REPEAT/Compaq and Fisher-Price Redefine Children's Computing With New Line of Interactive Products; New Wonder Tools Family Introduced at Winter CES.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Editor's Summary: Compaq and Fisher-Price today announced: Wonder Tools: a new family of computing products designed for children (ages 3-7) and their families. The first products introduced in the line include: o Wonder Tools Cruiser and Software: an innovative driving console and CD-ROM CD-ROM: see compact disc. CD-ROM in full compact disc read-only memory Type of computer storage medium that is read optically (e.g., by a laser). software that work together to provide a totally interactive way for preschool children to play and learn on the home PC. o Wonder Tools Keyboard: more than just a standard keyboard, it includes oversized o·ver·size n. 1. A size that is larger than usual. 2. An oversize article or object. adj. o·ver·size also o·ver·sized Larger in size than usual or necessary. keys, a mouse and activity software that makes the computer easier and more fun for children. o Interactive Software Titles: a new line of stand-alone titles for children and families. LAS VEGAS--Jan. 4, 1996--Compaq Computer Corporation (NYSE NYSE See: New York Stock Exchange : CPQ CPQ Compaq CPQ Conseil du Patronat du Québec (Canada) CPQ Configure-Price-Quote CPQ Conseil de Presse du Québec (Québec Press Council, Canada) CPQ Companion Parrot Quarterly ) and Fisher-Price Inc., a subsidiary of Mattel, Inc. (NYSE: MAT), today unveiled Wonder Tools, a broad new line of educational and entertainment multimedia products that create a new dimension in play and learning for preschoolers and families using their home PCs. The new product line, unveiled for the first time at the Winter Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas Las Vegas (läs vā`gəs), city (1990 pop. 258,295), seat of Clark co., S Nev.; inc. 1911. It is the largest city in Nevada and the center of one of the fastest-growing urban areas in the United States. , combines the learning and fun expertise of Fisher-Price with the technical innovation of Compaq. Designed specifically for children ages 3-7 and their families, the Wonder Tools family includes three product categories: interactive computer toys, preschool-appropriate peripherals, and stand-alone software titles for children and families. Wonder Tools products are designed to be used with any Windows-based PC, and are scheduled to be available in the United States United States, officially United States of America, republic (2005 est. pop. 295,734,000), 3,539,227 sq mi (9,166,598 sq km), North America. The United States is the world's third largest country in population and the fourth largest country in area. during the second half of 1996. "Children and families are driving the computer-centered revolution and they represent the brightest chapter in the convergence of consumer electronics and computing," said Eckhard Pfeiffer Eckhard Pfeiffer (born August 20, 1941 in Lauban, Germany—now Lubań, Poland) is a business executive of German ancestry, and a former CEO of Compaq from 1991-1998. He joined Compaq from Texas Instruments, and established operations from scratch in both Europe and Asia. , president and CEO (1) (Chief Executive Officer) The highest individual in command of an organization. Typically the president of the company, the CEO reports to the Chairman of the Board. of Compaq. "Together with Fisher- Price, Compaq is dedicated to expanding the role and importance of the home PC throughout our lives. Our joint effort with Fisher- Price further illustrates Compaq's evolution to a broad-based computer company -- meeting the needs of everyone from preschoolers and their families to the world's largest corporations." Compaq and Fisher-Price recently joined forces to design and manufacture products that provide an engaging way for young children to harness the power of multimedia PCs to learn and play. A special Wonder Tools Team, made up of Compaq and Fisher- Price designers, engineers, education specialists and marketing professionals worked with children, parents and education experts to create the new line. The products have been extensively tested for educational and play value at both Fisher-Price's and Compaq's play labs and through focus group testing across the country. "No one knows fun and learning better than Fisher-Price. No one knows PCs better than Compaq," said Byron Davis Byron Davis (born 8 October 1973) is a squash coach and former professional squash player from Australia. As a player, his most notable successes came in doubles play. , president and CEO of Fisher-Price. "Our partnership with Compaq will enable Fisher-Price to take toys to a new level of excitement and learning potential." The affordable line of Wonder Tools products will be available in the United States through leading PC and toy retailers including traditional computer superstores, mass merchandisers, consumer electronics stores, and a number of toy stores. The first products announced in the Wonder Tools family include: The Wonder Tools Cruiser The Wonder Tools Cruiser is a unique, brightly colored driving themed toy, complete with steering wheel, throttle, horn and 'radio stations.' It allows children to navigate through specially created software adventures and interact with fascinating characters, unscramble Same as decrypt. See scramble. alphabet picture puzzles, sort through a spaceship scrap yard scrap yard n → depósito de chatarra; (for cars) → cementerio de coches scrap yard n → parc m à ferrailles; ( and even invent and assemble toys. The Wonder Tools Cruiser has been designed to improve memory, develop fine motor skills The examples and perspective in this article or section may not represent a worldwide view of the subject. Please [ improve this article] or discuss the issue on the talk page. “Dexterity” redirects here. For other uses, see Dexterity (disambiguation). , sharpen problem solving problem solving Process involved in finding a solution to a problem. Many animals routinely solve problems of locomotion, food finding, and shelter through trial and error. skills and fine-tune decision making capabilities. By replacing the standard point and click of a mouse with a steering wheel and joystick (hardware, games) joystick - A device consisting of a hand held stick that pivots about one end and transmits its angle in two dimensions to a computer. Joysticks are often used to control games, and usually have one or more push-buttons whose state can also be read by the computer. , children are truly in control of their multimedia adventure. The Wonder Tools Cruiser features a steering wheel that allows children to literally drive through the adventure; a horn to clear obstacles from the child's path; and a dial to select from three radio stations, turn on the wipers
The Wipers were a punk rock group formed in Portland, Oregon in 1977 by guitarist Greg Sage, drummer Sam Henry and bassist Dave Koupal. , flash the headlights and choose various difficulty levels. There's even an ignition key Noun 1. ignition key - a key that operates the ignition switch of an automotive engine key - metal device shaped in such a way that when it is inserted into the appropriate lock the lock's mechanism can be rotated ignition key n to start the vehicle; a throttle to go fast or slow, forward, reverse or stop; a joystick to select objects and move things; an interactive coin slot to pay "tolls" and practice counting; and multi-colored buttons for making choices and learning colors. The Wonder Tools Cruiser will carry an estimated retail price of approximately $150 which includes one software title, "Spruce Squirrel's Hiccup hiccup or hiccough, involuntary spasmodic contraction of the diaphragm followed by a sharp intake of air, which is abruptly stopped by a sudden, involuntary closing of the glottis (opening between the vocal cords); the consequent blocking of air Mix-up," that takes children on an adventure that explores three fun worlds: land, sea and space. Compaq and Fisher-Price are currently developing additional software adventures for the Wonder Tools Cruiser which are expected to be available in the fourth quarter of 1996. Wonder Tools Keyboard The Wonder Tools Keyboard features a combination of hardware and software that creates an exclusive children's environment that makes the computer easier and more fun for youngsters. It was specifically designed by Compaq and Fisher- Price to meet the needs of preschoolers. The Wonder Tools Keyboard is a fully functioning keyboard and mouse that works with all industry standard PCs and software, and is designed specifically to be preschool-appropriate and preschool- friendly so that children can interact with the home PC on their level. The keyboard features over-sized keys and numbers, a finger mouse for pointing and clicking, and special function buttons for quick and easy ways to snap a picture of a scene, get help from characters, and get to the home screen and exit the program. The Wonder Tools Keyboard includes one software title that provides easy access to other children's programs, safety features that protect parents' files, and other activities that let kids have fun while they are learning to use the computer. The Wonder Tools Keyboard and software is expected to be priced at approximately $130 and scheduled to be available in the summer of 1996. New Interactive Software Titles from Wonder Tools Compaq and Fisher-Price have also created stand-alone interactive software titles for children and families that can be used with any Windows-based multimedia PC and keyboard. Rounding out the preschool PC experience, the Wonder Tools line offers a series of CD-ROM titles that help children explore a variety of fun and educational topics, including arts and crafts arts and crafts, term for that general field of applied design in which hand fabrication is dominant. The term was coined in England in the late 19th cent. as a label for the then-current movement directed toward the revivifying of the decorative arts. , storymaking and the alphabet. The titles, scheduled to be available in the fall, include "Cyber Grannies," "Over in the Meadow," and "Wacky Jacks -- The Family Edition." Compaq and Fisher-Price are also currently developing a series of family-oriented software titles that will provide parents with information on activities and topics related to families and raising children. Corporate Backgrounds A wholly-owned subsidiary of Mattel, Inc. since 1993, Fisher- Price, Inc. is a leading manufacturer of toys and children's products. The company was founded in 1930 and enjoys a reputation for designing and manufacturing high-quality, imaginative toys for infants and preschoolers, as well as innovative children's products such as video monitors and strollers. Mattel, Inc. is the worldwide leader in the design, manufacture and marketing of children's toys. With headquarters in El Segundo El Segundo (ĕl sēgŭn`dō), industrial city (1990 pop. 15,223), Los Angeles co., S Calif., on Santa Monica Bay; inc. 1917. Its products include navigation and computer systems, aircraft parts, office machines, telephone apparatus, and , Calif., Mattel has offices and facilities in 36 countries and sells its products in more than 140 nations throughout the world. Compaq Computer Corporation (company) Compaq Computer Corporation - The largest US manufacturer and vendor of IBM PC compatible personal computers and servers. Compaq was started in 1982 by three ex-Texas Instruments employees. Quarterly sales $2499M, profits $210M (Aug 1994). http://compaq.com/. is the world's largest supplier of personal computers, offering desktop PCs, portable PCs, servers and options. Founded in 1982, the company reported 1994 worldwide sales of $10.9 billion. Compaq products are sold and supported in more than 100 countries throughout the world. Compaq also sells products directly to customers through Compaq Direct Plus at 1-800-888-5858. Compaq provides 24-hour customer support and can be reached through the Compaq forums on America Online See AOL. , CompuServe, Internet (http://www.compaq.com), and Prodigy, or by calling 1-800-345-1518. -0- Compaq, Registered U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. Product names mentioned herein may be trademarks and/or registered trademarks of their respective companies. All prices listed herein are estimated U.S. retail prices; actual prices may vary. CONTACT: Compaq Computer Corporation Mike Berman, Brian Temple 713-514-0484 or Miller/Shandwick Technologies Cheryl Delgreco, Matt Lloyd 617-536-0470 mlloyd@millercom.com or Fisher-Price Laurie Strong 716/687-3395 or Shandwick/USA Kristi Kovalak, Tosha Whitten 404/653-8779 James Korenchen 212/420-8100 |
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