Kid Powered Toys
Sony’s Odo Project Provides Humanitarian Toys for Developing Countries
According to Mitsuhiro Nakamura, Sony’s Odo Project “grew from trying to figure out how these people’s children will be able to enjoy music and video.” Developing countries sometime do not always have electricity or batteries. Children in developing countries have the same right to have toys that stimulate their intelligence and creativity. By not commercializing the Odo prototypes, Sony makes a bold statement on their commitment toward developing countries. They are to be applauded.
Odo prototypes include a digital still camera styled after a flower, a video camera powered by a crank, a second digital camera powered by spinning the camera end-over-end, a photo viewer powered by a roller and a stereo headphone with radio powered by a pull string. There is also a solar-charged battery that can fit within all of these Odo Project toys. Sony could easily make millions marketing these devices in developed nations. They have chosen to challenge their competitors to follow their example.
By creating products for developing countries, Sony shows that they care for the children in developing nations. In a time when both companies and individuals are shuffling their unwanted leftover or surplus clothing, foods and products to developing nations - Sony is creating new prototypes just for them. This is as big as Macy’s actions in the classic movie, “It’s A Wonderful Life.” Hopefully other major corporations will follow Sony’s lead and construct prototypes to help families in developing countries.
The Odo Project could use their help. One major flaw with the Odo prototypes is found in the flower style digital camera. Yes, it’s really cool to link the camera with a flowerpot shaped USB Cradle. Having to transfer pictures to a PC defeats the whole making gadgets for developing nations. It would be kind of hard to run a PC without electricity or batteries. Although IBM, Dell or Toshiba could develop a specialized laptop that could work. Another alternative could come from companies who specialize in printers. Kodak, Canon or HP could assist the Odo project by creating either a solar or pull string powered an inkjet printer. The technology is available, but the question is whether companies have a heart for social responsibility.
