CODE-A-PILLAR (Fisher-Price, $50)Even preschoolers can learn the basics of coding. That's the idea behind this toy, which is aimed at kids ages 3 to 6. Some of the toys are educational, while others are just kind of cool. Happy Atoms, for kids ages 8 and up, involves building molecules with wooden atoms that connect with magnets. Kids solve video game puzzles by both programing the game on a tablet and by physically modifying a Bluetooth-connected controller. While the toy doesn't teach an actual coding language, it does try to impart some of the same critical thinking and problem solving skills that coding does. Pricing for the spools of plastic used in the printer has yet to be determined. The more it's played with, the more tricks are unlocked. The Code-a-Pillar is made up of different colored sections connected by USB plugs.CHIP (WowWee, $200)CHiP is was one of several products at Toy Fair controlled by a wristband worn by the user.A starter
plastic bowl Manufacturers kit includes eight sections, but expansion packs featuring additional commands will be sold separately.The ThingMaker hits stores this fall, but can be preordered through Amazon.Selfiemic(Moose Toys, $25)This toy lets kids create and share their own pop music videos. The company offers three sets of 26 blocks, each with a separate theme: music, circuitry and spy.
The molecules can then be scanned into the app, which gives the kids information about the substance they just made. It's basically a selfie stick with a microphone on one end., a 3D design software company, kids use an app to design items such as action figures and jewelry. They can choose the colors and shapes they want, then send their design to the ThingMaker to print.THINGMAKER 3D PRINTER (Mattel, $300)Created through a partnership with Autodesk Inc. Location: United States, New York.Meanwhile, CodeGamer, ages 10 and up, connects physical and digital play to teach coding skills. The sections perform different commands such as go straight, turn right or make various sound effects. The connection allows the little robot dog to follow his owner around, play soccer and do other tricks.From a preschool toy designed to teach pre-coding skills to a hands-on molecule-building set for older kids that works with an app, technology abounded at this year's Toy Fair.Here are the highlights. The atoms become "happy" when they pick up the appropriate number of electrons through the formation of molecules. All of them are set to go on sale this fall unless otherwise specified.Some of the toys are educational, while others are just kind of cool. The annual showcase of upcoming toys held recently in New York included a slew of tech-related products Some of the toys are educational, while others are just kind of cool.Kids "program" the toy by connecting the various sections in a particular order. The blocks, which look a lot like dominos, connect with magnets and are easy for little hands to manipulate.HAPPY ATOMS AND CODEGAMER SCIENCE KITS (Thames & Kosmos, $150 for CodeGamer)These kits teach science by combining hands-on and app-based activities. All of them are set to go on sale this fall unless otherwise specified. All of them are set to go on sale this fall unless otherwise specified.AIR HOGS CONNECT: MISSION DRONE (Spin Master, $150)This toy, designed for kids ages 10 and up, combines a handful of the hottest trends, including drones, app-based gaming and augmented reality. The app shows them what their finished product will look like and also gives an estimated print time.Pricing for Happy Atoms has yet to be determined. There's a tablet app to go with each set, which tells a story, prompting the kids to build certain kinds of circuits. The annual showcase of upcoming toys held recently in New York included a slew of tech-related products from the titans of the toy industry and tiny startups, all looking to attract increasingly tech-savvy kids.MAKERBLOKS ($200)These circuit builder sets are specifically designed for young children. It comes with an earpiece and works with a smartphone app