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Barbie Moves from Doll to MP3 Player

By BetaNews Staff, BetaNews

April 27, 2007, 5:35 PM

Apparently, plain dolls just aren't enough for kids these days. Mattel is introducing a new line of Barbie MP3 players that come with their own accessories and link up to the new Barbie Girls Web site - a virtual world of all-things Barbie that is currently in beta.

Mattel says the traditional Barbie doll is sticking around, but notes that among its target demographic, physical toys are becoming much less prevalent as kids spend ever more of their free time on the Web. Barbie is also facing competition from Bratz dolls, which have more appeal to older kids. The Barbie MP3 player will go on sale in July for $59.99, although the beta Web site is open now.

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By ArnoldOffner

edited Sep 16, 2007 - 9:57 AM

Will these MP3 Players be RoHS-Compliant ? In other word, will they comply with the European Directive for 6 Hazardous Substances, including Lead, Mercury and the Bromides ? EU Directive 2002/95/EC and 2002/96/EC and amendments ? Or do we have another Lead (Pb) issue in the works ?

Score: 0

By shy_one

posted Apr 30, 2007 - 6:58 PM

Makes you wonder where the usb and headphones plug in and if they will enlarge the breasts and call them fm/wi-fi transmiters.

Sorry couldn't help my self hangs head down in shame.

Score: 0

By cap737

posted Apr 30, 2007 - 11:39 AM

This is going to be as lame as the Barbie PC that came out in the late 90s.

Score: 0

By Secret Agent Man

posted Apr 29, 2007 - 10:35 AM

This is a natural step, is it not? They're just trying to keep with the times. They know that younger and younger girls are getting cell phones, MP3 players, and so on. Now they can market their doll's name as a piece of technology that is on the rise. Sounds like a smart plan to me.

Score: 0

By gws

edited Apr 28, 2007 - 8:44 PM

I'm sure if they named it "The Sony Barbie MP3 player" all the Sony Fan Boys would be running to the store to buy it, and say it was for their daughter.

:-)