1990's robotic pup to make comeback in the UK in July; major marketing planned including space stunt.
Character Options is relaunching 1990’s robotic pup Teksta in July, with a worldwide marketing strategy including a planned space jump.
The original Teksta sold eight million units in 1999, however the 2013 version has been brought bang up to date and bears only a visual resemblance to the Nineties toy. It will respond to a child’s voice, physical gestures, lights, sounds and a smart phone app. Artificial intelligence and toyetic interaction offers emotions including barking, crying and expressive eye patterns to share its feelings.
Teksta will also be able to perform tricks including a back flip, which the owner can control with the hand gesture technology.
The marketing plan will reflect the importance of the launch to Character. Teksta will become the first robotic puppy in space, with a planned space jump lining up alongside TV and digital advertising. Further PR and marketing will see a full blown puppy media tour, with Teksta appearing at Mums Show Live this month. More publicity will surround the space stunt.
“Today’s children will demand more of their puppies than ever before and Teksta 2013 will not disappoint,” Jerry Healy, marketing director at Character Options told ToyNews. “Our launch dialogue will start with a day in the life of a child and his or her new friend, Teksta the puppy.
