Cellular Module

To create an enjoyable interaction for a child and adult over distance–a networked toy–it seems essential to provide a rich communications medium. No matter how enjoyable the toy is, nothing purely physical can replace the sound of a child’s voice or the secondary channel of body language.

Therefore, we’re beginning to explore the GM-862 Cellular Module as a potential foundation for a networked toy. This module offers broadly available wireless data communication, as well as an audio channel that will function at home, outside or even in a car. The other option would be to use a single-board computer, with VOIP for the audio and WiFi to eliminate tethers so we’ll explore that as well. Communication from the single-board computer would be cheaper, but certainly more limited since WiFi coverage outside the home is spotty at best. With tri- or quad-band cellular coverage, our toy would work all over the world, even at Everest Base Camp. And that’s the kind of place where a kid’s going to need a good toy.