Fingerlings (toy)
| Industry | Toy manufacturing |
|---|---|
| Products | Fingerlings |
Fingerlings represents a series of robotic toys introduced in 2017 by WowWee. These engaging devices grasp a finger and react to sound and touch through behaviors such as blinking and sending kisses. The collection later grew to include Fingerlings Hugs, which are larger plush versions that retain the interactive features.
The 2017 holiday season saw Fingerlings achieve significant commercial popularity. Nonetheless, automated purchasing programs known as "Grinch bots" acquired vast amounts from online stores to resell at elevated prices, leading to proposed legislation in the United States aimed at banning these bots.
Features
Fingerlings offer more than 40 different responses and sounds, including blinking and singing. They incorporate motion detectors and built-in microphones that enable distinct reactions depending on how users engage with them. The initial concept drew inspiration from the pygmy marmoset, influenced by Sydney Wiseman, the brand manager at WowWee.
History
The Fingerlings line first launched in Canada and the UK during spring 2017 before arriving in the U.S. market in August, where demand rapidly increased. WowWee collaborated with prominent retailers to release exclusive variants: a glitter monkey for Amazon, a sloth for Walmart, and a unicorn for Toys "R" Us. Later editions introduced additional creatures such as dragons and pandas.
For the 2018 holiday season, WowWee unveiled Fingerlings Hugs—larger plush toys featuring interactive elements and extended arms designed specifically for hugging.
Controversy
Although Fingerlings dominated the 2017 holiday toy sales, supply shortages occurred due to "Grinch bots" that purchased large quantities online to resell at inflated prices. This situation prompted U.S. Senator Chuck Schumer to push for expanding the BOTS Act to ban such automated buying software in retail environments, aiming to safeguard consumers and ensure fair competition.
See also
- Aquapet, interactive electronic toys
- Internet bot