Tiny Remote-Controlled Helicopters Generate Big Buzz
Posted on December 11, 2006
Interest in indoor remote-controlled (RC) helicopter toys has soared thanks to online videos that show the tiny remote-controlled flying toys in action. Business2.0 reports that nearly 150,000 of the tiny Picco Z helicopters will ship this season. The Picco Z is just six inches long and weighs only 10 grams. The article credits online videos for spiking interest in the tiny flying choppers.
An instant message from a friend popped up on Lane McConnell's computer in September, telling him to check out a YouTube video of a cat chasing a remote-controlled toy helicopter.You can see the Picco Z in action in the video below. Dozens of other videos of people playing with Picco Z helicopters they have purchased can be found on YouTube. HobbyTron.com said in a recent press release that they still have the Picco Z helicopters in stock.He watched it. "I said, 'Oh, yeah, that's the coolest thing,'" recalls McConnell. "'I have to get it.'" Hours later the 39-year-old software salesman from Richmond, Ill., drove to a RadioShack with his two children in tow to buy the $30 Picco Z helicopter.
The proud new owner of that toy? McConnell, not his kids. Success without the 30-second spot
"Once you've played with the Picco Z, you immediately understand why they're flying out of Internet retailers and off store shelves the way they are - they're incredibly fun," said Jim Royer, president of HobbyTron.com. "We're happy to report that although the Picco Z is sold out at Radio Shack, Toys 'R' Us and others, we still have tens of thousands available for holiday shoppers at HobbyTron.com - but we're burning through our inventory quickly. We're especially glad to bring this news to all the panicked parents out there who don't want to disappoint their kids this holiday season."The Picco Z faces competition from the Micro Mosquito, an indoor RC helicopter with glowing green eyes, created by Interactive Toy Concept. Yet another indoor helicopter model is the Dragonfly Mini Helicopter. Amazon.com also carries the Cheering Phantom as well as Syma brand RC helicopters and several other mini helicopter models.
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