DreamPlay Toys, LLC, the joint venture between emerging technology company NantWorks, LLC, founded by Dr. Patrick Soon-Shiong and leading US toy company, JAKKS Pacific, Inc. (Nasdaq: JAKK), announced the launch of the “Ariel’s Musical Surprise” app, now available on the iTunes® app store. The app, developed by DreamPlay Toys and published by Disney, utilizes NantWorks’ patented iD recognition technology to recognize 2D images and 3D objects. The app enhances the at-home toy experiences on select Little Mermaid toys and role-play items manufactured by JAKKS Pacific now available at retailers nationwide, and also offers game play on its own.
At its core, this patented recognition technology is transforming the World Wide Web into the web enabled world, allowing individuals to browse the physical world around them and unlock new digital experiences,” said Dr. Patrick Soon-Shiong, NantWorks’ founder.
The patented 2D and 3D recognition technologies instantly recognize each DreamPlay™ app-enabled Little Mermaid toy without the need for any type of marker or QR code, and creates a magical experience for consumers in the form of interactive games, content-rich experiences and animation available on their smart phone or tablet device.
“The iD recognition empowers kids to unlock the physical world with digital content related to their favorite toys,” said Stephen Berman, Co-Founder and CEO, JAKKS Pacific, Inc. “This marks a seamless convergence of technology, storytelling and traditional toy play delivered through a single experience; bringing magic to life.”
In celebration of the release of The Little Mermaid Diamond Edition on Blu-ray™ this fall, “Ariel’s Musical Surprise” is the first-ever DreamPlay app. When played with select Little Mermaid toys from JAKKS, Ariel’s beautiful underwater world and iconic music from the film comes to life, connecting kids to a favorite Disney character. Children can explore Ariel’s grotto, paint and decorate fish under the sea, and create and play music. 3D gameplay rendering allows for a unique and truly magical experience never before available.
The DreamPlay app-enabled Little Mermaid toys from JAKKS include:
Ariel Musical Light-Up Feature Dress – Girls can celebrate their inner princess in this gorgeous Ariel-themed mermaid gown with motion-activated lights and fun music. With the DreamPlay app experience, little girls can learn to dance with fish and follow their moves as they guide them around the dance floor. Ages 3-5, SRP $34.99
Musical Instrument Set – Budding musicians can strike up their very own crustacean band with this set that includes bongos, a tambourine, a pair of maracas, a trumpet and a microphone. With the DreamPlay app experience, children can interact with Sebastian, mimicking his moves on the bongos while trying to follow along. Watch out because each round becomes more challenging! Ages 3-5, SRP $19.99
Magical Mermaid Kitchen – Little girls can cook up a fantastical feast with this incredible kitchen that says multiple phrases, makes fun kitchen sounds and includes lots of kitchen accessories! And, with the DreamPlay app experience, little cooks can learn to create cakes and treats and be rewarded with a “fireworks” display for a job well done. Ages 3-5, SRP $79.99
Ariel Keyboard Vanity – Little princesses can treat themselves to a royal makeover, or transform the vanity into a keyboard to create original music. With the DreamPlay app experience, children can play a musical game led by magical seahorses. Ages 3-5, SRP $89.99
The DreamPlay app-enabled Little Mermaid toys from JAKKS are each sold separately and available now at major retailers nationwide. The “Ariel’s Musical Surprise” app is free to download now on the iTunes app store. Children can also experience fun gameplay through in-app purchases, without the need to purchase additional products. For more information, visit www.jakks.com/dreamplay.
