What’s Next: Using your cell phone to play with your toys

Scientists in Austria have come up with a way to use cell phones to play with toys (not virtual toys but real toys). Writer Peter Wayner in a New York Times article, “Just a Twist (and Tilt) of the Wrist” tells us about these scientists and about the use of movement sensitive technology as a new way to play.

As Wayner puts it:  "Manufacturers are increasingly embedding accelerometers and  other sensors into…  machines, which allow them to respond to movement without waiting for their humans to push a button. Game designers and other programmers are jumping to remake user interfaces so that users can direct gadgets with a nudge, a tilt or a shake."

Interestingly for those of us in the toy world, the two Austrian professors, Andreas Jakl and Stephan Selinger, have “…transformed a Nokia N95 cell phone into a steering wheel for a radio-controlled car  (www.symbianresources.com/projects). Turn the phone to the left and the car turns left.”

When you consider the number of cell phones and other mobile devices in existence, the opportunities for the toy industry are huge. It will be interested to see who is or will be picking up this ball and running with it.