PAWTUCKET, R.I.-Toy company Hasbro is targeting what it calls the “tween” market with a new gadget that bridges the gap between toys and communication devices. The company’s new Chatnow Two-Way Radio Communicator includes an integrated digital camera and text-messaging functions and sells in both clamshell-style and slide-style mobile-phone designs.
The tween market generally includes children ages 11 to 14.
The device does not feature wireless wide area network support; instead it relies on two-way radio technology with a range of about 2 miles. However, the device is targeted at younger users enamored with adults’ mobile phones.
“Today’s tweens ask for cell phones, but many parents don’t feel they are ready for the responsibility and won’t make the financial obligation,” said Duncan Billing, Hasbro’s chief marketing officer. “Chatnow satisfies the whole family-kids get a really cool communication system made just for them and, unlike a cell phone, parents won’t incur airtime charges or have to commit to a calling plan.”
The device allows users to send and receive text messages and take up to 30 digital pictures. It even includes predictive text input software like most standard mobile phones. The device will sell for $75 starting in August.
