President of Griffin Technology, Mark Rowan says the new app, “is an natural progression from our first app, Crayola ColorStudio HD,” and the new Paint & Create app can even support ColorStudio’s iMarker with the press of a button.

The iPad Crayola Paint & Create app is currently available from the App Store. It is being offered at the introductory price of $2.99.

FyrFlyz Cyclone Just Begging to Play

Overview

The toy consists of a plastic cross piece, in a sort of “8″ shape with LED lights on the ends. Two looped strings run through holes in the center of the “8″ and plastic finger loops connect to the end of the strings. Ok, so that description was complicated and difficult to visualize;  here’s a picture worth those thousand words.

FyrFlyz Cyclone

Fyr Flyz are available in three styles and colors:

• Cyclone — green center with one green and one white LED
• Nytfyr — purple center with one red and one white LED
• Blue Angel — dark bluish purple center with one blue and one multicolor LED

Each toy takes two 3V button cell batteries (which are included), and since they power LED bulbs, the batteries should last a long time. That said, I did not test their longevity. However, none of my testers had any problems by the time this review posted.

When the batteries do need to be replaced, they are easy to access via the back of the toy. There is also a separate battery for each light, so you will know if one needs to be replaced but the other is still good.

FyrFlyz Battery Access

FyrFlyz at Play

There is no setup for the FyrFlyz, so once I opened the package, my testers were spinning and creating magical masterpieces of light . . . or at least having a lot of fun. There are instructions for how to hold the finger loops, but I considered it a roaring success any time I spun the toy and it didn’t fly out of my hands a roaring success. In reality, I never actyally lost the FyrFlyz, nor did any of my testers. It is just that simple to operate.

Oh yeah, and don’t forget to turn on the light.

Power Switch on Side

So, the main idea is to grip the finger loops such that the lights hang down between your hands. Then, simply spin the FyrFlyz in a large circle so that the strings twist. Once you have several revolutions, pull the strings apart, and the FyrFlyz will spin back the other way, making designs in the air. The more you twist, the more tricks you get out of the toy.

You can play with spinning the strings again while the lights are unwinding to create even more designs. In fact, on the back of the package, i-Star has provided some sample designs for light shows you can create with the FyrFlyz. After hours of play, I’m not exactly sure which of these fantastic shapes I have been able to replicate, but I actually don’t care too much. It’s a bit like writing in the air with a sparkler: you see the design for a split second unless you catch it on film, and even then, you might end up with something like a blur. Still, there is the same satisfaction that accompanies sparklers, but with fewer burns.

Regarding safety, frankly, I think younger kids could easily use FyrFlyz as well as the eight and up crowd, provided they aren’t the type to put everything in their mouths or wrap strings around their necks. However, older kids will probably master more tricks more easily.

One of my favorite features is the fact that the design is well-thought out. Despite what ended up being hours of use, I never once had to unknot a string, despite how tangled and twisted it looked.  And, to a mom, this is a true sign of a well engineered product: one that I don’t have to keep fixing.

In a Nutshell

Pros

• Tangle-free string
• Finger loops are easy to hold on to
• Long battery life
• Lights don’t get hot
• Three colors to choose from
• Inexpensive but still very well designed (I’ve seen them for $8-$12 online and in stores)

Cons

• Yeah, I really don’t have any . . . maybe more color options? Really, I’ve got nothing.

We give FyrFlyz:

5 out of 5 stars

Hasbro's Ultimate FX Lightsaber

Overview

Hasbro’s Ultimate FX Lightsaber is well-designed for its targeted users. The hilt and “blade” of the Ultimate FX are smaller than other models, crafted specifically for young padawan learners and Jedis age six and up. The blades are available in either Jedi blue or Sith red, so no matter which side of the force you prefer, there’s a weapon so suit. The three AA batteries are included, and the lightsaber is reasonably priced around $29.99.

Ultimate FX Lightsaber Features

The price also includes a “Force Tech Training” DVD. Much like a video game, this DVD has an animated Jedi demonstrating moves and battle strategies that viewers can copy and practice. This is a nice extra with the lightsaber.

Force Tech Training Instructional DVD

Freed From Packaging and Ready for Play

Once it’s out of the box, the Ultimate FX Lightsaber provides the most authentic Jedi experience we’ve had to date. The lightsaber comes in “Try Me” mode, so you’ll need to flip the switch to “On” to experience the full list of exciting features.

Power Switch . . . I wonder what Yoda would say about the "Try Me" setting?

As you turn it on, LED lights progressively illuminate, giving it the look of a real lightsaber growing out of the handle. Of course, the lights are accompanied by the classic sound of powering up a lightsaber (very cool).

Ultimate FX Lightsaber Ready for Action

The sound and light effects are just as convincing when you power down. Add to that the clashing, clanging, and flashing lights when the blade hits something, and the effect is remarkably close to that seen in the movies.

I will admit that initially I was more than a bit disappointed that the blade doesn’t retract into the hilt. However, this was more than made up for by the cool effects. Frankly, I didn’t miss the retraction feature that so many other lightsabers have. Furthermore, the rigid blade seemed to be more durable than many of the telescoping options.

With regard to durability, while we don’t try to break the toys we review at KTR, we treat toys as they would be by the appropriate audience. And, I have to say, this lightsaber was put through the paces . . . ALL of them . . . repeatedly.  The result? You can’t even tell, and I’m talking about some epic back yard battles with nary a scratch on the weapon. So, there’s reason to believe that, short of dropping it in a lake or molten lava, the Ultimate FX Lightsaber can stand up to play.

Here’s an example of one battle between a telescoping lightsaber and the Ultimate FX. The difference is clear, visibly and audibly.

Another feature worth noting is the loop on the hilt, presumably provided so that you can hang the lightsaber from your belt.

Transport Loop or Wall Hanger . . . You Decide

Because of the size of the weapon and the fact that it doesn’t collapse, we found the loop to be ineffective for transport. However, it was great for storage. I mean, such an “elegant weapon” can double as wall art when it’s not required for defense, right? I think so. And, there’s at least 2000 years of tradition to back me up on this.

As for the training DVD, the only downside is finding enough space to imitate the moves while holding the lightsaber and not crashing into houseplants, stepping on animals, or falling through tables. However, with adequate space, the DVD was a lot of fun to “work through” while training to save the world from evil. And, several of the moves came in very handy during backyard battles (see above).

Tester Response

Around here, testers are king (or queen or princess or spy or Jedi), and their comments shape our reviews. So, here are the stats for the Ultimate FX Lightsaber:

See the Comments for Yourself

In a Nutshell

OK, so it’s not a real lightsaber, but until the technology exists which allows us to create a glowing sword made of energy and still safe for your average six-year-old, the Ultimate FX Lightsaber is a good stop-gap.

We give it:

5 out of 5 stars

• Night vision goggles
• Digital helmet/bike cam
• Pocket DVR
• 2.1 and 5.1 MP digital cameras that contain social networking software
• 2GB flash drive shaped like a mini Nerf blaster
• 2GB MP3 player
• Walkie talkies boasting a 1000 foot range
• Multi-function flashlight

Starting with Toys R Us, these items will be on store shelves in November and will retail between $19.99 and $59.99, depending on the item.

Spy Gear Spectacular!

All or the items require batteries and are appropriate for ages six and up.

Security Scanner

Part of the Security line of Spy Gear products, the Security Scanner lights up and beeps when it detects mental. Install one nine volt battery, and you are ready to go. The red dial on the front turns the device on and adjusts the sensitivity.

Security Scanner With Lights Aglow

I have to say, I was impressed that the scanner actually does detect metal. As long as the silver side is pointed toward the suspect, the scanner was pretty reliable. For example, my dog was caught smuggling a tag and a water bowl into the office.

Unfortunately, there is no “ham sandwich” setting on the scanner, so my lunch is still MIA, and my dog remains the primary suspect.

Spy Glasses

As an added bonus, the Security Scanner came with a pair of polarized spy glasses. The amber lenses help to sharpen images, and the wrap around style is streamlined, just like spy accessories should be. And, yes, they really work as amber sunglasses.

Scanner Sporting Spy Glasses

Overall: Security Scanner and Glasses

• Requires one 9V battery (for scanner, not sunglasses )
• Available for around $15
• Impressions: Oh yeah!

Lie Detector Kit

Not sure if you can trust what your suspect is telling you? Well, any good spy will be packing the Lie Detector Kit to judge veracity. Open the detector case, slip in two AA batteries, and set out the finger sensors, and you are ready to go.

Lie Detector Kit Ready for Use

The two nodes on the sensors measure moisture, and a nervous suspect (that is, one who is lying) is usually a sweaty suspect. Simply ask a question, touch the sensors, and the lights will illuminate, telling you whether you can trust the answer or not. If all four lights glow, BUSTED.

Keeping track of the answers is easy when you plot the number of lights on a paper scroll integrated in the unit. And, don’t worry about running out of paper, there’s a spare scroll included with the kit.

Another helpful tool is the Lie Detection Clues booklet.

Say you ask a question, and the lie detector shows two lights. Is your suspect being truthful or trying to get away with something? Consult the clues booklet to get hints about reading body language that just may help you tell truth from fiction. This handy book fits nicely in the detection kit box, so you will always have it ready when you need it.

The reactions from our testers was very positive. They really liked feeling like, “a real spy” with all the gadgets. And, while I wouldn’t recommend this kit to the local PD or to INTERPOL, it was definitely fun for our testers.

Overall: Lie Detector

• Requires two AA batteries
• Available for around $12
• Impressions: fun toy for imaginative play, results are not necessarily reliable, but it’s a toy, and our testers really enjoyed it

Secret Agent Pen

Our lie detector kit came with a bonus pen designed specifically for a secret agent (also available separately). One end has a pen tip with invisible ink; the other end has a purple decoder light (powered by three included button cell batteries). In the middle is a secret compartment where you can store the note.

Secret Agent Pen

Once you’ve written your secret message, the ink disappears, and it looks like you are holding a blank piece of paper.

I Don't See Any Words . . . They're Invisible!

Your words will remain a mystery until a fellow spy finds the paper and shines the decoder light to reveal the message.

Hark! A Message Appears!

Our testers liked to roll up the paper, slip it in the pen’s secret compartment, and flip the lock for safe keeping. Then they “loaned” the pen to a fellow spy who knew how to retrieve the message. Many secret rendezvous were planned this way.

Overall: Lie Detector and Pen

• Comes with three button cell batteries (for the light)
• Available for around $10
• Impressions: Fun, easy to use, loved by our little spy testers

Spy Decoy Listener

Is that someone listening in to our super secret conversation?  No, it’s just someone on a cell phone . . . or is it? The Spy Decoy Listener will allow you to eavesdrop while keeping your true purpose a secret.

Spy Decoy Listener

The Spy Decoy Listener looks like a cell phone, but it has a mini amplifier that picks up sounds, and plays them directly into your ears, allowing you to overhear conversations while remaining incognito. With the phone open, you can flip the red amplifier out and angle it toward the sounds you want to hear. Then, simply listen. If you add an occasional, “uh huh” or , “yes, I see,” no one will know what you are really up to. If you suspect someone is on to you, press the 5 key, and close the phone. Moments later, the phone will ring just like a real phone.

Spy Decoy Listener Open and Ready for Use

While the microphone is not particularly good at picking up sound from any distance, our testers loved the ability to remain casual while secretly listening into conversations. The amplifier worked alright from 6 feet or less, but it could be difficult to hear over other ambient noise (wind, music, etc.). That said, well-placed plants provided inconspicuous cover, allowing testers to get closer and hear better.

• Comes with three LR44 batteries
• Available for anywhere between $3 and $17
• Impressions: not really great for listening, but fun bit of spy gear, especially if you get it for less than $10

In an Nutshell

In short, we got two thumbs up from the little spys who played with the Security Scanner, Lie Detector Kit, Secret Agent Pen, Spy Decoy Listener, and the glasses. We feel that you can find each toy for a price that is right for its functionality. The best part is that the toys provide rich fodder for imaginative play, growing little brains.

We happily give all of the Spy Gear in this review:

5 out of 5 stars

Mater Cruises Through a Virtual Radiator Springs on the iPad

Radiator Springs becomes an interactive and imaginative play zone as kids drive Cars 2 characters around town, taking part in races, completing missions, and collecting hubcaps (the game’s virtual currency). Kids can drive the characters anywhere in the virtual world, splash through mud puddles, go up ramps, visit friends at Flo’s V8 Cafe, and even knock other cars off the road. The virtual world responds with sound, music, and a changing landscape, depending on where you drive.

Kids can trick out their cars with unique horns, green exhaust, special tires, etc. by trading in their hubcaps. They can also buy missiles or machine guns and other virtual gadgets at no cost, just hubcaps. In fact, currently, once you have the Appmate cars, there is no additional cost to explore the entire world of Radiator Springs.

Finn McMissile Fires a Virtual Missile in the App

Enabling this interaction is a unique touch footprint on the bottom of each car that the iPad recognizes. The touchscreen can tell which character you are using (Lightening McQueen, Tow Mater, Finn McMissile, or Holley Shiftwell) and will narrate play with the character’s voice. And, conveniently, no cable or wireless connection is required for the app to respond.

The Radiator Springs app is a free download for both iPad and iPad2, and Appmates cars will be sold in packs of two for $20 at Disney Store retailers and online. In addition to the four characters available now, Francesco Bernoulli and Shu Todoroki will launch in November.

According to Margie Chan-Yip, Hasbro VP of Global Publishing, “The ‘My Little Pony: Twilight Sparkle, Teacher for a Day’ storybook application brings the beloved My Little Pony brand and characters to fans in a whole new way. We are thrilled to offer an interactive experience that engages and entertains, yet also helps young readers develop important skills.”

Hasbro and Ruckus Media interactive storybooks are available for iPad, iPhone and iPod touch through iTunes. Cooler still: “My Little Pony: Twilight Sparkle, Teacher for a Day” will set you back only $0.99, for a limited time. (Other books in the series retail for $3.99.)

Fish Eyes Assembled and Ready for Action

Overview

Retailing at about $80, Fish Eyes is an all-in-one rod, reel, and fish finder that is easy to operate for both children and adults. The rod assembly comes with two sinkers, two bait baskets, and ten attaching clips.

Fish Eyes Includes . . .

Once free of the packaging, there is some assembly required for the rod, including attaching fishing line (not included) to the attaching clips, the bait basket, and the sinkers. There are detailed instructions explaining how to tie fisherman’s knots and slip knots to help with tackle setup.

One handy design feature is the ability to swap out tackle quickly. Line is attached to clips that connect to the camera housing.

Camera with Clips on Sides

If fish aren’t biting on red wigglers, simply snap off the clips and refasten a different lure without having to tie line and hooks while you are on the water.

Fish Eyes also requires four AA batteries which are not included. Once the batteries are in, the camera is ready. Users can look at whatever the Fish Eyes video camera sees using the full color LCD viewing screen. The sun shield allows you to see the picture even on bright days.

So, what did our testers think?

Out of the Box and Into the Water

As with any underwater camera, the quality of the image is impacted by clarity of the water. So, if all you have is a muddy pond, you will be disappointed. However, if you have access to a pier over reasonably clear water, the results can be very rewarding.

Initially, our testers wanted to cast the Fish Eyes line as you would with a standard rod, throwing it out over the water. However, the camera is not designed to float. After some experimentation, we had the most success on a pier over deeper water.

Unfortunately, we don’t have pictures of that expedition, but I do have something close . . . sortof. At least it shows a good idea of the picture clarity.

Fish Eyes Screen in Use with Bright Light

One thing we should note is that, while the camera itself is water safe, the reel and screen portion are not. I would not recommend taking the Fish Eyes to a very wet environment, but it is nicely suited for dockside exploration.

Another note is the weight of the pole. Considering the advanced electronics involved, the unit is surprisingly light. However, once the batteries are in, the pole can be difficult for young children to hold for a long time. That said, our eight-year-old testers tired of fishing before their arms gave out.

We didn’t actually catch any fish on the Fish Eyes pole, because the testers were too interested in fish spotting, and didn’t take the time to put bait on the basket. Still, the green light did a nice job of attracting fish to the camera, a la an angler fish.

Fish Eyes Camera with Light On

In a Nutshell

All in all, we really enjoyed Fish Eyes. The camera was fun for kids and adults, and we found some other fun ways to use it once our fishing day was done (spying on Mom through the stair railing, for example). It seemed quite durable, showing limited signs of ware and tear in spite of the fact that our testers were not particularly gentle with it.

Pros

• Full color LCD screen provides a sharp picture in clear water
• Sun shade makes it easy to see the picture, even on bright days
• Attachment clips make it very easy to swap out tackle on either the bait basket or the camera unit itself
• Green LED attracts fish to the camera and the bait basket

Cons

• Pole is short limiting the reach of the camera
• LCD is not waterproof, so you need to be careful in wet environments
• The crank is noisy and can startle fish and people

We give Fish Eyes

4 out of 5 stars

Games include twisting your body to match an opponent’s silhouette, knocking over blocks to beat the clock and filling in crazy shapes.

This new twist on an old favorite looks like it is going to be fun!

Prices have not been released, yet, but most other Kinect games retail between $25 and $50.

Finn McMissile, Missile Firing RC Car

Out of the Box

Finn McMissile, Missile Firing RC car retails for around $45 and looks just like the character from Cars 2. He’s sleek, sophisticated, and full of gadgets. With side compartments that hide four missiles and a pop-up scope, he’s ready for action, once you install the four AA batteries in the car and the three AAA batteries in the controller, that is.

Finn McMissile, British Inteligence

Finn comes with 10 missiles, so there are more than enough for when one gets lost under the sofa. He also has three “targets,” cardboard cut-outs of other cars, which can be knocked over. But, really, with an RC car that can fire missiles with the press of a remote button, the sky is the limit! Warn the cat.

Finn McMissile and His Accouterments

Play Time

Using the remote is pretty straight forward. In addition to the on/off switch, there is a controller to move the car forward and back, another for left and right, a lever to open and close the missile doors on the sides of the car, and a firing button on the top. Our testers figured it out very quickly and then were off playing.

Controller Close Up

When you push the missile door control to the right, the bays on the side of the car open, and the missile launchers slide out and point up. At the same time, Finn starts talking, saying phrases like, ” Finn McMissile, British intelligence” and ” A spy never gives up his sources.”

Finn: Locked and Loaded

With the doors open, you can either load the four launchers or fire them two at a time. Loading the missiles required getting fingers into a tight space and some dexterity, but our testers had no trouble with it. Launching the missiles led to laughter, building targets, and lots of fun. Don’t say you weren’t warned.

Fired Missile (this one bounced off the target)

Once the shootout is over, you can close the doors remotely and speed away . . . or over your target, whichever you prefer. Just watch the video.

Tester Feedback

Our testers really liked Finn McMissile, Missile Firing. Still, he had some minor drawbacks.

Pros

• He shoots missiles
• He has hidden launch compartments that can be activated remotely
• He says phrases from Cars 2
• He’s fast!

Cons

• He’s fast! So fast, in fact, that his speed can make him difficult to control
• Sometimes his missles got stuck and wouldn’t fire

In a Nutshell

Finn McMissile, Missile Firing RC is really fun. He talks, he’s fast, and he shoots things. What more could you want? We give Finn McMissile, Missile Firing:

4.5 out of 5 stars