Life-like dog, joking Elmo highlight NY toy fair

By Justin Grant

NEW YORK, Feb 17 (Reuters) - A life-like toy golden retriever by Hasbro Inc (HAS.N: Quote, Profile, Research, Stock Buzz) and a joking, story-telling Elmo doll from Mattel Inc's (MAT.N: Quote, Profile, Research, Stock Buzz) Fisher Price line figure to be two of the year's hottest toys as the American International Toy Fair began on Sunday.

Toymakers want to put the travails of a recall-marred 2007 behind them, and buyers hope to pick the next hot toy at the fair, which drew an estimated 15,000 buyers from 7,000 retailers to various showrooms around New York.

The latest crop of toys on display at one of the world's largest toy fairs boasts more sophisticated technology.

The "technology is so much more advanced. The toys are becoming more life-like," said Jim Silver, publisher of Toy Wishes Magazine.

Hasbro -- the world's second-largest toymaker behind No. 1 Mattel -- showcased Biscuit, a furry golden retriever toy that looks and feels like a real dog. It even responds to commands.

"It's like having a real golden retriever," Silver said. "The movement is life-like ... It's really scary that these items are becoming so ... real."

Fisher Price countered with Elmo Live, a plush doll that sits and crosses its legs while telling stories or jokes -- much like a human.

"It's the next generation of animatronic technology," said independent toy industry consultant Christopher Byrne.