Mattel's new Barbie Hello Dreamhouse ($300) is so cutting-edge that it "makes last year's version seem like a rat-infested hovel," says Tim Moynihan at Wired. Most prominently, it responds to voice commands — so simply say the words and the front door will open and the elevator descend. But the house does 100 other things, too. "Would you like to throw a mermaid party? One with disco lights and delicious pretend baked goods for the guests? Just ask, bro." And with the house's customizable sound effects, you can even make the toilet "cluck like a dang chicken."
Yes, $300 is steep for a toy. Still, that's "a crazy-good price for a home that's way, way better than yours."
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