Furby

Furby

A McDonald's Furby toy from 2001 with a bright blue coat

Furby is an electronic robotic toy released in 1998 by Tiger Electronics. It resembles a hamster or owl-like creature and was one of the first successful attempts to produce and sell a domestically-aimed robot. Furbies were a must-have toy following their release, with demand often outstripping supply.

History

The Furby was created by David Hampton and Caleb Chung, and it was first introduced to the public at the American International Toy Fair in 1998. The toy was an instant hit, selling over 40 million units in its first three years of production. The original Furbies were available in 24 different colors and were known for their ability to "learn" English over time.

Design and Features

Furbies are designed to resemble a cross between a hamster and an owl, with large eyes, a small beak, and a furry body. They are equipped with various sensors and motors that allow them to move their eyes, ears, and mouth, and to detect light and sound. Furbies can "talk" using a combination of pre-recorded sounds and a unique language called "Furbish."

Furbish Language

Furbies initially communicate in Furbish, a language consisting of short words, simple syllables, and various sounds. Over time, they "learn" English words and phrases, creating the illusion of language acquisition. This feature was a significant part of their appeal, as it encouraged interaction and engagement from users.

Interaction

Furbies are designed to interact with their owners and with other Furbies. They respond to touch, sound, and light, and can "talk" to each other using infrared communication. This interactivity was a key selling point, as it made each Furby seem unique and lifelike.

Variants and Spin-offs

Over the years, several variants and spin-offs of the original Furby have been released. These include the Furby Baby, which is smaller and has a higher-pitched voice, and the Furby Boom, which features more advanced technology and a mobile app integration.

Furby Boom

The Furby Boom, released in 2013, introduced new features such as the ability to lay "eggs" that hatch into virtual Furblings in a companion app. The app allows users to feed, bathe, and play games with their Furby, enhancing the interactive experience.

A green Furby

Cultural Impact

Furbies became a cultural phenomenon in the late 1990s and early 2000s. They were featured in various media, including television shows and movies, and became a symbol of the era's toy craze. The toy's popularity also led to concerns about privacy, as some believed Furbies could record conversations, although this was not the case.

Related Pages

• Tamagotchi
• Robotic pet
• Interactive toy