LAS VEGAS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--DreamPlay Toys, LLC (DreamPlay), the joint venture between NantWorks LLC and JAKKS Pacific, Inc., debuted Disney-branded DreamPlay™ products, the next generation of interactive technology-based toys, at the annual Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, Nevada. DreamPlay products will incorporate NantWorks’ groundbreaking iD™ image recognition technology, a robust recognition platform that accurately recognizes images, 3D objects, voice, speech, data, live video and more, with the capability to differentiate between millions of objects instantaneously. The integration of this novel technology with beloved Disney characters enables the consumer to experience a seamless blending of the physical toy with new character based content in the form of interactive games and animation right on their smart phone or tablet device.
DreamPlay Toys and JAKKS Pacific plan to launch this interactive product line in the US at major retailers in Fall 2013 and Internationally in 2014. Using NantWorks’ iD technology, apps will be developed for both iOS and Android devices, which will allow the consumer to access deep, content-rich experiences from their mobile and tablet devices without the need for any type of QR code. The patented 2D and 3D recognition technologies instantly recognize the toy and allow children to interact, play and learn in ways that were not possible before. It is a seamless convergence of technology, storytelling and traditional toy play delivered through a single experience.
“What really sets this apart from anything else out there is the combination of a truly incredible technological platform combined with the best content and storytelling company in the world, Disney. Kids are about to see the magic they always dreamed of come to life right before their eyes,” said Dr. Patrick Soon-Shiong, NantWorks’ founder. “At NantWorks, we believe in breaking barriers and bringing the impossible to life. This collaboration marks the convergence of imagination, innovation, and interactivity and we are excited that Disney is delivering new experiences to the consumer utilizing our groundbreaking iD technology.”
"One of our top priorities is to integrate cutting-edge technologies with our incredible Disney content to transform traditional toys into interactive storytelling experiences that are uniquely Disney,” said Bob Chapek, president, Disney Consumer Products. “Today’s announcement is an exciting first step toward our vision of re-imagining conventional toys as new forms of play and digital entertainment that will enrich and enhance how the consumer interacts with Disney products."
“We are excited to work with Disney, our longtime licensor, to develop and deliver best-in-class play experiences for families to enjoy,” said Stephen Berman, President and CEO, JAKKS Pacific, Inc. “Increasingly, kids are 'playing' with digital technology. Our goal is to combine physical toy play with a digital experience incorporating the unique content that only Disney can provide. By marrying toys and Disney to our DreamPlay technology using the powerful NantWorks iD recognition platform, we are merging the two ways kids are playing today, with smart devices and traditional toys, enhancing their experience and deepening the level of interaction with our products using their smart phone or tablet device. Children and their parents will be treated to a truly magical experience and endless possibilities to interact with their favorite brands and characters from Disney.”
Disney will be granted exclusive rights to utilize the DreamPlay technology in the toy space along with select entertainment characters and brands owned by JAKKS, such as Monsuno. The launch of the products is subject to certain conditions under the applicable agreements between Disney, DreamPlay Toys and JAKKS.
Disney-branded DreamPlay toys will be demonstrated to the media by appointment at the Consumers Electronics Show in Las Vegas in January 2013 at the DreamPlay Booth located at the Venetian Hotel, Veronese Ballroom, Booth 2502.
About DreamPlay Toys, LLC
DreamPlay Toys, LLC is a joint venture between leading toy manufacturer JAKKS Pacific, Inc. (Nasdaq: JAKK) and technology innovator NantWorks LLC, to develop, market and sell toys and related consumer products incorporating NantWorks’ proprietary iD™ image recognition technology. This revolutionary technology enables the consumer to create magic in the real world, using a smart phone or tablet device, to instantly link physical product to video content, animation and interactive game play. JAKKS Pacific plans to introduce a broad product line, which will combine this ground-breaking technology with exciting new content, leaving consumers with a memorable and entertaining experience.
About JAKKS Pacific, Inc.
JAKKS Pacific, Inc. (NASDAQ: JAKK) is a leading designer and marketer of toys and consumer products with a wide range of products that feature popular brands and children's toy licenses. JAKKS’ diverse portfolio includes Action Figures, Electronics, Dolls, Dress-Up, Role Play, Halloween Costumes, Kids Furniture, Vehicles, Plush, Art Activity Kits, Seasonal Products, Infant/Pre-School, Construction Toys, Ride-On Vehicles, Wagons, Inflatable Environments and Tents, Impulse Toys and Pet Products sold under various proprietary brands including JAKKS Pacific®, Creative Designs International™, Road Champs®, Funnoodle®, JAKKS Pets™, Plug It In & Play TV Games™, Kids Only!™, Tollytots®, Disguise®, Moose Mountain® and Maui Toys®. JAKKS is also the creator of the underlying Monsuno® property and toy line. JAKKS is an award-winning licensee of several hundred nationally and internationally known trademarks including Nickelodeon®, Warner Bros.®, Ultimate Fighting Championship®, Hello Kitty®, Graco®, Cabbage Patch Kids® and Pokémon®. www.jakks.com
© 2012 JAKKS Pacific, Inc. All rights reserved.
About NantWorks, LLC
NantWorks, LLC was founded by Patrick Soon-Shiong, MD. Its mission is to bring the impossible to life by harnessing the power of convergence for the well-being of humanity. NantWorks combines semiconductor technology, supercomputing, advanced networks, and proven innovation to revolutionize how we work, live and play. For more information, see www.nantworks.com.
The NantWorks recognition platform comprises state of the art and proprietary image, object, music and voice recognition technologies.
NantWorks iD Browser was released in the Apple App Store and the Google Play Store and is now available for download. (I could not find the app on either store – we should verify)
About Disney Consumer Products
Disney Consumer Products (DCP), the world's largest licensor, is the business segment of The Walt Disney Company (NYSE:DIS) and its affiliates that extends the Disney and Marvel brands to merchandise ranging from apparel, toys, home décor and books to food and beverages, stationery, electronics and fine art. DCP develops Disney entertainment franchises into 365 day-a-year product opportunities at retailers worldwide. DCP is comprised of three business units: Licensing, Publishing and Disney Store. The Licensing business is aligned around six strategic brand priorities: Disney Classic Characters & Disney Moms and Babies, Disney Media Networks & Games, Disney & Pixar Animation Studios, Disney Princess & Disney Fairies, Disney Live Action Film, and Marvel. Disney Publishing Worldwide (DPW) is the world's largest publisher of children's books, magazines, and digital products. Disney English is DPW's English language learning business, which includes over 35 Disney English learning centers across China and a supplemental learning book program. DPW's growing library of digital products includes best-selling eBook titles and original apps. The Disney Store retail chain operates across North America, Europe, and Japan with more than 350 stores worldwide. Disney Store carries high-quality products, including exclusive merchandise tied to key Disney and Marvel entertainment offerings. www.DisneyStore.com and www.DisneyStore.co.uk are Disney's official online shopping portals. For more information, please visit Disney Consumer Products or follow us at www.YouTube.com/DisneyLiving, www.Facebook.com/DisneyLiving and www.Twitter.com/DisneyLiving.
This press release may contain forward-looking statements (within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995) that are based on current expectations, estimates and projections about JAKKS Pacific's business based partly on assumptions made by its management. These statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve risks, uncertainties and assumptions that are difficult to predict. Therefore, actual outcomes and results may differ materially from what is expressed or forecasted in such statements due to numerous factors, including, but not limited to, those described above, changes in demand for JAKKS' products, product mix, the timing of customer orders and deliveries, the impact of competitive products and pricing, and difficulties with integrating acquired businesses. The forward-looking statements contained herein speak only as of the date on which they are made, and JAKKS undertakes no obligation to update any of them to reflect events or circumstances after the date of this release.