Mattel has just unveiled Barbie Girls, a doll-shaped MP3 player that turns into a live character at BarbieGirls.com, a website where girls can interact with each other in a manner reminiscent of Second Life, the virtual world for adults. The online site has many safety features, including a dictionary of 2,000 words that can be used on the site.
The company hopes the new toy, which brings together Web surfing, shopping and music downloads, will cool demand for rival MGA Entertainment's sassy Bratz dolls - a line of big-headed, skinny dolls with scant, trendy clothing.
Hannah has already asked for an MP3 player. I am sure that the demands will become more vocal now. I also wonder what you can say with just 2,000 words.
