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Mattel Launches New Hot Wheels 'id' Smart Track Kit and NFC Cars Exclusively at Apple Stores

dinojr said:
Confused: How can the cars "race"? The track is only one lane wide, no overtaking?
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We used to build parallel tracks with a special synchronized launcher, and at the end there was a squeeze track that combined both lanes into one.

I imagine this could possibly still be done, but I haven't researched it at all.

Think like Pinewood Derby, but without a damaged lane that the bullies in your Cub Scout Troop would force you to use because you and your father took the time to precision machine, weight, and tune your car and they were jealous because theirs were all piles of ****.

Sorry, I went off a bit there.
 
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clayj said:
Anki, not Anker. Sadly, they (Anki) have filed for bankruptcy and are shutting down.
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I have the Anki (got it for my kids ;) ;) ).

Anki should have worked with Mattel to use the Hot Wheels branding. Or Mattel should have bought out Anki. I feel Anki would have done much better if it had the wide exposure of something like Hot Wheels.
 
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clayj said:
Anki, not Anker. Sadly, they (Anki) have filed for bankruptcy and are shutting down.
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Ah, thanks. I didn’t feel like going down to the basement to look up the name. Sad to hear about the bankruptcy.

Reading this thread makes me want to set up our really REALLY old tracks and dig out all of our cars.

Yeah, we’ve got to do it! Summer races are on! I hope the tracks haven’t warped too much in storage.
 
JFox said:
Looks cool, but one of the reasons I love watching (and helping) my boys play with Hot Wheels is because they aren't on a screen.
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Amen to that. It's SO good for kids (and adults) to use their own imagination to visualize and create instead of just gawking at an animation someone else imagined.
 
gnipgnop said:
Hmmm...the "dumb" Hot Wheels tracks were much larger and crazier. That was the main attraction.
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Loving both, but I agree that the beauty of old school Hot Wheels tracks is that you could build them as long as you wanted, and could test your skills in refining something where the cars wouldn’t fly off!
 
I remember as a kid growing up in Nebraska, we set up hot wheels tracks in our basement using the stairs for the start and for the cars to gain enough speed to make it 30+ feet. Friends from around the block would then come with their "fastest" car and we would race them side-by-side to see who was indeed the fastest! Of course, there was always that one kid who was clumsy and would trip over the track and force us to start over;) Those were the days!
 
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MacRumors said:



Mattel's Hot Wheels brand is getting a major digital upgrade with the launch of the Hot Wheels Smart Track Kit, Race Portal, and Hot Wheels id vehicles, all of which are available exclusively from Apple starting today.

With the Hot Wheels Smart Track Kit, Hot Wheels id vehicles can be raced on a track that incorporates digital tracking elements through an app on the iPhone or iPad. The system allows users to keep track of speed, count laps, build a digital garage, and more, providing a mix of physical and digital play.

hotwheelstrack-800x528.jpg

The new Hot Wheels id setup includes 51 die-cast cars with NFC tags that are going to be released in six mini collections throughout 2019, with each vehicle to be priced at $6.99. Each car can be leveled up digitally, with challenges available to break race records.

hotwheelscars-800x253.jpg

Launch vehicles include the Corvette C7R, SRT Viper GTS-R, 2016 Mercedes AMG GT, Aston Martin One-77, Howlin Heat, Motosaurus, Shark Hammer 2.0, and Arachnorod.

hotwheelscars2-800x533.jpg

There's a Hot Wheels Race Portal ($39.99) for connecting classic Hot Wheels track and scanning Hot Wheels id vehicles to measure speed and count laps via infrared sensors, and then there's a Hot Wheels Smart Track ($179.99), which provides a whole kit so kids can jump right into racing.

hotwheelssystem-800x338.jpg

The Smart Track has been designed to boost speed and enhance racing, jumping, and crashing, while also keeping track of total distance traveled by each car. Mattel says the track includes the most powerful booster the Hot Wheels brand has ever made for maximum speed.

hotwheelsportal-800x532.jpg

Each component can be purchased separately, but the Race Portal includes two id cars (and can be used with existing Hot Wheels track you might have), while the Smart Track is a set that includes the track, a Race Portal, and two exclusive id cars.

hotwheelstrack2-800x533.jpg

You can use the Hot Wheels id system with the free Hot Wheels id app, which provides a virtual garage and features for racing, collecting, and more. Gameplay modes include Collection, Portal play, Smart Track play, and digital racing.

Hot Wheels id vehicles, the Race Portal, and the Smart Track Kit can be purchased today from the Apple online store and from Apple retail locations. Vehicles are priced at $6.99, the Race Portal is $39.99, and the Smart Track Kit is $179.99.

Article Link: Mattel Launches New Hot Wheels 'id' Smart Track Kit and NFC Cars Exclusively at Apple Stores
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[doublepost=1560524156][/doublepost]Hah hah. Nice, try, Globalists! Like I'm going to let the CIA track my kids through their toys!

I'm kidding… I think?
 
chumpy34 said:
I remember as a kid growing up in Nebraska, we set up hot wheels tracks in our basement using the stairs for the start and for the cars to gain enough speed to make it 30+ feet. Friends from around the block would then come with their "fastest" car and we would race them side-by-side to see who was indeed the fastest! Of course, there was always that one kid who was clumsy and would trip over the track and force us to start over;) Those were the days!
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Well I am old and have lived my entire life in Nebraska but I don’t think I ever grew up.
 
I might want to get this for the Grands. (8 and 11). I don't know anything about hot wheels.
The track and the cars are obvious but can someone explain exactly what the "Portal" is/does?
THANK YOU
EDIT: Never mind. I see the link to the info.
 
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I must be the only parent who actively avoid toys that require a screen. If my kids want a screen, I let them play a video game, watch TV, or code. Otherwise, play with toys or go outside and play sports.
 
RedRaven571 said:
$179.99 for a Hot Wheels track? LOL, now I really feel old.....
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Maybe I'm too old, as well. When I was a kid, I loved Hot Wheels. But, this...playing a video game and with a physical toy at the same time? I get that the physical car is controlled thru the app, but, by playing a video game? How can you really enjoy both? At the same time? Again, I must be too old. o_O
I'd rather just run the cars around the track, with a remote control. And, using a connected phone or tablet would be okay for that, I guess. But, the video game seems like a totally separate thing. :confused:
 
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From a kid's perspective — the whole wireless information thing sent to a iPhone/iPad is waaaaaay overkill. Kids love hot wheels anyway without all that expensive crap.

They're KIDS
 
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This is very cool. I was more of a slot car and Matchbox kid but I still liked Hot Wheels. I hope Mattel releases some Shelby Mustangs or Cobras! A GT 40 would look great next to that Viper.
 
JFox said:
Looks cool, but one of the reasons I love watching (and helping) my boys play with Hot Wheels is because they aren't on a screen.
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We lived in an area with only 3 TV channels (on a good day), and I spent hours outside building forts, and playing with LEGO and Meccano (remember that?). It's what seeded the inventor inside me. Then they installed cable into our house, and everything changed. But some good came out of it. That inventor inside of me has transformed into my current computer scientist. I love creating software solutions and solving problems with software.
 
sinsin07 said:
What a weird comparison.

Lincoln Logs, created 1916
Hot Wheels created 1968

Lincoln logs superseded by Lego.
Hot Wheels superseded by Mario Kart.

Not gonna try to address why Hot Wheels do better as it seem from other post of yours you never played with toys.
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