Elmo Live
Elmo Live! is a 2008 Fisher-Price toy based on the Sesame Street character Elmo. The toy was Fisher-Price's latest effort to build on the success of the 1996 Tickle Me Elmo doll and the 2006 T.M.X. Elmo.[1] The red, furry doll can move his head as he speaks, and he can clap, sing, dance, tell stories and jokes, and play games.[1] He can sense when he's being hugged, and respond appropriately.[2] He has sensors on his foot, tummy, back and nose.[3] The toy was designed over a period of two years, building sophisticated electronic controls hidden inside the red plush doll.[4][5]
The toy was first announced at the New York Toy Fair in February 2008.[2] It was released nationwide on October 14, 2008.[1] Jim Silver, editor-in-chief of Toys & Family Entertainment magazine, said, "There's no question this toy is going to be this season's must-have toy. While past Elmos could dance, laugh, or say funny things, this Elmo has a ton of content. The movement is amazing... it makes him seem lifelike."[1] The doll's human-like attributes, along with a video showing an Elmo Live being set on fire, inspired thought experiments about whether robotic dolls should have human rights.[6]
However, there was concern over the toy's price. The retail price was $60, "above the $50 price tag that once was the high-water mark for most toys."[4]
References[edit]
- ^ a b c d Martin, Patti (August 8, 2008). "Red alert!". Asbury Park Press. pp. G1–G2. Retrieved 1 April 2024.
- ^ a b Pilieci, Vito (Feb 16, 2008). "Mattel unveils its latest Elmo". Saskatchewan Leader-Post. Retrieved 1 April 2024.
- ^ Gaskell, Stephanie (February 15, 2008). "Tickled to See Ya: Latest interactive Elmo Live sings, tells jokes, sits and chats". New York Daily News. Retrieved 1 April 2024.
- ^ a b Casey, Nicholas (October 11, 2008). "Mattel gambles on pricey Elmo". Arizona Republic. p. 46. Retrieved 1 April 2024.
- ^ Roth, Daniel (2016-01-01). Pope, Charles (ed.). Introduction to Computers and Computing, Pearson Ninth Custom Edition for Indiana University. Internet Archive. p. 248. ISBN 978-1-323-29414-7.
- ^ Staff, WIRED. "Do Humanlike Machines Deserve Human Rights?". Wired. ISSN 1059-1028. Retrieved 2024-04-02.