PCR Tech and IT retail, distribution and vendor news
From robotic pets and children’s tablets to speaker docks and USB desk toys, we take a look at the best children’s tech toys and grown up novelty gadgets.
LEAP MOTION CONTROLLER
SRP: £69.99
DISTRIBUTOR: Exertis Gem
THEY SAY: You can only do so much on a computer with clicks and taps. But with the Leap Motion Controller nothing’s holding hands and fingers back. The Leap Motion Controller senses how you move your hands the way you naturally would, so you can point, wave, reach, grab and even pick something up and put it down. It’s an amazing device for the things you do every day and for things you never thought you could do.
SPECS: 24-inch and 60-inch USB 2.0 cables, weighs 0.1lbs. Minimum system requirements: Windows 7/8 or Mac OS X 10.7 Lion, AMD Phenom II or Intel Core i3, i5, i7 processor, 2GB RAM, USB 2.0 port, internet connection.
DOCTOR WHO TARDIS FOUR PORT USB HUB
SRP: £24.99
DISTRIBUTOR: Meroncourt
THEY SAY: The Doctor Who Tardis USB Hub has four ports and comes with authentic SFX and a flashing lantern that makes authentic Tardis sound effects each time a USB device is plugged in.
SPECS: Four USB ports, on/off switch, demo button, works with Mac and PC.
BEEWI BLUETOOTH MINI ROBOT
SRP: £17.88
DISTRIBUTOR: Entatech
THEY SAY: The BeeWi Bluetooth Mini Robot can be controlled directly from your smartphone using the specific BeeWi BotPad application available online on the App Store or Google Play. It can be moved in all directions and you can play various ball and sumo games using the battling arms to kick the ball or another Mini Robot.
SPECS: Two independent motors, uses two standard AAA batteries, multi-level control with variable speed, 10-metre range.
NABI
SRP: £149.99
DISTRIBUTOR: Exertis Micro-P
THEY SAY: The Nabi 2 seven-inch tablet is designed for kids and is the only tablet which is powerful and quick enough to become a child’s art studio, favourite game-console and personal home theatre. It protects both itself with rubber bumpers and your child with robust parental controls. The Nabi 2 also comes with its own integrated learning system.
SPECS: Seven-inch multi-touch 1024×600 display, Nvidia Tegra 3 mobile processor with quad-core CPU and fifth batter-saver core, 8GB storage, MicroSD slot for up to 32GB, 1GB RAM, 2MP front facing camera, Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich.
Q-CAMZ FLYING ROBOT
SRP: £79.99 DISTRIBUTOR: Midwich
THEY SAY: Watch your robot take to the skies as you control it with your Apple or Android smartphone or tablet. Two-channel with built in Gyroscope allows for forward/back as well as up/down control. Take the stress out of a day in the office with a combat game function which allows two or more robots to fight it out in mid air.
SPECS: Compatible with Apple devices and mainstream Android devices, Lithium Ion battery, adjustable legs to alter flight speed.
KURIO 4S TOUCH
SRP: £89.99
DISTRIBUTOR: Ingram Micro Mobility
THEY SAY: This personal Android media player is perfect for tweens on the go. Preloaded with over 25 premium apps including Angry Birds Space and a Disney app pack, the 4S Touch has parental controls to create four independent profiles.
SPECS: Allwinder dual core A20 processor, Android 4.2.2 ‘Jelly Bean’, 1GB RAM, 3.97-inch screen, 8GB storage (up to 32GB via Micro SD Card), Wi-Fi, Micro USB connection.
TRUST AROO WIRELESS LASER PRINTER
SRP: £19.99
DISTRIBUTOR: Exertis Gem
THEY SAY: Use this pen-shaped wireless presenter with laser pointer to control your presentations. Its thin shape easily fits into a laptop bag and its pen clip means users can easily attach it to their shirt pocket.
SPECS: Two buttons for slide forward and back, wireless range for up to eight metres, storable USB micro receiver.
BEEWI BLUETOOTH INTERACTIVE HELICOPTER
SRP: £25.99
DISTRIBUTOR: Entatech
THEY SAY: Can be controlled directly from your smartphone using the HeliPad app available on Google Play. Control using throttle, left/right and forward/backward directions. The app allows both touch screen and motion control.
SPECS: Four hours recharge time, 10-meter range, three channels plus gyroscope, charging cable, infrared interactive target, replacement blades.
LIVESCRIBE WIFI SMARTPEN
SRP: £99
DISTRIBUTOR: Exertis Gem
THEY SAY: Record everything you write and hear with the Livescribe WiFi Smartpen. Tap anywhere on your notes to replay the audio from that moment in time. Automatically, your recorded notes and audio are wirelessly sent and securely stored in your Evernote account. Your exclusive Livescribe plan for Evernote includes 500MB of additional upload capacity for smartpen notes and audio.
SPECS: Built-in speaker, 3.5mm audio jack, OLED display, micro-USB connector, Wi-Fi, microphone, soft touch grip, replaceable ink tip.
LEXIBOOK POWER TABLET
DISTRIBUTOR: DirekTek
THEY SAY: Kids can discover the
Lexibook Market for fast and secure download of the best content and apps. Download classic tablet apps like Skype and Angry Birds but with the addition of many games, colouring activities, puzzles and more. The multimedia universe is specially dedicated to listening to music, watching videos and viewing pictures. Hundreds of cartoons are also available in the Lexibook Video Store.
SPECS: Android OS, 7-inch display, 0.3MP camera, 10,000 apps available.
DJ TEDDY SPEAKER DOCK
SRP: £19.99
DISTRIBUTOR: Target Components
THEY SAY: The cuddliest speaker dock around, the DJ Teddy offers great sound quality with two speakers located in the feet of the sitting teddy. All you need to do is pull the cable from inside the arms of the bear and plug the jack into your audio player. Then place the device inside the Teddy’s arms knowing that your audio player is in good hands.
SPECS: Compatible with MP3, MP4, mobile phones, iPhone and iPod, requires two AA batteries.
ON SOLUTIONS COMPACT PORTABLE POWER DOCK FOR IPHONE/IPOD
SRP: £38.99
DISTRIBUTOR: Meroncourt
THEY SAY: Take a charge anywhere. The ultra slim and lightweight portable charging dock for all generations iPod and iPhone charges your device without the need of a wall socket.
SPECS: Can be charged through solar panels, Lithium Polymer 1500mAh battery, 2-3 hours recharge time.
CREATIVE AIRWAVE HD PORTABLE SPEAKER
SRP: £129.99
DISTRIBUTOR: VIP Computers
THEY SAY: Simplify your life with the clever features of the Creative Airwave HD. Enjoy easy one-touch pairing to your smart devices. This compact yet powerful speaker lets you take your music everywhere with you.
SPECS: Seven hours of playtime, built-in li-ion battery, NFC, Bluetooth 3.0, integrated analog aux-in connector, built-in concealed microphone, supported codecs: aptX, SBC, AAC.
HOLOGRAFX
SRP: £49.99
DISTRIBUTOR: John Adams
THEY SAY: Designed to make the user the star of their very own holographic video show, HolograFX comes with incredible holographic and illusion effects. The set explores groundbreaking app-based technology at an affordable and accessible price point. Amaze your friends as the HolograFX characters appear and disappear into the props included within the set.
SPECS: Free app, 20 holographic and illusion effects included, aimed at kids aged six to 12 years old.
GIOTECK SC-1 CONTROLLER
SRP: £34.99
CONTACT: Gioteck
THEY SAY: The SC-1 has been designed with cut-out shoulders and a more shallow body to enhance gameplay with all sports titles on the PS3. With adjustable sensitivity for super accurate thumbstick control, pressure sensitive buttons for responsive gameplay, and rumble technology, you’ll be able to feel every slam, crash and tackle.
SPECS: Auto power save, dual vibration feedback, ergonomic triggers, programmable buttons, concave anti-slip thumbsticks, battery notification, 2.4GHz wireless connection, fully compatible with PS3 USB controller third-party specifications.
LEAPPAD ULTRA
SRP: £119.99
CONTACT: LeapFrog
THEY SAY: The LeapPad Ultra is the new ‘must have’ kids tablet and an exciting addition to the number one LeapPad family. This Wi-Fi connected tablet has a tough touchscreen, along with other key features including integrated kid-safe web browser and a learning library full of educator-approved games, apps and more.
SPECS: 8GB of storage, Wi-Fi, 100 per cent kid safe, seven-inch screen, library with 500-plus applications.
EZ PRO DJ MIXER
SRP: £49.99
DISTRIBUTOR: JAKKS UK
THEY SAY: The EZ Pro DJ Mixer lets you scratch and mix songs on your iOS device like a pro. It provides a realistic DJ experience for beginners, allowing you to create unique mash-ups from your favourite songs. Simply download the free EZ Pro DJ app onto your iOS device to begin mixing.
SPECS: Two turntables, sample trigger buttons, crossfader, beat matching, headphone jack.
MECCANO SPYKEE MICRO ROBOT
SRP: £24.99
CONTACT: Meccano
THEY SAY: Micro Spykee RC robot is an awesome build-your-own remote control robot with its own mischievous personality from heritage construction brand Meccano.
SPECS: 20-part build, built-in sound effects, includes all tools required for build, requires three AAA and three LR44 batteries.
RAZER ATROX ARCADE STICK FOR XBOX 360
SRP: £189.99
DISTRIBUTOR: VIP Computers
THEY SAY: The Razer Atrox Arcade Stick is crafted to allow advanced modification. With internals and storage easily accessible at the touch of a button, the joystick, all ten buttons and the top panel are fully interchangeable.
SPECS: Accessible internals and storage compartments, four metre detachable USB cable, 2.5mm audio jack for Xbox 360 headset use.
CUPET
SRP: £6.99
DISTRIBUTOR: Flair
THEY SAY: With the coolest new design and the latest technology, Cupets come to life on your smart device, combining digital gaming and augmented reality with a free online game. There are 12 cube shaped pets to collect, each with their own personality and ability, who all require as much love and attention as a real life pet. Simply download the free game, plug in the cheeky Cupet and nurture your pets so they perform to the best of their ability in four mini games.
TEKSTA ROBOTIC PUPPY
SRP: £59.99 (each)
DISTRIBUTOR: Character Options
THEY SAY: Meet Teksta, the robotic super puppy. This first class robotic pet brings new 4G technology to life. Setting him apart is his cutting edge, unique hand gesture technology that allows you to command him to stop, sit and perform spectacular tricks. Teksta can also be connected to a smart device where kids can get him to perform doggy dance moves and listen to him bark along to their favourite songs.
USB THUNDER MISSLE LAUNCHER
SRP: £32.99
DISTRIBUTOR: Trends
THEY SAY: The Thunder Missile Launcher delivers the extra power needed to hit the furthest corners of the office… or HR’s hangout where they frequently discuss your possible termination. Plug into your PC’s USB port and control via your mouse and keyboard.
SPECS: Four foam missiles, USB cable, compatible with: Windows XP/Vista/7/9 and Mac OS 10.5 to 10.7.
KHET 2.0 LASER GAME
SRP: £29.99
CONTACT: Esdevium Games
THEY SAY: Khet combines lasers with classic strategy for an experience enjoyed by players of all ages. Take turns moving Egyptian-themed mirrored pieces to fire an eye-safe laser at your opponent’s goal to win. This is the only laser board game available on the market.
LENCO COOLTAB 72
SRP: £99.99
CONTACT: Lenco
THEY SAY: The Lenco Cooltab 72 is a revolutionary computer tablet that combines fashion, functionality, affordability and security in a single device. There are four funky colours for each family member.
SPECS: Pre-installed KIDO’Z app with a full suite of parental controls, expandable memory of up to 32GB, seven-inch HD screen, dual core processor, front and back camera.
REVELLUTIONS CARS
SRP: £39.99
CONTACT: Revell
THEY SAY: With unique cool designs and ultra robust chassis construction made of high tech polymer plastic, Revellutions Cars are splash and dust proof. As well as using the 2.4GHz Pistol Grip controller to steer the toy car, it can also be used to play a free Revellutions 3D online game via a PC or laptop.
SPECS: Lithium polymer battery with plug-free hard case, mechanical gear shifting, full suspension, top speed of approximately 30km/h.
APPCARDS
SRP: £9.99 (each)
CONTACT: Jumbo
THEY SAY: Jumbo’s AppCards range allows players to experience traditional card games on all smartphones and tablets, enabling multiplayer gameplay across digital platforms. AppCards include Colour Slam, where players match their cards with the colour combination on the app, Pim Pam Pet, a good old beat the clock question and answer game and Sound Bingo where you match the sound and animation to the picture on your card.
CARRERA PC MARIO KART 7
SRP: £59.99
CONTACT: The Hobby Company
THEY SAY: Everybody’s favourite plumber has arrived with the Carrera RC Mario Kart 7. This is the latest item to come from Carrera RC and features 2.4GHz Servo Tronic, a range that benefits from multi-stage steering and speed control.
SPECS: Top speed of 20 km/h, up to 40 minutes running time, 80 minutes charge time, splash proof, body tilting action.
PANOSPHERE 360 SPY CAM
SRP: £59.99
CONTACT: The Hobby Company
THEY SAY: Experience the future of espionage technology with the Panosphere 360 Spy Cam. Roll the Panosphere into any room and capture amazing 360-degree panoramic video. The included disc, tripod and the strap lets you place the Panosphere in secret locations to record in every direction at once.
SPECS: Includes tactical disk housing, velcro band, suction cup bracket, rechargeable LIPO battery and USB charge/data cable.
HEXBUG AQUABOT
SRP: £7.99, £12.99 (with fish bowl)
CONTACT: Innovation First
THEY SAY: The perception-shifting Hexbug Aquabot is the first water-born Hexbug micro robotic creature, complete with smart fish technology, providing the ultimate futuristic addition to the toy category. These little creatures are powered by electro-magnetic propulsion, which they use to explore their environment. The colourful Hexbug Aquabot and Aquabot with Fish Bowl offer kids the fun experience of having a pet fish, without all the messy cleanup.
CONTACTS
CHARACTER OPTIONS: 0161 633 9800
DIREKTEK: 01494 471 100
ENTATECH: 0333 101 1000
ESDEVIUM GAMES: 01420 593 500
EXERTIS GEM: 01279 822822
EXERTIS MICRO-P: 01282 776 776
FLAIR: 0208 643 0320
GIOTECK: 01462 472380
INGRAM MICRO MOBILITY: 0870 849 0225
INNOVATION FIRST: 01925 453144
JAKKS UK: 01344 638900
JOHN ADAMS: 01480 414361
JUMBO GAMES: 01707 260436
LEAPFROG: 01895 202840
LENCO: 01420 592499
MECCANO: 01869 324956
MERONCOURT: 01462 680060
MIDWICH: 01379 649200
REVELL: 01442 890285
SPIN MASTER: 01628 535000
TARGET COMPONENTS: 01977 739 300
THE HOBBY COMPANY: 01908 605 686
TRENDS: 01295 768 078
VIP COMPUTERS: 0871 622 7500
