Disney Appmates merge toys and gaming on iPad

Cars 2 and other Disney properties with bridge the gap between toys and iPad gaming next month thanks to the company’s new Appmates range.

The Disney Appmates Mobile Application Toys, to use their full name, are small figurines that interact with the Apple tablet and use it as a play mat. Sensors on the base of each serve as a footprint so that the associated app can track where the toy is on the screen and therefore in the game world.

The initial line of Appmates will be based on Cars 2 characters such as Mater and Lightning McQueen, with the Cars 2 Appmates app featuring racing, exploration and a collection of driving-related mini-games. Each toy unlocks different content and activities related to their abilities.

The toys will be available in US stores on October 1st, with the app following in early to mid-October. Additional characters will be available in November

"We have cracked the technology code in changing the way kids play with their toys," said Sunny Lauridsen, director of digital toys for Disney Consumer Products.

"Kids will always use toys to play out their favourite Disney stories but Disney Appmates now allow them to include technology which has become a way of life from them through a beautifully rich app."