Many adults are like kids when it comes to a globe.
The fascination with our world, in the form of a big ball that you can spin like a top--though not as fast--puts life on the planet in a special perspective lacking in two-dimensional maps.
The venerable Replogle Globes company has taken the fun of globes a big step further with its new Intelliglobe, an interactive 12-inch desk model that uses an infrared scanner (the "Intellipen") to “read” microscopic symbols on the globe. As demonstrated at Toy Fair 2012 at the Javits Center, the wireless Intellipen, when placed in contact with the Intelliglobe, triggers the pen's data and audio functions, enabling various learning and game play facilities.
"It has 30,000 pieces of information in four languages--English, Spanish, French and German," says Dell Torgerson, new product development manager at the Broadview, Ill.-based Replogle. "It's 'grow as you go.'"
The Intelliglobe, Torgerson adds, relates information about a country's geography, population, language, government, economics, demographics and culture. Game features involve location of countries, cities, waterways and landmarks; country characteristics including population, area, life expectancies and flying times can also be compared.
Additionally, the Intellipen works with a 48-page "discovery" book that comes with the globe, as well as The World Book. Via a USB port and mini cable, current and updatable information is always available.
The Replogle booth also displayed a selection of its WorldWise geography card games, inflatable globes, and various floor and desk models.
Concerning the more traditional globe product, Torgerson concluded, "South Sudan is now a country!"
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