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"NEW YORK \u2014 Tamagotchi, the company behind the 90s handheld virtual pet toy of the same name, is launching a new device that wants to be your e-best friend. \nBut the toy, called Tamagotchi Friends ($19.99), is actually more like a needy person in your life that wants you to do everything. Feed him. Potty train him. Bathe him. Make sure he turns into a healthy adult. \nSEE ALSO: 12 WTF Things at the New York Toy Fair\n\nThe company showed off the product this week at the 2014 International American Toy Fair, giving kids the opportunity to raise a virtual baby into an adult. Although the product already launched in the European market, it will come to the U.S. in the fall. \n\n\n\n\nThe company has sold more than 80 million units since it launched 17 years ago. The core of Tamagotchi has always been about nurturing and taking care of a virtual pet, but the progression into taking care of a virtual human is new territory for the company. \nOn the surface, the device looks like previous models, in hardware and especially its old-school grainy graphics, but the latest version infuses a lot of new tech. By tapping one Tamagotchi Friends toy with another, you can send virtual gifts or even text messages. Although the device isn't Wi-Fi enabled, it uses sensors to transfer data when the backs of the toys are bumped. Users can also send the character from one device to another Tamagotchi for a playdate, such as a picnic in the park.\n\"The main focus is taking care of and nurturing you friend, but you can also play games that earn you money so you can go virtual shopping,\" a company spokesperson told Mashable.\nTamagotchi Friends characters will go on sale later this year.\n\n\n\nTamagotchi is also rolling out a new app for iOS and Android on Feb. 26 called Tamagotchi Life Angel as a part of a greater effort to introduce the brand to kids. The previous app received 3 million downloads since it launched last year.\n\n\n\n\nIn addition, the app uses the song \u201CAny Weather\" from Joan Jett and The Blackhearts\u2019 new album, Unvarnished. It was co-written and performed with Dave Grohl, and beats most standard music in kid apps.\nHave something to add to this story? Share it in the comments.\n\n\nWeird and Quirky at Toy Fair 2014\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n1. Uncle Milton Anteater Bug Vacuum\nSuck up bugs and watch them squirm in this anteater's removable belly observation chamber. When you're done, safely release them back into nature.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n2. HEXBUG AquaBot\nThese robotic fish provide kids with the experience of having a pet, without the full responsibility. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n3. Once Upon a Zombie\nClassic princesses such as Cinderella and Snow White get the zombie treatment.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n4. Uncle Milton Fireworks Light Show\nKids can run their own fireworks light show. With the pull of a trigger, this toy projects images of colorful fireworks the wall, accompanied by audible bangs and whistles.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n5. Uncle Milton Chameleon Vision Goggles\nThese goggles let you to see in different directions and even whats behind you, simulating the likeliness of a chameleon. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n6. ThinkGeek Meat\nThinkGeek is offering delicious Unicorn and Dragon meat. Okay, for real: you can't eat this. It's a dismembered stuffed unicorn in a can.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n7. 3Doodler\nThis 3D printing pen uses the same plastic material used by many 3D printers. It lets you draw in the air and requires no software.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n8. High-Tech Paper Airplane\nPowerUp turns your self-made paper airplane into a smartphone-controlled flying machine. A tiny propeller sits in the center crease of your creation.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n9. Uglydolls\nUglydoll partners with the rock band Kiss for a new set of plush collectibles. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n10. Electrokidz\nThese dolls dance to the music.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n11. WowWee RoboMe\nThis robot lets you to create a customizable avatar using an iPhone or iPod Touch.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n12. Ding!\nGood idea hat. Unknown manufacturer.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n"^^<http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema#string>
<http://mashable.com/2014/02/20/tamagotchi-friends/>