Zoundz TOY

Yeah, this thing basically represents the essence of interactivity - things change when you move different elements, and lights also flash according to different factors (all of which are more or less controlled by the user). This is the future of everything - minimal design and pure interactivity - I am convinced entirely. In this state, the Zoundz model is marketed as simply a toy - in essence it is. Here is a review from Amazon.com:

Zizzle Zoundz

Zoundz is a fantastic interactive digital audio sculpture that uses movable pawn-like pieces on a base to create an infinite variety of original musical compositions accompanied by pulsing light shows. There are seven pieces to place on different sound-and-light hot spots. Each piece has a distinctive shape and color: Six pieces play three different riffs, depending on the hot spot that triggers them; the seventh piece records and plays anything, even your voice. Move the pieces to generate rainbow colors and other-worldly music for a total sensory experience that you control! Touch-sensitive buttons on the base bend and blend the sounds, changing volume, tempo, echo and reverb.Other features include a jack for playing your iPod or MP3 through its built-in speakers, with light show entertainment. There also is an alarm clock; set it to wake up to your original composition! Base is 9" x 7". Runs on 4 AA batteries (order separately). 90-day warranty. Ages 5 years and up.

Amazon Price: $57.99 (as of 04/08/2008)

I also want to point out the iPod interactivity as well, as it too exemplifies a new standard thkat has been added again and again to American toys. Ever since the advent of the iPod media player, more and more products are being modeled around sound, as well as the integration of A/V feeds into mass-marketed products that now range from automobiles to remote-controlled robots. This toy caught my attention right at first because of the colors and lights - initially - and then the overall design and concept made me reconsider its design in a number of ways. Here is an advertisement for Zoundz: