Mattel has launched the first Internet-connected version of its iconic doll Barbie, capable of having a conversation with their owner.
Mattel has teamed up with ToyTalk for Hello Barbie, a version of the doll that can carry on a conversation via Wi-Fi and voice-recognition technology.
Hello Barbie is still in the works, but Mattel plans to have her on shelves this holiday season.
Barbie will remember the user’s responses, store the data in the cloud, and get to know them over time, like Cortana or Siri. Updates will also happen via Wi-Fi.
Hello Barbie’s inquisitiveness isn’t just a way to keep a kid engaged, it actually helps the toy build a customised cloud-based database of a child’s likes and dislikes. So if at some point they happen to mention how much they enjoy performing, Barbie will actually work that information into future conversations.
If a child starts talking about what they want to be when they grow up, for example, Barbie might suggest jobs like a singer or a dancer as a result.
