SINGAPORE: Hong Kong is starting the year with a bit of fun as it hosts Asia's biggest toy fair. The four-day exhibition also signals new trends in the industry as traditional toys seemed to have taken on a high-tech edge.
All the latest toys on display are from more than 1,900 exhibitors from around the world at the Hong Kong Toys and Games Fair.
And, the annual event attracts tens of thousands of professional buyers looking to place major orders for the year.
One such toy with a high-tech twist is the battle tank which can be controlled by an iPhone, iPad or iPod touch through a bluetooth connection and it costs US$180 a pop.
President of Hong Kong-based Toyeast Ltd Steve Ng said: "Our tank uses the interactive bluetooth technology to communicate. It allows up to 10 people to play in one game together at the same time. And they have an interactive battling signal."
At US$25, a toy gun is a little lighter on the pocket, and it takes the humble toy gun to a new level. Using "augmented reality" technology, players can battle virtual aliens superimposed on real-life surroundings, with the help of a smartphone app.
Co-founder & CEO of AR Attack Kevin Mak said: "The idea started with our traditional toys, water guns. And we see water guns or the traditional toys as becoming oversupplied without too much creativity. And we thought we want to start something really exciting with the regular toys."
Exhibitors are feeling upbeat about the year ahead, after experiencing a slump in demand last year from major export markets in the West.
Some are expecting sales growth of as much as 20 per cent, as signs point to demand in the US perking up.
- CNA/ck
Asia's biggest toy fair sees high-tech gadgets
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Asia's biggest toy fair sees high-tech gadgets
