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2-XL (2-XL Robot, 2XL Robot, 2-XL Toy), is an educational toy robot that was marketed from 1978-1981 by the Mego Toy Corporation. The toy was then upgraded and re-introduced by Tiger Electronics in the 1990s. 2XL was the first "smart-toy" in that it exhibited rudimentary intelligence, memory, game play, and responsiveness. It was infused with a "personality" that kept kids concentrating and challenged as they played and interacted with the robot. 2-XL was the first toy that actively attempted to make learning fun through the use of jokes, funny sayings, and verbal reinforcements. During its time in the marketplace, and even to this day, 2XL is heralded as a very important step in the development of toys and in particular, educational toys. Two-decades after 2-XL was discontinued for manufacture, it is still remembered by millions of fans. In fact, searching 2XL Robot and 2-XL (with the dash inserted) Robot on the Internet, retrieves combined hits of close to than one-million. Scholastic Magazine ("The Toy Business Authority since 1903") in its cover story of September 1978 considered the 2-XL robot as one of the most important toys ever developed, and included it in a class of "toys with impact" along with the Teddy Bear, Barbie Doll, Raggedy Ann, Mickey Mouse among others.〔"75 Years of Toys" ''Playthings Magazine'', September 2008, Volume 9, Cover page Story. Progressive Business Media. Retrieved October 11, 2011.〕 The robot was a popular educational toy whose success anticipated the dominant influence of technology in education today. Dubbed the "Toy with a Personality," 2-XL could respond verbally to the user depending upon which "input or answer" buttons were chosen. Part of the reason for this is the connection the toy made between education and fun. "2-XL was a glorious display of plastic robotics."〔http://siliconbeachclearly.com/retro-cool-gear-tiger-2xl-interactive-talking-robot/〕 In addition to its general popularity 2XL was unprecedented in terms of market revenue. "The 2XL was hot, in demand, and everyone wanted one." "It was a great way to make learning cool and fun."〔 2-XL was introduced in 1978. The toy was invented and licensed for manufacture by Michael J. Freeman, inventor, Ph.D. and was patented. The voice for 2-XL was done by Freeman. He used a synthesizer to make the voice a high-pitched robot-like sound, yet his voice and the personality he created for the toy came through this process. 2-XL was interactive playing various tracks from a magnetic audio tape depending on the user's actions. It also had complex applications where the various tracks were not only selected to create interactivity but the use of staggering the tracks and psdo memory were also utilized. 2-XL was released in two different time periods. The 1978 release was produced by Mego Corporation, and used 8-track tapes. It was brought back in 1992 by Tiger Electronics in a version that upgraded to cassette tapes from the defunct 8-track cartridges. During its time 2-XL in either version won hundreds of awards including Disney's Family Fun Magazine award for best toy of 1992, and Right Start Magazine which selected 2-XL as Europe's best toy in the 3 - 5 year age category for 1993. 2-XL's personality was very popular and kids loved the back-and-forth banter. For example, If a child got an answer wrong 2-XL might utter something like: "perhaps your brain went on strike! You are Wrong." Or, "Nice try but (whispering) you are wrong, but go ahead, I will be a nice little toy robot and give you a second chance now." "Even though you needed two chances you finally got the answer right, elephant is the correct answer"'. "But do not get too excited, you have now earned yourself a more difficult question. Hold on to your hat, here it comes" If the child was right, 2-XL might say: "Although I have the looks you have the brains. You must be a genius. Good work." Or, "it is amazing that big brain of yours fits into the head of a child. Nice answer, football is correct." ==History and development== Mego Corporation, a toy company based in New York City and headed by Martin Abrams, eventually took a chance with Freeman's invention.〔(【引用サイトリンク】 title=2-XL Electronic Game Console and Tape Player )〕 In 1978, the toy was introduced to the public and became a success.〔 Here's how the startup has managed to keep the dream alive. Sort of. The toy was sold in different countries and was voiced in seven languages, including English. A lot of games were also developed for the toy. In 1981, the toy's popularity waned, and it was later discontinued.〔 In 1992, 2-XL was re-introduced by Tiger Electronics, a toy company based in Vernon Hills, Illinois. The toy was changed into a much modern design, and toy cartridges were also re-introduced. The voice for this version was done by Freeman as well, and all programs were translated into many different languages. The toy's success was also the basis for a game show called ''Pick Your Brain'' produced by Marc Summers Productions and Summit Media Group. The 2-XL robot in the show served as the assistant of Marc Summers. 2-XL was also a spokesrobot for basketball player Michael Jordan and his charitable foundation in 1992 and 1993. 抄文引用元・出典: フリー百科事典『 ウィキペディア（Wikipedia）』 ■ウィキペディアで「2-XL」の詳細全文を読む スポンサード リンク
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