ActiMates facts for kids

ActiMates were a special type of interactive toy. Microsoft Kids released them in September 1997. These toys were like dolls of popular characters. They could talk and play along with TV shows. They also worked with special VHS tapes and computer games. This happened from 1997 to 2000.

What Were ActiMates?

ActiMates were more than just regular dolls. They were designed to be interactive. This means they could respond to what was happening on a TV show or computer game. It was like having a character from your favorite show right there with you.

How Did ActiMates Work?

To make the toys interactive, you needed a special "TV and PC Pack." This pack allowed the toys to connect to your television and computer. When a compatible TV show or game was playing, the ActiMates toy would react. For example, if a character on screen asked a question, your ActiMates toy might nod or say something. The Teletubbies ActiMates toys only worked with the TV, not the computer.

Who Were the ActiMates Characters?

Microsoft made seven different ActiMates toys. These included popular characters that kids loved.

• Barney
• Arthur
• D.W. (Arthur's sister)
• The Teletubbies

ActiMates Barney was the first toy released in 1997. It became very popular during the holiday season that year.

Why Were They Special?

Microsoft designed these toys to be educational. They would give positive feedback when a user answered correctly. This helped kids learn and feel good about their answers. You could also play with the ActiMates toys on their own. They didn't always need a TV or computer to work. Three ActiMates Barney computer games were available when the toys first launched. More software was planned for Barney later on.

When Did They Come Out and Go Away?

ActiMates toys were first released in September 1997. They were a big hit, especially ActiMates Barney. However, Microsoft stopped making these toys in 2000. Not long after, they also lost the rights to the special technology used in the toys.