The doll that will drive you mad

Screenshot of My Friend Cayla demo video.

Screenshot of My Friend Cayla demo video.

Published Nov 13, 2014

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London - Once, it was up to a child’s imagination to bring a doll to life.

But now, there is a toy that can actually hold a conversation – and it’s much more than just “hello” and “how are you?”

My Friend Cayla, the world’s first ‘living’ doll, can talk about hobbies, tell stories, play games and even help with homework by accessing the internet to search for her answers.

And it seems we will be hearing a lot more of this noisy doll, since it features in a top 12 list of toys predicted to be the best-sellers this Christmas by industry experts.

At 18 inches (45cm) tall and with a hairbrush and mirror provided for playing with her long blonde hair, Cayla is in many ways like a traditional doll.

But she is the first to be connected to the internet. She works by using voice recognition technology to “hear” what people say. She then sends the sound clip wirelessly to a smartphone app, which translates it into text and searches the internet for an answer.

Some parents don’t seem convinced, with one writing on forum Mumsnet: “Personally I find it a bit freaky... I’m sure it’s going to drive me bonkers!”

But manufacturer Vivid insisted the toy, which costs £58.99 (about R1 000), is educational. A spokesman said: “They can talk about their likes and dislikes and hobbies. Cayla can even answer questions about maths, general knowledge and the weather.”

Vivid added that Cayla’s web searches are controlled by Google’s SafeSearch technology to protect children from unsuitable material and block some words.

Brand manager Catherine Scott said: “If swear words or nasty words come up, she will say: ‘That’s not very nice, we are not talking about that’.” The top 12 Christmas list, compiled by a panel from the Toy Retailers Association, also includes two dolls inspired by the hit Disney movie Frozen, a clear sign of the mania still surrounding the film almost a year after it was released.

Toy shop owner Gary Grant said there is still huge demand for Frozen merchandise, adding: “Quite frankly, you could sell empty boxes if they had Frozen written on them.”

The list is dominated by futuristic toys this year, including a smart watch for children as young as five. The £39.99 Kidizoom watch includes a camera, a voice recorder and games. The most expensive toy on the list is an interactive pet dinosaur called Boomer, at £99.99.

But while children’s toys are becoming ever more high-tech, traditional brand Lego still holds on to a spot in the top 12 with a model of Benny’s Spaceship from this year’s Lego movie. - Daily Mail

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