A growing number of companies are pairing Apple and Android apps with physical objects including board games, guns, radio-control vehicles and trading cards to create "augmented reality" activities. Here are some of the best app-object combinations from this week's annual Toy Fair.
You kids or grandkids want to stay indoors and play video games. You want them to go outside and get some real exercise. Hasbro's Lazer Tag (single $40, two-pack $70, August) is the compromise. You download the Lazer Tag app, then mount the iPhone or iPod into this blaster to create a game heads-up display. One can play against the game or in a group of up to two dozen Lazer Tag blaster-equipped players. When your virtual or real opponent is within range in either the virtual or the real world, the blaster beeps. When you score a hit, your opponent is seen being hit within the app. They can play indoors, but with a range of 250 feet, it's much better running around outside – and out of your hair.