Posted by carmin on February 13, 1998 at 11:54:56:
Subject: Revolutionary Lollipop Lets you Hear Music inside Your Head
Revolutionary Lollipop Lets you Hear Music inside Your Head
LA Times 11-FEB-98, NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Feb. 11, 1998
--The Toy Fair is filled each year with innovative products that entertain
children and families -- but never before has the world experienced a
toy that delivers sounds "inside your head."
Sound Bites(TM) is being unveiled at the 1998 Toy Fair in New York
City, and the early reaction is music to Hasbro's ears.
Based on proprietary technology developed by Sound Bites, LLC., the
new toy-candy sensation sends safe sound vibrations through a standard
lollipop. When a person bites on a lollipop that has been inserted in
a Sound Bites, the sound vibrations travel through the teeth to the
inner ear, where they are heard just like normal sounds. Audible
primarily to the eater, the effect is the magic of hearing sounds
inside your head.
"It's rare to find a truly original product that is a sure winner,"
said senior toy industry analyst Sean McGowan of New York-based Gerard
Klauer Mattison. "The possibilities for line extensions are
practically limitless."
The Sounds Bites has four buttons that, when pushed, mix and match the
sound selection. The holder is compatible with most standard
lollipops. The first Sound Bites will be available nationwide at
specialty and national retailers in May, with more extensive, global
distribution later in 1998. Sound Bites will retail for approximately
$9.99 in the U.S.
"We began showing Sound Bites to our retail trade last week, and the
response is phenomenal," said Dan D. Owen, President of Hasbro's
Emerging Business Group, which includes Hasbro's OddzOn subsidiary.
OddzOn will distribute and market Sound Bites. "You have to experience
Sound Bites to believe it," Mr. Owen said.
There are six different versions of Sound Bites. First introductions
include three musical themes -- guitar, drum and saxophone; and three
special effects versions, with cartoon voices, space noises and fun
voices.
Sound Bites' proprietary technology was co-invented by Andrew Filo, an
accomplished Silicon Valley engineer, and David Capper, a veteran toy
industry entrepreneur whose track record and experience ranges from
He-Man and the Masters of the Universe to the Koosh(R) brand. Sound
Bites, LLC. has filed numerous patent applications to protect its
revolutionary new technology.
"Sound Bites is a collectible candy experience that appeals to boys
and girls of all ages," said Capper, the President of Sound Bites,
LLC. "We see enormous potential for Sound Bites, with virtually
unlimited line extensions tied to holidays, movies, sports, television
and music, to name a few. If it makes a sound, Sound Bites can put it
right inside your head."
Toys and candy each command more than $20 billion markets in the U.S.