We're all aware of how the film Avatar is at the forefront of technological advances with its incorporation of 3D viewing. This feature was then inherited by the console game tie-in for the blockbuster and it doesn't stop there. With most films you expect the inevitable merchandise outbreak with lunch boxes, pencil cases and plastic dinner plates all being the norm for big money spinners. One area you can pretty much guarantee a franchise will explore is toys too. Kids love playing with them and adults love collecting them but there is something a bit different being added to the Avatar set of caricatures.

Each one comes packaged with an i-Card, which can be used with a standard web cam or any other camera that is connected to computer to display a virtual 3D figure which can be both viewed and interacted with. All you have to do is put the card in the line of sight of a camera and the 'toy' is displayed on your computer screen. Each card then has buttons along the side of it and by pressing one of them you make the toy perform movements. The technology and equipment used is similar to that used in the recent Invisimals game and we have to admit, we are pretty impressed. Toys weren't like this back in our day!

What's more, the figures, made by Mattel can interact with each other when more than one is scanned by a camera meaning a potential battle ensuing between characters and vehicles alike. It could be some time before we see these toys winding up at the nearest car boot section inside the £1 box of wonders!