Every generation believes it has had a better childhood than the previous one, which in practice is just nostalgia. What exists, undoubtedly, is the difference in how we access entertainment.
Prior to the prevalence of the internet in the overwhelming majority of Brazilian homes (close to 90% according to some more optimistic estimates), the way we discovered new products was from television advertisements or directly in stores. Of course, the scenario changed.
Nowadays, the discovery of toys, for example, is mostly through the networks. Even seekers like Google, who once reigned supreme, now seem to be molded to the wishes of the networks. According to ExpressvPN research on the topic, let’s talk a little more!
What is the relationship of toys with new technologies?
According to Research published by ExprsvPNbetween 29% and 39% of people who use social networks do so looking for relevant information about products. A limited edition pop funko, for example. This is an interactive technological alternative that did not exist in the past of toys.
Similarly, we have those toys with online features, such as an application that changes settings or a site where additional information and games are found. It is remarkable an effort to unite the two spheres: physical toys and the possibilities of what is digital.
This trend is especially strong among younger generations, with ExprsvPN research citing that 66% of Internet users between 18 and 26 years old make daily use of both social networks and search tools like Google. And these numbers are not so different among the elders.
How does entertainment with IA and VR work?
In the previous topic we play briefly in Some types of technologies that have been adopted to toys, so that it is worth highlighting examples, which appear in the very title of this text: artificial intelligences and augmented reality. Both fulfill a relevant role.
Artificial intelligences, better known as “IA”, have been present in digital entertainment for decades, with their most prevalent appearance in video games. More recently, they have been applied to toys, helping them to have independence functions.
In the case of augmented reality (or virtual reality, where the acronym “VR”) comes, we have accessories that allow us to explore digital spaces associated (or not) with physical toys. Technologies like Nintendo’s friends or Skylanders brand dolls make strategic use of this union.
The evolution of connected toys: more than interactivity, immersion
One of the strongest trends in the toys universe is connectivity integration. Connected toys not only interact with the user, but also offer a more immersive experience, expanding game possibilities.
The connectivity between toys and mobile devices, for example, is already a reality with toys that connect via Bluetooth or Wi-Fi, allowing the user to unlock new features, interact with other toys or even play with friends at a distance.
In the coming years, we can expect toys that evolve to more personalized experiences, where user preferences are stored and the “learn” toy to adapt to these choices, thanks to artificial intelligence. This will bring a more dynamic and unique game experience for each child.
Augmented reality: new worlds within the reach of children
Augmented reality (RA) has already begun to leave its brand in the toy market, but the future promises even more sophisticated experiences. Toys that use RA allow children to explore virtual worlds while interacting with the physical world, creating a type of hybrid entertainment. An example of this is the use of RA applications to unlock 3D characters or to create imaginary worlds in real time.
In the coming years, we can see toys that transform one’s own home into an interactive scenario, where it can perform activities such as treasure hunt, build virtual worlds or even interact with toys that “come to life” through mobile devices.
The future of RA toys is full of possibilities, creating more engaging and educational experiences.
What can we expect for the future of toys?
From all that we talk so far, we are able to make some predictions. The first of these is that technologies will not only continue to impact toys and their search online, but the weight of this impact will increase (and a lot). The AI, in particular, seem to have arrived to stay.
In the case of interactive searches, we can dig with some confidence that search tools like Google will lose more and more space for social networks, and even for their own AI. Expressvpn data even cite that about 1/3 of netizens are already valid for the IA for research.
For toys and related toy enthusiasts, these (and other) trends are positive. The adoption of technologies is usually synonymous with greater innovations and high accessibility, with the perspective that increasingly specific interests are contemplated by products in the area.
Although much of this text has been dedicated to toys in a children’s context, it is worth reinforcing that the same phenomena are observed when we talk about the search for products of this nature among young adults. From these trends, it is worth taking advantage of what technologies offer.
Source: https://blogdebrinquedo.com.br/2025/02/o-futuro-dos-brinquedos-ia-realidade-aumentada-e-buscas-interativas/
