iLounge

141

Call me crazy, but this is what I think:

Zizzle, a new toy company lead by the co-founder of the original Tiger Electronics (the company behind the Furby toy), will soon unveil iZ, a “9-inch tri-legged fusion of toy and music.� The unique character lets kids create musical beats by moving and pressing different parts of his body, and doubles as a portable iPod speaker.

While Zizzle has yet to release a picture of iZ, the company recently teamed up with iLounge to launch the “What is iZ Giveaway,� in which iLoungers try to guess what exactly iZ is from a handful of cropped photos of the product.

In an official announcement for iZ, Zizzle said the character will “play your music with his horn flashing lights, his eyes bouncing to the beat, and act as a DJ, adding his own commentary to any song. Let’s not forget iZ’s sense of humor which is demonstrated through burps and other ‘rude’ lifelike noises.�

Zizzle also provided details on the music-making feature. “Kids start by pressing his stomach to start a beat. Once they find a sound they like, they move to iZ’s right ear to add a little rhythm to the equation, and turn his left ear to find a musical lead. An easy to use tempo control makes the sounds limitless as players create tunes never before heard. iZ’s eyes even independently rock out to the innovative tunes created.�

iZ is scheduled to be available at major retailers this fall. A multi-million dollar TV and print advertising campaign is planned. Zizzle said the iPod will be featured prominently in commercials and on the iZ packaging.

It sounds crazy, but I might be right.

Posted by Wash_Jones on August 11, 2005 at 10:41 PM (PDT)

142

I don’t know man. That’s the stupidest idea ever. There’s no way it can be true.

Posted by Joshdude in Long Beach, CA on August 11, 2005 at 11:52 PM (PDT)

143

It’s a music-source responsive toy. Doubles as a little speaker. Three legs. Can play different melodies when grabbing different parts, ears tummy etc. Moves and synchronizes to music playback. Probably will sell everywhere and will definitley help iPod sales for younger kids, maybe some even a little older… (Smirk)

Posted by Nicholas on August 12, 2005 at 3:13 AM (PDT)

144

you can a picture of the whole of the iz at

http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/B000AMC3RQ/qid=1123842645/sr=1-3/ref=sr_1_3/104-8077727-6335917?v=glance&s=toys

and

http://www.i4u.com/article4006.html

Posted by haha on August 12, 2005 at 3:37 AM (PDT)

145

it is an interactive music toy which contains musical tracks inside it.  When you touch his stomach he starts to make a beat, then you touch his arms and legs which also start to play music until you have a full blown beat.  He also has a personality all his own and burps

Posted by ipodminifan on August 12, 2005 at 5:47 AM (PDT)

146

Wow, those pictures posted from the above poster are horrendous.  That blue one looks like a mentally insane smurf.  At least the company is aware of the fact that this is childish and marketing it accordingly.

Posted by uber tax payer on August 12, 2005 at 6:56 AM (PDT)

147

It is a little buddy for your iPod and kidsZ. They can all play together with music and sounds, and probably drive you as crazy as those furbies or other sound interactive toys that you kidZ love to play with in the back of the car on long road trips until your ears start to bleed…

Posted by skankware on August 12, 2005 at 2:43 PM (PDT)

148

It’s a dancing toy that you can press the belly and one of seven musical beats are heard. Turn his right ear to add up to seven rhythms and his left ear can alter up to seven melodies. When you connect it to an iPod, the eyes bounce to the beat and the nose lights up.

Posted by Sergio on August 12, 2005 at 2:53 PM (PDT)

149

It’s the newest form of viagra…

Posted by Emale on August 12, 2005 at 5:26 PM (PDT)

150

Iz just iZ

Posted by consumer_q on August 12, 2005 at 5:32 PM (PDT)

151

i no wat it is

Posted by Kayzar Bhathawalla on August 12, 2005 at 10:26 PM (PDT)

152

It’s a speaker system that enhances the iPod experience and can also be used to control the iPod by playing etc. It also lights up to the different sounds/beats and thus is visually pleasing! Phew! Now I can take a breath…

Posted by Jay Joshi on August 13, 2005 at 6:51 AM (PDT)

153

Like a furby or something for iPod?

Posted by Marie on August 13, 2005 at 12:46 PM (PDT)

154

It costs 19.99 + tax.

Posted by Brandon on August 13, 2005 at 4:17 PM (PDT)

155

i cant believe how disappointing it is. it is not dynamic or exciting in any way. how many 5-10 yr olds do know that have ipods

Posted by crap on August 14, 2005 at 3:54 AM (PDT)

156

o k?

Posted by TacoOrtega09 on August 14, 2005 at 10:25 AM (PDT)

157

It is a kid size speaeker system based on the old dancing flowers

Posted by Jeannie on August 14, 2005 at 11:01 AM (PDT)

158

It looks ####

Posted by PSMITH on August 14, 2005 at 1:08 PM (PDT)

159

its ******* ugly, i dont want to win it anymore, the first 3 pics actually made it look like something special, i would be scared of that thing if i was 5 years old

Posted by hoping4vPod on August 14, 2005 at 4:38 PM (PDT)

160

And neighbors with Mork from Ork, no doubt, but will be showing up in Times Square next month for its terrestrian debut. iZ is — oh yes — Yet Another iPod Accessory, but luckily not your average speaker system nor (yawn) case. It’s a “funky-looking, 9-inch tall, three-legged plastic character� that freaks to the beat of your iPod and is controlled by an orange-and-white belly button (what else, really?). It’s not completely dependent on the iPod for its unusual antics — it plays seven musical beats on its own when you, uh, touch its tummy. You add layers of sound by turning its ears and touching the “flicker� switch (we didn’t ask). After its debut next month, it’ll be available for $40 at Toys R Us, Wal-Mart, Target, and other big box stores we know and love.

i cheated a bit, but whatever.  this sort of got ruined by publicity.

Posted by Joe Goedde on August 14, 2005 at 5:17 PM (PDT)