hold on Technology with Labtec
Looks like Logitech of Switzerland is purchasing Labtec of Vancouver, British Columbia, a developer of audio interface products such as PC headsets and microphone products, PC speakers, and personal audio products for MP3 players and other portable audio devices. Labtec also produces 3D controllers and gaming devices. In 2000 Labtec reported earnings of more than $100 million, making them a solid candidate for acquiring. Terms of the acquisition, which should conclude by late March or April, with Logitech’s purchasing of all outstanding shares of Labtec for $18 per share, that includes a combination of $11 in cash and $7 in Logitech shares. Logitech is looking ahead to develop other technologies such as voice–over–IP, voice chat and digital music, and the growing need in the next–gen computers for voice command and input, as well as upcoming markets such as mobile telephony and telecom....back to newsletter index.
Satellite Sells — Big
You see them almost everywhere — the saucer shaped satellite dishes attached to one’s home. News comes that there’s major growth in digital Settop Boxes (STB), which will fatten up the current installed base to the tune of more than $11.5 billion in annual sales in 2004, totaling a worldwide installed base of more than 140 million. According to Multimedia Research Group, Inc. the growth of related digital services will also exceed $11 billion per year, adding up to new revenues of more than $54 billion by 2004. Digital services include advanced versions of Electronic Program Guides (EPG), Personal Video Recorders (PVRs), Video–on–Demand (VOD), Interactive TV (ITV), and Pay per View (PPV). Digital satellite doesn’t have to be the only winner, according to the report, digital cable could reverse losses to digital satellite by transmitting Video–on–Demand (VOD) on unused bandwidth, and see profits in just six months! The report listed more than 40 key companies that are enjoying profits such as NDS, Sony, TiVo, Motorola, Microsoft, EchoStar, DirecTV and more. You can receive a copy of this 325–page report for a mere $3,495.00!...back to newsletter index.
Infogrames’ Second Quarter Earnings
Infogrames, Inc., publishers of software, released operating results for the fiscal 2001 second quarter and the first six months ending on December 31, 2000, which indicated an increase to $127.5 million, compared to $109.7 million for the same period in 1999. Publishing revenues went from $62.5 million in 1999 to $102.5 million in 2000. Conversely, distribution profits decreased from $47.2 million to $25 million. Infogrames’ net income for the second quarter increased to $16.5 million as compared to a net loss of $118 million for the same period in 1999. Included in the financial results for the second quarter include Infogrames merger with Infogrames North America, which took place on October 2, 2000. During this strong second period, Infogrames released Drive 2 for the PlayStation, selling 1.1 million units in the U.S. and more than two million worldwide. Other strong titles include Driver Greatest Hits, Unreal Tournament for PlayStation 2, Deer Hunter 4 XL, and Minibox editions....back to newsletter index.
Beyond Sega’s Loss–Making Console
After a week of speculation and denials, Sega announced it will stop selling the Dreamcast as a standalone unit. The company said it will slash the price, effective in the U.S. this week and beginning in March for Japan. Additionally, Sega will discontinue the 128–bit, internet–ready console in efforts to reduce inventory and move the two million remaining units from shelves, primarily in the U.S. This is not the first time the console has experienced a drop in price. Less than a year after its September 1999 launch in the U.S., Sega dropped the price of the Dreamcast from $199 to $149 due to slow sales. The decision to lower the price from ¥19,900 to ¥9,900 in Japan and to $99.95 in the U.S. is in line with last week’s announcement from Sega to return to profitability. With this new company strategy in position, Sega will change their development focus from hardware to software. For the fiscal year ending March 31, pulling out of the game console business will post an extraordinary loss to the company — experiencing its fourth consecutive year in the red. Unfortunately for Sega, the Dreamcast’s success faced increasing competition from Sony’s PlayStation 2 and even more with Microsoft’s upcoming Xbox. Meanwhile, Sega has cut a "small number" of jobs at its U.S. headquarters. The cuts involved marketing and quality assurance workers tied to the Dreamcast console. It’s unknown at this point how many actual jobs were cut, but about 125 people remain in San Francisco. On a lighter note, Sega announced that it has formed an alliance with Palm to provide games for handheld devices and cellular phones.
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Take–Two Holds Off Reports
Take–Two Interactive Software, Inc., markets, distributes, and publishes software games and accessories, will release its first quarter 2001 operating results on Wednesday, February 28 at 4:30 p.m. Take–Two publishes and develops products through their wholly owned subsidiaries that include: Rockstar Games, Gathering of Developers, TalonSoft, Joytech, DMA Design, PopTop and Jack of All Games....back to newsletter index.
TDK Mediactive’s Financials
TDK Mediactive, Inc.’s financial results for the second quarter ending December 31, 2000 totaled $142,446, or $0.01 per share, as compared to a loss of $1,212,789, or $0.21 per share, for the second quarter of the previous year. Net revenues during this same time period increased to $3,832,355 compared to $353,454 for the same time period in the previous year. On September 8, 2000, TDK Mediactive, Inc. and TDK USA Corporation (TUC) agreed to a common stock purchase agreement in which TUC acquired 4,750,000 shares of common stock, valued at $.001 per share, with the purchase price totaling $1,425,100. On November 27, 2000 TUC acquired an additional 11,917,000 shares of stock for a purchase price of $3,575,000, bringing to a total for TUC of 16,667,000 shares of stock at a purchase price of $.30 per share with a purchase price of $5,000,100. ...back to newsletter index.
Alien 5 — Could It Be?
According to London's Sunday Express, Sigourney Weaver has agreed to play the indestructible Ripley for the fifth time in a new Alien chapter reportedly to be set on Earth — releasing in 2004 to mark the 25th anniversary of the first film. In fact, prior to the release of the last Alien film, Alien Resurrection, Weaver was said to already be planning to take part in the fifth rendition. While promoting her film Galaxy Quest she told Sci–Fi Wire that she always wanted to do an Alien movie in which they would return to the planet from which the Alien originally came — Planet Earth. Ripley was killed off at the end of Alien 3 and brought back in Alien 4 as an alien–hybrid clone. So what’s she going to be this time around? If the British papers’ reports are accurate, Weaver is getting a whopping 15 million British sterling pounds, or $22 million, for the film, making the 51–year–old actress top Julia Roberts’ $20 million for her role in Erin Brockovich, thereby making Weaver the highest–paid actress in history. Although, if you compare box office successes, Weaver’s last Alien film, weighing in at $47 million domestic or $109 million worldwide, doesn’t even come close to the $125 million domestic or $204 worldwide gross that Brockovich earned. A director for Alien 5 has not yet been named. Uh–oh — we just found out this story is FALSE!!! Thanks, tabloid trash! ...back to newsletter index.
THQ and Nickelodeon Take on Neutrons, Thornberrys, Sponges, and Pants
Adding to their list of evergrowing videogame licenses, THQ Inc. has expanded their partnership with Nickelodeon to include The Wild Thornberrys, Jimmy Neutron as well as PC rights to Rugrats, SpongeBob, SquarePants and Rocket Power. Jimmy Neutron is also an upcoming Nickelodeon animated motion picture, due out by the holidays of 2001. These added titles are a result of a most successful venture that began with THQ’s and Nickelodeon’s Rugrats titles for the PlayStation, Nintendo 64 and Game Boy Color, which sold more than four million units in just the U.S. totaling more than $125 million. In fact, Rugrats is the number one licensed kid’s videogame franchise. THQ’s licensing plans include the debut of these titles to the PlayStation 2, Game Boy Advance and other new upcoming systems, including the PC, through the year 2004....back to newsletter index.
EA Steps Into the Ring Once Again
Electronic Arts releases Knockout Kings 2001 for the PlayStation 2. Its extradorinary line–up of boxing stars and legends include Muhammad Ali, Joe Frazier, Sugar Ray Leonard, Oscar De La Hoya, Lennox Lewis and Shane Mosley. This year brings Mia St. John, Christy Martin, Lucia Rijker and Regina Halmich into the ring. Each fighter comes with his or her own personal biography while incoporating individual fighting styles and signature through the use of motion–capture technology. To capture the look of the boxers, EA’s production team used a precision set of 3D cameras to scan the fighters’ faces and bodies and record their images for the game. To ensure a realistic boxing experience, the title factors the fighter’s strength, weight, height, speed, reach, and stamina into the artificial intelligence (AI). Dynamic Punch Control is new to Knockout Kings 2001, providing a new level of realism and depth in the ring. KO Kings hip–hop soundtrack includes original boxing–related tracks from Tony Touch, Dilated Peoples, Tash, and the Black Eyed Peas. ...back to newsletter index.
EDmin.com Joins Microsoft to Provide Educational Services
EDmin.com, Inc. and Microsoft are putting their heads together to offer EDmin.com’s Virtual EDucation System with Microsoft’s Encarta Class Server. The Encarta Class Server is a web–based curriculum management program that combines educational content any time, any place access for teachers, students in grades K through 12, and parents, and enables educators to manage online five teaching areas, including curriculum standards, lesson plans, content, assignment, and assessment. The Virtual EDucation System from EDmin.com provides a suite of web accountability tools to the Encarta Class Server enabling kids and schools to use real–time information, enabling an educational accountability system that tracks performance information at the student, teacher, school, district, classroom or state level....back to newsletter index.
Who’s Really Entitled to Xbox?
Xbox Technologies, a Florida–based umbrella organization, most recently known as Nicollet Process Engineering, Inc., registered Xbox as a trademark back in March 1999, and has since made 46 more applications using the name. In October 1999 Microsoft also filed for the trademark. Regardless of their later registration, Xbox is far better identified as Microsoft’s game console. Microsoft still plans to launch Xbox, but unless they reach an agreement with Xbox Technologies, Microsoft may find itself involved in a restraining order which would play havoc, ceasing shipments of the console before its debut. To avoid facing disputes over a trademark infringement claim, Microsoft is left with three options: to either settle with Xbox Technologies, fight it in court, or rename the Xbox. The latter isn’t impossible, but highly unlikely, given the large amounts of money Microsoft has pumped into its Xbox project. More than likely, Microsoft will risk the name game war, arguing that conflict is nonexistent between a game console and a business software company, however Xbox Technologies may feel otherwise. Whatever the strength of each argument may be, the fact remains that Microsoft could potentially keep Xbox Technologies tied up in a legal battle that would leave the lesser known company with little choice but to settle. Who knows, Microsoft might even buy the company! ...back to newsletter index.
