February 10, 2005
Hasbro Aims to Connect with 'Tweens' with ChatNow
Hasbro will be rolling out ChatNow, a cellular phone-like communication system aimed at kids who want a cell phone, but whose parents don't want to pay airtime charges, reports Reuters.
"ChatNow, which will be in stores by fall and cost $74.99 for two, looks like a cell phone and lets kids "call" or "text" each other, with technology similar to a walkie-talkie. Each ChatNow comes with a seven-digit "Buddy Number" that can be used like a phone number so kids can call each other directly within a 2-mile radius.
The new product will be shown to toy buyers and reporters during the American International Toy Fair, which officially opens on Feb. 20 in New York City.
Other features include 10 ring tones, text messaging and a flashing light to let users know they have an incoming call.
And in a bid for the "big wow" factor: ChatNow can also take up to 30 digital photos that can be animated with cartoonish eyes or wild hairstyles.
Picture from Engadget.
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