Over the next few days, over 80,000 merchants and other specialists are
expected to attend the world's biggest toy fair in Germany, which runs until February 6.
With new electronic toys, ride-on toys and playground collectibles being showcased by major brands, the
fair's general manager, Ernst Kick, said one theme in particular appears to be aimed at the 13-17-year-old age group, which supports one of this year's
fair mottos, 'Toys for Teens.'
Such gadgets aimed at the teens include electronic toys that use either smart phones or tablet computers as
controllers, just one of the key novelties shown at the fair's media day yesterday with
touchscreens that can be used to steer remote-controlled cars.
The fair also marked the first major showing for Lego friends, a new line from Danish toy manufacturer Lego that is aimed
squarely at girls aged 5 and above who find the company's current
toy-brick sets too limiting.
The company said it had taken
four years to develop and it was launching with 23 new sets which can
be used with existing Lego.