The hottest toys this Christmas, Cars 2 Appmates Let Kids Explore the World of Cars, Perform Missions, and Compete In Action-Packed Races
SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA – December, 7 2011 – In an industry first, Disney is introducing Disney AppMATesTM Mobile Application Toys in Australia, a new toy line that comes to life digitally when used with an Apple iPad by allowing kids to use the tablet’s screen as a virtual play mat. Developed by Disney, featuring patent-pending technology, the Appmates toy line features miniature Disney•Pixar Cars 2 vehicles with sensors on the base of each toy that are recognised as a unique footprint by an app with no cable or Bluetooth connection required. Simply download the free Cars 2 Appmates app from the iTunes app store, place your favourite Appmates toy character on the screen and play.
(Editor’s note: Product images available at http://bit.ly/AppmatesImages, demo video available at http://bit.ly/Appmates-Demo)
“The Disney Cars Appmates is the first product to truly deliver play experiences that seamlessly combine the digital & physical worlds. We have cracked the technology code in changing the way kids play with their toys,” said Kylie Watson-Wheeler, General Manager, Licensing, The Walt Disney Company, Australia. “Kids will always use toys to play out their favourite Disney stories, but Disney Appmates now allows them to include technology which has become a way of life for them through a beautifully rich app.”
The magic begins when kids place their vehicle on the iPad and begin to explore the world of Cars. Available for download from today, Cars 2 Appmates app is a free app created by Disney exclusively for use with Appmates toys. By guiding the Appmates vehicle on the screen, the iPad becomes a virtual play mat where kids can experience the world of Radiator Springs.
Cars 2 Appmates features include:
· Exploration – Drive around the world of Radiator Springs to discover landscapes and hidden secrets by simply placing the Cars toy character on the screen and turning it in any direction. Drive through mud and up ramps, visit friends at Flo’s V8 Café or check out your Car’s reflection, showing off your latest gear and gadgets.
· Directed Game Play – Perform missions unique to each character. Completed missions – like helping bring a tow hook back to Mater – gain hubcaps, the virtual currency. Collect enough hubcaps to personalise each car with special features like a unique horn sound, customised tire tracks, and cool gear like a rocket launcher or spy vision goggles.
· Racing – Rev up the action by racing against World Grand Prix opponents and your Radiator Springs friends. Five racetracks are available at launch. Race around Willy’s Butte, jump off Carburetor Mesa and roar through downtown Radiator Springs earning hubcaps in day or night races.
Each toy unlocks different features and content within the app specific to the character, allowing kids to come back over and over to enjoy an imaginative, open-ended play experience using the Appmates toys. Fans can download and test the app by simply using their fingers to drive a virtual car through the world, but the play experience is optimised to come to life with the Appmates toy vehicles.
Created in collaboration with Spin Master, Disney Appmates toys launch in Australia from 7th December just in time for Christmas! They will be available from Apple Store and Apple Store online as vehicle two-packs featuring characters including Lightning McQueen, Holley Shiftwell, Tow Mater and Finn McMissile for RRP$29.95.