Yesterday, Disney announced their latest venture, Disney AppMATes Mobile Application Toys. These new toys are the first of their kind to allow kids to turn the Apple iPad into a virtual play mat. Developed between Disney Consumer Products and Disney Mobile, the new toy line features miniature Cars 2 vehicles with built in sensors that are immediately recognized by an app without any cables or hookups required. Simply download the free Cars 2 Appmates app from the iTunes store, place your Appmates character on the iPad screen and play.
Sunny Lauridsen, director of digital toys for Disney Consumer Products, says:
We have cracked the technology code in changing the way kids play with their toys. Kids will always use toys to play out their favorite Disney stories, but Disney Appmates now allows them to include technology which has become a way of life for them through a beautifully rich app.
When the Cars 2 Appmates app becomes available for download in early to mid October, kids will be able to use their iPad as a virtual play mat and explore the world of Cars. The app will feature exploration, racing games, and guided missions for hours of play. Additionally, each toy will unlock special features and new content that will enable children to continue coming back to play with hours of open ended content. While kids can download the app and simply use their fingers to drive a virtual car throughout the world, purchasing the toys will optimize the play experience.
Disney Appmates toys will launch October 1 at national retailers, as well as the Apple Store, Apple Store online, Disney Store, and Disneystore.com, with vehicle two packs retailing for $19.99. Four characters will be featured with this release, including Lightning McQueen, Tow Mater, Finn McMissile and Holley Shiftwell. In November, two additional characters will be launched – Francesco Bernoulli and Shu Todoroki. They will be available exclusively through Apple Store and Apple Store online.
