Remember the cute yet creepy Furby toys that were all the rage back in the late ‘90s? Everyone wished to have one – and not just the kids. Now, the popular toy has been redesigned and it’s making the comeback of the year.
Meet the new Furby Connect, a toy that’s more interactive and smarter than ever. While looking similarly to the original version, the new Furby has bigger eyes and larger ears to see and hear you better.
Thankfully, the toy does shut its eyes and you can even cover them with a sleep mask that acts as a shut down so you don’t have to fear the Furby will turn into a live Chucky Doll in the middle of the night.
Many of the old features have been kept for authenticity – the doll still blinks its eyes, makes noises and absently chats with other Furby Connects when two are together – but the redesign also includes new smart features.
In 2012, a more recent version of the ‘90s most popular toy was released with a companion app, but Furby Connect takes it as step further by adding Bluetooth connectivity. This way, the toy connected through the app available on iOS, Android, and Amazon Fire, can always be up to date.
Bluetooth also allows the Furby to connect with its owner and play songs and show video clips. This capability was possible through the company’s partnership with Kidz Bop; the new Furby can also display sports scores and other data on global events.
Furby Connect comes with a head-attached antenna that lights up blue when it has new content for you to watch. The notification alerts the owner to open the app and react to the latest videos and songs. The Furby Connect will do the same, reacting “with its own hilarious take on what’s happening on screen.”
Kids can also use the app to take care of the new Furby – which now feels like a hybrid between a Tamagotchi and a Gremlin (other favorite toys of the last century). The owner can raise virtual Furblings in-app by feeding them and playing games with them.
You can preorder the Furby Connect at Amazon.com, and you will pay $99 for it when released this fall.
Image Source: Hasbro