Toy Fair, the largest toy trade show in the Western Hemisphere, took place at the Javitz Center in New York City from February 15 to February 18, 2009, and featured 1,500 manufacturers, distributors, importers and sales agents from 30 countries. Here's a small sample of what was there.
Caption byDavid Carnoy
/ Photo by David Carnoy/CNET Networks
Crab meets ladybug in the battle for microrobotic creature supremacy.
Caption byDavid Carnoy
/ Photo by David Carnoy/CNET Networks
Hexbug's upcoming ant is really fast.
Caption byDavid Carnoy
/ Photo by David Carnoy/CNET Networks
Custom-made Hexbug robot.
Caption byDavid Carnoy
/ Photo by David Carnoy/CNET Networks
Another prototype robot from Hexbug.
Caption byDavid Carnoy
/ Photo by David Carnoy/CNET Networks
Alternative energy stuff was all the rage.
Caption byDavid Carnoy
/ Photo by David Carnoy/CNET Networks
Several solar-powered toys.
Caption byDavid Carnoy
/ Photo by David Carnoy/CNET Networks
The boat takes the spotlight.
Caption byDavid Carnoy
/ Photo by David Carnoy/CNET Networks
This little dude doesn't take handouts.
Caption byDavid Carnoy
/ Photo by David Carnoy/CNET Networks
With a blast of light, the tram is on the move.
Caption byDavid Carnoy
/ Photo by David Carnoy/CNET Networks
More alternative action.
Caption byDavid Carnoy
/ Photo by David Carnoy/CNET Networks
No drops: The CamLeash is designed to keep kids from dropping their gear.
Caption byDavid Carnoy
/ Photo by David Carnoy/CNET Networks
The popular Facebook game is going to be a board game. This prototype was designed in a week for the show.
Caption byDavid Carnoy
/ Photo by David Carnoy/CNET Networks
Isn't it grand to have a baby grand?
Caption byDavid Carnoy
/ Photo by David Carnoy/CNET Networks
Various toy cars were prominently on display.
Caption byDavid Carnoy
/ Photo by David Carnoy/CNET Networks
The crank charges the NiMH battery in the car.
Caption byDavid Carnoy
/ Photo by David Carnoy/CNET Networks
The official name of the product is Crank 'n Race.
Caption byDavid Carnoy
/ Photo by David Carnoy/CNET Networks
This interactive robot from Erector and Meccano goes by the name Spykee Vox. He (there's also a she version) reacts to your voice and plays back tunes from you iPod.
Caption byDavid Carnoy
/ Photo by David Carnoy/CNET Networks
Spykee Wifi is a spy robot that takes pictures and creates videos.
Caption byDavid Carnoy
/ Photo by David Carnoy/CNET Networks
Sorry, didn't mean to freak you out.
Caption byDavid Carnoy
/ Photo by David Carnoy/CNET Networks
Your doodle is the track for the Doodle-Track Car.
Caption byDavid Carnoy
/ Photo by David Carnoy/CNET Networks
Short track racing.
Caption byDavid Carnoy
/ Photo by David Carnoy/CNET Networks
Kiz Toys has developed a massively multiplayer online role-playing game (MMORPG) for kids. You buy your character (there are several to choose from) on a USB key.
Caption byDavid Carnoy
/ Photo by David Carnoy/CNET Networks
The map for the KizPlanet Global Playground, which will continuously evolve.
Caption byDavid Carnoy
/ Photo by David Carnoy/CNET Networks
Highly flexible Neotracks allows kids to easily configure tracks to their liking. Beats wood.
Caption byDavid Carnoy
/ Photo by David Carnoy/CNET Networks
The land that time forgot. Figurines are always big.
Caption byDavid Carnoy
/ Photo by David Carnoy/CNET Networks
21st century Sea Monkeys.
Caption byDavid Carnoy
/ Photo by David Carnoy/CNET Networks
The kit comes with larva that turn into these little guys.
Caption byDavid Carnoy
/ Photo by David Carnoy/CNET Networks
That dude is made of Legos.
Caption byDavid Carnoy
/ Photo by David Carnoy/CNET Networks
A company called Ollo had some Lego-type stuff with a little more flair.
Caption byDavid Carnoy
/ Photo by David Carnoy/CNET Networks
Ollo's action items.
Caption byDavid Carnoy
/ Photo by David Carnoy/CNET Networks
Close up.
Caption byDavid Carnoy
/ Photo by David Carnoy/CNET Networks