New Wi-Fi Barbie Has Conversations With Owner

Mattel is creating a new Wi-Fi-connected doll called Hello Barbie that can have conversations with its owner and learn her owner's preferences.

The Barbie was created by partnering with San Francisco-based startup ToyTalk and will use the startup's speech-recognition platform, the BBC reported. A prototype of the doll showed up at the New York Toy Fair this weekend.

"The number one request we hear from girls around the world is that they want to have a conversation with Barbie. Now, for the first time ever, Barbie can have a two-way conversation," said a spokeswoman for Mattel.

A microphone, speaker and LED lights will be inside the doll's necklace and rechargeable batteries in its legs, which can be connected to a charger. Hello Barbies will be able to tell stories, jokes and play interactive games. The doll, after listening to its owner's conversation over time, could also reference some of the child's likes. It's expected to retail for $75.

A talking Barbie isn't that interesting, but one that knows who its owner is and what she or he likes, is much more valuable. 

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