from http://www.techtv.com/news/print/0,23102,3404120,00.html
First Look: Disney Phones and Radios
Everything makes a noise, and that's the fun behind these engaging character-themed devices.
By Brett Larson
In what seems like an ongoing effort to place the Disney brand everywhere, the company has finally entered the competitive arena of consumer electronics. Plans to bring "unique Disney design language" to a whole range of products hope to create overwhelming desire in your kids. See what the House of Mouse has up its sleeve, tonight on "Tech Live."
First up, a set of Disney Adventure two-way radios come complete with cameos by the likes of Buzz Lightyear, and his alien friends ("the claw is our master"), that furry creature from "Lilo and Stitch," and one more whom we can't honestly place. Sure to bring hours of fun to your kids -- have your favorite headache remedy handy -- Disney has managed to jam animated excitement into the palm of your youngster's hand.
It's a world of laughter
The most noticeable Disney contribution to the design of the two-way radios is the large Mickey Mouse-shaped talk and volume button on the front. This should ensure that every time your child presses her thumb to talk, she'll be reminded to beg you to take her to Disneyland. Unlike two-way radios for grown-ups, every button on the Adventure series makes some kind of noise when pressed. And when the unit is turned on, Snow White's castle is displayed, along with a startup song. The small LCD display shows all the setting information, like volume and channel, as well as an icon for whichever Disney character the two-way radio is set for.
Are we there yet?
Concluding each and every transmission from the two-way radio is an interjection from the aforementioned Disney character. For example, Buzz Lightyear helps your child complete each broadcasted comment with "copy." The Alien, also from "Toy Story," throws in an "Ooooh." Those characters also play a role in the calling feature, which is an easy way to get the attention of your radio mates without talking. Buzz Lightyear's witty "Come in star command, do you read" will certainly draw attention, though we preferred the alien's "Greetings enlightened one." While the chosen character says its line, their corresponding icon becomes animated, making it seem like they're right there, inside your radio.
The circle of toys
Since most children's toys are on the receiving end of some pretty intense use, we were pleased to see the Disney design language included the word sturdy. The two-way radios feel extremely solid, all the way down to the rubber, flexible antenna. They managed to survive our 3-foot drop without a scratch. The design also includes a relatively difficult-to-open battery door, so you won't have to worry about little fingers getting in there.
Summary: Disney enters the consumer electronics arena -- with the help of Motorola -- with two-way radios and cordless phones. The two-way radios feature familiar characters from Pixar films and will bring hours of entertainment to both children and the childish at heart. The 2.4-GHz cordless-phone adds Disney Classic musical ring tunes such as "Mickey Mouse Club March," "It's A Small World (After All)," and "Zip-A-Dee-Doo-Dah" to your more standard features of a modern cordless phone. Both Disney phones also have large, Mickey Mouse-shaped buttons and bright colors.
Disney-themed and Motorola-made two-way radios and cordless phones promise to bring brand-named joy to the lives of children in your home.
Pros: Disney characters, easy-to-use, colorful design.
Cons: Everything makes a sound.
Company Disney
Price: $59.99 (Two-way radios are sold in pairs).
Available: Before Christmas 2002 season.
Category: Wireless radios
First Look: Disney Phones and Radios
Everything makes a noise, and that's the fun behind these engaging character-themed devices.
By Brett Larson
In what seems like an ongoing effort to place the Disney brand everywhere, the company has finally entered the competitive arena of consumer electronics. Plans to bring "unique Disney design language" to a whole range of products hope to create overwhelming desire in your kids. See what the House of Mouse has up its sleeve, tonight on "Tech Live."
First up, a set of Disney Adventure two-way radios come complete with cameos by the likes of Buzz Lightyear, and his alien friends ("the claw is our master"), that furry creature from "Lilo and Stitch," and one more whom we can't honestly place. Sure to bring hours of fun to your kids -- have your favorite headache remedy handy -- Disney has managed to jam animated excitement into the palm of your youngster's hand.
It's a world of laughter
The most noticeable Disney contribution to the design of the two-way radios is the large Mickey Mouse-shaped talk and volume button on the front. This should ensure that every time your child presses her thumb to talk, she'll be reminded to beg you to take her to Disneyland. Unlike two-way radios for grown-ups, every button on the Adventure series makes some kind of noise when pressed. And when the unit is turned on, Snow White's castle is displayed, along with a startup song. The small LCD display shows all the setting information, like volume and channel, as well as an icon for whichever Disney character the two-way radio is set for.
Are we there yet?
Concluding each and every transmission from the two-way radio is an interjection from the aforementioned Disney character. For example, Buzz Lightyear helps your child complete each broadcasted comment with "copy." The Alien, also from "Toy Story," throws in an "Ooooh." Those characters also play a role in the calling feature, which is an easy way to get the attention of your radio mates without talking. Buzz Lightyear's witty "Come in star command, do you read" will certainly draw attention, though we preferred the alien's "Greetings enlightened one." While the chosen character says its line, their corresponding icon becomes animated, making it seem like they're right there, inside your radio.
The circle of toys
Since most children's toys are on the receiving end of some pretty intense use, we were pleased to see the Disney design language included the word sturdy. The two-way radios feel extremely solid, all the way down to the rubber, flexible antenna. They managed to survive our 3-foot drop without a scratch. The design also includes a relatively difficult-to-open battery door, so you won't have to worry about little fingers getting in there.
Summary: Disney enters the consumer electronics arena -- with the help of Motorola -- with two-way radios and cordless phones. The two-way radios feature familiar characters from Pixar films and will bring hours of entertainment to both children and the childish at heart. The 2.4-GHz cordless-phone adds Disney Classic musical ring tunes such as "Mickey Mouse Club March," "It's A Small World (After All)," and "Zip-A-Dee-Doo-Dah" to your more standard features of a modern cordless phone. Both Disney phones also have large, Mickey Mouse-shaped buttons and bright colors.
Disney-themed and Motorola-made two-way radios and cordless phones promise to bring brand-named joy to the lives of children in your home.
Pros: Disney characters, easy-to-use, colorful design.
Cons: Everything makes a sound.
Company Disney
Price: $59.99 (Two-way radios are sold in pairs).
Available: Before Christmas 2002 season.
Category: Wireless radios
