Toy Insider Senior Editor/Toy Book Editor-in-Chief James Zahn joined NBC 5 in Chicago to show off the best tech toys that are more than just screens. For more on the items featured in this segment, check out the product notes below, and for the complete rundown of the best gifts of the holiday season, check out our complete Toy Insider Holiday Gift Guide.
FACTION SPECTRE GEL BEAD BLASTER
The app-connected smart blaster lets kids create multi-player games in seconds following simple on-screen steps. The Spectre also comes with a Bluetooth-connected smart beacon that can be used for target practice, with or without the Faction app.
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FACTION HAVOC GEL BEAD BLASTER
This evolution of blaster technology features an interactive Smart Beacon, bottom-fed ammo configuration, comfort-grip shoulder stock, and Lumi-Bright daytime glowing sights. For a multiplayer experience, kids can connect their Faction Blasters to the Faction Battle app.
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FACTION SKYFIRE TACTICAL TARGET DRONE
This drone flies on autopilot so kids can use it for target practice with Faction Gel Blasters (not included) or any other blasters. It also detects hits, which kids can track on the Faction Battle app.
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BEAST LAB
As kids add ingredients to this experiment-based playset, they'll activate sounds, lights, fizzing bubbles, and mist to unleash one of two beasts. When kids reset the beast or repeat the experiment, the beast can evolve with new ways to play.
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MINTID DOG-E
Each Dog-E has a combination of lights, sounds, and personality traits that makes it unique. Kids can train Dog-E to do tricks, track its needs, and unlock more interactive play with the app.
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RC HOONIGAN 1:16 HOONICORN
Kids can Hoon around the house or driveway with this R/C car, which is modeled after the Hoonicorn. The car can hit up to 6 mph and is perfect for performing stunts.
