Customers can use augmented reality via the Facebook mobile app to preview Tonies’ new Disney characters in 3D.
Kid’s audio speaker system Tonies has tapped into the latest augmented reality technology on Facebook Camera, allowing users to preview its two new characters – Baloo from The Jungle Book and Simba from The Lion King. Both Disney classics are now available to purchase in the UK and Ireland.
Visitors to the Tonies Facebook page via the mobile app can access the feature whether they have a Toniebox or not. Once the AR is activated, an animated Baloo or Simba Tonie will appear on screen and users will be able to preview an exclusive audio sample as well as having a glimpse of the characters in 3D on the box.
Users trialling the AR can win an exclusive weekend at Disneyland Paris to experience the parks’ Lion King and Jungle Festival by sharing a photo or video of Baloo or Simba in augmented reality action in the comments of the competition post on the Tonies Facebook page.
Marcus Stahl, co-founder of Tonies, commented: “Innovation has been central to the evolution of Tonies from the very beginning, so we’re extremely excited to venture into the world of augmented reality technology to introduce our customers to our forthcoming Disney Tonies. This tech has already been used by the likes of Sephora and Nike for product launches, but it’s uncharted territory for most children’s brands.”
Matthias Keudel, country manager UK/IRL for Tonies added:”Augmented reality is a rising trend in the retail industry, and one we’ve been keen to experiment with for some time. It’s enabled us to create a buzz around the new launches and truly immerse users in the product – bringing a new meaning to try before you buy!”
Further Disney licences will be added to the portfolio of Tonies this year. The portfolio, which already combines a wide range of stories, music and knowledge, is constantly being extended, with the number of Tonies available in the UK and Ireland set to grow from 45 to 60 by the end of this year alone.
The current characters in the Tonie-Family already include some well-known faces such as The Gruffalo, Stick Man, Little Red Riding Hood and The Snowman, whilst Creative-Tonies allow users to upload up to 90 minutes of their own audio content.
