I-CY

$20, smart toy

Teaches: music appreciation

CTR Rating: 66%

CTR Review

This four-inch electronic penguin doubles as a virtual life toy and an iPod/MP3 player accessory. It is the latest in Hasbro's I-Cat and I-Dog line. After you install the three AAA batteries, you press the nose to bring your penguin to life. He'll rock on his base and flap his wings. A microphone lets him respond to ambient noises, so if you say, "Howdy penguin", he may flap his wings and squawk. Of course you can also say, "My mother eats cheese", and you'll get the same response. The penguin talks by way of seven LEDs in his belly. Four blue blinks may mean he's happy, whereas, a ring of yellow flashes indicate boredom.If you plug the I-CY's short audio plug into the headphone jack of any audio device, I-CY will dance to the music. The sound and a colorful display of LED patterns will come through a tiny built-in speaker (sorry, no stereo). All the random motion and noises can be distracting, especially around bedtime or in the middle of an important phone call. Fortunately, you can turn the IC-Y off (hold the nose for three seconds). Too bad this technique doesn't work for people. Other new products in the series include The I-Dog ($30) and The I-Dog Pup ($15).