In further proof that nostalgia and capitalism go hand-in-hand, Fisher-Price has released a working version of a child’s toy phone.
The company’s Chatter Telephone is a famous 60-year-old kids’ toy (it even made it into Toy Story) with an old-school rotary dial and smiley face.
The new version effectively works as a Bluetooth receiver for iOS and Android smartphones.
Once connected, the friendly little phone will call out the numbers as you dial them with the rotary wheel.
It also works as a speakerphone if you don’t want to use the bright red handset.
Chatter will also ring for incoming calls and boasts nine hours of talk time.
You can reposition him around your house and lock his little rubber wheels so he doesn’t roll off the table. But sadly, there’s no pull string to tug him along behind you.
Why anyone would want this is unclear, but according to the US-based Toy Association, more adults are buying kids toys to help them cope with pandemic uncertainty and the ongoing homeworking trend.
‘This year’s biggest trends underscore the ongoing impact of the pandemic on play; the toy industry’s growing commitment to helping kids become better global citizens; and the many social, emotional, and cognitive benefits of mindful, musical, and ‘kidult’ toys,’ said Adrienne Appell, senior vice president of marketing communications at The Toy Association.
It remains to be seen whether this Bluetooth-enabled version will stick around for the next 60 years.
The new Chatter Telephone can be pre-ordered for $60 at Best Buy in the United States. Any UK customers will likely need to pay extra to have it shipped internationally.
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