Chicago-based toy company Hijinx has partnered with UK tech company Chirp to create toys based on Netflix original series Beat Bugs. The multi-year, worldwide exclusive agreement will see the toy company use Hijinx Alive powered by Chirp to make products that are inspired by–and react to–the music-centric series.
The new Beat Bugs toys will sing along with the TV show and with each other in real time.
The series namely Grace: A Storytelling Company and Thunderbird co-produced with Beyond Screen Production features re-imagined versions of famous Beatles songs performed by popular recording artists like Jennifer Hudson, Eddie Vedder, The Shins and Robbie Williams.
Chirp’s proprietary technology encodes data into a series of pitches and tones that form a sonic barcode which is then interpreted by a receiving device.
In its partnership with Hijinx, Chirp customized its technology to interact with select audio from Beat Bugs. The toys recognize portions of the series itself, which means they are interactive without the need for traditional internet connectivity. As a result, Hijinx says the toys are safe and secure.
Retailers like Target in the US and UK-based Tesco will carry the upcoming interactive toys. Earlier this year, licensing company Centa IP and Australia’s Grace: A Storytelling Company partnered with both retailers to launch global consumer products based on Beat Bugs, including toys, publishing, consumer electronics, apparel and accessories.
