product design
New “Blackberry” toy for kids?
Check this new educational toy out. It appears to be an oversized version of a Blackberry, but it’s LeapFrog’s new “Text & Learn”, set to release in August. Critics fear that it’s too close to the Blackberry design and functionality. Apparently the risk is in creating an unfair bias toward Blackberry.
So is it a diabolical plot to influence the future purchase preference of children? Does this signal that Blackberry is looking at a tween version to launch soon? I’ll keep an eye on it.
I’m sure handheld device competitors wish their product design was emulated in a child’s toy. Getting used to how you use your electronic device is a key loyalty factor. I personally have an irrational aversion to buying a different model of cell phone. I’ve used the same type for years simply because I don’t want to have to relearn how to use an appliance that I rely on every day.
Of course, technology moves so fast, who knows what handheld devices may look like in 5 years, let alone 15 or 20 years. When kids who own this toy are ready to have their schedules, communications and relationships electronically enabled, we may be using tiny chips embedded in a wristwatch that is voice controlled. (While I’m dreaming, can I put in a request that I get one that’s able to project my favorite television programs in holographic splendor wherever I am?) It could be that Blackberry competitors really have nothing to fear.
